1,721,056 research outputs found
Prefazione
No full textBreve introduzione in cui si colloca l'opera di Laura Liberale nella tradizione lessicografica indiana
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MEDIUM? A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ON THE MEDIUMSHIP EXPERIENCE IN ITALY
No full textFew studies have focused on the point of view of individuals who claim to possess mediumistic abilities. The present study aimed to explore these experiences, including the onset and hypothetical development of such abilities, the modalities in which mediumistic sessions occur, and the ethical value attributed by mediums to their abilities, as well as the relationship they establish with those who are grieving. Data were collected from nine Italian mediums (all female, mean 58; SD = 11). Semi-structured interviews were realised following Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The collected data were processed using Thematic Analysis. Three main thematic areas emerged from the analysis: ‘Onset and development of mediumistic abilities’, ‘Channelling process and modalities’, and ‘Relationship with grievers and ethical dimension’. The results revealed a wide range of experiences related to the onset and development of similar abilities, although the occurrence of losses and grief in childhood and/or adulthood often emerged as a significant motivational factor. Different approaches to conducting mediumistic sessions were also identified. Participants emphasised the high ethical value they ascribed to their abilities as a means of alleviating the suffering of those who are grieving
The Role of Vascular Aging in Atherosclerotic Plaque Development and Vulnerability
No full textBACKGROUND
The ongoing demographical shift is leading to an unprecedented aging of the population. As a consequence, the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications is set to increase in the near future. Endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening characterize arterial aging and set the stage for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerotic plaques evolve over time, the extent to which these changes might affect their stability and predispose to sudden complications remains to be determined. Recent advances in imaging technology will allow for longitudinal prospective studies following the progression of plaque burden aimed at better characterizing changes over time associated with plaque stability or rupture. Oxidative stress and inflammation, firmly established driving forces of age-related CV dysfunction, also play an important role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture. Several genes involved in lifespan determination are known regulator of redox cellular balance and pre-clinical evidence underlines their pathophysiological roles in age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this narrative review is to examine the impact of aging on arterial function and atherosclerotic plaque development. Furthermore, we report how molecular mechanisms of vascular aging might regulate age-related plaque modifications and how this may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to attenuate the increased risk of CV disease in elderly people
Erratum to: The Role of Adipocytokines in Coronary Atherosclerosis (Current Atherosclerosis Reports, (2017), 19, 2, (10), 10.1007/s11883-017-0644-3)
No full textConcerning the paper entitled, “The role of adipocytokine in coronary atherosclerosis” the author to be corrected is Casula Matteo. The correct form is Matteo Casula. Matteo is the first name whereas Casula is the family name
Impact of red wine consumption on cardiovascular health
No full textBackground: The devastating effects of heavy alcohol drinking have been long time recognized. In the last decades, potential benefits of modest red wine drinking were suggested. In European countries in which red wide intake is not negligible (such as France), the association between cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) risk was less evident, suggesting the action of some protective molecules in red wine or other foods and drinks. Methods: This narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed up to May 2016. The search terms we used were: "red wine, cardiovascular, alcohol" in combination with "polyphenols, heart failure, infarction". Results: Epidemiological and mechanistic evidence of a J-shaped relationship between red wine intake and CV risk further supported the "French paradox". Specific components of red wine both in vitro and in animal models were discovered. Polyphenols and especially resveratrol largely contribute to CV prevention mainly through antioxidant properties. They exert beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic diseases, thus reducing the risk of adverse CV events such as myocardial infarction ischemic stroke and heart failure. Of interest, recent studies pointed out the role of ethanol itself as a potential cardioprotective agent, but a clear epidemiological evidence is still missing. The aim of this narrative review is to update current knowledge on the intracellular mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols and ethanol. Furthermore, we summarized the results of epidemiological studies, emphasizing their methodological criticisms and the need for randomized clinical trials able to clarify the potential role of red wine consumption in reducing CV risk. Conclusion: Caution in avowing underestimation of the global burden of alcohol-related diseases was particularly used
Right ventricle dysfunction assessment for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair: A matter of debate
No full textNewer approaches in transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) have recently showed optimistic data of efficacy and safety in patients at high risk for surgery. However, the absence of residual regurgitation (and subsequently higher likelihood for developing afterload mismatch) with TTVR compared with transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention may become a critical concern if RV dysfunction is misdiagnosed. Indeed, such sudden increase in afterload on the right ventricle (RV) may not be tolerable, resulting in higher risk of acute right heart failure in the early postoperative period. In this context, strain imaging may find a further application to provide a more comprehensive stratification of the severity of RV dysfunction and thus help to better define the eligibility criteria and timing for TTVR. Meanwhile, it is of paramount importance to underline the contribution given by the Trivalve study on the understanding of the role of RV function in TTVI, that so far was largely undefined, being evaluated only in small noncontrolled cohorts
Pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer: An updated and operative guide for diagnosis and management
No full textCancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Appropriate risk stratification for primary and secondary VTE prevention as well as for risk of early death in acute setting is needed for an adequate treatment. Despite enormous advances have been made in the management of VTE in the last two decades, optimal medical therapy remains a major concern due to still high incidence of both symptomatic and incidental pulmonary embolism (PE), its recurrence, poor survival rate, bleeding risk and multiple drugs interactions. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) simplified the treatment of VTE as compared to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) due to their oral administration, fixed dose regimens and lower cost. However, their prescription requires extra caution, especially in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Lastly, data on reperfusion approaches remain confined to case series and subgroups analysis. The aim of this review is to summarize recent knowledge concerning PE in patients with malignancies, focusing on available treatments and decision making
LIMITS AND MEANINGS TO THE CHALLENGING TERRITORY OF MEDIUMSHIP A QUALITATIVE STUDY WITH GRIEVERS
No full textThe loss of a loved one causes great upheaval in people’s lives, and the bereaved may turn to unconventional methods to feel closer to the deceased, such as relying on a medium. The aim of this study was to investigate this experience and its effects. A qualitative research design involving five participants was applied through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four main thematic areas emerged: the motivations that led participants to seek support from a medium, their experiences during the encounter, friends’ and relatives’ views on mediumship, and changes in the grieving process. Despite the various reasons that led the bereaved to ask for a mediumistic consultation, almost all participants believe the experience helped them overcome their grief
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