Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) for risk stratification after acute ischemic stroke: Results from the BIOSIGNAL cohort study.

Introduction: Recent studies in stroke patients from predominantly Asian populations have underscored the significance of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a valuable blood biomarker for predicting incident strokes and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, its prognostic role after ischemic stroke in other populations is not yet comprehensively investigated.

Patients And Methods: We measured plasma TMAO levels in 1726 acute ischemic stroke patients (within 24 h from symptom onset) from the multicenter BIOSIGNAL cohort.

When pests become biorefineries; Exploring the biology, waste valorization, and public health aspects of Musca domestica L. (Diptera:Muscidae) in a circular economy context.

The housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera:Muscidae), is a cosmopolitan insect which has been traditionally regarded as a pest due to its role as a vector for pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococci, Senecavirus A, and Aspergillus spp.

Virulence of Strains Isolated from Forest Ecosystems Against Wax Moths (, ) and Pine Processionary () Larvae.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control a plethora of chewing insects such as , , and . Bioassay of EPF on these highly damaging pests is considered important in the face of climate change in order to research alternative solutions that are capable of limiting chemical control, the overuse of which increases insects' resistance to chemical compounds. In this study, the insecticidal virulence of isolates, retrieved from forest ecosystems, was tested on second-instar larvae of , , and .

Vegetarian diets for longevity: friend or foe?

Vegetarianism is a healthy dietary pattern that is postulated to increase longevity. Vegetarianism is adopted for animal ethics, environmental reasons, or religious beliefs. Vegetarian diets are believed to improve the gut microbiome, body weight, cardiovascular health and inflammation; however, a synthesis of the up-to-date evidence does not seem to support these effects.

Quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease from patient's perspective using QUOTE-IBD: a Greek multicenter prospective study.

Objective: Most of the existing instruments assessing quality of care (QoC) are based on the perception of healthcare providers that may differ from that of healthcare users. We aimed to measure QoC through the patient's eyes in a Greek cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (GR QUOTE-IBD) and to investigate putative sociodemographic and disease-related QoC predictors.

Methods: GR QUOTE-IBD questionnaire was delivered to patients at their regular follow-up visit, and adequate time was offered to fill it in.

Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the effectiveness of graphene on stored product insects.

This investigation assessed the insecticidal efficacy of two graphene formulations (Gr1 and Gr2) on wheat kernels against adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) in relation to temperature and relative humidity (RH) at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm.

Neurocognitive evaluation in patients with intracranial Meningiomas: A systematic review.

Introduction: Meningiomas remain the most frequently occurring intracranial, extra-axial, space-occupying lesions. Aspects such as neurocognitive function and quality of life become more and more crucial. Several meningioma patients present with evidence of neurocognitive impairment, behavioral disorders, or even psychiatric symptoms.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Bartter Syndrome: Lessons From a Complex Diagnostic Procedure.

Bartter syndrome is an idiopathic condition that may manifest antenatally, characterized by a spectrum of symptoms including maternal polyhydramnios, prematurity, polyuria, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, normomagnesemia, vomiting, growth retardation, and elevated renal synthesis and urinary excretion of prostaglandins. Herein, we present a case of a 36-year-old Caucasian woman (Gravida 1, Para 0) diagnosed with extensive hydramnios at the 27th week of gestation. A decision for decompressive amniocentesis was made, and the amniotic fluid was sent for biochemical testing.

Effect of a Spray Containing Occlusive Agents, Humectants and Physiological Lipids on Skin Hydration of Healthy Dogs When Applied After Bathing With a Chlorhexidine 2%/Miconazole 2% Shampoo.

Background: Normal hydration of the canine epidermis is imperative for cutaneous homeostasis. Xerosis may be encountered in canine atopic dermatitis and is aggravated by topical antiseptics.

Hypothesis And Objectives: To evaluate the hydrating properties and the safety of a spray (Sensiderm spray; MP Labo) when applied after shampooing healthy dogs with a chlorhexidine 2%/miconazole 2% product.

A Transcriptomic Analysis Exploring the Role of Aquaporins in the Pathogenesis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Background: We hypothesized that Aquaporins (AQPs), membrane proteins facilitating water and small molecule translocation, implicate in thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) pathogenesis via their deregulation, impairing water transport and detoxification.

Methods: Raw data was extracted from a publicly available dataset. Gene expression profiling was performed with mRNA/miRNA microarrays and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified.

Restrictive measures and course of behavioral outcomes in representative adult Greek population during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results on functioning, coping, alcohol/substance abuse, smoking, gambling, pro-social activities and domestic violence from the largest multi-wave COVID-19 online national survey in Greece (COH-FIT).

Background: Greece encountered unique COVID-19-pandemic-related challenges, shaped by the country's previous deleterious economic context, an already strained healthcare system and possibly one of Europe's earliest, longest and most stringent restrictive protocols.

Objectives: To offer comprehensive insights into the longitudinal trajectory of a broad range of behavioral and coping parameters within general adult Greek population across the first two pandemic waves.

Methods: Multiple-wave, cross-sectional data from the "Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times" (COH-FIT) assessed four different time points in order to examine outcomes changes from retrospective, pre-pandemic baseline ratings (T0) to three distinct intra-pandemic time points (lockdown 1: T1, between lockdowns: T2, lockdown 2: T3).

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of the white-eye gene in the tephritid pest Bactrocera zonata.

Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method, significantly benefits from the availability of Genetic Sexing Strains (GSSs) that enable efficient mass production of males for sterile release. However, no GSS currently exists for B.

Proposed Physiological and Neurobiological Mechanisms of Music's Effect, with a Focus on the Perioperative Period: Literature Evidence from Human, Canine and Feline Medicine.

There is growing evidence regarding non-pharmacological therapies such as music as a supportive approach for the treatment of various clinical conditions in humans. Physiological and neurobiological research suggests that music exposure is related to endorphin, endocannabinoid and dopamine release, favourable effects on autonomic nervous system functioning and is associated with decreased pain perception and reduced stress response. Further evidence in humans demonstrates a beneficial role of music application during the perioperative period by improving various outcome measures, such as the perioperative stress and anxiety levels, the sedation or general anaesthetic requirements, the pain levels, the analgesic requirements and other parameters related to patient prognosis, without reported side effects.

Ultrasound Imaging Modalities in the Evaluation of the Dog's Stifle Joint.

This review presents a comprehensive overview of various ultrasound imaging techniques employed in the evaluation of the canine knee joint. It critically analyzes studies conducted on both human and animal subjects, with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of B-mode ultrasound, Doppler examination, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and elastography in both normal and pathological conditions. The review underscores the necessity of strict adherence to the protocols of each ultrasound modality and emphasizes the importance of a thorough understanding of the anatomical region to achieve optimal outcomes.

Effects of Rumen-Protected Methionine, Choline, and Betaine Supplementation on Ewes' Pregnancy and Reproductive Outcomes.

This study evaluated the effects of maternal supplementation with rumen-protected methionine (RPM), alone or combined with rumen-protected choline (RPC) and betaine (RPB), during the periconceptional and prepartum periods on reproductive outcomes and offspring performance in Chios ewes. One hundred synchronized ewes were assigned to three groups-control (no supplementation), M (5.50 g RPM/day), and MCB (3.

(Hop)-Derived Chemical Compounds Present Antiproliferative Activity on Various Cancer Cell Types: A Meta-Regression Based Panoramic Meta-Analysis.

: (hops) are a perennial, dioecious plant widely cultivated for beer production, used for their distinguishing aroma and bitterness-traits that confer high added value status. Various hop-derived compounds have been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and other bioactive effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the impact of hop compounds on the viability of diverse cancer cell lines.

Differential Exposure to spp. and Spotted Fever Group in Serbia and North Macedonia: A Comparative Study.

Several diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens, including Lyme borreliosis (LB) and spotted fever group rickettsioses, are endemic in the Balkan Peninsula, positioned between Central Europe and the Middle East. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess serological exposure to spp. and spotted fever group (SFGR) among individuals with recent tick bites and healthy controls in two Balkan countries-Serbia and North Macedonia.

Autonomous Exploration in Unknown Indoor 2D Environments Using Harmonic Fields and Monte Carlo Integration.

Efficient autonomous exploration in unknown obstacle cluttered environments with interior obstacles remains a challenging task for mobile robots. In this work, we present a novel exploration process for a non-holonomic agent exploring 2D spaces using onboard LiDAR sensing. The proposed method generates velocity commands based on the calculation of the solution of an elliptic Partial Differential Equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions.

Impact of Dietary Patterns on the Lipidemic Profile and the Cardiovascular Risk in Stage 1 Hypertension: A Post Hoc Analysis of the HINTreat Trial.

: In hypertension (HTN), lifestyle modification is important for controlling blood pressure (BP) and lipidemic profile. The HINTreat trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with improved endothelial function, after six months of intensive nutritional treatment. : This post hoc analysis of the HINTreat trial examined how adherence to various nutritional patterns like the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and anti-inflammatory diet, had impact on the blood lipids profile and the CVD risk.

Addressing Childhood Obesity in Children in Need in Greece: Policy Implementers' Knowledge, Perceptions and Lessons for Effective Implementation.

Policy implementers play a crucial role in the effective delivery of policies aiming at promoting a healthy lifestyle in the most vulnerable populations. This study aimed to explore (a) policy implementers' knowledge and perceptions of the policy framework promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition among children in need in Greece, and (b) self-perceived barriers and facilitators of the framework implementation. The term children in need refers to children who are at risk of poverty and/or social exclusion.

The Potential Role of -Related Mast Cell Activation in the Progression from Gastroesophageal Reflux to Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

(), a widespread gastric pathogen, has long been studied for its role in upper gastrointestinal disorders. While its involvement in gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer is well established, its impact on esophageal diseases remains an area of ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, some data indicate that may be involved in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease-Barrett's esophagus-esophageal adenocarcinoma sequence.

Exploring Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy for Skin Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Study.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer worldwide. Diagnostic uncertainty can arise when macroscopic or dermoscopic evaluations do not clearly differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS), traditionally used in fields like materials science and environmental analysis, has recently gained attention for its applications in human tissue assessment.