Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity-State of the Art: A Five-Year Narrative Review.

Non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) is a syndrome for which pathogenesis and management remain debated. It is described as a condition characterized by gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms rapidly occurring after gluten ingestion in subjects who have had celiac disease or wheat allergy excluded. To date, the diagnosis of NCGWS is challenging as no universally recognized biomarkers have been yet identified, nor has a predisposing genetic profile been described.

Prioritizing Patient Selection in Clinical Trials: A Machine Learning Algorithm for Dynamic Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality for ICU Admitted Patients Using Repeated Measurement Data.

A machine learning prognostic mortality scoring system was developed to address challenges in patient selection for clinical trials within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment. The algorithm incorporates Red blood cell Distribution Width (RDW) data and other demographic characteristics to predict ICU mortality alongside existing ICU mortality scoring systems like Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS). The developed algorithm, defined as a Mixed-effects logistic Random Forest for binary data (MixRFb), integrates a Random Forest (RF) classification with a mixed-effects model for binary outcomes, accounting for repeated measurement data.

Predictors and Impact of Cardiogenic Shock in Oldest-Old ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most frequent cause of in-hospital mortality after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data about CS in very elderly (age ≥ 85 years) STEMI patients are scarce. We sought to assess the prognostic factors and the short- and mid-term impact of CS in this population.

Unexpected Clinically Relevant Findings Detected via Computed Tomography in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Who Are Candidates for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The detection of unexpected findings (UF) during CT scans of patients undergoing TAVR is frequent; however, it is unclear whether such findings have a clinical impact on the TAVR pathway. We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study enrolling patients who were candidates for TAVR. All enrolled patients underwent a CT scan before valve implantation.

"Add More Arrows to Your Quiver": The Role of Adding Another Chemotherapy Drug to Fluoropyrimidine and Long Term Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite optimal local control obtained with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), data on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of local advanced rectal cancer patients are still equivocal. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pathological complete response (pCR), regression rate, DFS, and OS probabilities of rectal cancer patients treated with a second chemotherapy drug added to fluoropyrimidine and long-term radiotherapy. Computerized bibliographic searches of MEDLINE, PUBMED, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases (1970-2023) were supplemented with hand searches of reference lists.

Airway Analysis and Morphometric Assessment of Dental Arches in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.

: Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder associated with craniofacial morphology and dental arches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea and the morphometry of dental arches and upper airways. : Forty patients were enrolled in the study, and the polysomnographic parameters evaluated were the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI).

Organocatalytic Packed-Bed Reactors for the Enantioselective Flow Synthesis of Quaternary Isotetronic Acids by Direct Aldol Reactions of Pyruvates.

The utilization of the homogeneous ()-2-pyrrolidine-tetrazole organocatalyst (Ley catalyst) in the self-condensation of ethyl pyruvate and cross-aldol reactions of ethyl pyruvate donor with non-enolizable pyruvate acceptors, namely the sterically hindered ethyl 3-methyl-2-oxobutyrate or the highly electrophilic methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate, is described as the key enantioselective step toward the synthesis of the corresponding biologically relevant isotetronic acids featuring a quaternary carbon functionalized with ester and alkyl groups. The transition from homogeneous to heterogeneous flow conditions is also investigated, detailing the fabrication and operation of packed-bed reactors filled with a silica-supported version of the pyrrolidine-tetrazole catalyst (SBA-15 as the matrix).

Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities.

The powerful quote from Martin Luther King Jr [...

Relevance of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies: The Experience of Four Italian Diagnostic Hubs.

Unlabelled: Thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies are among the most common genetic diseases worldwide and have a significant impact on public health. The decreasing cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has quickly enabled the development of new assays that allow for the simultaneous analysis of small nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variants (CNVs) as deletions/duplications of α- and β-globin genes.

Background/objectives: This study highlighted the efficacy and rapid identification of all types of mutations in the α- and β-globin genes, including silent variants, using the Devyser Thalassemia NGS kit.

Atypical Metastases from Prostate Cancer: Alpha-Methylacyl-Coenzyme A Racemase (AMACR) as a Potential Molecular Target in Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Negative Prostate Adenocarcinoma.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a high-prevalence disease usually characterized by metastatic spread to the pelvic lymph nodes and bones and the development of visceral metastases only in the late stages of disease. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) plays a key role in the detection of PCa metastases. Several PET radiotracers are used in PCa patients according to the stage and pathological features of the disease, in particular Ga/F-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands.

Expert Judgment Supporting a Bayesian Network to Model the Survival of Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

: Pancreatic cancer is known for its poor prognosis. The most effective treatment combines surgery with peri-operative chemotherapy. Current prognostic tools are designed to predict patient outcomes and inform treatment decisions based on collected data.

Management of Patients with Vulvar Cancers: A Systematic Comparison of International Guidelines (NCCN-ASCO-ESGO-BGCS-IGCS-FIGO-French Guidelines-RCOG).

Background: Vulvar carcinoma is an uncommon gynecological tumor primarily affecting older women. Its treatment significantly impacts the quality of life and, not least, aesthetics because of the mutilating surgery it requires.

Objectives: The management requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists who know how to care for the patient in her entirety, not neglecting psychological aspects and reconstructive surgery.

How Antiretroviral Drug Concentrations Could Be Affected by Oxidative Stress, Physical Capacities and Genetics: A Focus on Dolutegravir Treated Male PLWH.

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are present in people living with HIV (PLWH), produced by intense physical activity; in response, our body produces antioxidant molecules. ROS influence the expression of gene-encoding enzymes and transporters involved in drug biotransformation. In addition, pharmacogenetics can influence transporter activity, and thus drug exposure.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): A Targeted Antioxidant Strategy to Counter Oxidative Stress in Retinopathy.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of cell membranes, including those in the retina. Specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the primary omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied for their potential benefits in retinal health, preventing the progression of retinopathy. Several studies have shown that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

COVID-19-Related Discontinuation Impact on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Long-Term Thermal Therapy: A Single-Center Observational Study at Saturnia Thermal Springs.

Background: Thermal therapy represents a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. To date, no studies have investigated the clinical effects of treatment interruption in thermal medicine. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of COVID-19 lockdown-induced thermal therapy discontinuation through validated patient-reported outcomes.

Emerging Evidence on Balneotherapy and Thermal Interventions in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects 10-60% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, emerging evidence suggests the potential benefits of balneotherapy in managing persistent symptoms. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy and thermal treatment interventions in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Polyploidization-driven transcriptomic dynamics in Medicago sativa neotetraploids: mRNA, smRNA and allele-specific gene expression.

Whole genome duplication (WGD) is a powerful evolutionary mechanism in plants. Autopolyploids have been comparatively less studied than allopolyploids, with sexual autopolyploidization receiving even less attention. In this work, we studied the transcriptomes of neotetraploids (2n = 4x = 32) obtained by crossing two diploid (2n = 2x = 16) plants of Medicago sativa that produce a significant percentage of either 2n eggs or pollen.

In situ forming gels as subcutaneous delivery systems of curcumin and piperine.

In this study an in situ forming gel for curcumin and piperine delivery is investigated as a long-lasting strategy in the local treatment of inflammatory and degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Particularly glyceryl monooleate, in association with phosphatidylcholine and ethanol, were employed. Different ratios between excipients were tested, with the aim to obtain a liquid form suitable for subcutaneous injection, gaining a semisolid consistency in contact with biological fluids.

Specific types of male infertility are correlated with T cell exhaustion or senescence signatures.

The association between male infertility and health status has yet to be unraveled. Here, by combining multiparameter phenotyping and scRNA-seq, we delineate the immune status of infertile men both at the semen and systemic levels. We first observe that young infertile men have a pro-inflammatory milieu with increased frequency of myeloid cells and inflammatory mediators in the seminal fluid and the peripheral blood, which are immune alterations typically observed in healthy elderly men.

Occupational Infections Among Workers in Europe: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Background: Workers may be exposed to different infectious agents, putting them at risk of developing occupational diseases. This can occur in many ways, through deliberate use of specific microorganisms or through potential exposure from close contact with biological material. Infection prevention and control measures against biohazards can reduce the risk of infection among workers.

A single RBM20 missense variant is a potential contributor to dilated cardiomyopathy and/or isolated left ventricular dilatation in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

Background: non-syndromic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is found to correlate with a genetic cause in 30-40 % of cases. The identification of a causative gene variant can guide treatment options and cascade testing of at-risk family members. Cardiomyopathy multigene panels are routinely used to identify the genetic cause, but often detect variants of uncertain significance (VUS).

Identifying Research Priorities for Cognition in CKD: A Delphi Study.

Background: Cognition is a research priority for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but identification of critical research questions is lacking. This study aimed to determine which cognition-related research questions are most important to CKD stakeholders.

Methods: A modified Delphi technique with 3 survey rounds was used.

Communicating scientific evidence: drugs for Alzheimer's disease as a case study.

This paper reviews the scientific evidence on new anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for treating Alzheimer's disease as a case study for improving scientific evidence communication. We introduce five guidelines condensed from the biomedical evidence literature but adapted to the short format of science communication in e.g.