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Abstract. D'Auria F, Rovere-Querini P, Giazzon M,

Background Heat‐and‐pepsin‐sensitive plant food allergens (PR‐10 and profilin) sometimes cause systemic reaction. Objective To detect the risk factors for systemic reactions induced by labile food allergens. Methods A retrospective multicenter study was performed on patients with a documented history of systemic allergic reaction to labile plant food allergens and on age‐matched controls with a history of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) induced by the same foods. Offending foods, their amount, and state (solid or liquid), and potential cofactors (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, protonic pump inhibitors, exercise, alcohol, and fasting) were considered. Results We studied 89 patients and 81 controls. Sensitization to PR‐10 or profilin, IgE to Bet v 1 and/or Bet v 2, and foods causing OAS were similar in the two groups. Twenty patients experienced >1 systemic allergic reaction. Tree nuts, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, and soymilk were the main offending foods. Seventeen (19%) patients were taking a PPI when the systemic reaction occurred (vs 5% in controls; P < .025). The ingestion of the offending food in liquid form (soymilk) was frequent among patients (15%) but unusual among controls (2%; P < .025). Soy milk‐induced systemic reactions were independent of PPI treatment. Fasting and excess of allergen, but not NSAID and exercise, were other relevant cofactors for systemic reactions. Systemic reactions occurred without any identifiable cofactor in 39 (44%) cases. Conclusion PR‐10‐ and profilin‐induced systemic reactions are facilitated by PPI, ingestion of large amounts of unprocessed foods, and fasting. Soybean beverages represent a risk for PR‐10 hypersensitive patients and should be avoided.

Shear stress is determined by three physical components described in a famous triad: blood flow, blood viscosity and vessel geometry. Through the direct action on endothelium, shear stress is able to radically interfere with endothelial properties and the physiology of the vascular wall. Endothelial cells (ECs) have also to sustain biochemical stresses represented by chemokines, growth factors, cytokines, complement, hormones, nitric oxide (NO), oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, hormones, and chemical substances, like NO, act and regulate endothelium functions and homeostasis. Among these cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) has been assigned a regulatory role in ECs physiology and physiopathology. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the endothelial response pathways after different types of biomechanical and biochemical stress in in vitro models and to analyze the crucial role of TRAIL under pathological conditions of the cardiocirculatory system like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

OBJECTIVES The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery designed a questionnaire to assess the impact of gender bias on a cardiothoracic surgery career. METHODS A 46-item survey investigating gender bias was designed using online survey software from December 2020 to January 2021. All European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery members and non-members included in the mailing lists were invited to complete an electronic survey. Descriptive statistics and a comparison between gender groups were performed. RESULTS Our overall response rate was 11.5% (1118/9764), of which 36.14% were women and 63.69% were men. Women were more likely to be younger than men (P &lt; 0.0001). A total of 66% of the women reported having no children compared to only 19% of the men (P &lt; 0.0001). Only 6% of women vs 22% of men were professors. More women (72%) also reported never having been a formal mentor themselves compared to men (38%, P &lt; 0.0001). A total of 35% of female respondents considered leaving surgery because of episodes of discrimination compared to 13% of men; 67% of women said that they experienced being unfairly treated due to gender discrimination. Of the male surgeons, 31% reported that they were very satisfied with their career compared to only 17% of women (P &lt; 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Women in cardiothoracic surgery reported significantly high rates of experiences with bias that may prevent qualified women from advancing to positions of leadership. Efforts to mitigate bias and support the professional development of women are at the centre of newly formed European committees.