Serum and urinary uromodulin concentration in children and young adults with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Serum and urinary uromodulin are emerging as potential cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of our study was to determine uromodulin in both serum and urine to evaluate their potential as early cardiovascular risk markers and markers of kidney function in children and young adults.

Methods: This case-control study included 72 participants - 42 children and young adults with chronic kidney disease stages 1-2 and 30 healthy controls.

Antifungal activity of different extractions of drone larvae (apilarnil).

Drone larvae (DL) has many biological activities thanks to the bioactive components it contains, but there are very few studies on its antimicrobial activity. The aim of this research was to determine the antifungal activity of DL (raw and lyophilised) water and ethanol extracts against fluconazole (FLU) sensitive and resistant yeast strains. The 87 fungal strains obtained from clinical samples were identified by phenotypic and molecular methods, and broth microdilution test was used for antifungal activity.

Eu-ion doped strontium molybdate perovskite quantum dots as a turn-off-on fluorescent sensor for simultaneous detection of hypoxanthine biomarker and Fe ions.

A fluorescence "turn-off-on" nanoprobe is designed by using europium-doped strontium molybdate perovskite quantum dots (Eu:SMO PQDs) for the sequential detection of hypoxanthine (Hx) and Fe. The Eu:SMO PQDs were prepared by the sol-gel method using Sr(NO), (NH)MoO.4HO, and Eu(OCOCH) as precursors.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery reflecting current practices.

Purpose: In recent years, major advancements have been made in rectal cancer surgery with the introduction of new techniques such as robotic surgery and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI). This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensive risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) following rectal cancer surgery, incorporating recently introduced techniques and other existing factors, to reflect current practices.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 304 patients who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic anterior resection between January 2019 and December 2023.

Human Brucellosis in the Rural and Urban Population of Pakistan: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Manifestations.

Brucella spp. is the bacterium responsible for brucellosis, a zoonotic infection that affects humans. This disease poses significant health challenges and contributes to poverty, particularly in developing countries.

Modeling and Elucidating the Behavior of a Thermoresponsive LCST Ionic Liquid.

Desalination of seawater by forward osmosis is a technology potentially able to address the global water scarcity problem. The major challenge limiting its widespread practical application is the design of a draw solute that can be separated from water by an energetically efficient process and then reused for the next cycle. Recent experiments demonstrate that a promising draw solute for forward-osmosis desalination is tetrabutylphosphonium 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonate ([P][TMBS]).

Development and characterization of a complete set of monosomic alien addition lines from Raphanus sativus in Brassica oleracea.

A complete set of monosomic alien addition lines of Radish-Brassica oleracea exhibiting extensive variations was generated and well characterized for their chromosome behaviors and phenotypic characteristics. Monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs) are developed through interspecific hybridization, where an alien chromosome from a relative species is introduced into the genome of the recipient plant, serving as valuable genetic resources. In this study, an allotetraploid Raphanobrassica (RRCC, 2n = 36) was created from the interspecific hybridization between radish (Raphanus sativus, RR, 2n = 18) and Brassica oleracea (CC, 2n = 18).

Evaluation of the risk factors for postoperative pectus excavatum and scoliosis in cystic lung disease.

Purpose: To analyze the frequency and predictive factors of the development of postoperative pectus excavatum and scoliosis in children who underwent surgery for cystic lung disease.

Methods: This study examined patients who underwent surgery for cystic lung disease (open and thoracoscopic) between July 2000 and December 2018 with a > 3-year follow-up period. Lesion size, surgical outcomes, and subsequent musculoskeletal complications were compared between the open surgery and thoracoscopic surgery groups.

Functional outcomes after ankle fracture-dislocation: a systematic review.

Introduction: Ankle fractures represent a significant portion of orthopedic injuries, with fracture dislocations tending to have worse outcomes. Logsplitter fractures represent a subset of fracture dislocations in which the talus is axially wedged in the tibiofibular joint. We aim to comprehensively investigate and report on the complications and functional outcomes associated with ankle fracture-dislocations.

Precision medicine in diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring of bone and soft tissue sarcomas using liquid biopsy: a systematic review.

Introduction: Liquid biopsy as a non-invasive method to investigate cancer biology and monitor residual disease has gained significance in clinical practice over the years. Whilst its applicability in carcinomas is well established, the low incidence and heterogeneity of bone and soft tissue sarcomas explains the less well-established knowledge considering liquid biopsy in these highly malignant mesenchymal neoplasms.

Materials And Methods: A systematic literature review adhering to the PRISMA guidelines initially identified 920 studies, of whom 68 original articles could be finally included, all dealing with clinical applicability of liquid biopsy in sarcoma.

Giant encephalocele in newborns: prenatal diagnosis, management and outcome.

Background: A giant encephalocele associated with Chiari malformation is a rare congenital anomaly from a cephalad neural tube defect. Early prenatal diagnosis and parental counseling are essential; as early surgical intervention can improve outcomes.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2023, twenty-seven newborns out of 43,815 delivered at our institution were diagnosed with encephaloceles, including seven cases of giant encephalocele associated with Chiari malformation type III.

NFKB1 as a key player in Tumor biology: from mechanisms to therapeutic implications.

NFKB1, a core transcription factor critical in various biological process (BP), is increasingly studied for its role in tumors. This research combines literature reviews, meta-analyses, and bioinformatics to systematically explore NFKB1's involvement in tumor initiation and progression. A unique focus is placed on the NFKB1-94 ATTG promoter polymorphism, highlighting its association with cancer risk across diverse genetic models and ethnic groups, alongside comprehensive analysis of pan-cancer expression patterns and drug sensitivity.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor for multiple sclerosis: new hope or false dawn.

The first of several phase 3 trials examining efficacy in relapsing MS has not been able to demonstrate a significant benefit and has also raised important safety concerns. More results are on their way and it will be important to understand whether the safety signals identified are drug- or class-specific and whether other BTKi also fail to reach their endpoints for relapsing MS. However, as reported in preliminary data for another BTKi, it may be that they will have more of a role in progressive disease as hinted by the unraveling of relevant molecular mechanisms and pathways.

Didemnins as marine-derived anticancer agents: mechanistic insights and clinical potential.

Didemnins, a class of cyclic depsipeptides derived from marine organisms exhibit notable anticancer properties. Among them, Didemnin B has been extensively researched for its strong antitumor activity and progression to clinical trials. Nonetheless, its clinical application has been impeded by challenges like poor bioavailability and dose-limiting toxicity.

The molar dose of FAPI administered impacts on the FAP-targeted PET imaging and therapy in mouse syngeneic tumor models.

Purpose: Since fibroblast activation protein (FAP), one predominant biomarker of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), is highly expressed in the tumor stroma of various epidermal-derived cancers, targeting FAP for tumor diagnosis and treatment has shown substantial potentials in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, in preclinical settings, tumor-bearing mice exhibit relatively low absolute FAP expression levels, leading to challenges in acquiring high-quality PET images using radiolabeled FAP ligands (FAPIs) with low molar activity, because of which a saturation effect in imaging is prone to happen. Moreover, how exactly the molar dose of FAPI administered to a mouse influences the targeted PET imaging and radiotherapy remains unclear now.

Optimized workflow with hybrid (very) high-power short-duration radiofrequency ablation renders point-by-point pulmonary vein isolation as fast and effective as cryoballoon ablation.

Introduction: A hybrid approach with very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) posteriorly and ablation-index guided HPSD (50 W) anteriorly seems to be an optimal balance between efficiency and effectiveness for point-by-point pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The aim of the current study is to compare vHPSD/HPSD ablation to cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: In this retrospective single-center study, we identified 110 consecutive patients who underwent their first PVI with either vHPSD/HPSD (n = 54) or CBA (n = 56).

Effect of CFTR modulators Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor on lipid metabolism in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening hereditary disease resulting from mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a chloride channel essential for ion transport in epithelial cells. Mutations in CFTR, notably the prevalent F508del mutation, impair chloride transport, severely affecting the respiratory system and leading to recurrent infections. Recent therapeutic advancements include CFTR modulators such as ETI, a combination of two correctors (Elexacaftor and Tezacaftor) and a potentiator (Ivacaftor), that can improve CFTR function in patients with the F508del mutation.

Cohort-based nomogram for forensic prediction of SCD: a single-center pilot study.

Forensic diagnosis of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an extremely important part of routine forensic practice. The present study aimed to develop and validate nomograms for predicting the probability of SCD with special regards to ischemic heart disease-induced SCD (IHD-induced SCD) based on multiple autopsy variables. A total of 3322 cases, were enrolled and randomly assigned into a training cohort (n = 2325) and a validation cohort (n = 997), respectively.

Post-mortem diagnosis of septic arthritis by Pasteurella multocida: a case report and literature review of fatal septic arthritis.

The diagnosis of septic arthritis remains challenging in the clinical setting, often leading to a suspicion for medical liability. Our purpose is to describe an unusual case of a post-mortem diagnosis of P. multocida fatal septic arthritis, in a healthy 67-year-old woman presenting with pain in the right shoulder.

Correlation between in vivo imaging and post‑mortem autopsy findings for the medico-legal evaluation of a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm as a fatal complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A 36-year-old woman diagnosed with complicated cholecystolithiasis underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), then converted to open cholecystectomy because of a massive intraoperative bleeding. Hemostasis was performed with clipping and suturing the source of bleeding. In post-operative period, the patient suffered from persistent anemia associated with hemoperitoneum diagnosed through abdominal CT scanning, in absence of any sign of active bleeding.

Nutritional Strategies for Battling Obesity-Linked Liver Disease: the Role of Medical Nutritional Therapy in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Management.

Purpose Of Review: This narrative review explores the role of Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) in managing Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It aims to examine the effectiveness of specific nutritional strategies in preventing and treating this obesity-linked liver disease.

Recent Findings: Emerging evidence underscores the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting in reducing liver fat, improving insulin sensitivity, and mitigating inflammation.

Pelvic packing - status 2024.

Patients with unstable hemodynamics and unstable pelvic ring injuries are still demanding patients regarding initial treatment and survival. Several concepts were reported during the last 30 years. Mechanical stabilization of the pelvis together with hemorrhage control offer the best treatment option in these patients.

Safety of accessing brachial veins for large-bore upper extremity venous thrombectomy using ClotTriever Thrombectomy System.

Purpose: To evaluate access site adverse events following ClotTriever-mediated large-bore mechanical thrombectomy via small upper extremity deep veins (< 6-mm).

Materials And Methods: Twenty patients, including 24 upper extremity venous access sites, underwent ClotTriever-mediated large-bore thrombectomy of the upper extremity and thoracic central veins for symptomatic deep vein obstruction unresponsive to anticoagulation. Patients without follow-up venous duplex examinations (n = 3) were excluded.

Research Tools for Eating Behavior in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Objective: To identify the tools used to assess eating behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and summarize their distribution, citation rates, journal publication, JCR scores, and psychometric properties.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify studies on eating behavior in individuals with ASD. The search included various descriptors and combinations of keywords in databases such as Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science.