94 research outputs found
Cybersex and Attachment Styles: Proposal of the Emotional and Relational Aspects in Cybersex Activities (ERACA) Questionnaire
No full textThe current study presents the development and the initial validation of a new questionnaire to assess individual differences in emotional and relational aspects related to cybersex activities (i.e., the ERACA). A total of 246 adults (105 females, mean age = 31.89 years, SD = 10.03) coming from the general adult population participated in the study. The items of the ERACA were developed considering the extant literature, and an exploratory factor analysis approach indicated a three-factor structure (i.e., the gratification of the Self through the objectification of other people, the gratification of the Self through relational aspects, betrayal, and infidelity). The associations between the dimensions of the ERACA and dimensional measures of both attachment styles and online sexual behaviors indicated that different aspects related to the quality of the relationships play a different role in individual differences concerning emotional and relational aspects of cybersex activities. The discussion emphasizes the potential usefulness of the ERACA questionnaire for both research purposes and from a health-promoting point of view
Hypertension in special populations: athletes.
No full textPhysical exercise is known to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk through a wide range of mechanisms. Nevertheless, hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease among athletes and physically active subjects. This article reviews the state of the art in practical approaches to this issue, focusing on special aspects a physician should take into account when diagnosing hypertension, such as screening of secondary causes, assessment of global cardiovascular risk and target organ damage and, in addition, the treatment choice in athletes
The Neolignan Honokiol and Its Synthetic Derivative Honokiol Hexafluoro Reduce Neuroinflammation and Cellular Senescence in Microglia Cells
No full textMicroglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Inflammation and aging contribute to microglial senescence. Microglial senescence promotes the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-senescence activity of Honokiol (HNK), a polyphenolic neolignane from Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H Wilson, in comparison with its synthetic analogue Honokiol Hexafluoro (CH). HNK reduced the pro-inflammatory cell morphology of LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with an efficacy comparable to CH. HNK and CH were also able to attenuate the alterations in cell morphology associated with cellular senescence in BV2 cells intermittently stimulated with LPS and significantly reduce the activity and expression of the senescence marker ß-galactosidase and the expression of p21 and pERK1/2. The treatments reduced the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors IL-1ß and NF-kB, decreased ROS production, and abolished H2AX over phosphorylation (γ-H2AX) and acetylated H3 overexpression. Senescent microglia cells showed an increased expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 that was reduced by HNK and CH with a comparable efficacy to the Notch inhibitor DAPT. Overall, our data illustrate a protective activity of HNK and CH on neuroinflammation and cellular senescence in microglia cells involving a Notch-signaling-mediated mechanism and suggesting a potential therapeutic contribution in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases
Altered motor function during daily activities in patients eligible for high tibial osteotomy is primarily driven by knee varus deformity
No full textAims: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and varus deformity present altered gait parameters, especially a large knee adduction moment that is predictive of OA progression. The distinct role of each coexisting parameter, such as OA grade, varus deformity, and previous meniscectomy, in the setting of high tibial osteotomy is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the motor function parameters in patients eligible for high tibial osteotomy during walking, stair ascending, and stair descending, and to evaluate the effect of OA grade, varus deformity, and meniscectomy. Methods: A total of 52 patients with knee OA and varus deformity participated in this study, including 22 with previous partial meniscectomy, alongside 20 healthy controls. Imaging and motion-capture data during walking, stair ascending, and descending were acquired. Subject characteristics, joint kinematics, joint kinetics, and electromyography on-off activities were compared to evaluate statistically significant differences between the patients and healthy groups. Additionally, multiple linear regression evaluated the relationships between OA grade, varus deformity, and previous meniscectomy with motor function parameters. Results: The patients group showed significantly higher knee adduction and rotation moments, lower hip adduction and ankle inversion, and higher knee adduction and trunk flexion compared with the healthy group, as well as significantly increased biceps femoris activity. In addition, larger varus deformity showed a more marked effect on the major motor function parameters compared with OA grade and previous meniscectomy, especially during walking. Conclusion: Patients eligible for high tibial osteotomy move with altered motor function during daily activities, and the coexisting factors of OA grade, varus malalignment, and previous meniscectomy have different impacts, with varus deformity primarily affecting motor function. These findings help to detect the target that should be considered priority in the treatment of high tibial osteotomy, and highlight the importance of realigning the lower limb to possibly restore motor function. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2025;6(4):454–462
Carotid and aortic stiffness in essential hypertension and their relation with target organ damage: the CATOD study
No full textAbstract
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the study is to investigate in the hypertensive population the possible differential association between increased aortic and/or carotid stiffness and organ damage in multiple districts, such as the kidney, the vessels, and the heart.
METHODS:
In 314 essential hypertensive patients, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, by applanation tonometry) and carotid stiffness (from ultrasound images analysis), together with left ventricular hypertrophy, carotid intima-media thickness, urinary albumin-creatinin ratio, and glomerular filtration rate were measured. Increased cfPWV and carotid stiffness were defined according to either international reference values or the 90th percentile of a local control group (110 age and sex-matched healthy individuals).
RESULTS:
When considering the 90th percentile of a local control group, increased cfPWV was associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate, either when carotid stiffness was increased [odds ratio (OR) 13.27 (confidence limits (CL) 95% 3.86-45.58)] or not [OR 7.39 (CL95% 2.25-24.28)], whereas increased carotid stiffness was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, either when cfPWV was increased [OR 2.86 (CL95% 1.15-7.09)] or not [OR 2.81 (CL95% 1.13-6.97)]. No association between increased cfPWV or carotid stiffness and target organ damage was found when cutoffs obtained by international reference values were used. The concomitance of both increased cfPWV and carotid stiffness did not have an additive effect on organ damage.
CONCLUSION:
Aortic and carotid stiffness are differentially associated with target organ damage in hypertensive patients. Regional arterial stiffness as assessed by cfPWV is associated with renal organ damage and local carotid stiffness with cardiac organ damag
Combination therapy with lercanidipine and enalapril reduced central blood pressure augmentation in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome
No full textArterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) augmentation are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. In a randomized, open, parallel group study we compared the effect on these parameters of combination therapy with an ACE-inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker or thiazide diuretic in 76 hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome uncontrolled by ACE-inhibitor monotherapy. After 4weeks run-in with enalapril (ENA, 20mg), patients were randomized to a combination therapy with lercanidipine (LER, 10-20mg) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCT, 12.5-25mg) for 24weeks. Aortic stiffness (carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity, PWV), central BP values and augmentation (augmentation index, AIx) were measured by applanation tonometry. The two groups showed similar office and central BP after run-in. Office (ENA/LER: from 149.1±4.9/94.5±1.5 to 131.7±8.1/82.2±5.3; ENA/HCT: from 150.3±4.7/94.7±2.1 to 133.1±7.1/82.8±5.3mmHg) and central BP (ENA/LER 127.4±17.1/85.2±12.1 to 120.5±13.5/80.0±9.5mmHg; ENA/HCT 121.6±13.4/79.3±9.5mmHg) were similarly reduced after 24weeks. PWV was comparable after run-in and not differently reduced by the two treatments (ENA/LER from 8.6±1.5 to 8.1±1.3m/s, p<0.05; ENA/HCT from 8.5±1.2 to 8.2±1.0m/s, p<0.05). Finally, both combinations reduced AIx, but its reduction was significantly greater (p<0.05) in ENA/LER (from 26.8±10.9 to 20.6±9.1%) than in ENA/HCT arm (from 28.2±9.0 to 24.7±8.7%). In conclusion, the combination with LER caused a similar PWV reduction as compared to HCT, but a greater reduction in AIx in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome not controlled by ENA alone. These results indicate a positive effect of the combination of ENA/LER on central BP augmentation, suggesting a potential additive role for cardiovascular protection
Combination therapy with lercanidipine and enalapril reduced central blood pressure augmentation in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome
No full textArterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) augmentation are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. In a randomized, open, parallel group study we compared the effect on these parameters of combination therapy with an ACE-inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker or thiazide diuretic in 76 hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome uncontrolled by ACE-inhibitor monotherapy.After 4. weeks run-in with enalapril (ENA, 20 mg), patients were randomized to a combination therapy with lercanidipine (LER, 10-20 mg) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCT, 12.5-25 mg) for 24. weeks. Aortic stiffness (carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity, PWV), central BP values and augmentation (augmentation index, AIx) were measured by applanation tonometry.The two groups showed similar office and central BP after run-in. Office (ENA/LER: from 149.1. ±. 4.9/94.5. ±. 1.5 to 131.7. ±. 8.1/82.2. ±. 5.3; ENA/HCT: from 150.3. ±. 4.7/94.7. ±. 2.1 to 133.1. ±. 7.1/82.8. ±. 5.3 mm. Hg) and central BP (ENA/LER 127.4. ±. 17.1/85.2. ±. 12.1 to 120.5. ±. 13.5/80.0. ±. 9.5 mm. Hg; ENA/HCT 121.6. ±. 13.4/79.3. ±. 9.5 mm. Hg) were similarly reduced after 24. weeks. PWV was comparable after run-in and not differently reduced by the two treatments (ENA/LER from 8.6. ±. 1.5 to 8.1. ±. 1.3 m/s, p. <. 0.05; ENA/HCT from 8.5. ±. 1.2 to 8.2. ±. 1.0 m/s, p. <. 0.05). Finally, both combinations reduced AIx, but its reduction was significantly greater (p. <. 0.05) in ENA/LER (from 26.8. ±. 10.9 to 20.6. ±. 9.1%) than in ENA/HCT arm (from 28.2. ±. 9.0 to 24.7. ±. 8.7%).In conclusion, the combination with LER caused a similar PWV reduction as compared to HCT, but a greater reduction in AIx in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome not controlled by ENA alone. These results indicate a positive effect of the combination of ENA/LER on central BP augmentation, suggesting a potential additive role for cardiovascular protection
Il paradigma mitico negli oratori attici del IV secolo: tra continuità e innovazione
No full textNei loro testi, gli oratori del IV secolo impiegano frequentemente riferimenti al passato a fini persuasivi, recuperando una pratica già consolidata, in particolare, nell’epica omerica e nella tragedia. Questo lavoro si propone pertanto di indagare le potenzialità di uno strumento originariamente poetico, il paradigma mitico, quando impiegato in un diverso contesto, per mostrare come questo mezzo espressivo rimanga produttivo e acquisti inediti significati anche nella prosa oratoria del IV secolo, pur con i dovuti e indicativi adattamenti. Nella prima parte del lavoro si tenta dunque di definire il concetto di mito, esaminando poi lo spazio che il materiale mitico si ritaglia nell’attualità della prosa, e il margine di elaborazione che all’oratore è concesso in tale contesto. In particolare, risulta che la valutazione della qualità paradigmatica del passato mitico muti in relazione all’occasione del discorso e agli obiettivi che il singolo oratore intende perseguire. Nella seconda parte dell’elaborato viene assunto il paradigma della guerra di Troia come caso di studio particolare, per evidenziare come l’exemplum mitico abbia per gli oratori, e specialmente per Isocrate, anche una funzione propagandistica. L’analisi dimostra che, se introdotto a fini esortativi-politici, il paradigma mitico non può essere analizzato in tutte le sue diverse e talora contraddittorie sfumature, ma solo per gli aspetti necessari all’obiettivo contingente. Ecco che allora, per fungere da modelli di comportamento, gli eroi del ciclo troiano diventano, soprattutto in Isocrate, personaggi astratti e idealizzati, privi degli aspetti emotivi e dei chiaroscuri su cui aveva invece fatto leva specialmente la narrazione tragica. L’operazione di selezione e rielaborazione è del resto possibile proprio perché il mito è un materiale fluido, non verificabile, spesso distorto dall’opera dei poeti
Associazione tra profilo di rischio cardiovascolare e depressione in una popolazione ipertesa
No full textRAZIONALE E SCOPO DELLA TESI: nel nostro studio trasversale di coorte abbiamo indagato la prevalenza di sintomi depressivi in una popolazione di pazienti con ipertensione arteriosa che sono stati seguiti presso il Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Cura e Diagnosi di Ipertensione. Lo scopo della tesi è valutare se esista un’associazione tra la presenza di sintomi depressivi e fattori come il controllo pressorio e i fattori di rischio cardiovascolare.
METODI: sono stati arruolati 371 pazienti di età media 56.6±12.8 anni con diagnosi di ipertensione arteriosa essenziale. I partecipanti sono stati valutati dal punto di vista cardiovascolare e psicologico, con anamnesi ed esame obiettivo, misurazione della pressione arteriosa clinica, dati di esami ematochimici, urinari e strumentali per la valutazione del rischio cardiovascolare, del danno d’organo e di eventuali cause secondarie di ipertensione arteriosa. I pazienti hanno compilato i seguenti questionari: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), al fine di valutare la presenza di sintomi depressivi; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) per valutare la qualità del sonno; State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) per valutare la presenza di ansia di tratto. La presenza di sintomi depressivi è stata definita per valori di BDI>10.
RISULTATI: Abbiamo analizzato i dati di 330 pazienti (età media 56.6 ± 12.8 anni, 51.1%uomini, 83.5% in terapia antiipertensiva). La prevalenza di sintomi depressivi era dell’11%. La Pressione Arteriosa non è significativamente diversa tra pazienti con sintomi depressivi e non (p 0.30) e i due gruppi non presentavano significative differenze in termini di stile di vita, attività fisica, consumo di alcool e fumo di sigaretta. La presenza di sintomi depressivi si associava alle seguenti caratteristiche: sesso femminile (75.7 vs 45.9%, p<0.001), ipertrigliceridemia (44.8 vs 19.4%, p=0.002), basso HDL (32.1 vs 14.6%, p=0.01), cattiva qualità del sonno (70.3 vs 30.7%, p<0.001) e ansia di tratto (89.2% vs 34.9%, p<0.001). Inoltre i pazienti con sintomi depressivi presentavano una pressione di pulsazione più elevata (61.4±14.3 vs 56.0±13.5 mmHg, p=0.03), valori di colesterolo più elevati e tendevano ad avere un’età più avanzata (60.4±11.4 vs 56.5±12.8 anni, p=0.11).
In un modello di regressione logistica multipla che includeva la presenza di sintomi depressivi come variabile dipendente, l’ipetrigliceridemia [OR 3.00 (1.09-8.26)], la cattiva qualità del sonno [OR 3.26 (1.20-8.84)] e l’ansia di tratto [OR 8.42 (2.29-31.0)] erano associati in maniera significativa alla presenza di sintomi depressivi. I risultati erano sovrapponibili se si escludevano i pazienti in terapia con farmaci psichiatrici.
CONCLUSIONI: in una popolazione di pazienti ipertesi, l’ipertrigliceridemia è associata in maniera indipendente alla presenza di sintomi depressivi
A Family with γ-Thalassemia and High Hb A2 Levels
No full textWe describe a family carrying a g-globin gene deletion associated with an increase of Hb A2
level beyond the normal range. The family included the proband, his sister and their father, all
with increased Hb A2 and normal Hb F levels. The proband and his sister showed borderline
values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and reduced values of mean corpuscular
hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH). The proband was referred to our Medical Genetics Service for
preconception counseling together with his partner, a typical b-thalassemia (b-thal) carrier. The
results were negative for the most frequent a-thalassemia (a-thal) mutations, and had no
significant sequence variations of the coding sequences and promoter of the b- and d-globin
genes. Quantitative analysis by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MPLA) of the
b-globin gene cluster detected a heterozygous deletion, ranging between 2.1 and 4.7 kb, in the
proband, his sister and the father. The deletion involved the Gg gene and Gg-Ag intergenic
region, whereas the 3’ region of the Ag gene was preserved. A subsequent gap-polymerase
chain reaction (gap-PCR) showed that a hybrid GAg fusion gene was present. The deletion
segregated with the elevation of Hb A2. The MLPA analysis of the b-globin gene cluster in 150
control alleles excluded a common polymorphism. Despite stronger evidence being needed,
the described family suggests a possible role of this g-globin gene deletion in contributing to
Hb A2 elevation, possibly by altering the transcription regulation of the cluster. We propose
g-globin gene dosage analysis to be performed in patients with unexplained elevated Hb A2
levels.We describe a family carrying a γ-globin gene deletion associated with an increase of Hb A2 level beyond the normal range. The family included the proband, his sister and their father, all with increased Hb A2 and normal Hb F levels. The proband and his sister showed borderline values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and reduced values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH). The proband was referred to our Medical Genetics Service for preconception counseling together with his partner, a typical β-thalassemia (β-thal) carrier. The results were negative for the most frequent α-thalassemia (α-thal) mutations, and had no significant sequence variations of the coding sequences and promoter of the β- and δ-globin genes. Quantitative analysis by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MPLA) of the β-globin gene cluster detected a heterozygous deletion, ranging between 2.1 and 4.7 kb, in the proband, his sister and the father. The deletion involved the Gγ gene and Gγ-Aγ intergenic region, whereas the 3' region of the Aγ gene was preserved. A subsequent gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) showed that a hybrid GAγ fusion gene was present. The deletion segregated with the elevation of Hb A2. The MLPA analysis of the β-globin gene cluster in 150 control alleles excluded a common polymorphism. Despite stronger evidence being needed, the described family suggests a possible role of this γ-globin gene deletion in contributing to Hb A2 elevation, possibly by altering the transcription regulation of the cluster. We propose γ-globin gene dosage analysis to be performed in patients with unexplained elevated Hb A2 levels
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