The Association between Short Telomere Length and Cardiovascular Disease.

Introduction: Telomeres, repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends, shorten with cell division, countered by telomerase. Short telomeres are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), alongside its risk factors like aging, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, inactivity, and smoking. Many studies have claimed the implication of telomere length (TL) in cardiac diseases.

Evaluation of the Demographics, Clinical Laboratory Parameters, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Oncological Versus Non-oncological COVID-19 Patients.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic emerged globally in 2019, exposing healthcare vulnerabilities. This study delves into the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, a high-risk group with increased susceptibility and mortality rates. Recent research underscores cancer patients' vulnerability to severe disease, often due to compromised immunity.

Disseminated Superficial Non-actinic Porokeratosis: A Consequence of Post-traumatic Immunosuppression.

Disseminated superficial porokeratosis (DSP) is a very uncommon dermatologic condition of unknown etiology, characterized by the clonal proliferation of atypical keratinocytes associated with aberrant keratinocyte differentiation. These lead to the development of the specific cornoid lamella that separates atypical from normal keratinocytes. DSP is most frequently encountered in immunosuppressed patients.

Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease arising from mutations in the lipase A, lysosomal acid type (LIPA) gene, characterised by the formation of cholesterol esters and triglyceride storages, primarily in the liver and spleen. By analysing the level of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), two forms were described in the literature: Wolman disease and cholesteryl-ester storage disease (CESD). Wolman disease usually manifests with rapidly progressive symptoms within the first year of life, while CESD is a latent condition, with significant features appearing later in life.

Advances in Diagnostic Parameters and Surgical Techniques for Patellofemoral Instability and Extensor Mechanism Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.

Extensor mechanism misalignment in the knee, particularly patellofemoral instability (PFI), requires detailed diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive review intends to present recent advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies as well as surgical approaches that have significantly advanced the management of this condition. An extensive literature review covered recent studies and clinical practices related to diagnosing and treating knee extensor mechanism misalignment, such as three-dimensional imaging technologies, arthroscopic surgical techniques, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and others.

The impact of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma on breast implant surgery: A European survey-based study.

Background: Over the 27 years following the first report of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), significant changes have been made in breast implant surgery trends. This study aimed to determine breast implant selection changes among European plastic surgeons.

Methods: The European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) promoted a digital survey to 31 national plastic surgery societies across Europe, which spread it to their members.

From rock to living systems: Lanthanides toxicity and biological interactions.

Since the discovery of lanthanides, the expanding range of applications and the growing demand for lanthanides in different aspects of life have escalated their dispersion in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on the living world. This review explores the interaction between lanthanides and different groups of living organisms (bacteria, algae, lichens, plants, invertebrates, and low vertebrates), reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge. We have aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, highlight existing gaps, and suggest potential areas for future research to enhance the understanding of this topic.

Postmortem tissue alterations induced by corrosive substances - a scoping review.

Introduction: The method of dissolving a body to conceal crimes, a practice dating back to ancient times, has recently captured the interest of scientists and the film industry. Real-life cases inspired by media portrayals underscore the importance of understanding this process, which aims to prevent identification or locate the body. Historical and contemporary examples highlight the use of substances like caustic potash and various acids.

Endoscopic papillectomy versus surgical ampullectomy for adenomas and early cancers of the papilla: a retrospective Pancreas2000/European Pancreatic Club analysis.

Objective: Ampullary neoplastic lesions can be resected by endoscopic papillectomy (EP) or transduodenal surgical ampullectomy (TSA) while pancreaticoduodenectomy is reserved for more advanced lesions. We present the largest retrospective comparative study analysing EP and TSA.

Design: Of all patients in the database, lesions with prior interventions, benign histology advanced malignancy (T2 and more), patients with hereditary syndromes and those undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were excluded.

A Rare Case of Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis.

This is a case report of a one-year-and-nine-month-old girl with multiple guttate psoriasis skin lesions, non-traumatic knee arthritis, and no family history of autoimmune diseases. Laboratory tests revealed no suggestive markers of juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA), while the dermatological examination described scaly erythematous lesions with a positive Auspitz sign. The diagnosis was confirmed by a skin biopsy and histopathological examination.

Enhancement of chlorpromazine efficacy in breast cancer treatment by 266 nm laser irradiation.

Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, prompting interest in the anticancer properties of other drugs, including chlorpromazine (CPZ). This study presents a novel approach in breast cancer treatment using laser irradiated CPZ. CPZ dissolved in distilled water, was exposed to 266 nm laser irradiation for varying durations, characterized by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, followed by drug-likeness and ADME-Tox predictions.

Bacterial products initiation of alpha-synuclein pathology: an in vitro study.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent and escalating neurodegenerative disorder with significant societal implications. Despite being considered a proteinopathy, in which the aggregation of α-synuclein is the main pathological change, the intricacies of PD initiation remain elusive. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota and PD initiation, emphasizing the need to explore the effects of microbiota-derived molecules on neuronal cells.

Hyperspectral imaging reveals that sapropelic mud therapy may improve local tissue oxygenation in elderly.

Sapropelic muds have been used for centuries to treat various illnesses, but their effects and mechanisms are still under research. In this study the effects of Techirghiol sapropelic mud on tissue oxygenation in elderly patients diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders were investigated using spatial and spectral information provided by hyperspectral imaging technique. A group of 38 elderly patients with neuromuscular disorders for which they received mud therapy was studied.

Effective Management of Severe Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors-Induced Papulopustular Eruption With Low-Dose Isotretinoin and Corticosteroids.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRi) are approved for treating various cancers. Given that EGFR signaling is crucial for normal skin growth and repair, inhibiting this pathway can disrupt skin homeostasis and integrity. Although generally well tolerated, molecularly targeted therapies can lead to skin-related adverse effects that significantly impact patients' quality of life, often resulting in treatment interruptions.

Placental lesions in birth asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic syndrome.

Birth asphyxia is a severe condition that includes a number of potential pathways of occurrence both and during childbirth. The present study aimed to identify and describe specific macroscopic and microscopic placental injuries in birth asphyxia to serve as an effective tool to stratify the potential further evolution of a newborn, as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can be responsible for neonatal death or severe neurological sequelae further, compromising the quality of life of the affected individual. For this purpose, an observational prospective study was conducted over a period of 3 years.

A case of occipital artery originating from the vertebral artery.

Anomalies of the vertebral artery (VA) and its branches are rare but critical in neurovascular procedures. In a 38-year-old female, digital subtraction angiography revealed an anomalous origin of the occipital artery (OA) from the V3 segment of the left VA, with a tortuous course supplying the neck and scalp. Below the OA's origin, the suboccipital artery of Salmon arose, bifurcating into two branches.

2024 European guidelines for the management of genital herpes.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Using the best available evidence, this guideline recommends strategies for diagnosis, management and follow-up of the condition as well as for minimizing transmission. Early recognition and initiation of therapy is key and may reduce the duration of illness or avoid hospitalization with complications, including urinary retention, meningism or severe systemic illness.

Caloric restriction mimetics: Pinostilbene versus resveratrol regarding SIRT1 and SIRT6 interaction.

Purpose: Caloric restriction (CR), the permanent or periodic reduction of caloric intake, is a dietary strategy that promotes longevity and healthspan, yielding multiple beneficial effects, such as improved insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function, decreased body weight, and mitigation of cardiometabolic risk factors. The purpose of our study was the in silico and in vitro assessment of the effects exerted by pinostilbene on SIRT1 and SIRT6 compared to those of resveratrol, a known activator of these enzymes.

Materials And Methods: Molecular docking was carried out to determine the interactions with SIRT1 and SIRT6 and, further, the effect of pinostilbene on their activity was tested in vitro to evaluate if it parallels resveratrol's effects regarding SIRT activation.

Performance of the EULAR Systemic sclerosis Impact of Disease (ScleroID) questionnaire as a patient-reported outcome measure for patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Objective: Systemic sclerosis Impact of Disease (ScleroID) is the first comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) specifically developed for systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the performance of ScleroID in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), as a prerequisite for its use in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing potentially disease-modifying drugs.

Methods: All patients with dcSSc from the large, multicentric, ScleroID cohort were included.

Beyond the Operating Room: The Reality of Gender Disparities in Neurosurgical Education Starting in Medical School.

Objective: Despite the growing number of female medical students, there remains a significant disparity between the number of female and male neurosurgeons. This study aims to determine if this trend is also evident among medical students, examine how various medical schools worldwide are addressing this issue, and propose potential solutions.

Methods: The data includes anonymous baseline information from congress registrations, the abstract submission system, and 2 surveys designed to assess student experiences before and after the congress.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training conditions, results from a pan-European survey: Between vision and reality.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) still has a relatively high complication rate, underscoring the importance of high-quality training. Despite existing guidelines, real-world data on training conditions remain limited. This pan-European survey aims to systematically explore the perceptions surrounding ERCP training.

Emerging Treatments and New Vehicle Formulations for Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing incidence among both children and adults. The recurrent nature, often with the persistence of symptoms, and the polymorphism of the response to current therapies have led to increased research in the therapeutic area dedicated to this condition. The understanding of pathophysiological pathways has contributed to the development of innovative therapies, including biological therapies, JAK inhibitors, but also emerging technologies like nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.

QSAR Regression Models for Predicting HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibition.

Background/objectives: HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme that regulates the initial stage of cholesterol synthesis, and its inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: We have created a set of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for human HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors using nested cross-validation as the primary validation method. To develop the QSAR models, we employed various machine learning regression algorithms, feature selection methods, and fingerprints or descriptor datasets.

Insights into the Risk Factors and Outcomes of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-Results from a Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study in Romania.

Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (post-COVID-19) syndrome represents a cluster of persistent symptoms following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that can severely affect quality of life. The pathogenic mechanisms and epidemiology in different regions are still under evaluation. To assess the outcomes of post-COVID-19 syndrome, we performed a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study in previously infected individuals.