Nutritional Intervention and Musculoskeletal Health in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading condition in terms of prevalence and overall health impact. With the increased life expectancy of the CKD population and the improvement in medical care, controlling musculoskeletal complications remains a tough challenge. Patients with CKD are prone to falls, fractures and sarcopenia, enhancing the risk of death.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of White Grape Pomace Polyphenols on Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction.

Grape pomace (GP), the residue left after grape pressing in winemaking, is rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of white grape pomace (WGP) extract in two concentrations rich in polyphenols (795 mg polyphenols from WGP/kg body weight (bw) and 397.5 mg polyphenols from WGP/kg bw)), on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI), focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Role of Ultrasound Elastography and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Thyroid Nodules-An Update.

The aim of this paper is to highlight the combined role of ultrasound elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in terms of diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of the post-treatment response. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography are natural extensions of conventional USs that have created new opportunities, facilitating the implementation of multiparametric ultrasounds in the characterization of thyroid nodules, in risk stratification, and in the selection of nodules that request Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), management, and follow-up of the nodules with indeterminate cytology, evaluation of pre-operative prognostic features, and treatment efficiency.

Inhomogeneity of the lacrimal glands is the most important ultrasound finding in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a comprehensive study with 2D-Shear Wave Elastography.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance,  interobserver reliability, and practical utility of two lacrimal gland ultrasound (LGUS) scoring systems - LGUS score I, a complex multi-parameter score, and LGUS score II, a simplified single-parameter score - for diagnosing primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The additional role of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in assessing lacrimal gland stiffness was also evaluated.

Material And Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 35 pSS patients and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Therapeutic Effects of Lavender Oil on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus and Experimental Thrombosis.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation disturbances, which contribute to microvascular and macrovascular complications. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of lavender oil () in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with experimentally induced thrombosis. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into control, thrombosis, diabetes, thrombosis-diabetes, and lavender oil pretreatment groups (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight [bw]).

Safety profile of semaglutide versus placebo in the SELECT study: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess safety of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo, beyond reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, in patients with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.

Methods: Safety data focused on serious adverse events (SAEs), all adverse events (AEs) leading to permanent treatment discontinuation irrespective of seriousness, and prespecified AEs of special interest irrespective of seriousness.

Metabolomic Exploration of Colorectal Cancer Through Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines Profiling of Serum Samples.

Background/objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to observe and understand the metabolic changes in CRC through targeted metabolomics.

Methods: Samples collected from 58 CRC patients and 35 healthy individuals have been analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), targeting two classes of metabolites: amino acids and acylcarnitines.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bioactive Compounds in Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells within arterial walls, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are central to its pathogenesis, driving endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and plaque instability. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to mitigate these processes and promote vascular health.

Endocrine alterations in patients with pachydermoperiostosis.

Context: Pachydermoperiostosis (primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, PHO) usually due to biallelic loss-of-function variants in HPGD and SLCO2A1, has some features overlapping with acromegaly and often referred to endocrinologists. A detailed endocrine assessment is not available for these patients.

Objective: To assess the genetic and endocrine characteristics of PHO patients referred to endocrine centres with a possible diagnosis of acromegaly.

Determinants of Social Activity Among Geriatric Patients in Northern Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aging population poses a significant challenge to global public health, impacting the physical, mental, and social health of older adults. Social activity has been widely acknowledged as a protective factor for both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates that consistent engagement in social activities can mitigate the risk of depression, prevent cognitive decline, and support physical functionality.

Evaluation of the Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in the Intensive Care Unit of a Clinical Hospital in Romania.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality, antimicrobial resistance, and high antibiotic use. : The characteristics of bacterial resistance and antibiotic consumption in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a clinical hospital in Romania were evaluated. Demographic data of patients, identified bacteria, antibiotics administered, and their sensitivity profiles were collected and analyzed.

RAGE and its ligands in breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed worldwide and the leading cause of death in women globally, according to Globocan 2020. Hence, investigating novel pathways implicated in cancer progression and metastasis could lead to the development of targeted therapies and new treatment strategies in breast cancer. Recent studies reported an interplay between the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligands, S100 protein group, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and breast cancer growth and metastasis.

The Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Blossoms and Rhizome Ethanol Extracts.

Background: Inflammation-induced oxidative stress is a pathophysiological mechanism of inflammatory diseases. Treatments targeting oxidative stress can reduce inflammatory tissue damage.

Objectives: This study aimed to conduct phytochemical analysis and evaluate the antioxidant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of blossoms () and rhizomes ().

The effectiveness of balneotherapy on pain, walking, and function in patients with diabetic neuropathy: a prospective observational study.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic neuropathy using pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures remains a current topic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of comprehensive medical rehabilitation programs that include natural therapeutic factors (carbonated natural mineral water) on pain, gait, and functional status in these patients. Fifty patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy in the lower limbs participated in the study.

The Effects of Beta-Blockers on Leukocytes and the Leukocyte Subpopulation in Heart Failure Patients.

Some specific types of white blood cells (WBCs) and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are independent predictors of outcome for heart failure (HF) patients. WBC redistribution is induced by catecholamines, and therefore we evaluate how different types of beta-blockers (BBs) influence it. The HF patients were clinically evaluated, and blood was drawn to measure N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), WBC-differential formula, etc.

Inflammation and oxidative stress processes in induced precocious puberty in rats.

This study aimed to assess the influence of different types of blue light sources on male and female rats' puberty onset, the morphologic-induced alterations in reproductive organs tissues, the impact on inflammation and oxidative stress markers, anxiety levels, and mathematical modeling for tissue data interpretation. Four groups of sixteen rats each (8 females and 8 males/group) were investigated: three groups were exposed to blue light from mobile phones (MP), computer screens (PC), or LED lamps (LED) versus the control group (CTRL). The rats in the CTRL group had no exposure while the other groups were exposed for 30 days to the blue light of MP, PC, and LED for 16 h per day.

Heart Failure After Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Analysis from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Background: The incidence of HF following ACS remains unacceptably high at discharge and several identified risk factors contribute to the development of HF in this context.

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of HF in patients admitted to the Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessels, and Rheumatic Diseases at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo following ACS.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessels, and Rheumatic Diseases of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo between February 1 and April 1, 2023, involving patients who were admitted because of ACS.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Among Internally Displaced People in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG).

Background: Iraq has yet to establish and initiate any vaccination initiatives to address the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and mitigate its spread and mortality.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the existing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding COVID-19 vaccination amid the third wave of the outbreak.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized an anonymous online questionnaire, modeled after a study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to investigate COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and practices during the third wave of the outbreak in the country.

Advancing Precision Oncology with Digital and Virtual Twins: A Scoping Review.

Digital twins (DTHs) and virtual twins (VTHs) in healthcare represent emerging technologies towards precision medicine, providing opportunities for patient-centric healthcare. Our scoping review aimed to map the current DTH and VTH technologies in oncology, summarize their technical solutions, and assess their credibility. A systematic search was conducted in the main bibliographic databases, identifying 441 records, of which 30 were included.

Synthesis and Characterization of Microcapsules as Fillers for Self-Healing Dental Composites.

This article proposes the synthesis and characterization of (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate-N,N-dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine) TEGDMA-DHEPT self-healing microcapsules for their inclusion in dental composite formulations. The obtaining method is the in situ emulsion polymerization of the (poly urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) coatings. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.

Therapeutic advances in the targeting of ROR1 in hematological cancers.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key cell surface receptors involved in cell communication and signal transduction, with great importance in cell growth, differentiation, survival, and metabolism. Dysregulation of RTKs, such as EGFR, VEGFR, HER2 or ROR, could lead to various diseases, particularly cancers. ROR1 has emerged as a promising target in hematological malignancies.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period 2018-2022: current trends, usage of automated external defibrillators (AED) and bystanders' involvement.

Aim: To investigate out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) trend, provided advanced life support (ALS) measures, automated external defibrillator (AEDs) utilization and bystanders' involvement in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during OHCA incidents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed data pertaining to all OHCA incidents attended to by the Emergency Medical Service of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering the period from January 2018 to December 2022.

Results: Among a total of 1131 OHCA events, 236 (20.

Artificial Intelligence and medical specialties: support or substitution?

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has spurred extensive debate regarding its potential to replace human expertise across various medical specialties. This narrative review critically examines the integration of AI within diverse medical specialties to discern its role as a substitute or supporter. The analysis encompasses AI's impact on diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient care.