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L'objectif de notre étude est d'étudier l'intérêt de la scintigraphie osseuse Veriton (SO-Ver) corps entier dans l'évaluation et le diagnostic de sacroiliite inflammatoire, en comparaison à l'IRM. Au total, 78 patients consécutifs suspects de rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique ayant bénéficié d'une SO-Ver ont été inclus entre novembre 2021 et février 2023. Seuls les patients ayant bénéficié d'une IRM des sacro-iliaques dans le mois ont été inclus et classés en 2 groupes : spondyloarthrite axiale (SpA) et non-spondyloarthrite (non-SpA). La présence/l'absence de sacroiliite, en IRM (définie selon les critères ASAS) puis en SO-Ver aux temps précoce (TP) et tardif (TT), a été établie. Des analyses quantitatives des articulations sacro-iliaques ont également été réalisées, en SO-Ver en utilisant les SUV maximums et normalisés (TP et TT), en IRM par la réalisation de scores SPARCC, par deux paires de lecteurs indépendants et en aveugle des données patients. Au total, 47 patients ont été répartis dans les 2 groupes (25 dans le groupe SpA et 22 dans le groupe non-SpA). En SO-Ver, une sacroiliite a été retrouvée chez 7/25 (28 %) et 8/25 (32 %) patients dans le groupe SpA, comparé à 0/22 et 6/22 (27 %) patients dans le groupe Non-SpA, en TP et TT respectivement. Une sacro-iliite IRM a été observée chez 16/25 (64 %) et 11/22 (50 %) patients dans les groupes SpA et non-SpA respectivement. Pour le diagnostic de sacroiliite inflammatoire la SO-Ver présente une sensibilité de 28 % (14–47) et 32 % (17–51) et une spécificité de 100 % (82–100) et 72 % (51–87) en TP et TT respectivement. En IRM la sensibilité et la spécificité sont de 64 % (44–79) et 50 % (30–69) pour le diagnostic de sacroiliite. En analyse binaire, l'IRM était associée à la SO-Ver uniquement en TT (OR [95 %CI] = 5,5 [1,9–16,3]). Les scores SPARCC étaient corrélés aux SUV maximums en TP (valeur 0,41 ; p < 0,0001) et en TT (valeur 0,53 ; p < 0,0001). Les SUV maximums (TT) et les scores SPARCC étaient plus élevés chez les patients souffrant de douleurs sacro-iliaques (p = 0,002 et p = 0,026, respectivement). Seul le SUV normalisé en TP était associé à une CRP élevée (p = 0,012). Il s'agit de la 1re étude visant à évaluer les performances diagnostiques de la SO-Ver dans l'évaluation de la sacro-iliite inflammatoire. L'IRM reste l'examen de référence dans cette indication mais présente des limites que la SO-Ver peut espérer surpasser. L'IRM des sacro-iliaques a notamment conduit à de nombreux faux-positifs, en particulier en post-partum ou chez les patients sportifs. Les lésions inflammatoires évocatrices de spondyloarthrite à l'IRM augmentent avec l'âge, suggérant le rôle de facteurs dégénératifs (arthrosiques). Dans notre étude, aucun patient du groupe non-SpA n'a présenté de sacro-iliite en SO-Ver en TP, témoignant de son excellente spécificité. La SO-Ver présente une bonne corrélation avec l'IRM pour l'évaluation de la sacroiliite inflammatoire dans la spondylarthrite axiale. Une sacroiliite en So-Ver présente un niveau de spécificité supérieur à celle de l'IRM alors que la sensibilité est plus faible. En outre, au temps tardif, les SUV maximums étaient associés à la présence d'une douleur sacro-iliaque. Ces résultats prometteurs devront être confirmés dans des études futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the growing importance of batteries in society and the advances in battery technology. Factors that caused the growth in the need for small, high energy, reliable power sources; Research of battery materials, optimization of electrochemical couples and the marriage of electronic circuits with batteries; Role of Electrochemical Society's (ECS) Battery Division; Batteries' classifications and functions.

Focuses on the use of statistically designed experiments in addressing the problem of the susceptibility of oxygen evolving anodes in acid media. Advantages of the modeling analysis; Implications of the analysis on further improvements; Evaluation of anode activity and lifetime as a function of electrode composition.

Highlights the aerocapacitor, a supercapacitor based on carbon foam technology developed by S.T. Mayer, R.W. Pekala and J.C. Kaschmitter. Comparison of the aerocapacitor with batteries; Identification of microstructural control as the key issue in supercapacitor development and carbon foam technology; Use of double layer formation.

Provides an insight into the protective nature of passive films on stainless steels by separating out the effects due to passive oxide and the underlying metal film. Identification of Cr2O3 content as the measure in the corrosion resistance of Fe2O3-Cr2O3-NiO.

Offers a look at an apparatus developed by Dan Persson and Christopher Leygraf that uses infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) to study atmospheric corrosion. Description of the system; Identification of a linear relationship between the intensity of copper (I) oxide band and the thickness of the oxide film; Other implications for IRAS.

Reports on film deposition of the intercalation compounds, LiCoO2, by laser ablation for use in energy storage in rechargeable batteries. Production of two different crystalline modifications by film annealing; Correlation of high temperature with intercalate lithium.

Reports on the stress behavior of anodized aluminum. Correlation of stress with humidity and temperature; Proportionality of stress with water loss; Implications of the study on stress behavior in dry air.

Introduction: Increased serum uric acid (SUA) levels are found in cardiovascular and kidney diseases, associated with the development of vascular injury. Uric acid stimulates the inflammatory pathways, promotes vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation, activates renin-angiotensin system leading to the development and progression of vascular damage. Renal function-normalized uric acid [SUA to serum creatinine ratio (SUA/SCr)] has been suggested to be a better indicator of uric acid., Aim: To investigate the correlation between SUA level and SUA/SCr in the development of chronic and vascular lesions (CVL) in patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN)., Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in 95 consecutive renal native biopsies performed at Policlinico Umberto I of Rome (Italy). Patient inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, a renal biopsy confirming diagnosis of primary GN, the availability of complete demographic, clinical, pathological, and laboratory data., Results: Median SCr was 1.06 mg/dl (IQR 0.77;1.70) with a median eGFR of 70.40 ml/min (IQR 40.40;105). Median SUA was 5.90 mg/dl (IQR 4.30;6.90) and median SUA/SCr was 4.70 (IQR 3.20;6.80). CVL were reported in 56 (58.9%) patients. Median SUA/SCr was significantly lower in patients with CVL than patients without CVL [3.95 (IQR 2.65;6) vs 5.90 (IQR 4.30;7.20), p<0.01]. Logistic regression analysis showed that SUA/SCr ≤ 4.05 [OR 5.451 (95% CI 1.222;24.325), p<0.05] was independently associated with CVL., Conclusions: CVL play a crucial role in the progression of kidney disease. SUA/SCr ≤ 4.05 is associated with CVL in patients with primitive GN., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: No conflict of interest to declare., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The Italian Society of Echography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand the volumes of activity, modalities and stressors used during stress echocardiography (SE) in Italy., Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved through an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website., Results: Data were obtained from 228 echocardiographic laboratories, and SE examinations were performed in 179 centers (80.6%): 87 centers (47.5%) were in the northern regions of Italy, 33 centers (18.4%) were in the central regions, and 61 (34.1%) in the southern regions. We annotated a total of 4057 SE. We divided the SE centers into three groups, according to the numbers of SE performed: <10 SE (low-volume activity, 40 centers), between 10 and 39 SE (moderate volume activity, 102 centers) and ≥40 SE (high volume activity, 37 centers). Dipyridamole was used in 139 centers (77.6%); exercise in 120 centers (67.0%); dobutamine in 153 centers (85.4%); pacing in 37 centers (21.1%); and adenosine in 7 centers (4.0%). We found a significant difference between the stressors used and volume of activity of the centers, with a progressive increase in the prevalence of number of stressors from low to high volume activity ( P = 0.033). The traditional evaluation of regional wall motion of the left ventricle was performed in all centers, with combined assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in 90 centers (50.3%): there was a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: the incidence of analysis of CFVR was significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (32.5%, 41.0% and 73.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). The lung ultrasound (LUS) was assessed in 67 centers (37.4%). Furthermore for LUS, we found a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (25.0%, 35.3% and 56.8%, respectively, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: This nationwide survey demonstrated that SE was significantly widespread and practiced throughout Italy. In addition to the traditional indication to coronary artery disease based on regional wall motion analysis, other indications are emerging with an increase in the use of LUS and CFVR, especially in high-volume centers., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Cardiovascular Echography.)

Background: The CC genotype of the IFNL4 gene is known to be associated with increased Hepatitis C (HCV) cure rates with interferon-based therapy and may contribute to cure with direct acting antivirals. The Genedrive® IFNL4 is a CE marked Point of Care (PoC) molecular diagnostic test, designed for in vitro diagnostic use to provide rapid, real-time detection of IFNL4 genotype status for SNP rs12979860., Methods: 120 Participants were consented to a substudy comparing IFNL4 genotyping results from a buccal swab analysed on the Genedrive® platform with results generated using the Affymetix UK Biobank array considered to be the gold standard., Results: Buccal swabs were taken from 120 participants for PoC IFNL4 testing and a whole blood sample for genetic sequencing. Whole blood genotyping vs. buccal swab PoC testing identified 40 (33%), 65 (54%), and 15 (13%) had CC, CT and TT IFNL4 genotype respectively. The Buccal swab PoC identified 38 (32%) CC, 64 (53%) CT and 18 (15%) TT IFNL4 genotype respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the buccal swab test to detect CC vs non-CC was 90% (95% CI 76-97%) and 98% (95% CI 91-100%) respectively., Conclusions: The buccal swab test was better at correctly identifying non-CC genotypes than CC genotypes. The high specificity of the Genedrive® assay prevents CT/TT genotypes being mistaken for CC, and could avoid patients being identified as potentially 'good responders' to interferon-based therapy., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Sy et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand better how different echocardiographic modalities are used and accessed in Italy., Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website., Results: Data were obtained from 228 echocardiographic laboratories: 112 centers (49%) in the northern, 43 centers (19%) in the central, and 73 (32%) in the southern regions. During the month of observation, we collected 101,050 transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examinations performed in all centers. As concern other modalities there were performed 5497 transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations in 161/228 centers (71%); 4057 stress echocardiography (SE) examinations in 179/228 centers (79%); and examinations with ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) in 151/228 centers (66%). We did not find significant regional variations between the different modalities. The usage of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was significantly higher in the northern (84%) versus central (49%) and southern (45%) centers ( P < 0.001). Lung ultrasound (LUS) was performed in 154 centers (66%), without difference between cardiology and noncardiology centers. The evaluation of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was evaluated mainly using the qualitative method in 223 centers (94%), occasionally with the Simpson method in 193 centers (85%), and with selective use of the three-dimensional (3D) method in only 23 centers (10%). 3D TTE was present in 137 centers (70%), and 3D TEE in all centers where TEE was done (71%). The assessment of LV diastolic function was done routinely in 80% of the centers. Right ventricular function was evaluated using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in all centers, using tricuspid valve annular systolic velocity by tissue Doppler imaging in 53% of the centers, and using fractional area change in 33% of the centers. When we divided into cardiology (179, 78%) and noncardiology (49, 22%) centers, we found significant differences in the SE (93% vs. 26%, P < 0.001), TEE (85% vs. 18%), UCA (67% vs. 43%, P < 0001), and STE (87% vs. 20%, P < 0.001). The incidence of LUS evaluation was similar between the cardiology and noncardiology centers (69% vs. 61%, P = NS)., Conclusions: This nationwide survey demonstrated that digital infrastructures and advanced echocardiography modalities, such as 3D and STE, are widely available in Italy with a notable diffuse uptake of LUS in the core TTE examination, a suboptimal diffusion of PACS recording, and conservative use of UCA, 3D, and strain. There are significant differences between northern and central-southern regions and echocardiographic laboratories that pertain to the cardiac unit. This inhomogeneous distribution of technology represents one of the main issues that must be solved to standardize the practice of echocardiography., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Cardiovascular Echography.)

Living with dementia at any time brings everyday challenges for the patient and those around him/her. The Covid-19 pandemic is making daily life harder. We aim to describe the problems of people with dementia during the time of such a pandemic and address the issue of their access to intensive care units. A systematic literature search (Cochrane Library (advanced search), and PubMed) was performed (for items up to 19 August 2020) using the following terms: 'COVID-19', 'dementia', and 'intensive care unit'. Studies were independently evaluated and selected for potential analysis. Five of 35 articles initially selected met the inclusion criteria. An additional Google Scholar search identified some striking statements from relevant authorities or scientists about the difficulty of living with dementia in the era of COVID-19, and were also reported. To summarize, dementia-related behaviours, increased age, and comorbid health conditions may increase the risk of contracting the virus. People with dementia in their own homes may already feel isolated, and additional rules for self-isolation may make this worse. As COVID-19 is spreading worldwide, governments and health authorities should devise better criteria for accessing intensive care units and allocating ventilators. If someone is given preference for medical care, it should be because that person has a better short-term prognosis, not simply because that person is younger than someone else., (© 2021 Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.)

Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder that can include extended periods of abstinence followed by relapse to heavy drinking. Decades of evidence have clearly shown that long-term, chronic ethanol exposure produces brain damage in humans. The article aims to review the relationship between alcohol use and dementia. Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published until 2019. Search terms used included alcohol consumption, alcohol-related dementia, alcohol use disorders, chronic alcoholism, dementia. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Alcohol acts on the central nervous system via both direct and indirect effects, frequently a combination of the two. There is consensus that alcohol contributes to the acquisition of cognitive deficits in late life. However, there are doubts regarding the aetiopathogenesis, nosological status and prevalence of alcohol-related dementia and still, there is much debate over how much alcohol consumption will lead to alcohol-related dementia.

Proctology is one of the surgical specialties that suffered the most during COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from a cross-sectional worldwide web survey, we aimed to snapshot the current status of proctologic practice in Italy with differences between three macro areas (North, Centre, South). Specialists affiliated to renowned scientific societies with an interest in coloproctology were invited to join a 27-item survey. Predictive power of respondents' and hospitals' demographics on the change of status of surgical activities was calculated. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04392245). Of 299 respondents from Italy, 94 (40%) practiced in the North, 60 (25%) in the Centrer and 82 (35%) in the South and Islands. The majority were men (79%), at consultant level (70%), with a mean age of 46.5 years, practicing in academic hospitals (39%), where a dedicated proctologist was readily available (68%). Southern respondents were more at risk of infection compared to those from the Center (OR, 3.30; 95%CI 1.46; 7.47, P = 0.004), as were males (OR, 2.64; 95%CI 1.09; 6.37, P = 0.031) and those who routinely tested patients prior to surgery (OR, 3.02; 95%CI 1.39; 6.53, P = 0.005). The likelihood of ongoing surgical practice was higher in the South (OR 1.36, 95%CI 0.75; 2.46, P = 0.304) and in centers that were not fully dedicated to COVID-19 care (OR 4.00, 95%CI 1.88; 8.50, P < 0.001). The results of this survey highlight important factors contributing to the deadlock of proctologic practice in Italy and may inform the development of future management strategies.

COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory disease. However, some cases exhibit other features including Central Nervous System symptoms. In the older adult, COVID-19 may present with atypical symptoms, including delirium and its complications. The objective of this study is to describe the relationship between the new type of coronavirus infection and delirium. Systematic research (Cochrane Library and PubMed) was carried out (only upper time limit: April 2020). Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed and manually screened to identify relevant studies. Search terms used included "COVID-19, Delirium, Dementia, Intensive Care Unit". We manually added articles identified through other sources (i.e., key journals). Older people are at the greatest risk from COVID-19. If infected, they may present delirium. Moreover, it is not exclusive to older people. Delirium is not inevitable; rather, it is preventable. Delirium prevention programs are even more crucial in the era of COVID-19 and cannot be allowed to wither despite the challenges of integrating delirium prevention with COVID-19 care. An acute change in condition, behaviour, or mental status should prompt a delirium screen. As regards the treatment, it is advisable to use non-pharmacological interventions first where possible. Medication may be needed for patients with agitation where there is intractable distress or high risk to self/others.

Schizophrenia (SCH) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurobehavioral syndromes characterized by a profound alteration in personal and social conduct. Differential diagnosis between SCH and FTD remains a challenge. In this short narrative review, we summarize evidences regarding similarities and differences between these disorders to support clinicians in making the right diagnosis. Reports of FTD misdiagnosed as schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychosis are frequently reported in the literature. The behavioural variant of FTD (bvFTD) along with familial FTD characterized by delusions and hallucinations represent the medical conditions that best illustrate overlaps between psychiatry and neurology. Neuropsychological patterns of core deficits and anatomical and physiological brain alterations primarily concur in differencing such disorders while additional research on genetic alterations and their reflection on clinical phenotypes should be implemented in the near future. In some cases, a correct diagnosis should be made within an interdisciplinary clinical setting by complementary competences and follow-up visits to evaluate pathology evolution.

The interest in polyphenols from vegetable sources has been progressively increased because of the demonstrated correlation between their abundance in certain foods or food preparations of traditional importance and heritage, and the answer of anti-inflammatory strategies in hospitalized patients in the presence of polypehnol-rich foods (as a complementary therapy). Consequently, research involving the accessory role of polyphenols as anti-tumoral aids have been carried out with the aim of finding new additional strategies. The purpose of this paper to evaluate the role of phenolic compounds in foods with reference to health effects for human beings. The importance of these molecules has been evaluated by the health and safety perspectives in terms of: fight to cardiovascular diseases; prevention of chronic-degenerative disorders; general antioxidant properties; and anticarcinogenic features. Moreover, the role of polyphenols-rich foods as anticancer agents has been discussed with relation to two distinct "action plans" on the public hygiene level: the promotion of human health on the one side (for non-hospitalized and normal subjects), and reliable contrasting strategies in cancer patients., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

It is well established that the clinical picture of dementias is not clinically homogeneous. For example, non-amnestic presentations of Alzheimer's disease have been referred to as a typical variant. Careful examination of clinical characteristics contributes to understanding the neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and may in turn enhance knowledge of the potential risk factors involved. This study aimed at describing uncommon or bizarre symptoms/syndromes observed in patients suffering from dementia. Medline and Google scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2019. Search terms used included dementia, déjà vu, zoophilia, pathological lying, and somatic symptom disorder. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Uncommon/bizarre features of dementia were described as case reports and there were no systematic investigations.

Dairy-based functional beverages have been a growing segment as consumer demands for health foods have shifted focus from simply enhancing lifespan to protecting health. Green tea is often limited in use because of poor bioavailability and disagreeable taste. However, milk is considered an ideal platform for the delivery of active polyphenolic compounds in green tea. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzymatic activity and antioxidant index of polyphenols in green tea have been known to be protected through interaction with dairy proteins inside the unstable intestinal environment. In addition, consumption of green tea infused with milk has been found to have a significant impact on reducing skin wrinkles and roughness in elderly subjects, through a decrease in lipid peroxidation and a concomitant reduction in oxidative stress. A similar affinity has been observed between antioxidants in coffee and milk proteins. Dark chocolate has been known to contain significant phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The activation of protein complex NF-κB, which is responsible for cell survival, was found to be significantly reduced upon consumption of cocoa with water, whereas consuming cocoa with milk had no effect on the bioavailability of the phenolic compounds in cocoa. The popularity of dairy as the source for polyphenol fortified beverages in the diet will be dictated by optimization of the technology for maximizing the bioavailability of the antioxidants.

Medicine aims to relieve patient suffering and cure illness. To relieve suffering is the heart of what doctors do. However, respect for individual autonomy and self-determination are fundamental principles in Western medical ethics and decision-making, often expressed as a desire for control over the timing and manner of death. Patients who become demented often formulate advance euthanasia and assisted suicide directives. Dealing with such request is quite complex because of the specific medical and conflicting ethical questions they raise. Some specific medical and ethical issues arise regarding these substantive requirements when evaluating the euthanasia request of a person suffering from dementia. In jurisdictions that allow euthanasia, the most fundamental prerequisite for a person to make autonomous decisions is capacity. Whether anyone with moderate or severe dementia, and even some with mild dementia, could be deemed to be competent by these criteria is debatable, but during the course of their disease people with dementia sooner or later lose their capacity to make self-determined decisions., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Polyphenols are natural compounds synthesized exclusively by plants with chemical features related to phenolic substances and eliciting strong antioxidants properties. Objective: The aim of this paper is to give a reliable overview of the chemical classification of natural polyphenols. Methods: Literature survey was done through google scholar, pubmed and scopus search engine. Results and Discussion: These molecules or classes of natural substances are characterized by two phenyl rings at least and one or more hydroxyl substituents. This description comprehends a large number of heterogeneous compounds with reference to their complexity. Therefore, polyphenols can be simply classified into flavonoids and non-flavonoids, or be subdivided in many sub-classes depending on the number of phenol units within their molecular structure, substituent groups, and/or the linkage type between phenol units. Polyphenols are widely distributed in plant tissues where they mainly exist in form of glycosides or aglycones. The structural diversity of flavonoid molecules arises from variations in hydroxylation pattern and oxidation state resulting in a wide range of compounds: flavanols, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, isoflavones, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and flavanonols.

Background: Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one's own life or even the entire universe. Objectives: The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of Cotard syndrome and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia. Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2018. Search terms used included Cotard delusion, Cotard syndrome and dementia, nihilistic delusion. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Results and conclusion: In this narrative review we emphasise the fact that cases of Cotard syndrome involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Published studies are limited to very short series or isolated cases. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent in this condition. Keypoints Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterised by nihilistic delusions that may range from negation of existence of parts of the body to delusion of being dead. The prevalence and incidence of this rare syndrome are not known. Since Cotard's syndrome is conceptualised as part of an underlying disorder, several psychiatric and somatic diseases have been associated with the syndrome. The syndrome may occur in patients suffering from dementia.

Art is a system of human communication arising from symbolic cognition, conveying ideas, experiences, and feelings. The goal of this review is to describe the link between painting and dementia. Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases inevitably experience cognitive dysfunction that has the potential to limit and impair the artist's ability to realize their creative and expressive intentions through painting. The strategy to advance our understanding of the neural bases for art is to map locations and nature of neural damage to changes onto artistic production.

There is an unmet need in severe asthma where approximately 40% of patients exhibit poor β-agonist responsiveness, suffer daily symptoms and show frequent exacerbations. Antagonists of the Ca 2+ -activated Cl - channel, TMEM16A, offers a new mechanism to bronchodilate airways and block the multiple contractiles operating in severe disease. To identify TMEM16A antagonists we screened a library of ∼580,000 compounds. The anthelmintics niclosamide, nitazoxanide, and related compounds were identified as potent TMEM16A antagonists that blocked airway smooth muscle depolarization and contraction. To evaluate whether TMEM16A antagonists resist use- and inflammatory-desensitization pathways limiting β-agonist action, we tested their efficacy under harsh conditions using maximally contracted airways or airways pretreated with a cytokine cocktail. Stunningly, TMEM16A antagonists fully bronchodilated airways, while the β-agonist isoproterenol showed only partial effects. Thus, antagonists of TMEM16A and repositioning of niclosamide and nitazoxanide represent an important additional treatment for patients with severe asthma and COPD that is poorly controlled with existing therapies. It is of note that drug repurposing has also attracted wide interest in niclosamide and nitazoxanide as a new treatment for cancer and infectious disease. For the first time we identify TMEM16A as a molecular target for these drugs and thus provide fresh insights into their mechanism for the treatment of these disorders in addition to respiratory disease.