31,419 research outputs found
Asthma and allergy in young athletes in Siena Province. Preliminary results
No full textAIM:
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of asthma and related respiratory symptoms in a sample of the Siena pediatric population that engages in sport.
METHODS:
The subjects were 460 young athletes, age 7-14 years, enrolled in 23 sporting clubs in 10 municipalities of Siena Province. Subjects and their parents answered a questionnaire on life style and the children underwent basal spirometric tests at their respective training centers.
RESULTS:
A total of 352 questionnaires (76.6%) were returned; 80% of responders performed the spirometric test. The lifetime prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were found to be 17.33%, 22.16% and 11.08%, respectively. About 33.2% of subjects had also experienced symptoms compatible with exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) during sport and 4.2% of them had had to stop activity at least once.
CONCLUSION:
The results suggest that EIB is a major phenomenon in our province and that this disorder interferes with, or even limits, physical activity of young athletes
D3 receptor agonist efficacy in restless legs syndrome
No full textRestless Legs Syndrome/Willis Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) is a sleep related movement disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the limbs frequently associated with uncomfortable sensations that usually begin or worsen during inactivity and may be relieved by movement. The pathophysiology of the disorder involves several biological system; in particular, dopaminergic pathway and iron physiology have been extensively studied. Being a chronic condition, long-term treatments are required for an adequate management and strong evidence support the employment of dopamine agonists. D3 receptor agonists are of particular interest, because they act on receptors that are widely expressed in the spinal cord with an inhibitory action on sensory system. Pramipexole, rotigotine and ropinirole act on D3 receptors, even if not selectively, and are effective in reducing sensorimotor symptoms and improving sleep quality. However, despite an initial amelioration patients frequently experience augmentation, i.e., a worsening of symptoms induced by dopamine agonists. This can be explained by the activity of D1 receptor and by the non-selectiveness of D3 agonist drugs. Higher dopamine concentrations tend to activate the excitatory D1-like receptor that are associated with increased motor activity. The development of drugs that selectively target D3 receptors will be fundamental to provide alternative therapeutic strategies and to reduce the occurrence of augmentation
Flexibility and Interaction at a Distance: A Mixed-Model Environment For Language Learning
No full textThis article reports on the process of design and development of two language courses for university students at beginning levels of competence. Following a preliminary experience in a low-tech environment for distance language learning and teaching, and a thorough review of the available literature, we identified two major challenges that would need to be addressed in our design:
(1) a necessity to build sufficient flexibility into the materials to cater to a variety of learners' styles, interests and skill levels, therefore sustaining learners' motivation; and
(2) a need to design materials that would present the necessary requisites of authenticity and interactivity identified in the examined literature, in spite of the reduced opportunities for face-to-face communication.
In response to these considerations, we designed and developed learning materials and tasks to be distributed on CD-ROM, complemented by a WebCT component for added interactivity and task authenticity. Although only part of the original design was implemented, and further research is needed to assess the impact of our environment on learning outcomes, the results of preliminary evaluations are encouraging
K-complexes density changes in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder and relations with cognitive functioning
No full textEvidence shows as Non-Rapid Eye Movements (NREM) sleep suggest
a role in protecting the aging brain from neurodegeneration. Moreover,
alterations in K-complexs (KCs) features during NREM sleep in
Alzheimer's disease patients has been proven. Also in iRBD a recent
study highlighted a relation between KC density (KCd) and cognitive
functioning, particularly in cognitive domains known to be relevant in
predicting conversion into neurodegenerative disorders.
However, NREM sleep alterations in RBD and their possible role in
cognitive decline, has not yet been extensively investigated.
The present study aimed to assess for the first time the existence of
KC alterations in iRBD patients compared to Healthy Controls (HC).
Methods: KCs were visually scored during Stage 2 NREM sleep in
frontal, central and parietal derivations. KCd index was assessed in
31 patients with iRBD (4 F; age: 68.64 ± 6.67 y) and 31 HC (8 F; age:
69.03 ± 6.12 y). We performed a comparison of the KCd between
groups. Moreover, we performed the correlation between KCd index,
performance in global cognitive function and performance in neuropsychological
measures.
Results: Results show a significant KCd index reduction in iRBD
patients in the frontal, central and parietal derivations compared to
HC. In the whole sample the KCd scored in the midline central derivations
was correlated positively with Mini-Mental State Examination
performances. Moreover, in the iRBD group the midline central KCd
index was also positively correlated with scores in attentional matrices
and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices.
Conclusions: For the first time, our findings describe a clear KCd index
reduction in iRBD patients compared to HC. Moreover, we corroborated
the relationship between KCd and specific cognitive domains,
considered crucial for the prediction of phenoconversion into α-synucleinopathies.
With this evidence the present study highlights the
need of a further understanding of NREM sleep alterations, and particularly
KC features in iRBD, and their possible role to predict neurodegenerative
processes.
Il giorno mar 25 ott 2022 alle ore 18:27 Luigi De Gennaro ha scritto:
P138 | K-complexes density changes in isolated REM sleep
behavior disorder and relations with cognitive functioning
M. Gorgoni1,2, F. Pietrogiacomi1, F. Reda3, E. Fasiello1, A. Galbiati4,5,
M. Camaioni1, S. Scarpelli1, V. Alfonsi1, F. Casoni5, M. Zucconi5,
L. Ferini-Strambi4,5, L. De Gennaro1,2
1Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Psychology, Rome, Italy,
2IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Body and Action Lab, Rome, Italy,
3University of L'Aquila, Department of Biotechnological and Applied
Clinical Sciences, L‘Aquila, Italy, 4“Vita-Salute” San Raffaele University,
Milan, Italy, 5IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of
Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology – Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
Objectives/introduction: Isolated REM sleep Behaviour Disorder
(iRBD) is a Rapid Eye Movements (REM) sleep disorder, representing a
prodromal stage of α-synucleinopathies
Plant Extracts for Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground. Sleep complaints are common health issues in the general population. These conditions are associated with poorer physical and psychological activity, and they may have important social, economic, and personal consequences. In the last years, several food supplements with different plant extracts have been developed and are currently taken for improving sleep. Study Objectives. The aim of this study is to systematically review recent literature on oral plant extracts acting on sleep disorders distinguishing their action on the different symptoms of sleep complaints: difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, waking up too early, and quality of sleep. Methods. We searched the PubMed database up to 05/03/2020 based on data from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, noncontrolled trials, and cohort studies conducted in children and adult subjects. The search words used contained the following terms: oral food supplement and sleep disorders and the like. The most studied compounds were further analyzed with a second search using the following terms: name of the compound and sleep disorders. We selected 7 emerging compounds and 38 relevant reports. Results. Although nutraceutical natural products have been used for sleep empirically, there is a scarcity of evidence on the efficacy of each product in clinical studies. Valerian and lavender were the most frequently studied plant extracts, and their use has been associated (with conflicting results) with anxiolytic effects and improvements in quality and duration of sleep. Conclusions. Sleep aids based on plant extracts are generally safe and well tolerated by the population. More high-quality research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of food supplements containing plant extracts in sleep complaints; in particular, it would be interesting to evaluate the association between plant extracts and sleep hygiene guidelines and to identify the optimal products to be used in a specific symptom of sleep complaint, giving more appropriate tools to the medical doctor
Sleep disorders and Parkinson’s disease: is there a right direction?
No full textIn the last years, the hypothesis of a close relationship between sleep disorders (SDs) and Parkinson's disease (PD) has significantly strengthened. Whether this association is causal has been also highlighted by recent evidence demonstrating a neurobiological link between SDs and PD. Thus, the question is not whether these two chronic conditions are mutually connected, but rather how and when this relationship is expressed. Supporting this, not all SDs manifest with the same temporal sequence in PD patients. Indeed, SDs can precede or occur concomitantly with the onset of the clinical manifestation of PD. This review discusses the existing literature, putting under a magnifying glass the timing of occurrence of SDs in PD-neurodegeneration. Based on this, here, we propose two possible directions for studying the SDs-PD relationship: the first direction, from SDs to PD, considers SDs as potential biomarker/precursor of future PD-neurodegeneration; the second direction, from PD to SDs, considers SDs as concomitant symptoms in manifest PD, mainly related to primary PD-neuropathology and/or parkinsonian drugs. Furthermore, for each direction, we questioned SDs-PD relationship in terms of risk factors, neuronal circuits/mechanisms, and impact on the clinical phenotype and disease progression. Future research is needed to investigate whether targeting sleep may be the winning strategy to treat PD, in the context of a personalized precision medicine
Therapy for Insomnia and Circadian Rhythm Disorder in Alzheimer Disease
No full textPurpose of the review: There is strong evidence for a bidirectional association between sleep disorders and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In particular, insomnia may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for AD. The present review summarizes recent advances in treatment of sleep disorders in AD. Recent findings: Some studies investigated the efficacy and safety of hypnotic agents as ramelteon and mirtazapine to treat sleep disorders in AD but no significant therapeutic effects have been observed. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used medication for treatment of insomnia but they may cause significant side effects in old subjects. Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, showed a positive effect on AD insomnia. Recent report suggests an association between trazodone use and delayed cognitive decline in AD. With respect to circadian rhythm disorders, non-pharmacological treatments, especially bright light therapy, could be useful and safe options for treatment in AD. Summary: Some pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments might have benefits in AD patients with sleep disturbances, but further well-designed controlled trials are needed
Restless legs syndrome and Parkinson disease: A causal relationship between the two disorders?
No full textRestless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) is a common sleep related movement disorder that can be idiopathic or occurs in comorbidity with other medical conditions such as polyneuropathy, iron deficiency anemia, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, a growing body of literature investigated the association between RLS/WED and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Several questions regarding the comorbidity between these two disorders are still unanswered. If the insurgence of RLS/WED may precede the onset of PD, or if RLS/WED could represent a secondary condition of PD and if impaired dopaminergic pathway may represent a bridge between these two conditions are still debatable issues. In this review, we critically discuss the relationship between RLS/WED and PD by reviewing cross sectional and longitudinal studies, as well as the role of dopamine in these disorders. A twofold interpretation have to be taken into account: dopaminergic therapy may have a crucial role in the development of RLS/WED in PD patients or RLS/WED can be conceived as an early manifestation of PD rather than a risk factor. Several studies showed a high prevalence of RLS/WED in PD patients and several findings related to dopaminergic and iron alterations in both disorders, however up to now it is difficult to find a point of agreement between studies. A greater number of systematic and strongly controlled longitudinal studies as well as basic pathophysiological investigations particularly in RLS/WED are needed to clarify this complex relationship
Erratum to: Effect of moderate red wine intake on cardiac prognosis after recent acute myocardial infarction of subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Diabetic Medicine, (2006), 23, 9, (974-981), 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2006.01886.x)
No full textIn an article by Marfella et al, the author name C. Saron is incorrect and should be listed as C. Sardu. Therefore the correct author list is: R. Marfella, F. Cacciapuoti, M. Siniscalchi, F. C. Sasso, F. Marchese, F. Cinone, E. Musacchio, M. A. Marfella, L. Ruggiero, G. Chiorazzo, D. Liberti, G. Chiorazzo, G. F. Nicoletti, C. Sardu, F. D'Andrea, C. Ammendola, M. Verza and L. Coppola.In an article by Marfella et al, the author name C. Saron is incorrect and should be listed as C. Sardu. Therefore the correct author list is: R. Marfella, F. Cacciapuoti, M. Siniscalchi, F. C. Sasso, F. Marchese, F. Cinone, E. Musacchio, M. A. Marfella, L. Ruggiero, G. Chiorazzo, D. Liberti, G. Chiorazzo, G. F. Nicoletti, C. Sardu, F. D'Andrea, C. Ammendola, M. Verza and L. Coppola
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