Posaconazole for Prevention of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A European Multicentre Case-Control Study (POSACOVID).

Background: This study investigated the impact of posaconazole (POSA) prophylaxis in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure receiving systemic corticosteroids on the risk for the development of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA).

Methods: The primary aim of this prospective, multicentre, case-control study was to assess whether application of POSA prophylaxis in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients reduces the risk for CAPA development. All consecutive patients from centre 1 (cases) who received POSA prophylaxis as standard-of-care were matched to one subject from centre 2 and centre 3 who did not receive any antifungal prophylaxis, using propensity score matching for the following variables: (i) age, (ii) sex, (iii) treatment with tocilizumab and (iv) time at risk.

Susceptibility of different mice species to chemical induction of colorectal cancer by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern. Animal models play a crucial role in understanding the disease pathology and development of effective treatment strategies. Chemically induced CRC represents a cornerstone in animal model development; however, due to the presence of different animal species with different genetic backgrounds, it becomes mandatory to study the susceptibility of different mice species to CRC induction by different chemical entities such as 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH).

Circulating MicroRNAs in Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Anti-IL-23: A Cohort Study.

Introduction: Psoriasis is characterized by aberrant keratinocyte activity and immune cell infiltration, driven by immune-mediated pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating these processes, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate changes in circulating miRNAs in psoriasis patients undergoing risankizumab therapy, an anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody, to understand its impact on disease pathogenesis and treatment response.

Cyclin-dependent protein kinases and cell cycle regulation in biology and disease.

Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are closely connected to the regulation of cell cycle progression, having been first identified as the kinases able to drive cell division. In reality, the human genome contains 20 different CDKs, which can be divided in at least three different sub-family with different functions, mechanisms of regulation, expression patterns and subcellular localization. Most of these kinases play fundamental roles the normal physiology of eucaryotic cells; therefore, their deregulation is associated with the onset and/or progression of multiple human disease including but not limited to neoplastic and neurodegenerative conditions.

Deformed wing virus coopts the host arginine kinase to enhance its fitness in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Background: Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a major honey bee pathogen that is actively transmitted by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and plays a primary role in Apis mellifera winter colony losses. Despite intense investigation on this pollinator, which has a unique environmental and economic importance, the mechanisms underlying the molecular interactions between DWV and honey bees are still poorly understood. Here, we report on a group of honey bee proteins, identified by mass spectrometry, that specifically co-immunoprecipitate with DWV virus particles.

Usefulness of body composition assessment by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in subacute post-stroke patients in rehabilitation.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) is a valuable tool for evaluating hydration and body composition, but its application in subacute post-stroke patients remains unexplored. This study aimed to fill this gap by analyzing BIVA in a cohort of 87 subacute post-stroke patients (42 women, mean age 69 ± 12) undergoing rehabilitation. At admission (T0), diagnosis of malnutrition with GLIM criteria and of sarcopenia with EWGSOP2 was done, and patients were analyzed with BIVA.

Effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on liver transient elastography, fibrosis indices and blood tests in children with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) has significantly improved the clinical course of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and eligible CFTR variants. In this study, we prospectively evaluated liver elastography, liver fibrosis indices and liver tests in children with CF aged 6-12 years started on ETI therapy.

Methods: Body mass index, sweat test, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second, serum markers of liver injury or portal hypertension, liver fibrosis indices, controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness were assessed before starting ETI and three and twelve months post-ETI, according to new international guidelines.

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy: Does intraoperative lymphography with vital dye influence the outcome?

Introduction: Vital dyes lymphography during laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) has been suggested to allow for lymphatic mapping thereby allowing for lymphatic sparing (LS) and subsequent reduction of hydrocele formation. Intratesticular injection of the dye seems to achieve the best lymphatic visualization, however, the potential toxicity of some agents, is a cause of concern for the risk of testicular pathological changes. We report our experience with LV, to test the hypothesis that Intraoperative lymphography with methylene blue (BL), is safe and reduces the rate of post-operative hydrocelectomy.

The Efficacy and Safety of Angiotensin II for Treatment of Vasoplegia in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To summarize evidence regarding intravenous angiotensin II administration in critical illness and provide an updated understanding of its effects on various organ dysfunction and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) biomarkers.

Design: A systematic review.

Setting: A search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to May 3, 2024.

Laparoscopic versus open resection for hepatocellular carcinoma according to the procedure's complexity: real-world weighted data from a national register.

Background: Minimal access liver surgery (MALS) is considered superior to open liver resection (OLR) in reducing the perioperative risk in patients affected by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). No national-level comparisons exist based on procedure complexity. This study aims to compare postoperative complications, postoperative ascites (POA), and major complications (MC) between MALS and OLR.

Predictive factors of health related quality of life in children and adolescents with celiac disease: An Italian multicenter study on behalf of the SIGENP.

Background: In pediatric patients, celiac disease (CD) may influence the health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Aims: The study aimed to assess HRQoL and further characterise the clinical factors associated with reduced HRQoL, in a large multicenter pediatric cohort with CD.

Methods: The disease-specific questionnaire CD Dutch Questionnaire (CDDUX) and the generic questionnaire Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used to assess the HRQoL.

Informal care for people with dementia in Europe.

Introduction: Informal care estimates for use in health-economic models are lacking. We aimed to estimate the association between informal care time and dementia symptoms across Europe.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on 13,529 observations in 5,369 persons from 9 European pooled cohort or trial studies in community-dwelling persons with dementia.

Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke: a study on intravenous thrombolysis in patients over 80 years of age with acute ischaemic stroke.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients aged >80 years with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after IVT was approved in this patient population in several European and non-European countries during 2018-2019.

Design: This is an observational registry study using prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke (SITS) registry. Comparisons will be performed between patients treated post-approval (July 2018 to December 2021) period with those treated pre-approval (June 2015 to June 2018) period using propensity score matching (PSM).

Cataract surgery has minimal effect on corneal shape.

Purpose: To quantify the effect of cataract surgery on cornea shape.

Methods: Patients undergoing cataract surgery with standardised 2.75 mm surgical incisions at 110 degrees with a side port at 50 degrees were included.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN COVID-19 VERSUS NON COVID-19 PATIENTS: A MULTICENTRIC CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OVER A 24-MONTH PERSPECTIVE.

Background: COVID-19 is associated with intense systemic inflammation and abnormal coagulation profile leading to an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE). This study investigates whether PE in COVID-19 patients has different clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics when compared to traditional PE in COVID negative patients.

Methods: We conducted an observational, multicentric, cross-sectional study on consecutive patients diagnosed with PE at admission or during hospital stay from February 21 2019 to February 20 2021.

An Ascaris lumbricoides infection diagnosed by colonoscopy: A case report and a brief literature review.

Background: Ascaris lumbricoides is a nematode that parasitizes the human gastrointestinal tract, and it is the cause of the most common helminthic infections worldwide. It predominates in areas of poor sanitation. Early diagnosis of this intestinal infection is pivotal to avoid its severe and lethal complications such as gut obstruction, volvulus, and perforation.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) relationship in patients with chronic or stabilized acute coronary syndromes.

Aims: To investigate the influence of index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) on fractional flow reserve (FFR) and adenosine-induced hyperemia (ΔPd/Pa-FFR) in patients with chronic (CCS) or stabilized acute coronary syndromes (ACS), utilizing various IMR threshold values.

Methods: Data were extracted from two ongoing Italian registries involving patients with CCS or stabilized ACS who underwent a #FullPhysiology approach [Pd/Pa, FFR, IMR, coronary flow reserve (CFR)] by bolus thermodilution technique in the left anterior descending artery. Correlations between IMR and both FFR and ΔPd/Pa-FFR were analyzed both globally and within three IMR-defined groups: Group 1 (IMR <25), Group 2 (25 ≤ IMR <40), and Group 3 (IMR ≥40).

Gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease: understanding molecular pathways and potential therapeutic perspectives.

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and progression. This narrative review explores the complex interplay between GM, the immune system, and the central nervous system in AD. We discuss mechanisms through which GM dysbiosis can compromise intestinal barrier integrity, enabling pro-inflammatory molecules and metabolites to enter systemic circulation and the brain, potentially contributing to AD hallmarks.

Hiatus and pelvic floor failure patterns in pelvic organ prolapse: A 3D MRI study of structural interactions using a Level III conceptual model.

Background: A large urogenital hiatus in Level III results in a higher risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse after birth and failure after prolapse surgery. Deepening of the pelvic floor and downward rotation of the levator plate have also been linked to prolapse. Currently we lack data that evaluates how these measures relate to one another and to prolapse occurrence and size.

Changes in Employment Status and Income and Workplace Organizational Support Among Cancer Survivors: A Descriptive Study in Iran.

Purpose: Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in Iran, significantly impacting patients' lives and the public health system. This study aims to investigate changes in employment status and income and workplace organizational support among Iranian cancer survivors following their diagnosis.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital complex in Tehran, Iran, in 2019.

T-branch by partial deployment technique in the endovascular repair of complex aortic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with narrow or severe angulated para-visceral aorta.

Introduction/aim: The partial deployment technique (PDT) is an unconventional option of T-branch deployment to allow target arteries (TAs) cannulation/stenting from the upper arm access, in case of narrow (NPA: <25mm) or severely angulated (APA: >60°) aorta. Aim of this study was to report outcomes of the endovascular repair of complex aortic (c-AAAs) and thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) aneurysms by T-branch and PDT.

Methods: All consecutive patients underwent urgent endovascular repair of c-AAAs and TAAAs by T-branch (Cook-Medical, Bloomington, IN, US) and PDT from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed.

Perioperative analgesic effects of a modified supratemporal retrobulbar block in dogs undergoing corneal and endocular surgery.

Objectives: To evaluate the perioperative efficacy of a modified supratemporal retrobulbar block in dogs undergoing ocular surgery.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg im) and methadone (0.1 mg/kg im), induced with propofol to effect and maintained with isoflurane (FE'Iso 1.

Pupil size as a biomarker of cognitive (dys)functions: Toward a physiologically informed screening of mental states.

The objective assessment of cognitive processes is of critical importance to understanding the mechanisms underlying various mental functions and dysfunctions. In recent years, the technological innovations related to the eye-tracking industry made the time right to organically integrate pupillometry in the assessment of cognitive profiles. Here, we review evidence showing that pupillometry offers a uniquely sensitive biomarker of the functioning of several distinct networks, cognitive functions, emotional states, and individual differences in their instantiation.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for patients undergoing radical cystectomy: Surgeons' perspectives and recommendations ten years after its implementation.

Background And Objectives: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines for Radical Cystectomy (RC) were published over ten years ago. Aim of this systematic review is to update ERAS recommendations for patients undergoing RC and to give an expert opinion on the relevance of each single ERAS item.

Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify the impact of each single ERAS item on RC outcomes.