Gender-Specific Medicine in the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines from 2018 to 2023: Where Are We Going?

: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) shapes most clinical guidelines. Although the advent of EBM marked a significant advancement, failure to include sex differences in the study design and analysis of most trials leads to an under-representation of gender-specific medicine (GM) in EBM-directed guidelines. In this review, we evaluated how the topic of GM was developed in the guidelines produced by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) from 2018 to 2023.

Effects of Attendance to an Organized Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening Program on the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: An Observational Cohort Study.

Background & Aims: This cohort study compared colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality between people who participated in an Italian regional biennial fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening program and people who did not.

Methods: The program started in 2005. The target population included over 1,000,000 people aged 50 to 69 years.

[Orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension: a practical guide to diagnosis and management].

Orthostatic hypotension is a medical condition potentially debilitating and associated with a negative prognosis. It is paramount for cardiologists to recognize it, mostly for the following reasons: it is a predictive factor for cardiovascular events, it may cause syncope, and it is frequently associated with supine hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension may be secondary to neurogenic etiology (baroreflex dysfunction) or non-neurogenic etiology (dehydration or medication-related).

Indole Derivative Interacts with Estrogen Receptor Beta and Inhibits Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth.

Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of mortality among gynecological tumors. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression has been suggested to act as a tumor suppressor in epithelial ovarian cancer by reducing both tumor growth and metastasis. ERβ expression abnormalities represent a critical step in the development and progression of ovarian cancer: for these reasons, its re-expression by genetic engineering, as well as the use of targeted ERβ therapies, still constitute an important therapeutic approach.

Prospective observational cohort study of early recurrent TIA: Features, frequency, and outcome.

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency, clinical and etiologic features, and short- and long-term outcomes of early recurrent TIA.

Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled all consecutive patients with TIA referred to our emergency department and diagnosed by a vascular neurologist. Expedited assessment and best secondary prevention were performed within 24 hours.

Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Treatment on Lipid Pattern of HIV Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Even though omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seem to be effective in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dyslipidemia, their impact is still debated. For this reason, our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of the clinical evidence available to date. A systematic literature search was conducted in order to identify published clinical trials assessing the effect of PUFAs treatment on serum lipoproteins, and its safety profile.

A randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Medium-Term Effects of Oat Fibers on Human Health: The Beta-Glucan Effects on Lipid Profile, Glycemia and inTestinal Health (BELT) Study.

The Beta-glucan Effects on Lipid profile, glycemia and inTestinal health (BELT) Study investigated the effect of 3 g/day oat beta-glucans on plasma lipids, fasting glucose and self-perceived intestinal well-being. The Study was an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over randomized clinical trial, enrolling a sample of 83 Italian free-living subjects, adherent to Mediterranean diet, with a moderate hypercholesterolemia and a low cardiovascular risk profile. Beta-glucans reduced mean LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from baseline by 12.

Synthesis of Novel Structural Hybrids between Aza-Heterocycles and Azelaic Acid Moiety with a Specific Activity on Osteosarcoma Cells.

Nine compounds bearing pyridinyl (or piperidinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl) groups bound to an azelayl moiety through an amide bond were synthesized. The structural analogy with some histone deacetylase inhibitors inspired their syntheses, seeking new selective histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The azelayl moiety recalls part of 9-hydroxystearic acid, a cellular lipid showing antiproliferative activity toward cancer cells with HDAC as a molecular target.

Quinone-Fused Pyrazoles through 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions: Synthesis of Tricyclic Scaffolds and in vitro Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation on Glioblastoma Cancer Cells.

A novel and straightforward synthesis of highly substituted isoquinoline-5,8-dione fused tricyclic pyrazoles is reported. The key step of the synthetic sequence is a regioselective, Ag CO promoted, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of C-heteroaryl-N-aryl nitrilimines and substituted isoquinoline-5,8-diones. The broad functional group tolerability and mild reaction conditions were found to be suitable for the preparation of a small library of compounds.

[Heart-gut interactions].

The known interactions between the heart and the digestive system, concerning the semeiotic and the pathophysiology of coronary and non-coronary pain and the possible causal relationship between reflux pathology and the onset of atrial fibrillation, have been implemented by the most recent acquisitions on the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure; this brief review also addresses these more innovative aspects.

[Accessibility of home palliative care and place of death of cancer patients: data analysis of the Emilia-Romagna Region.].

Introduction: The ANT Foundation is one of the main non-profit organizations providing palliative care in Italy. For more than 30 years, it has developed a comprehensive home palliative care program for cancer patients predominately active in the Bologna province. One of its main achievements has allowed for the majority of patients to be assisted at home during the last weeks of their lives until time of death.

Impact of intervention aimed at improving the integration of oncology units and local palliative care services: results of the multicentre prospective sequential MIRTO study.

Background: Chemotherapy (CT) in patients with advanced cancer (ACP) near the end of life is an increasing practice of oncology units. A closer integration with palliative care (PC) services could reduce the use of potentially harmful CT. This prospective study is aimed at assessing whether a more integrated care model could reduce CT use near the end of life and increase local PC service utilisation.

Short- and Long-Term Stroke Risk after Urgent Management of Transient Ischaemic Attack: The Bologna TIA Clinical Pathway.

Background: Rapid management can reduce the short stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack (TIA), but the long-term effect is still little known. We evaluated 3-year vascular outcomes in patients with TIA after urgent care.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled all consecutive patients with TIA diagnosed by a vascular neurologist and referred to our emergency department (ED).

VO2 kinetics in supra-anaerobic threshold constant tests allow the visualization and quantification of the O2 saving after cytochrome c oxidase inhibition by aerobic training or nitrate administration.

We tested whether the known cytochrome c oxidase (COX) inhibition by nitric oxide (NO) could be quantified by VO(2) kinetics during constant load supra-Anaerobic Threshold (AT) exercises in healthy trained or untrained subjects following aerobic training or nitrate administration. In cycle ergometer constant load exercises supra-AT, identified in previous incremental tests, VO(2) kinetics describe a double exponential curve, one rapid and one appreciably slower, allowing the area between them to be calculate in O(2) l. After training, with increased NO availability, this area decreases in inverse ratio to treatment efficacy.

Predictors of the short-term effect of isoleucine-proline-proline/valine-proline-proline lactotripeptides from casein on office and ambulatory blood pressure in subjects with pharmacologically untreated high-normal blood pressure or first-degree hypertension.

Our aim was to evaluate the predictors of Isoleucine-Proline-Proline/Valine-Proline-Proline (IPP-VPP) lactotripeptides (LTPs) antihypertensive effect in the context of a short-term large double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 164 pharmacologically untreated subjects in primary prevention for cardiovascular disease. When compared with the baseline, office systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-3.42 mm Hg, P < .

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazole derivatives as potential multi-kinase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma.

We described the optimization, by molecular modelling, of small pyrazole derivatives, as kinase inhibitors, obtained through a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between nitrile imines and functionalized acetylenes. The two compounds, selected as potential agents active against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were then evaluated in vitro for their biological activity on HCC-derived cell lines. The compounds show a promising inhibitory growth efficacy (IC(50) 50-100 μM) in SNU449 cell line, as well as block of cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis, and can be considered as lead compounds for further SAR developments.

Lactotripeptides effect on office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, blood pressure stress response, pulse wave velocity and cardiac output in patients with high-normal blood pressure or first-degree hypertension: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Contrasting data partially support a certain antihypertensive efficacy of lactotripeptides (LTPs) derived from enzymatic treatment of casein hydrolysate. Our aim was to evaluate this effect on a large number of hemodynamic parameters. We conducted a prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial, which included 52 patients affected by high-normal blood pressure (BP) or first-degree hypertension.

Hemodynamic effects of lactotripeptides from casein hydrolysate in Mediterranean normotensive subjects and patients with high-normal blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial.

Contrasting data partially support a certain antihypertensive efficacy of lactotripeptides derived from enzymatic treatment of casein hydrolysate. We carried out a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study to investigate the antihypertensive efficacy of a short-term treatment with lactotripeptides in Mediterranean subjects with normal or high-normal blood pressure (BP). We consecutively enrolled 55 untreated subjects (men:women = 30:25), 40.

Serum albumin-bound proteomic signature for early detection and staging of hepatocarcinoma: sample variability and data classification.

Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) proteomic signature might be of interest for the early detection and staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, published procedures have been criticized for the lack of data about analytical reproducibility, and the use of inadequate data processing.

Methods: MALDI-TOF profiling of peptides bound to serum albumin ("albuminome") was performed using 90 μL of serum from 45 study subjects (HCV-related cirrhosis, small, unifocal HCCs and advanced HCCs).

Design and synthesis of novel 3,4-disubstituted pyrazoles for nanomedicine applications against malignant gliomas.

A series of novel 3,4-disubstituted pyrazoles were synthesized. The cytotoxicity against U87MG glioma cell line have been investigated in vitro and three of these compounds showed promising inhibitory activity on cell growth with an IC50 lower than 90 microM. AutoDock molecular docking into type I TGF-beta receptor (TGF-beta-RI; PDB: 1py5) has been done for lead optimization of the mentioned compounds as potential TGF-beta-RI1 inhibitors.

A prospective evaluation of persistence on antihypertensive treatment with different antihypertensive drugs in clinical practice.

Persistence on treatment affects the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment. We prospectively investigated the persistence on therapy and the extent of blood pressure (BP) control in 347 hypertensive patients (age 59.4 +/- 6 years) randomly allocated to a first-line treatment with: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs), beta-blockers, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), or diuretics and followed-up for 24-months.

Persistence on treatment and blood pressure control with different first-line antihypertensive treatments: a prospective evaluation.

We enrolled 347 hypertensive patients, randomly allocated them to different first-line treatments, and followed-up for 24 months. Persistence on treatment was significantly higher in patients treated with ARBs (68.5%) and ACE inhibitors (64.

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in breast cancer patients: a study by the EORTC-PAMM-NDDG.

Aims: To investigate the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in breast cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: Sixty-five female patients with early or advanced breast cancer received doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) over 15 minutes followed by cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) over 15 minutes. The plasma concentration-time data of both drugs were measured, and the relationship between drug pharmacokinetics and neutrophil counts was evaluated using nonlinear mixed-effect modelling.