Correlation between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes in a large population of diabetes patients treated with liraglutide in a real-world setting in Italy.

Purpose: Treatment with liraglutide in randomized controlled trials is associated with significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to investigate correlations of glycemic control and weight outcomes with baseline characteristics of patients starting liraglutide in outpatient clinics in Italy.

Methods: Type 2 diabetes patients were followed from baseline to 4, 8, and 12 months.

Laparoscopic excision of urachal cyst in pediatric age: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Objective: To determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric urachal disorders.

Methods: Case reports and a literature review of laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants.

Results: In a five-year period, three children were diagnosed with urachal anomalies presenting as abdominal or urinary symptoms, and were treated by laparoscopic surgery.

Heterogeneity of terminology and clinical definitions in adult idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a critical appraisal from a systematic review of the literature.

Clinical definitions and terminology vary greatly in clinical studies on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). An objective assessment of this heterogeneity may be of interest, providing a basis for standardizing ITP terminology. A systematic review of the recent literature on ITP in adults was carried out.

Inflammation and perturbation of the l-carnitine system in heart failure.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is accompanied by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Skeletal muscle myopathy with atrophy of fibres, decreased oxidative metabolism and preferential synthesis of fast myosin heavy chains (MHCs) occurs, which contributes to the worsening of symptoms. l-Carnitine has been shown to be protective against the apoptosis-induced atrophy of fibres and fast MHCs shift.