Sports Activity and Arrhythmic Risk in Cardiomyopathies and Channelopathies: A Critical Review of European Guidelines on Sports Cardiology in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases.

The prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death is the philosopher's stone of clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Sports can act as triggers of fatal arrhythmias and therefore it is essential to promptly frame the athlete at risk and to carefully evaluate the suitability for both competitive and recreational sports activity. A history of syncope or palpitations, the presence of premature ventricular complexes or more complex arrhythmias, a reduced left ventricular systolic function, or the presence of known or familiar heart disease should prompt a thorough evaluation with second level examinations.

Myocardial Inflammation, Sports Practice, and Sudden Cardiac Death: 2021 Update.

Myocardial inflammation is an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and sudden cardiac death in athletes. The relationship between sports practice and myocardial inflammation is complex, and recent data from studies concerning cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy have substantially added to our understanding of the challenges encountered in the comprehensive care of athletes with myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICM). In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of myocarditis, ICM, and myopericarditis/perimyocarditis in athletes, with a special emphasis on arrhythmias, patient-tailored therapies, and sports eligibility issues.

Collagenated Porcine Heterologous Bone Grafts: Histomorphometric Evaluation of Bone Formation Using Different Physical Forms in a Rabbit Cancellous Bone Model.

Collagenated porcine-derived bone graft materials exhibit osteoconductive properties and the development of different formulations intends to enhance bone regeneration. This study aims to evaluate bone healing in a rabbit cancellous bone defect in response to grafting with different physicochemical forms of heterologous porcine bone. Twenty-six adult male New Zealand White rabbits received two critical size femoral bone defects per animal (n = 52), each randomly assigned to one of the five tested materials (Apatos, Gen-Os, mp3, Putty, and Gel 40).

Promelanogenic Effects by an Annurca Apple-Based Natural Formulation in Human Primary Melanocytes.

Introduction: Melanocytes are engaged in synthesis, transport, and release of pigments at the epidermal-melanin units in response to the finely regulated melanogenic pathway. A multifaceted combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors - from endocrine and paracrine dynamics to exogenous stimuli such as sunlight and xenobiotics - modulates expression and activity of proteins involved in pigmentation, including the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosinase. As well as playing critical physiological functions comprising skin photoprotection, melanins define hair and skin pigmentation which in turn have impacted considerably to human social communication since time immemorial.

A clinical and molecular portrait of non-metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy associated with high-risk Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite improved outcomes in non-metastatic ASCC, definitive chemoradiotherapy constitutes the standard treatment for localized disease. Evidences for predictive and prognostic biomarkers are limited.

Intensive cardiac care unit admission trends during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy: a multi-center study.

A significant decline in the admission to intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) has been noted in Italy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Previous studies have provided data on clinical features and outcome of these patients, but information is still incomplete. In this multicenter study conducted in six ICCUs, we enrolled consecutive adult patients admitted to ICCU in three specific time intervals: from February 8 to March 9, 2020 [before national lockdown (pre-LD)], from March 10 to April 9, 2020 [during the first period of national lockdown (in-LD)] and from May 18 to June 17, 2020 [soon after the end of all containment measures (after-LD)].

Evaluation of Sequential Urine Analysis when Selecting Candidates for Vesicoamniotic Shunting in Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess the utility of sequential fetal urine analysis in severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) when selecting cases suitable for vesicoamniotic shunting.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of severe LUTO treated in our fetal medicine center from 1994 to 2013. Two fetal bladder samples were taken 24-48 h apart to assess renal function.

The risk of conversion in minimally invasive oncological abdominal surgery. Meta-analysis of randomized evidence comparing traditional laparoscopic versus robot-assisted techniques.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the risk of conversion associated with conventional laparoscopic surgery (LAP) versus robot-assisted surgery (ROB) in patients undergoing abdominal oncological surgery. Possible differences between ROB and LAP on postoperative overall and major morbidity, operative time, and length of hospitalization were also assessed.

Methods: We included randomized controlled trials of LAP versus ROB surgery in patients with abdominal malignancy.

Use and misuse of instant messaging in clinical data sharing: the EHRA-SMS survey.

Instant messaging (IM) enables medical professionals to quickly share clinical data to their peers for counselling. Purpose of this survey is to assess the habits related to IM, their application in clinical practice and the perceived pros and cons. An online survey was distributed to the medical community via newsletters, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Sinergy between drugs and devices in the fight against sudden cardiac death and heart failure.

The impact of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in heart failure (HF) patients is important and prevention of SCD is a reasonable and clinically justified endpoint if associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. According to literature, in HF with reduced ejection fraction, only three classes of agents were found effective in reducing SCD and all-cause mortality: beta-blockers, mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists and, more recently, angiotensin-receptor neprilysin-inhibitors. In the PARADIGM trial that tested sacubitril/valsartan vs.

Cognitive Reserve and Digital Confidence among Older Adults as New Paradigm for Resilient Aging.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the digital confidence of elder adults and identify behavioral patterns for technology that are related to cognitive abilities among elders.

Method: An observational study was conducted using a sample of 94 elders, aged 53 to 86 years. Neuropsychological and emotional measures were used, and technology use was assessed.

Current status and needs for changes in critical care training: the voice of the young cardiologists.

Aims: The implementation of the 2013 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Core Curriculum guidelines for acute cardiovascular care (acc) training among European countries is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the current status of acc training among cardiology trainees and young cardiologists (<40 years) from ESC countries.

Methods And Results: The survey (March-July 2019) asked about details of cardiology training, self-confidence in acc technical and non-technical skills, access to training opportunities, and needs for further training in the field.

Different Interventions for Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla with Implant-Supported Prostheses: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Purpose: To synthesize evidence derived from systematic reviews (SRs) on different interventions for rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla with implant-supported restorations.

Materials And Methods: A protocol-oriented search was established to address the PICO question: What is the current evidence regarding rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla with different implant-supported prostheses in terms of implant and prosthesis survival? The primary outcomes were implant and prosthesis survival rates evaluated from SRs of clinical studies including adult patients with complete edentulism of the maxilla and comparing different implant-supported rehabilitation strategies. Methodologic quality of the SRs was assessed with the AMSTAR-2 tool.

Recommendations for Implant-Supported Full-Arch Rehabilitations in Edentulous Patients: The Oral Reconstruction Foundation Consensus Report.

The tasks of Working Groups 1 to 6 at the 4th Consensus Meeting of the Oral Reconstruction Foundation were to elucidate clinical recommendations for implant-supported full-arch rehabilitations in edentulous patients. Six systematic/narrative reviews were prepared to address the following subtopics: (1) the influence of medical and geriatric factors on implant survival; (2) the prevalence of peri-implant diseases; (3) the influence of material selection, attachment type, interarch space, and opposing dentition; (4) different interventions for rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla; (5) different interventions for rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible; and (6) treatment choice and decision-making in elderly patients. Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, and implications for future research were determined based on structured group discussions and plenary session approval.

Laparoscopic Duodenal Diverticulectomy via the Inframesocolic Route.

The duodenum is traditionally reached and dissected by an anterior approach. Optimal exposure is achieved via complete hepatic flexure mobilization and kocherization of the duodenum and head of the pancreas, which can be technically challenging and time-consuming, especially in the setting of minimally invasive surgery. On the contrary, an inframesocolic approach provides a ready and neat access to the second and third segments of the duodenum with distinct advantages in terms of exposure and operative time.

IgM and IgG Profiles Reveal Peculiar Features of Humoral Immunity Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is globally a major healthcare threat. There is little information regarding the mechanisms and roles of the humoral response in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the antibody levels (IgM and IgG) by chemiluminescence immunoassay in 54 subjects positive to SARS-CoV-2 swab test in relation to their clinical status (whether asymptomatic, pauci-symptomatic or with mild, sever or critical symptoms), the time from the symptom onset, sex, age, and comorbidities.

A review of current knowledge on Pollution, Cigarette Smoking and COVID-19 diffusion and their relationship with inflammation.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus, Sars-Cov-2. This infection can cause mild to very severe respiratory and systemic illness mainly related with a cytokine storm. The epidemiology of COVID-19 is under continuous evolution, and studies are ongoing aiming at identifying the possible factors facilitating the diffusion of this infection.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalizations for acute coronary syndromes: a multinational study.

Background: COVID-19 has challenged the health system organization requiring a fast reorganization of diagnostic/therapeutic pathways for patients affected by time-dependent diseases such as acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Aim: To describe ACS hospitalizations, management, and complication rate before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

Design: Ecological retrospective study.

Causes of syncopal recurrences in patients treated with permanent pacing for bradyarrhythmic syncope: Findings from the SYNCOPACED registry.

Background: Few studies have examined the causes of syncope/collapse recurrences in patients with a previously implanted pacemaker for bradyarrhythmic syncope.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the causes of syncope/collapse recurrences after pacemaker implantation for bradyarrhythmic syncope in a large patient population.

Methods: The SYNCOpal recurrences in patients treated with permanent PACing for bradyarrhythmic syncope (SYNCOPACED) registry was a prospective multicenter observational registry enrolling 1364 consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker implantation for bradyarrhythmic syncope.

Sonographic cervical length predicts vaginal delivery after previous cesarean section in women with low Bishop score induced with a double-balloon catheter.

Objective: To assess the role of cervical length when predicting vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean section (CS) in women with low Bishop score following the use of a double-balloon catheter for induction of labor (IOL).

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted at a large teaching hospital in Santiago to recruit pregnant women at term with a previous CS and Bishop score ≤6 for IOL with a double-balloon catheter. The device was maintained for up to 24 h and the patient continued IOL with oxytocin only if the Bishop score was >6.

Myocardial Infarction Without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA): A Practical Guide for Clinicians.

Myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is defined by the evidence of spontaneous acute myocardial infarction (MI) and angiographic exclusion of coronary stenoses ≥50% in any potential infarct related artery, after having ruled out other clinically overt causes for the acute presentation. The introduction of this new concept was meant to encourage discovery of putative pathophysiological mechanisms and development of specific therapeutic measures. In recent years, we have witnessed significant advances in the fields of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis estimation and therapeutics of MINOCA.

Which is the best communication strategy, based on anti-tobacco ads, to impress teenagers? A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Well-planned mass-media campaigns can increase health literacy and raise awareness about the consequences of tobacco use. This study aims to evaluate the emotions and opinions of adolescents about several anti-tobacco spots delivered by the mass media over the world.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.