Radiographic and Clinical Results of Combined Bone and Soft-Tissue Tailored Surgeries for Hip Dislocation and Subluxation in Cerebral Palsy.

Background/objectives: The aim of the study is to present middle-term results of tailored bone and soft-tissue surgeries in subluxated and dislocated hips in children affected by cerebral palsy.

Methods: A total of 87 medical records belonging to 73 children affected by CP, treated with combined soft-tissue releases, VDO, and pelvic osteotomy, were reviewed retrospectively. Radiological measurements of AI, RI, and NSA were obtained before surgery, postoperatively, at 12 and 24 months after surgery.

A Survey on the Organization and Operation of Level II/III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Greece: A Comparison Between 2004 and 2022.

Background/objectives: Limited data exist on the organization and operation of Level II/III Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Greece; this retrospective cross-sectional survey explored their structure and functioning in 2004 and 2022.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was utilized, along with demographic and perinatal data obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

Results: Between 2004 and 2022, live births decreased by 28%, while the prematurity rate rose from 6.

The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing as a Complementary Therapeutic Strategy in Stress of Children and Teenagers 6-18 Years Old.

Background: Few studies are reported on interventions that have been carried out in children and adolescents using diaphragmatic breathing (DB) together with methods like counseling, muscle relaxation, therapeutic exercise, and music therapy.

Objective: The goal of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness of DB as complementary therapy in the stress of the pediatric population (6-18 years old).

Methods: Detailed research was carried out in the current literature to find relevant studies published from 2010 to October 2024 in PubMed and Cochrane Library.

Indicators of Glucose Metabolism in Children and Adolescents Characterized as Having "Metabolically Healthy" and "Metabolically Unhealthy" Obesity.

Background/objectives: Some individuals with obesity may exhibit fewer metabolic disturbances and face a lower long-term risk of complications; however, the existence of this so-called "metabolically healthy obesity" (MHO) compared to "metabolically unhealthy obesity" (MUO) remains controversial. We hypothesized that children with MHO might have a more favorable profile than children with MUO. Markers of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were compared between children and adolescents diagnosed with MHO and MUO.

Cardiovascular Disease Screening in Primary School Children.

Background: Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated risk factors in childhood facilitates early detection and timely preventive interventions. However, limited data are available regarding screening tools and their diagnostic yield when applied in unselected pediatric populations.

Aims: To evaluate the performance of a CVD screening program, based on history, 12-lead ECG and phonocardiography, applied in primary school children.

Metabolomics-Driven Insights into Biomarkers for Poor Ovarian Response: A Narrative Review.

Poor ovarian response (POR) remains a significant challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), as the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved directly influence embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Metabolomics has become a valuable tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and POR. This review aims to synthesize findings from metabolomic studies examining metabolite expression patterns in serum and follicular fluid samples from women with POR.

Integrated Management of Cardiovascular-Renal-Hepatic-Metabolic Syndrome: Expanding Roles of SGLT2is, GLP-1RAs, and GIP/GLP-1RAs.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome, introduced by the American Heart Association in 2023, represents a complex and interconnected spectrum of diseases driven by shared pathophysiological mechanisms. However, this framework notably excludes the liver-an organ fundamental to metabolic regulation. Building on this concept, Cardiovascular-Renal-Hepatic-Metabolic (CRHM) syndrome incorporates the liver's pivotal role in this interconnected disease spectrum, particularly through its involvement via metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The Impact of Amniotic Fluid Interleukin-6, Interleukin-8, and Metalloproteinase-9 on Preterm Labor: A Narrative Review.

Background/objectives: Preterm labor is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Previous research has indicated that an inflammatory response or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is a pathological condition linked to preterm birth; hence, inflammatory markers such as metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) have been utilized to predict preterm delivery. The identification of reliable biomarkers for early prediction is critical for improving maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.

Bariatric Surgery as a Molecular Modulator: The Role of FSHR Polymorphisms in Enhancing eNOS Expression and Reproductive Hormone Dynamics in Women with Severe Obesity.

Background/objectives: Severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m) has a severe influence on vascular health and reproduction. This study looks at how bariatric surgery affects endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and reproductive hormone regulation across different follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) polymorphism groups in women with extreme obesity.

Methods: Twenty-nine women with extreme obesity had bariatric surgery.

Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway, Oxidative Stress, and Fertility Outcomes in Morbidly Obese Women Following Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Obesity reduces nitric oxide (NO) production due to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction, resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. These factors have a negative impact on reproductive health, including oocyte quality, endometrial receptivity, and embryo implantation. When oxidative stress affects eNOS function, the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO-NO-NO) pathway provides an alternate route for NO production.

Maternal Macronutrient Intake and Associated Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the BORN2020 Study.

Limited evidence links maternal macronutrient intake to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Therefore, we evaluated these intakes both before and during pregnancy, comparing macronutrient data against the European Food and Safety Authorities' (EFSA) Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). Data were prospectively collected from the Greek BORN2020 epidemiologic pregnant cohort, which included 797 pregnant women, of whom 14.

MicroRNAs as Prognostic Biomarkers for Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation: Current Evidence and Future Directions.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Even though catheter ablation has emerged as an available and effective treatment for AF, recurrence remains a significant challenge. This review presents the existing evidence on the prognostic role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the prediction of AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

The Combinational Effect of Enhanced Infection Control Measures and Targeted Clinical Metagenomics Surveillance on the Burden of Endemic Carbapenem and Other β-Lactam Resistance Among Severely Ill Pediatric Patients.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as one of the most important global public health threats. There is an urgent need to reduce the spread of these multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-B), particularly in extremely vulnerable patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether targeted gene amplification performed directly on clinical samples can be used simultaneously with a bundle of enhanced infection control measures in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) endemic to MDR-B.

Enhancing Post-Training Muscle Recovery and Strength in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes with Cold-Water Immersion, a Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: The recovery method is important and decisive in the training system. This study aimed to assess the effects of various post-training recovery methods on muscle damage and strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting athletes. (2) Methods: A crossover study was conducted involving eleven male athletes (25.

Health Outcomes of Construction Workers Building Infrastructure for Mega-Sporting Events: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Migrant construction workers involved in building infrastructure for mega-sporting events face elevated risks of illness and death. However, specific health outcomes for these workers have not been systematically reviewed, limiting opportunities to identify and address their challenges.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed health outcomes among migrant construction workers involved in mega-sporting events.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Green Alternatives for Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Taxa with Potential Cosmetic Applications.

This study investigated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) for extracting bioactive compounds from the aerial parts of two mountain tea taxa, ssp. (Boiss. & Heldr.

Insecticidal Action of Local Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Pupae.

In this work, the ability of certain entomopathogenic fungi to control the olive fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae), which significantly affects olive cultivation, was assessed. First, entomopathogenic fungi that often contribute to reducing pests, as well as , were sought out. Puparia of were collected from oil mills, and soil samples were collected from various olive grove regions of Greece.

Cultural Competence of Obstetricians/Gynecologists and Midwives Providing Midwifery Care to Roma Women in Western Greece.

Providing midwifery care to Roma women is a significant public health issue due to their status as a vulnerable population, often facing unique challenges and discrimination in accessing healthcare. Cultural competence refers to the ability of maternity providers to understand and incorporate cultural factors within the broader healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the cultural competence of obstetricians/gynecologists and midwives working in Western Greece who provide midwifery care to Roma women.

The Impact of Relaxation Massage Prior to Bedtime on Sleep Quality and Quantity in People with Symptoms of Chronic Insomnia: A Home-Based Sleep Study.

Manual massage is an effective treatment approach for reducing general stress and promoting an overall sense of well-being. Relaxation massage aims to alleviate psychophysiological tension, enhance both blood and lymphatic circulation, and promote mental and physical relaxation. It is particularly beneficial for those with anxiety-related symptoms (such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety) and sleep disorders, aiming to improve calmness and promote sleepiness.

Exploring Literacy and Knowledge Gaps and Disparities in Genetics and Oncogenomics Among Cancer Patients and the General Population: A Scoping Review.

Background: Genetic and genomic literacy is pivotal in empowering cancer patients and citizens to navigate the complexities of omics sciences, resolve misconceptions surrounding clinical research and genetic/genomic testing, and make informed decisions about their health. In a fast-evolving scenario where routine testing has become widespread in healthcare, this scoping review sought to pinpoint existing gaps in literacy and understanding among cancer patients and the general public regarding genetics and genomics.

Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the review included 43 studies published between January 2018 and June 2024, which evaluated the understanding of genetics and genomics among cancer patients, caregivers, and citizens.

Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment.

Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic with far-reaching health complications, including its role as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Increasing evidence suggests that obesity contributes to CKD through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, hemodynamic alterations, insulin resistance, and lipid accumulation. These processes can culminate in histopathological changes collectively referred to as obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG).

Infective Complications of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and Clinical Biomarkers: A Concise Review.

EBUS-TBNA is the most common interventional pulmonology procedure performed globally and remains the cornerstone of the diagnosis and staging not only of lung cancer but also for other neoplastic, inflammatory, and infective pathologies of the mediastinum. Infective complications of EBUS-TBNA are underreported in the literature, but the constantly rising incidence of lung cancer is leading to an increasing number of EBUS-TBNA procedures and, therefore, to a significant number of infective complications, even 4 weeks following the procedure. In this review we attempt to summarize the risk factors related to these infective complications, along with useful biomarkers that can be used to identify patients that might develop infective complications, to facilitate the prediction or even prompt treatment of these.

Detection of Adulteration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy: A Comparative Study.

The fast detection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) adulteration with poorer quality and lower price vegetable oils is important for the protection of consumers and the market of olive oil from fraudulent activities, the latter exhibiting an increasing trend worldwide during the last few years. In this work, two optical spectroscopic techniques, namely, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, are employed and are assessed for EVOO adulteration detection, using the same set of olive oil samples. In total, 184 samples were studied, including 40 EVOOs and 144 binary mixtures with pomace, soybean, corn, and sunflower oils, at various concentrations (ranging from 10 to 90% /).

A Novel Process for Oleacein Production from Olive Leaves Using Freeze Drying Methodology.

The abundant yet underutilized olive leaves, a renewable by-product of olive cultivation, offer untapped potential for producing high-value bioactive compounds, notably oleacein. Existing extraction methods are often inefficient, yielding low quantities of oleacein due to enzymatic degradation of its precursor, oleuropein, during conventional processing and storage. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by exploring a novel methodology based on freeze-drying, to facilitate the in situ enzymatic biotransformation of oleuropein into oleacein directly within the plant matrix.

Oxidative Stability of Virgin Avocado Oil Enriched with Avocado Leaves and Olive-Fruit-Processing By-Products (Leaves, Pomace) via Ultrasound-Assisted Maceration.

Virgin avocado oil (VAO), treasured for its nutritional and sensory properties, is susceptible to oxidation. To improve its oxidative stability, the feasibility of enrichment with antioxidants from avocado or olive-processing by-products via ultrasound-assisted maceration was explored. Dried, milled avocado (AL), olive leaves (OL), or olive pomace (OP) were ultrasound-macerated with laboratory-extracted VAO at 5, 10, and 20% levels.