The risk of failure of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy: from PRAETORIAN score to clinical practice.

Background: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is an alternative to traditional ICDs. The PRAETORIAN score, based on chest radiographs, has been validated to predict the probability of successful S-ICD defibrillation testing by assessing factors like fat thickness between the coil and sternum and generator placement.

Objective: This study evaluated the correlation between the PRAETORIAN score and clinical characteristics, as well as implantation variables.

Determination of additives as markers of microplastic contamination in the environment.

Microplastics are mostly inert particles and, therefore, may exhibit low toxicity, but adverse health effects may result from chemical additives commonly added to plastics. Plastic additives serve to make the material workable and thermodynamically stable as well as acting as softeners, fillers and colorants. They may include hazardous chemicals, such as organic phosphates, phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, benzoates, citrates, sebacates, trimellitates, etc.

Siponimod following Alemtuzumab in secondary progressive MS: investigating sequential therapy-A case series.

Alemtuzumab, a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, is approved for treatment of highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) but requires vigilant post-treatment monitoring due to associated risks. The prescription of subsequent therapies following Alemtuzumab, as mandated by label guidance for a treatment-free period of at least 5 years, presents a complex challenge, particularly if there is concurrent conversion to secondary progressive disease course. We described a case-series of five patients starting therapy with Siponimod and followed up for 12 months period converted to secondary progressive MS previously exposed to Alemtuzumab.

An Association of Framingham Risk Score with Patient Determined Disease Steps in a Cohort of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: An Italian Real-World Monocentric Experience.

Background: The associations between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and cardiovascular diseases, drawn from epidemiological studies, have attracted much attention in recent years.

Materials And Methods: The present study employed a monocentric, observational, retrospective cohort design. The primary objective of the study was to describe the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) rate in a cross-sectional analysis of our cohort of relapsing-remitting MS patients who are regularly followed up and, if applicable, to identify any association with the patient's Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS).

Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and Multiple Sclerosis.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that play important roles in maintaining immune homeostasis and regulating immune responses. MDSCs can be divided into two main subsets based on their surface markers and functional properties: granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs). Recently greatest attention has been paid to innate immunity in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), so the aim of our review is to provide an overview of the main characteristics of MDSCs in MS and its preclinical model by discussing the most recent data available.

Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general social impact of the pandemic.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey that aims at investigating the neuropsychological effects and the QoL impairment of SARS-CoV-2 on a cohort of children and adolescents in the Abruzzo region (Italy).

Plastic breath: Quantification of microplastics and polymer additives in airborne particles.

The widespread extensive use of synthetic polymers has led to a substantial environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution, with microplastics detected in various environments and posing risks to both human health and ecosystems. The possibility of plastic fragments to be dispersed in the air as particles and inhaled by humans may cause damage to the respiratory and other body systems. Therefore, there is a particular need to study microplastics as air pollutants.

NEDA-3 achievement in early highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with Ocrelizumab or Natalizumab.

Background: in the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), initiating high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (HE DMTs) may represent an optimal strategy for delaying neurological damage and long-term disease progression, especially in highly active MS patients (HAMS). Natalizumab (NAT) and Ocrelizumab (OCR) are recognized as HE DMTs with significant anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates NEDA-3 achievement in treatment-naïve HAMS patients receiving NAT or OCR over three years.

Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment.

Studies of Potential Migration of Hazardous Chemicals from Sustainable Food Contact Materials.

In recent years, due to modern techniques for the distribution, transport, and retail sale of food, the production of large amounts of non-biodegradable and bioaccumulative packaging waste has become a major environmental issue. To address this issue, new food packaging materials based on renewable biomass have been studied as eco-friendly, biodegradable, and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic materials. However, although these materials are not petrochemical derivatives, the presence of contaminants cannot be excluded.

Potential Predictors of Long COVID in Italian Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Identifying predictive factors of long COVID syndrome (LCS) is essential to preventing and managing this condition. We investigated the prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors of LCS in a cohort of Italian children and adolescents.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey on demographic characteristics and clinical data related to COVID-19 phase and LCS in a cohort of children and adolescents, sending a questionnaire by using the PEDIATOTEM platform.

Real-world data of patients affected by advanced heart failure treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator and left ventricular assist device: Results of a multicenter observational study.

Background: Left ventricular assist device (L-VAD) implantation is increasingly used in patients with heart failure (HF) and most patients also have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Limited data are available on the incidence of ICD therapies and complications in this special setting. The aim of this study was to analyze the real-world incidence and predictors of ICD therapies, complications and interactions between ICD and L-VAD.

Lung function assessment in children with Long-Covid syndrome.

Introduction: A significant percentage of patients who survived the Coronavirus Infection Disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed persistent general and respiratory symptoms even months after recovery. This condition, called Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 or Long-Covid syndrome (LCS), has been described also in children with positive history for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Little is known about the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this syndrome.

Clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients implanted with a transvenous or subcutaneous defibrillator.

Aims: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at risk of sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator complications are of concern. The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) does not use transvenous leads and is expected to reduce complications.

Longitudinal prospective anthropometric evaluation in Caucasian prepubertal children with lactose intolerance.

Introduction: The health consequences of lactose intolerance remain unclear. We studied the association of lactose intolerance with growth in children.

Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we compared Caucasian prepubertal children with lactose intolerance (LI) [ = 30, median age = 7.

Modern subcutaneous implantable defibrillator therapy in patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies: data from a large multicentre registry.

Aims: Patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are usually younger and have a predominantly arrhythmia-related prognosis; they have nearly normal life expectancy thanks to the protection against sudden cardiac death provided by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is an effective alternative to the transvenous ICD and has evolved over the years. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of inappropriate shocks (IS), appropriate therapies, and device-related complications in patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies who underwent modern S-ICD implantation.

Concentrations and co-occurrence of 101 emerging and legacy organic pollutants in the ultrafine, fine and coarse fractions of airborne particulates associated with treatment of waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

Occupational exposure to airborne particles can increase the development of morbidity, also because of the chemical composition of particulate matter (PM). In workplace, where manual and mechanical disassembly of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) take place, there are evident risks of respiratory exposure to a great number of different toxic organic compounds present in the electrical and plastic materials of which the equipment is made. Airborne particles are numerous, cover a wide range of sizes and are rich in toxic organic compounds.

Long COVID in Children: A Multidisciplinary Review.

Long COVID syndrome has emerged as a long-lasting consequence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. In addition, children may be affected by Long COVID, with potential clinical issues in different fields, including problems in school performance and daily activities. Yet, the pathophysiologic bases of Long COVID in children are largely unknown, and it is difficult to predict who will develop the syndrome.

Procedure, management, and outcome of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator extraction in clinical practice.

Aims: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) therapy is expanding rapidly. However, there are few data on the S-ICD extraction procedure and subsequent patient management. The aim of this analysis was to describe the procedure, management, and outcome of S-ICD extractions in clinical practice.

Drug-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome in Children.

Drug-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (DIES) is a drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction non-IgE mediated involving the gastrointestinal system that occurs 2 to 4 h after drug administration. Antibiotics, specifically amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate, represent the most frequent drugs involved. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pallor, lethargy, and dehydration, which can be severe and result in hypovolemic shock.