Survey of legislative frameworks and national recommendations governing paediatric maintenance haemodialysis in Europe.

Background: The application of international recommendations for paediatric maintenance haemodialysis (HD) could be strengthened by national laws or written recommendations. Our aim was therefore to describe the national rules governing paediatric maintenance HD in European countries.

Methods: A national representative, approved by the president of each paediatric nephrology society, was contacted in all 42 European countries to complete two online questionnaires.

Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Acute Myocarditis.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easy-to-use inflammatory biomarker. Baseline NLR is independently associated with incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, whether this applies to acute myocarditis (AM) has not been evaluated.

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Classes in MASK-air Users.

Background And Objectives: The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines classify rhinitis as "intermittent" or "persistent" and "mild" or "moderate-severe". To assess ARIA classes in a real-world study in terms of phenotypic differences and their association with asthma.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional real-world study based on users of the MASK-air® app who reported data for at least 3 different months.

Projections from thalamic nucleus reuniens to hippocampal CA1 area participate in context fear extinction by affecting extinction-induced molecular remodeling of excitatory synapses.

The ability to extinguish contextual fear in a changing environment is crucial for animal survival. Recent data support the role of the thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) and its projections to the dorsal hippocampal CA1 area (RE→dCA1) in this process. However, it remains poorly understood how RE impacts dCA1 neurons during contextual fear extinction (CFE).

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease with complex pathogenesis. The altered proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, together with the activity of dendritic cells and T cells, are crucial drivers of psoriasis progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are composed of over 200 nucleotides and exert a large variety of functions, including the regulation of gene expression.

Optimizing Recovery Strategies in Elite Speedskating: A Comparative Analysis of Different Modalities.

As short-track speed skaters have to race multiple races to achieve success during competition, optimizing the recovery between efforts is a noteworthy performance determinant. Therefore, we compared three different recovery modalities (active cycling recovery, pneumatic compression boots, and isocapnic breathing protocol) in the context of perceived subjective pain and recovery variables, multiple biochemical and biomechanical indices, CMJ height and power, as well as repeated efforts on the ice track. Fifteen elite short-track speed skaters (eight males and seven females; age 18.

Acute Effects of Fast vs. Slow Bench Press Repetitions with Equal Time Under Tension on Velocity, sEMG Activity, and Applied Force in the Bench Press Throw.

The tempo of resistance exercises is known to influence performance outcomes, yet its specific effects on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fast versus slow repetitions at a load of 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press exercise, focusing on velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and applied force while equating time under tension on bench press throw performance. Eleven men (age: 23.

DNA and RNA Methylation in Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Narrative Review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease leading to structural and functional joint damage and, eventually, to physical disability. The pathogenesis of the disease is highly complex and involves interactions between fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and immune cells, which stimulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, leading to chronic inflammation. In recent years, studies have demonstrated the importance of epigenetics in RA.

Sex Influence on Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation and Breath-Hold Diving Performance: Examination of the Autonomic Regulation of Cardiovascular Responses to Facial Cooling and Apnoea Across Sex and Varied Factors.

This review emphasises the importance of the cardiovascular response to facial cooling (FC) and breath holding in both sexes. The trigemino-cardiac reflex, triggered by FC, reduces heart rate (HR) and constricts blood vessels. When combined with breath holding, this effect intensifies, enhancing the cardiodepressive impact.

The Issue of "Smart Drugs" on the Example of Modafinil: Toxicological Analysis of Evidences and Biological Samples.

Cognitive enhancement through stimulants such as modafinil is becoming increasingly popular, with many individuals using prescription stimulants for non-medical purposes to improve alertness, attention, and mood. The misuse of such substances has raised concerns, particularly in forensic toxicology. The UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method was developed to quantify modafinil in evidentiary samples and biological materials.

Long-term safety and efficacy of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata and at least 25% scalp hair loss: Results from the ALLEGRO-LT phase 3, open-label study.

Background: ALLEGRO-LT is an ongoing, long-term, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 study of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata (AA).

Objectives: To evaluate ritlecitinib safety and efficacy through Month 24 in patients with AA and ≥25% scalp hair loss.

Methods: ALLEGRO-LT enrolled rollover patients who previously received study intervention in either ALLEGRO phase 2a or 2b/3 studies and de novo patients who had not received treatment in either study.

DNA hypomethylation-related expression of hsa-miR-184 contributes to invasive growth of gonadotroph neuroendocrine pituitary tumors.

Gonadotroph neuroendocrine pituitary tumors are among the most common intracranial neoplasms. A notable proportion of these tumors is characterized by invasive growth which hampers the treatment results and worsens prognoses of patients. Increased hsa-miR-184 expression was observed in invasive as compared to non-invasive gonadotroph tumors.

Effects of the 2022 Oder River environmental disaster on fish gill structure.

The 2022 Oder River disaster was one of the most significant harmful events in recent European river history, with an estimated 60% reduction in fish biomass in the lower section of the river. While the prevailing hypothesis attributes associated fish kills to toxins from golden algae Prymnesium parvum, our histopathological study on the gills of 2 common cyprinid fish species, namely vimba bream Vimba vimba (L.) and roach Rutilus rutilus (L.

Determinants of physical function, as measured using PROMIS PF-10a, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the international COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study.

Objectives: Physical function in RA is largely influenced by multiple clinical factors, however, there is a growing body of evidence that psychological state and other comorbidities also play an essential role. Using data obtained in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases study, an international self-reported e-survey, we aimed to explore the predictive ability of sociodemographic and clinical variables on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Short Form 10a (PROMIS PF-10a) in RA and to investigate variation in disease activity and functional outcomes based on country-level socio-economic parameters.

Methods: Patient demographics, disease characteristics including current symptom status, functional status and treatment variables, as well as income level of the country of residence, were extracted from survey responses.

Comprehensive analyses of immune activity in COVID-19-vaccinated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease, characterized by impaired wound repair, tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Immune system may participate in the development and progression of the disease as indicated by altered activity in IPF sufferers. This study investigates the immune response to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in patients with IPF compared to healthy controls, with a particular focus on evaluation of antibody responses, interferon-gamma release, cytokine profiling and a broad panel of immune cell subpopulations.

Mycophenolate mofetil: an update on its mechanism of action and effect on lymphoid tissue.

Introduction: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug administered in the management of both autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation. The main aims of the study were: (a) to obtain information regarding the safety of using MMF in respect of its effect on normal T and B cells in lymphoid tissues; (b) to investigate whether the generation of inducible Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) might constitute additional mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive properties of MMF.

Methods: The effect of MMF ( studies) and its active metabolite, mycophenolic acid, ( studies) on murine CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as B cells was determined, regarding: (a) absolute count, proliferation and apoptosis of these cells ( studies); (b) absolute count of these cells in the head and neck lymph nodes, mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen ( studies).

PUR-GEN: A web server for automated generation of polyurethane fragment libraries.

The biodegradation of synthetic polymers offers a promising solution for sustainable plastic recycling. Polyurethanes (PUR) stand out among these polymers due to their susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. However, the intricate 3D structures formed by PUR chains present challenges for biodegradation studies, both computational and experimental.

expression in skeletal muscle in relationship with insulin sensitivity in normal-weight and obese volunteers.

Objectives: Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) functioning as transcription factors. There are three RXR isoforms: RXRA (NR2B1), RXRB (NR2B2), and RXRG (NR2B3). RXRs serve as master regulators of gene networks governing cell growth, differentiation, survival, and death.

Lipopolysaccharide affects metabolic processes and energy homeostasis in the corpus luteum.

Introduction: Chronic inflammation caused by infections has a significant negative impact on the reproductive system and impairs fertility. The corpus luteum (CL) plays a central role not only in regulating the ovary cycle, but also in implantation of the embryo and maintenance of early pregnancy through the secretion of progesterone. Understanding the intricate interplay between inflammatory processes and reproductive organ's function is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to alleviate reproductive disorders and improve fertility.

Multiscale Three-Dimensional Evaluation and Analysis of Murine Lung Vasculature From Macro- to Micro-Structural Level.

The pulmonary vasculature plays a pivotal role in the development and progress of chronic lung diseases. Due to limitations of conventional two-dimensional histological methods, the complexity and the detailed anatomy of the lung blood circulation might be overlooked. In this study, we demonstrate the practical use of optical serial block face imaging (SBFI), ex vivo microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and nondestructive optical tomography for visualization and quantification of the pulmonary circulation's 3D architecture from macro- to micro-structural levels in murine lung samples.

Threat to the predator suppresses defence of its prey.

Many studies have shown that prey can optimize their defence mechanisms based on cues indicating predator presence and pressure. However, little is known about whether prey can assess the actual threat by considering both predator density and the motivational state of cannibalistic predators, which can be influenced by threats from higher order predators. We conducted laboratory experiments to test the hypothesis that high predator density, combined with chemical cues indicating predator stress (e.

Non-verbal communication questionnaire: a measure to assess effective interaction.

In five studies, we document the development and validation of the Non-verbal Communication Questionnaire (NVCQ). This eight-item measurement tool assesses how people perceive non-verbal cues across two dimensions of effective communication. These two dimensions, encouraging and discouraging non-verbal cues, are based on Khan and Zeb's (2021) version of the 10-part model of non-verbal communication.

Purging the Judiciary After a Transition: Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

Judges play a key role in the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms. Yet, less attention has been paid so far to the question of how to address their collaboration with non-democratic regimes. In theory, judges can be subjected to virtually all transitional justice mechanisms ranging from criminal prosecution and lustration to truth-seeking, or even amnesties.

Evaluation of the significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the gene as biomarkers of hepatological complications in Epstein-Barr virus infection in children.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette subfamily B member 11 () gene, rs11568364 and rs2287622, as potential predictors of hepatologic complications during Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection among children.

Material And Methods: The study group consisted of 54 children aged 1 to 18 years hospitalised from 01.12.