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Comparative Analysis of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Engaging in Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, demanding prevention approaches. Exercise is a powerful option for non-pharmacological strategies to improve cardiovascular outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on CVD in individuals with T2D. Methods: From 2013 through the end of 2023, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles. The studies included 15 articles lasting at least eight weeks and involving 1794 participants each. The cardiac events measured were blood pressure, lipid levels, heart rate variability (HRV), and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results: Aerobic training reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mmHg and 3 mmHg, respectively, while significantly enhancing lipid profiles, evidenced by an 8% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 5% rise in HDL cholesterol. In addition, improvements in lean muscle mass, insulin sensitivity, and slight changes in inflammatory markers support the benefits of resistance training. The most pronounced effects emerged from combined training, which resulted in a 9 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure, a 6 mmHg decrease in diastolic pressure, a 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol, a 15% increase in HRV, and a 10% reduction in CRP and IL-6 levels. Conclusions: Combined training has more favorable effects on several key CVD risk factors than aerobic or resistance training alone. It can be regarded as the most effective exercise modality for decreasing CVD risk in adults with T2D
Cabbage-derived exosome: an innovative purification method and potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical fields
No full textFlux-shaping configuration for improved triton burn up detection at the Divertor Tokamak Test facility
Full text linkThe measurement of 14 MeV neutrons in deuterium-deuterium plasmas provides insights into triton burn-up and confinement in magnetic fusion devices. At the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) facility, triton burn-up neutron yields will be measured by liquid scintillators and single-crystal diamond matrices, which are expected to face saturation-related issues due to low-energy neutron and gamma-ray interference. This work evaluates flux-shaping materials, such as borated polyethylene and lead, to enhance detector performance for the measurement of 14 MeV neutrons in the DTT mixed n/γ field. MCNP simulations are used to model neutron and gamma-ray transport through various material configurations and results show that a combination of a 30%-boron-loaded polyethylene slab followed by a layer of lead can effectively attenuate signals created by low-energy neutrons and gamma-rays while retaining the neutron flux above an energy threshold suitable for 14 MeV neutron measurements. Based on this, a modular configuration is proposed allowing the adjustment of material thicknesses between the different power scenarios of DTT to ensure a flat detector response. The proposed flux-shaping method allows for the insertion of different material combinations in front of each detector, which can extend its operational range by 1-3 orders of magnitude, to simultaneously cover with all three detectors the full spectrum of neutron yield scenarios anticipated at DTT
In-Vivo Accuracy of Autonomous Dental Implant Robotic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textPurpose: To systematically analyze the accuracy of autonomous dental implant robotic (ADIR) surgery for dental implant placement. Materials and methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched on February 21, 2024. Any clinical studies, with the exception of case reports, assessing ADIR accuracy by superimposing preoperative digital planning with postoperative CBCT images were included. The risk of bias was assessed, and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model to evaluate linear and angular deviations between planned and placed implants. Results: Data from six clinical studies reporting ADIR accuracy in 96 patients with 299 dental implants were included (102 implants in 69 partially edentulous patients, 197 implants in 27 complete-arch scenarios). The meta analysis at the implant level reported a mean overall accuracy of ADIR of 0.60 mm (95% CI [0.5133; 0.6965]) at the platform and 0.63 mm (95% CI [0.5663; 0.6909]) at the apex and 1.242 degrees (95% CI [1.2182; 1.6320]) of angular deviation. ADIR accuracy resulted in significantly higher values than static and dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this review, ADIR surgery has shown to be feasible for placing implants in both partially and completely edentulous patients, achieving consistent mean linear and angular deviations of approximately 0.6 mm and 1.40 degrees, respectively. However, clinical practicality of ADIR surgery remains cumbersome, with well-trained operators needed to plan and assist ADIR procedures as well as a technical expert providing backup control
Scalar waves from unbound orbits in a topological star spacetime: PN reconstruction of the field and radiation losses in a self-force approach
No full textWe analyze scalar wave emission from unbound orbits in a topological star spacetime. Our study uses a self-force approach and leads to a post-Newtonian reconstruction of the field along the orbit, both in the time domain and in the frequency domain. We also compute leading-order radiation losses, namely energy and angular momentum
Overqualification and Underemployment: Italian Validation of the Scale of Perceived Overqualification (SPOQ‐IT) in the Nursing Profession
Full text linkBackground: Acquired competencies, skills, and abilities can lead professionals into an overqualification situation that is associated with absenteeism, desire to abandon the respective profession, negative work performance, and interpersonal conflicts. Aim: To develop and validate the Italian version of Maynard’s Scale of Perceived Overqualification (SPOQ). Method: The SPOQ was linguistically and culturally adapted to develop and validate an Italian version (SPOQ-IT), calculating a content validity index and testing the scale validity with a cross-validation approach using Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs). Results: The SPOQ-IT had a good content validity index. Two dimensions (“overqualification” and “underemployment”) emerged from the exploratory and CFA. Age, gender, and working years affected the overqualification and underemployment perception in the Italian nursing profession. Conclusion: The SPOQ-IT has good psychometric properties and demonstrated that acquired competencies, skills, and abilities are often underexploited in the Italian nursing profession, leading to overqualification and underemployment perceptions. Implications for Nursing Management: Nursing managers should govern and monitor the overeducation and its effects on organizational and patients’ outcomes because the implementation of acquired competencies, skills, and abilities improves work performance and the quality of nursing care and avoids underemployment condition
JN.1 variants circulating in Italy from October 2023 to April 2024: genetic diversity and immune recognition
Full text linkBackground: The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants poses significant public health challenges. The latest designated subvariant JN.1, with all its descendants, shows more than 30 mutations in the spike gene. JN.1 has raised concerns due to its genomic diversity and its potential to enhance transmissibility and immune evasion. This study aims to analyse the molecular characteristics of JN.1-related lineages (JN.1*) identified in Italy from October 2023 to April 2024 and to evaluate the neutralization activity against JN.1 of a subsample of sera from individuals vaccinated with XBB.1.5 mRNA. Methods: The genomic diversity of the spike gene of 794 JN.1* strain was evaluated and phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare the distance to XBB.1.5. Moreover, serum neutralization assays were performed on a subsample of 19 healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccinated with the monovalent XBB.1.5 mRNA booster to assess neutralizing capacity against JN.1. Results: Sequence analysis displayed high spike variability between JN.1* and phylogenetic investigation confirmed a substantial differentiation between JN.1* and XBB.1.5 spike regions with 29 shared mutations, of which 17 were located within the RBD region. Pre-booster neutralization activity against JN.1 was observed in 42% of HCWs sera, increasing significantly post-booster, with all HCWs showing neutralization capacity three months after vaccination. A significant correlation was found between anti-trimeric Spike IgG levels and neutralizing titers against JN.1. Conclusions: The study highlights the variability of JN.1* in Italy. Results on a subsample of sera from HCWs vaccinated with XBB.1.5 mRNA booster vaccine suggested enhanced neutralization activity against JN.1
