Effects of long-term corticosteroid use on susceptibility to respiratory viruses: a narrative review.

Background: Synthetic glucocorticoids are among the most commonly administered drugs due to their potent immunomodulatory properties. However, they may put patients at risk for infections. Their effect on the incidence of respiratory viral infections (RVIs) remains unclear.

Serum and urinary levels of MIF, CD74, DDT and CXCR4 among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals: Implications for further research.

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a highly conserved cytokine with pleiotropic properties, mainly pro-inflammatory. MIF seems to exert its pro-inflammatory features by binding to its transmembrane cellular receptor CD74. MIF also has CXCR4, which acts as a co-receptor in this inflammatory process.

A novel HLA-DQB1*06 variant allele, HLA-DQB1*06:02:01:40, identified by next-generation sequencing.

The HLA-DQB1*06:02:01:40 allele differs from HLA-DQB1*06:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution in intron 2.

A novel HLA-DQB1*03 variant allele, HLA-DQB1*03:01:01:64, identified by next-generation sequencing.

The HLA-DQB1*03:01:01:64 allele differs from HLA-DQB1*03:01:01:03 by a single nucleotide substitution in intron 2.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure based on Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block.

Aims: The left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a strong predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, a significant number of patients do not respond to the treatment. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the stricter Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block (St-LBBB) on CRT response, hospitalizations, ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events and mortality.

A novel HLA-C*07 variant allele, HLA-C*07:01:01:141, identified by next-generation sequencing.

Characterisation of the novel HLA-C*07:01:01:141 allele in a 23-year-old Greek bone marrow donor.

The possible effect of anti-diabetic agents GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i on the respiratory system function.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease with increasing incidence and prevalence and serious chronic complications, especially from cardiovascular system. However, other organs can be affected too. Several studies have associated T2D, especially when poorly controlled, with multiple pulmonary diseases.

CCTA-Guided Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With CABG: A Multicenter, Randomized Study.

Background: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has a high diagnostic accuracy for visualization of grafts. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with CABG is associated with increased procedural time, contrast agent administration, radiation exposure, and complications, compared with non-CABG patients. The aim of this multicenter, randomized controlled trial was to compare the strategy of CCTA-guided ICA versus classic ICA in patients with prior CABG.

The role of kidney biopsy in deciphering diabetic versus non-diabetic origin of kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephrotic range proteinuria: A retrospective study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is tightly associated with the increased prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Nonetheless, severe renal function impairment and/or nephrotic range-proteinuria could also result from non-diabetic renal disease (non-DRD) among patients with DM. The 'Gold standard' for the differential diagnosis between DKD and non-DRD is kidney biopsy, although no real consensus exists.

Evaluation of Five Screening Tools in Detecting Physical Frailty in Cirrhosis and Their Prognostic Role.

: Physical frailty (PF) is a syndrome of decreased physical function and reserves, preventing patients from coping with stressful events. PF screening tools in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) can help evaluate the risk of complications and death. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of five screening tools in detecting PF and their ability to predict 18-month mortality in LC.

Cumulative Effect of Psychosis and Aging on Cognitive Function in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Cognitive Domain Approach.

Background: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are characterized by cognitive decline, which is evident even in the prodromal phase. Aging is a complex gradual procedure that affects, among other organs, the central nervous system, resulting in age-related cognitive decline.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the cognitive function of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders, in comparison with healthy controls, along the age spectrum.

Successful weaning from parenteral nutrition in a short bowel syndrome patient with high-output stoma through restricted oral diet: a case report.

A restricted oral diet plays a significant role in the nutritional management of patients with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). SBS patients often experience increased intestinal output, especially if they are classified as net "secretors" (typically having less than 100 cm of residual jejunum). This means they lose more water and sodium from their stoma than they take in by mouth.

An Overview of Cardiovascular Risk in Pituitary Disorders.

Cardiovascular comorbidities owing to hormonal excess or deficiency are the main cause of mortality in patients with pituitary disorders. In patients with Cushing's Disease, there is an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and/or risk factors including visceral obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hypercoagulability as well as structural and functional changes in the heart, like cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. Notably, these demonstrate limited reversibility even after remission.

Metabolic Changes Following Smoking Cessation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Smoking cessation is crucial for reducing complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but associated weight gain can worsen glycemic control, discouraging quitting attempts. Varenicline, a partial agonist of α4β2 nicotinic receptors, aids smoking cessation. This study examines the effects of varenicline on body weight and metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM and prediabetes.

Erythropoietin Effect on Complement Activation in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The complement system is an important part of innate immunity. Despite its known protective role, the complement system may contribute to increased inflammation and tissue injury in cases where its balanced activation is disrupted. The kidneys have been shown to be largely affected by complement dysregulation.

A Rapidly Developing Nodule in a Patient With Hairy Cell Leukemia in Remission: Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Background/aim: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a well-known lymphoproliferative disease with very effective treatment approaches primarily relying on purine analogues. However, these treatments are associated with profound and prolonged immunosuppression. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and extremely aggressive skin tumor with an increased incidence in immunocompromised patients.

Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia: An overview for optimal clinical guidance.

Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia, also known as non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH), is a rare but critical condition occurring in patients with different types of malignancy. This condition is commonly linked to tumors producing insulin-like growth (IGF) factors, particularly IGF-2 and its precursors, which disrupt glucose homeostasis and lead to excessive glucose consumption. The diagnosis typically involves documenting symptomatic hypoglycemia and ruling out other potential causes.

Incidental detection of hereditary bisalbuminemia in a patient with positive DAT coombs: A case-based review.

Bisalbuminemia is a rare, typically benign condition marked by the presence of a bifid albumin band on serum protein electrophoresis. It can either be inherited due to a point mutation or acquired in association with various medical conditions, most commonly diabetes mellitus. Bisalbuminuria, the presence of bifid albumin in urine, may or may not accompany bisalbuminemia.

The Kidney in Obesity: Current Evidence, Perspectives and Controversies.

Purpose Of Review: As obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain a public health issue, we aim to elaborate on their complex relationship regarding pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic potential as well. The purpose of this review is to enhance our understanding of the interplay between obesity and CKD in order to timely diagnose and treat obesity-related CKD.

Recent Findings: Obesity and CKD pose significant intertwined challenges to global health, affecting a substantial portion of the population worldwide.