Differences in coronary microcirculation measurements during regadenoson vs. adenosine - induced hyperemia.

Background: Little is known about the similarity of microcirculation assessment outcomes performed with regadenoson and adenosine. The aim of the current study was to compare coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) assessment using adenosine and regadenoson, and to evaluate predictors regarding the size of differences.

Methods: 44 patients were enrolled and diagnosed between 2021 and 2023.

Identifying sex similarities and differences in structure and function of the sinoatrial node in the mouse heart.

Background: The sinoatrial node (SN) generates the heart rate (HR). Its spontaneous activity is regulated by a complex interplay between the modulation by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and intrinsic factors including ion channels in SN cells. However, the systemic and intrinsic regulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood.

Exploratory Analysis of Upper Facial Muscle Interplay During Emotional Expressions: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Insights from Young, Caucasian, Toxin-naïve Individuals.

Background: Understanding the interplay of muscle activity in the upper face is crucial as it can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of aesthetic treatments. Traditional injection algorithms typically focus on the general 2D and 3D anatomy of muscles, often neglecting the areas where muscles exert the greatest force during facial expressions.

Objectives: To analyze the location of greatest morphological change in upper facial muscles procerus muscle (PM), corrugator supercilia muscle (CSM), orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) and frontalis muscle (FM) during various facial expressions.

The perception of facilitators and barriers to the use of e-health solutions in Poland: a qualitative study.

Background: E-health entails the use of information and communication technologies in support of health and health-related activities. E-health increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The pandemic showed that the e-health environment may be an important element of the response to epidemiological challenges.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of highly virulent cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains in Southern Poland.

Purpose: Assessment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence in Southern Poland, focusing on highly virulent cagA-positive strains associated with gastric cancer risk, along with analysis of antimicrobial resistance and its molecular mechanisms.

Methods: A total of 130 dyspeptic patients, who underwent endoscopy, were enrolled in the study.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Clinical Validation of TIME Criteria to Detect Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults: Methodological Report from the TIME International Study Group.

Background: Various explicit screening tools, developed mostly in central Europe and the USA, assist clinicians in optimizing medication use for older adults. The Turkish Inappropriate Medication use in oldEr adults (TIME) criteria set, primarily based on the STOPP/START criteria set, is a current explicit tool originally developed for Eastern Europe and subsequently validated for broader use in Central European settings. Reviewed every three months to align with the latest scientific literature, it is one of the most up-to-date tools available.

Interactions Determining Stereoselectivity in Two-Dimensional Systems─The Case of 22-Hydroxycholesterol Epimers.

Oxidized derivatives of cholesterol play an important role in the functioning of biomembranes. Unlike other biomolecules, which are physiologically active in only one enantiomeric form, some oxysterols exist endogenously as two stereoisomers that exhibit strictly different biological effects. In this paper, we focused our attention on 22-hydroxycholesterol (22-OH) epimers, 22()-OH and 22()-OH, and examined their properties in Langmuir monolayers spread at the air/water interface, using classical surface manometry complemented with Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) images of the film texture.

Valvular and perivalvular thrombosis following self-expandable aortic valve replacement: analysis of 100 multi-detector computed tomography scans.

Aims: Subclinical thrombosis may represent an early stage of prosthesis structural disease. Most of the available evidence on the incidence, location, predictors, and consequences of thrombosis comes from studies that have employed balloon-expandable valves. We aimed to describe the different localisations of valvular and perivalvular thrombosis and analyse prosthesis-host multi-detector computed tomography predictors in the context of self-expandable prosthesis.

First-in-Human Percutaneous Epicardial-Only Left Atrial Appendage Closure Using Sierra Left Atrial Appendage Ligation System.

In patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications for oral anticoagulation, in which an increased risk of stroke remains, a left atrial appendage exclusion should be considered for elimination, because the left atrial appendage is the most common site of thrombus. The aim of this study is to present the first-in-human study results of the Sierra Aegis Left Atrial Appendage Ligation System, a new epicardial-only left atrial appendage closure system. This study was a prospective, first-in-human, single-center study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the Sierra Aegis Left Atrial Appendage Ligation System device for epicardial left atrial appendage closure.

Preoperative and Postoperative Arterial Adaptation in Patients with Acute Aortic Dissection.

Spinal cord ischemia is one of the most serious complications after an aortic repair. To date, there is no evidence for arterial changes during an aortic dissection or for the observation of such arteries after an aortic repair. The aim of this study was to compare spinal-cord-supplying arteries in patients with an acute aortic dissection, preoperatively and postoperatively, with patients without an acute aortic dissection.

Single-Centre Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sacroiliac Joints in a Paediatric Population.

Sacroiliitis in children is usually connected with one of the subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), such as enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or undifferentiated arthritis. The main diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints, which can reveal bone marrow edema (BME) as a sign of an active inflammation process. This research aimed to retrospectively investigate the associations between the clinical presentation, laboratory test results, and MRI results of the sacroiliac joints of children.

Effects of Acute Maximum-Intensity Exercise on Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, -9, and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Levels in Adult Males with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Insulin Pumps.

Dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity is considered one of the potential causes of vascular complications in diabetic patients. Since training volume may influence MMPs levels in varying ways, the aim of our study was to evaluate changes in MMPs levels following acute maximum-intensity exercise in male patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study included 24 male T1DM patients and 10 healthy controls.

Umbilical and Placental Derivatives in Temporomandibular Joint Treatment: A Systematic Review.

: This review aimed to gather and summarize the existing information on the clinical application of allogeneic umbilical and placental derivatives in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. : Research on the impact of the use of umbilical and placental derivatives on reducing pain and improving mobility in the temporomandibular joint was included in the article. Medical databases, including ACM, BASE, Cochrane, Scopus, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.

Light-Modulated Circadian Synaptic Plasticity in the Somatosensory Cortex: Link to Locomotor Activity.

The circadian clock controls various physiological processes, including synaptic function and neuronal activity, affecting the functioning of the entire organism. Light is an important external factor regulating the day-night cycle. This study examined the effects of the circadian clock and light on synaptic plasticity, and explored how locomotor activity contributes to these processes.

Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Potential Multifunctional Agents in Cosmetic Formulations Used for Supporting the Treatment of Selected Dermatoses.

Cinnamic acid and its natural derivatives were primarily used in cosmetics as fragrance materials as well as skin and hair conditioners. Nowadays, not only natural but also synthetic cinnamic acid derivatives are used as active ingredients of cosmetic formulations. They still serve as fragrance ingredients but also as active ingredients supporting the treatment of selected dermatoses such as acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation.

Antidiabetic Potential of Black Elderberry Cultivars Flower Extracts: Phytochemical Profile and Enzyme Inhibition.

Black elderberry ( L.) flowers are rich in polyphenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid and quercetin derivatives, which are known for their health benefits, particularly their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions using the Box-Behnken model to maximize polyphenol yields from different elderberry flower cultivars and to evaluate their potential for antidiabetic action.

Anorexia Nervosa in Polish Children and Adolescents in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic-An Observational Single Centre Study.

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder with a high mortality rate and significant prevalence in the paediatric population. Preliminary reports during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested an increased incidence of AN among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to analyse new cases of AN before, during, and after the pandemic, with a particular focus on the physical manifestations of the disease.

Exploring the association between combined formal and informal educational approaches and cultural intelligence among undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Global migration necessitates adeptness in intercultural situations and high cultural awareness, crucial for nurses. Ensuring safe healthcare for migrants in diverse settings is imperative. Cultivating cultural intelligence should start at the undergraduate level, facilitated by diverse educational approaches.

Association of post-stroke delirium with short-term trajectories of cognition.

Background: Delirium could increase the risk of cognitive decline. We aimed to determine if changes in cognitive functions shortly after stroke differ between patients with and patients without delirium.

Methods: We included patients who participated in the Prospective Observational Polish Study on post-stroke delirium and underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at day 1, day 8 and 3 months after stroke.

Post-implant transcatheter aortic prosthesis deformation: tricuspid versus bicuspid valve.

Objectives: We sought to assess whether post-implant transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis multidetector computed characteristics differ between patients with native tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, as well as the effect on valve performance and clinical implications.

Methods: We analysed 100 consecutive post-implant multidetector computed tomography scans to assess self-expandable prosthesis non-uniform expansion at 6 pre-specified valvular levels, and other specific parameters, including valvular and perivalvular thrombosis at 6 months follow-up. Echocardiographic prosthesis performance and clinical outcome were also evaluated.

Preferential Synaptic Type of GABA-A Receptor Ligands Enhancing Neuronal Survival and Facilitating Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke.

Selective enhancement of synaptic GABA signaling mediated by GABA-A receptors has been previously reported to promote functional recovery after ischemic stroke, while tonic GABA signaling has been detrimental. To identify agents that enhance synaptic signaling, we synthesized GABA-A ligands based on three chemotypes with affinity values p= 6.44-8.

Does the pain experienced during orthodontic treatment and bracket removal depend on the architecture of the bracket or debonding method?

Background: The fear of pain during the various stages of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is a common concern of patients. Therefore, the present research aimed to thoroughly investigate the impact of bracket architecture on pain perception during active treatment, debonding, and adhesive removal.

Materials: One hundred consecutive patients who completed treatment with one of two bracket systems (2-slot brackets with an integral base or conventional twin brackets with foil mesh) were included in this prospective cohort study.

Reproductive outcomes after surgical resection of isthmocele in secondary infertility.

Objectives: To evaluate the reproductive outcomes after different approaches of surgical isthmocele excision in women with secondary infertility.

Methods: The present study was conducted between November 2017 and February 2023 in the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Gynecology at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. Women with large isthmocele with residual myometrial thickness (RMT) <3 mm and secondary infertility were included in this retrospective study.

Tricuspid Valve S-Curves and Chamber Views: Implications for Transcatheter Tricuspid and Pulmonary Valve Interventions, Part 2 of the S-Curves and Chamber Views Series.

Despite the challenges associated with periprocedural imaging, transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions have shown important impact on outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the right heart and surrounding structures is crucial. One way to optimize these interventions is by identifying the optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles along the S-curve of the tricuspid valve.