Demographic-Based Personalized Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Thresholds for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. Current diagnosis emphasizes the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using a fixed threshold of ≥15-mm maximum wall thickness (MWT). This study proposes a method that considers individual demographics to adjust LVH thresholds as an alternative to a 1-size-fits-all approach.

Infections and Antibiotherapy: Results of Four Years of Observation in a Romanian Tertiary Hospital.

infection (CDI) is one of the main causes of morbidity associated with antibiotic use, producing both healthcare-associated infections and community infections. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics, the clinical outcomes, previous antibiotic exposure, and other risk factors of hospitalized patients with CDI in a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Bucharest, Romania. We performed a descriptive analysis based on four-year surveillance data, collected in a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Bucharest, Romania.

Anti-Epileptic Activity of Mitocurcumin in a Zebrafish-Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) Epilepsy Model.

: Ongoing challenges in epilepsy therapy warrant research on alternative treatments that offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Designed to enhance mitochondrial targeting and increase bioavailability, mitocurcumin (MitoCur) was evaluated for the first time as an antiepileptic agent, with curcumin (Cur) and sodium valproate (VPA), a standard antiepileptic drug, included for comparison. This study investigated the effects on seizure onset, severity, and progression in a zebrafish model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and measured the concentrations of the compounds in brain tissue.

Nanoparticle Strategies for Treating CNS Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Drug Delivery and Theranostic Applications.

This review aims to address the significant challenges of treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and brain tumors. These disorders are difficult to manage due to the complexity of disease mechanisms and the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts drug delivery. Recent advancements in nanoparticle (NP) technologies offer promising solutions, with potential applications in drug delivery, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration.

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Diagnostic Efficacy of Staging Laparoscopy Compared to CT and PET-CT in Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of staging laparoscopy (SL) compared to computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in gastric cancer staging. We evaluated the ability of SL to detect occult peritoneal metastases and influence of SL on survival outcomes across cancer stages and treatment approaches. : In this retrospective cohort study, 95 patients with gastric cancer underwent preoperative assessment using CT, PET-CT, and SL between 2018 and 2024.

The Role of Complete Blood Count-Derived Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Infection After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

: Although a wide range of hematological parameters are used as blood-based inflammatory biomarkers, the role of complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers in infection after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is modest. Therefore, this study aimed to explore complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of infection after AIS. : A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Brain Center Hospital Prof.

Gynecological Insights into Lynch Syndrome-A Comprehensive Review of Cancer Screening and Prevention.

Lynch syndrome, one of the most common genetic syndromes predisposing to cancer, is associated with a series of malignant conditions, among which the most frequent is colorectal cancer, but gynecologic cancers (especially endometrial) are also quite common. Despite the significant progress made in understanding this condition over time, there are still aspects in managing this condition that have not demonstrated clear benefits. This article aims to summarize the recommendations of international societies and present the latest developments in managing Lynch syndrome, focusing on gynecologic cancer screening and possible prevention strategies.

Lower Extremity Amputations Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Five-Year Analysis in a Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, Romania.

: Lower extremity amputations (LEAs) represent a significant health problem. The aim of our study was to analyse the type and trends of diabetes-related LEAs in patients hospitalized in one surgical centre in Bucharest between 2018 and 2021. The second aim was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends of LEAs.

The Recurrence Rates at Three Years for the Conservatively Managed UTUC Cases Using NBI-Assisted Flexible Ureteroscopy and Holmium Laser Vaporization.

: This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rates at three years for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) cases managed conservatively, using Narrow Band Imaging (NBI)-assisted flexible ureteroscopy and Holmium laser vaporization. : The study group included 61 patients who were diagnosed with NBI-assisted visualization with superficial pyelo-calyceal urothelial tumor lesions, treated conservatively by the flexible ureteroscopic approach and Holmium laser vaporization, also assisted by NBI. This was compared with a control group with the same number of cases, which underwent the same procedure, but without NBI technology.

Nd:Yag Laser Transluminal Embolysis: A Therapeutic Approach in Retinal Artery Occlusion.

: Central and branch retinal artery occlusion (CRAO and BRAO) are critical causes of acute vision loss, predominantly affecting older adults with systemic vascular pathology. These occlusions typically result from embolic events, leading to partial or complete retinal ischemia. : This retrospective case series report details of our 10-year experience using the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for Transluminal Nd:YAG Embolysis (TYE) in order to lyse visible emboli within the retinal arteries.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Pediatric Pulmonary Abscess: Two Cases and Literature Review.

Pulmonary abscess is a rare but serious condition in pediatric patients, caused by severe pulmonary infection that leads to tissue destruction and necrosis. It can be classified as primary or secondary depending on the cause. Establishing an etiology in pediatric pulmonary abscesses is challenging, underscoring the essential role of advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, in achieving an accurate diagnosis and differentiating among various conditions that may mimic lung abscess.

Updates on Psoriasis in Special Areas.

Special areas of involvement in psoriasis include the scalp region, the palms and soles, genital areas, as well as intertriginous sites. The involvement of these topographical regions is associated with important physical and emotional implications, resulting in reduced quality of life, social isolation, and work disability. Palms and soles can be affected as part of the generalized form of psoriasis or can be exclusively affected as palmo-plantar psoriasis.

Histological Findings in Infective Endocarditis-A Retrospective Cohort Study Conducted at "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest.

Background: Histological findings of infective endocarditis (IEs) in mechanical valves present a complex diagnostic challenge owing to the lack of a precise definition. This ambiguity is further complicated by the natural degenerative processes that occur in the mechanical valves over time. Consequently, pathologists and clinicians face significant difficulties in distinguishing between genuine infective processes and the normal wear and tear of mechanical valves.

The Relationship Between the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Electrocardiographic Parameters in Predicting Outcomes After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an essential treatment for patients with symptomatic heart failure and ventricular conduction abnormalities. Low-ejection-fraction (EF) cardiomyopathy often involves a wide QRS complex displaying a left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology and markedly delayed activation of the LV lateral wall. Following CRT, patients with heart failure and LBBB have better outcomes and quality-of-life improvements.

Machine Learning Models in Sepsis Outcome Prediction for ICU Patients: Integrating Routine Laboratory Tests-A Systematic Review.

Sepsis presents significant diagnostic and prognostic challenges, and traditional scoring systems, such as SOFA and APACHE, show limitations in predictive accuracy. Machine learning (ML)-based predictive survival models can support risk assessment and treatment decision-making in the intensive care unit (ICU) by accounting for the numerous and complex factors that influence the outcome in the septic patient. A systematic literature review of studies published from 2014 to 2024 was conducted using the PubMed database.

Power Spectral Density and Default Mode Network Connectivity in Generalized Epilepsy Syndromes: What to Expect from Drug-Resistant Patients.

Recent studies have described unique aspects of default mode network connectivity in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). A complete background in this field could be gained by combining this research with spectral analysis. An important objective of this study was to compare linear connectivity and power spectral densities across different activity bands of patients with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (EGTCSA), and drug-resistant IGE (DR-IGE) with healthy, age-matched controls.

The effect of manual lymphatic drainage on intraneural edema of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Intraneural edema is an important factor in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a manual treatment widely used to treat edema in a variety of conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MLD on intraneural edema of the median nerve in CTS patients, as well as its impact on symptom severity and hand function.

Utilizing metabolomic profiling as a supportive diagnostic tool for radiologically isolated syndrome.

Background: Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) characterized by abnormalities on MRI that do not manifest as clinical symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but raise suspicion for MS. Considering that RIS often evolves into MS, various diagnostic criteria have been established, and each suggested biomarker warrants thorough consideration and discussion. In this study, metabolomic profiling of body fluids of patients who were being followed up with a pre-diagnosis of RIS or MS and had not yet received any treatment was conducted.

Executive Summary: Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Resistant Tuberculosis of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) and the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC).

The Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) and the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) have developed together Clinical Practice Guidelines (GPC) on the management of people affected by tuberculosis (TB) resistant to drugs with activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These clinical practice guidelines include the latest updates of the SEPAR regulations for the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant TB from 2017 and 2020 as the starting point. The methodology included asking relevant clinical questions based on PICO methodology, a literature search focusing on each question, and a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence, with a summary of this evidence for each question.

The association between abdominal ultrasound findings and clinical severity in MIS-C children with extracardiac symptoms.

Unlabelled: This study aimed to evaluate pathological findings on abdominal ultrasonography upon admission of children diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) that were associated with a more severe disease course and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This retrospective and observational study was conducted between March 2020 and May 2022. Abdominal ultrasonography findings were evaluated in children diagnosed with MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Early life acute infections and risk for cow's milk protein allergy or atopic dermatitis at 6 months of age in high risk for allergy infants.

Background: Early life infections (ELIs), encompassing both viral and bacterial types, occur within the first six months of life. Influenced by genetic host factors and environmental conditions, the relationship between ELIs and subsequent allergic manifestations, particularly cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and atopic dermatitis (AD), is complex and not fully understood.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the potential interplay between nutrition, infections, and allergic manifestations in the first six months of life in infants with a family history of allergies, who were either exclusively breastfed (EBF) or fed a combination of breast milk and standard (SF) or partially hydrolyzed infant formula (pHF).

Small Heart Size and Premature Death in 366,484 Individuals With Normal Ejection Fraction.

Background: In patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), small ventricular size has been associated with reduced functional capacity, but its impact on clinical outcomes is unclear.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between small heart size and premature mortality within a large multicenter adult patient cohort with transthoracic echocardiographic examinations.

Methods: We divided 366,484 individuals with LVEF ≥50% (including a subset of 279,442 individuals with high-normal LVEF ≥60%) by sex and increasing quartiles for LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LVEDV indexed to body surface area (LVEDVi), and LV end-diastolic diameter to assess associations with 5-year mortality through linkage with the National Death Index.