Effectiveness of deliberate practices versus conventional lecture in trauma training for medical students.

Background: A mastery of life-threatening trauma procedures is important for medical students aiming to become proficient physicians. Thus, this study compares the effectiveness of deliberate practice with that of conventional lecture methods in teaching such students these essential skills.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 48 first- to third-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital at Navamindradhiraj University (Thailand).

Trend of the lipid profile in a cohort with severe hypercholesterolemia in Osona county (Barcelona, Spain), between 2009 and 2021.

Background: Various studies confirm that the prevalence of dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular factors is high.

Objective: To evaluate the trend of the lipid profile (LP) in a cohort with severe hypercholesterolemia and its relationship with lipid-lowering treatment during the period 2009-2021.

Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in the Osona county (Barcelona).

Kurarinone Mitigates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Osteolysis by Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis Through the Reduction of ROS Levels and Suppression of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Inflammatory bone resorption represents a pathological condition marked by an increase in bone loss, commonly associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Current therapies primarily focus on anti-inflammatory drugs and bisphosphonates; however, these treatments are limited due to side effects, inadequate efficacy, and unpredictable long-term complications. Kurarinone (KR), a bioactive compound isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Sophora flavescens, exhibits a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardiovascular protective effects.

Design and Validation of a High-Fidelity Left Atrial Cardiac Simulator for the Study and Advancement of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke, primarily due to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices offer an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention. However, the complex and variable anatomy of the LAA presents significant challenges to device design and deployment.

Physiology and Pathophysiology of Marathon Running: A narrative Review.

Background: Marathon training and running have many beneficial effects on human health and physical fitness; however, they also pose risks. To date, no comprehensive review regarding both the benefits and risks of marathon running on different organ systems has been published.

Main Body: The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and risks of marathon training and racing on different organ systems.

Exposomics: a review of methodologies, applications, and future directions in molecular medicine.

The exposome is the measure of all the exposures of an individual in a lifetime and how those exposures relate to health. Exposomics is the emerging field of research to measure and study the totality of the exposome. Exposomics can assist with molecular medicine by furthering our understanding of how the exposome influences cellular and molecular processes such as gene expression, epigenetic modifications, metabolic pathways, and immune responses.

Long-term liver outcomes after metabolic surgery in compensated cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

No therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse liver outcomes (MALO) in patients with cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The Surgical Procedures Eliminate Compensated Cirrhosis In Advancing Long-term (SPECCIAL) observational study compared the effects of metabolic surgery and nonsurgical treatment in patients with obesity and compensated histologically proven MASH-related cirrhosis. Using a doubly robust estimation methodology to balance key baseline characteristics between groups, the time-to-incident MALO was compared between 62 patients (68% female) who underwent metabolic surgery and 106 nonsurgical controls (71% female), with a mean follow-up of 10.

Effect of plasma free fatty acids on lung function in male COPD patients.

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a pivotal role in COPD pathogenesis. Free fatty acids (FFA) as signaling molecules through a series of G-proteins coupled receptors, play an important role in regulation of the immune system and oxidative stress. For this reason, we decided to investigate the profile of FFA in the plasma in the COPD patients.

Patients with neurological or psychiatric complications of COVID-19 have worse long-term functional outcomes: COVID-CNS-A multicentre case-control study.

It is established that patients hospitalised with COVID-19 often have ongoing morbidity affecting activity of daily living (ADL), employment, and mental health. However, little is known about the relative outcomes in patients with COVID-19 neurological or psychiatric complications. We conducted a UK multicentre case-control study of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 (controls) and those who developed COVID-19 associated acute neurological or psychiatric complications (cases).

Prediction of Radiation Therapy Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity from Pretreatment CT Images in Patients with Thoracic Malignancy via an Optimal Biomarker Approach.

Rationale And Objectives: Cardiovascular toxicity is a well-known complication of thoracic radiation therapy (RT), leading to increased morbidity and mortality, but existing techniques to predict cardiovascular toxicity have limitations. Predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular toxicity may help to maximize patient outcomes.

Methods: The machine learning optimal biomarker (OBM) method was employed to predict development of cardiotoxicity (based on serial echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction and longitudinal strain) from computed tomography (CT) images in patients with thoracic malignancy undergoing RT.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis through its two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system. Dysregulation of the autonomic system, characterized by increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic tone, is a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease. This imbalance contributes to a pro-inflammatory state, exacerbating disease progression and increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.

Efficacy and Safety of Hibiscus sabdariffa in Cardiometabolic Health: An Overview of Reviews and Updated Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.

Background: Conventional treatments for cardiometabolic diseases face limitations related to cost, efficacy, and side effects. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) is a common food product and a potential alternative. However, previous studies have shown inconsistent results and lacked assessments of result certainty, intervention safety, and subgroup analysis credibility.

Informed Consent and Shared Decision-Making in Modern Medicine. Case-based Approach, Current Gaps and Practical Proposal.

Advances in personalized medicine and Systems Biology have introduced probabilistic models and error discovery to cardiovascular care, aiding disease prevention and procedural planning. However, clinical application faces cultural, technical, and methodological hurdles. Patient autonomy remains essential, with shared decision-making (SDM) gaining importance in managing complex cardiovascular treatment options.

Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan composite film with cassia oil encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin and its application in fresh banana.

In this study, composite films were developed by encapsulating cassia oil (CO) with β-cyclodextrin through a microencapsulation technique and incorporating it into a chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glycerol matrix. The primary objective of the film was to inhibit bacterial growth on the surface of fresh bananas and extend their shelf life. Characterization methods were employed to evaluate the physical properties and functionality of the composite films.

Baseline NT-proBNP Non-Response Score and Health Status Measures in Assessing Treatment Responses in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: We aim to validate NT-proBNP nonresponse score (NNRS) previously derived from the PROTECT and BATTLESCARRED studies in comparison with standard health status measures in predicting natriuretic peptide responses in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods: Data on the GUIDE-IT trial were used to derive the NNRS based on 4 predictors including baseline NT-proBNP, heart rate, NYHA functional class, and history of atrial fibrillation. The discriminative capacity of the NNRS and health status measures for having NT-proBNP >1,000 pg/mL at 12 months was assessed and compared with baseline or follow-up health status measures including Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OSS), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and 6-minute walk distance.

Comparison of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices for patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Despite the high mortality of cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS), the comparative efficacy and safety of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with AMI-CS is unknown. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of various MCS with initial medical therapy for AMI-CS patients.

Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE in July 2024.

Long term outcome after surgical tetralogy of Fallot repair at young age: Longitudinal follow-up up to 50 years after surgery.

Background: Little is known about the very long-term outcome in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) patients.

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate clinical outcome and quality-of-life after surgical repair of ToF.

Methods: Single-centre, longitudinal cohort-study evaluating every decade 144 ToF patients who underwent surgical repair <15 years of age between 1968 and 1980.

Enhanced breathing effort in pulmonary function tests by CO2/O2 gas mixture and barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy and feline lower airway disease cats.

Objective: Enhancing ventilatory effort during pulmonary function testing can help reveal flow limitations not evident in normal tidal breathing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of using a CO2/O2 gas mixture to enhance tidal breathing with a barometric whole-body plethysmography system in both healthy cats and those with feline lower airway disease (FLAD).

Methods: This prospective study included healthy cats and those with FLAD, which underwent pulmonary function testing and were exposed to a 10% CO2/90% O2 gas mixture in a barometric whole-body plethysmography chamber, with CO2 concentrations maintained within the target range of 5% to 10%.

Psychosocial burden and sociodemographic characteristics of cancer survivors seeking support for work-related issues in outpatient cancer counseling centers.

Introduction: Outpatient cancer counseling centers (OCCs) are important social work facilities that provide support for cancer survivors who have psychosocial and sociolegal challenges. This paper explores clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial burden as well as access routes of clients in OCCs seeking work-related counseling.

Methods: Between May 2022 and December 2023, data were collected in 19 OCCs, using questionnaires and documentation by counselors.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination in older adults and patients with chronic disorders: A position paper from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, the Portuguese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infection, hospitalisation and death in adults.

Methods: Based on evidence regarding the impact of RSV on adult populations at risk for severe infection and the efficacy and safety of RSV vaccines, the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, the Portuguese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine endorses this position paper with recommendations to prevent RSV-associated disease and its complications in adults through vaccination.

Conclusion: The RSV vaccine is recommended for people aged ≥50 years with risk factors (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunocompromise, frailty, dementia, and residence in a nursing home) and all persons aged ≥60 years.

Small pulmonary nodule localization techniques in the era of lung cancer screening: a narrative review.

The widespread adoption of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) screening has led to increased detection of small pulmonary nodules, necessitating accurate localization techniques for surgical resection. This review examines the evolution, efficacy, and safety of various localization methods for small pulmonary nodules. Studies focusing on localization techniques for pulmonary nodules ≤30 mm in diameter were included, with emphasis on technical success rates and complication profiles.

Role of major cardiovascular surgery-induced metabolic reprogramming in acute kidney injury in critical care.

Purpose: Major cardiovascular surgery imposes high physiologic stress, often causing severe organ dysfunction and poor outcomes. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated metabolic changes induced by major cardiovascular surgery and the potential role of identified metabolic signatures in postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI).

Strength of Genetic Associations with Thyrotropin Values Differs Between Populations with Similarity to African and European Reference Populations.

Epidemiological data suggest the population distribution of thyrotropin (TSH) values is shifted toward lower values in self-identified Black non-Hispanic individuals compared with self-identified White non-Hispanic individuals. It is unknown whether genetic differences between individuals with genetic similarities to African reference populations (GSA) and those with similarities to European reference populations (GSE) contribute to these observed differences. We aimed to compare genome-wide associations with TSH and putative causal TSH-associated variants between GSA and GSE groups.