Racecadotril in the management of diarrhea: an underestimated therapeutic option?

Acute infectious diarrhea (AID) represents an important clinical entity both regarding morbidity and mortality rates, even in industrialized countries, and it leads to one of the major public health burdens, among gastroenterological diseases, with significant healthcare costs. Oral rehydration solution is the cornerstone of the therapy, but despite its proven efficacy in avoiding dehydration, it is still underused as it does not reduce the duration of diarrhea; hence, it is perceived as ineffective by caregivers. In this narrative review, we collected literature regarding the use of racecadotril, deeply discussing its role in the treatment of AID in both adults and children.

Polymer-free versus biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stent in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: an assessor-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Few data are available on polymer-free drug-eluting stents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Aims: We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a polymer-free amphilimus-eluting stent (AES), using a reservoir-based technology for drug delivery, compared with a biodegradable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (EES).

Methods: This was a randomised, investigator-initiated, assessor-blind, non-inferiority trial conducted at 14 hospitals in Italy (ClinicalTrials.

At First Sight: Fetal Eye Movements Reveal a Preference for Face-Like Configurations From 26 Weeks of Gestation.

Previous research indicates that both adults and newborns show enhanced electrophysiological and behavioral responses to schematic face-like configurations (FCs-three dots composing a downward-pointing triangle), as compared to the inverted configurations (ICs). Even fetuses, when exposed to light stimuli projected through the uterine wall, preferentially orient their heads toward FCs rather than ICs. However, when this effect emerges along the third trimester of pregnancy and in relation to the maturation of which brain structures is still unknown.

RNA-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients: data from Campania, Italy.

Objective: ALK, ROS1, NTRK, and RET gene fusions and MET exon 14 skipping alterations represent fundamental predictive biomarkers for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to ensure the best treatment choice. In this scenario, RNA-based NGS approach has emerged as an extremely useful tool for detecting these alterations. In this study, we report our NGS molecular records on ALK, ROS1, NTRK, and RET gene fusions and MET exon 14 skipping alterations detected by using a narrow RNA-based NGS panel, namely SiRe fusion.

Complete versus culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients with multivessel disease.

Background: Multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) represents a common finding at invasive coronary angiography (ICA) among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. However, optimal invasive treatment strategy for MVD in OHCA remains unknown. Our study aims to assess if complete revascularization improves one-year clinical outcomes in these patients.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Serous Pigment Epithelium Detachment in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To report a case of giant pigment epithelium detachment (PED) secondary to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) successfully treated with photobiomodulation (PBM).

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 55-year-old man complained a worsening of vision in the left eye (LE) over the last 18 months.

The 36-week preeclampsia risk by the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm is associated with fetal compromise following induction of labor.

Background: Previous studies demonstrated that placental dysfunction leads to intrapartum fetal distress, particularly when an abnormal pattern of angiogenic markers is demonstrated at 36 weeks of gestation. The prediction of intrapartum fetal compromise is particularly important in patients undergoing induction of labor because of different indications for delivery, as this can be a useful in optimizing the method and timing of induction of labor.

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether the risk of preeclampsia assessed using the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm (derived from a combination of maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure, placental growth factor, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) is associated with the risk of intrapartum fetal compromise requiring cesarean delivery in a population of patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor for various indications.

Use of Cangrelor in Older Patients: Findings from the itAlian pRospective Study on CANGrELOr Study.

Outcome data on using cangrelor in older patients are limited. This post hoc analysis of the itAlian pRospective Study on CANGrELOr (ARCANGELO) study aims to assess bleeding and ischemic outcomes with the transition from cangrelor to any oral P2Y inhibitors in age-stratified subgroups (≥75 years-older, <75 years-younger) of patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Of 995 patients, 215 (21.

Respiratory Viruses in Patients With Hematological Malignancy in Boreal Autumn/Winter 2023-2024: EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA Report.

Community-acquired respiratory viral infections (CARV) significantly impact patients with hematological malignancies (HM), leading to high morbidity and mortality. However, large-scale, real-world data on CARV in these patients is limited. This study analyzed data from the EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA registry, focusing on patients with HM diagnosed with CARV during the 2023-2024 autumn-winter season.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations in human oocytes undergo frequency-dependent selection but do not increase with age.

Mitochondria, cellular powerhouses, harbor DNA (mtDNA) inherited from the mothers. MtDNA mutations can cause diseases, yet whether they increase with age in human germline cells-oocytes-remains understudied. Here, using highly accurate duplex sequencing of full-length mtDNA, we detected mutations in single oocytes, blood, and saliva in women between 20 and 42 years of age.

Barriers and facilitators to integration of screening for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, among adult people living with HIV at district hospital ART clinics in Southern Malawi.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCDs) are a significant health concern globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly for people living with HIV (PLWH). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidaemia significantly increase the risk of ASCDs, and integrating screening for these conditions in public health facilities remains challenging in Malawi. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to integrating screening for hypertension, DM and dyslipidaemia among adult PLWH at district hospital ART clinics in Southern Malawi.

Estimated total amyloid burden from 18F-florbetaben PET predicts all-cause mortality in light-chain cardiac amyloidosis.

Background And Aims: The positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 18F-florbetaben is a promising diagnostic tool for light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA). A greater cardiac uptake might signal more amyloid burden and a worse outcome. We aimed to assess the prognostic significance of 18F-florbetaben uptake in AL-CA.

Antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs): Current evidence and open questions.

With the increasing use of cardiac electronic implantable devices in recent years, the identification of asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, including atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF), has become common in clinical practice. AHREs have potentially important clinical implications because they are considered precursors of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although to a lesser extent than clinical AF, both AHREs and device-detected SCAF are associated with thromboembolic events, however routine use of anticoagulants in these conditions is not recommended.

Enhancing Hidradenitis Suppurativa Assessment: The Role of Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound in Detecting Microtunnels and Refining Disease Staging.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting hair follicles, causing recurrent abscesses and nodules in intertriginous regions. The International HS Severity Score System (IHS4) is widely used to assess HS severity by counting inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and draining fistulas/tunnels. However, traditional clinical examinations may underestimate HS severity due to the presence of subclinical lesions.

Endpoint Selection in Randomized Clinical Trials for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have long been challenging caused by the condition's rarity, low event rates, and diverse clinical presentations. However, recent advances in targeted therapies have sparked increased interest in HCM research. Despite this, designing effective RCTs remains complex, particularly in identifying clinically meaningful endpoints.

Regional disparities in the management and outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an Italian analysis focusing on time-dependent reperfusion networks and in-hospital logistics.

Background: Prompt reperfusion is critical for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to improve outcomes. Yet, variability in regional healthcare delivery may influence treatment times and patient outcomes. We thus aimed at evaluating differences in management and outcomes of STEMI patients across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, focusing on time-dependent reperfusion and in-hospital logistics.

Necrotizing Fasciitis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Case Report.

Group A (GAS), particularly (), is a significant human pathogen responsible for infections often ranging from mild superficial conditions to severe, life-threatening diseases like necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). This case report details the rapid deterioration of a previously healthy 49-year-old woman who presented with localized symptoms in her left thigh, later escalating to septic shock and multi-organ failure related to GAS infection. Initial evaluations indicated significant inflammation and acute kidney injury, prompting broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.

Advancing Cardiac Amyloidosis Care Through Insights from Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing.

Cardiac amyloidosis, encompassing both transthyretin (ATTR) and light-chain (AL) types, poses considerable challenges in patient management due to its intricate pathophysiology and progressive course. This narrative review elucidates the pivotal role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in the assessment of these patients. CPET is essential for evaluating disease progression by measuring cardio-respiratory performance and providing prognostic insights.

Core Outcomes of Self-Care Behaviours in Patients with Breast Cancer Treated with Oral Anticancer Agents: A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: The use of oral anticancer agents (OAA) dates to the late 20th century in cancer treatment. It is crucial that patients implement self-care behaviours to keep their disease stable and manage their OAA treatment. The three dimensions of self-care according to Riegel et al.

Update on current and emerging treatment paradigms for hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia in advanced CKD often accompanies high PTH and FGF23 levels, impaired bone mineralization, ectopic calcifications, and increased cardiovascular risks. Novel treatments are now available to lower serum phosphorus effectively. However, safety, tolerability, and patient adherence must be evaluated to determine the best therapeutic option for hyperphosphatemia.

A Matlab Toolbox for cardiac electrophysiology simulations on patient-specific geometries.

In this paper, we present CardioMat, a Matlab toolbox for cardiac electrophysiology simulation based on patient-specific anatomies. The strength of CardioMat is the easy and fast construction of electrophysiology cardiac digital twins from segmented anatomical images in a general-purpose software such as Matlab. CardioMat implements a quasi-automatic pipeline that guides the user toward the construction of anatomically detailed cardiac electrophysiology models.