The prevalence of sleep impairments and predictors of sleep quality among patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is a significant dimension of daily life. However, only a few studies have examined the sleep quality of asthmatics in a real-world clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of sleep impairments among asthmatic patients and examine the relationship between sleep quality, asthma control, rhinitis symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: The present study adopted the observational cross-sectional research design that has been designed by the Italian Respiratory Society and used valid assessments to measure the study variables. RESULTS: Data from 1150 asthmatic patients (mean age 51.01 years ± 16.03) were subjected to analysis. 58.3% of the patients had impaired sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] total scores > 5), and their mean PSQI score was 5.68 (SD = 3.4). A significant correlation emerged between sleep quality and asthma control (p = 0.0001) and a significant albeit weak correlation emerged between PSQI total scores and Total 5 Symptoms Score (r = 0.24, p = 0.0001). Sleep quality was significantly associated health-related quality of life [HRQoL]. (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). After exclusion of patients at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the most important determinants of PSQI score were HRQoL, In the entire sample asthma control is the strongest predictor of both sleep quality and HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this real-world study highlight the prevalence, impact and predictors of sleep disturbances in asthmatic patients and suggest the need for physicians to detect poor sleep quality.

Familiarity with a Tool Influences Peripersonal Space and Primary Motor Cortex Excitability of Muscles Involved in Haptic Contact.

Long-term experience with a tool stably enlarges peripersonal space (PPS). Also, gained experience with a tool modulates internal models of action. The aim of this work was to understand whether the familiarity with a tool influences both PPS and motor representation. Toward this goal, we tested in 13 expert fencers through a multisensory integration paradigm the embodiment in their PPS of a personal (pE) or a common (cE) épée. Then, we evaluated the primary motor cortex excitability of proximal (ECR) and distal (APB) muscles during a motor imagery (MI) task of an athletic gesture when athletes handled these tools. Results showed that pE enlarges subjects' PPS, while cE does not. Moreover, during MI, handling tools increased cortical excitability of ECR muscle. Notably, APB's cortical excitability during MI only increased with pE as a function of its embodiment in PPS. These findings indicate that the familiarity with a tool specifically enlarges PPS and modulates the cortical motor representation of those muscles involved in the haptic contact with it.

Effects of Two Types of 9-Month Adapted Physical Activity Program on Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Balance in Moderate Sarcopenic Older Women.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of two types of 9-month adapted physical activity (APA) program, based on a muscle reinforcement training and a postural training, respectively, on muscle mass, muscle strength, and static balance in moderate sarcopenic older women. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was done in accordance with measurable variables and cut-off points suggested by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Seventy-two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the muscle reinforcement training group (RESISTANCE) (n=35; 69.9 ± 2.7 years) and the postural training group (POSTURAL) (n=37; 70.0±2.8 years). Body composition, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and handgrip strength (HGS) were evaluated for sarcopenia assessment, whereas Sway Path, Sway Area, Stay Time, and Spatial Distance were evaluated for static balance assessment. Sixty-six participants completed the study (RESISTANCE group: n=33; POSTURAL group: n=33). Significant increases of muscle mass, SMI, and handgrip strength values were found in the RESISTANCE group, after muscle reinforcement program. No significant differences appeared in the POSTURAL group, after postural training. Furthermore, RESISTANCE group showed significant improvements in static balance parameters, whereas no significant differences appeared in the POSTURAL group. On the whole, the results of this study suggest that the APA program based on muscle reinforcement applied on moderate sarcopenic older women was able to significantly improve muscle mass and muscle strength, and it was also more effective than the applied postural protocol in determining positive effects on static balance.

Museum samples could help to reconstruct the original distribution of Salmo trutta complex in Italy.

Partial D-loop sequences of museum specimens of brown trout and marble trout (Salmo trutta species complex) collected from Mediterranean rivers in the late 19th century were analysed to help to describe the native distribution of these species. All the individuals studied carried native haplotypes, the geographic distribution of which is consistent with published data. These results indicate that museum specimens from the 19th century could represent an opportunity to get a picture of the original genetic diversity distribution of this species complex.

New insights into sex chromosome evolution in anole lizards (Reptilia, Dactyloidae).

Anoles are a clade of iguanian lizards that underwent an extensive radiation between 125 and 65 million years ago. Their karyotypes show wide variation in diploid number spanning from 26 (Anolis evermanni) to 44 (A. insolitus). This chromosomal variation involves their sex chromosomes, ranging from simple systems (XX/XY), with heterochromosomes represented by either micro- or macrochromosomes, to multiple systems (X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y). Here, for the first time, the homology relationships of sex chromosomes have been investigated in nine anole lizards at the whole chromosome level. Cross-species chromosome painting using sex chromosome paints from A. carolinensis, Ctenonotus pogus and Norops sagrei and gene mapping of X-linked genes demonstrated that the anole ancestral sex chromosome system constituted by microchromosomes is retained in all the species with the ancestral karyotype (2n = 36, 12 macro- and 24 microchromosomes). On the contrary, species with a derived karyotype, namely those belonging to genera Ctenonotus and Norops, show a series of rearrangements (fusions/fissions) involving autosomes/microchromosomes that led to the formation of their current sex chromosome systems. These results demonstrate that different autosomes were involved in translocations with sex chromosomes in closely related lineages of anole lizards and that several sequential microautosome/sex chromosome fusions lead to a remarkable increase in size of Norops sagrei sex chromosomes.

NGF sensitizes TrkA SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

We report a novel pro-apoptotic function for nerve growth factor (NGF) and its tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) receptor in sensitizing TRAIL (TNF-related apoptotis-inducing ligand)-resistant SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma (NB) cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, resulting in the abrogation of anchorage-independent tumourigenic growth in vitro. We show that the TRAIL-resistant SH-SY5Y phenotype is cFLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein) dependent and not due to low-level functional TRAIL receptor or caspase expression or an inhibitory equilibrium between functional and decoy TRAIL receptors or B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and BH3-only (Bcl-2 homology domain 3-only) family proteins. NGF sensitization of SH-SY5Y cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis was dependent upon TrkA expression, activation and subsequent sequestration of cFLIP. This reduces cFLIP recruitment to TRAIL-activated death receptors and increases the recruitment of caspase-8, leading to TRAIL-induced, caspase-dependent, type II apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. This effect was temporary, inhibited within 6 h by nuclear factor-κ binding (NF-κB)-mediated increase in myeloid cell leukaemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression, abrogated by transient cFLIP or B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) overexpression and optimized by NF-κB and Mcl-1 inhibitors. This novel mechanism adds an important pro-apoptotic immunological dimension to NGF/TrkA interaction that may not only help to explain the association between TrkA expression, better prognosis and spontaneous remission in NB, but also provides a novel potential pro-apoptotic therapeutic use for NGF, TRAIL and inhibitors of NF-κB and/or Mcl-1 in favourable and unfavourable NBs that express TrkA and exhibit cFLIP-mediated TRAIL resistance.

The tool as the last piece of the athlete's gesture imagery puzzle.

The present study tested whether and how motor experience with a specific tool affects motor representation of a specific movement. To this aim, we considered a group of expert tennis players and a control group of athletic individuals without tennis experience. Participants were asked to execute 20 single forehands into the wall with a tennis racket (movement execution - ME) and, afterward, to produce a kinesthetic image of themselves while executing the same movements (motor imagery - MI). During MI participants handled one of the following tools: a tennis racket, a tennis-like racket and an umbrella. Results showed that the duration of the real and the imagined movements were almost similar when participants of both groups held the tennis rackets. In contrast, when tennis players handled the tools not specific for tennis the duration of the imagined movements increased significantly compared to the MI duration with a tennis racket. On the opposite, the handled tool did not modulate MI performances of the control group. In conclusion, this study showed that motor representation of subjects who developed motor skills associated to tool-use is reliant on the object used to practice movements. This finding suggests that, although MI mainly relies on the activity of cortical motor regions, non-motor information - as the use of the tool to practice movement - strongly affects the MI performance.

Isolation of novel microsatellite loci in the black goby Gobius niger and cross-amplification in other gobiid species (Perciformes, Gobiidae).

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated from and characterized for the black goby Gobius niger. These loci were tested on a total of 48 individuals from two geographically distant locations (Orbetello and Cattolica) and the number of alleles ranged from two to 18, with expected (H(e)) and observed (H(o)) heterozygosities ranging from 0.042 to 0.941 and from 0.042 to 0.917, respectively. The loci described were used to cross-amplify other gobiid species belonging to Gobius, Zosterisessor, Lesueurigobius and Aphia.

[Lumbar spinal stenosis: clinical course, pathophysiology and treatment]. / Canal lombaire étroit: clinique, physiopathologie et traitement.

The lumbar spinal stenosis is a radiological description of a pathology that can present clinically by a neurogenic intermittent claudication; its diagnosis is mainly clinical. After listing the main criteria allowing the clinician to make a diagnosis, a review of available treatments is proposed. There are few quality studies and an empirical approach is often necessary. In severe cases, very disabling despite correct treatment, a surgical approach may be considered and discussed with the patient to avoid failure, sometimes linked to excessive expectations.

Recovery of motor performance deterioration induced by a demanding finger motor task does not follow cortical excitability dynamics.

The performance of a demanding exercise can result in motor performance deterioration and depression of primary motor cortex excitability. In the present work we defined a motor task that requires measurable skilled performance to unveil motor performance changes during the execution of a demanding task and to investigate the dynamics of motor performance and cortical excitability changes in absence of overt peripheral fatigue. Twenty-one normal subjects, divided into three groups were asked to perform a sequence of finger opposition movements (SEQ) paced at 2 Hz for 5 min, quantitatively evaluated by means of a sensor-engineered glove able to perform a spatio-temporal analysis of motor performance. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was evaluated before and after the motor task in group 1 while motor evoked potentials (MEP) were evaluated before and after the motor task in group 2 and 3. Group 1 and 2 performed the 5 min-SEQ while group 3 was asked to perform the 5 min-SEQ twice to assess the dynamics of motor performance and cortical excitability. As a result, we found that the execution of 5 min-SEQ induced motor performance deterioration associated with no change in MVC but a decrease in cortical excitability. We further found that the dynamics of cortical excitability and motor performance were different. In fact, a short rest period (i.e., period necessary to collect MEP) between the execution of two 5 min-SEQs was able to recover the motor performance but not the cortical excitability. Finally, no change in spinal excitability was observed. These findings suggest that although primary motor cortex seems to be mainly involved in motor performance deterioration during the execution of a demanding finger motor task, the recovery of motor performance does not follow cortical excitability dynamics.

[Bilateral and multiple traumatic pulmonary pseudo-cysts: a case report]. / Pneumatocele post-traumatico: a proposito di un caso a localizzazione multipla bilaterale.

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst is a very rare consequence of blunt chest trauma characterized by formation of cystic like parenchymal lesions. Generally multiple and bilateral distribution is more rare than a single localization. The computed tomography (CT) scan has an higher diagnostic value compared with conventional chest X-ray. Prognosis of traumatic pseudocysts is generally good with benign clinical course and spontaneous resolution within several months. However initial strictly patient follow-up is necessary to early discover and treat potentially severe complications. Utility of chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exclude potentially severe infectious complications is described. Any complications required percutaneous drainage or surgical resection.

In vivo neuroprotection by a creatine-derived compound: phosphocreatine-Mg-complex acetate.

Phosphocreatine-Mg-complex acetate (PCr-Mg-CPLX) is a creatine-derived compound that in previous in vitro research was able to increase neuronal creatine independently of the creatine transporter, thus providing hope to cure the hereditary syndrome of creatine transporter deficiency. In previous research we showed that it reproduces in vitro the known neuroprotective effect of creatine against anoxic damage. In the present paper we investigated if PCr-Mg-CPLX reproduces this neuroprotective effect in vivo, too. We used a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Mice received PCr-Mg-CPLX or a mixture of the two separate compounds phosphocreatine (PCr) and MgSO(4), or vehicle. The injections were done 60 min and 30 min before ischemia. Forty-eight hours after ischemia neurological damage was evaluated with Clark's behavioural tests, then the infarct volume was measured. PCr-Mg-CPLX reduced the infarct volume by 48%, an effect that was not duplicated by the separate administration of PCr and MgSO(4) and the neurological damage was decreased in a statistically significant way. We conclude that PCr-Mg-CPLX affords in vivo neuroprotection when administered before ischemia. These results are comparable to previous research on creatine administration in experimental stroke. PCr-Mg-CPLX maintains creatine-like neuroprotective effects in vivo as well as in vitro. Our study suggests that PCr-Mg-CPLX might have a therapeutic role in the treatment of hereditary creatine transporter deficiency and of conditions where there is a high risk of impending stroke or cerebral ischemic damage, like high-risk transient ischemic attacks, open heart surgery, and carotid surgery.

Polyamines biosynthesis and oxidation in free-living amoebae.

In this paper we describe the polyamine biosynthesis and oxidation processes, giving an overview about recent results in free-living Amoebae. The protozoa polyamine levels are different in comparison with mammalian cells. Also, the polyamine levels in protozoa cells change if these species are pathological or not for the human beings. All the amoeba strains show high concentrations of 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP), spermidine and acetylspermidine while spermine is absent. In these amoeba a considerable polyamine oxidase activity has been found, which acts on N8-acetylspermidine, but not on free polyamines. This enzyme is responsible, together with polyamine acetylase, of DAP synthesis whose function is not well known.

Age-related salivary polyamine increase in adolescents wearing orthodontic Ni-Ti archwires.

Until now information about the influence of puberty on gingival tissue responses to Ni-Ti alloy haven't been available. Since our previous researches have demonstrated that Ni-Ti appliances have an influence on hyperplastic gingivopathy and data has pointed out a possible hormonal influence on the susceptibility of gingival tissue to mechanical stress, we have attempted to study the relationship between fertility hormones and the periodontal response to Ni-Ti appliances. Three groups, ranging from 6 to 17 years old, were tested for salivary polyamine concentrations and for fertility hormone levels 12 months after Ni-Ti application. Results obtained from Pearson's correlation coefficient between polyamine and sexual hormone concentrations, as well as gingival and plaque indexes, suggest that the adolescent gingival tissue undergoes an hyperplastic process after long-term use of Ni-Ti appliances in relation to the puberty age-restricted peak of fertility hormones.

The direct effect of insulin on barosensitive neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarii of rats.

The present investigation was designed to determine the direct effect of insulin on the spontaneous discharge of barosensitive neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of rats anaesthetized with urethane. Microinjection of 20 nl insulin (10 IU/ml) into NTS decreased the spontaneous discharge of 38 of the 52 units studied (73.1%), and this decrease was augmented by increasing the concentration to 40 IU/ml. Microinjections of insulin vehicle, glucose, hydralazine or phenylephrine did not elicit significant changes in the spontaneous discharge of NTS barosensitive neurones. These results demonstrate that insulin inhibits the spontaneous discharge of barosensitive NTS neurones. They suggest that insulin increases sympathetic nervous activity via a central neural mechanism and may play a role in the modulation of cardiovascular information within the NTS.

The role of activation of the renin-angiotensin system on the reflex regional vasoconstriction caused by distension of the uterus in anaesthetized pigs.

Distension of the uterus in anaesthetized pigs has been shown to cause a reflex regional vasoconstriction and an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) through efferent sympathetic mechanisms which respectively involved alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. The present study was undertaken to determine the possible contribution of the activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) to the observed regional vasoconstrictive responses to uterus distension. In pigs anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose, blood flow in the left circumflex or anterior descending coronary, superior mesenteric, left renal and left external iliac arteries was assessed using electromagnetic flowmeters. Distension of the uterus for periods of 30 min was performed by injecting 20 ml of warm Ringer solution into balloons positioned within the viscus before and after blockade of angiotensin II receptors with losartan. Changes in heart rate and renal blood flows were respectively prevented by atrial pacing and injection of phentolamine into the renal arteries. Changes in baroreceptors activity and in regional perfusion pressure were minimized by section of cervical vagus nerves and denervation of carotid sinuses and by an aortic constriction. PRA was assessed during the last minute of distension by radioimmunoassay of angiotensin 1. Before blockade of angiotensin II receptors, in six pigs, distension of the uterus decreased coronary blood flow by 19%, and in other six pigs, decreased mesenteric and iliac blood flows by 13.1% and 29.4% in the absence of changes in arterial perfusion pressure. After losartan, these decreases were significantly reduced to 11.7%, 8.2% and 18%. These results showed that the activation of the RAS significantly contributed to the alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated regional vasoconstrictive responses reflexly elicited by distension of the uterus.