Articles: disease.
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This study aimed to identify subgroups of active duty U.S. service members (ADSMs) based on physical activity levels and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Our secondary aim was to assess how these profiles vary across sociodemographic factors. ⋯ The study emphasizes the importance of combining physical activity and strength training to reduce CVD risk factors, supporting the implementation of tailored physical activity programs within the military to align fitness standards.
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Over the last decade, the published literature investigating the association between thyroid function and recurrent or persistent vertigo has become more robust. We present an interesting case of persistent vertigo in a healthy 31-year-old active duty Navy pilot who was restricted from operating single-pilot rotary aircraft because of the severity of her symptoms. During her work-up, she was newly diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and started on thyroid hormone supplementation. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of autoimmune thyroid disease as a less common but important diagnosis to consider in the broad differential for vertigo. This is especially relevant to the military population since dizziness contributes to spatial disorientation for aviators and can be highly debilitating for warfighters. Astutely diagnosing and treating underlying causes of dizziness may allow service members to return to physically demanding and mentally arduous duties, improving overall military readiness.
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Pidotimod (3-L-pyroglutamyl-L-thiaziolidine-4-carboxylic acid) is a synthetic dipeptide with immunomodulatory properties that is indicated for use in adults and children over 3 years of age with documented cell-mediated immunodepression during respiratory and urinary tract infections. Infections are associated with an immune response that helps fight pathogens. In this scenario, inflammatory events occur to improve the antimicrobial reaction. ⋯ Recent studies provide interesting information on how Pidotimod affects the metabolomic profiles of patients with bronchiectasis, clinical and immunological outcomes of elderly patients with pneumonia, clinical and cellular changes in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, and beneficial effects on cytokines and humoral immunity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Preliminary experience suggests that Pidotimod can shorten the duration of COVID-19 infection and reduce clinical severity by modulating the immune response, as well as prevent vaccination-related adverse events. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory properties of Pidotimod indicate that it may be a valuable option in managing patients with respiratory infections and other immune-mediated disorders, including allergy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.
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Review Historical Article
A 25-year-long journey into interventional cardiology: looking back, and rushing forward.
Cardiovascular disease remains decade after decade a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and resource use globally as well as locally. We have had the opportunity of being involved in several iterative breakthroughs in invasive cardiovascular procedures, ranging from the advent of coronary stents to transcatheter mitral valve repair. Building up such extensive clinical and research experience, we hereby present 25 years of cardiovascular interventions at Pineta Grande Hospital and Casa di Salute S. ⋯ Furthermore, this overview scrutinizes procedural challenges, patient outcomes, and quality of life improvements, providing a rich tapestry of clinical experiences and research insights. It serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of interventional cardiology, offering a forward-looking perspective on future trends and technologies. We hope that this overview will prove an informative and insightful read for those seeking to understand the intricate journey of invasive cardiovascular care over the past decades and its trajectory into the future.