Altered atrial restitution dynamics and refractoriness in metabolic syndrome due to up-regulation of potassium repolarizing currents increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Metabolic alterations, such as Metabolic Syndrome (MS), describe an association of factors including diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia, linked to higher risk and prevalence of overall cardiovascular disease, arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death. Obese and diabetic patients have shown an increased risk for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). However, underlying mechanisms are not understood. Purpose To study the effects of MS and obesity remodeling in atrial restitution dynamics, frequency-dependent adaptation, refractoriness and its potential susceptibility to AF. Methods Electrophysiological experimental data from High-fat (HF-O, standard rabbit cho…

Associations of maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes

Objective To investigate the association of maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Four geographical areas of Spain, 2003–2008. Population Of 2382 mother–child pairs participating in the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project. Methods Maternal circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured in pregnancy (mean [SD] 13.5 [2.2] weeks of gestation). We tested associations of maternal 25(OH)D3 concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes. Main outcome measures Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery, caesarean section, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small-for-gestational…

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF PASTORALISM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA: THE CASE OF VALLONE INFERNO, SCILLATO (PALERMO), SICILY

Vitamin D Status in Pregnancy and Determinants in a Southern European Cohort Study

Background Population-based data on vitamin D status in pregnancy in southern European countries are scarce. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in pregnancy in Spain. Methods Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration was measured at the first trimester of gestation in 2,036 pregnant women from several geographical areas of Spain (latitude 39–42°N). Uni- and multivariable regression models were conducted to identify predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration and vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Results Thirty-one per cent and 18% of women were vitamin D insufficient and deficient, respectivel…

Global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on subarachnoid haemorrhage hospitalisations, aneurysm treatment and in-hospital mortality: 1-year follow-up.

BackgroundPrior studies indicated a decrease in the incidences of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated differences in the incidence, severity of aSAH presentation, and ruptured aneurysm treatment modality during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the preceding year.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 49 countries and 187 centres. We recorded volumes for COVID-19 hospitalisations, aSAH hospitalisations, Hunt-Hess grade, coiling, clipping and aSAH in-hospital mortality. Diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes or stroke databases from Jan…

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Summary Background Up-to-date evidence about levels and trends in disease and injury incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) is an essential input into global, regional, and national health policies. In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013), we estimated these quantities for acute and chronic diseases and injuries for 188 countries between 1990 and 2013. Methods Estimates were calculated for disease and injury incidence, prevalence, and YLDs using GBD 2010 methods with some important refinements. Results for incidence of acute disorders and prevalence of chronic disorders are new additions to the analysis. Key improvements include expansion to the cause an…