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Waste from the agri-food chain represents a valuable reservoir of organic compounds with health-promoting properties. Momast Plus 30 Bio (MP30B) is a derivative obtained from olive-oil wastewater. Its enrichment in hydroxytyrosol (HT) via a patented technique has paved the way for its potential application as a dietary supplement in preventing cardiovascular diseases. MP30B demonstrates no significant alteration in cardiac and vascular parameters in "ex vivo" studies. However, it exhibits a strong ability to remove reactive oxygen species and exerts anti-inflammatory effects, notably reducing the concentration of iNOS and mitigating heart infections in "in vitro" experiments. Furthermore, MP30B slightly decreases the stiffness of the "ex vivo" thoracic aorta, potentially resulting in lowered arterial pressure and enhanced energy transfer to a normal ventricle. Based on these findings, we posit MP30B as a promising extract for cardiovascular disease prevention, and its specific antibacterial properties suggest its utility in preventing cardiac infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant number of individuals impacted by the pandemic makes prolonged symptoms after COVID‐19 a matter of considerable concern. These are numerous and affect multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged gastrointestinal issues are a crucial part of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome. The resulting disruption of homeostasis underscores the need for a therapeutic approach based on compounds that can simultaneously affect more than one target/node. The present review aimed to check for nutraceuticals possessing multiple molecular mechanisms helpful in relieving Long COVID‐19‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific plants used in Keywords Chinese Medicine (TCM) expected to be included in the WHO Global Medical Compendium were selected based on the following criteria: (1) they are widely used in the Western world as natural remedies and complementary medicine adjuvants; (2) their import and trade are regulated by specific laws that ensure quality and safety (3) have the potential to be beneficial in alleviating intestinal issues associated with Long COVID‐19. Searches were performed in PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and ResearchGate up to 2023. Cinnamomum cassia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Magnolia officinalis, Poria cocos, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zingiber officinalis were identified as the most promising for their potential impact on inflammation and oxidative stress. Based on the molecular mechanisms of the phytocomplexes and isolated compounds of the considered plants, their clinical use may lead to benefits in gastrointestinal diseases associated with Long COVID‐19, thanks to a multiorgan and multitarget approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wearable devices represent a new approach for monitoring key clinical parameters, such as ECG signals, for research and health purposes. These devices could outcompete medical devices in terms of affordability and use in out-clinic settings, allowing remote monitoring. The major limitation, especially when compared to implantable devices, is the presence of artifacts. Several authors reported a relevant percentage of recording time with poor/unusable traces for ECG, potentially hampering the use of these devices for this purpose. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to develop a simple and inexpensive system enabling the user of the wearable devices to have immediate feedback on the quality of the acquired signal, allowing for real-time correction. Methods: A simple algorithm that can work in real time to verify the quality of the ECG signal (acceptable and unacceptable) was validated. Based on simple statistical parameters, the algorithm was blindly tested by comparison with ECG tracings previously classified by two expert cardiologists. Results: The classifications of 7200 10s-signal samples acquired on 20 patients with a commercial wearable ECG monitor were compared. The algorithm has an overall efficiency of approximately 95%, with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 95.3%. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that even a simple algorithm can be used to classify signal coarseness, and this could allow real-time intervention by the subject or the technician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growing interest in CO2 angiography, some mechanical aspects related to CO2 injection still need to be deepened, and some improvements are still possible. This work explores the possibility of optimizing gas injection into small-sized arteries. Since the image quality depends on how the gas fills the vessel and is strongly dependent on injection flow, the possibility of controlling the flow is mandatory to obtain good results. To better control the flow, we propose to adjunct small tubes with known hydraulic resistances in parallel to the injection catheter, allowing the generation of the desired injection flow by modulating the injection pressure. Methods: Using a mechanical mock of the cardiovascular system, we measured pressures and flows of interest and acquired the optical images of the vessel during gas injections. We performed a simulation with four different calibrated adjunct resistances in various injection pressure conditions, with and without saline flushing. Results: Our tests demonstrated that the optimized injection of the gas maintains the same procedure durations and reduces the gas volume and the local pressure increase, avoiding the local gas "explosion" in the injection site. Conclusions: Our proposal appears effective and paves the way for research into optimizing clinical CO2 angiography procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography represents an important technique to overcome most clinical problems related to the use of iodine contrast medium. The recent technologic advancements in the fields of gas injection and image reconstructions made CO2 angiography a very efficient method for clinical evaluation of peripheral cardiovascular system. Despite that, some challenges are still open and a better knowledge of the biomechanical behavior of CO2 and its interactions with blood flowing into the vessels is necessary to optimize this technology and to expand its field of application. This paper presents a quick overview about biomechanical behavior of carbon dioxide during injection, suggesting possible optimization tricks to make CO2 angiography procedures more effective to improve imaging and reduce the patients' radiological dose. Particular attention has been also paid to 3D imaging techniques, which can certainly be opened to the use of carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concern about the radiation dose to children from diagnostic radiology examinations has recently been popularly expressed, particularly related to Computed Tomography (CT) procedures. The common belief is that children receive higher doses compared to adults since the optimization of the procedure settings for different anatomies are not always implemented (i.e., FOV, kV and mA not optimized for children). Since the dosimetric quantities related to effective dose are essentially defined for adults, it becomes important to study and propose methods applicable also to pediatric cases. In current clinical and radiological practice, sizes, shapes, and data for pediatric organs are commonly derived from adult ones, but these statements do not reduce dosimetric problems at the definition of scaling algorithms. The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in pediatric vs adult dosimetry, starting from measured organ doses in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) procedures for maxillofacial region. Two different anthropomorphic phantoms (child vs adult phantoms) were scanned, acquiring all data: results will be presented in terms of organ and derived doses, discussing approaches and differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the use of Magnolia officinalis L. (Magnoliaceae) as a possible dietary supplement for supporting the treatment of airway pathologies might be of clinical interest. Two commercially available bark extracts (M. officinalis extract [MOE]) were characterized by quantitation in honokiol and magnolol content by means of high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. MOE effects, as well as those of the reference compounds per se, on some targets connected to airway pathologies (antibacterial‐ and lung and trachea relaxing‐ activities) were investigated. Results showed that MOE possessed interesting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This was accompanied by a spasmolytic and antispasmodic activity, possibly owing to its ability to concurrently modulate different targets such as H1‐, β2‐ and muscarinic receptors and l‐type calcium channels involved in bronchodilation. All these effects were directly related to the MOE content in honokiol and magnolol. In conclusion, the properties of MOE highlighted here strongly encourage its application as dietary supplement in the treatment of airway diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impossibility of using drugs for the health of farm animals leads to the search for alternative strategies with two purposes: to maintain animal health and safeguard human health. In this perspective, tannins have shown great promises. These phytocomplexes obtained from natural matrices with multiple health properties may be used as a feed supplement in chicken farms. In this work, we studied two tannin-based extracts (from Castanea sativa Mill. wood and from Schinopsis balansae Engl. Quebracho Colorado hardwood) with different chemical compositions on the spontaneous contractility on the isolated intestinal tissues of healthy chicken. The results showed that the chemical composition of the two phytocomplexes influenced the spontaneous intestinal contractility in different ways by regulating the tone and consequent progression of the food bolus. The chemical analysis of the two extracts revealed that Castanea sativa Mill. wood mainly contains hydrolysable tannins, while Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood mainly contains condensed tannins. The two phytocomplexes showed different effects towards gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractility, with Castanea sativa Mill. wood providing a better activity profile than Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste represents a cost for companies, in particular for agro-food companies, which can become a resource as a secondary material. In this work, we examine three products of olive-oil waste water, named MOMAST® (Plus30, PW25, and HY100). Based on the chemical composition, obtained with different methods, we hypothesized a possible application as food supplements in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We therefore studied MOMASTs on some targets linked to this pathology: antioxidant action and spontaneous and induced intestinal contractility of the ileum and colon. Plus30, which showed a more promising biological of activity also for its oleuropein content, was characterized by an interesting action against some microorganisms. The results highlighted the ability of Plus30 to modulate spontaneous and induced contractility, to exert a good antioxidant action, and to significantly act on various microorganisms. These effects are synergistic in the presence of antibiotics. In conclusion, we can confirm that Plus30 could be a great candidate as a food supplement in patients with IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rigorous clinical evaluation of the physiological performance is currently performed with complex and long procedures which need expensive technology and skilled operators. In a wide range of situations (frail patients, daily clinical practice, etc.), these approaches are difficult to be applied and simpler tests, with a lack of scientific background, are mandatory. To avoid these problems, we propose a test (test of physiological performance (TOPP)) to evaluate the physiological behavior of a subject, in a really easy and safe clinical setting, measuring only the heart rate. The subject is submitted to an active standing-up test and then two submaximal exercises (with a low power load) on a cycle-ergometer. The heart rate modifications due to each submaximal step are analyzed by exponential interpolation to calculate the ascending and descending time constants and evaluate the way each subject adapts his heart rate to work. The standard deviation of the RR for each stationary phase (warm-up, load, recovery) was calculated as an index of short-term variability. Then a standard Fourier analysis of the stationary periods of the standing-up procedures allows to quickly and easily evaluate the autonomic nervous activation. We tested the protocol on five healthy subjects to verify the feasibility and the acceptance of the procedure. The five subjects demonstrated a good tolerance of the entire procedure. The standing-up showed a behavior of the autonomic system consistent with the physiology (with an increase in sympathetic activation in the passage to standing position). The analysis of the two submaximal steps highlights how younger and trained subjects present lower heart rates (both in the ascending phase and in the recovery) with a quicker adaptation ability (smaller time constants) consistent with what is expected. The short-term variability of heart rate is greater in young and trained subjects, thus confirming how the sympatho-vagal balance, in these subjects, is more dynamic. The proposed test is well tolerated by the subjects and the results, albeit in a small cohort of healthy volunteers, are consistent with what is expected from physiology and is already present in the literature. Our work aims to be a proposal with a feasibility check of a method for evaluating performance. The work to be done for the clinical validation of the TOPP is still long, but we are aware that it can give important results and that the TOPP can become an effective tool for the assessment of the physiological performance even of fragile subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, a novel human-infecting coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was recognised to cause a pneumonia epidemic outbreak with different degrees of severity in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China. Since then, this epidemic has spread worldwide; in Europe, Italy has been involved. Effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are absolutely required to block this serious public health concern. Unfortunately, few studies about SARS-CoV-2 concerning its immunopathogenesis and treatment are available. On the basis of the assumption that the SARS-CoV-2 is genetically related to SARS-CoV (about 82 % of genome homology) and that its characteristics, like the modality of transmission or the type of the immune response it may stimulate, are still poorly known, a literature search was performed to identify the reports assessing these elements in patients with SARS-CoV-induced infection. Therefore, we have analysed: (1) the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV; (2) the clinical signs and symptoms and pathogenic mechanisms observed during the development of acute respiratory syndrome and the cytokine release syndrome; (3) the modification of the cell microRNome and of the immune response in patients with SARS infection; and (4) the possible role of some fat-soluble compounds (such as vitamins A, D and E) in modulating directly or indirectly the replication ability of SARS-CoV-2 and host immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In December 2019, a novel human-infecting coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, had emerged. The WHO has classified the epidemic as a "public health emergency of international concern". A dramatic situation has unfolded with thousands of deaths, occurring mainly in the aged and very ill people. Epidemiological studies suggest that immune system function is impaired in elderly individuals and these subjects often present a deficiency in fat-soluble and hydrosoluble vitamins. Methods: We searched for reviews describing the characteristics of autoimmune diseases and the available therapeutic protocols for their treatment. We set them as a paradigm with the purpose to uncover common pathogenetic mechanisms between these pathological conditions and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, we searched for studies describing the possible efficacy of vitamins A, D, E, and C in improving the immune system function. Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection induces strong immune system dysfunction characterized by the development of an intense proinflammatory response in the host, and the development of a life-threatening condition defined as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). This leads to acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), mainly in aged people. High mortality and lethality rates have been observed in elderly subjects with CoV-2-related infection. Conclusions: Vitamins may shift the proinflammatory Th17-mediated immune response arising in autoimmune diseases towards a T-cell regulatory phenotype. This review discusses the possible activity of vitamins A, D, E, and C in restoring normal antiviral immune system function and the potential therapeutic role of these micronutrients as part of a therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Thanks to its lack of allergic reactions and renal toxicity, CO2represents an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium for peripheral subtraction angiography. Since CO2has a lower and negative contrast than iodine, postprocessing DSA and stacking are mandatory. So, it seems that higher doses than traditional iodine angiography are required. We addressed the dosimetric aspects of CO2angiography for two different commercial DSA-apparatus. Materials and Methods: Two different radiological suites were analyzed by recreating the same setup on all the apparatuses: we used a PMMA slabs phantom with a MPD Barracuda dosimeter on its side to collect all radiological parameters. Results: Results show that the irradiation parameters were left completely unchanged between the traditional and CO2angiographic programs. Conclusions: This leads to thinking that these CO2protocols do not operate on the X-ray emission, but only differ on image manipulation. The possibility of improvements by changing radiological parameters are still not explored and really promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Angiography with CO 2 as contrast medium is a really promising technique with a wide range of application. • Knowledge of hemodynamic and injection parameters allows a full control of CO 2 angiographic procedures. • A full control of gas injection can lead to optimize the procedure reducing the pain for the patients. • CO 2 is a safe medium and can be used on patients with iodinated contrast medium intolerance. The purpose of this work was to outline some practical rules for pressure and volume settings in automatic CO 2 injection angiographic procedures focusing on the iliac arterial system, since, in current clinical practice, each operator uses his personal experience to obtain imaging results which are not always easy to compare. A theoretical model was thus developed and then verified by a mechanical simulator of the aortoiliac vascular system, with constant and pulsatile blood flow. The conditions of forward and reverse flows have been described, both for constant and pulsatile regimens and pressures, flows, and optical images of the bubbles in glass vessels were simultaneously acquired, analyzed and compared. Our results demonstrated that "good" radiological images (adequate to patient's conditions and clinical need) are strictly related to appropriate settings of gas injection pressure and flow, in accordance with two simple operative rules. These rules prescribe that the patient's pressure, the blood flow in the vessel, and the hydraulic resistance of the gas injection line be known: the first two parameters may be estimated, while the third must be experimentally measured. By following these rules, it is possible to obtain the best results for each clinical setting, a more standardized approach and better imaging during angiographic procedures with carbon dioxide as contrast medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac electrical activity is mainly evaluated by monitoring the electrical biosignals. This requires a long-lasting power supply to make implantable devices cost-effective and efficient. Since the current trend is to implant catheter-free stand-alone electrodes (implantable cardiac monitors), the need for smaller devices is at odds with the need for long-life batteries. To avoid these problems, we propose a passive endocardial sensor able to monitor the movement of the considered chamber based on a permanent magnet shaped for implantation in the internal chamber of the heart (i.e. the right atrium) and an external gauss meter unit to measure sensor-induced magnetic field variations. Since the magnet is permanent, no replacement is needed after the first implant, thereby reducing the risks linked to invasive procedures, and the battery in the external device can be substituted more easily. To test our idea we used a permanent magnet mounted on the tip of a commercial catheter for heart mapping together with a dedicated gauss meter built in our laboratory. The device was tested in vitro and the magnetic field variations were acquired and measured in different conditions of movement and distances. The results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and open an interesting new scenario where permanent magnets can be used to monitor the mechanical behaviour of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the feasibility of movement compensation for CO2 coronary angiography. The use of CO2 as a contrast medium for coronary angiography in a routine clinical setting is still premature. Nonetheless, the gas can solve most of the problems related to iodine contrast-induced nephropathy and can be safely used for patients with renal insufficiency. In a previous work [I. Corazza et al., AIP Adv. 8(1), 015225 (2018)], we demonstrated that an adequate setting of the CO2 injection parameters (pressures and volumes) allows gas injection into the coronaries, avoiding reflux into the aorta and cerebral circulation. A mechanical mock simulating coronary circulation and movement was used to simulate different CO2 injection conditions. Simultaneous acquisition of ECG and optical images allowed synchronous frame extraction for post-processing analysis, like masking and stacking processes. A single test with a radiological apparatus was done to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique. By injecting CO2 at a pressure between the dicrotic notch and diastolic value, no reflux into the aorta was observed and the new software yielded final optical images of clinical quality after about 8 seconds of injection. The feasibility test under the X-ray apparatus gave promising results. CO2 coronary angiography is still far from becoming a clinical standard, but our bench evaluation demonstrates that if the injection parameters are well-controlled and physiological values known, CO2 can be used as a contrast agent not only for the lower part of the body, but also for the coronary arteries, respecting basic safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Castanea sativa Mill. have been studied in high fat diet (HFD) overweight rats. Natural Extract of Chestnut bark (Castanea sativa Mill.) (ENC®), rich in ellagitannins, has been studied in 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided in four groups. Two groups were controls: regular (RD) and HDF diet. Two groups received ENC® (20 mg/kg/day): RD + ENC® and HFD + ENC®. At baseline and at 7, 14 and 21 days, weight gain, serum lipids, plasma cytokines, liver histology, microsomial enzymes and oxidation, intestinal oxidative stress and contractility were studied. HFD increased body weight, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, induced hepatocytes microvescicular steatosis, altered microsomial, increased liver and intestinal oxidative stress, deranged intestinal contractility. In HFD-fed rats, ENC® exerted antiadipose and antioxidative activities and normalized intestinal contractility, suggesting a potential approach to overweight management associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most devices used for bench simulation of the cardiovascular system are based either on a syringe-like alternating pump or an elastic chamber inside a fluid-filled rigid box. In these devices, it is very difficult to control the ventricular elastance and simulate pathologies related to the mechanical mismatch between the ventricle and arterial load (i.e., heart failure). This work presents a possible solution to transforming a syringe-like pump with a fixed ventricle into a ventricle with variable elastance. Our proposal was tested in two steps: (1) fixing the ventricle and the aorta and changing the peripheral resistance (PHR); (2) fixing the aorta and changing the ventricular elastance and the PHR. The signals of interest were acquired to build the ventricular pressure-volume (P-V) loops describing the different physiological conditions, and the end-systolic pressure-volume relationships (ESPVRs) were calculated with linear interpolation. The results obtained show a good physiological behavior of our mock for both steps. (1) Since the ventricle is the same, the systolic pressures increase and the stroke volumes decrease with the PHR: the ESPVR, obtained by interpolating the pressure and volume values at end-systolic phases, is linear. (2) Each ventricle presents ESPVR with different slopes depending on the ventricle elastance with a very good linear behavior. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that a fixed stroke alternating syringe ventricle can be transformed into an adjustable elastance ventricle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis, combined with the growing problems about azole resistance and toxicity of antifungal drugs, highlights the need for the development of new effective strategies for the treatment of this condition. In this context, natural compounds represent promising alternatives. The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, a blue-green alga, exhibits antimicrobial activities against several microorganisms. Nevertheless, only few data about the antifungal properties of Spirulina platensis are available and its potential toxic effects have not been largely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of a fully-characterized water extract of Spirulina platensis against 22 strains of Candida spp. Prior to considering its potential topical use, we both investigated whether the extract exerted target activities on guinea pig uterine smooth muscle, and the impact of Spirulina platensis on the dominant microorganisms of the vaginal microbiota (i.e., lactobacilli), in order to exclude possible adverse events. By means of a broth microdilution assay, we found that the microalga extract possesses good antifungal properties (MIC: 0.125–0.5 mg/ml), against all the Candida species with a fungicidal activity. At the concentrations active against candida, Spirulina platensis did not modify the spontaneous basic waves pattern of uterine myometrium as underlined by the absence of aberrant contractions, and did not affect the main health-promoting bacteria of the vaginal ecosystem. Finally, we evaluated the selectivity index of our extract by testing its cytotoxicity on three different cell lines and it showed values ranging between 2 and 16. Further in vivo studies are needed, in particular to evaluate the use of control-release formulations in order to maintain Spirulina platensis concentrations at anti-Candida active doses but below the toxic levels found in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates physiologic processes occurring without conscious control through the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. Since the ANS is one of the major determinants of heart rate (HR), evaluation of HR variability is a powerful instrument to quantify sympathetic and parasympathetic activations. Traditional techniques in the frequency domain are not applicable to short non-stationary signals like the RR intervals during the Valsalva maneuver (VM). The aim of this work was to validate the wavelet approach in analyzing the VM: 14 healthy subjects and 9 with autonomic failure underwent two or more VMs for a total of 68 tests. A Daubechies-16 form mother wavelet and the powers associated with the sympathetic (LF band) and parasympathetic (HF) activities were calculated. Each VM performed by the same healthy subject presented similar morphologies for the RR series and LF and HF powers. The inter-subject comparison showed a good agreement in morphology with a greater variability in sympathetic and parasympathetic activations. Pathological subjects presented a good RR series repeatability without any correlation in LF and HF powers. The wavelet approach is a good methodology to discriminate normal from pathological subjects and further longitudinal evaluation are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing innovations in mechanical devices to improve the heart’s performance (e.g. left ventricular assist devices, LVAD) require numerical simulations and a bench validation before animal and clinical testing of the device. One of the major requirements of mechanical mocks of the cardiovascular system is the correct evaluation of the parameters of interest (pressure, volumes, flows). This paper presents a new optical method to measure the volume changes of a generic elastic camera through videos acquisition and analysis (using Simpson integration and Matlab software). We tested our proposal with a simple syringe mock of the cardiovascular system under different conditions of simulation dynamics and varying the stroke volumes (SV). We compared our results with those obtained with a standard electromagnetic flowmeter, in terms of instantaneous volume and total SV: the curves presented the same trends (squared Pearson’s coefficients greater than 0.9) with a mean difference less than 5%. The proposed optical method is simple and inexpensive and yields results comparable with those of a standard method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This laboratory activity is designed to teach students how to measure forearm muscle blood flow (FBF) to describe the mechanisms of peripheral blood flow thermal regulation in healthy subjects. The cold pressor test (CPT) is the clinical procedure used in the experiment to induce arterial vasoconstriction. Strain-gauge plethysmography is applied on the patient's forearm to noninvasive monitor vasoconstriction effects on local blood perfusion and physiological parameters such as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Patients with an altered peripheral vascular resistance (e.g., in hypertension) have different responses to the CPT from healthy subjects. To date, experimental evidence remains unexplained, as we do not know if the BP and HR increase is caused by a decrease in flow rate or an increase in peripheral vascular resistance during the test. To clarify this situation, we have to quantify the parameter we assume is being conditioned by the regulatory physiological intervention, i.e., peripheral vascular resistance. Peripheral vascular resistance quantification can be calculated as the ratio between muscle flow and mean arterial pressure. Students will learn how to apply the instrumental procedure to collect and analyze data before, during, and after the CPT and to describe the physiological responses of the peripheral vascular system to external stressors. They will also learn how to distinguish healthy from pathological responses on the basis of how sympathetic nervous system reactions influence the biomechanics of peripheral vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothermia is an important neuro-protective strategy for patients with acute brain damage following traumatic brain injury, stroke or sudden cardiac death. Nowadays, cooling therapy is performed inside the intensive care units with noninvasive systems applied to the body and head surface or invasively through cooling catheters inserted in the femoral vein. Full body cooling presents criticism still unresolved and a therapy localized in the brain is more effective. External systems (i.e., cool helmets) have a very low efficiency due to the need to overstep the cranial cap. For this reason we tested the feasibility to reduce the temperature of brain tissues by cooling the blood inside carotid and cervical artery through the neck. A simple mathematical model of heat transfer between neck surface, tissue, blood in the carotid and cervical arteries and then brain was studied and then in vitro simulated. Peltier cells were chosen as controlled cooling system and a collar prototype was built and in vitro tested. Results demonstrate the possibility to reduce the temperature of the brain of 2°C in about 50 min. Temperature decrease and process duration fit well together with actual first aid times and medical procedures. Moreover, the collar prototype demonstrated good performances and easy to use, suitable for difficult situations after traumatic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide angiography is based on the visualization (i.e., the radiographic contrast) of gas bubbles injected in blood vessels. By using an experimental X-ray bench, the energy response of a flat panel detector has been measured (Varian CB4030) and, with a dedicated phantom and a software simulation, the image contrast of vessels is injected with Iodine and 2. Moreover, the dynamical behavior of a moving gas bubble has been studied with the software simulator. The results show that the contrast generated by carbon dioxide is about one fourth of that obtained with iodine, demonstrating that 2 angiography should use different radiological settings with respect to iodine angiography. In particular, a kVp increase has a lower reduction of contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) with carbon dioxide than with iodinated contrast medium (CM), suggesting possible technological improvements both on radiological emission and image enhancement methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that diet and nutrition play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of many disorders. On the other hand, nutrients or bioactive compounds can specifically target and control various aspects of the mechanism underlying the pathology itself, and, in this context, diseases related to intestinal motility disorders stand out. The Herbal Mix (HM) consisting of Olea europea L. leaf (OEE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) extracts (13:2) has been proven to be a promising nutraceutical option for many diseases, but its potential in inflammatory-driven gastrointestinal disorders is still unexplored. In this study, HM effects on guinea-pig ileum and colon contractility (induced or spontaneous) and on human iNOS activity, as well as on human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells, were studied. Results showed that the HM can control the ileum and colon contractility without blocking the progression of the food bolus, can selectively inhibit iNOS and possesses a strong pro-apoptotic activity towards Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the present results suggest that, in some diseases, such as those related to motility disorders, an appropriate nutritional approach can be accompanied by a correct use of nutraceuticals that could help not only in ameliorating the symptoms but also in preventing more severe, cancer-related conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) is the leading technique for cardiovascular support in most critical conditions. The beneficial effects of the procedure are widely known, but some drawbacks remain unsolved: high cost and controversial effect in presence of cardiac arrhythmia, both related to the control of intra-aortic balloon inflation and deflation. This paper describes the clinical validation of a completely passive solution (PIABP), which substitutes the time-controlled pumping system by a simple pressure-controlled reservoir. The test was performed on 10 patients, switching from IABP to PIABP and changing the reservoir pressure to obtain an optimal effect in terms of mean aortic pressure increase as an estimate of cardiac output. For each patient the reservoir pressure was increased in 10 mmHg steps and the aortic pressure was recorded together with electrocardiogram. The PIABP showed a positive effect in all the patients, with a significant increase of the mean aortic pressure (+6.5%, p < 0.05) and of the mean pressure of the aortic pulse diastolic phase (+7%, p < 0.05). The change of heart rate between basal and optimal effect condition was not significant. Also an unexpected, significant increase of aortic maximal pressure (8%, p < 0.05) was found. The proposed passive solution cannot be a substitute of the active one in all the situation, but may be useful in border line conditions, where the IABP is no more necessary but a ventricular support is still desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative clinical trend of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is due to right ventricular chamber dilatation and consequent dysfunction. On a biomechanical basis the clinical evolution is associated to a progressive mismatching of the artero-ventricular junction and a possible mechanical intervention may be foreseen. This paper demonstrates how the progressive right ventricular dysfunction, in terms of biochemical-mechanical efficiency, is related to the stress-strain curve of the pulmonary artery, simulated by superimposing different elastance tubes in a cardiovascular mock. Applying the experimental signals to an "ideal" normal and dilated ventricle, it was demonstrated that the very high pulmonary elastance at high pressure is the prime cause of a sharp efficiency drop, in comparison with an aortic similar condition. This evidence supports the proposal of mechanical interventions to reduce pulmonary arterial elastance to improve the artero-ventricular matching, increase the reduced ventricular efficiency and change the negative trend of the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]