Atrial fibrillation versus. atrial myopathy in thrombogenesis: Two sides of the same coin?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial myopathy are recognized contributors to cardiovascular morbidity, particularly ischemic stroke. AF poses an elevated risk of thrombogenesis due to irregular heart rhythm leading to blood stasis and clot formation. Atrial myopathy, marked by structural and functional alterations in the atria, is emerging as a crucial factor influencing thromboembolic events, independently of AF.

An integrated participatory framework for WEFE nexus strategic planning: The Jordan Valley case study.

The Jordan Valley (JV) is a critical region where the interplay of water, energy, food, and ecosystem (WEFE) dynamics presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In such a transboundary river basin with acute nexus problems and a long history of conflicts, it is essential that conscious efforts are made to pluralize the debate and actively encourage stakeholders' empowerment, participation and fair collaboration in strategic planning. An integrated framework for participatory strategic planning in the WEFE nexus is proposed, which has been developed in the context of the JV case study.

Isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism identification based on international classification of diseases (ICD)-10 codes and imaging reports.

Background: Isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (issPE) is a commonly encountered diagnosis. Although the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes are used for research, their validity for identifying issPE is unknown. Moreover, issPE diagnosis is challenging, and the findings from radiology reports may conflict with those from expert radiologists.

Revisiting secondary model features for describing the shoulder and lag parameters of microbial inactivation and growth models.

The Baranyi and Geeraerd models are two of the most reliable models for the description of, respectively, microbial growth and inactivation. They are defined as a system of differential equations, whose algebraic solution can describe the microbial response during isothermal conditions, especially when combined with suitable secondary models. However, there are still large uncertainties regarding the best functions to use as secondary models for the lag phase duration (λ) and the shoulder length (S).

In situ remediation of oil-contaminated soils by ozonation: Experimental study and numerical modeling.

The goal of the present work is to quantify the performance of ozonation as a method for the in situ remediation of soils polluted at varying degree with different types of hydrocarbons, and assess its applicability, in terms of remediation efficiency, cost factors, and environmental impacts. Ozonation tests are conducted on dry soil beds, for three specific cases: sandy soil contaminated with low, moderate and high concentration of a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) consisting of equal concentrations of n-decane, n-dodecane, and n-hexadecane; sandy soil polluted with diesel fuel; oil-drilling cuttings (ODC). The transient changes of the concentration of the total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in soil and carbon dioxide (CO), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O) in exhaust gases are recorded.

Abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of testicular germ-cell tumors in adults: recommendations of the Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

Objectives: The Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (SPIWG) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) aimed to formulate recommendations on the imaging modalities and minimal technical requirements for abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of adult patients treated for testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT).

Methods: The SPIWG members performed an extensive literature search, reviewed the current clinical practice, and reached a consensus based on the opinions of experts in the field.

Results: Recurrence in patients treated for TGCT mainly occurs in retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LNs).

High-Purity Ethylene Production from Ethane/Ethylene Mixtures at Ambient Conditions by Ethane-Selective Fluorine-Doped Activated Carbon Adsorbents.

Energy-efficient separation of light alkanes from alkenes is considered as one of the most important separations of the chemical industry today due to the high energy penalty associated with the applied conventional cryogenic technologies. This study introduces fluorine-doped activated carbon adsorbents, where elemental fluorine incorporation into the carbon matrix plays a unique role in achieving high ethane selectivity. This enhanced selectivity arises from specific interactions between surface-doped fluorine atoms and ethane molecules, coupled with porosity modulation.

HIF-1α and VEGF Immunophenotypes as Potential Biomarkers in the Prognosis and Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy of Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and its related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a significant role in atherosclerosis and their targeting is a strategic approach that may affect multiple pathways influencing disease progression. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to reveal current evidence on the role of HIF-1α and VEGF immunophenotypes with other prognostic markers as potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis prognosis and treatment efficacy.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the current literature to explore the role of HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression along with the relation to the prognosis and therapeutic strategies of atherosclerosis.

Winery By-Products and Effects on Atherothrombotic Markers: Focus on Platelet-Activating Factor.

Platelet aggregation and inflammation play a crucial role in atherothrombosis. Wine contains micro-constituents of proper quality and quantity that exert cardioprotective actions, partly through inhibiting platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent inflammatory and thrombotic lipid mediator. However, wine cannot be consumed extensively due to the presence of ethanol.

Fenestrated Anaconda Endograft for the Treatment of Complex Aortic Aneurysms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of Anaconda fenestrated endograft for the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA).

Material And Methods: A systematic search of all the literature reported until May 2024 was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The pooled 30-day mortality rate, technical success rate, reintervention rate as well as bridging stent occlusion rate, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed or random effect methods.

Evaluation of Cognitive Functions in People Living with HIV Before and After COVID-19 Infection.

Background: Cognitive function decline is a problem in aging people living with HIV (PLWHIV). COVID-19 infection is associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations that may persist. The aim of our study was to evaluate cognitive function in PLWHIV before and after COVID-19 infection.

Partial AUCs in Long-Acting Injectables: Rationale, Challenges, Variability, Usefulness, and Clinical Relevance.

Regulatory authorities typically require bioequivalence to be demonstrated by comparing pharmacokinetic parameters like area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C). Because in certain cases, AUC and C alone may not be adequate to identify formulation differences in early and/or late segments of the dosing interval, partial AUCs (pAUCs) have been proposed as additional metrics to evaluate bioequivalence. Even though cut-off points for pAUCs are usually decided based on clinical relevance, the identification of the correct cut-off range remains elusive in many other cases and tends to contribute to increased pAUC estimate variabilities.

A Comparative Phytochemical Investigation of the Greek Members of the Genus Mill., with Emphasis on the Local Endemic Boiss and Orph.

The members of the genus Mill. are notable for producing a diverse range of structurally intricate secondary metabolites, being the focus of current phytochemical research. Their importance is recognized as several species hold significant ethnopharmacological value, being traditionally used to address ailments in human systems, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary conditions, among others.

Virulence of Five Root-Knot Nematodes ( spp.) on Nine Industrial Hemp ( L.) Varieties and Nematicidal Potential of Hemp Seed Extracts Against .

The most common and damaging plant parasitic nematodes are root-knot nematodes (RNK). Although hemp has been clearly infected by RNK, little information is available regarding the extent of the damage and losses caused. In addition, no information is available concerning hemp seed extracts' activity against RNK.

The Potency of Essential Oils in Combating Stored-Product Pests: From Nature to Nemesis.

, , , , , , , , and represent significant arthropod stored-product pests worldwide. To combat these noxious arthropods, the current study examines the pesticidal effect of essential oils (EOs) derived from four aromatic plants, i.e.

Plant Factory in a Restaurant: Light Quality Effects on the Development, Physiology, and Quality of Three Baby-Leaf Vegetables.

Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) are a notable choice for urban agriculture due to the system's benefits, where light can be manipulated to enhance the product's yield and quality. Our objective was to test the effect of light spectra with different red-blue combinations and white light on the growth, physiology, and overall quality of three baby-leaf vegetables (green lettuce, kale, and pak choi) grown in a restaurant's PFAL. Leaf mass per area was lower under the most blue-containing treatments in all species.

Gluten-Free Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life: The Validated Hellenic Version of the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test.

Background/objectives: A reliable assessment of gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence is essential for managing celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to validate the Hellenic version of the Celiac Disease Adherence Test (H-CDAT) to evaluate adherence levels and explore the impact of dietary adherence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL)-both of which have never been objectively assessed in Greek CD patients.

Methods: The study included 102 adult CD patients who completed H-CDAT, diet-related questions, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Translation and Adaptation of the SCOFF Questionnaire to the Greek Language (G-SCOFF) Using a Tertiary-Setting Adolescent Sample.

Background/objectives: Feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) constitute an important mental health problem today, especially among youngsters. The Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food (SCOFF) questionnaire was developed 25 years ago and remains the most frequently applied screening tool for FEDs among adults and youngsters. The aim of the present study was to translate and adapt the SCOFF questionnaire to the Greek language, using a tertiary-setting adolescent sample.

Sarcopenia and Cardiogeriatrics: The Links Between Skeletal Muscle Decline and Cardiovascular Aging.

Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, is increasingly recognized as a significant condition in the aging population, particularly among those with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the interplay between sarcopenia and cardiogeriatrics, emphasizing shared mechanisms such as chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, and physical inactivity. Despite advancements in diagnostic frameworks, such as the EWGSOP2 and AWGS definitions, variability in criteria and assessment methods continues to challenge standardization.

Impact of Maternal Macronutrient Intake on Large for Gestational Age Neonates' Risk Among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the Greek BORN2020 Cohort.

Background/objectives: The effect of maternal macronutrient composition on the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate these associations in a pregnant cohort in Northern Greece, considering both pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy dietary intake, and stratifying women by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Methods: From a total of 797 eligible pregnant women, the 117 (14.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Interrelationships Among Mental Health, Nutritional Status and Lifestyle Factors of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Pre- and Post-Covid Periods.

Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to detrimental effects on diverse aspects of the mental and physical health of the general population worldwide. The elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection compared to younger age groups. In this aspect, the purpose of the current survey is to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the interrelationships among the sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, depressive behavior, quality of life, cognition status, physical activity and nutritional status of older adults.

Changes in Lifestyle Behaviors, Shopping Habits and Body Weight Among Adults in Cyprus and Greece During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were asked to stay at home. Places where people interacted such as schools, universities, and cafes were closed, and all gatherings were forbidden. Only stores offering fast-moving consumer goods were open, so citizens could purchase all food categories.

Nanoparticle-Doped Antibacterial and Antifungal Coatings.

Antimicrobial polymeric coatings rely not only on their surface functionalities but also on nanoparticles (NPs). Antimicrobial coatings gain their properties from the addition of NPs into a polymeric matrix. NPs that have been used include metal-based NPs, metal oxide NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and organic NPs.

Synthesis of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs' Chalcone Derivatives and a Study of Their Conformational Properties Through a Combination of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Molecular Modeling.

Background: In this study, two chalcone analogs were synthesized through in silico and experimental methods, and their potential to inhibit the lipoxygenase enzyme, which plays a role in the inflammation pathway, was assessed. Specifically, this study is a continuation of previous research in which chalcone derivatives were synthesized and characterized.

Objectives/methods: In the current work, we present the re-synthesis of two chalcones, with a focus on their docking studies, NMR analysis, and dynamic simulations.

Τhiazolidine-4-One Derivatives with Variable Modes of Inhibitory Action Against DPP4, a Drug Target with Multiple Activities and Established Role in Diabetes Mellitus Type II.

DPP4 is an enzyme with multiple natural substrates and probable involvement in various mechanisms. It constitutes a drug target for the treatment of diabetes II, although, also related to other disorders. While a number of drugs with competitive inhibitory action and covalent binding capacity are available, undesired side effects exist partly attributed to drug kinetics, and research for finding novel, potent, and safer compounds continues.