Which Measure of Stone Burden is the Best Predictor of Interventional Outcomes in Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by the YAU Urolithiasis Working Group and EAU Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel.

Background And Objective: Stone size has traditionally been measured in one dimension. This is reflected in most of the literature and in the EAU guidelines. However, recent studies have shown that multidimensional measures provide better prediction of outcomes.

Lung cancer and obesity: A contentious relationship (Review).

The global obesity epidemic, attributed to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, genetics and environmental factors, has led to over 1.9 billion adults being classified as overweight and 650 million living with obesity. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, lung cancer prognosis remains poor due to late diagnoses and limited therapies.

Saharan dust and respiratory health: Understanding the link between airborne particulate matter and chronic lung diseases (Review).

Saharan dust storms, which originate from the Sahara desert, have a significant impact on global health, especially on respiratory conditions of populations exposed to fine particulate matter that travels across continents. Dust events, characterized by the transport of mineral dust such as quartz and feldspar, lead to the suspension of particulate matter in the atmosphere, capable of traversing long distances and affecting air quality adversely. Emerging research links these dust episodes with increased incidence and exacerbation of lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially during peak dust emission seasons from November to March.

Suction use in ureterorenoscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Objectives: Ureterorenoscopy is seeing a bloom of technological advances, one of which is incorporating suction. The objective of this study is to systematically review existing literature regarding suction use in rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy and perform meta-analysis of studies comparing suction versus no suction ureteroscopy or mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Methods: A literature search was performed (November 2023) in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL.

Monkeypox: A Growing Concern for Pulmonary Health.

The re-emergence of monkeypox as a significant global health concern has highlighted the need to reassess its clinical presentation, particularly its impact on pulmonary health. Traditionally associated with dermatological symptoms, recent outbreaks in non-endemic regions have underscored the virus's potential for widespread transmission and respiratory complications. Emerging evidence indicates that monkeypox infection can lead to respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and, in severe cases, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Gastric cancer and brain metastasis: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.

Gastric cancer (GC) constitutes one of the most wide-ranging cancers, with brain metastasis (BM) being a markedly uncommon and unfavorable outcome. The present meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between no-surgical treatment vs. additional surgical BM resection on the patient's quality of life and potential survival using electronic databases, including PubMed (1980-April 2024), Medline (1980-April 2024), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE (1980-April 2024).

Efficacy of decompressive craniectomy: A retrospective case series study with 321 patients and an update on controversies.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered a cornerstone in the management of refractory intracranial hypertension. For decades, DC was known as an occasionally lifesaving procedure; however, it was associated with numerous severe complications. The present study is a single-center retrospective case series study on with 321 patients who underwent DC between January, 2010 and December, 2020.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Mimicking Non-ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare but increasingly recognized condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in cardiac tissue, leading to structural and functional heart impairment. This infiltrative cardiomyopathy often mimics more common cardiac conditions, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Particularly deceptive is its presentation as non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), where the clinical overlap necessitates considering amyloidosis in differential diagnoses.

Association between polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are present in ~2% of the general population, and genetic factors cannot be excluded for the risk of their development. The gene factors that result in the changes in the vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) may also be a key reason for IAs being hereditary. The gene [also known as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 2 ()] plays various roles in maintaining ECM functions.

Malignant character of an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament in a hyperflexion injury: A case report.

The present study reports the case of a 50-year-old obese male with ankylosing spondylitis, Scheuermann's kyphosis. The patient was asymptomatic concerning the ectopic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) at the cervical spine; he developed quadriparesis and respiratory insufficiency following minor head trauma. Even though trauma to the cervical spine in patients with OPLL is common, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an extensive osteophyte with a lethal outcome after syncope.

Exploring the Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Cellulite.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia, increasing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risks. Cellulite, a cosmetic condition marked by dimpled skin, predominantly affects women and shares risk factors with MetS, such as obesity and hormonal imbalances. This review examines the potential link between MetS and cellulite, focusing on shared pathophysiological pathways and implications for clinical practice and future research.

Awake craniotomy in patients with arteriovenous malformation: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.

The present systematic review aimed to identify all the available literature on awake craniotomy (AC) in patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in order to evaluate its safety, risks, benefits and effectiveness. All available literature on AC in patients with AVM was collected and evaluated in an aim to provide a better understanding of its safety, associated risks and benefits. A systematic search for studies employing AC in patients with AVM was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases without restrictions on the year of publication, language, or study design, from inception up to May 30, 2021.

Patient perspectives on vasectomy: findings from a TikTok® content analysis.

Social media is increasingly used as a platform for patients to explore health care information. Our objective was to study the content on TikTok in order to gain insight into the perspectives shared by the public on vasectomy. A search was performed using the hashtag ´#vasectomy´ on 12.