The role of F-FDG PET/CT imaging in paediatric Langerhans disease: Case report.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a haematological disorder, affecting single or multiple organs, characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells in children. Accurate tumour delineation (number of lesions, organs involved) is crucial for staging/re-staging, and follow-up (response to therapy). Conventional imaging techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) have been employed for initial diagnosis, staging and assessment of response to therapy focusing on the healing effect therapeutic protocols have on the disease.

The Optimal Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute heart failure (AHF) are two closely interrelated conditions that frequently coexist in a manifold manner, with AF serving either as the causative factor or as the consequence or even as an innocent bystander. The interplay between these two clinical conditions is complex, given that they share common pathophysiological pathways and they can reciprocally exacerbate each other, thus triggering a vicious cycle that worsens the prognosis and increases the thromboembolic risk. The optimal management of AF in the context of AHF in the emergency department remains a challenge depending on the time onset, as well as the nature and the severity of the associated symptoms.

Alu Methylation Patterns in Type 1 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study.

Evidence suggests that genome-wide hypomethylation may promote genomic instability and cellular senescence, leading to chronic complications in people with diabetes mellitus. Limited data are however available on the Alu methylation status in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). : We investigated DNA methylation levels and patterns of Alu methylation in the peripheral blood of 36 patients with T1D and 29 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, by using the COmbined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis method (COBRA).

Pre-operative ultrasound mapping before arteriovenous fistula formation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Arteriovenous fistula represents the preferred vascular access for patients with kidney failure requiring hemodialysis. Surgeons have traditionally used physical examination to identify the most suitable vessels. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether ultrasound mapping should be routinely performed before arteriovenous fistula creation.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Cardiovascular Significance; Current Evidence and Novel Insights.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant condition characterized by the presence of low levels of a monoclonal protein in the serum and a low percentage of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. MGUS may progress to multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders at a rate of 1% annually. However, MGUS may also have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system independent of its malignant potential.

Risk factors for the in‑hospital and 1‑year mortality of elderly patients hospitalized due to COVID‑19‑related pneumonia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by poor outcomes and a high mortality rate, particularly among elderly patients. Since the beginning of the pandemic, an older age has been recognized as a critical risk factor for disease severity, with increasing mortality rates in each decade of life. This phenomenon may be a consequence of a poor previous health status, with a higher prevalence of pre-existing comorbidities and a higher degree of frailty.

Temporal trends in laboratory parameters in survivors and non‑survivors of critical COVID‑19 illness and the effect of dexamethasone treatment.

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced changes in laboratory parameters in patients upon admission have been well-documented, information on their temporal changes is limited. The present study describes the laboratory trends and the effect of dexamethasone treatment on these parameters, in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU). Routine laboratory parameters, namely white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet (PLT) counts, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin concentrations, were recorded upon admission to the ICU and, thereafter, on days 3, 5, 10, 15 and 21; these values were compared between survivors and non-survivors, as well as between those who were treated with dexamethasone and those who were not.

Assessing a Pharmacist-Enabled Intervention to Improve Adherence to Medication for Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Chronic Venous Circulation Disorders in Greece.

Background: Adherence to medication in chronic conditions may be influenced by interventions from pharmacists. This study aimed to assess the impact of guidance and reminders from pharmacists on adherence to medication for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic venous circulation disorders (CVCD) in Greece.

Methods: The prospective CONCORD study aimed to record and report on change in self-reported adherence to medication following pharmacist reminders amongst a cohort of adult patients, diagnosed with at least one or a combination of these health conditions.

Inflammation, anti-inflammatory agents, and the role of colchicine in carotid artery stenosis.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the last few years, the role of inflammation and inflammatory modulatory medications is investigated for the optimal treatment of coronary artery disease. It can be hypothesized that since inflammation is also involved in carotid artery stenosis development and progression, the same class of medication could be useful.

Splenic Rupture in an Elective Cesarean Section: A Possible Iatrogenic Event.

A rare case of an unexpected iatrogenic splenic rupture during a cesarean section is reported. The trauma was recognized early and treated conservatively without delay; thus, further complications were avoided. A 28-year-old woman with a history of previous cesarean sections was submitted for an elective cesarean section.

Carotid Body Tumor in a 26-Year-Old Male Patient Managed With Preoperative Embolization.

Carotid body tumors are rare, highly vascularized neuroendocrine tumors that arise near the bifurcation of the common carotid artery (CCA). Controversy exists in the management of those tumors about whether preoperative embolization facilitates surgical excision and decreases perioperative complication risk. We present the case of a 26-year-old patient with a carotid body tumor manifesting as a painless pulsatile mass in the anterior triangle over the left side of the neck and provide details of the preoperative diagnostic steps.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair: keyhole, Sugarbaker, sandwich, or hybrid technique with 3D mesh? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Parastomal hernia is the most common complication after stoma formation with an incidence that approaches 50% at 2 years postoperatively. In the last decade, different approaches of minimally invasive procedures have been proposed for the treatment of parastomal hernia. Nevertheless, the superiority of one technique over the others remains still unclear.

WITHDRAWN:Therapeutic apheresis in renal transplantation: An update.

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.

Mediterranean diet trajectories and 20-year incidence of cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

Background And Aims: Only few studies have assessed longitudinal dietary trends in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, both baseline and longitudinal, and 20-year CVD incidence.

Methods And Results: This was a prospective study among 1988 Greek adults (50% men, age: 45 ± 14years).

Investigating the Role of Anti-TPO Antibodies in HIV-Associated Thrombocytopenia before and after Initiation of HAART: A Case-Control Longitudinal Study.

This longitudinal, case-control study aimed to investigate the role of thrombopoietin (TPO) and anti-TPO antibodies in HIV-associated thrombocytopenia, focusing on the changes seen before and after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Patients were assessed before and at least six months after the initiation of HAART. In total, 75 PLWHIV (age/sex-matched and randomized at 2:1, according to thrombocytopenia status) were included in this study.

Increased body weight and central adiposity markers are positively associated with the 20-year incidence of cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA epidemiological study (2002-2022).

Increased adiposity predisposes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that the presence of obesity would be positively associated with CVD risk, and that the co-presence of central obesity would modify/enhance this association. This was a prospective study (2002-2022) among 1845 Greek adults (mean age, 44.

Assessing the Presence of IgG Antibodies against Influenza Viruses in Neonates after Maternal Vaccination and Factors That May Affect the Transplacental Transfer.

Special populations, particularly pregnant women, are uniquely susceptible to infectious diseases due to alterations in their immunological, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems during gestation. Influenza infections during the perinatal period have been associated with more severe maternal and perinatal outcomes, underscoring the critical importance of vaccination data for pregnant women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all pregnant women and those of childbearing age should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine, irrespective of their pregnancy stage.

Gaucher-like Cells in Thalassemia Intermedia: Is It a Challenge?

We describe two cases of thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients with the presence of Gaucher-like cells in hematopoietic tissue biopsies, raising diagnostic dilemmas. The first is a 56-year-old female with bone lesions, splenomegaly, hypochromic microcytic anemia and Gaucher-like cells in the bone marrow, with a final diagnosis of TI, and the second is a 69-year-old male with TI, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) that accelerated to multiple myeloma (MM) requiring treatment, bone disease and Gaucher-like cells in the bone marrow and the spleen, and heterozygoty of Gaucher disease (GD). Gaucher-like cells are difficult to differentiate from true Gaucher cells, that are the hallmark of GD suspicion.

Therapeutic apheresis in renal transplantation: An update.

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) plays a significant role in various aspects of renal transplantation. It has been a necessary preconditioning component in ABO incompatible kidney transplants and an important modality in the removal of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both in the context of desensitization protocols that have been developed to allow highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates to be successfully transplanted and as treatment of antibody mediated rejection episodes post transplantation. In addition, TA has been used with various results for the management of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Effect of Leflunomide on Treatment of Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients With BK Virus Infection.

Objectives: Infection with the BK virus is a significant complication after renal transplant and can progress to BK virus nephropathy and graft dysfunction. There is no consensus on the management of BK virus infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients. The most common therapeutic option is immunosuppression reduction, which can increase rejection risk.

The Effect of Probiotic Supplements on Metabolic Parameters of People with Type 2 Diabetes in Greece-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

The role of probiotic supplementation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment is controversial. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement (LactoLevure (containing , , , and )) over 6 months, primarily on glycemic control as well as on lipid levels and alterations in the gut microbiome, among individuals with T2D residing in Greece. A total of 91 adults with T2D (mean age [±SD] 65.

Only 32.3% of Breast Cancer Families with Pathogenic Variants in Cancer Genes Utilized Cascade Genetic Testing.

Background: Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes are responsible for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed cancer cases. In order to identify individuals at risk in a cost-efficient manner, family members of individuals carrying pathogenic alterations are tested only for the specific variant that was identified in their carrier relative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical use and implementation of cascade family testing (CFT) in families of breast cancer patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) in cancer-related predisposition genes.

Effects of Hypericin on Cultured Primary Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts Under Increased Oxidative Stress.

Introduction: Wound healing is a dynamic process that begins with inflammation, proliferation, and cell migration of a variety of fibroblast cells. As a result, identifying possible compounds that may improve fibroblast cell wound healing capacity is crucial. Hypericin is a natural quinine that has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, activities.

Intrahepatic Gallbladder Rupture and Biloma Mimicking Pulmonary Embolism Following Orthopedic Surgery.

In this case report, a 75-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and benign prostate hypertrophy developed postoperative fever and chest pain following left knee arthroplasty. Upon admission to the emergency department, pulmonary embolism was considered highly probable, and the patient was treated with anticoagulation and antibiotics due to diagnostic uncertainty. However, further investigations revealed a complex condition involving an intraparenchymal gallbladder rupture resulting in a biloma secondary to choledocholithiasis.