Search

The elbow joint is stabilized laterally by a complex of bony and ligamentous structures, such as the lateral ulnar collateral ligament and radial lateral collateral ligament (RLCL). Pathogenesis of many elbow conditions like symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) is based on ligamentous incompetency. The aim of this study is to measure ligament elongation in SMILE patients and determine the correlation with the development of this pathologic condition. Twenty-eight patients were included in this study: half of them were operated for suspected SMILE whereas the others were affected by other elbow diseases. All the patients underwent elbow arthroscopy. During this procedure, 4 parameters were analyzed: annular drive through (ADT), ulnar-humeral stressed distance (UHSD) at 45° and 30° of flexion, and loose collar sign (LCS). A dedicated arthroscopic mini-spreader introduced through an arthroscopic portal was used to take measurements. Statistically significant differences were found for LCS (P =.0003) and ADT (P =.000002). UHSD at 30° and 45° elbow flexion was slightly higher in SMILE patients, but not significantly. Progressive stretching of the RLCL and annular ligament may lead to their elongation, resulting in a pathologic anteroposterior shifting of the radial head and a lower congruence between the inner surface of the annular ligament and the radial head cartilage, resulting in proximal radioulnar instability. The study shows how RLCL and annular ligament are elongated in SMILE patients compared with controls, causing instability of the proximal radioulnar joint and confirming that ligament incompetency is involved in the SMILE condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this observational study was to evaluate bone growth at the recipient site of autotransplanted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to compare it to the control tooth. Bone growth was measured on CBCT images obtained from the anterior region of the maxilla, which received a single transplant of immature premolars due to early loss of the central incisor. The results were compared to the bone growth of contralateral central incisor that served as control. The sample consisted of 13 autotransplanted teeth and 13 control teeth. It was determined the thickness of the buccal bone of the marginal ridge, the thickness of the palatal bone of the marginal ridge, the height of the maxillary bone, and the thickness of the maxillary bone at its mid-height. The measurements were analyzed statistically, adopting a significance level of 5%. The mean interval between the dental autotransplantation surgery and the CBCT scan was 16.2 years. The mean thickness of the buccal bone of the marginal ridge, thickness of the palatal bone of the marginal ridge, height of the maxillary bone, and thickness of the maxillary bone at its mid-height were, respectively, 0.85, 0.94, 19.6, and 8.85 mm for autotransplanted teeth and 0.79, 1.09, 18.88, and 8.5 mm for control teeth. There were no significant differences in the bone measurements between autotransplanted and control teeth (P >.05). The growth of maxillary bone in the region that received the autotransplanted tooth was proportional to that of maxillary bone that supports the contralateral tooth. Thus, autogenous transplantation is efficient in maintaining the bone architecture at the recipient site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered the current gold standard. Despite efforts from global cardiovascular institutions, current protocols vary in dosage, administration time, and procedural approach. In addition, concerns over the specificity of findings and potential complications have limited routine uptake of this procedure in clinical practice. This systematic review evaluates current diagnostic protocols, focusing on invasive provocation testing. We included studies using intracoronary provocation testing with acetylcholine or ergonovine for the assessment of coronary artery vasospasm that detailed specific elements of the procedure (dosage, administration time, etc.) and included ≥ 50 patients. A total of 28 articles met strict inclusion criteria. Our review highlights the heterogeneity between current diagnostic protocols for invasive provocation testing. We believe standardization of a diagnostic protocol will encourage both current and future cardiologists to incorporate such procedures in the evaluation of variant angina. [Display omitted] • Coronary provocation testing is considered gold standard for evaluation of vasospastic angina. • Testing protocols vary amongst global institutions. • Further research should focus on the development of a uniform testing protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morbidities associated with increased blood pressure levels during pregnancy represent one of the main causes of maternal mortality. The objective was to identify patterns of systolic blood pressure (SPB) trajectory in pregnant women undergoing prenatal care at the Unified Health System, and associations with weight gain trajectory, demographic, obstetric, anthropometric data, and health related behaviors. Cohort study with pregnant women using the public health services in Brazil. Data were collected through questionnaires and medical records. Trajectory patterns of SBP and weight gain were identified by a group-based trajectory model. For trajectory analysis, 460 women had SBP information available, totaling 2839 measurements, with an average of 6.2 measurements during pregnancy. Three SBP trajectory patterns were identified and classified as "Group 1" (48.0%), with a mean of 103 mmHg (95% CI 102.5–103.7 mmHg), "Group 2" (42.7%) with a mean of 114 mmHg (95% CI 113.7–114.9 mmHg), and "Group 3" (9.1%) with the highest mean SBP value of 130 mmHg (95% CI 128.8–131.5 mmHg). It was observed that regardless of the weight gain trajectory group, women classified in the group with the highest SBP had the highest SBP levels. The probability of being classified in Group 3 was higher among women with higher education, who started pregnancy presenting obesity, and who were using antihypertensive drugs. The probability of belonging to groups with a greater trajectory of SBP during pregnancy was associated with obesity, education, and hypertension under treatment. • Three systolic blood pressure (SBP) different trajectory patterns were identified in pregnant women. • Being in the group with greater SBP's trajectory was associated with obesity, education, and hypertension under treatment. • The screening of women in high-risk of elevated SBP levels in early pregnancy is important to reduce health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms that govern fibroblast behavior during the vascular adaptations of the uterus at early pregnancy remain unknown. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, binds to cannabinoid receptors (CBs), and regulates gestation and angiogenesis. Its tone is regulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) within the uterus. We investigated the role of anandamide in endometrial fibroblasts migration and whether anandamide modulates fibroblasts-endothelial crosstalk. T-hESC and EA.hy926 cell lines were used as models of endometrial stromal and endothelial cells, respectively. T-hESC were incubated with anandamide plus different agents. Migration was tested (wound healing assay and phalloidin staining). Protein expression and localization were studied by Western blot and immunofluorescence. To test fibroblast-endothelial crosstalk, EA.hy926 cells were incubated with fibroblast conditioned media obtained after T-hESC migration. Anandamide 1 nM increased T-hESC migration via CB1 and CB2. Cyclooxygenase-2 participated in anandamide-stimulated fibroblast migration. Prostaglandin F2alpha, and not prostaglandin E2, increased fibroblast wound closure. CB1, CB2, cyclooxygenase-2 and FAAH were expressed in T-hESC. Anandamide did not alter cyclooxygenase-2 localization but induced its cytoplasmic and nuclear expression through CB1 and CB2. URB-597, a FAAH selective inhibitor, also increased T-hESC migration via both CBs, and augmented cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Conditioned media from anandamide-induced T-hESC wound healing closure stimulated endothelial migration and did not alter their proliferation. Soluble factors from cyclooxygenase-2 were secreted by T-hESC and participated in T-hESC-induced EA.hy926 migration. Although anandamide-conditioned media augmented in EA.hy926 the expression of γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage, cyclooxygenase-2 was not involved in this effect. Our results provide novel evidence about an active role of anandamide on endometrial fibroblast behavior as a mechanism regulating uterine vascular adaptations in early gestation. [Display omitted] • Endometrial fibroblasts' role in early gestation vascular adaptations remains unknown. • A physiological level of anandamide induces the migration of endometrial fibroblasts. • Anandamide promotes endometrial fibroblast - endothelial cell interaction. • Cannabinoid receptors and cyclooxygenase-2 participate in anandamide-driven actions. • Anandamide might promote endometrial fibroblast participation in vascular remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This systematic review summarized the cerebral oxygenation acute response during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) of patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. • Cerebral oxygenation is impaired in cardiovascular patients during incremental CPET. • Cerebral oxygen extraction is lower in patients with obstructive sleep apnea during incremental CPET. • A pattern of acute cerebral oxygenation response was not established during CPET for metabolic and other types of respiratory diseases. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for analyzing cardiorespiratory fitness and integrating physiological responses. However, the presence of chronic diseases may compromise cerebral hemodynamic responses during CPET. In addition, the acute response of cerebral oxygenation during incremental CPET may identify abnormal behavior and ensure greater safety for patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. To summarize the cerebral oxygenation acute response during CPET of patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases. From inception to 23rd September 2022, five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase and CINAHAL) were searched for cross-sectional studies performing incremental CPET and measuring the cerebral oxygenation acute response in cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases compared with healthy individuals. The Downs and Black tool assessed the risk of bias of the studies. We included seven studies with 428 participants (305 men and 123 women), aged 43 to 70 years. Of these, 101 had heart failure NYHA II and III; 77 idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy; 33 valvular disease; 25 coronary heart disease; 22 pulmonary arterial hypertension; 15 had severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 166 were apparently healthy. There was no eligible article with metabolic disease. There was a lower magnitude increase in cerebral oxygenation of cardiovascular patients compared with the healthy individuals during the CPET. Furthermore, pulmonary arterial hypertension patients presented increased cerebral oxygen extraction, differently to those with severe OSA. Considering the heterogeneity of the included studies, patients with cardiovascular disease may suffer from reduced cerebral oxygen supply, and individuals with OSA presented lower brain oxygen extraction during the CPET. Future studies should aim for strategies to improve cerebral oxygenation to ensure greater safety at CPET of cardiovascular and OSA patients. An acute response pattern for metabolic and other respiratory diseases was not established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South America inhabit an endemic group of ungulates adapted to extreme environments: the South American camelids (SAC), a key component of the Andean biocultural heritage. Until today, SAC are the most important factor of Andean economies and social and ritual life. SAC include two wild species, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) , and two domestic species, the llama (Lama glama) and the alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Endoparasitosis are one of the most common diseases in SAC, and have great economic and health relevance. Despite this, there is a lack of knowledge on this concern. The main objective of this work was to conduct the first systematic review of the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites of SAC throughout the entire native range of distribution and to identify several gaps in knowledge. The PRISMA protocol was performed and a total of 101 documents were summarized. At least 36 parasitic helminths and five Eimeria spp. were registered. This work highlights the need for a greater number of works to know with more certainty the parasitic fauna of camelids in the past and present, in order to achieve predictions that allow proper management of camelids for their future conservation. Furthermore, concerted research efforts are needed to understand the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis and distribution of the parasitosis of SAC along the entire distribution range to guide conservation decisions. [Display omitted] • Endoparasitosis are one of the most common diseases in SAC. • First review of parasites diversity of SAC throughout its total range of distribution. • At least 36 parasitic helminths and 5 Eimeria spp. were registered in camelids. • The registered parasites are mostly generalist parasites. • A better understanding of the extent and impact of parasites of SAC is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) represents a heterogeneous clinical conundrum accounting for about 6%-8% of all acute MI who are referred for coronary angiography. Current guidelines and consensus documents recommend that these patients are appropriately diagnosed, uncovering the causes of MINOCA, so that specific therapies can be prescribed. Indeed, there are a variety of causes that can result in this clinical condition, and for this reason diagnostic cardiac imaging has an emerging critical role in the assessment of patients with suspected or confirmed MINOCA. In last years, different cardiac imaging techniques have been evaluated in this context, and the comprehension of their strengths and limitations is of the utmost importance for their effective use in clinical practice. Moreover, recent evidence is clearly suggesting that a multimodality cardiac imaging approach, combining different techniques, seems to be crucial for a proper management of MINOCA. However, great variability still exists in clinical practice in the management of patients with suspected MINOCA, also depending on the availability of diagnostic tools and local expertise. Herein, we review the current knowledge supporting the use of different cardiac imaging techniques in patients with MINOCA, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive multimodality cardiac imaging approach and proposing a practical diagnostic algorithm to properly identify and treat the specific causes of MINOCA, in order to improve prognosis and the quality of life in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term outcomes of older patients referred to intensive care unit (ICU) are of paramount importance for care planning and counseling of patients and relatives. We performed a retrospective study with patients aged ≥80 years admitted to ICU from 2011 to 2017 in a cancer center. We performed two Cox proportional hazard regressions. In the first, we tested whether type of cancer (solid locoregional, solid metastatic or hematologic), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), and comorbidities [Charlson Comorbidity Index - CCI]) were associated with one-year mortality in all patients. In the second, we assessed whether delirium, use of vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and forgoing life-sustaining therapies were associated with one-year mortality in survivors to hospital discharge. Of 763 patients included, 482 (62.3%) patients died at one year. Metastatic cancer was significantly associated with one-year mortality (HR = 1.97; CI 95%, 1.16–3.36), but hematologic cancer, CCI and ECOG PS were not. Among patients who survived to hospital discharge, delirium, use of vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapies in ICU were not associated with one-year mortality. Metastatic disease at ICU admission was associated with one-year mortality in patients aged ≥80 years. Delirium, use of vasopressors, mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy and decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapies in ICU were not associated with one-year mortality among the patients discharged from hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• During high intensity exercise, HF patients with coexistence of COPD showed marked exercise impairments in Cox, Res and Pm when compared to patients only diagnosed with HF. • These findings demonstrate the negative impact of multimorbidity on exercise tolerance. • Thus, we highlight the novelty of our study, which may contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory and clinical responses during high intensity constant workload exercises in this frequent multimorbidity phenotype. To investigate cerebral oxygenation (Cox) responses as well as respiratory (Res) and active peripheral muscle (Pm) O 2 delivery during high-intensity cycling exercise and contrast responses between patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-heart failure (HF) and HF alone. Cross-sectional study involving 11 COPD-HF and 11 HF patients. On two different days, patients performed maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and constant load exercise on a cycle ergometer until the limit of tolerance (Tlim). The high-intensity exercise session was 80% of the peak CPET work rate. Relative blood concentrations of oxyhemoglobin ([O 2 Hb]), deoxyhemoglobin ([HHb]) of Res, Pm (right vastus lateralis) and Cox (pre-frontal) were measured using near infrared spectroscopy. We observed a greater decrease in [O 2 Hb] at a lower Tlim in COPD-HF when compared to HF (P < 0.05). [HHb] of Res was higher (P < 0.05) and Tlim was lower in COPD-HF vs. HF. Pm and Cox were lower and Tlim was higher in (P < 0.05) HF vs. COPD-HF. In HF, there was a lower ∆[O 2 Hb] and higher ∆ [HHb] of Pm when contrasted to Cox observed during exercise, as well as a lower ∆ [O 2 Hb] and higher ∆ [HHb] of Res when contrasted with Cox (P < 0.05). However, COPD-HF patients presented with a higher ∆ [HHb] of Res and Pm when contrasted with Cox (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The coexistence of COPD in patients with HF produces negative effects on Cox, greater deoxygenation of the respiratory and peripheral muscles and higher exertional dyspnea, which may help to explain an even lower exercise tolerance in this multimorbidity phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is common and occurs in 6-8% of all patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This paper describes the rationale behind the trial 'Randomized Evaluation of Beta Blocker and ACE-Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Treatment (ACEI/ARB) of MINOCA patients' (MINOCA-BAT) and the need to improve the secondary preventive treatment of MINOCA patients. METHODS: MINOCA-BAT is a registry-based, randomized, parallel, open-label, multicenter trial with 2:2 factorial design. The primary aim is to determine whether oral beta blockade compared with no oral beta blockade, and ACEI/ARB compared with no ACEI/ARB, reduce the composite endpoint of death of any cause, readmission because of AMI, ischemic stroke or heart failure in patients discharged after MINOCA without clinical signs of heart failure and with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. A total of 3500 patients will be randomized into four groups; e.g. ACEI/ARB and beta blocker, beta blocker only, ACEI/ARB only and neither ACEI/ARB nor beta blocker, and followed for a mean of 4 years. SUMMARY: While patients with MINOCA have an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events and death, whether conventional secondary preventive therapies are beneficial has not been assessed in randomized trials. There is a limited basis for guideline recommendations in MINOCA. Furthermore, studies of routine clinical practice suggest that use of secondary prevention therapies in MINOCA varies considerably. Thus results from this trial may influence future treatment strategies and guidelines specific to MINOCA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The placement of a peripheral catheter may sometimes be challenging, so that patients risk multiple failed attempts. • The US-guided placement of midline or long-peripheral catheters are effective solutions for difficult venous access patients. • Midline catheters allow for longer uncomplicated indwelling times than long-peripheral catheters of different lengths. • The choice of the device should be tailored for each patient by considering the planned therapy, the clinical condition, and the cost of the device. • This strategy may reduce catheter-related complications and avoid patients' discomfort, while control healthcare costs. Midline catheters (MCs) are commonly inserted in patients with difficult venous access (DVA) needing peripheral access. Recently, the alternative placement of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters (LPCs) has spread. However, no study has compared the reliability of the 2 devices. This study aims to compare the safety and reliability of MCs and LPCs in DVA patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 184 DVA patients. Polyurethane MCs and 2 lengths of polyethylene LPCs (8/10 cm and 18 cm) were compared. The independent effect of catheter type on uncomplicated catheter survival was determined through a Cox regression analysis. The relative incidences of overall catheter-related complications (CRCs) were 15.84 of 1,000, 10.64 of 1,000, and 6.27 of 1,000 catheter-days for 8/10 cm-LPCs, 18 cm-LPCs, and MCs, respectively. The relative incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infections were 0.72 of 1,000 for both length LPCs and 0.48 of 1,000 catheter-days for MCs. Compared to MCs, a significant increase in CRC risk for 8/10 cm LPCs (hazard ratio [HR] 5.328; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.118-13.404; P < 0.001) was found, along with a nonsignificant trend toward an increased risk for 18 cm-LCPs (HR 2.489; 95% CI 0.961-6.448; P = 0.060). MCs allow for longer uncomplicated indwelling times than LPCs. The decision regarding which catheter to use should consider the planned duration of intravenous therapy, the patient's clinical condition, and the cost of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marks left by the bite of a subject (bitemark) represent an unequivocal character, being useful in identifying the possible perpetrator of a crime. To date, the analysis of bitemarks is mainly based on the direct vision of photographic finds and on the visual comparison with the teeth of the hypothetically responsible person. However, the bitemark also retains three-dimensional characteristics detectable with a 3D scanner. In this pilot study, an innovative method of bitemark analysis, utilizing a three-dimensional scanner and some software, will be introduced, enabling a quantitative comparison of bitemarks and their corresponding human dentitions. For this purpose, 10 complete plaster models (human dentitions) of 10 adult subjects were used to make 20 experimental bitemarks on dentistry wax. All materials were individually scanned with the iTero® 3D scanner and reworked with MeshMixer software. A visual analysis of the characteristics and a computerized analysis with the CloudCompare software were also performed. Study showed a different trend of the distribution curves of the points which were obtained comparing the human dentition and coincident and non-coincident bitemarks. Current results support that the intraoral 3D scanner allows the fast record and the preservation of the three-dimensional characteristics of the bitemarks, and it allows computerized analyses to be carried out. • Bitemarks can effectively be used for comparisons in closed populations. • We propose a computerized quantitative method of investigating bitemarks. • CloudCompare allows comparing 2 (or more) 3D clouds of points arranged in space. • Comparison between bitemark and responsible dentition gives positive result. • Comparison between bitemark and non-responsible dentition gives different result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a proposal for a new experiment, the FINUDA magnet for Light Axion SearcH (FLASH), a large resonant-cavity haloscope in a high static magnetic field which is planned to probe new physics in the form of dark matter (DM) axions, scalar fields, chameleons, hidden photons, as well as high frequency gravitational waves (GWs). Concerning the QCD axion, FLASH will search for these particles as the DM in the mass range (0. 49 – 1. 49) μ eV , thus filling the mass gap between the ranges covered by other planned searches. A dedicated Microstrip SQUID operating at ultra-cryogenic temperatures will amplify the signal. The frequency range accessible overlaps with the Very High Frequency (VHF) range of the radio wave spectrum and allows for a search in GWs in the frequency range (100 – 300) MHz. The experiment will make use of the cryogenic plant and magnet of the FINUDA experiment at INFN Frascati National Laboratories near Rome (Italy); the operations needed to restore the functionalities of the apparatus are currently underway. We present the setup of the experiment and the sensitivity forecasts for the detection of axions, scalar fields, chameleons, hidden photons, and GWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• hydroxyapatite microspheres (meHAp) encapsulated with chloroaluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) was synthesized using vaterite as template. • SEM analysis showed the spherical form of the particles. • The incorporation efficiency was 57,8 %. • In 9l/lacZ gliosarcoma cells, PDT mediated at concentrations from 250 to 62.5 µg.mL-1 reduced cell viability by more than 98 %. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) presents similarities with the human bone structure and presents properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity, which favors its use in prostheses implants and enables its use as a vehicle for the delivery of photosensitizers (PS) from systems of release (DDS) for photodynamic therapy applications Methods: In this work was to synthesized hydroxyapatite microspheres (meHAp), encapsulated with chloroaluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc), for DDS. meHAp was synthesized using vaterite as a template. The drug was encapsulated by mixing meHAp and a 50.0 mg.mL−1 ClAlPc solution. Photochemical, photophysical, and photobiological studies characterized the system. Results: The images from the SEM analysis showed the spherical form of the particles. All spectroscopic results showed excellent photophysical parameters of the drug studied when served in the meHAp system. The incorporation efficiency was 57.8 %. The trypan blue exclusion test results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in cell viability for the groups treated with PDT at all concentrations above 250 μg.mL−1. In 9 L/lacZ gliosarcoma cells, PDT mediated at concentrations from 250 to 62.5 µg.mL−1 reduced cell viability by more than 98 %. In the cell internalization study, it was possible to observe the internalization of phthalocyanines at 37 °C, with the accumulation of PS in the cytoplasm and inside the nucleus in the two tested concentrations. Conclusions: From all the results presented throughout the article, the meHAp system shows promise for use as a modified release system (DSD) in photodynamic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on cardiopulmonary adjustments and muscle oxygenation dynamics during transition to moderate exercise, as well as in glucose and lactate levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sixteen individuals with T2DM (age 55.1±5.4 years) performed four separate tests receiving LEDT or placebo in random order, at intervals of at least 14 days. A light-emitting diode array (50GaAIAs LEDs, 850nm, 75mW per diode) was used to perform LEDT bilaterally on the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae muscles for 40s at each site. After, a moderate cycling exercise was performed and oxygen uptake, muscular deoxyhemoglobin, heart rate and cardiac output were measured. Lactate and glucose levels were measured before LEDT/placebo and after the exercise. The LEDT decreased the glucose levels after the exercise compared with values before LEDT (173.7±61.0 to 143.5±53.5 mg/dl, P=0.02) and it did not affect the cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic adjustments in exercise, as well as lactate levels in both groups. In conclusion, the LEDT in combination with moderate exercise acutely decreased the glucose levels in men with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Panel of the largest 97 commercial banks listed in 11 EU countries for the period 2005–2016. • The standard version of leverage ratio is informationally limited for bank's investors. • A three-step bank leverage adjustment is proposed for sterilizing the effect of provisioning and incorporating the effect of credit risk on equity beta coefficient. • Banks' asset quality affects the relationship between leverage and systematic risk. Abstract We analyse how bank asset quality interacts within the relationship between leverage and systematic risk. We elaborate three leverage adjustments for sterilizing the effect of provisioning and incorporating the effect of non-performing loans and total credit risk exposure. We test the model on a sample of 97 European banks from 2005 and 2016. Controlling for size, findings show the relevance of a combined effect of leverage and asset quality as a systematic risk component. NPLs are found to be one significant variable of market risk. Results demonstrate that simple leverage is pointless for verifying the financial riskiness of banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In Italy, the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans is underestimated, as they are not obligatorily notifiable. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from human subjects in Veneto region (northeastern Italy), an area for which no published studies are yet available. Method Forty-five ticks prospectively removed from human subjects, between March and August 2016, were analysed for bacterial DNA. Results Seven of 45 ticks were infected with bacteria, including human pathogens: 4 Rickettsia spp. (9%), including R. monacensis and R. helvetica ; 3 Borrelia spp. and 1 Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Three subjects bitten by infected ticks reported symptoms. Conclusions Rickettsiosis and anaplasmosis, tick-borne diseases previously not considered in northeastern Italy, should not be neglected. A new survey for a longer period is required to obtain stronger epidemiological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]