Arterial stiffness mediates insulin resistance-related risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a real-life, prospective cohort study.

Background: The precise pathways connecting insulin resistance (IR) to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remain undefined. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of arterial stiffness in the association between IR and ASCVD, providing epidemiology insights into the potential mechanisms driving IR to incident ASCVD.

Methods: A total of 59,777 participants from the Kailuan Study Arterial Stiffness Subcohort who were free of ASCVD at baseline were enrolled in the present study.

Global burden and trends of the infection-associated diseases from 1990 to 2021: an observational trend study.

Background: This study was aimed to explore the global burden and trends of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) associated diseases.

Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The burden of CDI was assessed using the age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years (ASR-DALYs) and deaths (ASDRs).

Nanoenzyme-based sensors for the detection of anti-tumor drugs.

Natural enzymes are a class of biological catalysts that can catalyze a specific substrate. Although natural enzymes have catalytic activity, they are susceptible to the influence of external environment such as temperature, and storage requirements are more stringent. Since the first discovery of magnetic FeO nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity in 2007, the research on nanoenzymes has entered a rapid development stage.

Survey of legislative frameworks and national recommendations governing paediatric maintenance haemodialysis in Europe.

Background: The application of international recommendations for paediatric maintenance haemodialysis (HD) could be strengthened by national laws or written recommendations. Our aim was therefore to describe the national rules governing paediatric maintenance HD in European countries.

Methods: A national representative, approved by the president of each paediatric nephrology society, was contacted in all 42 European countries to complete two online questionnaires.

Etiological Insights and the Role of Individual Factors in Infectious Spondylodiscitis.

Spondylodiscitis can be caused by various microorganisms and has shown a continuous rise in incidence and mortality. The purpose of our study was to analyze the demographic and laboratory data, as well as comorbidities of patients that were surgically treated for spondylodiscitis in our hospital. The causative pathogens involved in the etiology of spinal infections were also assessed.

NT-proBNP for Heart Failure Screening in Primary Care in an Eastern European Country: What We Know and Proposed Steps.

Epidemiological studies indicate that heart failure (HF) prevalence and associated mortality are significantly higher among Eastern European countries as compared to their Western European counterparts. The significant financial burden on the healthcare system matches these sobering data. Thus, efficient programs for patients with HF have been called for.

Biomarker Analysis in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Associations with Demographics and Clinical Outcomes.

Background/objectives: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a significant global health burden, and understanding the immune response is crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.

Methods: This study investigated the levels of specific biomarkers in 188 patients with URTIs and their association with demographic factors, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin E (IgE), neutrophils, serum iron, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured.

Dementia and epilepsy without traumatic brain injury among subjects middle-aged females: a population-based case-control study.

Although the association between dementia such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well established, there are significant knowledge gaps with respect to the perspective of dementia and epilepsy without TBI. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dementia and epilepsy in a population-based study of patients without history of TBI. This study included a random sample of 30,715 patients with no history of TBI, including 6143 with epilepsy as the study cohort and 24,572 without epilepsy as the comparison cohort.

Pectus Carinatum Repair Using the Sandwiched Bars and Screw Fixation System: A Retrospective Cohort Study of a Single Center Experience.

Background And Aims: Pectus carinatum (PC) is the second most common deformity of the anterior chest wall, resulting in detrimental effects on body image and quality of life. This study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and factors associated with the treatment of PC using a sandwiched bar and screw fixation system, first performed in Vietnam at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City in 2016.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2016 to February 2023 in patients with PC and PC-mixed pectus excavatum (PE) deformities.

Composite dietary antioxidant index is inversely and nonlinearly associated with cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular mortality in people with dyslipidemia: evidence from NHANES 2001-2018.

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), an emerging measure of combined dietary antioxidant exposure, may provide insights into the relationship between diet and CVD/ASCVD outcomes. We aimed to explore the association between CDAI and the prevalence of CVD/ASCVD, as well as CVD mortality in individuals with dyslipidemia.

ENDOCRINOLOGICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ASSESSING INFERTILITY AT REPRODUCTIVE AGE.

Introduction: Infertility is a very discussed problem in many endocrinological and gynecological courses and congresses. In a rapidly revolving environment women tend to postpone pregnancy to have security in their financial life and career.We discuss primary and secondary infertility and the hormonal results in women that presented for a desire to conceive with their partner.

SWEET'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA: A RARE CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Background: Sweet's syndrome (SS) or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is a dermatological illness that can be described by tender erythematous plaques or nodules and acute onset fever. The etiology is multifactorial and is not fully understood. SS is separated in three subclasses: classical, malignancy-associated, and drug-induced.

SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY MARKERS - PROGNOSTIC VALUE IN OVARIAN CANCER.

Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with different cancers, and is identified as a key pathogenic mechanism in ovarian cancer. The purpose of our study was to evaluate systemic inflammation markers, as predictive and prognostic factors, in ovarian cancer patients with initial surgical treatment.

Subjects And Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 60 ovarian cancer patients with primary cytoreduction surgery, between 2010-2018, with a follow-up period of at least one year.

Exploring segmented assimilation theory in health education utilization and its influencing factors among internal migrants in China: insights from the 2017 China migrants dynamic survey.

Introduction: This study investigated segmented assimilation patterns and factors influencing health education utilization (HEU) among internal migrant populations in China, driven by concerns over their declining health owing to urbanization-related changes.

Methods: Data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey were analyzed, focusing on 13,998 rural migrants. Negative binomial regression was used to explore assimilation patterns and determine the factors affecting HEU among internal migrants in China.

Reflections of a paediatric pulmonologist: strategies for optimising lung function tests in preschool children.

In recent years, our clinical practice as paediatric pulmonologists has focused on refining strategies to optimise pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for preschool children, particularly those aged as young as 2 years and 5 months. This viewpoint reflects on our experience conducting over 7000 spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) tests, sharing practical insights into achieving high success rates with young children. We emphasise the importance of creating a child-friendly, minimally stimulating environment, tailored communication using familiar and engaging language, and leveraging gamification and positive reinforcement.

Complications of Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopy vs. Reusable Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Narrative Review.

Urolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a painful condition that is becoming increasingly common worldwide. For many, the solution lies in a minimally invasive procedure called flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). This technique involves inserting a tiny, flexible scope into the urinary tract to break up and remove stones.

Pursuing Better Outcomes in Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A New Predictive Scoring System for Immediate Complications and Optimization of Hospital Stay.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers occurring globally. Surgery for CRC often extends hospital stays due to complications, as patients must meet nutritional needs and regain mobility before discharge. Longer hospital stays, required for extended monitoring and care, can increase the risk of further complications, creating a cycle where extended stays lead to more issues.

Persistent Menorrhagia and Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst in a Patient With Bernard-Soulier Syndrome: A Case Report.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare qualitative condition of platelets wherein deficiency of platelet surface glycoproteins (GP) Ib, IX, and V forms the Ib-IX-V complex, leading to impaired hemostasis. Although it commonly presents as prolonged bleeding in general, women in the reproductive phase report additional complications during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. In women of reproductive age, menorrhagia is a frequent complaint.

Association of anthropometric and obesity indices with abnormal blood lipid levels in young and middle-aged adults.

Introduction: Obesity is a known risk factor for dyslipidemia. We aimed to evaluate the association between nine obesity indices and various types of abnormal lipid levels in the young and middle-aged.

Methods: From July to November 2022, we distributed health survey questionnaires to the target population in the hospital and collected their biochemical and anthropometric data.

Biologic Treatments for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP): A Comparative Review of Efficiency and Risks.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal passages and sinuses, often characterized by nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure, and nasal discharge. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), often provide only temporary relief, with frequent recurrence of symptoms. For patients with severe, refractory CRSwNP, biologic therapies have emerged as a promising treatment option.

Exploring the use, perceptions, and challenges of mini-implants in orthodontic practice: a survey study.

Unlabelled: The present study aims to explore and evaluate current practices among orthodontic specialists regarding the use of mini-implants, focusing on factors influencing usage decisions, experience in placement, perceptions of outcomes, and future perspectives of these devices in orthodontic practice. It seeks to explore the association between specialists' experience levels and their perceptions of mini implants, as well as the challenges encountered in their use. It is hypothesized that orthodontic specialists' perceptions and practices regarding the usage of mini implants are influenced by various factors, including their experience, training engagement, treatment outcomes, and preferences.

Harnessing Radionuclides: Unveiling the Promising Role of Radiopharmaceuticals in Cancer Theranostics and Palliative Care.

Background: In the context of modern oncology, radiogenic elements have emerged as pivotal tools for targeted cancer therapies. Elements like Iodine-131 and Yttrium-90 offer unique radiological properties that allow precise treatment delivery. This article explores their growing importance and potential in reshaping the landscape of cancer therapy.

Association of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors with mortality across the spectrum of myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on mortality following myocardial infarction (MI) remains uncertain. Additionally, the role of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) in modulating the effectiveness of these drugs post-MI are not fully understood. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of SGLT2 inhibitors with all-cause mortality in post-MI patients and to explore key moderators influencing this benefit.

Clinical efficacy of 0.1% cyclosporine A in dry eye patients with inadequate responses to 0.05% cyclosporine A: a switching, prospective, open-label, multicenter study.

Purpose: To assess the clinical efficacy of 0.1% cyclosporine A (CsA) in dry eye patients who have shown inadequate responses to previous treatment with 0.05% CsA.