Background: Light–dark alternation has always been the strongest external circadian “zeitgeber” for humans. Due to its growing technological preference, our society is quickly transforming toward a progressive “eveningness” (E), with consequences on personal circadian preference (chronotype), depending on gender as well. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence of possible relationships between chronotype and gender, with relevance on disturbances that could negatively impact general health, including daily life aspects. Methods: Electronic searches of the published literature were performed in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science, by using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), when available, or other specific keywords. Results: Results were grouped into four general areas, i.e. (a) “General and Cardiovascular Issues”, (b) “Psychological and Psychopathological Issues”, (c) “Sleep and Sleep-Related Issues” and (d) “School and School-Related Issues”. (a) E is associated with unhealthy and dietary habits, smoking and alcohol drinking (in younger subjects) and, in adults, with diabetes and metabolic syndrome; (b) E is associated with impulsivity and anger, depression, anxiety disorders and nightmares (especially in women), risk taking behavior, use of alcohol, coffee and stimulants, psychopathology and personality traits; (c) E has been associated, especially in young subjects, with later bedtime and wake-up time, irregular sleep–wake schedule, subjective poor sleep, school performance and motivation, health-related quality of life; (d) E was associated with lowest mood and lower overall grade point average (especially for women). Conclusions: Eveningness may impact general health, either physical or mental, sleep, school results and achievements, especially in younger age and in women. The role of family support is crucial, and parents should be deeply informed that abuse of technological devices during night hours may lead to the immature adjustment function of children’s endogenous circadian pacemakers.

Patients with cirrhosis can have abnormalities in laboratory tests reflecting changes in primary haemostasis, including bleeding time, platelet function tests, markers of platelet activation, and platelet count. Such changes have been considered particularly relevant in the bleeding complications that occur in cirrhosis. However, several studies have shown that routine diagnostic tests, such as platelet count, bleeding time, PFA-100, thromboelastography are not clinically useful to stratify bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, treatments used to increase platelet count or to modulate platelet function could potentially do harm. Consequently the optimal management of bleeding complications is still a matter of discussion. Moreover, in the last two decades there has been an increased recognition that not only bleeding but also thrombosis complicates the clinical course of cirrhosis. Thus, we performed a literature search looking at publications studying both qualitative and quantitative aspects of platelet function to verify which primary haemostasis defects occur in cirrhosis. In addition, we evaluated the contribution of qualitative and quantitative aspects of platelet function to the clinical outcome in cirrhosis and their therapeutic management according to the data available in the literature. From the detailed analysis of the literature, it appears clear that primary haemostasis may not be defective in cirrhosis, and a low platelet count should not necessarily be considered as an automatic index of an increased risk of bleeding. Conversely, caution should be observed in patients with severe thrombocytopenia where its correction is advised if bleeding occurs and before invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Summary: Oral anticoagulation is pivotal in the management of thromboembolic risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Effective anticoagulation is important to avoid major adverse events and medication adherence is central to achieve good anticoagulation control. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are as effective and safe as vitamin K antagonist (VKAs) in NVAF patients. Due to the absence of routine anticoagulation monitoring with NOACs treatment, concerns have been raised about patient’s adherence to NOACs and real-life data demonstrates variability in adherence and persistence. A multi-level approach, including patients’ preferences, factors determining physicians’ prescribing habits and healthcare system infrastructure and support, is warranted to improve initiation and adherence of anticoagulants. Adherence to NOACs is paramount to achieve a clinical benefit. Implementation of educational programs and easy-to-use tools to identify patients most likely to be non-adherent to NOACs, are central issues in improving the quality of NVAF anticoagulation management.Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by C. Weber, Editor in Chief.

Aims : Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent disease and has been repeatedly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the extent of such association is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke (IS), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF) in NAFLD patients. Methods and results : According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to 6 March 2021, and included all studies reporting the incidence of MI, IS, AF, and HF in patients with and without NAFLD. Random-effect fmodels were used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and 95% prediction intervals (PI); subgroup analyses, meta-regressions, and sensitivity analyses were additionally performed. Among 3254 records retrieved from literature, 20 studies were included. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with an increased risk of MI (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.39–1.99, 95% PI: 0.84–3.30), IS (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.29–1.55, 95% PI 1.03–1.93), AF (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.18–1.37, 95% PI: 1.07–1.52), and HF (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.43–1.84, 95% CI: 1.04–2.51). We identified significant subgroup differences according to geographical location, study design, NAFLD definition, and risk of bias; meta-regressions identified mean age, male sex, and study-level characteristics as potential moderators of the risk of MI and IS. Conclusions : Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with increased risk of MI, IS, AF, and HF. Age, sex, and study characteristics may moderate the strength of this association. Further studies are required to evaluate specific cardiovascular prevention strategies in patients with NAFLD.