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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) incidence is increasing. It is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030 in the US and in Europe. This epidemiological trend is not fully explained by known risk factors for PDAC. PDAC is characterized by poor prognosis due to late diagnosis, high metastatic capacity and resistance to therapy. This is partially due to its specific microenvironment, where the stroma is prominent over tumor cells. Besides the oral and gut microbiota, the intratumor microbiome, i.e. the bacterial and fungal microorganisms present within the tumor, was recently introduced as a new partner of the tumor microenvironment of PDAC modulating pancreatic carcinogenesis, intratumor immune infiltrates, and response to chemotherapy. In this review, we propose an overview of current knowledge about the roles of bacteria and fungi in PDAC epidemiology, development and biology, and discuss potential clinical implications as a new source of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the throwing velocity and effectiveness of elite male handball players during the European Championship 2020. A local positioning system was used for the first time in a European Championship to collect 6568 throw events from 337 players of 24 national teams during 65 matches. ANOVA (F = 80.8, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.058) revealed that back players throws were significantly faster (24.3–26.5 m/s) than the rest of the players (22.2–22.5 m/s). Similarly, throws made from the central zone showed the highest speed values of 28.0 m/s (F = 43.2, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.050). In regard to the goal hit zone, higher speeds were shown for throws in side zones (24.9–26.8 m/s) compared to central zones (23.0–23.8 m/s) (F = 49.0, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.063). Effectiveness was higher in wing players (62%–64%) than the rest (45%–56%) (F = 30.9, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.023). Interestingly, the two higher velocity categories (>22 m/s) showed similar effectiveness (~60%), which were higher than the preceding slower category of 17–22 m/s (39.7%) (F = 175.1, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.074). Regarding court zones, throws from first‐line zones (48%–60%), were more effective than from second line (38%–43%) (F = 13.1, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.016). With respect to the goal hit zone, effectiveness was higher in side (72%–77%) than in central zones (58%–64%) (F = 523.2, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.418). Coaches should improve the throwing velocity of players but also train at submaximal velocities (effective velocity) to save energy and reduce the potential risk of injury. Finally, training should be specialized according to the performance shown by players from different throwing zones, rather than from playing positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. (family Asteraceae) has been used for its medicinal properties for a long time and, even nowadays, continues to play an important role in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries. Based on this traditional knowledge, its different pharmacological activities have been the focus of active research. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of the pharmacological activities of Helichrysum italicum, as well as its traditional uses, toxicity, drug interactions and safety., Materials and Methods: The selection of relevant data was made through a search using the keywords "Helichrysum italicum" and "H. italicum" in "Directory of Open Access Journals", "Google Scholar", "ISI Web of Knowledge", "PubMed", "ScienceDirect" and "Wiley Online Library". Information obtained in local and foreign books and other sources was also included., Results: There are reports on the traditional use of Helichrysum italicum in European countries, particularly Italy, Spain, Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In these countries, its flowers and leaves are the most used parts in the treatment of health disorders such as allergies, colds, cough, skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation, infections and sleeplessness. In order to validate some of the traditional uses of Helichrysum italicum and highlight other potential applications for its extracts and isolated compounds, several scientific studies have been conducted in the last decades. In vitro studies characterized Helichrysum italicum as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Its flavonoids and terpenes were effective against bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus), its acetophenones, phloroglucinols and terpenoids displayed antifungal action against Candida albicans and its flavonoids and phloroglucinols inhibited HSV and HIV, respectively. Helichrysum italicum acetophenones, flavonoids and phloroglucinols demonstrated inhibitory action in different pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism and other pro-inflammatory mediators. Regarding Helichrysum italicum in vivo activity, the highlight goes to the anti-erythematous and photoprotective activities of its flavonoids, demonstrated both in animals and humans, and to the anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by its flavonoids, acetophenones and phloroglucinols, as seen in animal models. Concerning its safety and adverse effects, while Helichrysum italicum does not display significant levels of cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, it should be noticed that one of its flavonoids inhibited some CYP isoforms and a case has been reported of an allergic reaction to its extracts., Conclusions: Helichrysum italicum is a medicinal plant with promising pharmacological activities. However, most of its traditionally claimed applications are not yet scientifically proven. Clinical trials are needed to further confirm these data and promote Helichrysum italicum as an important tool in the treatment of several diseases., (© 2013 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.)