Definition of sinonasal and otological exacerbation in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: an expert consensus.

Background: Recurrent infections of the nose, sinuses and ears are common problems for people with primary ciliary dyskinesia. While pulmonary exacerbations in primary ciliary dyskinesia are defined, there is no definition for ear-nose-throat exacerbations, a potential outcome for research and clinical trials.

Methods: We set up an expert panel of 24 ear-nose-throat specialists, respiratory physicians, other healthcare professionals and patients to develop consensus definitions of sinonasal and otological exacerbations in children and adults with primary ciliary dyskinesia for research settings.

Lack of Association between BDNF rs6265 and Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study.

Background And Objectives: Data on the association between BDNF rs6265 and multiple sclerosis (MS) are scarce and heterogeneous.

Materials And Methods: We undertook a case-control study design. Newly diagnosed individuals with MS based on the 2017 revision of the McDonald criteria were recruited from the Neurology Department of the General University Hospital of Larissa.

Effects of natalizumab on oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are utilized for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), as they are found in 95% of patients. Additionally, OCBs are linked to disease prognosis. The primary contributors to OCB production are long-lived plasma cells.

Systematic review of the feasibility of sparing the rectoprostatic fascia in male patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

Background: The main purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of sparing the rectoprostatic fascia (RPF) in adult male cadavers and in adult male patients who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. A secondary objective was to evaluate urogenital function following rectal cancer surgery, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes.

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review with an a priori design to identify relevant studies via MESH terms and keywords.

Defunctioning Ileostomy After Low Anterior Resection of Rectum: Morbidity Related to Fashioning and Closure.

: The aim of this study was to assess any predisposing factors to the morbidity of fashioning and reversal of diverting ileostomy in a prospective cohort of patients who have undergone TME and low colo-rectal or colo-anal anastomosis for rectal cancer. Consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection and a defunctioning loop ileostomy in three surgical units from 2016 to 2020 were included in the study and retrospectively analyzed. : One hundred eighty-two patients from three centres were included.

MINOCA: A Pathophysiological Approach of Diagnosis and Treatment-A Narrative Review.

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a clinical entity characterized by the absence of significant coronary artery obstruction in epicardial arteries (<50%) on coronary angiography in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This article aims to provide a narrative review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and prognosis associated with MINOCA based on pathophysiology regarding the atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic causes. Etiological factors, including thromboembolism, coronary artery spasm, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary microvascular disease, and supply-demand mismatch, are addressed.

A survey of the legal frameworks on medical decision-making in minors in European countries.

This study examines how healthcare decisions involving minors are handled across European countries by asking member organizations of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP). An online survey was distributed via the EAP network to representatives of national paediatric associations in all European countries. The survey focused on determining the age at which minors can consent to medical treatment without parental permission, including contexts such as mental health treatment, reproductive health, vaccinations, life-threatening situations, and end-of-life decisions.

Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning During Infection Times (COH-FIT): Global and Risk-Group Stratified Course of Well-Being and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents.

Objective: To identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on well-being/mental health, coping strategies, and risk factors in adolescents worldwide.

Method: This study was based on an anonymous online multi-national/multi-language survey in the general population (representative/weighted non-representative samples, 14-17 years of age), measuring change in well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5]/range = 0-100) and psychopathology (validated composite P-score/range = 0-100), WHO-5 <50 and <29, pre- vs during COVID-19 pandemic (April 26, 2020-June 26, 2022). Coping strategies and 9 a priori- defined individual/cumulative risk factors were measured.

Fixation alters the physical properties of tumor tissue that regulate nanomedicine transport.

To have the desired therapeutic effect, nanomedicines and macromolecular medications must move from the site of injection to the site of action, without having adverse effects. Transvascular transport is a critical step of this navigation, as exemplified by the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect in solid tumors, not found in normal organs. Numerous studies have concluded that passive, diffusion- and convection-based transport predominates over active, cellular mechanisms in this effect.

Parkinson's disease in the Lebanese population: knowledge and attitude scales' validation and correlates.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder that negatively affects the quality of life of affected individuals as well as their care givers. There is limited information in both epidemiological data and awareness level on PD in the Middle East. Considering the increasing prevalence of PD, the lack of awareness and negative attitudes toward PD pose a barrier in the provision of appropriate care for individuals with PD.

Exploring ADHD understanding and stigma: Insights from an online survey in Lebanon.

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Public knowledge of ADHD plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with this disease. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and stigma of the general Lebanese population regarding ADHD and identify potential factors associated with these variables.

Flag Sign: A Case Report of an Unusual Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding of a Medial Meniscal Root Fragment in an Adolescent Water Polo Player.

Introduction: A meniscus tear ranks among the most common sports-related injuries, especially among athletes. Sudden, twisting movements, such as pivoting to catch a ball, usually in contact sports, and can tear the meniscus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is extensively utilized for identifying meniscal tears.

Assessing the Effect of Transactional Leadership and Empowerment on Nursing Staff's Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: The present study aimed to explore the impact of transactional leadership and psychological empowerment on Greek nurses' job satisfaction.

Methods: Α cross-sectional study was conducted in five Greek public general hospitals between January 1 and March 30, 2022. Participants were 608 nurses.

From Cells to Plaques: The Molecular Pathways of Coronary Artery Calcification and Disease.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and a critical factor in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This review aims to address the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAC and its relationship with CAD. We examine the cellular and molecular processes that drive the formation of calcified plaques, highlighting the roles of inflammation, lipid accumulation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Molecular Alterations in Paired Epithelial Ovarian Tumors in Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) and adjuvant chemotherapy is a therapeutic choice for women with advanced ovarian cancer. Whether NACT affects the tumor's molecular profile has not been determined.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer treated with NACT at oncology departments affiliated with the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG).

Sex dimorphism in kidney health and disease: mechanistic insights and clinical implication.

Sex is a key variable in the regulation of human physiology and pathology. Many diseases disproportionately affect one sex: autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, are more common in women but more severe in men, whereas the incidence of other disorders such as gouty arthritis and malignant cancers is higher in men. Besides the pathophysiology, sex may also influence the efficacy of therapeutics; participants in clinical trials are still predominately men, and the side effects of drugs are more common in women than in men.

The Cancer-Specific Health Economic Measure QLU-C10D is Valid and Responsive for Assessing Health Utility in Patients with Thyroid Cancer.

Health economic appraisals often rely on the assessment of health utilities using preference-based measures (PBM). The cancer-specific PBM, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Utility - Core 10 Dimensions (EORTC QLU-C10D), was developed recently, and now needs to be validated in various clinical populations. In a multicenter, multinational prospective cohort study, we longitudinally collected EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L data from patients with thyroid cancer.