Proteolytic enzymes and wound debridement: a literature review.

Background: Wound debridement is crucial for effective wound management and essential for removing necrotic tissue, reducing bacterial load, and encouraging granulation. While surgical debridement is prevalent, it can be traumatic and can potentially delay healing by enlarging the wound area.

Objective: To summarize the existing literature on the role of proteolytic enzymes in wound debridement, with a focus on their applications, benefits, limitations, and future potential in wound care management.

Pregnancy outcomes in Greek women with inflammatory bowel disease: a longitudinal national retrospective study.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly affects patients of reproductive age. The effect of disease activity on the outcome of pregnancy and its impact on neonatal health are areas of intense research.

Methods: Α national retrospective study of pregnancies in women with IBD between 2010 and 2020 was carried out in 22 IBD reference centers in Greece.

Best original research presented at the 25th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology: best of ESGO 2024.

The 'Best of ESGO 2024' article includes a selection of the most highly rated original research presented during the 25th Annual Congress of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (ESGO), held in Barcelona, Spain, March 7-10, 2024. Of 1218 asbtracts submitted, 35 studies presented during the best oral sessions, mini oral sessions, best three minute presentations session, and young investigator session were selected by the ESGO abstract committee and the authors of the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists (ENYGO). There was a strong focus on the surgical treatment of early stage cervical cancer and the management of advanced or recurrent gynecological cancers using induction therapy, immunotherapy, and maintenance therapy.

Management of Patients with Hypersensitivity to Platinum Salts and Taxane in Gynecological Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study by the European Network of Young Gynaecologic Oncologists (ENYGO).

Platinum and taxane chemotherapy is associated with the risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), which may require switching to less effective treatments. Desensitization to platinum and taxane HSRs can be used to complete chemotherapy according to the standard regimen. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the current management of HSRs to platinum and/or taxane chemotherapy in patients with gynecologic cancers.

Best original research presented at the 24 European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology-Best of ESGO 2023.

The 'Best of ESGO 2023' manuscript comprises a compilation of the best original research presented during the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology annual congress held in Istanbul between September 28 and October 1, 2023. Out of 1030 submitted abstracts, 33 studies presented during the Best Oral Sessions, Mini Oral Sessions, and Young Investigator Session were selected by the ESGO Abstract Committee and the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists (ENYGO) authors. There was a strong focus on surgical de-escalation, immunotherapy, maintenance therapy, and molecular profiling in gynecologic oncology.

Women in leadership positions in European neurosurgery - Have we broken the glass ceiling?

Introduction: The proportion of male neurosurgeons has historically been higher than of women, although at least equal numbers of women have been entering European medical schools. The Diversity Committee (DC) of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) was founded recently to address this phenomenon.

Research Question: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to characterize the status quo of female leadership by assessing the proportion of women heading European neurosurgical departments.

Stress and coping strategies in the general population of Greece and Cyprus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown policy had a profound psychological impact on the general population worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of stress and coping strategies used during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak and their association. Secondary aims were to a) identify the most important coping strategies and b) investigate predictors of stress.

Impact of biologic therapies on risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis or Psoriatic Arthritis: A systematic literature review.

Background: Recent evidence highlights increased mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially within the two major forms of Spondyloarthropathies (SpAs), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Healthcare professionals and patients in these populations should be alerted regarding the high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and thus, customize the treatment strategy accordingly.

Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to determine the effects of biological therapies on serious CV events in AS and PsA.

ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE Guidelines for the fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Study Question: How should fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma be performed?

Summary Answer: Forty-eight recommendations were formulated on fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

What Is Known Already: The standard surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma consisting of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy drastically affects the quality of life of patients and creates a challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence-based guidelines of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in endometrial carcinoma in a multidisciplinary setting.

ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE Guidelines for the fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

The standard surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma, consisting of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, drastically affects the quality of life of patients and creates a challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence-based guidelines of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) provide comprehensive information on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in endometrial carcinoma in a multidisciplinary setting. While addressing also work-up for fertility preservation treatments and the management and follow-up for fertility preservation, it was considered relevant to further extend the guidance on fertility-sparing treatment.

Best original research presented at the 23rd European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology-Best of ESGO 2022.

Best of ESGO 2022 includes a selection of best original research presented during the 23rd European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology between October 27 and 30, 2022 in Berlin. Out of 1107 submitted abstracts, authors of studies which obtained the highest scores in a blinded review process were invited to present their results during four oral sessions, young investigators session, and oral poster sessions. By means of this publication, we aim to provide readers with an overview of the best quality research presented at the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) 2022.

Significance of serum HBV RNA in non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinue effective antiviral therapy.

HBV RNA is considered as a promising predictor in patients who discontinue nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). We determined HBV RNA levels in non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative patients who discontinued NAs and assessed their predictability for 12-month outcomes. Fifty-seven patients of DARING-B study were included.

Soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 predicts premature death in acute coronary syndromes.

Aims: The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and its shedding product [soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1)] are implicated in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) pathogenesis. Herein, we examined the relationship of sLOX-1 with both fatal events and plaque progression in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Methods And Results: Plasma sLOX-1 was assessed at baseline in ACS and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients prospectively recruited in the multicentre SPUM-ACS study, with sex- and age-matched healthy subjects serving as additional controls (n = 2924).

Hepatocellular carcinoma: The virus or the liver?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major public health problem being one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses have been classified as oncoviruses and are responsible for the majority of HCC cases, while the role of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in liver carcinogenesis has not been elucidated. HDV/HBV coinfection is related to more severe liver damage than HBV mono-infection and recent studies suggest that HDV/HBV patients are at increased risk of developing HCC compared to HBV mono-infected patients.

Quantifying the effect of in-hospital antimicrobial use on the development of colistin-resistant strains: a time series analysis.

Objectives: Colistin is currently considered an essential therapeutic option for the treatment of hospital-acquired infections caused by resistant isolates of . In this study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital, the effect of previous detection rates and antimicrobial use on colistin-resistant strains was investigated.

Methods: Susceptibility data for isolates and colistin use information were collected for 48 consecutive months (January 2014 to December 2017).

Hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment cessation in non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: A multicentre cohort study.

Background And Aims: Scarce data exist on the effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHBe-). Therefore, we assessed whether HCC risk is increased in non-cirrhotic CHBe- patients who discontinue compared to those remaining on NAs.

Methods: This cohort study included 650 consecutive non-cirrhotic Caucasian or Asian patients with CHBe- without a history of HCC who discontinued NAs after a median of 5 or 3 years (cases, n = 325; Caucasians: 143, Asians: 182) or remained on NA therapy beyond 5 or 3 years respectively (controls, n = 325; Caucasians: 223, Asians: 102).

Effects of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine Versus Lidocaine on Postoperative Pain, Analgesic Consumption and Functional Recovery After Abdominal Gynecological Surgery: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Double Blind Study.

Background: The management of acute postoperative pain remains challenging, and the search for adjuvants to reduce opioid use continues.

Objectives: We studied the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and functional recovery.

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial was performed.

Prognostic value of admission high-sensitivity troponin in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background And Aim: Although the diagnostic usefulness of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is well established in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), its prognostic relevance in risk stratification of patients with STEMI remains obscure. This study sought to determine the prognostic value of pre-reperfusion (admission) and post-reperfusion (12-hour) hs-cTnT in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Methods: Retrospective observational longitudinal study including consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PPCI at a university hospital in the northeast of England.

Real time remote symptom monitoring during chemotherapy for cancer: European multicentre randomised controlled trial (eSMART).

Objective: To evaluate effects of remote monitoring of adjuvant chemotherapy related side effects via the Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) on symptom burden, quality of life, supportive care needs, anxiety, self-efficacy, and work limitations.

Design: Multicentre, repeated measures, parallel group, evaluator masked, stratified randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Twelve cancer centres in Austria, Greece, Norway, Republic of Ireland, and UK.

Management of asthma in childhood: study protocol of a systematic evidence update by the Paediatric Asthma in Real Life (PeARL) Think Tank.

Introduction: Clinical recommendations for childhood asthma are often based on data extrapolated from studies conducted in adults, despite significant differences in mechanisms and response to treatments. The Paediatric Asthma in Real Life (PeARL) Think Tank aspires to develop recommendations based on the best available evidence from studies in children. An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) on paediatric asthma maintenance management and an SR of treatments for acute asthma attacks in children, requiring an emergency presentation with/without hospital admission will be conducted.

Tracking missed opportunities for an early HIV diagnosis in a population of people living with HIV with known time of infection.

Purpose: The goal of 90-90-90 first requires the expansion of access to HIV testing. Our aim was to record frequencies of HIV indicator conditions (ICs) and identify missed opportunities for an early HIV diagnosis.

Methods: We retrospectively identified ICs in a population of 231 people living with HIV with known infection dates who attended our clinic.

Metabolic phenotyping and cardiovascular disease: an overview of evidence from epidemiological settings.

Metabolomics, the comprehensive measurement of low-molecular-weight molecules in biological fluids used for metabolic phenotyping, has emerged as a promising tool to better understand pathways underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Here, we present the main methodologies for metabolic phenotyping, the methodological steps to analyse these data in epidemiological settings and the associated challenges. We discuss evidence from epidemiological studies linking metabolites to coronary heart disease and stroke.