Transcatheter Approaches to Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation: How Far Have We Come?

Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and over the past decade, the diagnosis of atrial functional mitral regurgitation (aFMR) has been increasingly observed in the elderly, especially in those with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Annular enlargement, perturbations of annular contraction, and atriogenic leaflet tethering distinguish the pathophysiology of aFMR from the one of ventricular origin. However, no consensus provides recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and the subsequent management of aFMR.

Optimization of an analytical method based on the use of zwitterionic- phosphorylcholine -HILIC column for the determination of multiple polar emerging contaminants in reclaimed water.

The aim of this study was to optimize a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) method using a zwitterionic phosphorylcholine HILIC column for the determination of several Persistent and Mobile Organic Contaminants (PMOC) in wastewater samples. An experimental design approach was implemented to both better understand the retention mechanisms of several polar compounds and to find the optimal operating conditions for their detection and quantification. Eleven PMOCs, with logD ranging from -5.

Multidisciplinary consensus-based statement on the current role of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in chronic SubDural hematoma (cSDH).

Introduction: Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization (MMAE) in patients with chronic SubDural Hematoma (cSDH) is a novel treatment approach, albeit the specific role of MMAE in the treatment of cSDH is not yet defined.

Research Question: The aim of this work is to provide a consensus-based statement from a multidisciplinary panel on the current role of MMAE in patients with cSDH.

Materials And Methods: A literature search was performed using the keywords MMAE and cSDH.

From diagnosis to rehabilitation of trigger finger: a narrative review.

Trigger finger (TF), also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, is a common pathology of the fingers causing functional deficit of the hand. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided (USG) procedures have joined the most traditional conservative treatments as the adaptation of daily activities involving the affected hand and the orthosis. Likewise, the ultrasound (US) examination of the affected finger using modern high-frequency probes has progressively become part of the comprehensive assessment of patients with TF coupled with the medical history, the physical examination, and the functional scales.

CAT-PMSF improves phylogenetic modelling under maximum likelihood and resolves Tardigrada within Panarthropoda, as the sister of Arthropoda plus Onychophora.

Tardigrada, the water bears, are microscopic animals with walking appendages, that are members of Ecdysozoa, the clade of moulting animals that also includes Nematoda (round worms), Nematomorpha (horsehair worms), Priapulida (penis worms), Kinorhyncha (mud dragons), Loricifera (loricated animals), Arthropoda (insects, spiders centipedes, crustaceans and their allies) and Onychophora (velvet worms). The phylogenetic relationships within Ecdysozoa are still unclear, with analyses of molecular and morphological data yielding incongruent results. Here we use CAT-posterior mean site frequencies (CAT-PMSF), a new method to export dataset-specific mixture models (CAT-Poisson and CAT-GTR) parameterized using Bayesian methods to maximum likelihood software.

Unusual Reaction of Isocyanides with Aromatic Aldehydes Catalyzed by a Supramolecular Capsule.

The supramolecular resorcinarene hexameric capsule efficiently promotes the unprecedented reaction between isocyanides and electron-deficient aromatic aldehydes leading to the formation of imines and carbon monoxide. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated via isotope labelling, kinetic analysis of the reaction, computational studies and the independent synthesis of a proposed intermediate. Control experiments indicate that the formation of the key aziridinone intermediate is limited to the cavity of the capsule.

What is Known About Early Mobilisation After Cardiac Electronic Device Implant? A Scoping Review.

Background: The number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implanted has been growing and the population who receive the device is older and has more comorbidities. Long bed rest and immobilisation have always been common after the implant, but a consensus does not exist on the argument.

Purpose: To map and synthesise available literature on the mobilisation approach after the implant of a CIED and which correlated outcomes exist.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 2: Treatment - Update 2024.

A unique collaboration of multi-disciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), and the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) was formed to make recommendations on cutaneous melanoma diagnosis and treatment, based on systematic literature reviews and the experts' experience. Cutaneous melanomas are excised with one to two-centimeter safety margins. For a correct stage classification and treatment decision, a sentinel lymph node biopsy shall be offered in patients with tumor thickness ≥ 1.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in women: A forgotten cardiovascular risk factor.

Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent disorder with negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This condition has detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and quality of life, and is frequently associated with a variety of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, it remains frequently undiagnosed and undertreated, especially in specific populations.

Prognostic factors and impact of management strategies for status epilepticus: The STEPPER study in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy.

Objective: The STEPPER (Status Epilepticus in Emilia-Romagna) study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment approaches of status epilepticus (SE) in adults of the Emilia-Romagna region (ERR), Northern Italy.

Methods: STEPPER, an observational, prospective, multicentric cohort study, was conducted across neurology units, emergency departments, and intensive care units of the ERR over 24 months (October 2019-October 2021), encompassing incident cases of SE. Patients were followed up for 30 days.

Development and validation of a gonadotropin dose selection model for optimized ovarian stimulation in IVF/ICSI: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: The ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation varies widely among women, and could impact the probability of live birth as well as treatment risks. Many studies have evaluated the impact of different gonadotropin starting doses, mainly based on predictive variables like ovarian reserve tests (ORT) including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH). A Cochrane systematic review revealed that individualizing the gonadotropin starting dose does not affect efficacy in terms of ongoing pregnancy/live birth rates, but may reduce treatment risks such as the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Training healthcare professionals to dignity-in-care: A scoping review.

Background: Despite the wealth of evidence-based practices attesting to the influence of patient dignity on the care relationship, gaps persist in healthcare professionals' abilities to bolster it. Promoting dignity-in-care poses a challenge due to the abstract nature of the concept and its lack of unequivocal definition.

Objective: To delineate the scope of training opportunities, identify gaps in dignity-in-care training, excluding the broader concept of dignity beyond healthcare assistance, and propose strategies to address these deficiencies.

Changes in iPSC-Astrocyte morphology reflect Alzheimer's disease patient clinical markers.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide powerful cellular models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and offer many advantages over non-human models, including the potential to reflect variation in individual-specific pathophysiology and clinical symptoms. Previous studies have demonstrated that iPSC-neurons from individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) reflect clinical markers, including β-amyloid (Aβ) levels and synaptic vulnerability. However, despite neuronal loss being a key hallmark of AD pathology, many risk genes are predominantly expressed in glia, highlighting them as potential therapeutic targets.

Optimal Medical Therapy for Heart Failure and Integrated Care in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation Long-Term General Registry.

Background: Heart failure (HF) often occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with a major impact on prognosis. Few data are available on the effect of integrated treatment strategies to improve prognosis in patients with AF. We aimed to evaluate the association between HF (according to left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), HF optimal medical therapy and adherence to the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway, and major outcomes in patients with AF.

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions for ADHD in adults: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis.

Background: The comparative benefits and harms of available interventions for ADHD in adults remain unclear. We aimed to address these important knowledge gaps.

Methods: In this systematic review and component network meta-analysis (NMA), we searched multiple databases for published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD in adults from database inception to Sept 6, 2023.

Beyond water: 3D laser scanning offers a cutting-edge alternative for upper limb volume assessment.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and efficiency of a 3D laser scanner as a tool for volumetric measurement of the upper limbs, comparing it with the gold standard method of non-reflux water displacement. The study sought to determine whether the 3D scanner could serve as a reliable and time-efficient alternative in clinical settings, particularly for managing conditions like lymphedema.

Methods: A total of 30 healthy participants (18 women, 12 men) were recruited, and volumetric measurements were taken using both the 3D scanner and water displacement methods.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics - Update 2024.

This guideline was developed in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma were developed on the basis of systematic literature research and consensus conferences. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most dangerous form of skin tumor and accounts for 90 % of skin cancer mortality.

Breaking down the relationship between disruption scores and citation counts.

The emergence of the disruption score provides a new perspective that differs from traditional metrics of citations and novelty in research evaluation. Motivated by current studies on the differences among these metrics, we examine the relationship between disruption scores and citation counts. Intuitively, one would expect disruptive scientific work to be rewarded by high volumes of citations and, symmetrically, impactful work to also be disruptive.

Best practices for disinfection in dental settings: insights from Italian and European regulations.

Disinfection practices in dental settings are fundamental to clinical safety, playing a pivotal role in preventing cross-infections and protecting the health of patients and healthcare professionals. This article examines the key components of effective disinfection, based on evidence-based protocols developed by international organizations such as the WHO and the U.S.

Changes in AXL and/or MITF melanoma subpopulations in patients receiving immunotherapy.

Background: Tumor heterogeneity is a hurdle to effective therapy, as illustrated by the 'mixed responses' frequently seen in immunotherapy-treated patients. Previously, AXL+ tumor cells were identified to be highly resistant to targeted therapy, whereas more differentiated MITF+ tumor cells do respond to RAF and MEK inhibitors.

Patients And Methods: In this study, we analyzed tumor heterogeneity and explored the presence of the previously described AXL+ or MITF+ melanoma subpopulations in metastatic tissues by NanoString gene expression analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence.

BMP-4 and fetuin A in systemic sclerosis patients with or without calcinosis.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease at the interface between inflammation and autoimmunity progressively leading to diffuse microvascular and fibrotic involvement of the skin and of multiple internal organs. Approximately, 20-40% of SSc patients suffer from cutaneous calcinosis, a debilitating manifestation due to calcium salt deposition in soft connective tissues, causing pain, ulceration, infection, and deformities, responsible of severe functional limitations. Pathomechanisms are poorly understood as well as markers/molecules capable to predict the risk of patients to develop calcinosis.