Association between Mediterranean diet and dementia and Alzheimer disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dementia affects 5-8% of the population aged over 65 years (~50 million worldwide). Several factors are associated with increased risk, including diet. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has shown potential protective effects against several chronic diseases. AIMS: This systematic review with meta-analysis aim was to assess the association between adherence to the MedDiet and the risk of dementia in the elderly. METHODS: PRISMA-2020 guidelines were followed. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched on 17 July 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The protocol was pre-registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD 42023444368). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of the funnel plot and by Egger's regression asymmetry test. The final effect size was reported as OR or HR, depending on the study design of the included studies. RESULTS: Out of 682 records, 21 were included in the analysis. The pooled OR was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.84-0.94) based on 65,955 participants (I2 = 69.94). When only cohort studies were included, HR was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.76-0.94) based on 55,205 participants (I2 = 89.70). When only Alzheimer Disease was considered OR was 0.73 (95% CI = 0.62-0.85) based on 38,292 participants (I2 = 63.85). DISCUSSION: Despite the relatively low risk reduction associated with higher adherence to MedDiet among elderly, it should be considered that this population is the most affected. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to MedDiet could be an effective non-pharmacological measure to reduce the burden of dementia, even among elderly.

Italy's rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations: The crucial contribution of the first experimental mass vaccination site in Lombardy.

BACKGROUND: In occurrence of the coronavirusdisease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, carrying out an efficient large-scale vaccination campaign is vital in order to control the virus. Especially in high prevalence areas of COVID - 19, it is crucial to implement an effective vaccination strategy. In Italy, programming an efficient COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign has been the main target of the Ministry of Health. AIMS: This paper gives a comprehensive overview of how the mass vaccination campaign is performed in Milan, one of the cities that has been mostly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. We analyze the vaccination strategy implemented by Fondazione Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico located in Milan. Furthermore, we compare the organization of this campaign in regards of those carried out across EU and UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data derive from an analysis of the different vaccination plans implemented across EU and UK from the 27/12/2020 to the 15/06/2020. In addition, we discuss the data collected from the internal data server of IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico from the 15/02/2021 to the 15/06/2021.The collected data are examined by means of descriptive statistics. RESULTS: From the analysis of the internal data server, we observe that the modular organization of Fiera Milano City guarantees up to 5000 vaccinations/day. Moreover, the precise flow organization of users and a series of strategies adopted to avoid identification errors or vaccine type administration errors are crucial to reach the aforementioned target. CONCLUSIONS: The institution of mass vaccination centers thanks to the optimization of all the involved processes and the meticulous organization of these structures, allows to avoid crowds and guarantees the administration of elevated amounts of vaccines. All these elements assure a rapid vaccination coverage of the population in Lombardy, with a meaningful increase in daily administration doses.

Antipituitary antibodies in idiopathic hyperprolactinemic patients.

Hyperprolactinemia is often observed in lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH). To clarify the possible autoimmune pituitary involvement in patients with apparently idiopathic hyperprolactinemia we investigated the presence of antipituitary antibodies (APA) in hyperprolactinemic patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia and in those with prolactinoma. Sixty-six hyperprolactinemic patients (52 F, 14 M age range 28-42 years, group 1) were studied. Of them, 34 out of 66 showed clinical features of hyperprolactinemia and subsequently underwent cabergoline therapy; the 32 out of 66 patients without symptoms of hyperprolactinemia did not receive cabergoline therapy. Moreover, 32 patients (24 F/8M, age range 23-44 years) with hyperprolactinemia due to microprolactinoma (group 2) were also studied. APA, by immunofluorescence method, and anterior pituitary function were evaluated in both groups of patients. APA were present in 17 out of 66 (25.7%) patients in group 1 with titers ranging from 1/16 to 1/64. All patients of group 2 were considered APA negative because these antibodies were found at low titer (

Outcomes in thread lift for facial rejuvenation: a study performed with happy lift™ revitalizing.

INTRODUCTION: Barbed suture lifting is a minimally invasive surgical technique for facial rejuvenation. This study examined the efficacy and associated risks with this procedure, using a new synthetic, monofilament suspension thread named "Happy Lift™ Revitalizing" (Promoitalia International S.r.l, Naples, Italy). METHODS: All the patients had average aging signs and required a lifting of modest degree. A total of 37 thread lifts were performed over a 24-month period. RESULTS: In the majority of patients (89%), the results obtained were considered satisfactory. The incidence of complications was low. Only 6% of the patients had slight post-operation asymmetry that was easily corrected. Minor complications experienced by patients included small ecchymosis (62%), mild erythema (40%), small hemorrhage (25%), mild transitory esthesia (6%) and mild post-operation tumefaction (40%). Histopathological and ecographic analyses were performed on the treated skin of selected patients, demonstrating that the lifting effect is guaranteed and fortified by the cutaneous reaction that appears along the length of the thread. CONCLUSION: Thread lift with "Happy Lift™ Revitalizing" is a safe procedure associated with minor complications, when performed on cohorts of patients requiring a facial lifting of modest degree.

A new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique for facial rejuvenation.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes a pivotal clinical trial of a new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: The authors utilized two formulations: formulation A with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, coenzymes, and antioxidant substances; formulation B with hyaluronic acid and idebenone. Fifty participants were enrolled in the study and divided in two groups. Group 1 (50-65 years) treated with formulation A. Group 2 (35-50 years) treated with formulation B. The groups underwent four sessions of mesotherapy involving multiple injections. Treatment was conducted at 15 day intervals. All participants had pre- and posttreatment photographs. Punch biopsies were taken from randomly selected participants, baseline and after 6 weeks, and stained for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and collagen 1. Clinical evaluation was based on the Global Aesthetic Scale (GAIS) and on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). RESULTS: The results produced were statistically analyzed and resulted in a significant and long-lasting effect on facial rejuvenation. Evaluation of photographs at 0, 1, and 2 months revealed significant clinical improvement: brightness, texture, and firmness of the skin. The analysis of the GAIS and WSRS scores in the two groups demonstrated statistically significant results after 2 months. The biopsies taken from randomly selected participants at baseline and after 3 months showed a decrease in IL-1ß, IL-6, and MMP1, and an increase in collagen 1. CONCLUSION: The new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique described can improve the clinical appearance of the skin in different age groups.

Low-level laser therapy and vibration therapy for the treatment of localized adiposity and fibrous cellulite.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the application of low-level laser therapy in various medical diseases. Additionally, vibration therapy is a new and effective measure to prevent muscular atrophy and osteoporosis, along with some general health-related beneficial effects of exercise on skeletal muscles such as improvement of endothelial function and an increased enzyme capacity of energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of a 635 nm and 0.040 W exit power per multiple diode laser in combination with vibration therapy for the application of non-invasive reduction of circumference in patients with localized adiposity and cellulite. METHODS: The study enrolled men and women (N = 33) aged 18-64 years with localized adiposity or fibrous cellulite. The evaluation parameters were: photographic evaluation, perimetric evaluation, blood tests, ecographic evaluation, histological evaluation, and subjective and objective tests. RESULTS: The results produced were statistically analyzed and resulted in a significant reduction of fat thickness when compared to the measurement prior to the treatment (P < 0.0001). Moreover, subjective and objective tests, as well as ecographic and histological evaluations, confirmed the reduction of fat thickness. CONCLUSION: In this study we have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the combination between low-level laser therapy and vibration therapy for the resolution of localized adiposity and fibrous cellulite.

Radiofrequency waves with filling and peeling substances: An innovative minimally invasive technique for facial rejuvenation.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes a pivotal clinical trial of a new minimally invasive cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation and for the treatment of scars and wrinkles. METHODS: The procedure consisted of a combination of techniques such as fillers, biorevitalization, peeling, and intradermal radiofrequency, emitted from a new device denominated by Spherofill Medical Plus (SMP; Spherofill MD, PromoItalia Group S.p.A., Pozzuoli, Italy), for treating cutaneous regeneration, depressions, and striae. One hundred and twelve patients, divided into five groups, were treated. RESULTS: The results produced were statistically analyzed and resulted in significant and long-lasting effects for facial rejuvenation. Indeed, the analysis of the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores in the five groups demonstrated statistically significant results between 3 and 9 months after the treatments. CONCLUSION: Evaluating the patients included in the study, it is possible to conclude that the treatment with SMP represents a safe and efficient solution for the treatment of wrinkles, acne lesions, striae, and of degenerated tissues caused by aging.