High prevalence of pancreatic steatosis in pancreatic cancer patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Objective: In the last decade there has been increasing interest in defining pancreatic steatosis (PS) and establishing its association with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, no consensus guidelines have yet been published on the management of PS. In this systematic review and meta-analysis performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we investigated the association between PS and PDAC.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics - Update 2024.

This guideline was developed in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma were developed on the basis of systematic literature research and consensus conferences. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most dangerous form of skin tumor and accounts for 90 % of skin cancer mortality.

Benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced virtual reality training within dental curricula.

Background: Haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR-haptic) simulation in dental education has evolved considerably during the past decade, representing a promising resource of simulation-based training opportunities to support conventional practice. We aim to summarize current literature on the applications of VR-haptics in learning, practicing, and teaching dental education.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, focusing on research articles published between January 2010 and January 2024.

Diagnostic work-up of bile duct strictures: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

1: ESGE recommends the combination of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based tissue acquisition as the preferred diagnostic approach for tissue acquisition in patients with jaundice and distal extrahepatic biliary stricture in the absence of a pancreatic mass. 2: ESGE suggests that brushing cytology should be completed along with fluoroscopy-guided biopsies, wherever technically feasible, in patients with perihilar biliary strictures. 3: ESGE suggests EUS-TA for perihilar strictures when ERCP-based modalities yield insufficient results, provided that curative resection is not feasible and/or when cross-sectional imaging has shown accessible extraluminal disease.

Towards an integrated imaging for melanoma diagnosis: A review of multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal technologies with preliminary system development.

The diagnosis of melanoma traditionally relies on visual inspection or on the use of the dermoscope, which do not have capabilities for early and precise detection. In this review, we aimed to explore other imaging technologies that can provide non-invasive and detailed information on skin lesions, such as multispectral, hyperspectral and thermal imaging. In this regard, the systems were evaluated in terms of hardware, performance and clinical applications.

A Global Perspective on Transition Models for Pediatric to Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care: What Has Been Made So Far?

Interest in the transition of care for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has grown significantly over time, driven by advancements in treatment that have extended life expectancy. As more CF patients survive into adulthood, the need for structured transition strategies has become a priority for healthcare systems worldwide. Transition programs for CF differ globally, reflecting varying resources and healthcare systems.

Small Diameter (7.5 Fr) Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopy with Direct In-Scope Suction (DISS) in Conjunction with Aspiration-Assisted Flexible Access Sheath: A New Hype for Real Stone-Free?

: Renal lithiasis continues to represent a great challenge for modern urology in terms of minimally invasive management of lithotripsy procedures. The recent revolution of endoscopes with the miniaturization of instruments and the development of improved disposable ureteroscopes combined with recent suction methods such as suction access sheaths or direct in-scope suction (DISS) systems promise to further improve the outcome of renal stone treatment. : Considering this technological advance, this study aims to evaluate the results obtained by combining these methods in three groups: Group 1-Single-use 7.

Pathogenesis and Management Strategies in Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms Toward Therapeutic Approaches: A Comprehensive Review.

Thyroid cancer (TC) remains the most common cancer in endocrinology. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), the most common type of TC, generally has a favorable outlook with conventional treatment, which typically includes surgery along with radioiodine (RAI) therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression through thyroid hormone therapy. However, a small subset of patients (less than 5%) develop resistance to RAI.

Risk Factors Influencing Mortality in Open Necrosectomy for Acute Pancreatitis: A Comparative Analysis.

: Patients undergoing open necrosectomy (ON) for acute pancreatitis (AP) often face high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes by comparing survivors and non-survivors of ON. : A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent ON for AP.

Quality of Life of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Intestinal, Liver, and Pancreatic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background/objectives: Children with chronic diseases and their families face significant challenges to their quality of life compared to the rest of the population, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been a greater challenge for them. Our research aimed to identify key factors affecting their quality of life.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Pediatrics of the "Grigore Alexandrescu" Emergency Children's Hospital in Bucharest on a group of 47 pediatric patients aged 9 years or older, diagnosed with chronic liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic diseases.

A New Approach for Orbital Wall Reconstruction in a Rabbit Animal Model Using a Hybrid Hydroxyapatite-Collagen-Based Implant.

Reconstructing the orbit following complex craniofacial fractures presents significant challenges. Throughout the years, several materials have been used for orbital reconstruction, taking into account factors such as their durability, compatibility with living tissue, cost efficiency, safety, and capacity to be adjusted during surgery. Nevertheless, a consensus has not yet been reached on the optimal material for orbital restoration.

Decoding Neurodegeneration: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Advances in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Huntington's, remain formidable challenges in medicine, with their relentless progression and limited therapeutic options. These diseases arise from a web of molecular disturbances-misfolded proteins, chronic neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic mutations-that slowly dismantle neuronal integrity. Yet, recent scientific breakthroughs are opening new paths to intervene in these once-intractable conditions.

Redefining Therapeutic Approaches in Colorectal Cancer: Targeting Molecular Pathways and Overcoming Resistance.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises through a combination of genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect key pathways involved in tumor growth and progression. This review examines the major molecular pathways driving CRC, including Chromosomal Instability (CIN), Microsatellite Instability (MSI), and the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP). Key mutations in genes such as APC, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and TP53 activate signaling pathways like Wnt, EGFR, and PI3K/AKT, contributing to tumorigenesis and influencing responses to targeted therapies.

Vitamin D and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-A Review of a Complicated Relationship.

Introduction: From the observation of a negative relationship between UV-B exposure and cancer rates, we hypothesized that vitamin D (VD) may play a protective role in oncogenesis. Moreover, repurposing a well-known and relatively safe drug for conditions with dismal prospects, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a tempting idea. Thus, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of VD in the prevention and treatment of PDAC.

Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome with Supernumerary Testicles Due to a Novel Homozygous Variant in the Gene and Literature Review.

: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare disorder of sex development (DSD) caused by mutations in the genes coding anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or the AMH receptor, characterized by the persistence of Müllerian derivatives, the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, in otherwise normally virilized boys. Testicular regression syndrome is common in PMDS, yet the association with supernumerary testis has been reported in only two patients where genetic testing was not performed. : Thus, we report an individual with this particular association caused by a previously unreported homozygous variant in the gene to enable future genotype-phenotype correlations in this rare disorder.

The Microsurgical Resection of an Arteriovenous Malformation in a Patient with Thrombophilia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular anomalies that can present with significant complications, including intracranial hemorrhage. This report presents the case of a 36-year-old female with Prothrombin G20210A mutation-associated thrombophilia, highlighting its potential impact on AVM pathophysiology and management. The patient presented with a right paramedian intraparenchymal frontal hematoma, left hemiparesis, and seizures.

Genetic Blueprints in Lung Cancer: Foundations for Targeted Therapies.

Lung cancer, a malignant neoplasm originating from the epithelial cells of the lung, is characterized by its aggressive growth and poor prognosis, making it a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally [...

Prognostic and Predictive Determinants of Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, necessitating a thorough understanding of prognostic and predictive factors to enhance patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate prognostic and predictive determinants in CRC, encompassing both traditional and emerging biomarkers. A systematic search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 1995 up to 2024.

Perception of medical care among women living with HIV aged 40 years or older-A European-wide survey.

Objectives: Our objective was to explore how women living with HIV aged ≥40 years perceive their care in relation to their HIV infection, comorbidities, and menopausal health and to evaluate the extent to which the care they receive meets their expectations, comparatively across World Health Organization (WHO) European regions.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (May-December 2023) among women living with HIV aged ≥40 years from the WHO European region. Five dimensions of care were assessed: content of care, information, relationship with caregiver, organization of care, and patients' rights and privacy, in addition to management of non-HIV comorbidities and menopause.

Oral health care pathways for patients with epidermolysis bullosa: A position statement from the European reference network for rare skin diseases.

Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of genetic disorders characterized by skin fragility and unique oral features. It requires interdisciplinary care from several health professionals, including oral health teams. Modern dentistry encompasses a wide range of therapeutic options performed by specialists from different fields.

Genetic landscape of Romanian PPGLs.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours that originate from chromaffin cells and occur in the adrenal medulla and in the sympathetic or parasympathetic ganglia. Nearly 70% of PPGLs result from germline or somatic mutations in a single driver gene. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic background and clinical characteristics related to genetic profile of patients with PPGLs from Romania.

UTILITY OF THE RATIO BETWEEN THE SIZE OF THE RIGHT ATRIUM AND THE RIGHT VENTRICLE AT END-SYSTOLE TO DIAGNOSE ATRIAL SECONDARY TRICUSPID REGURGITATION.

Background: In the multiparametric framework for diagnosing atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation (A-STR), an end-systolic (ES) right atrial (RA) to right ventricular (RV) volume or area ratio ≥1.5 supports the diagnosis of A-STR over the ventricular STR phenotype (V-STR). However, this threshold value has never been tested.

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.