Relationship Between Left Atrial Strain and Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Stress Echocardiography.

Interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging methods is growing. Left atrial strain (LAS) is among recently developed echocardiographic parameters. LAS represents an index of tissue deformation of the left atrium (LA).

Sustainable Production of Microcrystalline and Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Textile Waste Using HCl and NaOH/Urea Treatment.

Bio-nanomaterials are gaining increasing attention due to their renewable and eco-friendly characteristics. Among these, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) stands out as one of the most advanced materials for applications in food, healthcare, composite production, and beyond. In this study, NCC was successfully extracted from cotton-based textile waste using a combination of chemical and mechanical methods.

Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Effects of 1-Oxo-bisabolone-rich Hutch. subsp. Essential Oil Against Viruses, Bacteria, and Spore Germination.

species are used as herbal medicine and in the preparation of decoctions in several Asian and African regions. Among them, the plant is known for its medicinal properties, but comprehensive studies on its biological activity are still limited. This study examined the properties of the essential oil (EO) extracted by and collected in Morocco during the flowering period.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of bulevirtide monotherapy for up to 96 weeks in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Bulevirtide (BLV) 2 mg/day is EMA approved for treatment of compensated chronic hepatitis due to Delta virus (HDV) infection, however real-life data in large cohorts of patients with cirrhosis are lacking.

Methods: Consecutive HDV-infected patients with cirrhosis starting BLV 2 mg/day since September 2019 were included in a European retrospective multicenter real-life study (SAVE-D). Patient characteristics before and during BLV treatment were collected.

A rare case of extracranial schwannoma in the masticator space removed by endoscopic assisted transoral approach (EATA).

Background: Extracranial schwannomas, particularly those arising from the masticator space, are rare entities. Given the challenges in pre-operative diagnosis and the potential for misdiagnosis, accurate localization and differential diagnosis are crucial for optimal surgical planning.

Case Report: A 42-year-old woman underwent a head and neck MRI for unrelated reasons and was incidentally found to have a mass in the left masticator space.

Use of psychedelic treatments in psychiatric clinical practice: an EPA policy paper.

Background: Recent years show an exponential increased interest ("renaissance") in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders and broader. Some of these treatments, such as psilocybin for depression, are in the process of formal regulation by regulatory bodies in the US (FDA) and Europe (EMA), and as such on the brink of real-world implementation. In the slipstream of these developments increasing commercial initiatives are taking shape.

The Potential Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Turmeric Dried Extract.

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from the food spice turmeric that has received interest from the medical and scientific world for its role in the management of several conditions. Clinical studies, in humans, have shown that ingested Curcumin is safe even at high doses (12 g/day), but it has poor bioavailability primarily due to poor absorption and rapid metabolism and elimination. Several strategies have been implemented to improve the bioavailability of Curcumin, for example, the combination of piperine in a complex with Curcumin, or the usage of formulations with phospholipid or liposomal complexes.

The baked side: Cow's milk and egg protein threshold dose distributions in children reacting to baked milk and baked egg.

Background: Children allergic to milk and egg, but tolerant to baked products, display higher reactivity thresholds than the general population of children allergic to milk and egg. We sought to verify the reactivity thresholds of milk- and egg-allergic children who also react to baked milk and baked egg, respectively.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed consecutive oral food challenge (OFC) for baked milk and egg between January 2018 and March 2022 in a population of baked milk- and baked-egg allergic children.

Efficacy of Methylene Blue Thoracic Paravertebral Block in Postoperative Pain After VATS Lobectomy.

Background: Paravertebral block (PVB) is effective in controlling postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy but is subject to a high rate of failure because of incorrect site of injection. We compared methylene blue PVB with thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) for postoperative pain after VATS lobectomy.

Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized trial of patients undergoing VATS lobectomy; 120 patients were randomly assigned to the PVB or TEA group.

Treatment of Irreducible Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation by Double Percutaneous Osteotomy: Haspell and Distal Metatarsal Mini-Invasive Osteotomy.

Subluxation or dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint may be commonly associated with crossover toe, metatarsalgia, and painful calluses. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional results in patients with irreducible second metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation treated by double percutaneous osteotomy in one step: Haspell's osteotomy and Distal Metatarsal Mini-Invasive Osteotomy. A total of 39 patients were included in this study.

Assessing Artificial Intelligence in Oral Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review.

Background: With the use of machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a viable diagnostic and treatment tool for oral cancer. AI can assess a variety of information, including histopathology slides and intraoral pictures.

Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of AI technology in the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer between 2020 and 2024.

Mechanism of syncope: role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and cardiovascular autonomic function assessment.

Background And Aims: Identifying the haemodynamic mechanism of autonomic syncope is the essential pre-requisite for effective and personalized therapy aimed at preventing recurrences. The present study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of a two-step assessment.

Methods: Multicentre prospective, cross-sectional, observational study.

Parental vaccine hesitancy: Recent evidences support the need to implement targeted communication strategies.

In 2018, Europe experienced a surge in measles cases, revealing the consequences of suboptimal immunization coverage. This trend was exacerbated by long-standing vaccine hesitancy. Parental attitudes toward childhood vaccines have increasingly shifted, influenced by ethical, religious, and safety concerns.

Longitudinal association between nailfold capillaroscopy and incident interstitial lung disease: A EUSTAR database analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate (1) the association between nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and 5-year risk for incident interstitial lung disease and (2) the association between transition in nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and risk of incident interstitial lung disease.

Methods: Data of adult patients from the EUSTAR database fulfilling the ACR-EULAR criteria with a disease duration ⩽5 years, having a scleroderma pattern at nailfold capillaroscopy with high-resolution computed tomography confirmed absence of interstitial lung disease (i.e.

3D Computed Tomography Reconstruction for Pre-Operative Diagnosis of Anomalous Venous Drainage of the Right Upper Lobe.

Anatomical variation of the pulmonary vessels poses challenges to thoracoscopic lung resection and may be associated with an increased risk of intraoperative bleeding and damage to pulmonary circulation. Herein, we reported a rare and dangerous variation as the partial anomalous venous drainage of the right upper lobe into the superior vena cava in a patient undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for management of lung cancer of right upper lobe. The preoperative identification of such variation by 3D computed tomography scan allowed to plan a safe and accurate resection, and to prepare additional strategies for overcome unexpected intraoperative bleeding.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with a more severe interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis in the EUSTAR cohort.

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequent in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and could predict progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD). We aimed to analyse (1) the prevalence of GERD among SSc-ILD patients, (2) its association with disease characteristics and (3) predictive factors for ILD progression in SSc-ILD patients with GERD.

Methods: SSc patients from the EUSTAR database with ILD were included.

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.

Recommended Vaccinations During Adolescence: Parents' Knowledge and Behaviors.

Background: This study aims to evaluate parents' knowledge about vaccination targeted for adolescents.

Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and April 2024 in a sample of parents of adolescents attending middle and high schools in Southern Italy.

Results: Only 10.

Silicon Drift Detectors for the Measurement and Reconstruction of Beta Spectra.

The ASPECT-BET project, or An sdd-SPECTrometer for BETa decay studies, aims to develop a novel technique for the precise measurement of forbidden beta spectra in the 10 keV-1 MeV range. This technique employs a Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) as the main spectrometer with the option of a veto system to reject events exhibiting only partial energy deposition in the SDD. A precise understanding of the spectrometer's response to electrons is crucial for accurately reconstructing the theoretical shape of the beta spectrum.

Oleanolic Acid Modulates DNA Damage Response to Camptothecin Increasing Cancer Cell Death.

Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathways represents one of the principal approaches in cancer therapy. However, defects in DDR mechanisms, exhibited by various tumors, can also promote tumor progression and resistance to therapy, negatively impacting patient survival. Therefore, identifying new molecules from natural extracts could provide a powerful source of novel compounds for cancer treatment strategies.

Exploring the Link Between Psoriasis and Adipose Tissue: One Amplifies the Other.

Psoriasis and obesity, while distinct, are inter-related inflammatory conditions. Adipose tissue (AT)-derived mediators could be pathogenically active in triggering and/or amplifying psoriatic skin inflammation and, vice versa, skin inflammation could drive increased adiposity that triggers the development of several chronic conditions. Gaining insight into their intricate relationship could be essential for effective management and treatment.