The Gut Microbiota and Vascular Aging: A State-of-the-Art and Systematic Review of the Literature

The gut microbiota is a critical regulator of human physiology, deleterious changes to its composition and function (dysbiosis) have been linked to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular ageing (VA) is a process of progressive stiffening of the arterial tree associated with arterial wall remodeling, which can precede hypertension and organ damage, and is associated with cardiovascular risk. Arterial stiffness has become the preferred marker of VA. In our systematic review, we found an association between gut microbiota composition and arterial stiffness, with two patterns, in most animal and human studies: a direct correlation between arterial stiffness and abundances of bacteria associated with altered gut permeability and inflammation; an inverse relationship between arterial stiffness, microbiota diversity, and abundances of bacteria associated with most fit microbiota composition. Interventional studies were able to show a stable link between microbiota modification and arterial stiffness only in animals. None of the human interventional trials was able to demonstrate this relationship, and very few adjusted the analyses for determinants of arterial stiffness. We observed a lack of large randomized interventional trials in humans that test the role of gut microbiota modifications on arterial stiffness, and take into account BP and hemodynamic alterations

Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of CD93 in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Introduction. Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 93 (also known as complement protein 1 q subcomponent receptor C1qR1 or C1qRp) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that can also be present in a soluble (sCD93) form. Recent studies have investigated the role of this protein in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present systematic review aims to assess the associations between CD93 and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease at both the proteomic and genomic levels. Methods. We conducted systematic searches in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify all human studies since inception to February 2023 that investigated the role of CD93 in CV risk factors, CVD, and CV-associated outcomes. The data collection and analysis have been independently conducted by two reviewers. The search terms included: cardiovascular, heart failure, acute stroke, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease, cardiovascular death, MACE, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, hyperuricemia, diabetes, cd93, c1qr, C1qR1, complement protein 1 q subcomponent receptor. Results. A total of 182 references were identified, and 15 studies investigating the associations between CD93 protein levels or CD93 genetic polymorphisms and the development or prevalence of CV risk factors (i.e., hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity) and CVD (i.e., heart failure, coronary artery disease, and ischemic stroke) were included. Although promising, the quality and dimension of the analyzed studies do not allow for a definitive answer to the question of whether CD93 may hold diagnostic and prognostic value in CVD

Letter to the Editor commenting on “Efficacy of serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after breast cancer surgery: a randomized trial”

We have read with very great interest the study published by Arora S et al.: “Efficacy of serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after breast cancer surgery: a randomized trial”, especially for the attention paid to the key points in the management of breast surgery: postoperative analgesia optimization, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting reduction, prevention of the onset of chronic pain and functional impotenc

Study of the Failure Mechanism of a High-Density Polyethylene Liner in a Type IV High-Pressure Storage Tank

The use of Type IV cylinders for gas storage is becoming more widespread in various sectors, especially in transportation, owing to the lightweight nature of this type of cylinder, which is composed of a polymeric liner that exerts a barrier effect and an outer composite material shell that primarily imparts mechanical strength. In this work, the failure analysis of an HDPE liner in a Type IV cylinder for high-pressure storage was carried out. The breakdown occurred during a cyclic pressure test at room temperature and manifested in the hemispherical head area, as cracks perpendicular to the liner pinch-off line. The failed sample was thoroughly investigated and its characteristics were compared with those of other liners at different stages of production of a Type IV cylinder (blow molding, curing of the composite material). An examination of the liner showed that no significant chemical and morphological changes occurred during the production cycle of a Type IV cylinder that could justify the liner rupture, and that the most likely cause of failure was a design-related fatigue phenomenon

Implementation of an enhanced recovery program after bariatric surgery: Clinical and cost-effectiveness analysis

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are perioperative evidence-based interventions that have the purpose of making the perioperative pathway more efficient in safeguarding patient safety and quality of care. Recently, several ERAS components have been introduced in the setting of bariatric surgery (Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery, ERABS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the implementation of an ERABS program. It was a retrospective case-control study comparing a group of adult obese (body mass index >40) patients treated according to the ERABS protocol (2014-2015) with a historical control group that received standard care (2013-2014) in the General and Emergency Surgery Department, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy. Data on the occurrence of complications, mortality, re-admissions and re-operations were extracted retrospectively from medical case notes and emergency patient admission lists. Length of hospital stay was significantly different between the two cohort patients. In the control group, the mean length of stay was 12.6±10.9 days, whereas in the ERABS cohort it was 7.1±2.9 days (p=0.02). During hospital stay, seven patients in the control group developed surgical complications, including one patient with major complications, whereas in the ERABS group three patients developed minor complications. Economic analysis revealed a different cost distribution between the two groups. On the whole, there were significant savings for almost all the variables taken into consideration, mainly driven by exclusion of using intensive care unit, which is by far more expensive than the average cost of post-anesthesia care unit. Our study confirmed the implementation of an ERABS protocol to have shortened hospital stay and was cost-saving while safeguarding patient safety

The Introduction of Historical and Cultural Values in the Sustainable Management of European Forests

Document produced for the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forest in Europe by Mauro Agnoletti, Steven Anderson, Elisabeth Johann, Mart Kulvik, Andrey Kushlin, Peter Mayer, Cristina Montiel Molina, John Parrotta, Ian D. Rotherham, Eirini Saratsi</jats:p

EUS-guided drainage using lumen apposing metal stent and percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy as dual approach for the management of complex walled-off necrosis: a case report and a review of the literature

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage is suggested as the first approach in the management of symptomatic and complex walled-off pancreatic necrosis. Dual approach with percutaneous drainage could be the best choice when the necrosis is deep extended till the pelvic paracolic gutter; however, the available catheter could not be large enough to drain solid necrosis neither to perform necrosectomy, entailing a higher need for surgery. Therefore, percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy through a large bore percutaneous self-expandable metal stent has been proposed. Case presentation: In this study, we present the case of a 61-year-old man admitted to our hospital with a history of sepsis and persistent multiorgan failure secondary to walled-off pancreatic necrosis due to acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Firstly, the patient underwent transgastric endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage using a lumen-apposing metal stent and three sessions of direct endoscopic necrosectomy. Because of recurrence of multiorgan failure and the presence of the necrosis deeper to the pelvic paracolic gutter at computed tomography scan, we decided to perform percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy using an esophageal self-expandable metal stent. After four sessions of necrosectomy, the collection was resolved without complications. Therefore, we perform a revision of the literature, in order to provide the state-of-art on this technique. The available data are, to date, derived by case reports and case series, which showed high rates both of technical and clinical success. However, a not negligible rate of adverse events has been reported, mainly represented by fistulas and abdominal pain. Conclusion: Dual approach, using lumen apposing metal stent and percutaneous self-expandable metal stent, is a compelling option of treatment for patients affected by symptomatic, complex walled-off pancreatic necrosis, allowing to directly remove large amounts of necrosis avoiding surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy seems a promising technique that could be part of the step-up-approach, before emergency surgery. However, to date, it should be reserved in referral centers, where a multidisciplinary team is disposable

Improving splenic conservation rate after trauma by applying a protocol for non-operative management and follow-up: A propensity-score analysis

Background: There are shared guidelines about Non-Operative Management (NOM) of splenic injuries, but some unanswered questions remain. The aim of the present study is to establish the usefulness of a standardized protocol for management and follow-up of NOM patients with splenic injuries. Methods: Multicenter retrospective observational study including patients with major blunt trauma (ISS.15) with splenic injuries managed between January 1st 2014 and December 31st 2016 in two Italian I level Trauma Centers: one with a standardized management and follow-up protocol for NOM (Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, BH), and the other without it (ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, PG23H). Comparison between patients' outcomes were performed and a propensity score model was calculated. Results: 47 patients managed in BH and 49 patients in PG23H were included. In BH, a higher proportion of patients was treated with NOM (72.3 % vs. 53.1 %, p ¼ 0.051). There was no difference in complication rate and mortality in patients treated with NOM in the two hospitals. A borderline significant trend to a higher NOM failure rate in PG23H was found (BH 0.0 % vs. PG23H 11.3 %, p ¼ 0.076). The total splenic conservation rate was significantly higher in BH (BH 72.3 % vs. PG23H 46.9 %, p ¼ 0.011). After the Propensity Score based matching, 72 patients were included and the total splenic conservation rate was significantly higher in BH (BH: 77.8 % vs. PG23H: 50.9 %, p ¼ 0.014). Conclusions: The application of a protocol for in-hospital management and follow-up for NOM of patients with splenic injury could decrease the NOM failure rate and improve splenic conservation rate

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk of 1-year all-cause and cardiac hospital readmissions in elderly patients admitted for acute heart failure

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging risk factor for heart failure (HF). Although some progress has been made in improving survival among patients admitted for HF, the rates of hospital readmissions and the related costs continue to rise dramatically. We sought to examine whether NAFLD and its severity (diagnosed at hospital admission) was independently associated with a higher risk of 1-year all-cause and cardiac re-hospitalization in patients admitted for acute HF. We studied 212 elderly patients who were consecutively admitted with acute HF to the Hospital of Negrar (Verona) over a 1-year period. Diagnosis of NAFLD was based on ultrasonography, whereas the severity of advanced NAFLD fibrosis was based on the fibrosis (FIB)-4 score and other non-invasive fibrosis scores. Patients with acute myocardial infarction, severe valvular heart diseases, endstage renal disease, cancer, known liver diseases or decompensated cirrhosis were excluded. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for the associations between NAFLD and the outcome(s) of interest. The cumulative rate of 1-year all-cause re-hospitalizations was 46.7% (n = 99, mainly due to cardiac causes). Patients with NAFLD (n = 109; 51.4%) had remarkably higher 1-year all-cause and cardiac re-hospitalization rates compared with their counterparts without NAFLD. Both event rates were particularly increased in those with advanced NAFLD fibrosis. NAFLD was associated with a 5-fold increased risk of 1-year all-cause re-hospitalization (adjusted-hazard ratio 5.05, 95% confidence intervals 2.78-9.10, p&lt;0.0001) after adjustment for established risk factors and potential confounders. Similar results were found for 1-year cardiac re-hospitalization (adjusted-hazard ratio 8.05, 95% confidence intervals 3.77-15.8, p&lt;0.0001). In conclusion, NAFLD and its severity were strongly and independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year all-cause and cardiac re-hospitalization in elderly patients admitted with acute HF