The Putative Antidiabetic Effect of on Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a global disease that significantly impacts public health, has become increasingly common over time. In this review, we aim to determine the potential benefits of St. John's Wort (SJW) as an adjunct therapy for DM.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of bulevirtide monotherapy for up to 96 weeks in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Bulevirtide (BLV) 2 mg/day is EMA approved for treatment of compensated chronic hepatitis due to Delta virus (HDV) infection, however real-life data in large cohorts of patients with cirrhosis are lacking.

Methods: Consecutive HDV-infected patients with cirrhosis starting BLV 2 mg/day since September 2019 were included in a European retrospective multicenter real-life study (SAVE-D). Patient characteristics before and during BLV treatment were collected.

Prognostic factors for first recurrence following meningioma surgery.

The present study investigated the role of the Simpson grade system, MIB-1 immunohistochemical marker, meningioma location and grade in the risk of recurrence. Between January, 2008 and January, 2018, the present study retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing craniotomy for the resection of a histopathologically confirmed meningioma. Patients with neurofibromatosis, acoustic neurinomas and radiation treatment prior to surgery were excluded.

Prognostic Value of Serum TMAO Measurement in Patients with STEMI: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Gut microbiota-derived metabolite Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is increasingly recognized as a potential novel prognostic biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Our research work aimed to investigate the potential utility of TMAO measurement in patients with STelevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed from inception to the 1st of February 2024 to identify all studies examining the association between plasma TMAO levels and disease complexity or clinical outcomes in STEMI patients.

The Conservative Management of the Carpometacarpal Joint Fracture-Dislocation: A Case of the Second to the Fifth Ray.

Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint fractures-dislocations are rare due to the complex structure of the carpal bones and strong ligamentous support; while the clinical image is usually "noisy," they present significant management challenges due to the unstable nature of the injury. These injuries are typically caused by high-energy trauma and frequently result in dorsal dislocations. Treatment requires a careful balance between the immobilization and surgical restoration of the anatomical alignment to prevent complications.

Anatomical Schemata Revealed by the Critical View of Safety Approach: A Proposal of the Hellenic Task Force on the Typology of Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (HETALCHO).

: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed operation in general surgery in the Western World. Gallbladder surgery, although most of the time simple, always offers the possibility of unpleasant surprises. Despite progress, the incidence of common bile duct injury is 0.

Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: What's New Regarding Its Diagnostics and Therapeutics?

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is defined as the development of AKI in the context of a potentially life-threatening organ dysfunction attributed to an abnormal immune response to infection. SA-AKI has been associated with increased mortality when compared to sepsis or AKI alone. Therefore, its early recognition is of the utmost importance in terms of its morbidity and mortality rates.

Vaccination as a Promising Approach in Cardiovascular Risk Mitigation: Are We Ready to Embrace a Vaccine Strategy?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global health concern, with atherosclerosis being its principal cause. Standard CVD treatments primarily focus on mitigating cardiovascular (CV) risk factors through lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering therapies. As atherosclerosis is marked by chronic arterial inflammation, the innate and adaptive immune systems play vital roles in its progression, either exacerbating or alleviating disease development.

Machine learning applications in healthcare clinical practice and research.

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence that assists computers in the acquisition of knowledge through data analysis, thus creating machines that can complete tasks otherwise requiring human intelligence. Among its various applications, it has proven groundbreaking in healthcare as well, both in clinical practice and research. In this editorial, we succinctly introduce ML applications and present a study, featured in the latest issue of the .

Ultra-Processed Foods and Childhood Obesity: Current evidence and perspectives.

Purpose Of The Review: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) represent foods that have undergone substantial industrial processing, such as the addition of preservatives and various other ingredients, thereby making them more tasty, appealing and easy to consume. UPFs are often rich in sugars, saturated fats and salt, while they are low in essential nutrients.The aim of this review is to examine the relationship between the widespread consumption of UPFs and the development of obesity among children and adolescents.

A Narrative Review of Combat Sports Injuries With a Particular Focus on Cervical Spine Injuries.

Combat sports encompass a wide range of disciplines, each associated with distinct injury patterns and mechanisms. From karate to wrestling, athletes face varying degrees of injury risks, with common clinical presentations including head injuries, strains, sprains, fractures, and concussions. These injuries often result from dynamic movements, physical contact, and high-impact collisions inherent to combat sports.

Bone and muscle mass characteristics in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are rare tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells most commonly in the gastrointestinal-tract. In recent years, advancements in therapeutics have increased survival rates in patients with NEN leading to a greater clinical burden compared to the general population.

Methods: The aim of this single-center case-control study was to investigate the incidence of low bone mass and changes in body composition in adult patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNET).

The relationship between residual insulin secretion and subclinical cardiovascular risk indices in young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Background: Patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1), even in the setting of adequate glycaemic control, have an excess risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Residual insulin secretion (RIS), measured by detectable C-peptide levels in patients with DM1, might protect against diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to examine the relationship between residual insulin secretion and prognostic markers of cardiovascular complications in patients with DM1.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 7704 Individuals: An Analysis from the Greek Registry for the Prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (GRegistry-FH).

The intention of this study was to profile the cohort from the Greek Registry for the prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (GRegistry-FH) by estimating the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), pre-DM, smoking, abnormal thyroid function (ATF), and lipid values. The GRegistry-FH is a prospective study involving door-to-door interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Overall, 7704 individuals aged ≥18 years, randomly selected from all the regions of Greece, participated.

A Systematic Review of Current Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions for the Use of Robotic Surgery in Otolaryngology in Greece.

Robotic surgery is increasingly used in otolaryngology (ENT), particularly for complex head and neck procedures. It offers various advantages, including limited postoperative pain, excellent aesthetic results, better visualization in the surgical field, enhanced dexterity due to movement adjustment by the robotic system, and minimal complications and hospital stay. However, robotic systems' higher cost and limited availability are a burden for clinical applications.

The Recurrence of Tracheobronchial Papillomatosis Following Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a challenging disease to manage, due to its highly recurring nature and the lack of a definitive treatment. It is characterized by the presence of benign papillomatous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can pose a threat to the patient's airway patency and restrict their breathing ability. We present the case of a 64-year-old patient with a history of papillomas in the trachea and bronchi, treated with endobronchial cryotherapy.

Insights from respiratory virus co-infections.

Respiratory viral co-infections present significant challenges in clinical settings due to their impact on disease severity and patient outcomes. Current diagnostic methods often miss these co-infections, complicating the epidemiology and management of these cases. Research, primarily conducted and , suggests that co-infections can lead to more severe illnesses, increased hospitalization rates, and greater healthcare utilization, especially in high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

24-hour isolated aortic systolic hypertension phenotype and its association with carotid and cardiac damage: the SAFAR study.

The prevalence of systolic hypertension phenotypes based on simultaneous 24-h brachial (br) and aortic (ao) ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) remains unknown. We sought to describe their prevalence and associations with hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD). Participants with 24-h br and ao ABPM, carotid ultrasound and echocardiography data were categorized into 4 systolic hypertension phenotypes: sustained systolic br and ao normotension (SSN), isolated br systolic hypertension (IbrSH), isolated ao systolic hypertension (IaoSH) and sustained br and ao systolic hypertension (SSH).

Association between simple, combined lipid markers and 20-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes: the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simple, combined lipid biomarkers, and 20-year cumulative incidence of new type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults participating in the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

Methods: The present analysis included data from 2000 individuals free of T2DM at baseline (age 43 ± 13 years; 51% women). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, clinical, and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline and follow-up examinations; combined lipid markers were evaluated.

Addressing the essentials of the recent guidelines for managing patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation in the Western world, with an approximate prevalence of 30% worldwide which is continuously rising. It is characterized by intrahepatic fat deposition along with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. MASLD consists of a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from simple liver steatosis to steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis.

Aberrant anatomy in the context of the critical view of safety.

Background: The protective impact of the Critical View of Safety (CVS) approach on the vasculo-biliary injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) depends largely upon the understanding of the normal and variant anatomy. Structures exposed during the acquisition of the CVS can deviate from the typical dual configuration of the cystic duct and artery (gallbladder pedicle) representing either a third (supernumerary) or atypical in course (heterotopic) element. The aim of this study was to determine the identity and the frequency of these anatomical elements and to propose anatomic schemata that can guide the achievement of CVS by surgeons.

Renal survival and treatment of adult patients with Primary Focal Segmental glomerulosclerosis: A historical cohort study of the National Greek Registry.

Background/objective: Primary Focal and Segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the most common causes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Our aim was to describe a large cohort of patients with primary FSGS, identify risk factors associated with worse renal survival and assess the impact of different immunosuppressive regiments on renal survival.

Methods: This was a historical cohort study of adults who were diagnosed with primary FSGS from March 26, 1982, to September 16, 2020.

Vitamin D Supplementation as a Therapeutic Strategy in Autoimmune Diabetes: Insights and Implications for LADA Management.

Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is the most prevalent form of autoimmune diabetes (AI-D) in adulthood; however, its accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment remain challenging. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is commonly observed in LADA patients, while increased vitamin D exposure through supplementation and dietary intake is associated with a reduced incidence of LADA. Although limited, case reports, case-control studies, and randomized clinical trials have examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation-alone or combined with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-is)-on glucose regulation, residual β-cell function, and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA65) levels.

Exposure to Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances During Pregnancy and Asthma in Childhood: A Systematic Review.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that has been increasing in prevalence among children globally. While genetic factors contribute to asthma risk, there are growing concerns about environmental exposures, such as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which may disrupt respiratory and immune development in the prenatal period. This systematic review aimed to assess the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and the development of asthma in childhood, integrating findings from epidemiological studies.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Lactation.

Tobacco smoke exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly for lactating women and their infants. Despite widespread awareness of the harms of smoking during pregnancy, many women continue to smoke postpartum, directly impacting lactation success and infant health. Studies have shown that nicotine, the primary component of tobacco smoke, inhibits prolactin production and the milk ejection reflex, resulting in a decreased milk supply and poor breastfeeding outcomes.