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Aims: Short Q T syndrome (SQTS) is a rare arrhythmogenic inherited heart disease. Diagnosis can be challenging in subjects with slightly shortened Q T interval at electrocardiogram. In this study we compared the Q T interval behaviour during exercise in a cohort of SQTS patients with a control group, to evaluate the usefulness of exercise test in the diagnosis of SQTS. Methods and results: Twenty-one SQTS patients and 20 matched control subjects underwent an exercise test. Q T interval was measured at different heart rates (HRs), at rest and during effort. The relation between Q T interval and HR was evaluated by linear regression analysis according to the formula: Q T = ß x HR + a, where ß is the slope of the linear relation, and a is the intercept. Rest and peak exercise HRs were not different in the two groups. Short Q T syndrome patients showed lower QT intervals as compared with controls both at rest (276 + 27 ms vs. 364 + 25 ms, P < 0.0001) and at peak exercise (228 + 27 ms vs. 245 + 26 ms, P = 0.05), with a mean variation from rest to peak effort of 48 + 14 ms vs. 120 + 20 ms (P < 0.0001). Regression analysis of QT/HR relationship revealed a less steep slope for SQTS patients compared with the control group, never exceeding the value of --0.90 ms/beat/min (mean value --0.53 + 0.15 ms/ beat/min vs. --1.29 + 0.30 ms/beat/min, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Short Q T syndrome patients show a reduced adaptation of the QT interval to HR. Exercise test can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of SQTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is scant population-based information regarding predictors of stroke severity and long-term mortality for first-ever ischemic strokes. The aims of this study were to determine the characteristics of patients who initially presented with first-ever ischemic stroke and to identify predictors of severity and long-term mortality. Methods. Data were collected from the population-based Cerebrovascular Aosta Registry. Between 2004 and 2008, 1057 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were included. Variables analysed included comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, prior-to-stroke risk factors, therapy at admission and pathophysiologic and metabolic factors. Multivariate logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional Hazards model were used to assess predictors. Results. Predictors of stroke severity at admission were very old age (odds ratio [OR] 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-5.06), female gender (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.21-2.40), atrial fibrillation (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.72-4.44), low ejection fraction (OR 2.22, CI 95% 1.13-4.32), and cardioembolism (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.36-2.93). Predictors of long-term mortality were very old age (hazard ratio [HR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.65-2.47), prestroke modified Rankin scale 3-5 (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.46-2.26), Charlson Index ≥2 (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.62-2.42), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.04-1.98), and stroke severity (HR 3.54, 95% CI 2.87-4.36). Conclusions. Very old age and cardiac embolism risk factors are the independent predictors of stroke severity. Moreover, these factors associated with other comorbid medical conditions influence independently long-term mortality after ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the analysis of risk factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), few ecological studies, based on the relationship between the distribution of the patients in a given area and the environmental exposures, have been performed. The aim of our study was to depict the spatial risk distribution of ALS in Piedmont's resident population during the period 1995−2004. Data were collected from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Register for ALS, which is a prospective epidemiological archive for gathering all the ALS incident cases in north-western Italy. Only cases from Piedmont were considered. The Besag, York and Molliè model was used to estimate smoothed standardized incidence ratios (SIR) by municipalities either overall or stratified by gender and age class. Results demonstrated that excess of risk was particularly evident in the area of Cuneo, Alessandria and Vercelli (SIR > 1.2). The results were evident for both genders, but in particular for males aged 35−60 years. Given the geographic distribution of rural areas, our results suggest that the environmental exposure to agricultural chemicals could be possibly linked to this pattern. Despite some limits of the spatial analysis in the study of rare diseases, results appear coherent with literature data, stimulating other in-depth analysis in this field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This prospective surveillance study was designed to estimate the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and to analyze the risk factors for their development in a pediatric neurosurgical unit. Methods: The study was performed in an Italian teaching hospital from October 2008 through March 2010. All children (0-18 years) undergoing neurosurgery were included and monitored daily for the development of HAIs. Results: The study included 260 patients, with a mean age of 4.3 ± 4.7 years. Thirty-six HAIs were detected in 25 patients; catheter-related infections were the most frequent. Etiological identification was available in 22 cases; Gram-negative bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogens. The incidence density was 11.0/1,000 patient days, and the incidence rate was 13.8/100 patients. The crude mortality was 0%. The risk of developing HAIs was related to the length of hospital stay, while the higher the age of the patients, the lower the risk of developing HAIs. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this survey is the first study to evaluate the overall incidence of HAIs and to explore the risk factors implicated in their development in neurosurgical pediatric patients. The most effective strategies to prevent these infections are reduction of the length of the hospital stay and improvement in device management. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of social relations in adolescence is possibly one of the major determinants of habits that can influence the health of young people, and it may also be one of the mediators of the effect of social position on health. In this paper we propose to test these hypotheses for Italian adolescents, in order to suggest interventions aimed at improving their health. Methods: The Italian data of the HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children) survey 200142 have been analysed, and the distribution of the perceived quality of social relations has been described, stratified by age, gender, and economic well-being. Logistic models have been fitted using health behaviours as dependent variables and economic well-being and social relations as determinants. Results: The quality of relations with adults seems to decrease consistently from age 11 through age 15, while the relation with peers improves. The relation with the father seems positively correlated with economic well-being. Difficult relations with adults are associated with higher probability of smoking, drinking alcohol and using cannabis; difficult relations with peers are associated with lower physical activity and lower probability of having used cannabis, Conclusions: Even if the relations with adults become less important in adolescence, they are still associated with health behaviours. Our results fit the framework of socialization theories and can be used for planning adequate health education interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles in 22 children [9 boys and 13 girls; mean age ± SD, 8.6 ± 1.3 and 8.8 ± 1,5 years, respectively), with a unilateral right or left posterior crossbite, before and after therapy. The chewing cycles were recorded using a kinesiograph while the subjects masticated a soft and a hard bolus on both the crossbite and non-crossbite side. Chewing data were acquired before and 6 months after orthodontic treatment of the crossbite with an orthodontic functional appliance, the 'Function Generating Bite', The results showed that, before therapy, the percentage of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles on the crossbite side was significantly higher than that on the normal side (P < 0.001 ) with both the soft and hard bolus, In addition, the percentage of reverse sequencing chewing cycles on the crossbite side before therapy was significantly greater than after therapy with both a soft and hard bolus (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the percentage of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles on the noncrossbite side, before or after therapy, either with a soft or hard bolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: This report analysed the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma in order to identify the prognostic value of several factors. Patients: A total of 245 patients were studied who had undergone surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma between 1989 and 2002, of whom 109 had received postoperative radiation therapy. Methods: For each patient, personal data, alcohol and tobacco consumption, symptoms, histological findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded and analysed statistically. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier algorithm, and the difference in survival among subgroups was examined. Results: The overall 5-year survival rate in the 245 patients was 63% (72.5% at 3 years). The differences in the 5-year survival were significant () for the site of origin, N and pN status, TNM stage, grading, status of the resection margins, osseous infiltration, and perineural invasion. Vascular involvement as a discriminator was not statistically significant. In patients undergoing radiation therapy, only perineural invasion negatively influenced the 5-year survival prognosis (). Conclusion: The overall survival rate was within the (previously) reported range. The prognostic value of many parameters is widely recognized; the combined evaluation of ‘composite factors’ is promising. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article examines whether different types of welfare states mediate the effect of socioeconomic position on adolescents' health. The authors' main hypothesis is that countries with stronger redistributive policies will be more effective in weakening the association between socioeconomic position and health, thus reducing health inequalities. Analyses were carried out for Israel and 32 countries of Europe and North America. Data in the 2001-2002 Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed in schools to boys and girls 11, 13, and 15 years old. Socioeconomic position was measured with the Family Affluence Scale, based on reported consumption in the family. Health indicators were perceived health, general well-being, symptom load, and health behaviors. Social welfare regimes were classified using an expanded Esping-Andersen classification. The analysis supports the authors' hypothesis, at least partially. Social democratic and conservative welfare regimes rank lowest in the strength of association between low socioeconomic position and poor health, followed by liberal and other regime types, but it is more difficult to interpret data from Mediterranean and post-communist countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and nonoccupational asbestos exposure is currently debated. Our study investigates environmental and domestic asbestos exposure in the city where the largest Italian asbestos cement (AC) factory was located. This population-based case-control study included pleural MM (histologically diagnosed) incidents in the area in 1987-1993, matched by age and sex to two controls (four if younger than 60). Diagnoses were confirmed by a panel of five pathologists. We interviewed 102 cases and 273 controls in 1993-1995, out of 116 and 330 eligible subjects. Information was checked and completed on the basis of factory and Town Office files. We adjusted analyses for occupational exposure in the AC industry. In the town there were no other relevant industrial sources of asbestos exposure. Twenty-three cases and 20 controls lived with an AC worker [odds ratio (OR) = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8-11.1)]. The risk was higher for the offspring of AC workers (OR = 7.4; 95% CI, 1.9-28.1). Subjects attending grammar school in Casale also showed an increased risk (OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.7). Living in Casale was associated with a very high risk (after selecting out AC workers: OR = 20.6; 95% CI, 6.2-68.6), with spatial trend with increasing distance from the AC factory. The present work confirms the association of environmental asbestos exposure and pleural MM, controlling for other sources of asbestos exposure, and suggests that environmental exposure caused a greater risk than domestic exposure. Key words: asbestos, asbestos cement, environmental exposure, pleural mesothelioma. Environ Health Perspect 109:915-919 (2001). [Online 23 August 2001] http://ehpnetl.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2001/109p915-9l9magnani/abst ract.html [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Life satisfaction (LS) is an indicator which is widely used for assessing the perception of a child's feeling about his life. Methods: LS is assessed in Health Behaviour in School-aged Children via the Cantril ladder with 10 steps indicating the worst and best possible life. This range of values (0-10) was dichotomized into 'low' (0-5) vs. 'high' (6-10). Countries, age groups and genders were compared based on the odds ratio (OR) of declaring a higher LS in 2010 with respect to 2002. Results: Analyzing the difference between 2002 and 2010, six countries from Western Europe show decreasing LS: Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland and Greenland. In contrast, a group of Eastern European Countries, that is, Estonia, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine, show a significant increase in LS. Data on gender and age differences confirm the lower rating of LS in girls and a decreasing rating with age. Conclusion: The LS scale appears to be a tool capable of discriminating the level of wellbeing of adolescent population among countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-rated health (SRH) in adolescence is known to be associated with health outcomes in later life. We carried out a trend analysis on data coming from three waves of data collected in 32 countries (mostly European) from 2002 to 2010 coming from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children surveys. Methods: SRH in adolescents was assessed using a Likert scale (excellent, good, fair and poor). Responses were dichotomized into 'excellent' vs. 'rest'. Country, age and gender groups were compared based on the odds ratio of declaring excellent SRH in 2010 with respect to 2002 and 2006. Results: The trend for European adolescents indicates an improvement over the last decade, although, in the majority of countries, a higher proportion of adolescents rate their health as excellent during the period 2002-06 with respect to the second half of the decade (2006-10).Girls were found to constantly rate their health as poorer, compared to their male peers, in all countries. Age has also a very stable trend towards a decreasing rating of health with increasing age. Conclusion: Decreased rating of health in the period 2006-10 may be a signal of the socio-economic difficulties of Europe in the last part of this decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19-pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of adolescents worldwide. This study examined the subjective perception of the COVID-19 pandemic measures and its association with mental health and well-being (i.e., loneliness, life satisfaction and multiple health complaints) among 13- and 15-years-old adolescents from 22 countries. Methods: Data from the cross-national Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2021/22 study were used from representative samples of 22 countries (N = 67,544; 51.9% girls). The self-perceived impact of COVID-19 measure comprised 10 items asking about the impact on several dimensions of adolescent lives (e.g., relationships with family and friends, health, or eating behaviours). Measures of loneliness, multiple health complaints, and life satisfaction were included as indicators of mental health and well-being. A non-parametric multilevel latent class analysis considering individual and country-levels was conducted to identify classes of self-perceived impact of the COVID-19 measures. Multilevel logistic regression models adjusted by age and socioeconomic status were applied to assess the association between COVID-19 measure impact classes and mental health. Results: Three classes were identified on individual level encompassing a neutral (51%), positive (31%), or negative (18%) perception of COVID-19 measures. A third of the adolescents reported a positive impact of the pandemic measures. The distribution of classes was heterogeneous within and across countries. Within the positive COVID-19 measure impact class, social relationships were the most important dimension, whereas mental health problems were mostly represented within the negative COVID-19 measure impact class. Girls with a negative perception of pandemic measures showed higher levels of loneliness and multiple health complaints and lower life satisfaction. 15-year-old adolescents and those with a low socioeconomic status reported higher levels of loneliness and lower life satisfaction. Conclusions: The majority of adolescents perceived the pandemic measures as neutral or positive. Girls, 15-year-old adolescents, and those with low socioeconomic status were at higher risk of suffering from pandemic measures and associated problems of loneliness, multiple health complaints, and low life satisfaction. We conclude that adolescent's mental health and well-being should be considered in the decision-making process by ensuring that the unique challenges of adolescents are adequately addressed in policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of our study was to assess the effects of Bisphenols exposure on pregnancy and neonatal life. In this optic, we have: (a) determined Bisphenols concentration levels (Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S) in a group of newborns and their mothers, (b) identified factors, habits and devices possibly responsible for Bisphenols uptake, and (c) determined some possible health effect of Bipshenols exposure. The statistical analyses showed no significant correlations between maternal and neonatal Bisphenols concentration levels. In newborns, on the contrary, a positive correlation between pacifier use and Bisphenol S total and free concentration was detected. Beside, a significant correlation was also found between oral glucose administration and concentration levels of free Bisphenols A. Our study points to a central role of lifestyle, hospital procedures and neonatal devices in inducing Bisphenols exposure during perinatal period. This is the first report of Bisphenols contamination in newborns due to widely non-alimentary products destined for newborn care (glucose solution containers for Bisphenol A and the pacifiers for the Bisphenol S). Further studies are advocated to clarify both the impact of such other Bisphenols forms on human health and the potential Bisphenol A exposure sources during neonatal and childhood life. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of bisphenol (BP) exposure on pregnancy and neonatal life. We have (a) determined BP (BPA and BPS) concentration levels in a group of newborns and their mothers; (b) identified factors, habits, and devices possibly responsible for BP uptake; and (c) determined the effect of BP exposure. No significant correlations were detected between maternal and neonatal BP concentration levels. In newborns, positive correlations between pacifier use and BPS total (p = 0.04) and free BPS (p = 0.03) concentrations were detected. A significant correlation was also found between oral glucose administration and concentration levels of free BPA (p < 0.05). Our study points to a central role of lifestyle, hospital procedures, and neonatal devices in inducing BP exposure, especially during the perinatal period. This is the first report of BP contamination in newborns due to widely non-alimentary products designed for newborn care, such as glucose-solution containers for BPA and pacifiers for BPS. Further studies are advocated in order to clarify both the impact of other BP forms on human health and development, as well as potential BPA exposure sources during neonatal and childhood life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cephalometric differences and condylar asymmetry between patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and normal control group. Sixty-two JIA patients with a latero-lateral cephalogram and orthopantomography, seeking for orthodontic therapy, and 62 normal matched subjects were comprised in the study. Cephalometric analysis was used for the evaluation of facial morphology while the method of Habets et al. (J Oral Rehabil 15(5): 465-471, 1988) was used to compare the condyles in orthopantomography. The significance of between-group differences was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. The results showed a prevalence of the upper maxilla with hypomandibulia (class II), hyperdivergency with short vertical ramus posterior and posterior rotation of the mandible in JIA children (SNB, ANB, NSL/ML, Fh/ML, NL/ML, ArGo, ML P < 0.0001, ML/Oc P < 0.004, ArGo/GoGn P = 0.02, no difference for SNA). The condyles of the JIA group resulted highly asymmetric (P < 0.0001). The growth pattern of JIA patients resulted clearly different from normal subjects. This serious impairment of the cranial growth may be considered as an indicator of the need for early and continuous orthognatodonthic therapy during the entire period of development for all JIA patients, independently from temporomandibular joint signs or symptoms. To this end, it is important that rheumatologists and orthognathodontists set up a multidisciplinary treatment planned to control the side effects of a deranged growing pattern, to strictly avoid any orthodontic therapies that may worsen function and growth, and to promote treatments improving the physiology and biology of the cranial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results around non-submerged implants placed after vertical alveolar ridge augmentation. Material and methods The original population consisted of two groups of partially edentulous patients (Clinical Oral Implants Research, 15, 2004, 73; Clinical Oral Implants Research, 18, 2007, 286), receiving a total of 82 implants, after a vertical bone augmentation of at least 4 mm. Following cementation of the fixed dental prostheses, patients were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy ( SPT) program for an appropriate clinical and radiographic follow-up. Results At the 10-year examination, seven of the 41 patients were lost to follow-up. During SPT, additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was necessary in 18 implants, and four of these implants were removed for biological complications. The overall implant survival rate was 94.1%. The mean interproximal bone loss ( BL) was 0.58 ± 0.57 mm. Conclusions The results of this study confirmed that implants, placed after vertical augmentation and followed by an adequate SPT, offer predictable long-term results. Nevertheless, patients whose bone atrophy was consequence of a previous history of periodontitis presented a statistically significant greater BL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical conditions around dental implants placed in the posterior mandible of healthy or moderately periodontally compromised patients, in relation to the presence or not of keratinized mucosa ( KT). Materials and methods One hundred and twenty-eight patients who needed an implant in the posterior mandible were consecutively enrolled in a private specialist practice. Only one implant per patient was examined originally placed either within KT or alveolar ( AM) mucosa. At 10 years, clinical and radiographic measures were recorded by a calibrated operator. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was also registered. Results Ninety-eight patients completed the 10-year study. The absence of KT was associated with higher plaque accumulation, greater soft-tissue recession (REC), and a higher number of sites that required additional surgical and/or antibiotic treatment. Patient-reported outcomes regarding maintenance procedures presented major differences between the groups. In 11 of the 35 AM cases, additional free gingival graft ( FGG) was successfully employed to reduce discomfort and to facilitate optimal plaque control. Conclusion Implants that are not surrounded by KT are more prone to plaque accumulation and REC, even in patients exercising sufficient oral hygiene and receiving adequate supporting periodontal therapy ( SPT). In selected cases, particularly in the edentulous posterior mandible, where ridge resorption leads to reduced vestibular depth and lack of KT, additional FGG can be beneficial to facilitate proper oral hygiene procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of sandblasted and acid-etched ( SLA) implants in patients previously treated for periodontitis and in periodontally healthy patients ( PHP). Material and methods One hundred and forty-nine partially edentulous patients were consecutively enrolled in private specialist practice and divided into three groups according to their periodontal condition: PHP, moderately periodontally compromised patients ( PCP) and severely PCP. Implants were placed to support fixed prostheses, after successful completion of initial periodontal therapy. At the end of active periodontal treatment ( APT), patients were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy ( SPT) program. Diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant biological complications were performed according to cumulative interceptive supportive therapy ( CIST). At 10 years, clinical and radiographic measures were recorded by two calibrated operators, blind to the initial patient classification, on 123 patients, as 26 were lost to follow up. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was registered. Results Six implants were removed for biological complications. The implant survival rate was 100% for PHP, 96.9% for moderate PCP and 97.1% for severe PCP. Antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was performed in 18.8% of cases in PHP, in 52.2% of cases in moderate PCP and in 66.7% cases in severe PCP, with a statistically significant differences between PHP and both PCP groups. At 10 years, the percentage of implants, with at least one site that presented a PD ≥ 6 mm, was, respectively, 0% for PHP, 9.4% for moderate PCP and 10.8% for severe PCP, with a statistically significant difference between PHP and both PCP groups. Conclusions This study shows that SLA implants, placed under a strict periodontal control, offer predictable long-term results. Nevertheless, patients with a history of periodontitis, who did not fully adhere to the SPT, presented a statistically significant higher number of sites that required additional surgical and/or antibiotic treatment. Therefore, patients should be informed, from the beginning, of the value of the SPT in enhancing long-term outcomes of implant therapy, particularly those affected by periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This large prospective, randomized study was designed to compare the 'mild' protocol with clomiphene citrate, low-dose gonadotropins and a GnRH-antagonist (CC/Gn/GnRH-ant protocol) with the 'long' protocol with a GnRH-agonist and high-dose Gn for the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) of patients with expected poor ovarian responsiveness undergoing IVF. Materials and Methods: A total of 695 women with clinical, endocrine and ultrasound characteristics suggesting a low ovarian reserve and a poor responsiveness to COH were recruited and randomly assigned to receive the CC/Gn/GnRH-ant 'mild' protocol (mild group, n = 355) or the 'long' protocol with high-dose Gn (long group, n = 340). Results: The 'mild' stimulation led to significantly shorter follicular phase, lower consumption of exogenous Gn and lower peak estradiol level than the 'long' regimen. With the 'long' protocol, significantly less cycles were cancelled due to the lack of ovarian response; further, it obtained significantly more oocytes, more mature oocytes, more embryos, and a thicker endometrium. As for the final IVF outcome, however, the two stimulation regimens obtained comparable implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks. Conclusions: In conclusion, the 'mild' CC/Gn/GnRH-ant stimulation protocol is a valid alternative to the long protocol with high Gn dose as it obtains a comparable success rate and requires significantly less medications, with an obvious economical advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Environmental asbestos pollution can cause malignant mesothelioma, but few studies have involved dose--response analyses with detailed information on occupational, domestic, and environmental exposures. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we examined the spatial variation of mesothelioma risk in an area with high levels of asbestos pollution from an industrial plant, adjusting for occupational and domestic exposures. METHODS: This population-based case--control study included 103 incident cases of mesothelioma and 272 controls in 1987-1993 in the area around Casale Monferrato, Italy, where an important asbestos cement plant had been active for decades. Information collected included lifelong occupational and residential histories. Mesothelioma risk was estimated through logistic regression and a mixed additive--multiplicative model in which an additive scale was assumed for the risk associated with both residential distance from the plant and occupational exposures. The adjusted excess risk gradient by residential distance was modeled as an exponential decay with a threshold. RESULTS: Residents at the location of the asbestos cement factory had a relative risk for mesothelioma of 10.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.8-50.1), adjusted for occupational and domestic exposures. Risk decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the factory, but at 10-km the risk was still 60% of its value at the source. The relative risk for occupational exposure was 6.0 (95% CI, 2.9-13.0), but this increased to 27.5 (95% CI, 7.8-153.4) when adjusted for residential distance. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides strong evidence that asbestos pollution from an industrial source greatly increases mesothelioma risk. Furthermore, relative risks from occupational exposure were underestimated and were markedly increased when adjusted for residential distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the 10‐year outcomes of a regenerative surgical treatment of single peri‐implantitis intrabony defects, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBMC). Material and Methods: The original population consisted of 26 patients with one crater‐like defect, around either SLA or TPS dental implants, with a probing depth ≥6 mm and no implant mobility. After debridement and surface decontamination, the defects were filled with DBBMC. Subsequently, patients were placed in an individualized supportive peri‐implant/periodontal therapy (SPT) program. Results: Fourteen patients (eight SLA and six TPS) reached the 10‐year examination. The overall implant survival rate was 67%, 80% for the SLA, and 55% for the TPS implants. During SPT, five patients were lost to follow‐up, eight patients needed additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy, and seven patients had the implant removed. PD was reduced from 6.6 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in SLA and from 7.2 ± 1.5 to 3.4 ± 0.6 mm in TPS. BOP decreased from 75.0 ± 31.2% to 7.5 ± 12.1% (SLA) and from 90.0 ± 12.9% to 30.0 ± 19.7% (TPS). Treatment success was found in 5 of the 12 SLA (42%) and in 4 of the 14 TPS (29%). Conclusions: The proposed reconstructive treatment, followed by SPT, was able to maintain in function the majority of SLA implants, although the overall treatment success was limited and many of TPS implants were removed. Therefore, the decision to treat implants affected by peri‐implantitis should be based on several factors, including surface characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of the surgical treatment of single peri-implantitis intrabony defects, by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen ( DBBMC). Material and Methods The original population consisted of 26 patients with one crater-like defect, around either sandblasted and acid-etched ( SLA) or titanium plasma-sprayed ( TPS) dental implants, with a probing depth ( PD) ≥6 mm and no implant mobility ( Roccuzzo et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2011; 38: 738). Implants were mechanically debrided and treated using EDTA gel and chlorhexidine gel. The bone defects were filled with DBBMC, and the flap was sutured around the non-submerged implant. Patients were placed on an individually tailored supportive periodontal therapy ( SPT). Results Two patients were lost to follow-up. During SPT, additional antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was necessary in eight implants, and four of these were removed for biologic complications. At 7-year, the survival rate was 83.3% for SLA implants and 71.4% for TPS. PD was significantly reduced from 6.6 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in SLA and 7.2 ± 1.5 to 3.4 ± 0.6 mm in TPS. Bleeding on probing decreased from 75.0 ± 31.2% to 7.5 ± 12.1% ( SLA) and from 90.0 ± 12.9% to 30.0 ± 19.7% ( TPS). When successful therapy was defined as PD ≤5 mm, absence of bleeding/suppuration on probing, and no further bone loss, treatment success was obtained in 2 of 14 (14.3%) of the TPS and in 7 of 12 (58.3%) of the SLA implants. Conclusions Seven years after surgical treatment with DBBMC, patients, in an adequate SPT, maintained sufficient peri-implant conditions in many cases, particularly around SLA implants. Nevertheless, some patients required further treatment and some lost implants. The clinical decision on whether implants should be treated or removed should be based on several factors, including implant surface characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the association between immigrant generation, family sociodemographic characteristics, and problem gambling severity in a large-scale nationally representative sample of Italian youth.Method: Data from the 2013-2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey were used for cross-sectional analyses of adolescent problem gambling. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by a representative sample of 20,791 15-year-old students. Respondents' problem gambling severity, immigrant status, family characteristics (family structure, family affluence, perceived family support) and socio-demographic characteristics were individually assessed.Findings: Rates of adolescent at-risk/problem gambling were twice as high among first generation immigrants than non-immigrant students; the odds of being at-risk/problem gamblers were higher among first-generation immigrants than adolescents of other immigrant generations or non-immigrant. Not living with two biological or adoptive parents appears to be a factor that increases the risk of becoming a problem gambler in first generation immigrants.Conclusions: Immigrant status and family characteristics may play a key role in contributing to adolescent problem gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and aim: Unhealthy eating behaviours increase with age and have been associated with adverse health consequences in adulthood. We examined the influence of screen-based sedentary behaviours (SBs) on unhealthy food consumption, such as energy-dense foods and sweetened drinks, among a representative sample of nearly 60 000 adolescents and assessed the role of possible modifiers. Methods: Data come from the Italian 2009-10 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. Data on Eating patterns, SBs, physical activity, peers network, BMI and socio-economic status (SES) were collected following the HBSC study protocol. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used. Results: Unhealthy food consumption was significantly associated with a lower intake of fruit and vegetables and with the increase of SBs in both sexes and in all ages. The risk was interestingly higher in normal weight adolescents, in those with wider relationships with peers and in low SES children. Conclusions: This study adds evidence to support the importance of investing more resources in educational initiatives both to increase parents' awareness to support adolescents on dietary choices and on time spent in screen-based behaviours, independently of their adiposity status; and to develop youth's ability to access and appropriately use media and technologies. Policy makers should also increase their attention on introducing regulatory policies on television food advertising to which youth are exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with very low circulating anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and to investigate factors affecting their probability of pregnancy. Methods: The outcome of 448 IVF cycles in 361 women with circulating AMH <0.5 ng/ml was retrospectively analyzed. Results: Cycle cancellation rate was 14.5 %; patients whose cycle was cancelled had significantly lower AMH than women who reached oocyte pickup (OPU). Among those who reached OPU, age significantly affected the success rate: despite comparable AMH levels, patients below 35 years obtained significantly more oocytes and a better clinical pregnancy rate (CPR)/OPU than patients aged 35-39 or 40-43 (31 % vs. 23.2 % vs. 10.2 %, respectively; p = 0.001). Differently, comparable IVF results were observed stratifying patients for AMH levels in the range 0.14-0.49 ng/ml. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that the probability of pregnancy was significantly affected by age, but not by small differences in AMH level. Conclusions: Women with very low (<0.5 ng/ml) AMH levels undergoing IVF still have reasonable chances of achieving a pregnancy, but their prognosis is significantly affected by chronological age. Very low AMH levels are associated with a relevant risk of cycle cancellation but should not be considered a reason to exclude a couple from IVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a reconstructive surgical procedure in single peri-implantitis infrabony defects. Methods Seventy-five patients with one peri-implantitis crater-like lesion with pocket depth ( PD) ≥ 6 mm, were included. Each defect was assigned to one characteristic class, by an independent examiner. After implant decontamination, defects were filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen. Results At 1-year follow-up, four patients were lost and six implants removed. Treatment success, PD ≤5 mm and absence of suppuration/bleeding on probing ( BOP), was obtained in 37 (52.1%) of the 71 implants examined. PD was significantly reduced by 2.92 ± 1.73 mm ( p < 0.0001). BOP decreased from 71.5 ± 34.4% to 18.3 ± 28.6% ( p < 0.0001). The mean number of deep pockets (≥6 mm) decreased from 3.00 ± 0.93 to 0.85 ± 1.35 ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions These results confirm the possibility to successfully treat peri-implantitis lesions. There is lack of evidence of whether or not the resolution of the peri-implant disease is associated with the defect configuration. Due to the fact that complete resolution does not seem a predictable outcome, the clinical decision on whether implants should be treated should be based on several patient related elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]