220 research outputs found
Sleep microstructure in Parkinson's disease: cycling alternating pattern (CAP) as a sensitive marker of early NREM sleep instability.
No full text<p>Data set related to the journal article:</p>
<p>Priano L, Bigoni M, Albani G, Sellitti L, Giacomotti E, Picconi R, Cremascoli R, Zibetti M, Lopiano L, Mauro A. Sleep microstructure in Parkinson's disease: cycling alternating pattern (CAP) as a sensitive marker of early NREM sleep instability. Sleep Med. 2019 Sep;61:57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.025. Epub 2019 Apr 20. PMID: 31307885.</p>
Mechanisms underlying center of pressure displacements in obese subjects during quiet stance
No full textAbstract Objective the aim of this study was to assess whether reduced balance capacity in obese subjects is secondary to altered sensory information. Design cross sectional study. Subjects 44 obese (BMI = 40.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2 , age = 34.2 ± 10.8 years, body weight: 114,0 ± 16,0 Kg, body height 167,5 ± 9,8 cm) and 20 healthy controls (10 females, 10 males, BMI: 21.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2, age: 30.5 ± 5.5 years, body weight: 62,9 ± 9,3 Kg, body height 170,1 ± 5,8 cm) were enrolled. Measurements center of pressure (CoP) displacements were evaluated during quiet stance on a force platform with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). The Romberg quotient (EC/EO) was computed and compared between groups. Results we found statistically significant differences between obese and controls in CoP displacements (p 0.08). Conclusion the increased CoP displacements in obese subjects do not need an hypothesis about altered sensory information. The integration of different sensory inputs appears similar in controls and obese. In the latter, the increased mass, ankle torque and muscle activity may probably account for the higher CoP displacements.</p
Stress and Workload Assessment in Aviation—A Narrative Review
No full textIn aviation, any detail can have massive consequences. Among the potential sources of failure, human error is still the most troublesome to handle. Therefore, research concerning the management of mental workload, attention, and stress is of special interest in aviation. Recognizing conditions in which a pilot is over-challenged or cannot act lucidly could avoid serious outcomes. Furthermore, knowing in depth a pilot’s neurophysiological and cognitive–behavioral responses could allow for the optimization of equipment and procedures to minimize risk and increase safety. In addition, it could translate into a general enhancement of both the physical and mental well-being of pilots, producing a healthier and more ergonomic work environment. This review brings together literature on the study of stress and workload in the specific case of pilots of both civil and military aircraft. The most common approaches for studying these phenomena in the avionic context are explored in this review, with a focus on objective methodologies (e.g., the collection and analysis of neurophysiological signals). This review aims to identify the pros, cons, and applicability of the various approaches, to enable the design of an optimal protocol for a comprehensive study of these issues
A Preliminary Comparison between Traditional and Gamified Leg Agility Assessment in Parkinsonian Subjects
No full textParkinson's disease (PD) severity is assessed through a set of standardised tasks defined by clinical scales such as the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). In particular, Leg Agility is a well-established test among the motor tasks included in UPDRS, which consists in repeated cycles of knee lifting and lowering, while sitting on a chair. Leg Agility objective evaluation through optical devices is often investigated for telemedicine applications. Moreover, remote rehabilitation for PD subjects through virtual exergaming is becoming a popular approach thanks to its versatility, increased user engagement and the possibility of coupling it with remote monitoring tools. This work investigates if lower-limb exergaming may also be exploited for assessment purposes similar to traditional evaluation. In particular, if there exists a statistical difference between the kinematic description of Leg Agility versus the one of a Bouncing Ball exergame, as provided by an optical (RGB-D) acquisition system suitable for remote monitoring. Preliminary results obtained by the comparison of the two types of assessment in a small group of parkinsonian subjects are presented and discussed
New Perspectives in Nonintrusive Sleep Monitoring for Neurodegenerative Diseases—A Narrative Review
No full textGood sleep quality is of primary importance in ensuring people’s health and well-being. In fact, sleep disorders have well-known adverse effects on quality of life, as they influence attention, memory, mood, and various physiological regulatory body functions. Sleep alterations are often strictly related to age and comorbidities. For example, in neurodegenerative diseases, symptoms may be aggravated by alterations in sleep cycles or, vice versa, may be the cause of sleep disruption. Polysomnography is the primary instrumental method to investigate sleep diseases; however, its use is limited to clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available innovative technologies and methodologies proposed for less invasive sleep-disorder analysis, with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders. The paper intends to summarize the main studies, selected between 2010 and 2022, from different perspectives covering three relevant contexts, the use of wearable and non-wearable technologies, and application to specific neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the review provides a qualitative summary for each selected article concerning the objectives, instrumentation, metrics, and impact of the results obtained, in order to facilitate the comparison among methodological approaches and overall findings
THE RULES OF THE GAME OF DEMOCRATIC PUBLIC DISCOURSE
No full textIn response to the negative phenomena that characterize contemporary public discourse, such as the spreading of hate and toxic speech, fake news, disinformation, conspiracy theories, etc., this dissertation addresses the following research question: how should ordinary citizens publicly discuss in order to ensure social harmony? To understand the duties and responsibilities of ordinary citizens when participating in public discourse, this dissertation is structured around the key models of public discourse centered on an idea of social harmony. In particular, even if these models entail a different idea of social harmony, they all propose to conduct disputes and disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner. The first model is the Rawlsian account of public reason, the second one is the Habermasian model of deliberative democracy, and, finally, the third model is the Deweyan pragmatist approach to public discourse. The first three chapters are dedicated to analyzing these three models of public discourse. In addition, for each model, I highlight possible problems and advance critical arguments, highlighting limitations and possible challenges of each. After reconstructing them, I critically engage with these theoretical frameworks. In the final chapter, I propose a definition of public discourse and address the research question by identifying the normative principles that, in my view, constitute the rules of the game for public discourse apt to reach social harmony: (i) the duty of listening and uptake; (ii) the duty of accuracy and sincerity; (iii) the duty of civility
Neuropsychological and neurophysiological evaluation after anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm surgery.
No full text- …
