Sphaleron Rate of N_{f}=2+1 QCD.

We compute the sphaleron rate of N_{f}=2+1 QCD at the physical point for a range of temperatures 200 MeV≲T≲600 MeV. We adopt a strategy recently applied in the quenched case, based on the extraction of the rate via a modified version of the Backus-Gilbert method from finite-lattice-spacing and finite-smoothing-radius Euclidean topological charge density correlators. The physical sphaleron rate is finally computed by performing a continuum limit at fixed physical smoothing radius, followed by a zero-smoothing extrapolation. Dynamical fermions were discretized using the staggered formulation, which is known to yield large lattice artifacts for the topological susceptibility. However, we find them to be rather mild for the sphaleron rate.

A significant difference of synovial mast cells in synovium from rotator cuff arthropathy compared to rotator cuff tears: A histological pilot study.

Objective: Aim of the present study was to compare the presence of Mast Cells (MCs) in synovial samples from gleno-humeral osteoarthritis (OA) and from control group. Methods: Synovial tissue samples were obtained during arthroplasty from 23 patients with gleno-humeral OA due to rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) and from 20 patients without OA, constituting OA group and control group respectively. Before surgery self-reported pain was assessed using VAS score and OSS was used to value functional ability. Shoulder radiograph (Antero-posterior, Y-view and Grashey views) was evaluated by musculoskeletal radiologist and graded according to modified Samilson-Prieto classification.Synovial tissue, obtained during arthroplasty and arthroscopic procedure, was prepared to immunohistochemical analysis with anti-CD31 and anti-CD117 antibodies, to detect respectively endothelial cells and MCs at 40x magnification. Synovitis scores have been assessed. Under the control of the image processing system the distribution and the total number of vessels and MCs were determined. Results: The numbers of MCs and the area fraction (20x magnification) occupied by them were significantly higher in OA samples than in control tissue. The synovitis score was higher in OA patients with a positive correlation. Vessels number and area fraction were higher in OA patients than in controls. Analysis of MC number in relation to clinical data indicated positive correlation with the VAS score. Conclusions: The distribution of MCs on synovium significantly differ between OA and control groups. Despite the design of the study could not conclude the cause-effect relationship, the presence of MCs might have role in OA pathogenesis. Level of evidence: Histological study.

Large and bleeding gastroduodenal artery aneurysm: Challenging diagnosis and treatment. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA), including gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (GAA), are rare pathologies that can be challenging to diagnose due to their often-asymptomatic nature. VAA are usually correlated to atherosclerosis, fibro dysplasia, or hemodynamics changes, while pseudo aneurysms are mostly correlated to infection, inflammation, traumas, or iatrogenic lesions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of an 82-years-old female presenting with abdominal pain and hematemesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy retrieved a large duodenal mass and subsequent CT scans identified a large GAA with contrast extravasation. Endovascular procedure included selective arteriography, microcatheterization, and embolization. DISCUSSION: VAA are mostly located in the splenic and hepatic artery. Symptoms of VAA are related to pressure on neighboring organs. VAA rupture is associated with a high mortality risk (over 76 %) and presents with symptoms like acute abdominal pain, hematemesis, and hemodynamic shock. Diagnosis is often made through CT scans and angiography. Treatment options for VAAs and GAAs include both surgical and endovascular methods. Endovascular treatment is preferred, with a success rate of 89 %-98 %. CONCLUSION: This case provides an example of challenging diagnosis and treatment of a large and bleeding GAA.

Palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome: A multicentric randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of co-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)/polydatin (PD) in the treatment of abdominal pain symptoms in pediatric patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: This was a multicenter trial conducted at three Italian pediatric gastroenterology centers, employing a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm design. Participants were ages 10 to 17 y and met Rome IV criteria for pediatric IBS. They were randomly allocated to receive either co-micronized PEA/PD or placebo, administered three times daily in a 1:1 ratio, over a 12-wk period. The study assessed baseline severity using the IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) at enrollment and after 4, 8, and 12 wk of treatment. Abdominal pain frequency was assessed on a scale from 1 to 7 d/wk, while stool consistency was classified using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) to categorize various IBS subtypes. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who achieved complete remission, defined as IBS-SSS score <75 points after 12 wk of therapy. RESULTS: The study involved 70 children with IBS. Of the participants, 34 received co-micronized PEA/PD, and 36 received a placebo. As compared with the placebo group, the co-micronized therapy group had significantly more patients achieving complete remission after 12 wk (P = 0.015), with particular benefit in the IBS-diarrhea subtype (P = 0.01). The treatment group also experienced a significant reduction in abdominal pain intensity and frequency compared with the placebo group. No adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Co-micronized PEA/PD is a safe and effective treatment to treat abdominal pain symptoms in pediatric IBS.