Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a silent and progressive disease with deleterious vascular implications on all target organs, including the heart, the brain, the kidneys, and the eyes. Oxidative stress, defined as the overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) over antioxidants, is capable of deteriorating not only the normal endothelial but also the cellular function with further cardiovascular implications. Xanthine oxidase activity, NADPH oxidase overexpression, and ROS production lead to hypertension and high arterial tone, culminating in end-organ damage.

Emotional Stress in Cardiac and Vascular Diseases.

Introduction/objective: Emotional, mental, or psychological distress, defined as increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or stress, is common in patients with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD).

Methods: Literature was reviewed regarding data from studies and meta-analyses examining the impact of emotional stress on the occurrence and outcome of several CVDs (coronary disease, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, stroke). These influences' pathophysiology and clinical spectrum are detailed, tabulated, and pictorially illustrated.

Prophylactic HPV vaccination in HPV-related gynecologic cancers: European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) prevention committee opinion.

Many clinicians recommend that patients diagnosed with HPV-related gynecologic cancers receive prophylactic HPV vaccination at the time of cancer diagnosis or after cancer treatment. In view of the large use of such practice, we aimed to assess the literature evidence supporting the use of prophylactic HPV vaccines after diagnosis or treatment of HPV-related gynecologic cancers. Women who develop HPV-related cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers represent a subgroup of patients who may be particularly sensitive to HPV infection and re-acquire infections.

Could Fibrin Sealants (TISSEEL) Be Effective in the Management of Burn Injuries? A Histopathological Study in Rats.

Burn injuries remain a major clinical problem worldwide, which require special management by experienced plastic surgeons. However, they cannot be available in every healthcare unit; consequently, there is a need for effective treatment options that could be utilized by a wide range of non-expert healthcare professionals. The aim of the present experimental study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using a fibrin sealant (TISSEEL) compared to the conventional treatment with sulfadiazine on partial-thickness burn in a rat animal model.

Cerebrospinal Drain Infection by : A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

is notorious for its ability to spread within healthcare environments, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), posing significant challenges for clinicians as treatment options become limited. This is especially concerning in the context of central nervous system (CNS)-invasive infections. While rare, its involvement in nosocomial brain ventriculitis presents substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with no established guidelines for managing CNS infections caused by .

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and chiari I malformation. A case report and systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by vascular malformations, bone abnormalities, and limb overgrowth. The genetic basis of KTS is not fully understood, and the diagnosis relies on clinical features. Its clinical spectrum includes several neurosurgical diagnoses, such as cavernous hemangiomas, arteriovenous fistulas, and Chiari I malformation.

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.

Proteomic Changes of Glycolipid Pathways in Age-Related, Diabetic, and Post-Vitrectomy Cataracts.

: Alterations in glycolipid and glycosphingolipid pathways lead to compromised cell membranes and may be involved in cataract formation. However, the exact role of glycolipids in lens opacification is not completely understood. The aim of the current study is to investigate proteome complexity and the role of glycolipid and glycosphingolipid pathways in cataract formation.

Unlocking the Secrets of Acute Coronary Syndromes Using Intravascular Imaging: From Pathophysiology to Improving Outcomes.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents the most severe manifestation of coronary artery disease. Intravascular imaging, both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), have played crucial roles for the impressive reduction in mortality of ACS. Intravascular imaging is useful for the detection of atherosclerotic mechanism (plaque rupture, calcified nodules, or plaque erosions) and for the evaluation of nonatherosclerotic and nonobstructive types of ACS.

Lipoprotein (a) in the Full Spectrum of MASLD; Evidence from Histologically and Genetically Characterized Cohorts.

Background And Aims: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an emerging biomarker for cardiometabolic factors. We studied the role of Lp(a) in the full spectrum of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods: Three independent analyses were implemented using a multi-center, cross-sectional, liver biopsy-based study (n=332) (Study 1) and the UK Biobank prospective study (n=270,004) (Study 2, median follow-up=12.

Prophylactic Mesh Augmentation of Midline Closure in Patients Undergoing Resection for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Reduces the Rate of Incisional Hernia: Results of a Case-Series Study.

Incisional hernias represent a far more common complication after midline incisions than previously estimated. Patients with upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies represent a group of patients at increased risk for incisional hernia formation after undergoing major surgery. Our prospectively designed study included 50 patients who underwent onlay synthetic mesh augmentation of their midline closure along with closure using the small bites technique.

Advancing Progressive Web Applications to Leverage Medical Imaging for Visualization of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine and Multiplanar Reconstruction: Software Development and Validation Study.

Background: In medical imaging, 3D visualization is vital for displaying volumetric organs, enhancing diagnosis and analysis. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) improves visual and diagnostic capabilities by transforming 2D images from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging into 3D representations. Web-based Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewers integrated into picture archiving and communication systems facilitate access to pictures and interaction with remote data.

Evaluating Interleukin-2 and Its Receptors As Indicators of Acute Renal Graft Rejection.

Introduction Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that exerts its actions via binding to a variety of interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R), thereby stimulating T-cell response. Acute renal graft rejection (AR) is known to be mediated by CD8+ T-cells, through the IL-2 pathway. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL-2 and IL-2R could work as prognostic biomarkers of AR.

Clarithromycin For Improved Clinical Outcomes in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Subgroup Analysis of the ACCESS Study.

Background: In the ACCESS trial the addition of clarithromycin to standard-of-care (SoC) antibiotics enhanced early clinical response and attenuated the inflammatory burden in adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospitalization. A post-hoc analysis was performed to investigate the benefit in specific subgroups.

Methods: The primary endpoint comprised two conditions to be met during the first 72 hours: ≥50% decrease of respiratory symptom severity score; and any of ≥30% decrease of SOFA score and favourable change of kinetics of procalcitonin (defined as ≥80% PCT decrease or PCT <0.

Anakinra efficacy in COVID-19 pneumonia guided by soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor: Association with the inflammatory burden of the host.

Background: Anakinra was approved by the European Medicines Agency and received Emergency Use Authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at risk for severe respiratory failure (SRF) with blood levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) ≥ 6 ng/mL. We report the final results of the phase II open-label single-arm SAVE trial in a large population.

Methods: Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and suPAR levels ≥ 6 ng/mL received subcutaneous anakinra 100 mg once daily for 10 days.

Mortality of Acute Kidney Injury in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Over 5 Million Patients Across Different Clinical Settings.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a commonly seen condition in the natural course of cirrhosis associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Aims: To evaluate and compare the pooled mortality rates of patients with cirrhosis, with versus without AKI, across different clinical settings and diagnostic criteria.

Methods: A systematic search of several databases was performed up to Oct 2023.

An Updated Review on Arterial Stiffness Measurement Techniques and Arterial Stiffness Alterations After Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background: Studies over the last years have revealed the possible impact of endovascular repair of abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms on the arterial stiffness and secondary on the cardiac function and the central hemodynamics.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to collect data on current methods of arterial stiffness assessment and the induced changes in arterial stiffness after endovascular or open surgical repair of abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Results: Seventeen studies were analyzed.

Relugolix for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Introduction: Androgen deprivation therapy consists of the cornerstone of prostate cancer medical treatment. Until recently, castration of hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonadal axial was based on injectable medical agents. A few years ago, a novel per os administered GnRH antagonist was approved leading testosterone to castration level.