Adenosine triphosphate: a new player in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

The complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is one of the most discussed painful syndromes due to the variability and severity of its symptoms. CRPS-1 generally occurs after a trauma, a fracture or a sprain followed by an immobilization. Classical diagnostic criteria are not always clear; hence, the diagnosis is difficult.

Impact of optimized transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiac autonomic profile in healthy subjects and heart failure patients.

To determine the optimal frequency and site of stimulation for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) to induce acute changes in the autonomic profile (heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV)) in healthy subjects (HS) and patients with heart failure (HF).We designed three single-blind, randomized, cross-over studies: (1) to compare the acute effect of left tVNS at 25 Hz and 10 Hz (= 29, age 60 ± 7 years), (2) to compare the acute effect of left and right tVNS at the best frequency identified in study 1 (= 28 age 61 ± 7 years), and (3) to compare the acute effect of the identified optimal stimulation protocol with sham stimulation in HS and HF patients (= 30, age 59 ± 5 years, and= 32, age 63 ± 7 years, respectively).In study 1, left tragus stimulation at 25 Hz was more effective than stimulation at 10 Hz in decreasing HR (-1.

Antibodies to coagulase of crossreact to Efb and reveal different binding of shared fibrinogen binding repeats.

pathology is caused by a plethora of virulence factors able to combat multiple host defence mechanisms. Fibrinogen (Fg), a critical component in the host coagulation cascade, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this bacterium, as it is the target of numerous staphylococcal virulence proteins. Amongst its secreted virulence factors, coagulase (Coa) and Extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) share common Fg binding motives and have been described to form a Fg shield around staphylococcal cells, thereby allowing efficient bacterial spreading, phagocytosis escape and evasion of host immune system responses.

Intricate relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and dementia in older adults.

Numerous evidence reports direct correlation between cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and sleep disorders, in particular obstructive sleep apnea. Both obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease are highly prevalent conditions whose incidence increases with age. Several studies demonstrate how sleep-disordered breathing may lead to poor cognition, even though the underlying mechanisms of this association remain partially unclear.

Identification of Drugs Acting as Perpetrators in Common Drug Interactions in a Cohort of Geriatric Patients from Southern Italy and Analysis of the Gene Polymorphisms That Affect Their Interacting Potential.

Background: Pharmacogenomic factors affect the susceptibility to drug-drug interactions (DDI). We identified drug interaction perpetrators among the drugs prescribed to a cohort of 290 older adults and analysed the prevalence of gene polymorphisms that can increase their interacting potential. We also pinpointed clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) that incorporate pharmacogenomic factors in DDI risk evaluation.

Corrigendum: Optimizing the use of lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.

Distinguishable DNA methylation defines a cardiac-specific epigenetic clock.

Background: The present study investigates whether epigenetic differences emerge in the heart of patients undergoing cardiac surgery for an aortic valvular replacement (AVR) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). An algorithm is also established to determine how the pathophysiological condition might influence the human biological cardiac age.

Results: Blood samples and cardiac auricles were collected from patients who underwent cardiac procedures: 94 AVR and 289 CABG.

Wearable Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for Physical Ergonomics: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Physical ergonomics has established itself as a valid strategy for monitoring potential disorders related, for example, to working activities. Recently, in the field of physical ergonomics, several studies have also shown potential for improvement in experimental methods of ergonomic analysis, through the combined use of artificial intelligence, and wearable sensors. In this regard, this review intends to provide a first account of the investigations carried out using these combined methods, considering the period up to 2021.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) triggers systemic inflammation, peripheral vascular dysfunction, and related prothrombotic state in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent forms of neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, we have shown that in vivo administration of an IL-17 neutralizing antibody (IL-17Ab) rescues amyloid-β-induced neuro-inflammation and memory impairment, demonstrating the pivotal role of IL-17 in AD-derived cognitive deficit. Recently, AD has been recognized as a more intriguing pathology affecting vascular networks and platelet function.

Optimizing the use of lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma.

Introduction: The combination of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated a relevant clinical benefit in patients with endometrial carcinoma. The safety profile was consistent with the established profiles of each drug in monotherapy, with the most frequent adverse events being hypertension, an on-target effect, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss.

Areas Covered: We first review the rationale based on the combination of a VEGFR inhibitor and an immune checkpoint inhibitor, highlighting the main pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of lenvatinib.

Bioinspired in vitro intestinal mucus model for 3D-dynamic culture of bacteria.

The intestinal mucus is a biological barrier that supports the intestinal microbiota growth and filters molecules. To perform these functions, mucus possesses optimized microstructure and viscoelastic properties and it is steadily replenished thus flowing along the gut. The available in vitro intestinal mucus models are useful tools in investigating the microbiota-human cells interaction, and are used as matrices for bacterial culture or as static component of microfluidic devices like gut-on-chips.

Relationship between COVID-19 Mortality, Hospital Beds, and Primary Care by Italian Regions: A Lesson for the Future.

One of the characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in Italy is the significant regional difference in terms of lethality and mortality. These geographical variances were clear in the first wave and confirmed in the second one as well. The study aimed to analyze the correlation between regional differences in COVID-19 mortality and different regional care models, by retrospectively analyzing the association between the Italian COVID-19 deaths and the number of hospital beds, long-term care facilities, general practitioners (GPs), and the health expenditure per capita.

Effects of a Single Dose of a Creatine-Based Multi-Ingredient Pre-workout Supplement Compared to Creatine Alone on Performance Fatigability After Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Design Study.

Background: This study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single oral administration of a creatine-based multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) on performance fatigability and maximal force production after a resistance exercise protocol (REP).

Methods: Eighteen adult males (age: 23 ± 1 years; body mass: 76.4 ± 1.

Genetic Catalytic Inactivation of GRK5 Impairs Cardiac Function in Mice Via Dysregulated P53 Levels.

GRK5's catalytic activity in regulating basal and stressed cardiac function has not been studied. Herein, we studied knock-in mice in which GRK5 was mutated to render it catalytically inactive (K215R). At baseline, GRK5-K215R mice showed a marked decline in cardiac function with increased apoptosis and fibrosis.

Serum galectin-3 and aldosterone: potential biomarkers of cardiac complications in patients with COVID-19.

Background: Despite severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus (CoV-2) primarily targeting the lungs, the heart represents another critical virus target. Thus, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 disease of 2019 (COVID-19)-associated biomarkers would be beneficial to stratify prognosis and the risk of developing cardiac complications. Aldosterone and galectin-3 promote fibrosis and inflammation and are considered a prognostic biomarker of lung and adverse cardiac remodeling.

Frailty in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Previous studies regarding the prevalence of frailty in patients with lung cancer and mortality in frail patients with lung cancer are inconsistent and require clarification.

Research Question: What is the prevalence and impact of frailty in patients with lung cancer?

Study Design And Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis used a combination of free-text terms and medical subject headings terms, according to the database requirements in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from inception until November 15, 2020.

Results: A total of 2,571 articles were identified, and 16 articles involving 4,183 patients were included for study.

Mental Imagery Skills in Alcohol-Dependent Subjects and Their Associations With Cognitive Performance: An Exploratory Study During Residential Rehabilitation.

People in alcohol-detoxification experience deficits in motor and non-motor functions including cognitive performance. Imagery, the cognitive process of generating visual, auditory or kinesthetic experiences in the mind without the presence of external stimuli, has been little studied in Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). This pilot study aims to observe the cognitive abilities useful for the inspection, maintenance, generation and manipulation of images in these patients during residential rehabilitation and investigate the relationships with their cognitive performance.

Pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes in elderly patients with heart failure: randomized trials and beyond.

Heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent two important public health problems, and despite improvements in the management of both diseases, they are responsible for high rates of hospitalizations and mortality. T2DM accelerates physiological cardiac aging through hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Thus, HF and T2DM are chronic diseases widely represented in elderly people who often are affected by numerous comorbidities with important functional limitations making it difficult to apply the current guidelines.

Association of Variants in the SPTLC1 Gene With Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Importance: Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare form of ALS characterized by age of symptom onset less than 25 years and a variable presentation.

Objective: To identify the genetic variants associated with juvenile ALS.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this multicenter family-based genetic study, trio whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the disease-associated gene in a case series of unrelated patients diagnosed with juvenile ALS and severe growth retardation.

Aging is associated with cardiac autonomic nerve fiber depletion and reduced cardiac and circulating BDNF levels.

Background: Aging is a multifactorial process associated with an impairment of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Progressive ANS remodeling includes upregulation of expression of circulating catecholamines and depletion of cardiac autonomic nerve fibers, and it is responsible, in part, for the increased susceptibility to cardiac diseases observed in elderly subjects. Neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are involved in synaptogenesis and neurite outgrowth processes, supporting neuronal cell differentiation and maturation.