Although mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene account for only a minority of total amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases,the discovery of this gene has been crucial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research.Sin...Although mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene account for only a minority of total amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases,the discovery of this gene has been crucial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research.Since the identification of superoxide dismutase 1 in 1993,the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics has considerably widened,improving our understanding of the diverse pathogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.In this review,we focus on cognitive impairment in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.Literature has mostly reported that cognition remains intact in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,but recent reports highlight frontal lobe function frailty in patients carrying different superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutations.We thoroughly reviewed all the various mutations reported in the literature to contribute to a comprehensive database of superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genotype-phenotype correlation.Such a resource could ultimately improve our mechanistic understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,enabling a more robust assessment of how the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotype responds to different variants across genes,which is important for the therapeutic strategy targeting genetic mutations.Cognition in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis deserves further longitudinal research since this peculiar frailty in patients with similar mutations can be conditioned by external factors,including environment and other unidentified agents including modifier genes.展开更多
In May 2012,the Emilia region of the Po Valley was struck by a seismic crisis with two major events of magnitude M_w 6.1and M_w 5.9.The first event induced widespread sand blows formed along buried channels and old cr...In May 2012,the Emilia region of the Po Valley was struck by a seismic crisis with two major events of magnitude M_w 6.1and M_w 5.9.The first event induced widespread sand blows formed along buried channels and old crevasse splay deposits.In the days immediately following the events,the detailed mapping and sampling of the erupted sand was fundamental to record all the seismically-induced phenomena.The study of a trench dug across large fractures at San Carlo(Ferrara)provided also valuable information on the sand blows mechanism and regome.The sedimentological and compositional characteristics of the fracture-filling materials indicate that the sands were erupted from a layer located between 6.8 and 7.5 m depth.Older and deeper Holocene and Pleistocene sand layers were not apparently involved in the liquefaction phenomena.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a public health problem of epidemic proportions worldwide.Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is not only associated with live...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a public health problem of epidemic proportions worldwide.Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is not only associated with liver-related morbidity and mortality but also with an increased risk of coronary heart disease(CHD),abnormalities of cardiac function and structure(e.g.,left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy,and heart failure),valvular heart disease(e.g.,aortic valve sclerosis)and arrhythmias(e.g.,atrial fibrillation).Experimental evidence suggests that NAFLD itself,especially in its more severe forms,exacerbates systemic/hepatic insulin resistance,causes atherogenic dyslipidemia,and releases a variety of pro-inflammatory,pro-coagulant and pro-fibrogenic mediators that may play important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiac and arrhythmic complications.Collectively,these findings suggest that patients with NAFLD may benefit from more intensive surveillance and early treatment interventions to decrease the risk for CHD and other cardiac/arrhythmic complications.The purpose of this clinical review is to summarize the rapidly expanding body of evidence that supports a strong association between NAFLD and cardiovascular,cardiac and arrhythmic complications,to briefly examine the putative biological mechanisms underlying this association,and to discuss some of the current treatment options that may influence both NAFLD and its related cardiac and arrhythmic complications.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a successful pathogen on the grounds that it exploits its host’s metabolism to build up viral particles; moreover it favours its own survival by inducing chronic disease and the ...Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a successful pathogen on the grounds that it exploits its host’s metabolism to build up viral particles; moreover it favours its own survival by inducing chronic disease and the development of specific anatomic changes in the infected organ. Steatosis, therefore, is associated with HCV infection by necessity rather than by chance alone. Approximately 6% of HCV patients have steatohepatitis. Interestingly, HCV steatosis occurs in the setting of multiple metabolic abnormalities (hyperuricemia, reversible hypocholesterolemia, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and expansion of visceral adipose tissue) collectively referred to as “hepatitis C-associated dysmetabolic syndrome” (HCADS). General, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like, mechanisms of steatogenesis (including increased availability of lipogenic substrates and de novo lipogenesis; decreased oxidation of fatty substrates and export of fatty substrates) are shared by all HCV genotypes. However, genotype 3 seemingly amplifies such steatogenic molecular mechanisms reported to occur in NAFLD via more profound changes in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha; sterol regulatory element-binding proteins and phosphatase and tensin homologue. HCV steatosis has a remarkable clinical impact in as much as it is an acknowledged risk factor for accelerated fibrogenesis; for impaired treatment response to interferon and ribavirin; and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent data, moreover, suggest that HCV-steatosis contributes to premature atherogenesis via both direct and indirect mechanisms. In conclusion, HCV steatosis fulfills all expected requirements necessary to perpetuate the HCV life cycle. A better understanding of the physiology of HCADS will likely result in a more successful handling of disease with improved antiviral success rates.展开更多
The clinical course of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is characterized by possible development of both liver and extrahepatic disorders. The tropism of HCV for the lymphoid tissue is responsible for several i...The clinical course of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is characterized by possible development of both liver and extrahepatic disorders. The tropism of HCV for the lymphoid tissue is responsible for several immune-mediated disorders; a poly-oligoclonal B-lymphocyte expansion, commonly observed in a high proportion of patients with HCV infection, are responsible for the production of different autoantibodies and immune-complexes, such as mixed cryoglobulins. These serological alterations may characterize a variety of autoimmune or neoplastic diseases. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis due to small-vessel deposition of circulating mixed cryoglobulins is the prototype of HCV-driven immune-mediated and lymphoproliferative disorders; interestingly, in some cases the disease may evolve to frank malignant lymphoma. In addition, HCV shows an oncogenic potential as suggested by several clinicoepidemiological and laboratory studies; in addition to hepatocellular carcinoma that represents the most frequent HCV-related malignancy, a causative role of HCV has been largely demonstrated in a significant percentage of patients with isolated B-cells nonHodgkin's lymphomas. The same virus may be also involved in the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid cancer, a rare neoplastic condition that may complicate HCVrelated thyroid involvement. Patients with HCV infection are frequently asymptomatic or may develop only hepatic alteration, while a limited but clinically relevant number can develop one or more autoimmune and/or neoplastic disorders. Given the large variability of their prevalence among patients' populations from different countries, it is possible to hypothesize a potential role of other co-factors, i.e., genetic and/or environmental, in the pathogenesis of HCV-related extra-hepatic diseases.展开更多
Fatty liver, which frequently coexists with necroinflammatory and fibrotic changes, may occur in the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and chronic infections due to either hepatitis C virus(HCV) or hu...Fatty liver, which frequently coexists with necroinflammatory and fibrotic changes, may occur in the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and chronic infections due to either hepatitis C virus(HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). These three pathologic conditions are associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular disease(CVD) and type 2 diabetes(T2D). In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we aim to discuss the ever-expanding wealth of clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a key role of fatty liver in the development of T2 D and CVD in patients with NAFLD and in those with HCV or HIV infections. For each of these three common diseases, the epidemiological features, pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical implications of the presence of fatty liver in predicting the risk of incident T2 D and CVD are examined in depth. Collectively, the data discussed in this updated review, which follows an innovative comparative approach, further reinforce the conclusion that the presence of fatty/inflamed/fibrotic liver might be a shared important determinant for the development of T2 D and CVD in patients with NAFLD, HCV or HIV. This review may also open new avenues in the clinical and research arenas and paves the way for the planning of future, well-designed prospective and intervention studies.展开更多
Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list f...Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list for liver transplant. In an age of patient-tailored treatments, in liver transplantation as well the aim is to offer the best suitable graft to the patient who can benefit from it, also expanding the criteria for organ acceptance and allocation. With the intent of developing strategies to increase the donor pool, we set-up a multicenter study involving 3 Liver Transplant Centers in Italy: patients undergoing liver transplantation between March 03, 2004, and May 21, 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. 1408 patients underwent liver transplantation during the study period, 28(2%) received the graft from hepatitis B surface antigen positive(HBs Ag)-positive deceased donors. The average follow-up after liver transplantation was 63.7 mo [range: 0.1-119.4; SD ± 35.8]. None Primary nonfunction, re-liver transplantation, early or late hepatic artery thrombosis occurred. The 1-, 3-and 5-year graft and patient survival resulted of 85.7%, 82.1%, 78.4%. Our results suggest that the use of HBs Agpositive donors liver grafts is feasible, since HBV can be controlled without affecting graft stability. However, the selection of grafts and the postoperative antiviral therapy should be managed appropriately.展开更多
Attenuated adenomatous polyposis(AAP) is a poorly understood syndrome, that can be defined as the presence of 10-99 synchronous adenomas in the large bowel, and it is considered a phenotypic variant of familial adenom...Attenuated adenomatous polyposis(AAP) is a poorly understood syndrome, that can be defined as the presence of 10-99 synchronous adenomas in the large bowel, and it is considered a phenotypic variant of familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP). This definition has the advantage of simplicity, but it may include sporadic multiple adenomas of the large bowel at an extreme, or FAP cases on the other side. AAP shows a milder phenotype than FAP, with an older age of onset of adenomas and cancer, and less frequent extracolonic manifestations. AAP may be diagnosed as a single case in a family or, less frequently, it may be present in other family members, and it shows distinct pattern of inheritance. In less than 50% of cases, it may be caused by adenomatous polyposis coli(APC) or MUTYH mutations, referred to as APC-associated polyposis, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, or MUTYH-associated polyposis, which shows an autosomal recessive mechanism of inheritance, respectively. Surveillance should rely on colonoscopy at regular intervals, with removal of adenomas and careful histological examination. When removal of polyps is not possible or advanced lesions are observed, the surgical approach is mandatory, being subtotal colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis the treatment of choice. Studies on this syndrome are lacking, and controversies are still present on many issues, thus, other clinical and genetic studies are requested.展开更多
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical, histological and molecular features at presentatio...Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical, histological and molecular features at presentation. Although focal and scattered calcifications are not uncommon within the primary tumor mass, heavy calcification within a GIST is rarely described in the literature and the clinical-biological meaning of this feature remains unclear. Cases with such an atypical presentation are challenging and may be associated with diagnostic pitfalls. Herein, we report a gastric GIST with the unusual presentation of prominent calcifications that was identified incidentally on imaging during a post-trauma diagnostic work-up. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery with a radical resection of the mass, which was subsequently characterized by histological analysis as spindle-shaped tumor cells, positive for CD117/c-KIT, CD34 and DOG1, and with calcified areas. Given the intermediate risk of recurrence, no adjuvant therapy was recommended andthe patient underwent regular follow-up for 22 mo, with no evidence of relapse. Our case can be considered of interest because of the rarity of clinical presentation and the uniquely large size of the GIST at diagnosis(longest diameter exceeding 9 cm). In closing, we discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of calcifications in GISTs by reviewing the most up-to-date relevant literature.展开更多
The present letter to editor is related to“Cui WQ,Wang ST,Pan D,Chang B,Sang LX.Caffeine and its main targets of colorectal cancer.World J Gastrointest Oncol 2020;12(2):149-172[DOI:10.4251/wjgo.v12.i2.149]”.
Background: Supplementing farm animals diet with functional ingredients may improve the nutritional quality of meat products.Diet composition has been also demonstrated to influence the gene expression with effect on ...Background: Supplementing farm animals diet with functional ingredients may improve the nutritional quality of meat products.Diet composition has been also demonstrated to influence the gene expression with effect on biological processes and pathways.However,the knowledge on the effect of nutrients at the molecular level is scant.In particular,studies on the effects of antioxidants and polyphenols dietary supplementation have been investigated mainly in rodents,and only scarcely in farm animals so far.RNA-Seq with next-generation sequencing is increasingly the method of choice for studying changes in the transcriptome and it has been recently employed also in pig nutrigenomics studies to identify diet-induced changes in gene expression.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diets enriched with functional ingredients(linseed,vitamin E and plant extracts) on the transcriptome of pig Longissimus thoracis to elucidate the role of these compounds in influencing genes involved in muscle physiology and metabolism compared to a standard diet.Results: Eight hundred ninety-three significant differentially expressed genes(DEGs)(FDR adjusted P-value ≤ 0.05)were detected by RNA-Seq analysis in the three diet comparisons(D2-D1,D3-D1,D4-D1).The functional analysis of DEGs showed that the diet enriched with n-3 PUFA from linseed(D2) mostly downregulated genes in pathways and biological processes(BPs) related to muscle development,contraction,and glycogen metabolism compared to the standard diet.The diet supplemented with linseed and vitamin E/Selenium(D3) showed to mostly downregulate genes linked to oxidative phosphorylation.Only few genes involved in extracellular matrix(ECM)organization were upregulated by the D3.Finally,the comparison D4-D1 showed that the diet supplemented with linseed and plant extracts(D4) upregulated the majority of genes compared to D1 that were involved in a complex network of pathways and BPs all connected by hub genes.In particular,IGF2 was a hub gene connecting protein metabolism,ECM organization,immune system and lipid biosynthesis pathways.Conclusion: The supplementation of pig diet with n-3 PUFA from linseed,antioxidants and plant-derived polyphenols can influence the expression of a relevant number of genes in Longissimus thoracis muscle that are involved in a variety of biochemical pathways linked to muscle function and metabolism.展开更多
In March 2020,the WHO defined the diffusion of novel coronavirus,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)as pandemic.[1-3]As a consequence,the Italian Government among others has enforced quarantine...In March 2020,the WHO defined the diffusion of novel coronavirus,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)as pandemic.[1-3]As a consequence,the Italian Government among others has enforced quarantine on the population to contain the diffusion of the infection.Quarantine refers to the separation of communities who have been exposed to an infectious disease.[1-3]Elderly people's lives have been drastically affected by the lockdown and the fear related to the disease’s potential effects and transmission.Fear of contracting COVID-19 is on the rise due to the death toll and alarming news reports in the media.[2,3].展开更多
Exercise is one of the most important components, together with insulin therapy and diet, in the clinical management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Physical activity has multiple health benefits, like blood press...Exercise is one of the most important components, together with insulin therapy and diet, in the clinical management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Physical activity has multiple health benefits, like blood pressure reduction, improvement of cardiovascular fitness and lipoprotein profile. The benefits for children with diabetes may also include positive effects on glycemic metabolism. The following review examines the main studies about the effects of exercise on diabetes. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to verify the hypothetical positive relationship between sport and T1DM and between sport and diabetic complications. However, aerobic and moderate intensity physical activity in children and adolescents with T1DM should be encouraged also for its beneficial psychological effects.展开更多
The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months o...The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.展开更多
Data from literature show that the overall risk of cancer does not as a result from treatment with these drugs. The only cancer for which various authors have reported an increased risk, in some cases, are skin cancer...Data from literature show that the overall risk of cancer does not as a result from treatment with these drugs. The only cancer for which various authors have reported an increased risk, in some cases, are skin cancers, different from melanoma and melanoma. Recent results of large observational studies and meta-analyzes indicate the absence of an increased risk of lymphoma related to therapy with anti-TNF-α. It has been reported, by some authors, that there is a possible increased risk of lung cancer, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is limited information in literature about the effects of biologics in patients with a history of cancer. Most of the guidelines indicate that treatment with biologics can be considered with caution and only in patients free of cancer since at least 5 years. Some studies report a lower oncological risk with etanercept compared to monoclonal antibodies, especially in the case of lymphoma. However, this data has not been confirmed in other studies, and has been associated with a limited period of time after starting therapy. Information about the latest biological therapies is still poor. Therefore, there is not sufficient evidence for a preferential use of certain drugs rather than others.展开更多
Various amounts(up to 10 wt%)of palygorskite nanofibers functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTES)coupling agent were used to reinforce polyamide 11 nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding.The covalent ...Various amounts(up to 10 wt%)of palygorskite nanofibers functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTES)coupling agent were used to reinforce polyamide 11 nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding.The covalent bonding of the silane on the palygorskite surface was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.X-ray diffraction revealed the retention of theα-form of polyamide crystals upon the addition of both natural and silane treated palygorskite nanorods.All the investigated nanocomposites showed an improvement of the thermal stability,especially when surface treated palygorskite nanofibers were considered.Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analyses on the prepared materials evidenced how the incorporation of palygorskite nanofibers significantly increased the elastic and the storage moduli of polyamide,and this enhancement was more evident when natural palygorskite nanorods were used.展开更多
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients....BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients.METHODS From March to June 2020,a survey on telehealth among cardiology outpatients was performed.Digital literacy was investigated through six main domains:age;sex;educational level;internet access;availability of internet sources;knowledge and use of teleconference software programs.RESULTS The study included 1067 patients,median age 70 years,41.3%females.The majority of the patients(58.0%)had a secondary school degree,but among patients aged≥75 years old the most represented educational level was primary school or none.Overall,for internet access,there was a splitting between"never"(42.1%)and"every day"(41.0%),while only 2.7%answered"at least 1/month"and 14.2%"at least 1/week".In the total population,the most used devices for internet access were smartphones(59.0%),and WhatsApp represented the most used app(57.3%).Internet users were younger compared to non-internet users(63 vs.78 years old,respectively)and with a higher educational level.Age and educational level were associated with nonuse of internet(age-per 10-year increase odds ratio(OR)=3.07,95%CI:2.54-3.71,secondary school OR=0.18,95%CI:0.12-0.26,university OR=0.05,95%CI:0.02-0.10).CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine represents an appealing option to implement medical practice,and for its development it is important to address the gaps in patients’digital skills,with age and educational level being key factors in this setting.展开更多
BACKGROUND Bow hunter’s syndrome(BHS)is a rare but surgically treatable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to dynamic rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery.Typically,patients present with posterior cir...BACKGROUND Bow hunter’s syndrome(BHS)is a rare but surgically treatable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to dynamic rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery.Typically,patients present with posterior circulation transient ischaemic symptoms such as presyncope,syncope,vertigo,diplopia,and horizontal nystagmus,but irreversible deficits,including medullary and cerebellar infarctions,have also been described.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old patient presented an acute onset of vertigo and gait instability triggered by right head rotation.His medical history included previous episodes of unilateral left neck and occipital pain followed by light-headedness,sweating,and blurred vision when turning his head,and these episodes were associated with severe degenerative changes in the atlanto-dens and left atlanto-axial facet joints and right rotation of the C2 cervical vertebrae.Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of acute bilateral cerebellar ischaemic lesions,while static vascular imaging did not reveal any vertebral artery abnormalities.Dynamic ultrasonography and angiography were performed and confirmed the presence of a dynamic occlusion of the vertebral artery V3-V4 segment when the head was rotated to the right secondary to left C1-C2 bone spur compression.Surgical decompression led to complete resolution of paroxysmal symptoms without neurological sequelae.CONCLUSION BHS should be considered in cases of repeated posterior circulation transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke,particularly when associated with high cervical spine abnormalities.展开更多
Covered by ultrabasic units for more than a third of its surface,the New Caledonia(South West Pacific)is one of the largest world producers of Ni-ore from lateritic deposits.Almost all outcrops of geological units and...Covered by ultrabasic units for more than a third of its surface,the New Caledonia(South West Pacific)is one of the largest world producers of Ni-ore from lateritic deposits.Almost all outcrops of geological units and open mines contain serpentine and amphibole,also as asbestos varieties.In this geological context,in which weathering processes had a great contribution in the production and dispersion of mineral fibres into the environment,the development of a routinely analytical strategy,able to discriminate an asbestiform fibre from a non-harmful particle,is a pivotal requisite.However,the acquisition of all these parameters is necessary for determining the risk associated to fibres exposition.A multidisciplinary routinely approach,based on the use of complementary simply-to-use but reliable analytical methods is the only possible strategy.In addition,the instrumental apparatus must be easily transportable on the field,directly on the mining site.The employment of specialized tools such as Polarized Light Microscopy associated to Dispersion Staining method(PLM/DS)and portable Raman spectroscopy for identification of environmental asbestos,are proved extremely effective in the improvement of the performance and rapidity of data acquisition and interpretation.Both PLM/DS and handheld Raman devices confirmed to be discriminant in the detection and characterization of asbestos fibres for both serpentine and amphibole.Furthermore,these techniques proved extremely effective even in the presence of strongly fibrous and altered samples.展开更多
In a full-arch implant rehabilitation ad modum Branemark, the distribution of stress and strain in mandibular bone is influenced by the type, number and position of implants used. In particular, the biomechanical beha...In a full-arch implant rehabilitation ad modum Branemark, the distribution of stress and strain in mandibular bone is influenced by the type, number and position of implants used. In particular, the biomechanical behaviour of the bone structure after complete osseointegration depends on the load transferred to the bone by each fixture. In this study, a finite-element analysis of two models was performed. Models of an all-on-four configuration and a six-implant configuration were compared in a worst-case scenario. A new V parameter is presented to aid the quantitative and comparative analysis of the all-on-four and six-implant configurations. The influence of orthotropy was also investigated, and a geometric change in the all-on-four configuration is presented.展开更多
文摘Although mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene account for only a minority of total amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases,the discovery of this gene has been crucial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research.Since the identification of superoxide dismutase 1 in 1993,the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics has considerably widened,improving our understanding of the diverse pathogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.In this review,we focus on cognitive impairment in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.Literature has mostly reported that cognition remains intact in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,but recent reports highlight frontal lobe function frailty in patients carrying different superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutations.We thoroughly reviewed all the various mutations reported in the literature to contribute to a comprehensive database of superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genotype-phenotype correlation.Such a resource could ultimately improve our mechanistic understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,enabling a more robust assessment of how the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotype responds to different variants across genes,which is important for the therapeutic strategy targeting genetic mutations.Cognition in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis deserves further longitudinal research since this peculiar frailty in patients with similar mutations can be conditioned by external factors,including environment and other unidentified agents including modifier genes.
文摘In May 2012,the Emilia region of the Po Valley was struck by a seismic crisis with two major events of magnitude M_w 6.1and M_w 5.9.The first event induced widespread sand blows formed along buried channels and old crevasse splay deposits.In the days immediately following the events,the detailed mapping and sampling of the erupted sand was fundamental to record all the seismically-induced phenomena.The study of a trench dug across large fractures at San Carlo(Ferrara)provided also valuable information on the sand blows mechanism and regome.The sedimentological and compositional characteristics of the fracture-filling materials indicate that the sands were erupted from a layer located between 6.8 and 7.5 m depth.Older and deeper Holocene and Pleistocene sand layers were not apparently involved in the liquefaction phenomena.
基金Supported by(in part)the Southampton National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre(Byrne CD)grants from the School of Medicine of the Verona University(Targher GT)
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a public health problem of epidemic proportions worldwide.Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is not only associated with liver-related morbidity and mortality but also with an increased risk of coronary heart disease(CHD),abnormalities of cardiac function and structure(e.g.,left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy,and heart failure),valvular heart disease(e.g.,aortic valve sclerosis)and arrhythmias(e.g.,atrial fibrillation).Experimental evidence suggests that NAFLD itself,especially in its more severe forms,exacerbates systemic/hepatic insulin resistance,causes atherogenic dyslipidemia,and releases a variety of pro-inflammatory,pro-coagulant and pro-fibrogenic mediators that may play important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiac and arrhythmic complications.Collectively,these findings suggest that patients with NAFLD may benefit from more intensive surveillance and early treatment interventions to decrease the risk for CHD and other cardiac/arrhythmic complications.The purpose of this clinical review is to summarize the rapidly expanding body of evidence that supports a strong association between NAFLD and cardiovascular,cardiac and arrhythmic complications,to briefly examine the putative biological mechanisms underlying this association,and to discuss some of the current treatment options that may influence both NAFLD and its related cardiac and arrhythmic complications.
文摘Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a successful pathogen on the grounds that it exploits its host’s metabolism to build up viral particles; moreover it favours its own survival by inducing chronic disease and the development of specific anatomic changes in the infected organ. Steatosis, therefore, is associated with HCV infection by necessity rather than by chance alone. Approximately 6% of HCV patients have steatohepatitis. Interestingly, HCV steatosis occurs in the setting of multiple metabolic abnormalities (hyperuricemia, reversible hypocholesterolemia, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and expansion of visceral adipose tissue) collectively referred to as “hepatitis C-associated dysmetabolic syndrome” (HCADS). General, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like, mechanisms of steatogenesis (including increased availability of lipogenic substrates and de novo lipogenesis; decreased oxidation of fatty substrates and export of fatty substrates) are shared by all HCV genotypes. However, genotype 3 seemingly amplifies such steatogenic molecular mechanisms reported to occur in NAFLD via more profound changes in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha; sterol regulatory element-binding proteins and phosphatase and tensin homologue. HCV steatosis has a remarkable clinical impact in as much as it is an acknowledged risk factor for accelerated fibrogenesis; for impaired treatment response to interferon and ribavirin; and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent data, moreover, suggest that HCV-steatosis contributes to premature atherogenesis via both direct and indirect mechanisms. In conclusion, HCV steatosis fulfills all expected requirements necessary to perpetuate the HCV life cycle. A better understanding of the physiology of HCADS will likely result in a more successful handling of disease with improved antiviral success rates.
文摘The clinical course of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is characterized by possible development of both liver and extrahepatic disorders. The tropism of HCV for the lymphoid tissue is responsible for several immune-mediated disorders; a poly-oligoclonal B-lymphocyte expansion, commonly observed in a high proportion of patients with HCV infection, are responsible for the production of different autoantibodies and immune-complexes, such as mixed cryoglobulins. These serological alterations may characterize a variety of autoimmune or neoplastic diseases. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis due to small-vessel deposition of circulating mixed cryoglobulins is the prototype of HCV-driven immune-mediated and lymphoproliferative disorders; interestingly, in some cases the disease may evolve to frank malignant lymphoma. In addition, HCV shows an oncogenic potential as suggested by several clinicoepidemiological and laboratory studies; in addition to hepatocellular carcinoma that represents the most frequent HCV-related malignancy, a causative role of HCV has been largely demonstrated in a significant percentage of patients with isolated B-cells nonHodgkin's lymphomas. The same virus may be also involved in the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid cancer, a rare neoplastic condition that may complicate HCVrelated thyroid involvement. Patients with HCV infection are frequently asymptomatic or may develop only hepatic alteration, while a limited but clinically relevant number can develop one or more autoimmune and/or neoplastic disorders. Given the large variability of their prevalence among patients' populations from different countries, it is possible to hypothesize a potential role of other co-factors, i.e., genetic and/or environmental, in the pathogenesis of HCV-related extra-hepatic diseases.
文摘Fatty liver, which frequently coexists with necroinflammatory and fibrotic changes, may occur in the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and chronic infections due to either hepatitis C virus(HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). These three pathologic conditions are associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular disease(CVD) and type 2 diabetes(T2D). In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we aim to discuss the ever-expanding wealth of clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a key role of fatty liver in the development of T2 D and CVD in patients with NAFLD and in those with HCV or HIV infections. For each of these three common diseases, the epidemiological features, pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical implications of the presence of fatty liver in predicting the risk of incident T2 D and CVD are examined in depth. Collectively, the data discussed in this updated review, which follows an innovative comparative approach, further reinforce the conclusion that the presence of fatty/inflamed/fibrotic liver might be a shared important determinant for the development of T2 D and CVD in patients with NAFLD, HCV or HIV. This review may also open new avenues in the clinical and research arenas and paves the way for the planning of future, well-designed prospective and intervention studies.
文摘Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list for liver transplant. In an age of patient-tailored treatments, in liver transplantation as well the aim is to offer the best suitable graft to the patient who can benefit from it, also expanding the criteria for organ acceptance and allocation. With the intent of developing strategies to increase the donor pool, we set-up a multicenter study involving 3 Liver Transplant Centers in Italy: patients undergoing liver transplantation between March 03, 2004, and May 21, 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. 1408 patients underwent liver transplantation during the study period, 28(2%) received the graft from hepatitis B surface antigen positive(HBs Ag)-positive deceased donors. The average follow-up after liver transplantation was 63.7 mo [range: 0.1-119.4; SD ± 35.8]. None Primary nonfunction, re-liver transplantation, early or late hepatic artery thrombosis occurred. The 1-, 3-and 5-year graft and patient survival resulted of 85.7%, 82.1%, 78.4%. Our results suggest that the use of HBs Agpositive donors liver grafts is feasible, since HBV can be controlled without affecting graft stability. However, the selection of grafts and the postoperative antiviral therapy should be managed appropriately.
文摘Attenuated adenomatous polyposis(AAP) is a poorly understood syndrome, that can be defined as the presence of 10-99 synchronous adenomas in the large bowel, and it is considered a phenotypic variant of familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP). This definition has the advantage of simplicity, but it may include sporadic multiple adenomas of the large bowel at an extreme, or FAP cases on the other side. AAP shows a milder phenotype than FAP, with an older age of onset of adenomas and cancer, and less frequent extracolonic manifestations. AAP may be diagnosed as a single case in a family or, less frequently, it may be present in other family members, and it shows distinct pattern of inheritance. In less than 50% of cases, it may be caused by adenomatous polyposis coli(APC) or MUTYH mutations, referred to as APC-associated polyposis, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, or MUTYH-associated polyposis, which shows an autosomal recessive mechanism of inheritance, respectively. Surveillance should rely on colonoscopy at regular intervals, with removal of adenomas and careful histological examination. When removal of polyps is not possible or advanced lesions are observed, the surgical approach is mandatory, being subtotal colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis the treatment of choice. Studies on this syndrome are lacking, and controversies are still present on many issues, thus, other clinical and genetic studies are requested.
文摘Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical, histological and molecular features at presentation. Although focal and scattered calcifications are not uncommon within the primary tumor mass, heavy calcification within a GIST is rarely described in the literature and the clinical-biological meaning of this feature remains unclear. Cases with such an atypical presentation are challenging and may be associated with diagnostic pitfalls. Herein, we report a gastric GIST with the unusual presentation of prominent calcifications that was identified incidentally on imaging during a post-trauma diagnostic work-up. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery with a radical resection of the mass, which was subsequently characterized by histological analysis as spindle-shaped tumor cells, positive for CD117/c-KIT, CD34 and DOG1, and with calcified areas. Given the intermediate risk of recurrence, no adjuvant therapy was recommended andthe patient underwent regular follow-up for 22 mo, with no evidence of relapse. Our case can be considered of interest because of the rarity of clinical presentation and the uniquely large size of the GIST at diagnosis(longest diameter exceeding 9 cm). In closing, we discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of calcifications in GISTs by reviewing the most up-to-date relevant literature.
文摘The present letter to editor is related to“Cui WQ,Wang ST,Pan D,Chang B,Sang LX.Caffeine and its main targets of colorectal cancer.World J Gastrointest Oncol 2020;12(2):149-172[DOI:10.4251/wjgo.v12.i2.149]”.
基金funded by Regione Emilia-Romagna POR-FESR 2014-2020"Innovare la filiera suina mediante la valorizzazione di sottoprodotti vegetali e l’impiego di avanzate tecnologie "omiche" e di processo,per la produzione sostenibile di carne e salumi ad impatto positivo sulla salute"-Green Charcuterie grant n.PG/2015/730542
文摘Background: Supplementing farm animals diet with functional ingredients may improve the nutritional quality of meat products.Diet composition has been also demonstrated to influence the gene expression with effect on biological processes and pathways.However,the knowledge on the effect of nutrients at the molecular level is scant.In particular,studies on the effects of antioxidants and polyphenols dietary supplementation have been investigated mainly in rodents,and only scarcely in farm animals so far.RNA-Seq with next-generation sequencing is increasingly the method of choice for studying changes in the transcriptome and it has been recently employed also in pig nutrigenomics studies to identify diet-induced changes in gene expression.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diets enriched with functional ingredients(linseed,vitamin E and plant extracts) on the transcriptome of pig Longissimus thoracis to elucidate the role of these compounds in influencing genes involved in muscle physiology and metabolism compared to a standard diet.Results: Eight hundred ninety-three significant differentially expressed genes(DEGs)(FDR adjusted P-value ≤ 0.05)were detected by RNA-Seq analysis in the three diet comparisons(D2-D1,D3-D1,D4-D1).The functional analysis of DEGs showed that the diet enriched with n-3 PUFA from linseed(D2) mostly downregulated genes in pathways and biological processes(BPs) related to muscle development,contraction,and glycogen metabolism compared to the standard diet.The diet supplemented with linseed and vitamin E/Selenium(D3) showed to mostly downregulate genes linked to oxidative phosphorylation.Only few genes involved in extracellular matrix(ECM)organization were upregulated by the D3.Finally,the comparison D4-D1 showed that the diet supplemented with linseed and plant extracts(D4) upregulated the majority of genes compared to D1 that were involved in a complex network of pathways and BPs all connected by hub genes.In particular,IGF2 was a hub gene connecting protein metabolism,ECM organization,immune system and lipid biosynthesis pathways.Conclusion: The supplementation of pig diet with n-3 PUFA from linseed,antioxidants and plant-derived polyphenols can influence the expression of a relevant number of genes in Longissimus thoracis muscle that are involved in a variety of biochemical pathways linked to muscle function and metabolism.
文摘In March 2020,the WHO defined the diffusion of novel coronavirus,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)as pandemic.[1-3]As a consequence,the Italian Government among others has enforced quarantine on the population to contain the diffusion of the infection.Quarantine refers to the separation of communities who have been exposed to an infectious disease.[1-3]Elderly people's lives have been drastically affected by the lockdown and the fear related to the disease’s potential effects and transmission.Fear of contracting COVID-19 is on the rise due to the death toll and alarming news reports in the media.[2,3].
文摘Exercise is one of the most important components, together with insulin therapy and diet, in the clinical management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Physical activity has multiple health benefits, like blood pressure reduction, improvement of cardiovascular fitness and lipoprotein profile. The benefits for children with diabetes may also include positive effects on glycemic metabolism. The following review examines the main studies about the effects of exercise on diabetes. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to verify the hypothetical positive relationship between sport and T1DM and between sport and diabetic complications. However, aerobic and moderate intensity physical activity in children and adolescents with T1DM should be encouraged also for its beneficial psychological effects.
文摘The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.
文摘Data from literature show that the overall risk of cancer does not as a result from treatment with these drugs. The only cancer for which various authors have reported an increased risk, in some cases, are skin cancers, different from melanoma and melanoma. Recent results of large observational studies and meta-analyzes indicate the absence of an increased risk of lymphoma related to therapy with anti-TNF-α. It has been reported, by some authors, that there is a possible increased risk of lung cancer, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is limited information in literature about the effects of biologics in patients with a history of cancer. Most of the guidelines indicate that treatment with biologics can be considered with caution and only in patients free of cancer since at least 5 years. Some studies report a lower oncological risk with etanercept compared to monoclonal antibodies, especially in the case of lymphoma. However, this data has not been confirmed in other studies, and has been associated with a limited period of time after starting therapy. Information about the latest biological therapies is still poor. Therefore, there is not sufficient evidence for a preferential use of certain drugs rather than others.
文摘Various amounts(up to 10 wt%)of palygorskite nanofibers functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTES)coupling agent were used to reinforce polyamide 11 nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding.The covalent bonding of the silane on the palygorskite surface was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.X-ray diffraction revealed the retention of theα-form of polyamide crystals upon the addition of both natural and silane treated palygorskite nanorods.All the investigated nanocomposites showed an improvement of the thermal stability,especially when surface treated palygorskite nanofibers were considered.Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analyses on the prepared materials evidenced how the incorporation of palygorskite nanofibers significantly increased the elastic and the storage moduli of polyamide,and this enhancement was more evident when natural palygorskite nanorods were used.
文摘BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients.METHODS From March to June 2020,a survey on telehealth among cardiology outpatients was performed.Digital literacy was investigated through six main domains:age;sex;educational level;internet access;availability of internet sources;knowledge and use of teleconference software programs.RESULTS The study included 1067 patients,median age 70 years,41.3%females.The majority of the patients(58.0%)had a secondary school degree,but among patients aged≥75 years old the most represented educational level was primary school or none.Overall,for internet access,there was a splitting between"never"(42.1%)and"every day"(41.0%),while only 2.7%answered"at least 1/month"and 14.2%"at least 1/week".In the total population,the most used devices for internet access were smartphones(59.0%),and WhatsApp represented the most used app(57.3%).Internet users were younger compared to non-internet users(63 vs.78 years old,respectively)and with a higher educational level.Age and educational level were associated with nonuse of internet(age-per 10-year increase odds ratio(OR)=3.07,95%CI:2.54-3.71,secondary school OR=0.18,95%CI:0.12-0.26,university OR=0.05,95%CI:0.02-0.10).CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine represents an appealing option to implement medical practice,and for its development it is important to address the gaps in patients’digital skills,with age and educational level being key factors in this setting.
文摘BACKGROUND Bow hunter’s syndrome(BHS)is a rare but surgically treatable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to dynamic rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery.Typically,patients present with posterior circulation transient ischaemic symptoms such as presyncope,syncope,vertigo,diplopia,and horizontal nystagmus,but irreversible deficits,including medullary and cerebellar infarctions,have also been described.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old patient presented an acute onset of vertigo and gait instability triggered by right head rotation.His medical history included previous episodes of unilateral left neck and occipital pain followed by light-headedness,sweating,and blurred vision when turning his head,and these episodes were associated with severe degenerative changes in the atlanto-dens and left atlanto-axial facet joints and right rotation of the C2 cervical vertebrae.Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of acute bilateral cerebellar ischaemic lesions,while static vascular imaging did not reveal any vertebral artery abnormalities.Dynamic ultrasonography and angiography were performed and confirmed the presence of a dynamic occlusion of the vertebral artery V3-V4 segment when the head was rotated to the right secondary to left C1-C2 bone spur compression.Surgical decompression led to complete resolution of paroxysmal symptoms without neurological sequelae.CONCLUSION BHS should be considered in cases of repeated posterior circulation transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke,particularly when associated with high cervical spine abnormalities.
基金supported by the CNRT "Nickel and its environment" of New Caledonia
文摘Covered by ultrabasic units for more than a third of its surface,the New Caledonia(South West Pacific)is one of the largest world producers of Ni-ore from lateritic deposits.Almost all outcrops of geological units and open mines contain serpentine and amphibole,also as asbestos varieties.In this geological context,in which weathering processes had a great contribution in the production and dispersion of mineral fibres into the environment,the development of a routinely analytical strategy,able to discriminate an asbestiform fibre from a non-harmful particle,is a pivotal requisite.However,the acquisition of all these parameters is necessary for determining the risk associated to fibres exposition.A multidisciplinary routinely approach,based on the use of complementary simply-to-use but reliable analytical methods is the only possible strategy.In addition,the instrumental apparatus must be easily transportable on the field,directly on the mining site.The employment of specialized tools such as Polarized Light Microscopy associated to Dispersion Staining method(PLM/DS)and portable Raman spectroscopy for identification of environmental asbestos,are proved extremely effective in the improvement of the performance and rapidity of data acquisition and interpretation.Both PLM/DS and handheld Raman devices confirmed to be discriminant in the detection and characterization of asbestos fibres for both serpentine and amphibole.Furthermore,these techniques proved extremely effective even in the presence of strongly fibrous and altered samples.
文摘In a full-arch implant rehabilitation ad modum Branemark, the distribution of stress and strain in mandibular bone is influenced by the type, number and position of implants used. In particular, the biomechanical behaviour of the bone structure after complete osseointegration depends on the load transferred to the bone by each fixture. In this study, a finite-element analysis of two models was performed. Models of an all-on-four configuration and a six-implant configuration were compared in a worst-case scenario. A new V parameter is presented to aid the quantitative and comparative analysis of the all-on-four and six-implant configurations. The influence of orthotropy was also investigated, and a geometric change in the all-on-four configuration is presented.
