Serial secretoneurin measurement and risk of ventricular arrhythmias and death in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Background: Secretoneurin, a member of the granin protein family, is associated with the risk of mortality in patients with acute and chronic heart failure. Secretoneurin may play an important role in cardiomyocyte calcium handling, suggesting that it may influence cardiac arrhythmia risk. We hypothesized that baseline and serial measurements of circulating secretoneurin are associated with the risk of incident ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VA) and death, and that serial measurement would provide prognostic information beyond baseline values.

BDNF augmentation reverses cranial radiation therapy-induced cognitive decline and neurodegenerative consequences.

Cranial radiation therapy (RT) for brain cancers is often associated with the development of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction (RICD). RICD significantly impacts the quality of life for cancer survivors, highlighting an unmet medical need. Previous human studies revealed a marked reduction in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) post-chronic chemotherapy, linking this decline to a substantial cognitive dysfunction among cancer survivors.

Sex differences in mitochondrial gene expression during viral myocarditis.

Background: Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle most often caused by viral infections. Sex differences in the immune response during myocarditis have been well described but upstream mechanisms in the heart that might influence sex differences in disease are not completely understood.

Methods: Male and female BALB/c wild type mice received an intraperitoneal injection of heart-passaged coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) or vehicle control.

Similarities and differences in self-reported symptoms and comorbidities between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Objectives: Patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) experience a wide array of symptoms and system disorders. This study aimed to identify whether differences occurred in 115 self-reported symptoms and comorbidities in patients diagnosed with hEDS or HSD.

Methods: In this study we analysed self-reported data from an EDS Clinic intake questionnaire in patients diagnosed with hEDS, HSD or no hypermobile conditions.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness of stroke among Arabic speaking adults: unveiling the current landscape in seven countries through the first international representative study.

Introduction: While several studies have examined stroke public knowledge and awareness in individual countries within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, none have provided a comprehensive cross-country assessment.

Purpose: To assess public stroke knowledge and awareness among Arabic-speaking adults in seven MENA countries and identify associated factors.

Materials And Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was self-administered by the public population in Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Saudi Arabia (April 2021-2023).