Minerva medica
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Limited real-world data are available regarding the comparison about safety and efficacy of DOACs prescription in very elderly patients (≥85 years) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Concern about the risk of bleeding with anticoagulation in very older patients still represents an important challenge for clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different prevalence of major bleeding and thromboembolic events between very elderly NVAF patients (≥85 years) compared to those non very elderly (<85 years). ⋯ This single center registry, showed that the use of DOACs in very elderly NVAF was safe and is a therapeutic option to be pursued for stroke prevention especially for those who are at high risk of ischemic events.
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The newly described SARS-CoV-2 respiratory virus is now righteously presenting as an ominous threat, based on the speed with which it originated a zoonosis from bats; advancing at a similar rate, the virus has placed mankind before a pandemic, with an infection toll of some 431 million, and a lethality of 5,9 million (as of February 25, 2022). The size of the harm that this agent can unleash against us is appallingly wide, from brain ischemia to foot chilblain, passing by heart massive infarction. ⋯ This will have to be avoided, and surveillance of society on psychological terms will be one tenet. Needless to say, the role of the enteric tract in these issues is growing higher, and it will be narrated to seal the matters with the last (not the least) touch of glue.
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Chronic cough is a common symptom, addressed in the clinical setting by empirical treatment together with some laboratory investigations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of testing eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) serum levels combined with other diagnostic procedures and empirical treatment in the diagnostic workup of chronic cough. ⋯ Serum ECP concentration could represent a useful biomarker in the clinical work-up of chronic cough, managing to differentiate asthma from other chronic disorders.
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General population data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in Italy come mostly from studies conducted in small towns. The highest rates have consistently been found in southern regions, especially in Calabria. Herein, we aimed to determine HCV prevalence, awareness, and risk factors in the general population of Catanzaro, the capital city of Calabria, Italy. ⋯ We detected a much lower anti-HCV prevalence than those previously found in Calabria, along with a substantial change in HCV transmission modes. Infected people were almost only elderly and mostly unaware of their infection. Improving diagnosis and linkage to care for these infected persons would be needed.