High and Low Adherence to Mediterranean and DASH Diet Patterns and the Risk of Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: The relationship between heart failure (HF) and Mediterranean and DASH diets is not well delineated. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of high adherence to Mediterranean and DASH diets compared to low adherence in reducing the risk of incident HF (primary prevention of HF) and reducing all-cause mortality in patients with HF (secondary prevention of HF).

Methods: The reporting stages of this meta-analysis closely adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.

Which Positions Optimize Pelvic Floor Activation in Female Athletes?

Background/objectives: Implementing and optimizing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training programs is crucial for reducing the risk of dysfunctions, improving athletic performance, and enhancing quality of life for athletes. The aim of this study was to assess PFM activation in female athletes during postural challenges.

Methods: An observational and descriptive study was conducted with twenty-five female rugby players.

Exercise Intervention in Women with Fibromyalgia and Its Influence on Pain, Psychological Variables, and Disability: An Observational Study.

(1) Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a specific condition within the spectrum of musculoskeletal pain disorders, with an estimated global prevalence of 2%. Physical exercise has shown promise in modulating pain and improving physical function without the drawbacks of pharmacotherapy. This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week telerehabilitation combined exercise program-including mobility, strength, and high-intensity exercises-on pain, psychological variables, and disability in women with fibromyalgia.

Correlation Between Spinopelvic Parameters, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Study Design: This is an observational study.

Objectives: In general practice, it is noted that some people can deal more easily with a prominent belly than others. Recent use of spinopelvic parameters in the analysis of the spine might explain this observation.

Changes in Vertical Stratification of Neotropical Nymphalid Butterflies at Forest Edges Are Not Directly Caused by Light and Temperature Conditions.

Habitat fragmentation and land use changes threaten neotropical habitats and alter patterns of diversity at forest edges. Like other arthropod assemblages, neotropical fruit-feeding butterfly communities show strong vertical stratification within forests, with some recent work showing its potential role in speciation. At forest edges, species considered to be forest canopy specialists have been observed descending to the forest understory, with the similarity in light conditions between the canopy and understory strata at edges hypothesized to be responsible for this phenomenon.

Evaluation of Hypoxia Markers in Critically Ill Patients Categorized by Their Burden of Organ Dysfunction: A Novel Approach to Detect Pathophysiological and Clinical Relevance in a Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study.

In critically ill patients, compromised microcirculation causes tissue hypoxia, organ failure, and death. These pathophysiological processes occur particularly in patients with high illness severity, so reliable hypoxia biomarkers should reflect this in their occurrence. This secondary analysis of a prospective study categorized patients by their burden of organ dysfunction (BOD) using the cohort's median initial sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of 8 as a cutoff.

MicroRNAs in Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder. The lack of non-invasive biomarkers currently results in dependency on endoscopy with biopsies for its diagnosis and monitoring. We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers using microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs).

Gene Expression Profiles Reveal Distinct Mechanisms Driving Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are major contributors to morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need to better understand their molecular mechanisms to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study investigated differential gene expression profiles and key biological processes in COPD exacerbations categorized based on sputum microbiome profiling. An observational study was performed on a cohort of 16 COPD patients, who provided blood and sputum samples during exacerbations, along with five stable-state samples as controls.

A Systematic Review of Microbiota in Cirrhosis: A Change Towards a More Pathogenic Predisposition.

The microbiome of the human intestine is a regulator of health that modulates immune response and plays an important role in metabolism. The diversity, and abundance of microbiota communities in the gut have been shown to change in cirrhosis and its complications. We aimed to review the current knowledge regarding microbiota alterations in cirrhosis, its potential differences according to etiology, and its role in the development of cirrhosis complications.

Differences in Characteristics of Peripartum Patients Who Did and Did Not Require an Upgrade to the Intensive Care Unit: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

This study sought to identify predictors for peripartum patients admitted to non-intensive care wards who later upgraded to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted to the Maternal Fetal Ward between 01/2017 and 12/2022, who later upgraded to the ICU. Upgraded patients were 1:1 propensity score matched with those who remained on the Maternal Fetal Ward (control).

Relationship Between Perilesional Skin Condition and Survival in Terminally Ill Patients with Pressure Ulcers.

In the context of palliative care, the aim is to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life, with particular attention to PUs, which have a significant impact on quality of life and survival. This study examines the relationship between perilesional skin condition and survival in terminally ill patients with pressure ulcers (PUs). A descriptive and observational study was conducted in two hospitals in Valencia with a sample of 100 terminally ill patients.

Navigating Emergency Management of Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study on First-Time, End-Stage, and Other Established Diagnoses in a High Turnover Emergency County Hospital.

: The incidence and prevalence of cancers are increasing worldwide, with special emphasis placed on prevention, early detection, and the development of new therapeutic strategies that strongly impact patient outcomes. Limited data are available about emergency care's role in treating patients with cancer. This study aims to determine the burden of end-stage and first-time diagnosis of cancer on emergency care in a high-turnover emergency care center.

Deep Neck Infections: The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Management and Bacteriological Profile.

: Deep neck infections (DNIs) are severe diagnoses that can cause serious complications. However, there are insufficient data to predict the evolution of this pathology. This study aims to review the microbiology of DNIs and to identify the factors that influence prolonged hospitalization.

The Role of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Therapeutic Antimicrobial Choices for Hematologic Patients with Pulmonary Infiltrates.

Lower respiratory tract infections are particularly frequent in hematological patients; their early diagnosis and the timely start of targeted therapy are essential. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can provide a microbiological sample from the lower airways in a minimally invasive way. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of BAL in hematological patients for microbiological purposes and its influence on modifying the therapeutic strategy.

Influence of Extra-Articular Augmentation on Clinical Outcomes and Survival in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pseudorandomized Study.

: Up to 27% of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction cases result in a residual positive pivot shift sign, indicating anteroposterior and rotational instability. This instability can compromise returning to sports and increase the risk of further injuries. The biomechanical role of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) in controlling internal knee rotation is well known.

Impact of Obesity on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic/Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy for Benign or Malignant Adrenal Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.

: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) is one of two laparoscopic procedures used to treat benign and malignant adrenal diseases. Obesity in patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenal surgery is a frequently discussed topic. Our meta-analysis aimed to provide updated evidence by comparing intraoperative and perioperative outcomes on non-obese (NOb) and obese (Ob) patients who underwent RLA due to benign or malignant disease.

Myocardial Infarction-Associated Shock: A Comprehensive Analysis of Phenotypes, SCAI Classification, and Outcome Assessment.

: In-hospital mortality associated with myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (MI-CS) remains critically high. A particularly challenging form, mixed shock (MS), combines features of cardiogenic shock (CS) with distributive elements such as vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance. MS is associated with elevated mortality rates and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Tracheostomy Practice in the Italian Intensive Care Units: A Point-Prevalence Survey.

: A tracheostomy is a frequently performed surgical intervention in intensive care units (ICUs) for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. This procedure can offer significant benefits, including reduced sedation requirements, improved patient comfort, and enhanced airway management. However, it is also associated with various risks, and the absence of standardized clinical guidelines complicates its implementation.

Who Are Suitable Patients for Omitting Breast Surgery as an Exceptional Responder in Selected Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment?

: Among breast cancer molecular types, HER2 positive and triple negative (TN) subtypes have the highest likelihood of pathological complete response (pCR), which is a surrogate marker for reduced recurrence and improved patient survival after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST). Preoperative pathological identification of these exceptional responders is a new era. Therefore, we aimed to determine the accuracy of trucut biopsy in identifying the exceptional responders in selected molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training vs. Vaginal Vibration Cone Therapy for Postpartum Dyspareunia and Vaginal Laxity.

Pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual health issues are common postpartum due to weakened pelvic muscles, significantly impacting women's quality of life (QoL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely used approach to address these issues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation methods-vibrating vaginal cones (VCG) and PFMT exercises (CG)-in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, reducing dyspareunia, and enhancing sexual function in postpartum women.

Relationship Between the Use of Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches for Monitoring Physical Activity and the Sociodemographic Characteristics of Long-Term Care Residents During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

: The use of wearable fitness technology is a trend nowadays and has significant potential in promoting an active lifestyle among long-term care (LTC) residents. The objectives of this observational study were to examine the use of fitness trackers and smartwatches for monitoring physical activity and to analyze the relationship between the use of these technological solutions and the sociodemographic characteristics of LTC residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. : Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 198 LTC residents stationed in eleven organizational units that provide long-term accommodation services for older adults in the city of Zagreb in Croatia.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Isavuconazole Versus Amphotericin B for Patients with Invasive Mucormycosis.

Background: Invasive mucormycosis (IM) poses a substantial morbidity and mortality burden among immunocompromised patients.

Objectives: We aim to compare the real-world effectiveness and safety of isavuconazole with those of amphotericin B in patients with IM.

Patients And Methods: In this observational cohort study, we enrolled patients who were diagnosed with IM and treated with either isavuconazole or amphotericin B.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Infections in Catalonia, Spain.

is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus commonly associated with animals which can also be a zoonotic human pathogen. To date, there is little data available on infections. The aim of this study was to characterize the infections identified in two hospitals located, respectively, in rural and urban areas of Catalonia, Spain.

A Longer Duration of Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment for Patients with Early Periprosthetic Joint Infections Is Not Associated with a Lower Failure Rate.

Background: In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of an early switch to oral antibiotics after surgical treatment in orthopedic-related infections. However, large analyses on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are lacking.

Material And Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study in patients diagnosed with an early post-operative PJI, defined as one occurring <3 months after the index arthroplasty and treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR).

Using Dalbavancin for the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSIs) in Obese Patients: A Real-Life, Single-Center Observational Study.

: Obesity is an established risk factor for several infective conditions, including Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSIs), with a rising trend in their incidence expected in this population. Although numerous antibiotics are available for the prevention and treatment of ABSSSIs, their characterization in obese patients is not a regulatory mandate, highlighting a knowledge gap in this field. Dalbavancin (DAL) is the first approved long-acting antibiotic for the treatment of ABSSSIs.