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After more than two years from the first COVID-19 detected case in Brescia, Northern Italy, monoclonal antibodies and antiviral therapy aimed at early treatment of mild COVID-19 in patients at risk of progression and of hospitalization has been approved in Italy. Here we report the characteristics of the population eligible for the COVID-19 early treatments at our COVID-19 Early Therapy Unit of the Infectious Diseases Department of the ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, with the aim to evaluate the characteristics of the foreign and native groups. Up to March the 31st, 2022, a total of 559 patients were referred to our Unit for COVID-19 early treatment, where 7.6% were foreigners, a group significantly younger than natives (p 65 years old were significantly more frequent among italians (39.7% vs 16.3%, p

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the use of a novel Harmonic Mitigation algorithm for Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter in electrical drives for the transportation field. For this purpose, an enhanced mathematical model of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM), that takes into account simultaneously saturation, cross-coupling, spatial harmonics, and iron loss effects, has been used. In detail, this model allows estimating accurately the efficiency and the torque ripple of the IPMSM, crucial parameters for transportation applications. Moreover, two traditional pulse width modulation strategies, Sinusoidal Phase-Shifted and Switching Frequency Optimal Phase-Shifted have been considered for comparison purposes with an optimized harmonic mitigation algorithm. Thus, this work provides a deep analysis of IPMSM drive performance fed by CHBMI, paying attention to various aspects such as the IPMSM efficiency, torque ripple, current, and voltage total harmonic distortion (THD). Finally, experimental investigations have been carried out to validate the analysis conducted.

Dynamical electrical array reconfiguration strategies for grid-connected PV systems have been proposed as solution to improve energy production due to the mismatch effect of PV plants during partial shading conditions. Strategies are based on the use of dynamic connections between PV panels given by the employment of switches that allow for each panel the series, parallel or exclusion connections, physically changing the electrical connections between the related PV modules, consequentially modifying the layout of the plant. Usually the cost of the dynamic matrix is not taken into account. This novel work evaluates the economic advantages obtained by the use of reconfiguration strategies in PV systems, by taking into consideration the price of energy due to incentives in different European and non-European countries and correlates it with the employment of two types of reconfigurators, with different internal structures. For each of the incentives proposed by the different Countries, the main strength and weakness points of the possible investment are highlighted and critically analyzed. From this analysis, it can be stated that the adoption of reconfiguration systems, in certain cases, can be a very convenient solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere is a lack of information on the clinical and molecular presentation of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD), a rare genetic disorder characterized by partial subcutaneous fat loss.ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the clinical, metabolic, and genetic features of FPLD in the Brazilian population.MethodsIn a multicenter cross-sectional investigation we evaluated patients with FPLD across five Brazilian reference centers for lipodystrophies. Diagnosis of FPLD was made by clinical evaluation and genetic confirmation. Data on genetic, clinical, and metabolic characteristics were captured. Statistical analysis involved the utilization of the Kruskal-Wallis test to identify differences.ResultsThe study included 106 patients with genetic confirmation of FPLD. The mean age was 44 ± 15 years, and they were predominantly female (78.3%). LMNA pathogenic variants were identified in 85.8% of patients, PPARG in 10.4%, PLIN1 in 2.8%, and MFN2 in 0.9%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was highly prevalent (57.5%), affecting 54 females (50.9%). Median triglycerides levels were 199 mg/dL (54–2724 mg/dL), severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 500 mg/dL) was found in 34.9% and pancreatitis in 8.5%. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was observed in 56.6%, and cardiovascular disease in 10.4%. The overall mortality rate was 3.8%, due to cardiovascular events.ConclusionThis study presents an extensive cohort of Brazilian patients with FPLD, predominantly DM with several multisystem complications. A comprehensive characterization of lipodystrophy syndromes is crucial for effective patient management and care.

Abstract Background Lipodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the selective loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue and ectopic fat deposition in different organs, including the liver. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of liver steatosis (LS) and liver fibrosis (LF) in a sample of individuals with LMNA-related and unrelated Familial Partial Lipodystrophy. Methods This cross-sectional study included 17 women with LMNA-related FPLD and 15 women with unrelated FPLD. LS and LF were assessed using transient elastography (TE) with FibroScan®. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were included in a multiple linear regression analysis to identify the variables that were independently related to liver disease. Results Regarding the presence of LF, 22 (68.2%) women were classified as having non-significant fibrosis, and 10 (31.8%) were classified as having significant or severe fibrosis. Regarding LS, only six women (20.7%) were classified as having an absence of steatosis, and 23 (79.3%) had mild to severe steatosis. After multiple linear regression, waist circumference (but not age, body mass index, or waist-to-hip ratio) was found to be independently related to LS and LF. Among the biochemical variables, only triglyceride levels were independently related to LS but not LF. Conclusions In women with FPLD, visceral fat accumulation appears to be the most important determinant of liver disease, including LF, rather than fat scarcity in the lower limbs.

IntroductionLipodystrophies are a group of disorders characterized by selective and variable loss of adipose tissue, which can result in an increased risk of insulin resistance and its associated complications. Women with lipodystrophy often have a high frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may experience gynecological and obstetric complications. The objective of this study was to describe the gestational outcomes of patients with familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2) at a reference center with the aim of improving the understanding and management of pregnant women affected by this condition.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of data obtained from questionnaires regarding past pregnancies and a review of medical records from the beginning of follow-up in outpatient clinics.ResultsAll women diagnosed with FPLD2 who had previously become pregnant were included in this study (n=8). The women in the study experienced pregnancies between the ages of 14 and 38 years, with an average of 1.75 children per woman. The pregnancies in question were either the result of successful conception within 12 months of attempting to conceive or unplanned pregnancies. During pregnancy, two women (25%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), one (12.5%) with gestational hypothyroidism, and one (12.5%) with preeclampsia. Among the 17 pregnancies, two miscarriages (11.8%) occurred, and five cases (29.4%) of macrosomia were observed. Four instances of premature birth and an equal number of neonatal hypoglycemia cases were recorded. The reported neonatal complications included an unspecified malformation, respiratory infection, and two neonatal deaths related to heart malformation and respiratory distress syndrome.ConclusionOur data showed a high frequency of fetal complications in women with FPLD2. However, no instances of infertility or prolonged attempts to conceive have been reported, highlighting the significance of employing effective contraception strategies to plan pregnancies at optimal times for managing metabolic comorbidities.

Subject-specific parameters in lumped hemodynamic models of the cardiovascular system can be estimated using data from experimental measurements, but the parameter estimation may be hampered by the variability in the input data. In this study, we investigate the influence of inter-sequence, intra-observer, and inter-observer variability in input parameters on estimation of subject-specific model parameters using a previously developed approach for model-based analysis of data from 4D Flow MRI acquisitions and cuff pressure measurements. The investigated parameters describe left ventricular time-varying elastance and aortic compliance. Parameter reproducibility with respect to variability in the MRI input measurements was assessed in a group of ten healthy subjects. The subject-specific parameters had coefficient of variations between 2.6 and 35% in the intra- and inter-observer analysis. In comparing parameters estimated using data from the two MRI sequences, the coefficients of variation ranged between 3.3 and 41%. The diastolic time constant of the left ventricle and the compliance of the ascending aorta were the parameters with the lowest and the highest variability, respectively. In conclusion, the modeling approach allows for estimating left ventricular elastance parameters and aortic compliance from non-invasive measurements with good to moderate reproducibility concerning intra-user, inter-user, and inter-sequence variability in healthy subjects., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests. Ethical approval: This study was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Regional Ethical Review Board in Linköping, with written informed consent from all subjects. All subjects gave written informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Linköping (Dnr 2015/396-31)., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To report the clinical course and the retinal imaging features of a case of cytology-proven primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) presenting with a transient bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) during the disease course., Methods: Observational case report., Results: A 50 year-old woman was referred to us with a 2-month history of vitritis in both eyes, poorly responding to oral prednisolone. After discontinuation of oral prednisolone, worsening of vitritis and the appearance of multiple creamy-like subretinal infiltrates in the mid-peripheral retina of both eyes, along with the exclusion of common causes of intermediate/posterior uveitis, made us consider PVRL. Aqueous humor sampling detected MYD88 L265P mutation, and subsequent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy in the left eye yielded a positive cytology for large B cell lymphoma consistent with PVRL. During the disease course, optical coherence tomography of the macula showed a BALAD in the right eye, which resolved during follow-up., Conclusion: Our case indicates that BALAD is a possible rare manifestation of PVRL, and this should be considered in the differential diagnosis process in order to avoid diagnostic delays.

Objective: The goal of this study was to describe lacerations of the head and neck sustained among ice hockey players in the US., Methods: Data on adult (20-65 years) ice hockey injuries were collected from the 2003-2022 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. Injuries of the head, neck, face, mouth, and ears were included, while those sustained as a spectator, coach, or on a non-ice surface were excluded. Frequencies and means were calculated. A one-way ANOVA and chi-squared tests were performed, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance., Results: Five hundred ninety-three patients were included; 578 (97.5%) male, 15 (2.5%) female. Mean age was 31.3 (95% CI 30.5-32.2) years. Lacerations occurred on the face (N = 422, 71.2%), mouth (N = 124, 20.9%), head (N = 23, 3.9%), ear (N = 22, 3.7%), and neck (N = 2, 0.3%). One patient (0.17%) was admitted due to closed head injury; there were no deaths. Pucks were the primary cause of lacerations (N = 210, 35.4%), followed by sticks (N = 135, 22.8%), collisions (N = 56, 9.4%), and falls (N = 51, 8.6%). 3.4% (N = 20) of patients experienced a laceration caused by a skate blade, most often on the face (N = 17/20, 85.0%)., Conclusion: Hockey pucks are the primary cause of lacerations in the head, face, and mouth, with neck lacerations being rare in this cohort. Full face protective gear would reduce the number of adult ice hockey head and neck lacerations., Level of Evidence: IV Laryngoscope, 2024., (© 2024 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

The salinity gradient power extracted from the mixing of electrolyte solutions at different concentrations through selective nanoporous membranes is a promising route to renewable energy. However, several challenges need to be addressed to make this technology profitable, one of the most relevant being the increase of the extractable power per membrane area. Here, the performance of asymmetric conical and bullet-shaped nanopores in a 50 nm thick membrane are studied via electrohydrodynamic simulations, varying the pore radius, curvature, and surface charge. The output power reaches ~60 pW per pore for positively charged membranes (surface charge σ w =160 mC/m 2 ) and ~30 pW for negatively charges ones, σ w =-160 mC/m 2 and it is robust to minor variations of nanopore shape and radius. A theoretical argument that takes into account the interaction among neighbour pores allows to extrapolate the single-pore performance to multi-pore membranes showing that power densities from tens to hundreds of W/m 2 can be reached by proper tuning of the nanopore number density and the boundary layer thickness. Our model for scaling single-pore performance to multi-pore membrane can be applied also to experimental data providing a simple tool to effectively compare different nanopore membranes in blue energy applications., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Objectives: This independent prospective study evaluated the short-term effects and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) in early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration., Methods: patients were treated with PBM in one eye. Functional parameters and drusen volume were measured at one (W4), three- (W12) and six-months (W24) after PBM., Results: The study included 38 subjects who completed the PBM protocol. Two patients developed macular neovascularization during the study period. Best corrected visual acuity improved from 77.82 ± 5.83 ETDRS letters at baseline to 82.44 ± 5.67 at W12 (p < 0.01), then declined to 80.05 ± 5.79 at W24 (p < 0.01 vs. baseline). Low luminance visual acuity showed a similar pattern, improving from 61.18 ± 8.58 ETDRS letters at baseline to 66.33 ± 8.55 at W12 (p < 0.01), and decreasing to 62.05 ± 9.71 at W24 (p = 0.02). Contrast sensitivity improved at W12 (20.11 ± 9.23 ETDRS letters, p < 0.01), but returned to baseline by W24 (16.45 ± 9.12, p = 0.5). Scotopic microperimetry showed a decrease in mean absolute retinal sensitivity from 9.24 ± 3.44 dB to 7.47 ± 4.41 dB at W24 (p < 0.01), while relative sensitivity decreased only at W24 (p = 0.04). Drusen volume decreased at W4 (0.018 ± 0.009 mm3, p < 0.01) and W12 (0.017 ± 0.009 mm3, p < 0.01), with a slight increase at W24 (0.019 ± 0.012 mm3, p = 0.154)., Conclusions: PBM resulted in temporary improvements in visual function and a reduction in drusen volume, but these effects were not sustained at six months. The long-term efficacy and impact on disease progression are uncertain, necessitating further research to confirm these findings and determine optimal patient selection., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To review the evolution of terminology describing the classification of lesions in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) based on retinal imaging technologies. Methods: A review of the current and historical literature on imaging-guided classification of neovascularization in nAMD was performed. Results: Imaging-guided classification of neovascularization in nAMD facilitates understanding of the pathological mechanisms and disease progression. Neovascularization classification has evolved with advances in imaging technologies, from earlier classifications based on neovascularization patterns assessed by fluorescein angiography to multimodal imaging patterns, resulting in varied descriptions of lesions depending on the techniques used. Until recently, there has been a lack of consensus regarding the clinical features of choroidal neovascularization lesion types as a result of the imaging modalities initially used to define them; a recent consensus on classification has the potential to simplify and clarify descriptions of neovascularization in nAMD. The use of multimodal imaging techniques will improve lesion identification and has the potential to individualize treatment plans and improve outcomes. Conclusions: Widespread adoption of a consensus-based, image-guided classification system for neovascular lesions in nAMD and the appropriate imaging techniques used to identify them will aid clinical research and could potentially improve patient outcomes by individualizing treatment plans in the future., Competing Interests: Dr. Wolf received funds from Bayer, Novartis, Sandoz, and Zeiss. Dr. Chow received consultancy fees from Bayer and Roche, research support from Opthea and RegenxBio Inc, and payment or honoraria for lectures or educational activities from Aviceda Therapeutics and Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Souied provided expert support for AbbVie, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Novartis, Roche, and Teva. Dr. Viola received consultancy fees, grants, and support for attending meetings and/or travel and participation on a data safety monitoring board or advisory board from Bayer, Novartis, and Roche. Dr. Kaiser received consultancy fees from Alcon, Allergan, Bayer, Bausch + Lomb, Biogen Idec, Clearside Biomedical, Coherus BioSciences, Genentech/Roche, Astellas, Novartis, Ocular Therapeutix, Oculis, Ocuphire Pharma, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, and RegenxBio Inc. Dr. Staurenghi received consultant/advisor fees from AbbVie, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Annexon Bioscience, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceutical, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Iveric Bio, and OraPharma Inc; consultant/advisor fees and grant support from Optos Inc and RetinAI; grant support from Quantel Medical; consultant/advisor fees, lecture fees/speakers bureau and grant support from CenterVue, Inc, Heidelberg Engineering, Hoffman La Roche, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals; lecture fees/speakers, bureau and grant support from Carl Zeiss Meditec; consultant/advisor fees, lecture fees/speakers bureau from Medscape; lecture fees/speakers bureau and grant support from Nidek Inc; and patents/royalty from Ocular Instruments Inc. Dr. Gallego-Pinazo received consultancy fees from Apellis Pharmaceuticals and Carl Zeiss AG, consultancy fees and research support from Novartis and Roche, and research support from Ionis, Iveric Bio, Janssen, and Opthea. Dr. Iida received consultancy fees from Bayer Yakuhin Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Kyowa Kirin, Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co, Ltd, Novartis, and Senju Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd; study funding and article processing charges from Bayer AG (Leverkusen, Germany); funding for editorial support and medical writing from Bayer Consumer Care AG (Basel, Switzerland); study funding from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc; grant funding from Alcon Japan, AMO Pharma Ltd, HOYA, Nidek, Novartis, Santen Pharmaceutical, Senju Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, and Topcon Healthcare; payment or honoraria for lectures from Alcon Japan, Bayer Yakuhin Ltd, Canon Inc, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Nidek, Nikon, Novartis, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Santen Pharmaceutical, Senju Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd; and Topcon; patent from Topcon; and other financial rewards from Kyowa Kirin., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Purpose: To report the clinical course of two cases of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on aqueous tap., Methods: Observational case reports., Results: Two patients presented to our services with unilateral panuveitis suggestive of ARN complicated by hemorrhagic vasculitis and started empirical therapy. Aqueous PCR was performed on the same day and showed double positivity for VZV and CMV, which guided treatment. At follow-up, wide-field color fundus imaging and high-resolution optical coherence tomography showed resolution of active retinitis., Conclusion: Our cases suggest that ARN complicated by hemorrhagic vasculitis may be secondary to CMV and VZV co-infection, both in patients with an unremarkable clinical history and in those with immunodeficiency. In our cases, aqueous PCR testing was of paramount importance to determine the aetiology of ARN and to adjust the antiviral therapy accordingly.

Purpose: To compare 1-year outcomes of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated in routine clinical practice based on the proportion of visits where intravitreal VEGF inhibitor injections were delivered., Design: Cohort study., Participants: There were 2288 treatment-naive eyes with DME starting intravitreal VEGF inhibitor therapy from October 31, 2015 to October 31, 2021 from the Fight Retinal Blindness! international outcomes registry., Methods: Eyes were grouped according to the proportion of visits at which an injection was received, Group A with less than the median of 67% (n = 1172) versus Group B with greater than the median (n = 1116)., Main Outcome Measures: Mean visual acuity (VA) change after 12 months of treatment., Results: The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) VA change after 12 months of treatment was 3.6 (2.8-4.4) letters for eyes in Group A versus 5.2 (4.4-5.9) letters for eyes in Group B (P = 0.005). The mean (95% CI) central subfield thickness (CST) change was -69 (-76 to -61) μm and -85 (-92 to -78) μm for eyes in Group A versus Group B, respectively (P = 0.002). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of injections received over 12 months of treatment and the change in VA (P < 0.001). Additionally, eyes that received more injections had a moderately greater CST reduction., Conclusions: This registry analysis found that overall VA and anatomic outcomes tended to be better in DME eyes treated at a greater proportion of visits in the first year of intravitreal VEGF inhibitor therapy., Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the 10-year morphological outcomes and identify potential risk factors for exudative AMD in the fellow eyes (FE) in patients with naïve exudative AMD., Methods: Data from 100 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline macular neovascularization (MNV) type in the exudative AMD eye and presence of drusen, intraretinal hyperreflective foci (iHRF), non-foveal incomplete atrophy (iRORA), central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness in the FEs were analyzed as biomarkers for progression in the second eye., Results: 54 patients developed exudative AMD in the FE at the end of the follow-up. Subjects with type 2 and 3 MNV in the exudative AMD eye had a higher risk of exudative AMD in the FE (HR=3.365; p=0.039 and HR=3.801; p=0.037). FEs with drusen (large HR=6.938, p=0.001; cuticular HR=6.937, p<0.0001; subretinal drusenoid deposits HR=13.678, p<0.0001) and iHRF (HR=1.853, p=0.041) were also at higher risk. Seven patients were legally blind by the end of the follow-up., Conclusions: The rate of exudative AMD in the FE was 54% 10 years after the diagnosis in the exudative eye. The FE of patients with type 2 and 3 MNV was at high risk for early progression. Drusen and iHRF were also significant risk factors for MNV development., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Opthalmic Communications Society, Inc.)

Nanopores are powerful tools for single-molecule sensing of biomolecules and nanoparticles. The signal coming from the molecule to be analyzed strongly depends on its interaction with the narrower section of the nanopore (constriction) that may be tailored to increase sensing accuracy. Modifications of nanopore constriction have also been commonly used to induce electroosmosis, that favors the capture of molecules in the nanopore under a voltage bias and independently of their charge. However, engineering nanopores for increasing both electroosmosis and sensing accuracy is challenging. Here it is shown that large electroosmotic flows can be achieved without altering the nanopore constriction. Using continuum electrohydrodynamic simulations, it is found that an external charged ring generates strong electroosmosis in cylindrical nanopores. Similarly, for conical nanopores it is shown that moving charges away from the cone tip still results in an electroosmotic flow (EOF), whose intensity reduces increasing the diameter of the nanopore section where charges are placed. This paradigm is applied to engineered biological nanopores showing, via atomistic simulations and experiments, that mutations outside the constriction induce a relatively intense electroosmosis. This strategy provides much more flexibility in nanopore design since electroosmosis can be controlled independently from the constriction, which can be optimized to improve sensing accuracy., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Treatment decisions for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the setting of individualised treatment regimens are adapted to disease activity. The main marker of disease activity and trigger for re-treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents is the presence of retinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Recently, attention has focused on the impact of residual retinal fluid on nAMD management. Based on a literature review and the combined clinical experience of an international group of retinal specialists, this manuscript provides expert guidance on the treatment of nAMD according to fluid status and proposes an algorithm for determining when to administer anti-VEGF treatment according to residual fluid status. We explore the role of residual fluid in treatment decisions and outcomes in nAMD, taking into consideration fluid evaluation and, in particular, distinguishing between fluid in different anatomic compartments and at different stages during the treatment course. Current limitations to identifying and interpreting fluid on OCT, and the assumption that any residual retinal fluid reflects ongoing VEGF activity, are discussed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: DZ has received grants from Roche, has served on scientific advisory boards for AbbVie, Allergan, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis and Roche, and has served as a speaker for AbbVie, Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Roche. RG is a consultant and has served on advisory boards for Apellis, Bayer, Belite Bio, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Character Biosciences, Novartis, Ocular Therapeutix and Roche/Genentech. J-FK is a consultant for Allergan/AbbVie, Apellis, Bayer, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Janssen, Nano Retina, Roche and Théa, and is a member of the Data and Safety Monitoring Boards for Alexion and Novo Nordisk. LW is a consultant for Bayer, Lumibird Medical, Novartis and Roche. FV is a consultant for Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Roche, and has received research grants from Allergan, Bayer and Novartis. NE has served on advisory boards for Alcon, Allergan, Apellis, Bayer, Bayer Global, Biogen, Janssen Global, Novartis, Novartis Global, Roche and STADA; has received research grants from Bayer and Novartis; has received lecture fees from Alcon, Allergan, Apellis, Bayer, Bayer Global, Novartis, Novartis Global, Roche and STADA; and has served on steering committees for Genentech and Medscape WebMD. SB is a consultant for Allergan, Bausch & Lomb, Bayer, Horus Pharma, Novartis and Roche. YC is a consultant and lecturer for Bayer, Novartis and Roche. JJA is a consultant and has served on advisory boards for Allergan/AbbVie, Bayer, Novartis, Roche and Apellis., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Collagenous gastritis (CG) is a rare histopathological finding on gastric biopsies in children. It is associated with abdominal pain and iron deficiency anemia, usually not respondent to oral iron supplements. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the management of pediatric patients with CG. Moreover, we propose to review the literature on this topic. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients diagnosed with CG at our centre from January 2014 to January 2019. Three pediatric patients (2 F, mean age 12.3) were diagnosed with CG during the study period. Two presented with moderate and one with severe anemia. Symptoms were abdominal pain, asthenia and headache in two and asthenia and abdominal pain in one. All underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. All were firstly started with oral iron supplements with no benefit, principally due to poor compliance secondary to the worsening of the epigastric pain and proton pump inhibitor resistance. Therefore, they underwent ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) infusion with good clinical and laboratory response. Patients received a mean of two infusions/year, with stable hemoglobin levels and no adverse outcomes. Our review failed to identify a consistent response to specific treatments. Considering the apparent benign nature of the disease, symptomatic and supportive treatments are advisable. Iron deficiency anemia is largely present and therapy with oral iron supplements is not always successful. In our study, FCM infusion was effective in increasing the key blood indices in patients who poorly tolerated oral supplements., (© 2023. Indian Society of Gastroenterology.)

Background: Diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a powerful contributor to the symptoms and prognosis of patients with heart failure. In patients with depressed LV systolic function, the E/A ratio, the ratio between the peak early (E) and the peak late (A) transmitral flow velocity, is the first step to defining the grade of diastolic dysfunction. Doppler echocardiography (echo) is the preferred imaging technique for diastolic function assessment, while cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is less established as a method. Previous four-dimensional (4D) Flow-based studies have looked at the E/A ratio proximal to the mitral valve, requiring manual interaction. In this study, we compare an automated, deep learning-based and two semi-automated approaches for 4D Flow CMR-based E/A ratio assessment to conventional, gold-standard echo-based methods., Methods: Ninety-seven subjects with chronic ischemic heart disease underwent a cardiac echo followed by CMR investigation. 4D Flow-based E/A ratio values were computed using three different approaches; two semi-automated, assessing the E/A ratio by measuring the inflow velocity (MVvel) and the inflow volume (MVflow) at the mitral valve plane, and one fully automated, creating a full LV segmentation using a deep learning-based method with which the E/A ratio could be assessed without constraint to the mitral plane (LVvel)., Results: MVvel, MVflow, and LVvel E/A ratios were strongly associated with echocardiographically derived E/A ratio (R 2 = 0.60, 0.58, 0.72). LVvel peak E and A showed moderate association to Echo peak E and A, while MVvel values were weakly associated. MVvel and MVflow EA ratios were very strongly associated with LVvel (R 2 = 0.84, 0.86). MVvel peak E was moderately associated with LVvel, while peak A showed a strong association (R 2 = 0.26, 0.57)., Conclusion: Peak E, peak A, and E/A ratio are integral to the assessment of diastolic dysfunction and may expand the utility of CMR studies in patients with cardiovascular disease. While underestimation of absolute peak E and A velocities was noted, the E/A ratio measured with all three 4D Flow methods was strongly associated with the gold standard Doppler echocardiography. The automatic, deep learning-based method performed best, with the most favorable runtime of ∼40 seconds. As both semi-automatic methods associated very strongly to LVvel, they could be employed as an alternative for estimation of E/A ratio., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The article "Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies", by M.R. Ceccarini, M.C. Medori, K. Dhuli, S. Tezzele, G. Bonetti, C. Micheletti, P.E. Maltese, S. Cecchin, K. Donato, L. Colombo, L. Rossetti, G. Staurenghi, A.P. Salvetti, M. Oldani, L. Ziccardi, D. Marangoni, G. Iarossi, B. Falsini, G. Placidi, F. D'Esposito, F. Viola, M. Nassisi, G. Leone, L. Cimino, L. De Simone, V. Mastrofilippo, T. Beccari, M. Bertelli, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (6 Suppl): 57-63-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev&#95;202312&#95;34690-PMID: 38112948 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer, the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results. The outcome of the investigation revealed that the manuscript presented major flaws in the following: -       Issues with ethical approval -       Undeclared conflict of interest In light of concerns regarding the potential manipulation of Supplementary Figure 2, the journal's inquiry has been unable to conclusively determine whether the alterations noted on PubPeer constitute figure manipulation. The investigation yielded divergent evaluations. However, given the aforementioned concerns, the Editor in Chief doubts the integrity of the findings presented and thus, has opted to retract the article. The authors disagree with this retraction. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/34690.

Purpose: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by psychomotor delay, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine problems. Retinal involvement, which is not well characterized, has also been described. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to describe the characteristics in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) of patients with WBS., Methods: We included patients with WBS confirmed by genetic analysis. The patients underwent OCT (30° × 25°, 61 B-scans) and OCTA (10° × 10° and 20° × 20°) examinations, all centered on the. Data on retinal thickness (total, inner and outer layers) and foveal morphology on OCT and vessel and perfusion density in OCTA (VD and PD, respectively) were collected. These data were compared with an age-matched control group., Results: 22 eyes of 22 patients with WBS (10 females, mean age 31.5 years) were included. Retinal thickness (and specifically inner retinal layers) in OCT was significantly reduced in all sectors (central, parafoveal, and perifoveal) compared to the control group (p < 0.001 in all sectors). Fovea in WBS eyes was broader and shallower than controls. The PD and VD in both 10 and 20 degrees of fields in OCTA was significantly reduced in patients with WBS, in all vascular plexa (all p < 0.001)., Conclusions: This study is the first to quantify and demonstrate retinal structural and microvascular alterations in patients with WBS. Further studies with longitudinal data will reveal the potential clinical relevance of these alterations., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)