16 research outputs found
Carotid intervention 3: The evidence for cerebral protection
No full textCarotid stenting is a safe alternative option to conventional carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in patients considered poor candidates for surgery or who choose not to have open surgery. During the stenting procedure, however, distal embolization may occur with neurological sequelae. To reduce the incidence of this, several cerebral-protection devices (CPDs) have been developed. Different types of CPDs are now commercially available: distal occlusion balloons, distal filters, and proximal protection devices-+ with or without reversal of flow. But complications can occur with their use and are usually associated with an inability to cross the lesion, failure to capture the emboli, vasospasm, and vessel wall injury. Because protection devices are currently the focus of interest by manufacturers and physicians, several trials are going on worldwide to analyze the characteristics of each of them and to evaluate their efficacy in reducing the rate of distal embolization. Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc
Cognitive experience of oral cancer among young people of Sapienza University of Rome
No full textAims: the aim of this study was to analyse the awareness of oral cancer among young adults in the city of Rome.
Materials and methods: during the orientation period for new graduates students, or “Porte aperte“, organised by the Sapienza University of Rome in July 2009 and 2010, a survey among young people regarding their knowledge on the risk factors, the importance of early diagnosis, and the methods for primary and secondary prevention of oral cancer was conducted. A total of 1125 questionnaires were administered to subjects who agreed to respond to assess the level of knowledge of
the disease.
Results: only 45.3% of the sample population was aware of the existence of oral cancer; among these individuals, 36.9% did not perceive seriousness of the malignancy.
High school students who attended a scientific high school knew the risk factors better than the students who attended classical and technical high school.
Conclusions: rigorous educational programs along with diagnostic strategies promise to reduce the burden of oral cancer. The data obtained from this study highlight the need to increase health education, especially among young people in humanistic or technical high schools and universities (Classical High School, Technical
Institutes, Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Law) where there is a lack of knowledge concerning oral cancer prevention
THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SUPPORTED BY TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES ON GAIT ANALYSIS IN ADULTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN: A PILOT STUDY
No full textGait and balance directly impact the autonomy and quality of life of subjects with low back pain. In this context, TecnoBody®️ robotic devices play an active and complementary role in assessing and programming physical activity adapted to the subject's functional limitations [1]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical activity protocol administered and monitored through digital technology devices on gait analysis in Low back pain subjects. In total, 19 participants affected by Low Back Pain, with an average age of di 62.26±16.45, joined the study. All subjects presented impaired balance and walking at the first assessment. For each, an initial (T0) and final (T1) gait analysis was performed using the Walker view (Wv) device from Tecnobody®️[2]. The integrated use of the 3D video camera allowed obtaining data inherent to the RoM of the trunk, such as anteroposterior oscillations and lateromedial tilts, the RoM of hips and knees. Flexion-extension and prone-supination movements of the foot were detected using inertial sensors that were inserted inside special socks and placed at the level of the metatarsal. Participants took part in a 4-week training protocol with a frequency of 3 times a week, lasting 45' structured as follows: 5' warm-up on Wv followed by 35' with free-body and small apparatus exercises and 5' of cool down with stretching exercises. Across a paired-sample t-test, we found statistical significance in the mean value of trunk flexion-extension (p=0.009); RoM of trunk lateral flexion (p=0.010); RoM of right foot (p < 0.01) and left foot (p=0.004). In conclusion, these devices allow continuous and personalized monitoring of the subject's gait movement and posture, inducing adaptations in subjects with Low Back Pain. Therefore, the combination of physical activity and the use of hi-tech devices, such as wearable sensors, movement monitoring apps, and real-time feedback systems, offers new opportunities for the management of Low Back Pain. However, further long-term investigation is needed to assess their sustainable effects and integration into traditional exercise programs
Interventional Radiology Outpatient Clinics (IROC): Clinical Impact and Patient Satisfaction
No full textPurpose To retrospectively analyze our interventional radiology outpatient clinics (IROC) for referral patterns, impact on interventional practice, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods Consultations performed between 2011 and 2019 were extracted. The two consecutive years with the highest number of consultations (n(2018) = 1426; n(2019) = 1595) were compared for unattended consultations (i.e., scheduled consultations with patients not showing-up); initial/follow-up consultations; hospital clinician/general practitioner referrals; initial consultations with radiologists not recommending interventions; procedural conversion rate (PCR; i.e., No. initial consultations resulting in interventions over the total number of initial consultations performed for the same clinical indication). A survey was conducted in 159 patients to determine their satisfaction. Results Consultations increased from 2011 to 2019 by 130%. In 2018-2019, the number of unattended consultations was stable (7.0% vs 6.6%;P = .68). The referrals were for back pain (42.2%), interventional oncology (40.5%), and arteriovenous malformations (9.0%). For back pain, in 2019, there were fewer consultations with radiologists not recommending interventions and increased PCR compared to 2018 (11.9% vs. 17.7%; 88.1% vs. 82.3%; respectively;P = .01). For interventional oncology, follow-up consultations and general practitioner referrals increased in 2019 compared to 2018 (43.0% vs 35.3%;P = .01; 24.4% vs. 12.7%;P < .01; respectively). No other changes were noted. Cumulative 2018-2019 PCR was >= 85.4%. 99.2% responders highly appreciated their IROC experience. Quality of secretarial and medical services were the main aspects evaluated to rate the experience with IROC. Conclusion IROC results in high PCR. Recent changes in referral/impact on IR practice were noted with patients referred for back pain and interventional oncology
Genetic Profiling and Performance Optimization in Elite Combat Sport Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Total Genetic Score Analysis
No full textBackground/Objectives: The interplay between genetics and athletic performance has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding performance-enhancing polymorphisms (PEPs) and their role in determining key traits that are critical for athletic success. Therefore, this study investigates the genetic predispositions related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and creatine kinase muscle-type (CKM) gene variants and their potential influence on elite point-fighting (PF) athletes. Methods: A total of 24 elite PF athletes (12 women and 12 men; age = 22.1 ± 5.8 years; body mass = 66.1 ± 15.4 kg; and height = 173.0 ± 9.5 cm, BMI = 21.8 ± 3.2 kg·m−2) participated in the study. Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping, analyzing the prevalence of key genetic markers, including the D allele and ID genotype for the ACE variant, the G allele and GG genotype for PPARα, and the A allele and AA genotype for CKM. Results: Genotyping revealed a high prevalence of key genetic markers among participants, with the D allele (58.33%) and ID genotype (66.67%) for the ACE variant, the G allele (77.08%) and GG genotype (54.17%) for PPARα, and the A allele (77.08%) with an AA genotype (62.50%) for CKM. The Total Genetic Score (TGS) analysis indicated a mixed-oriented genetic predisposition across the sample. Conclusions: Although PF athletes showed mixed aerobic/anaerobic genetic profiles, their training routines were primarily strength-oriented, suggesting a possible misalignment between genetic predispositions and their current training approach. These findings offer preliminary insights into the genetic characteristics of elite PF athletes and may inform future investigations into the potential role of genetic information in guiding training strategies
Genetic and environmental effects on carotid flow velocities: An international twin study
No full textIntroduction: Altered carotid blood flow velocities (CFV) have a complex background but the underlying genetic contribution is still unclear. We sought to evaluate the influence of genetics, shared and unshared environmental components on individual differences of CFV. Methods: 193 healthy twin pairs, 126 monozygotic (MZ) and 67 dizygotic (DZ) (mean age 53±14 years) recruited in Italy, in the United States and in Hungary underwent bilateral color-coded Doppler flow assessment of the common carotid artery (CCA) and of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in order to assess the peak systolic (PSV) and end diastolic (EDV) velocities. Means of bilateral CFV values were used in the analysis. Results: Age- and country-adjusted intra-class correlations were higher in monozygotic than in dizygotic pairs for mean PSV of the ICA indicating a heritability of 63%. Unique environmental factors contributed to 37% of ICA PSV. With regards to the mean PSV and EDV of the CCA, and EDV of the ICA, heritabi
Twins Lead to the Prevention of Atherosclerosis: Preliminary Findings of International Twin Study 2009
No full textABSTRACT Introduction.—Atherosclerosis is an infl ammatory process in which the artery wall
thickens as a result of plaque deposition, but this process may be preceded by increased arterial
stiffness. We sought to evaluate the infl uence of genetics and shared and unshared environmental
components on the onset of atherosclerosis.
Methods.—A total of 135 monozygotic (MZ) and 70 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs (mean age 49 ± 16
years) underwent carotid intima media thickness (IMT; carotid analyzer) and arterial stiffness
(augmentation index on brachial artery [Aixbra], pulse wave velocity on aorta [PWVao]; TensioMed
Arteriograph) measurements.
Results.—Age-adjusted intraclass correlations were greater in MZ than in DZ pairs for proximal
right common carotid artery (CCA; MZ = 0.19, DZ = 0.06), proximal and distal left CCA
(MZ = 0.27, DZ = 0.06; MZ = 0.27, DZ = 0.13, respectively), and proximal left internal carotid
artery (ICA; MZ = 0.39, DZ = −0.54), suggesting a moderate genetic effect. Heritability was
estimated to be 18% (95% confi dence interval [CI] = 3–33) for proximal right CCA, 26% and
27% for proximal and distal left CCA, respectively, and 38% (95% CI = 26–49) for proximal left
ICA. Regarding distal right CCA and proximal right ICA, no genetic effects were detected.
Age-adjusted intraclass correlation of Aixbra and PWVao were 0.65 (95% CI = 0.55–0.72) and
0.46 (95% CI = 0.33–0.57) in MZ, 0.42 (95% CI = 0.24–0.57) and 0.28 (95% CI = 0.08–0.47) in DZ
pairs; heritability 45% (95% CI = 12–71%) and 42% (95% CI = 2–57%) adjusted by age,
respectively.
Conclusions.—The investigated parameters appeared to be only moderately infl uenced by genetic
factors. Environmental factors of relevance for these measures appeared not to be shared
within family but related to individual experience (e.g., smoking habits, diet, and physical activity).
Atherosclerosis detection at an early stage is necessary for treatment to prevent serious complications
such as stroke and heart attack
Geochemical survey of Levante Bay, Vulcano Island (Italy), a natural laboratory for the study of ocean acidification
No full textShallow submarine gas vents in Levante Bay, Vulcano Island (Italy), emit around 3.6t CO2 per day providing a natural laboratory for the study of biogeochemical processes related to seabed CO2 leaks and ocean acidification. The main physico-chemical parameters (T, pH and Eh) were measured at more than 70 stations with 40 seawater samples were collected for chemical analyses. The main gas vent area had high concentrations of dissolved hydrothermal gases, low pH and negative redox values all of which returned to normal seawater values at distances of about 400m from the main vents. Much of the bay around the vents is corrosive to calcium carbonate; the north shore has a gradient in seawater carbonate chemistry that is well suited to studies of the effects of long-term increases in CO2 levels. This shoreline lacks toxic compounds (such as H2S) and has a gradient in carbonate saturation states
Heritability of arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness:an Italian twin study
No full textBackground and aims: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness parameters, including aortic augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), are independent predictors of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Genetic effects on these traits were never explored in a Mediterranean country. The present study aims to quantify the contribution of genes, environment and age to carotid IMT and aortic Aix and PWV.
Methods and results: The twin design was used. A total of 348 adult twins from the Italian Twin Register underwent measurements of carotid IMT and aortic PWV and AIx in three university hospitals located in Rome, Padua and Perugia. Carotid IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasound, aortic PWV and AIx by Arteriograph. Genetic modelling was performed to decompose total variance of traits into genetic, shared and unshared environmental and age components. For each phenotype, the best-fitting model included additive genetic, unshared environmental and age effects. For IMT, heritability was 0.32 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.38), unshared environmental component was 0.25 (0.18-0.32) and age contribution was 0.44 (0.39-0.49). For AIx and PWV, heritabilities were 0.42 (0.29-0.55) and 0.49 (0.35-0.62), unshared environmental components were 0.31 (0.22-0.44) and 0.37 (0.26-0.51) and age contributions were 0.27 (0.16-0.39) and 0.14 (0.06-0.24), respectively.
Conclusion: This study shows substantial genetic and unshared environmental influences on carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness and confirms the relevant role of age in the aetiology of these traits. Further support is provided for prevention and health promotion strategies based on modifiable factors
