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Behavioral dysfunctions in dogs represent one of the main social concerns, since they can endanger animals and human-dog relationship. Together with the trigger stimulus (human, animal, place, scent, auditory stimuli, objects), dogs can experience stressful conditions, either in multiple settings or unique situations, more often turning into generalized fear. Such a dysfunctional behavior can be associated with genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, traumatic experiences, and medical conditions. The available therapy, based on behavior approaches, environmental management, and neurochemical manipulation, through nutrition, supplements, medicines, and pheromones, represent the mainstays of the treatments currently accessible. Growing evidence in humans and animals highlight the importance of the gut-brain axis in the modulation of the brain physiology and behavior as well. Here, taking advantage of the next generation sequencing approach, we sought to investigate the potential connection between gut microbiota and microbiome in dogs suffering from generalized fear (n = 8), when compared to healthy subjects (n = 8), who all lived in different families. Faecal microbiota evaluation showed a differential abundance of taxa related to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes Phyla, between case and control dogs. Moreover, serum metabolomics documented significant alterations of molecules associated to GABA and glutamate neurotransmission in the patients, as well as bile acids metabolism. Overall, our preliminary and integrated investigations highlighted an intriguing role for the microbiome-metabolome network, allowing to further unveil the potential pathophysiology of relational issues in companion animals and paving the way for more effective therapeutical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document discusses the current updates on pathogenetic mechanisms and methodological advances related to the human microbiota. It highlights the importance of studying microbial communities in relation to human health and diseases, emphasizing the complex interactions between humans and their microbiota. The text explores various aspects such as the definition of a healthy microbiota, the role of gut microbiota in diseases like Alzheimer's, the impact of bile acid modifications on neurodegenerative diseases, and the relationship between early-life gut microbiota dysbiosis and neonatal diabetes susceptibility. Additionally, it delves into the therapeutic potential of microbial manipulation in conditions like infertility and rheumatic diseases, underscoring the need for further research and technological advancements in this field. [Extracted from the article]

Physical activity highly impacts the neuroendocrine system and hormonal secretion. Numerous variables, both those related to the individual, including genetics, age, sex, biological rhythms, nutritional status, level of training, intake of drugs or supplements, and previous or current pathologies, and those related to the physical activity in terms of type, intensity, and duration of exercise, or environmental conditions can shape the hormonal response to physical exercise. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of physical exercise on hormonal levels in the human body, focusing on changes in concentrations of hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, and insulin in response to different types and intensities of physical activity. Regular monitoring of hormonal responses in athletes could be a potential tool to design individual training programs and prevent overtraining syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) has already been observed in approximately 2% of patients with genetically proven long QT syndrome (LQTS). This frequency is higher than population‐based estimates of early‐onset AF. However, the concomitant expression of AF in LQTS is likely underestimated. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical presentation, genetic background, and outcomes of a cohort of patients with LQTS and early‐onset AF referred to a single tertiary center. Methods: Twenty‐seven patients diagnosed with congenital LQTS were included in the study based on the documentation of early‐onset (age ≤50 years) clinical or subclinical AF episodes in all available medical records, including standard electrocardiograms, wearable monitor or cardiac implantable electronic devices. Results: Seventeen patients experienced clinical AF during the follow‐up period. Subclinical AF was detected in 10 patients through insertable or wearable cardiac monitors. In our series, the mean heart rate during AF episodes was found to be relatively low despite the patients' young age and the low or minimal effective doses of beta‐blockers used for QTc interval control. All patients exhibiting LQTS and early‐onset AF were genotype positive, carrying mutations in the KCNQ1 (66%), KCNH2, KCNE1, and SCN5A genes. Notably, most of these patients carried the same p.(R231C) mutation in the KCNQ1 gene (59%) and were from the same families, suggesting concurrent expression of familial AF and LQTS. Conclusion: LQTS patients are prone to developing clinical and subclinical AF, even at a younger age. The occurrence of early‐onset AF in the LQTS population could be more frequent than previously assumed. AF should be considered as a potential dysrhythmia related to LQTS. Our study emphasizes the importance of carefully researching clinical and/or subclinical episodes of AF through strict heart rhythm monitoring in the LQTS population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemostatic system is characterized by a delicate balance between pro- and anticoagulant forces, and the smallest alteration can cause serious events such as hemorrhages or thrombosis. Although exercise has been shown to play a protective role in athletes, several factors may increase the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), including hemoconcentration induced by exertion, immobilization following sports injuries, frequent long-distance flights, dehydration, and the use of oral contraceptives in female athletes. Biomarkers such as D-dimer, Factor VIII, thrombin generation, inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte count are involved in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), although their interpretation is complex and may indicate the presence of other conditions such as infections, inflammation, and heart disease. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity is needed for the screening and early diagnosis of thromboembolism. Recent evidence about the correlation between the intensity of physical activity and VTE is divergent, whereas the repeated gestures in sports such as baseball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, wrestling, or, on the other hand, soccer players, runners, and martial art training represent a risk factor predisposing to the onset of upper and lower DVT. Anticoagulant therapy is the gold standard, reducing the risk of serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview about the interplay between physical exercise and the risk of thromboembolism in athletes, focusing on the main causes of thrombosis in professional athletes and underlying the need to identify new markers and therapies that can represent a valid tool for safeguarding the athlete's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary breast cancers account for about 10% of all breast cancers. Nevertheless, the early and correct identification of these forms is crucial for patients' management and risk evaluation. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well-established susceptibility genes whose pathogenic variants are related to an increased lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Specific surveillance programs and therapeutic options are currently available for BRCA mutations carriers, so that BRCA genes molecular analysis for germline pathogenic variants identification has become a routine step in breast cancer patients' management. However, BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants can be identified just in a fraction of the hereditary breast cancers. This prompted the search for other genetic risk factors with the identification of additional breast cancer susceptibility genes. Here, we review the breast cancer susceptibility genes other than BRCA1/2 that, to date, have been found to be related to a significant increased risk of breast cancer and whose analysis, according to international guidelines, should be considered as second-level test in patients with a suspicion of a hereditary breast cancer without pathogenic variants identified in the BRCAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]