Association between patient perception of disease status and different components of the Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) criteria in psoriatic arthritis.

Objective: The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the relationship between the criteria met of the Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) score for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and patient-perceived disease status.

Methods: We analysed data from the ReFlaP study (NCT03119805), a cross-sectional international study of adult patients with PsA. Patients self-reported if they felt their PsA was in remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA) or neither.

The role of multi-modality imaging for the assessment of left atrium and left atrial appendage. A clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Structural, architectural, contractile or electrophysiological alterations may occur in the left atrium (LA). The concept of LA cardiopathy is supported by accumulating scientific evidence demonstrating that LA remodeling has become a cornerstone diagnostic and prognostic marker. The structure and the function of LA and left atrial appendage (LAA) which is an integral part of the LA, are key elements for a better understanding of multiple clinical conditions, most notably atrial fibrillation (AF), cardioembolism, heart failure and mitral valve diseases.

The Added Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Staging Uterine Cervical Cancer.

Background: Cervical cancer is considered one of the most common gynecological malignancies with an increased incidence in developing countries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a valuable role in staging cervical cancer and providing valuable information necessary for selecting the appropriate treatment plan, while closely correlating with the prognosis of the patient.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the preoperative loco-regional staging of cervical carcinoma.

The Impact of Hepatic Hydrothorax on the Outcome of Liver Cirrhosis: A Comparative Study.

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a severe cirrhosis complication requiring early diagnosis and appropriate management. This study aimed to assess the impact of HH on the disease severity and mortality of cirrhotic patients and compare their clinical and biological profiles with those of patients without HH. This retrospective study involved 155 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis, of whom 31 had HH.

Comparative Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disorders and Dental Wear in Video Game Players.

: The increasing prevalence of video gaming has raised concerns about its potential impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to compare TMD symptoms, mandibular function, and dental wear between gamers and non-gamers among university students. : An observational study included 108 students aged 20 to 23 years, divided into gamers (n = 48) and non-gamers (n = 60).

From Molecular to Radionuclide and Pharmacological Aspects in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a rare pathology characterized by protein deposits in various organs and tissues. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can be caused by various protein deposits, but transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) are the most frequent pathologies. Protein misfolding can be induced by several factors such as oxidative stress, genetic mutations, aging, chronic inflammation, and neoplastic disorders.

The Interplay Between High Cumulative Doses of Radioactive Iodine and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex Cardiovascular Challenge.

Starting from the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we hypothesized that the mechanisms of ¹³¹I-induced cardiotoxicity differ between patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with/without T2DM, with metformin potentially acting as a cardioprotective agent by mitigating inflammation in patients with T2DM. To address this hypothesis, we quantified, using ELISA, the serum concentration of several key biomarkers that reflect cardiac injury (NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, ST2/IL-33R, and cTn I) in 74 female patients with DTC/-T2DM and 25 with DTC/+T2DM treated with metformin. All patients received a cumulative oral dose of I exceeding 150 mCi (5.

Status of Sepsis Care in European Hospitals: Results from an International Cross-Sectional Survey.

Rationale: Early detection, standardized therapy, adequate infrastructure and strategies for quality improvement should constitute essential components of every hospital's sepsis plan.

Objectives: To investigate the extent to which recommendations from the sepsis guidelines are implemented and the availability of infrastructure for the care of patients with sepsis in acute hospitals.

Methods: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional questionnaire was used to investigate sepsis care in hospitals.

The Critical Role of Pulse Oximetry Screening for Congenital Heart Disease and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Newborns.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is diagnosed with high prevalence. Pulse oximetry and clinical examination are screening tools to aid in obtaining a CHD diagnosis.

Materials And Methods:  We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study over three years, screening 1188 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the first 72 hours of life.

Clinical management of female patients with Fabry disease based on expert consensus.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that causes accumulation of glycosphingolipids in body tissues and fluids, leading to progressive organ damage and life-threatening complications. It can affect both males and females and can be classified into classic or later-onset phenotypes. The disease severity in females ranges from asymptomatic to the more severe, classic phenotype.

Exploring the Broad Spectrum of Titanium-Niobium Implants and Hydroxyapatite Coatings-A Review.

Tooth loss replacement using dental implants is becoming more frequent. Traditional dental implant materials such as commercially pure titanium and titanium aluminum vanadium alloys have well-proven mechanical and biological properties. New titanium alloying metals such as niobium provide improved mechanical properties such as lower elastic modulus while displaying comparable or even better biocompatibility.

A Comparative Study of the Electroneurographic Findings in Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy in Patients with Light-Chain Amyloidosis and Glu54Gln Transthyretin Amyloidosis.

: Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by the abnormal folding of proteins, forming insoluble fibrils that accumulate in tissues and organs. This accumulation disrupts normal tissue architecture and organ function, often with serious consequences, including death if left untreated. Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) and hereditary transthyretin-type amyloidosis (hATTR) are two of the most common types.

Exploring the Connections Between Grip Strength, Nutritional Status, Frailty, Depression, and Cognition as Initial Assessment Tools in Geriatric Rehabilitation-A Pilot Study.

In the context of the rapidly aging global population, the older adult vulnerability poses a significant challenge for public health systems. Frailty, cognitive and nutritional status, depression, and grip strength are essential parameters for staging the vulnerability of older adults. The objective of this study is to identify a rapid but multidimensional geriatric assessment tool that can enhance the rehabilitation process for older adults, tailored to their specific needs.

Comparing Long-Term Outcomes in Glomerular Disease Patients Presenting with Nephrotic Syndrome Versus Nephrotic Range Proteinuria.

Background: Despite extensive research on proteinuria's impact on chronic kidney disease progression, there is no direct comparison of outcomes in biopsy-diagnosed glomerular disease (GD) patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) or nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP). Our study addresses this gap, comparing long-term outcomes between NS and NRP.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 240 kidney biopsy-proven GD patients, tracked from 2010 to 2015 until end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), death, or the study end in January 2022.

Exploring the Links Between Coping Strategies, Emotional Intelligence, and Age in Adolescents with Neuromotor Disabilities.

Background/objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and coping strategies used by adolescents with disabilities, on the one hand to understand how emotional skills influence stress management and everyday challenges and, on the other hand, considering that it could help specialists to develop interventions and educational programs that support the improvement of emotional skills and coping strategies among adolescents with disabilities.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 Romanian adolescents with neuromotor disabilities aged 13 to 18 years (M = 15.2) divided into three groups according to the stages of adolescence: Group 1 (13 years-46 respondents), Group 2 (14 to 17 years-26 respondents), and Group 3 (18 years-28 respondents).

Role of Microbiota-Derived Hydrogen Sulfide (HS) in Modulating the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis.

Microbiota-derived hydrogen sulfide (HS) plays a crucial role in modulating the gut-brain axis, with significant implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. HS is produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria in the gut and acts as a critical signaling molecule influencing brain health via various pathways, including regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. HS maintains gut barrier integrity at physiological levels and prevents systemic inflammation, which could impact neuroinflammation.

Surviving COVID-19 and Battling Fibrosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Across Three Pandemic Waves.

Background/objectives: We aimed to characterize the fibrosis following COVID-19 pneumonia, using quantitative analysis, after three months and subsequently, after two years of patients' release from the hospital, and to identify the risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study on 420 patients with severe forms of COVID-19. For all patients, we registered demographic, inflammatory and biochemical parameters, complete blood count and D-dimers; all patients underwent three computed tomography scans (at admittance, at 3 months and at 2 years).

Clinical Presentation and Integrated Management of Pressure Injuries in the Emergency Hospital Setting: A Plastic Surgeon's Perspective.

: Pressure injuries are localized areas of tissue damage or necrosis that occur when pressure is applied to the skin for prolonged periods, often over bony prominences, often the sacrum, heels, ischial tuberosities, and greater trochanters. The pathophysiology is complex, involving a combination of mechanical forces, ischemia, and tissue hypoxia. : We conducted a 2-year retrospective study aiming to assess the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and management of pressure injuries in patients admitted to an emergency hospital who underwent a plastic surgery examination.

Bromelain in Burn Care: Advancements in Enzymatic Debridement and Patient Outcomes.

The management of severe burns is a complex process that requires a multidimensional approach to ensure optimal healing of burn wounds, minimize complications, and improve the prognosis of patients. Surgical debridement is considered the gold standard for removing necrotic tissue; however, this approach involves risks such as bleeding, the potential removal of viable tissue during excision, and technical challenges in complex anatomical areas. Recent advancements highlight the role of enzymatic debridement using NexoBrid, which offers a less invasive alternative to surgical excision while having the ability to selectively debride necrotic tissue and preserve viable tissue.

Kinomic profiling to predict sunitinib response of patients with metastasized clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Introduction: Treatment with Sunitinib, a potent multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has increased the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall-survival (OS) of patients with metastasized renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). With modest OS improvement and variable response and toxicity predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers are needed to personalize patient management: Prediction of individual TKI therapy response and resistance will increase successful treatment outcome while reducing unnecessary drug use and expense. The aim of this study was to investigate whether kinase activity analysis can predict sunitinib response and/or toxicity using tissue samples obtained from primary clear cell RCC (ccRCC) from a cohort of clinically annotated patients with mRCC receiving sunitinib as first-line treatment.