A worldwide look into long COVID-19 management: an END-COVID survey.

Background: Long COVID is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterised by a variety of reported symptoms and signs. Its clinical management is expected to differ significantly worldwide.

Methods: A survey-based study investigating long COVID-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) has been conducted by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) END-COVID clinical research collaboration with the support of other international societies (ALAT, APSR, CHEST, ESCMID and PATS).

Retrospective study of cisplatin plus radiotherapy toxicities in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - ReCisTT study.

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a multifactorial disease involving genetic and environmental factors representing one of the most frequent cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tobacco and alcohol use account for most SCCHN, while a growing subset of oropharyngeal cancers is causally associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite improvements in overall survival, patients with HPV-negative locally advanced (LA) SCCHN continue to have a poor prognosis.

Enhancing the Chain of Survival: The Role of Smartphone Applications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

This review explores the role of smartphone applications in providing real-time guidance for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) practices and highlights their potential to improve CPR quality among laypersons. A narrative literature review was conducted on the effectiveness of mobile CPR applications for smartphones. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included to ensure that new technological advances were examined.

CCTA-Guided Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With CABG: A Multicenter, Randomized Study.

Background: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has a high diagnostic accuracy for visualization of grafts. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with CABG is associated with increased procedural time, contrast agent administration, radiation exposure, and complications, compared with non-CABG patients. The aim of this multicenter, randomized controlled trial was to compare the strategy of CCTA-guided ICA versus classic ICA in patients with prior CABG.

The Multiple Faces of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pearls and Pitfalls for Diagnosis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototype multisystem autoimmune disorder characterised by a broad spectrum of organ involvement and a multitude of laboratory abnormalities. Clinical heterogeneity, unpredictable course and lack of pathognomonic clinical and serological features pose a considerable challenge in the diagnosis of SLE. The latter remains largely clinical, typically accompanied however by features of serologic autoimmunity, which are characteristic for the disease.

A review of urinary bladder microbiome in patients with bladder cancer and its implications in bladder pathogenesis.

Purpose: The recent discovery of the urinary microbiome has led to an emerging field of investigation about the potential role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder cancer. Few preliminary data have been reported so far implicating urobiome as causative and prognostic factor of bladder tumorigenesis. In the present study, a review of the current evidence is presented about microbiome composition among patients with bladder cancer and healthy individuals as well as possible implications of microbiome on urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Consultations for Poland Syndrome: The Essentials for a Thoracic Surgeon.

Poland syndrome (PS) is a rare congenital musculoskeletal entity occurring in approximately 1 in 30,000 newborns that manifests with variable symbrachydactyly, ipsilateral costochondral deformities, an absence of pectoral muscles, and breast underdevelopment. These have potential impacts on social, somatic, and psychological functionality, often leading affected individuals to seek expert opinions on corrective surgery. Due to phenotypic variability, strict management guidelines are lacking, with treatment decisions often based on the specialist's personal experience rather than published evidence.

Fibula Grafting for Oromandibular Reconstruction and its Effect on Patient Quality of Life - A Scoping Review.

Fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap has been widely used for oncologic bony reconstruction of both the mandible and maxilla. Early and late morbidities of the donor side such as leg weakness, ankle instability, limited ankle mobility, tibial stress fractures or incision area pain are well documented; however, there is a lack of information about the effects of fibula grafting on patient quality of life. To address this issue, a scoping literature search in the PubMed electronic database was performed to identify all relevant studies and reviews in the period between 2010 and 2022.

Porcine-derived Acellular Dermal Matrix for Temporary Soft Tissue Coverage in Locally Advanced Angiosarcoma of the Face - A Soft Tissue Odyssey?

Background/aim: Angiosarcomas of the face are rare but present significant treatment challenges due to their origin in the supportive tissues of blood or lymphatic vessels. Achieving optimal balance between oncological efficacy and aesthetic outcomes requires a multidisciplinary approach, particularly in cases where radical R0 resection is necessary. Delays often occur, especially during histopathological examinations, which can complicate primary plastic reconstruction before definitive pathological findings.

A Rare Case of Primary Pulmonary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Transformed from Marginal Zone Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma.

Primary pulmonary lymphoma is a rare neoplasm characterized by the proliferation of lymphoid tissue affecting the lungs. The most common subtype is marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Rarely, a MALT lymphoma transforms into a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

European Stroke Organisation and European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy guideline on acute management of basilar artery occlusion.

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the acute management of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). These guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure of the ESO and according to the GRADE methodology. Although BAO accounts for only 1%-2% of all strokes, it has very poor natural outcome.

Extracranial Hypoglossal Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Schwannomas are solitary neurogenic tumors originating from the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. Extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas comprise <5% of all head and neck schwannomas and can mimic submandibular salivary gland tumors.

Case Report: We report the diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment, and histopathological findings of a rare case of extracranial schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve in a 73-year-old female, presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the left submandibular region that had been persisted for approximately three years.

Atrial Fibrillation After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Incidence, Pathophysiology, and Management.

This comprehensive review explores the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) following percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Although AF is considered a common adverse event post PFO closure, its incidence, estimated at <5%, varies based on monitoring methods. The review delves into the challenging task of precisely estimating AF incidence, given subclinical AF and diverse diagnostic approaches.

Influence of analytical procedures on miRNA expression analyses in saliva samples.

Aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of different analytical procedures and techniques on the resulting miRNA expression profile in healthy control subjects and tumor patients using the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) model and to demonstrate the technical and biological reproducibility. Body fluids such as saliva are suitable for non-invasive miRNA analysis because ubiquitously circulating miRNA can be found in them. It was technically possible to distinguish between healthy and diseased samples based on the miRNA expression profile found.

Persistence on subcutaneous tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Greece (EMBRACE study): a multicenter, post-marketing, non-interventional, observational trial.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs and causing physical disability over time.

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate treatment persistence to subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ-SC). Additionally, treatment effects on persistence and their associations with clinical and patient-reported outcomes were assessed.

Evaluation of Five-year Overall Survival Rates Among 18,331 Head and Neck Cancer Patients Exposed to Different Targeted Therapies Through Real-world Data in a Case-controlled Study.

Background/aim: Targeted therapy is an important and fast developing aspect of modern tumor therapy including therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC). Surgically treated patients often experience significant limitations to their ability to swallow, speak, or mimic expressions. In cases of recurrent tumors or palliative situations, targeted therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are frequently employed.

Sex-specific Real-World 5-year Overall Survival Rates for (Radio)chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Combinations in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Background/aim: Sex-specific medicine, an emerging field in healthcare, has gained significant recognition and importance in recent years. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no valid data on the influence of sex on 5-year overall survival of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing (radio)chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination treatments, using Real-World Data. We hypothesize that sex has a significant impact on 5-year overall survival across different therapy regimens for head and neck cancer.

Ibuprofen Reduces 5-Year Overall Survival of Head and Neck Cancer Patients With Immunotherapy - A Retrospective Case-controlled Real-World Data Analysis of 10,000 Patients.

Background/aim: Resistance to immunotherapy can be explained by an abnormal microbiome of the gut. In Europe in particular, the use of ibuprofen, with or without proton-pump inhibitors to protect the gastric mucosa, is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ibuprofen use on the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

Microbial Dysbiosis and Male Infertility: Understanding the Impact and Exploring Therapeutic Interventions.

The human microbiota in the genital tract is pivotal for maintaining fertility, but its disruption can lead to male infertility. This study examines the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and male infertility, underscoring the promise of precision medicine in this field. Through a comprehensive review, this research indicates microbial signatures associated with male infertility, such as altered bacterial diversity, the dominance of pathogenic species, and imbalances in the genital microbiome.

Coexistence of Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus and Morphea in the Same Lesion: A Case Report.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is an inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology, usually affecting the genital region, with extragenital involvement being uncommon. The coexistence of LSA and morphea in the same lesion is rare. The present study aims to demonstrate that LSA and morphea might share similar pathologic processes.