Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

Updates on Imaging of Common Urogenital Neoplasms.

Urogenital neoplasms represent some of the most common malignancies [...

The Effect of Activity Tracking Apps on Physical Activity and Glycemic Control in People with Prediabetes Compared to Normoglycemic Individuals: A Pilot Study.

Unlabelled: Introduction-Aim: Adopting a lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity confers substantial benefits to both physical and mental health and is recommended for prediabetic individuals. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of activity tracking apps on increasing physical activity and its effect on glycemic control in people with prediabetes.

Materials And Methods: This pilot study included 37 participants, 18 in the prediabetic group and 19 in the normoglycemic group matched for age and gender (mean age 53 years, 40% males).

Atrial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Insights, Diagnostic Challenges, and Emerging Therapeutic Targets.

Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark of atrial cardiomyopathy and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), contributing to its onset and progression. The mechanisms underlying atrial fibrosis are multifaceted, involving stretch-induced fibroblast activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation pathways. Variations in fibrosis types-reactive and replacement fibrosis-are influenced by patient-specific factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities, complicating therapeutic approaches.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-Based Lipidomics Reveal the Association of Altered Red Blood Cell (RBC) Membrane Lipidome with the Presence and the Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite significant improvements in diagnostic modalities. Emerging evidence suggests that erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), are one of the most important contributors to the events implicated in atherosclerosis, although the molecular mechanisms behind it are under investigation. We used NMR-based lipidomic technology to investigate the RBC lipidome in patients with CHD compared to those with normal coronary arteries (NCAs), all angiographically documented, and its correlation with coronary artery stenosis.

Oxidative Stress and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Focus on Female Fertility and Reproductive Health.

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development.

Exploring New Tools in Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke Using an Exoskeletal Aid: A Pilot Randomized Control Study.

Background/objectives: Spasticity commonly occurs in individuals after experiencing a stroke, impairing their hand function and limiting activities of daily living (ADLs). In this paper, we introduce an exoskeletal aid, combined with a set of augmented reality (AR) games consisting of the Rehabotics rehabilitation solution, designed for individuals with upper limb spasticity following stroke.

Methods: Our study, involving 60 post-stroke patients (mean ± SD age: 70.

Dysphagia in Rare Diseases and Syndromes: Current Approaches to Management and Therapeutic Innovations-A Systematic Review.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the correlation between Rare Diseases and Syndromes (RDS) and the dysphagic disorders manifested during childhood and adulthood in affected patients. Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty or an inability to swallow food of any consistency, as well as saliva or medications, from the oral cavity to the stomach. RDS often present with complex and heterogeneous clinical manifestations, making it challenging to develop standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Expression of the IGF‑1Ea isoform in human placentas from third trimester normal and idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction singleton pregnancies: Correlations with clinical and histopathological parameters.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second most common obstetric complication after preterm labor. Appropriate trophoblast differentiation and placental structure, growth and function are key for the maintenance of pregnancy and normal fetal growth, development and survival. Extravillous trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion are regulated by molecules produced by the fetomaternal interface, including autocrine factors produced by the trophoblast, such as insulin‑like growth factor (IGF)‑1.

Prognostic factors for first recurrence following meningioma surgery.

The present study investigated the role of the Simpson grade system, MIB-1 immunohistochemical marker, meningioma location and grade in the risk of recurrence. Between January, 2008 and January, 2018, the present study retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing craniotomy for the resection of a histopathologically confirmed meningioma. Patients with neurofibromatosis, acoustic neurinomas and radiation treatment prior to surgery were excluded.

Anaphylaxis in infancy: An area that needs to be highlighted.

Anaphylaxis, the most severe end of the spectrum of allergic reactions, has shown increasing incidence globally over recent years. This hypersensitivity reaction can occur at any age, including infancy. Recent data, although scarce, show that anaphylaxis is increasingly reported in infancy, with food identified as the leading cause of anaphylaxis cases in this age group.

Multifolding Vertical-Flow Electrochemical Paper-Based Devices with Tunable Dual Preconcentration for Enhanced Multiplexed Assays of Heavy Metals.

This work describes fully integrated multifolding electrochemical paper-based devices (ePADs) for enhanced multiplexed voltammetric determination of heavy metals (Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II)) using tunable passive preconcentration. The paper devices integrate five circular sample preconcentration layers and a 3-electrode electrochemical cell. The hydrophobic barriers of the devices are drawn by pen-plotting with hydrophobic ink, while the electrodes are deposited by screen-printing.

Detection and identification of Naegleria species along with Naegleria fowleri in the tap water samples.

Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is commonly found in warm freshwater environments and can enter the brain through nasal passages during activities like swimming or ablution. PAM has a high fatality rate, raising concerns about its global health impact. In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, a significant number of cases have been reported, often with no history of recreational water exposure, but with regular ablution using tap water.

Custom-made fenestrated Anaconda™ leg extension internal iliac artery aneurysm: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: Internal iliac artery aneurysms repair represents a life-threatening condition due to their anatomical position and the risk of rupture. Iliac branch devices are strongly recommended for anatomically suitable patients, but limited alternatives exist when their use is unsuitable. The use of custom-made fenestrated endografts is well documented in other aortic territories, however, their application for the treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysm remains limited.

Global burden of heart failure and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021.

Background: Heart failure (HF) presents a significant global health challenge due to its rising prevalence and impact on disability.

Aims: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the global burden of HF and its underlying causes.

Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed the prevalence and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) of HF, examining its implications across diverse demographics and geographic regions.

Tetanus Vaccination in Agricultural Workers: A Retrospective Study on Seroprevalence over 10 Years.

Background/objectives: Tetanus is a serious, non-contagious infection caused by , which remains a global health threat despite the availability of an effective vaccine. The current state of immunization for agricultural workers in Italy reveals significant disparities, reflecting a non-homogeneous distribution of vaccination coverage across regions and subgroups. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of tetanus antibodies in a cohort of agricultural workers in Eastern Sicily in order to evaluate possible public health strategies for improving vaccination coverage.

Measuring Precipitation via Microwave Bands with a High-Accuracy Setup.

The urgent need for timely and accurate precipitation estimations in the face of ongoing climate change and the increasing frequency and/or intensity of extreme weather events underscores the necessity for innovative approaches. Recently, several studies have focused on estimating the precipitation rate through induced attenuation of radio frequency (RF) signals, which are abundant in modern communication systems. Most research has concentrated on frequencies exceeding 10 GHz, as attenuation at lower frequencies is minimal, posing measurement challenges.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Cellulose from Aloe Vera Plant Residue and Preparation of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels.

Biomass valorization and bio-based material development are of major research interest following the spirit of the circular economy. Aloe vera cultivation is a widespread agricultural activity oriented toward supplement production because of its well-known antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Aloe vera juice production also produces a large amount of biomass byproducts that are usually landfilled.

Ticagrelor Induces Angiogenesis in Progenitor and Mature Endothelial Cells In Vitro: Investigation of the Possible Role of Adenosine.

Ticagrelor, a reversible platelet P2Y receptor antagonist, exerts various pleiotropic actions, some of which are at least partially mediated through adenosine. We studied the ticagrelor and adenosine effect on the angiogenic properties of progenitor CD34-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). Angiogenesis studies were performed in vitro using capillary-like tube formation and spheroid-based angiogenesis assays.

Predictive Value of Varicocele Grade and Histopathology in Simultaneous Varicocelectomy and Sperm Retrieval in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Varicocele repair in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remains a subject of debate due to inconsistent outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of microsurgical varicocelectomy on sperm recovery rates in men with NOA and to assess the role of varicocele grade and testicular histopathology in predicting postoperative outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 78 men diagnosed with NOA and clinical varicocele who underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic testicular biopsy at the Department of Urology of the University of Ioannina between September 2013 and December 2021.

Anatomical Schemata Revealed by the Critical View of Safety Approach: A Proposal of the Hellenic Task Force on the Typology of Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (HETALCHO).

: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed operation in general surgery in the Western World. Gallbladder surgery, although most of the time simple, always offers the possibility of unpleasant surprises. Despite progress, the incidence of common bile duct injury is 0.

Paternal Contributions to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches.

: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects numerous couples worldwide and has traditionally been attributed mainly to maternal factors. However, recent evidence highlights significant paternal influences on pregnancy viability and outcomes. This review aims to comprehensively examine male contributions to pregnancy loss, focusing on underlying mechanisms, novel biomarkers, and integrated strategies for improved reproductive success.