A new approach of statin therapy in carotid atherosclerosis: Targeting indices of plaque vulnerability on the top of lipid-lowering. A narrative review.

Novel imaging techniques and biomarkers have emerged as surrogate markers of carotid plaque vulnerability. In parallel, statin administration in patients with established carotid atherosclerosis not requiring revascularization has reduced the number of consequent cerebrovascular events. This reduction is not only attributed to the lipid-lowering properties of statins but also to their pleiotropic actions.

The interplay between statins and adipokines. Is this another explanation of statins' 'pleiotropic' effects?

Statin therapy comprises an integral part of secondary and to a lesser extent of primary cardiovascular disease prevention. This is attributed not only to their lipid-lowering properties, but as well to a plethora of pleiotropic actions. Recently, the cytokines secreted by adipose tissue, the so-called adipokines, have been proved to play a critical role in various pathophysiological functions, among which inflammation and atherosclerosis development and vulnerability.

Medical Flossing and the Pilates Method: Their Effectiveness on the Strength, Endurance, and Functionality of Healthy Individuals.

The flossing method is an emerging therapeutic intervention based on the use of a floss-band that is circumnavigated at the various points of the body being treated. It is optimally combined with an appropriate exercise program to induce ischemia and release the fascia by applying pressure and movement to functional models. The Pilates method teaches the person to focus on the muscles, especially those responsible for the correct posture.

Isolated massive intraventricular haemorrhage without subarachnoid haemorrhage due to rupture of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

The classical presentation of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We present a rare case of a ruptured posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysm presented solely with massive intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in a 53-year-old female. The aneurysm was coiled successfully and the outcome of the patient was excellent.

New-onset atrial fibrillation and clinical outcome in non-cardiac intensive care unit patients.

Background: Data regarding new onset atrial fibrillation (nAF) in general, non-cardiac, intensive care unit (ICU) patients are limited. However, it has been suggested that nAF is associated with worse clinical outcome in these patients.

Objective: The purpose of the present work was to study the prognostic impact of nAF, in this setting.

Braces for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents.

Study Design: A Cochrane systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of bracing for adolescents with AIS versus no treatment or other treatments, on quality of life, disability, pulmonary disorders, progression of the curve, psychological, and cosmetic issues.

Summary Of Background Data: Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine.

The Impact of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy on Efficacy and Safety in a Cohort of Type 1 Diabetes Patients: A 3-Year Prospective Study.

Background: Several studies have found improved glycemic control with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared with multiple daily insulin injections for patients with type 1 diabetes, albeit for a relatively short-period of follow-up. This prospective study presents for the first time the optimization of glycemic control with insulin pumps in a cohort of Greek patients with type 1 diabetes for a 3-year follow-up period during the socioeconomic crisis in Greece.

Materials And Methods: Ninety-four patients, previously on intensified basal-bolus insulin therapy with poor glycemic control, were initially recruited.

Effects of mechanical loading on the expression of pleiotrophin and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta in a rat spinal deformity model.

Mechanical loading of the spine is a major causative factor of degenerative changes and causes molecular and structural changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the vertebrae end plate (EP). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a growth factor with a putative role in bone remodeling through its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPβ/ζ). The present study investigates the effects of strain on PTN and RPTPβ/ζ protein expression in vivo.

Macrophage-specific metalloelastase (MMP-12) immunoexpression in the osteochondral unit in osteoarthritis correlates with BMI and disease severity.

Background: Metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) is induced in chondrocytes during fetal development and malignant transformation.

Objectives: The aim of our study is to examine the expression of MMP-12 in the cartilage and the subchondral bone of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and to correlate its expression with disease severity and anthropometric characteristics.

Methods: Overall, 60 sections from 20 patients with idiopathic OA, were examined for the immunolocalization of MMP-12.

Effect of 5-HT7 receptor blockade on liver regeneration after 60-70% partial hepatectomy.

Background: Serotonin exhibits a vast repertoire of actions including cell proliferation and differentiation. The effect of serotonin, as an incomplete mitogen, on liver regeneration has recently been unveiled and is mediated through 5-HT2 receptor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 5-HT7 receptor blockade on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

Incidence and predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation in noncardiac intensive care unit patients.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is thought to be a relatively common arrhythmia in the setting of noncardiac intensive care unit (ICU). However, data concerning AF deriving from such populations are scarce. In addition, it is unclear which of the wide spectrum of AF predictors are relevant to the ICU setting.

Linking pre-diabetes with benign prostate hyperplasia. IGFBP-3: a conductor of benign prostate hyperplasia development orchestra?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) represents a pattern of non-malignant growth of prostatic fibromuscular stroma. Metabolic disturbances such us pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome may have a role in BPH pathophysiology. A potential explanation for the above relationship involves the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis as well as IGF binding proteins, (IGFBPs) of which the most abundant form is IGFBP-3.

Screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an information statement by the scoliosis research society international task force.

Background: Routine screening of scoliosis is a controversial subject and screening efforts vary greatly around the world.

Methods: Consensus was sought among an international group of experts (seven spine surgeons and one clinical epidemiologist) using a modified Delphi approach. The consensus achieved was based on careful analysis of a recent critical review of the literature on scoliosis screening, performed using a conceptual framework of analysis focusing on five main dimensions: technical, clinical, program, cost and treatment effectiveness.

The pendulum swings back to scoliosis screening: screening policies for early detection and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis - current concepts and recommendations.

This editorial article initiates the school scoliosis screening thematic series of the Scoliosis journal. The various issues on screening policies are discussed; clinical and practical recommendations of setting up school screening programs are also described.

Impact of ADMA, endothelial progenitor cells and traditional cardiovascular risk factors on pulse wave velocity among prediabetic individuals.

Background: Central arterial stiffness represents a well-established predictor of cardiovascular disease. Decreased circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), increased asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA) levels, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance have all been associated with increased arterial stiffness. The correlations of novel and traditional cardiovascular risk factors with central arterial stiffness in prediabetic individuals were investigated in the present study.

Prognostic usefulness of serial C-reactive protein measurements in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

It has been reported that increased levels of C-reactive protein are related to adverse long-term prognosis in the setting of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (MI). In previous studies, the timing of C-reactive protein determination has varied widely. In the present study, serial high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measurements were performed to investigate if any of the measurements is superior regarding long-term prognosis.

Maternal age at birth: does it dictate the epigenotypic expression of the trunkal asymmetry of a child?

Introduction: Trunkal back asymmetry is considered very important for the selection of children at risk of developing scoliosis. Traditionally, this asymmetry as thoracic or lumbar hump is the main indicator for referral of subjects with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) to clinics from school-screening programs. This asymmetry is also used as the most important sign for further assessment at scoliosis clinics.

Toll/interleukin-1 receptor member ST2 exhibits higher soluble levels in type 2 diabetes, especially when accompanied with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Background: Soluble ST2, a member of the of the Toll/IL-1 superfamily, is a novel biomarker with exceptional predictive value in heart failure and myocardial infarction- related mortality as well as in acute dyspneic states. Soluble ST2 is considered a decoy receptor of IL 33 that blocks the protective effects of the cytokine in atherosclerosis and cardiac remodeling. In the present study we investigated the differences in the levels of soluble ST2, BNP and hs-CRP between healthy controls and patients with type 2 diabetes with and without left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

The use of twin-ring Ilizarov external fixator constructs: application and biomechanical proof-of principle with possible clinical indications.

Background: In peri- or intra-articular fractures of the tibia or femur, the presence of short metaphyseal bone fragments may make the application of an Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to bridge the adjacent joint in order to ensure stable fixation. The twin-ring (TR) module of circular external fixation is proposed as an alternative method that avoids joint bridging, without compromising stability of fixation.

Diagnosis of Single- or Multiple-Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo according to the Type of Nystagmus.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disorder encountered in primary care and specialist otolaryngology and neurology clinics. It is associated with a characteristic paroxysmal positional nystagmus, which can be elicited with specific diagnostic positional maneuvers, such as the Dix-Hallpike test and the supine roll test. Current clinical research focused on diagnosing and treating various types of BPPV, according to the semicircular canal involved and according to the implicated pathogenetic mechanism.

Anxiety levels and related symptoms in emergency nursing personnel in Greece.

Introduction: Several studies provide evidence for the association between work stress and mild psychiatric morbidity among emergency nurses. These symptoms have not been explored in Greek nursing personnel employed in emergency departments. The aim of this descriptive correlational study was to investigate the presence of anxiety and stress symptoms among emergency nursing personnel in Greece.

Terminology - glossary including acronyms and quotations in use for the conservative spinal deformities treatment: 8th SOSORT consensus paper.

Background: This report is the SOSORT Consensus Paper on Terminology for use in the treatment of conservative spinal deformities. Figures are provided and relevant literature is cited where appropriate.

Methods: The Delphi method was used to reach a preliminary consensus before the meeting, where the terms that still needed further clarification were discussed.

European braces widely used for conservative scoliosis treatment.

A systematic examination of the braces commonly used in Europe lacks in literature. Therefore the objective of this report is the description of the European braces widely used. The history, design rationale, indications, biomechanics, outcomes and comparison between some braces are reported.