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The severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in China in December 2019 and has generated a worldwide pandemic. The objective of the research is to examine and describe (a) the symptoms that persist after the end of the acute stage and (b) their relationship with the severity of the disease.This study is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain on COVID-19 infected patients using an online survey questionnaire with a total number of 52 patient responses (29 females and 23 males).A scale (0 no symptoms to 10 very high symptoms intensity) was assessed in patients after 3 months to detect the relevance of specific symptoms post-COVID-19 such as emotional and physical health, headache, dyspnoea, pain (muscles/joints/chest), anosmia, vertigo, neurologic symptoms, sarcopenia, delirium.The most common COVID-19 symptoms were reported to be fever (69.2%), headache (59.6%), and cough (50.0%). Data analysis showed that BMI was not correlated with any post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. Regarding the post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, this study showed that an increase of intensity of headache was associated with an increase of delirium; an increase of intensity of dyspnoea was associated with an increase of pulmonary dysfunction. The increase of anosmia and dysgeusia was associated with an increase in delirium. In addition, the increase of neurological symptoms and delirium were associated with the increase of sarcopenia. The most common persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms observed in this study were emotional stress, followed by loss of smell and taste, and neurological symptoms.Therefore, follow-up and rehabilitation care for COVID-19 patients must be focused on addressing the needs of these people in the longer term.

The severe, acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019 quickly became a global pandemic that has resulted in over 100 million infections and more than 2 million deaths.This study aimed to assess the awareness level of university students regarding the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19. In order to achieve this objective, we assessed the students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using an online survey questionnaire offered to a total of 300 students.A positive response regarding awareness of COVID-19 symptoms was registered by more than 70% of the students, whereas 62% felt that wearing a mask did not give full protection against infection, approximately 30% agreed that antibiotics and antivirals did not treat COVID-19, and 62% agreed that vitamin C was helpful in treating common symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, around 31% of the students believed that COVID-19 is a man-made virus. Students who had gotten infected with SARS-CoV-2 believed that wearing a mask gives full protection (p=0.018). In response to survey questions related to attitude, 80% of students cancelled and postponed meetings with friends, and 90% agreed that mask-wearing is the most precautionary measure used to prevent the infection. In addition, 82% avoided coughing in public, 82% avoided contact if they felt flu-like symptoms and 80% washed their hands far more often due to the pandemic. Interestingly, 76% carried hand sanitizer, 66.5% avoided shaking hands, and 42.7% were taking vitamin C supplements.This study showed that the participants had a positive awareness of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, and treatments misconceptions and mistaken beliefs related to treatments and the origin of the virus were also common and should be addressed. This study thus provides a baseline for a population-based surveillance program that could help local authorities to improve pandemic preparation plans, particularly with regard to governmental education and media campaigns.

Background A study has been performed in overweight and obese subjects to assess the effects of adiposity and inflammation indicators on dysmetabolic biomarkers via red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), taking into account pro-antioxidant balance. Methods Data from 166 overweight subjects were analyzed by a path analysis model using structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect pathway effects of adiposity, measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and inflammation status, measured by pro-antioxidant balance [reactive oxygen species (ROS)], lag-time and slope and C-reactive protein (CRP) values on dysmetabolic biomarkers, via RDW and MCV. Results BMI was strongly linked to CRP and ROS levels. Moreover, there was a significant negative decrease of MCV (1.546 femtoliters) linked to BMI indirectly via high CRP levels. Furthermore, WC affected RDW, indicating a possible mediatory role for RDW in relation to the relationship between WC and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), insulin and high density lipoprotein (HDL), respectively. This was evident by the elevated HOMA and insulin levels and the decreased levels of HDL. Finally, ROS-related markers did not affect directly RDW and MCV. Conclusion The reported outcomes suggest that RDW might play a mediatory role in the relationship between WC and the dysmetabolic outcomes in overweight and obese individuals. CRP seems to modulate the linkage between BMI and MCV. This study provides the backbone structure for future scenarios and lays the foundation for further research on the role of RDW and MCV as suitable biomarkers for the assessment of cardiovascular disease (HDL-cholesterol), inflammatory bowels and insulin resistance. Gasparri, C (corresponding author), Univ Pavia, Endocrinol & Nutr Unit, Azienda Serv Persona Ist Santa Margherita, I-27100 Pavia, Italy. clara.gasparri01@universitadipavia.it

We compare bioimpedance analysis (BIA) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the assessment of free fat mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percentage of body fat under different conditions in relation to age categories, hydration parameters, body mass index (BMI) and sarcopenia. A cross-sectional analysis of body composition was estimated by BIA and DXA in 379 hospitalized elderly patients. In addition, estimates of FFM, FM and percentage of body fat were investigated across different conditions. Paired t-tests, Bland-Altman plot and intraclass correlation coefficient analysis were used to compare methods. Data showed an underestimation of means (BIA versus DXA) of FFM (women: 0,97 kg, p0,01; men: 1,99 kg; p0,01), and an overestimation of both the FM (women: +1,11 kg; p0,01; men: +1,67 kg; p0,01) and percentage of body fat (women: +2,07 %, p0,01; men: +2,82 %, p0,01). BIA underestimated FFM and overestimated FM and percentage of body fat in patients from the age group of 75 to 85 years, in patients with a total body water content60%, in underweight and normal weight patients and in patients with sarcopenia (p0,01). The intraclass coefficient results were indicative of poor reproducibility between BIA and DXA for FFM (women: +0,197; men: +0,250) and FM (women: +0,141; men +0,144). BIA is a good alternative for estimation of FFM and FM only in overweight or obese patients or in patients with good hydration status. BIA, on the other hand, is not an accurate method for assessing FFM in sarcopenic patients.Мы сравнили биоимпедансный метод диагностики с двухэнергетической рентгеновской абсорбциометрией (ДЭХА) в оценке массы свободного жира, массы жира и доли жира в организме в различных условиях в зависимости от возрастных категорий, параметров гидратации, ИМТ и саркопении. Кросс-секционный анализ состава тела был оценен с помощью биоимпедансного метода и ДЭХА у 379 госпитализированных пациентов пожилого возраста. Для сравнения методов использовали парные t-критерии, график Бланда—Альтмана и коэффициент внутригрупповой корреляции. Данные показали недооценку значений (биоимпедансный метод диагностики по сравнению с ДЭХА) массы свободного жира (женщины: 0,97 кг, р0,01; мужчины: 1,99 кг; р0,01), а также завышенную оценку обоих показателей массы жира (женщины: +1,11 кг; р0,01; мужчины: +1,67 кг; р0,01) и процентного содержания телесного жира (женщины: +2,07%, р0,01; мужчины: +2,82%, р0,01). Биоимпедансный метод диагностики занизил показатели массы свободного жира и завысил показатели массы жира, а также процентное содержание жира в организме у пациентов 75–85 лет, у пациентов с общим содержанием воды в организме60%, у пациентов с недостаточной массой тела и нормальной массой, а также у пациентов с саркопенией (р0,01). Результаты внутриклассового коэффициента свидетельствуют о плохой воспроизводимости между биоимпедансным методом диагностики и ДЭХА для массы свободного жира (женщины: +0,197; мужчины: +0,250) и массы жира (женщины: +0,141; мужчины +0,144). С одной стороны, биоимпедансный метод является хорошей альтернативой для оценки массы свободного жира и массы жира только у пациентов с избыточной массой тела или ожирением, а также у пациентов с хорошим гидратационным статусом. С другой стороны, биоимпедансный метод диагностики не является точным методом оценки массы свободного жира у пациентов с саркопенией.

The methodological foundations of the recently published Manual for Annex I Habitats monitoring in Italy, edited by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) with the scientific support of the Italian Society for Vegetation Science (SISV), are here presented, discussed and related to the most consolidated and acknowledged scientific advances in the field of Vegetation science. The proposed methodologies aim at offering simple, yet effective, protocols and procedures towards a harmonized data collection, by way of standardized and shared technical tools, resulting in comparable evaluations of the conservation status of Annex I Habitats. The methodological framework was developed by experts including a large team of members of the SISV. Big efforts were deployed to provide indicators and parameters for biodiversity monitoring able to catch its complexity, yet simple enough to be easily measured. Diagnosis and syntaxonomical correspondences of Habitat types, sampling procedure, plot size, distribution mapping, typical species are among the principal issues here examined through a widely shared scientific discussion. The final product is a comprehensive Manual, which offers practical but scientifically sound methodological tools for an efficient and effective monitoring of Annex I Habitats. The importance of bridging across the science-policy interface is emphasized, in a general will to improve the impact of Vegetation science on conservation policy development in Europe.

Summary Emerging literature suggests that diet plays an important modulatory role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because diet is an environmental factor that affects inflammation, antigen presentation, antioxidant defense mechanisms and gut microbiota. Patients with RA frequently ask their doctors about which diets to follow, and even in the absence of advice from their physicians, many patients are undertaking various dietary interventions. Given this background, the aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence to date regarding the ideal dietary approach for management of RA in order to reduce the counteracting inflammation, and to construct a food pyramid for patients with RA. The pyramid shows that carbohydrates should be consumed every day (3 portions of whole grains, preferably gluten free), together with fruits and vegetables (5 portions; among which fruit, berries and citrus fruit are to be preferred, and among the vegetables, green leafy ones.), light yogurt (125 ml), skim milk (200 ml), 1 glass (125 ml) of wine and extra virgin olive oil; weekly, fish (3 portions), white meat (3 portions), legumes (2 portions) eggs (2 portions), seasoned cheeses (2 portions), and red or processed meats (once a week). At the top of the pyramid, there are two pennants: one green means that subjects with RA need some personalized supplementation (vitamin D and omega 3) and one red means that there are some foods that are banned (salt and sugar). The food pyramid allows patients to easily figure out what to eat.

ObjectiveTo investigate the types of errors produced in a picture naming task by patients with neurodegenerative dementia due to different etiologies and their neural correlates.MethodsThe same standardized picture naming test was administered to a consecutive sample of patients (n = 148) who had been studied with [18F] FDG-PET. The errors were analyzed in 3 categories (visual, semantic, and phonologic). The PET data were analyzed using an optimized single-subject procedure, and the statistical parametric mapping multiple regression design was used to explore the correlation between each type of error and brain hypometabolism in the whole group. Metabolic connectivity analyses were run at the group level on 7 left hemisphere cortical areas corresponding to an a priori defined naming network.ResultsSemantic errors were predominant in most patients, independent of clinical diagnosis. In the whole group analysis, visual errors correlated with hypometabolism in the right inferior occipital lobe and in the left middle occipital lobe. Semantic errors correlated with hypometabolism in the left fusiform gyrus, the inferior and middle temporal gyri, and the temporal pole. Phonologic errors were associated with hypometabolism in the left superior and middle temporal gyri. Both positive (occipital–posterior fusiform) and negative (anterior fusiform gyrus and the superior anterior temporal lobe) connectivity changes were associated with semantic errors.ConclusionsNaming errors reflect the dysfunction of separate stages of the naming process and are specific markers for different patterns of brain involvement. These correlations are not limited to primary progressive aphasia but extend to other neurodegenerative dementias.

The “Prima Mostra Triennale delle Terre Italiane d’ Oltremare” was inaugurated on 9th May 1940 and closed after only one month because of the burst out of the war. It inserted itself in the current of the colonial exhibitions which were necessary to create in Italy the consent on the colonization and to launch on the global scenery the image of Italy like a big colonial power. In the setting up of the “Triennale”, the archaeology had to show the historical legitimacy of the conquest of the overseas territories welding the feats of the Ancient Rome to those of the Fascism. Nevertheless this task is not clearly evaluable since it is not known with precision which and how many works there were positioned. In this place it is reconstructed the composition of the setting up on the basis of the examination of the administrative acts. It is retraced the complex events of the postwar restitutions of the works coming from the ex-territories of the Empire, Libya, Greece and Albania. Attention is drawn to Amedeo Maiuri, who was the researcher of the section “Roma Antica sul mare” and of that of the Italian Isles of the Aegean Sea.

Current available biomarkers cannot identify myocardial ischemia without necrosis. To overcome this issue and to increase diagnostic power, we evaluated the activation of the three MAPK pathways, ERK1/2, JNK and p38, in T lymphocytes of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We included sixty consecutive patients affected by either unstable angina (UA, N = 22), Non- ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI, N = 19) or ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI, N = 19). Two separate groups of patients were matched as controls: healthy subjects (CTRL, N = 20) and patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD, N = 21). MAPK activation in T lymphocytes, measured by phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-JNK and phospho-p38 levels, was assessed by flow cytometry analysis which revealed significantly increased phosphorylated levels of ERK1/2 in patients with UA, compared to controls. In UA patients no significant changes were detected for phospho-JNK compared to both control groups. NSTEMI and STEMI groups showed a statistically significant increase in both phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-JNK, compared to control groups. All ACS groups demonstrated significantly increased phosphorylation of p38 compared to CTRL, but not CAD. ROC curves showed that a cut-off value of 22.5 intensity of fluorescence for phospho-ERK1/2 was able to significantly discriminate UA patients from patients with stable angina with 78% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Therefore, a differential MAPK activation in T lymphocytes denotes patients with ACS. Indeed, patients with unstable angina are identified with high specificity by activated ERK1/2 and normal JNK levels. These data could represent a valuable new molecular signature to be used as specific biomarkers for the diagnosis of unstable angina within ACS. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Vengono presentati dati inediti recuperati dalla ricerca d'archivio in merito alla provenienza campana di un rilievo di produzione neoattica ora nei Musei di Berlino. Si ricostruisce la fitta trama dei rapporti che regolavano il collezionismo internazionale d'antichità nel XIX secolo.

cAMP inhibits proliferation in most cell types triggering different and sometimes opposing molecular pathways. p85alpha (the PI3K regulatory subunit) is phosphorylated by cAMP/PKA in certain cell lineages but its effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are unknown. In the present study we evaluated: i) the role of p85alpha in the integration of cAMP/PKA-dependent signaling on the regulation of VSMC and EC growth in vitro and ii) the effects of PKA-modified-p85alpha on neointimal hyperplasia and endothelial healing after balloon injury in vivo. Plasmid constructs carrying wild type and PKA-modified p85alpha were employed in VSMCs and ECs in vitro and after balloon injury in rat carotid arteries in vivo. cAMP/PKA reduced VSMC proliferation through p85alpha phosphorylation. Transfected PKA-activated-p85alpha binds p21(ras) reducing ERK 1/2 activation and VSMC proliferation in vitro. In contrast, EC proliferation inhibition by cAMP is independent from PKA modification of p85alpha and ERK 1/2 inhibition; indeed, PKA-activated-p85alpha did not inhibit per se ERK 1/2 activation and proliferation in ECs in vitro. Interestingly, cAMP reduced both VSMC and EC apoptotic death through p85alpha phosphorylation. Accordingly, PKA-activated-p85alpha triggered Akt activation reducing both VSMC and EC apoptosis in vitro. Finally, compared to controls, vascular gene transfer of PKA-activated-p85alpha significantly reduced neointimal formation after balloon injury in rats, without inhibiting endothelial regeneration of the injured arterial segment. In conclusions, PKA-activated-p85alpha integrates cAMP/PKA signaling differently in VSMCs and ECs. By reducing neointimal hyperplasia without inhibiting endothelial regeneration, it exerts a protective effect against restenosis after balloon injury. Key words: Restenosis, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, cAMP.

Catalogo sistematico dei disegni e delle stampe riproducenti sculture antiche della collezione Farnese e documentanti la loro fortuna dal XV al XIX secolo

Drug-eluting stents are increasingly used to reduce in-stent restenosis and adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary interventions. However, the race for the ideal drug-eluting stent is still on, with special regard to the best stent-coating system and the most effective and less toxic drug. Fludarabine, a nucleoside analog, has both anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative cellular effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the cellular and molecular effects of fludarabine on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth in vitro and in vivo and the feasibility and efficacy of a fludarabine-eluting stent. To study the biomolecular effects of fludarabine on VSMC proliferation in vitro, rat VSMCs were grown in the presence of 50 μM fludarabine or in the absence of the same. To evaluate the in vivo effect of this drug, male Wistar rats underwent balloon injury of the carotid artery, and fludarabine was locally delivered at the time of injury. Finally, fludarabine-eluting stents were in-laboratory manufactured and tested in a rabbit model of in-stent restenosis. Fludarabine markedly inhibited VSMC proliferation in cell culture. Furthermore, fludarabine reduced neointimal formation after balloon angioplasty in a dose-dependent manner, and fludarabine-eluting stents reduced neointimal hyperplasia by ∼50%. These in vitro and in vivo cellular effects were specifically associated with the molecular switch-off of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 activation, without affecting other STAT proteins. Fludarabine abolishes VSMC proliferation in vitro and reduces neointimal formation after balloon injury in vivo through specific inhibition of STAT-1 activation. Fludarabine-eluting stents are feasible and effective in reducing in-stent restenosis in rabbits.

La storia della collezione Farnese di sculture antiche, già delineata in passato nei suoi principali momenti, viene ripercorsa, dall'epoca del suo impianto cinquecentesco fino alla confluenza nel Real Museo Borbonico, attraverso un sistematico vaglio critico e la rilettura della documentazione d'archivio, delle fonti antiquarie e delle testimonianze della grafica.