A real-world comparison among third-generation antiseizure medications: Results from the COMPARE study.

OBJECTIVE: There are few comparative data on the third-generation antiseizure medications (ASMs). We aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of brivaracetam (BRV), eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), lacosamide (LCM), and perampanel (PER) in people with epilepsy (PWE). Efficacy and tolerability were compared as secondary objectives. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study collected data from 22 Italian neurology/epilepsy centers. All adult PWE who started add-on treatment with one of the studied ASMs between January 2018 and October 2021 were included. Retention rate was established as effectiveness measure and described using Kaplan-Meier curves and the best fitting survival model. The responder status and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were used to evaluate efficacy and safety, respectively. The odds of AEs and drug efficacy were estimated by two multilevel logistic models. RESULTS: A total of 960 patients (52.92% females, median age = 43 years) met the inclusion criteria. They mainly suffered from structural epilepsy (52.29%) with monthly (46.2%) focal seizures (69.58%). Compared with LCM, all the studied ASMs had a higher dropout risk, statistically significant in the BRV levetiracetam (LEV)-naïve (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-3.29) and PER groups (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06-2.55). Women were at higher risk of discontinuing ESL (HR = 5.33, 95% CI = 1.71-16.61), as well as PER-treated patients with unknown epilepsy etiology versus those with structural etiology (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05-2.88). BRV with prior LEV therapy showed lower odds of efficacy (odds ratio [OR] = .08, 95% CI = .01-.48) versus LCM, whereas a higher efficacy was observed in women treated with BRV and LEV-naïve (OR = 10.32, 95% CI = 1.55-68.78) versus men. PER (OR = 6.93, 95% CI = 3.32-14.44) and BRV in LEV-naïve patients (OR = 6.80, 95% CI = 2.64-17.52) had a higher chance of AEs than LCM. SIGNIFICANCE: Comparative evidence from real-world studies may help clinicians to tailor treatments according to patients' demographic and clinical characteristics.

How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Excessive meat consumption (MC) is associated with multiple health risks. Additionally, it can undermine environmental sustainability and affect the potential improvement of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of literacy interventions (LIs) in reducing MC. METHODS: Studies assessing the efficacy of LIs addressing health risks, environmental sustainability and/or animal welfare in reducing MC were searched. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall efficacy and conducted subgroup analyses to identify the most effective information contents. Additionally, meta-regression analyses investigated participants' age, LI duration, and follow-up length influence on LIs' efficacy. RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving more than ten thousand subjects were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate showed that LIs had a small (Hedges's g = 0.15; 95%CI: 0.06-0.25) but statistically significant effect in reducing MC. Subgroup analysis showed that the highest efficacy was achieved when subjects were alarmed about health risks (g = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.60), compared to informing about the risks for the environment (g = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.51) and for animal welfare (g = 0.02; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.11). The meta-regression analysis indicated that LIs had greater efficacy in younger individuals and when the intervention duration was longer. Conversely, it was suggested that efficacy improves as the length of follow-up increases. CONCLUSIONS: Informing about health risks related to MC temporarily decreased its intake, while informing about the impact on environmental sustainability or animal welfare was ineffective. Furthermore, long-lasting LIs achieve long-term dietary change toward MC.

A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial to assess efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a care-bundle to prevent falls in older hospitalised patients.

BACKGROUND: Patient accidental falls in a hospital environment are a serious problem for patient safety, and for the additional costs due to associated medical interventions. OBJECTIVE: The endpoints of this study were the assessment of the fall incidence in the hospital before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary care-bundle, along with a cost-effectiveness evaluation. DESIGN: A stepped-wedge trial was conducted between April 2015 and December 2016 in Bologna University Hospital. METHODS: Incidence rates (IRs) of falls in both the control and intervention periods were calculated. A multilevel mixed-effects generalised linear model with logit link function, adjusted for age, sex, cluster cross-over timing and patients' clinical severity was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of fall risk of patients of the intervention group respect to the controls.Intervention costs associated with the introduction of the care-bundle intervention were spread between patients per cluster-period-group of exposure. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was evaluated using total costs in the intervention and control groups. RESULTS: IRs of falls in control and intervention periods were respectively 3.15 and 2.58 for 1,000 bed-days. After adjustment, the subjects receiving the intervention had a statistically significant reduced risk of falling with respect to those who did not (OR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.84). According to the cost-effectiveness analysis, the incremental cost per fall prevented was €873.92 considering all costs, and €1644.45 excluding costs related falls. CONCLUSIONS: Care-bundle had a protective effect on patients, with a statistically significant reduction of the fall risk. This type of intervention appears cost-effective compared to routine practices.

Pilot study on the probability of drug-drug interactions among direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and antiseizure medications (ASMs): a clinical perspective.

BACKGROUND: There is little and controversial information about changes in plasma concentrations (PCs) or clinical events during coadministration of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed to explore possible determinants of dosage class among DOACs trough PCs when ASMs are co-administered and the relative risks. We also provided some clinical examples of patients' management. METHODS: Data on adult patients concomitantly treated with ASMs (grouped in enzyme-inducing [I-ASMs], non-inducing [nI-ASMs], and levetiracetam [LEV]) and DOACs with at least one measurement of DOACs' PC were retrospectively collected. The role of DOAC-ASM combinations in predicting PC class (ranging from I at ischemic/thromboembolic risk to IV at increased bleeding risk) was investigated by an ordered logit model, and the marginal probabilities of belonging to the four dosage classes were calculated. RESULTS: We collected 46 DOACs' PCs out of 31 patients. There were 5 (10.9%) determinations in class I (4 out of 5 with concomitant I-ASMs) and 5 (10.9%) in class IV. The rivaroxaban/I-ASM combination was associated with lower DOAC dosages than rivaroxaban/LEV (OR: 0.00; 95% CI: 0.00-0.62). Furthermore, patient's probability of being in class I was approximately 50% with the rivaroxaban/I-ASM combination, while apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban had the highest cumulative probability of being in class II or III despite the ASM used. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm the reduction of DOAC's PC by I-ASMs and suggest a better manageability of apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban independently from the concomitant ASM, whereas rivaroxaban seems the most liable to PC alterations with I-ASMs.

Visceral adiposity in patients with lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum.

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS) is a benign cardiac mass determined by abnormal deposition of adipose tissue in the interatrial septum. The quantitative relationship between LHIS and visceral adiposity has not been explored to date.In this retrospective study, three groups of consecutive patients undergoing CT imaging were enrolled: L + with LHIS, L- without LHIS, and LO- without both LHIS and history of malignancies. Areas of total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and LHIS areas were calculated on CT images. The relationship between LHIS and abdominal fat distribution was investigated with linear regression models. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing. Statistical significance was set at 5%. In this study we enrolled a total of 175 subjects: 58 (33.14%) with LHIS (L +), 51(29.14%) without LHIS (L-) and 66 (37.71%) without both LHIS and medical history of malignancies (LO-). VAT (coeff: 105.82; 95% CI 59.37-152.27), SAT (coeff: 74.59; 95% CI 31.63-117.54), and TAT (coeff: 190.37; 95% CI 115.02-265.72), were significantly higher in L + patients. Moreover, VAT (coeff: 24.95; 95% CI 6.94-42.96) and TAT (coeff: 36.58; 95% CI 8.75-64.41) were statistically significant linear predictors for LHIS area. Here, we report a novel association between LHIS and visceral adiposity using a quantitative CT-based imaging approach. The results are of great importance also because they might drive early identification of subjects with LHIS at risk for visceral obesity, and trigger lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss.

Brain functional connectivity differences between responders and non-responders to sleeve gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of obese patients responders or non-responders to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with a group of obese patients with no past medical history of metabolic or bariatric surgery. METHODS: MR images were acquired at 1.5 Tesla. Resting-state fMRI data were analyzed with statistical significance threshold set at p < 0.05, family-wise error (FWE) corrected. RESULTS: Sixty-two subjects were enrolled: 20 controls (age range 25-64; 14 females), 24 responders (excess weight loss > 50%; age range 23-68; 17 females), and 18 non-responders to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (excess weight loss < 50%; age range 23-67; 13 females). About within-network RSFC, responders showed significantly lower RSFC with respect to both controls and non-responders in the default mode and frontoparietal networks, positively correlating with psychological scores. Non-responders showed significantly higher (p < 0.05, family-wise error (few) corrected) RSFC in regions of the lateral visual network as compared to controls. Regarding between-network RSFC, responders showed significantly higher anti-correlation between executive control and salience networks (p < 0.05, FWE corrected) with respect to both controls and non-responders. Significant positive correlation (Spearman rho = 0.48, p = 0.0012) was found between % of excess weight loss and executive control-salience network RSFC. CONCLUSION: There are differences in brain functional connectivity in either responders or non-responders patients to SG. The present results offer new insights into the neural correlates of outcome in patients who undergo SG and expand knowledge about neural mechanisms which may be related to surgical response.

Endodontic Infections and the Extent of Antibiotic Overprescription among Italian Dental Practitioners.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pattern of antibiotic prescription for endodontic infections (EIs) among Italian dental practitioners (DPs) and to explore the role of potential predictors of antibiotic overprescription. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between 1 April and 30 October 2019 using a structured questionnaire. Information was gathered on demographics, professional characteristics, and practices regarding antibiotic prescription for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Of the 1,250 invited DPs, 563 answered the general questionnaire (response rate of 52.6%). The proportions of DPs who prescribed an antibiotic without indication for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes were 33.3% and 30.2%, respectively. Acute alveolar abscess without systemic involvement represents the clinical scenario at a high risk of overprescription for therapeutic purposes. Possible predictors of overprescribing included demographics and professional characteristics. Moreover, overprescribing was found to be higher for EIs without an indication than for the cases in which the prescription is indicated for therapeutic purposes. The odds of overprescription for prophylactic purposes were higher for cases of acute apical periodontitis and lower for cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis than for acute and chronic alveolar abscesses, for which prescription is indicated. The main findings of the present study provide up-to-date insight into the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions for EIs and evidence useful to identify opportunities to reduce overprescription among DPs through tailored interventions. The development of practical antibiotic prescribing guidelines with a clear description of indications and regimen ease of use is strongly needed.

Health-related quality of life varies in different respiratory disorders: a multi-case control population based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in respiratory diseases has been generally investigated in clinical settings, focusing on a single disorder. In this study on a general population sample, we assessed the relationship between HRQL and several respiratory diseases studied simultaneously (COPD, current (CA) and past (PA) asthma, allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis and chronic bronchitis (CB). METHODS: Controls (n = 328) and cases of NAR (n = 95), AR (n = 163), CB (n = 48), CA (n = 224), PA (n = 126) and COPD (n = 28) were recruited in the centre of Verona in the frame of the Italian multi-case control GEIRD (Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases) study; HRQL was measured through the SF-36 questionnaire. The relationships between HRQL (in terms of Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS)), respiratory diseases, and covariates were evaluated. RESULTS: With respect to controls, the adjusted PCS median score was worse in subjects suffering from current asthma (- 1.7; 95%CI:-2.8;-0.6), CB (- 3.8; 95%CI:-5.7;-1.9), and COPD (- 5.6; 95%CI:-8.1;-3.1). MCS was worse in current asthmatics (- 2.2; 95%CI:-4.1;-0.3), CB (- 5.5; 95%CI:-8.7;-2.2), and COPD cases (- 4.6; 95%CI:-8.8;-0.5) as well. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study in the general population that analyzed HRQL performing a simultaneous comparison of HRLQ in several respiratory disorders. We found that subjects suffering from COPD, CA, and CB had the poorest HRQL. Clinicians should carefully consider the possible impact of respiratory disorders as CB and not only that of CA and COPD.

A microRNA signature from serum exosomes of patients with glioma as complementary diagnostic biomarker.

Malignant gliomas, the most frequent primary brain tumors, are characterized by a dismal prognosis. Reliable biomarkers complementary to neuroradiology in the differential diagnosis of gliomas and monitoring for post-surgical progression are unmet needs. Altered expression of several microRNAs in tumour tissues from patients with gliomas compared to normal brain tissue have been described, thus supporting the rationale of using microRNA-based biomarkers. Although different circulating microRNAs were proposed in association with gliomas, they have not been introduced into clinical practice so far. Blood samples were collected from patients with high and low grade gliomas, both before and after surgical resection, and the expression of miR-21, miR-222 and miR-124-3p was measured in exosomes isolated from serum. The expression levels of miR-21, miR-222 and miR-124-3p in serum exosomes of patients with high grade gliomas were significantly higher than those of low grade gliomas and healthy controls and were sharply decreased in samples obtained after surgery. The analysis of miR-21, miR-222 and miR-124-3p in serum exosomes of patients affected by gliomas can provide a minimally invasive and innovative tool to help the differential diagnosis of gliomas at their onset in the brain and predict glioma grading and non glial metastases before surgery.

Adherence with infection prevention and control measures among Italian healthcare workers: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to tackle future ones.

BACKGROUND: To tackle future health threats, the study aimed to assess healthcare workers' (HCWs) adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and to evaluate whether knowledge and concerns related to COVID-19 could be its potential predictors. A secondary aim was to explore how and how much healthcare facilities support HCWs to implement IPC practices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2021 in Southern Italy using a self-administered questionnaire. Socio-demographic and professional characteristics, COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in the facilities, knowledge about COVID-19's transmission and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), concerns about the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 to family members and patients, adherence to IPC practices, and sources of information were investigated. RESULTS: Among the 492 enrolled HCWs, the overall knowledge median score was 6 out of a maximum score of 8 and predictors of good knowledge were practicing in a facility that organized training courses about IPC measures and having more years in practice. HCWs were more concerned about the possibility of transmitting the infection to their family members (64.4%) than to negative patients (38.9%). A sizable proportion claimed to take off the face mask by touching only the straps or ties (76.3%) and to replace the face mask when it was wet (70.7%). Only 26.2% never/rarely touched the face mask while wearing it. Good adherence to preventative practices was more likely in HCWs other than physicians and practicing in a facility that organized training courses about IPC measures and in regional hospitals compared with those practicing in district hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings produce information about what worked well and where gaps were identified during COVID-19 pandemic, along with data useful for hospitals and health systems in general to better prepare and put in place appropriate interventions in case of similar future events.

A New Method to Evaluate Joint Hypermobility in Paediatric Patients with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Preliminary Study.

Background/Objectives: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a wide range of conditions that develop during the formation of the central nervous system, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tourette syndrome (TS) is another neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor and vocal tics, which often co-occurs with ASD and ADHD. This study explores the feasibility of assessing joint hypermobility in children with specific neurodevelopmental conditions by measuring both ankles' passive range of motion (pROM). Methods: This study involved children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and TS, aged 5 to 15 years, who were compared with a control group of healthy children. The Beighton and Brighton scores and the pROM of the left and right ankles were measured. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 for Windows (IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 102 subjects participated in this study (72.52% male, with a mean age of 10.7 ± 2.2 years). The sample included 24 children with ASD, 27 with ADHD, 26 with TS, and 25 healthy controls. Results: The pROM of the right and left ankles showed a significant positive correlation with the Beighton and Brighton scores in children with NDDs (ASD, ADHD, and TS combined). A trend towards higher Beighton scores (≥6) was observed in the ADHD and TS groups, with significance found in the TS group (p = 0.013). The pROM of the right ankle was significantly higher in the ADHD (p = 0.021) and TS (p = 0.013) groups compared to the controls. Although the left ankle followed a similar trend in the TS group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). Controlling for age, the diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, and TS does not appear to impact any of the variables examined. Conclusions: There is a trend towards a higher prevalence of individuals with elevated Beighton scores in the ADHD and TS groups, suggesting greater general flexibility or hypermobility in these patients. However, the pROM of the right ankle is significantly higher in the ADHD and TS groups, with solid evidence in the TS group. These findings were not observed in children with ASD. However, it is necessary to consider the measurements obtained in relation to the patients' age. Finally, given that the pROM of the ankles correlates with the Beighton and Brighton scores, it could be utilised for the initial screening, monitoring, and follow-up of JH in some children with NDDs. Further investigations are required.

Procrastination and risky health behaviors: a possible way to nurture health promotion among young adults in Italy.

Background: The study's main objectives were to evaluate the distribution of levels of procrastination and its relationship with sleep quality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and skipping breakfast, as a proxy measure of an unhealthy dietary pattern, among Italian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro in the Southern part of Italy, using stratified random sampling techniques. Eligible students were sent an anonymous online survey aimed at assessing sociodemographic characteristics, procrastination levels using the Pure Procrastination Scale, sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, smoking status, alcohol consumption using WHO's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, and breakfast habits. Results: The study included 518 participants with a mean age of 23 year. More than half of the sample was enrolled in medicine or life science majors and the procrastination mean score was 15 (±5.9 SD). Being procrastinators was significantly more frequently among students who were poor sleepers, hazardous alcohol consumers and breakfast skippers. When analyzing the clustering of risky behaviors, it was found that as the number of risky behaviors increased, the procrastination score exhibited an exponential increase. Conclusion: The study findings showed that university students who engage in procrastination tend to adopt risky health behaviors. The data gathered could be useful to derive targeted interventions aimed at groups more exposed to harmful health behaviors and to encourage institutional policies to promote healthy lifestyles within universities. Universities can act as hubs for cultivating a culture of well-being and promoting a healthy environment.

National Survey on bladder and bowel dysfunctions in Autism Spectrum Disorder population.

Introduction: To evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bowel disorders in a population of young subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ADS) by a national survey and to assess the relationship between the occurrence, frequency, and type of LUTS and the severity of behavioral and neuropsychiatric characteristics. Materials and methods: A survey on LUTS and bowel disorders in the ASD population was sent by mail and social media through the main Italian Associations of ASD between February and September 2022. The correlation between LUTS and ASD severity was also assessed. Results: The survey was completed by 502 subjects with a mean age of 16.6 years ± 10 years: male participants were 413 (mean age: 16.5 years ± 9.8 years), while female participants 89 (mean age: 17.2 years ± 10.9 years). ADS severity was found low in 29.9%, moderate in 27.1%, and severe in 43%. LUTS were reported by 77.1%, storage symptoms in 51.4%, and voiding symptoms in 60.6%. Urinary incontinence was reported by 12.5%. Enuresis was reported by 14.3% (72/502) of the respondents: primary enuresis in 70.8% (51/72), secondary in the remaining. Pads were used by 40 subjects with a median of 2.9 pads/day (range, 0-8). A toilet training program was performed by 61 of the respondents, with satisfactory results in 40/61 (65.6%). A significant correlation was found between greater ASD severity and higher LUTS rates. The mean VAS score on the impact of LUTS on family relationships was 2 ± 2.9. Regular bowel function was reported by 57.4% (288/502) of the respondents, while increased daily defecations were present in 11.2% (56/502), constipation in 31.5% (158/502), and fecal incontinence in 7.9% (40/502). Conclusion: This survey demonstrated that LUTS are very common in the young ASD population and that the prevalence of urinary symptoms is related to higher severity of the ASD condition. Bowel disorders are often associated with urinary symptoms and dysfunctions. Urologists should be aware of the frequent occurrence of urological disorders and symptoms in individuals with ASD and should be involved in their clinical management in a multidisciplinary team that cares for these people.

May anti-seizure medications alter brain structure in temporal lobe epilepsy? A prospective study.

Mild mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients may remain untreated for a considerable time after disease onset or achieve seizure control with a single anti-seizures medication (ASM). Thus, they represent an optimal population to investigate whether ASMs might have influence on brain structure. We consecutively enrolled 56 mild MTLE patients (22/56 untreated, 34/56 on-monotherapy) and 58 healthy controls, matched for age and gender. All subjects underwent 3T-brain MRI, using FreeSurfer for automated morphometry. Differences in gray matter were assessed using one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for age, disease duration and intracranial volume. No significant change was observed between treated and untreated patients. We observed a significant reduction in cortical thickness of left inferior parietal, inferior temporal, middle temporal gyri, and right inferior parietal gyrus, temporal pole in monotherapy patients compared to healthy controls, as well as an increase in left isthmus of cingulate gyrus in untreated MTLE subjects compared to controls. Surface and subcortical volumes analysis revealed no differences among groups. Our study demonstrated no substantial morphological abnormalities between untreated mild MTLE patients and those undergoing monotherapy. Although exploratory, these results may reassure about safety of commonly used drugs and their marginal role in influencing neuroimaging results. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study investigated the following question: can medications against epileptic seizures have an effect on brain structure in mild mesial temporal lobe? Preliminary results from our analyses suggest not, as we did not find any difference in brain gray matter between untreated patients and those treated with a single anti-seizures medication. On the other hand, epilepsy patients presented cortical thinning compared to healthy controls in several regions of the temporal and parietal lobes, in line with previous studies investigating the disease.

The importance of psoas muscle on low back pain: a single-center study on lumbar spine MRI.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequent indication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of the lumbosacral spine. The individual role of soft tissues, including muscles, on LBP is not fully understood and the contribution of each MRI-derived parameter of soft tissues status on the intensity of LBP has not been investigated in detail. Methods: The study design was observational retrospective, single center carried out at a University Hospital. Images were acquired using a using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire and rated their pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS scores ​​were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe using cutoff values of 3.8 and 5.7, based on the literature. Biometric data, including weight and height, were also recorded to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The ratios between intramuscular fat infiltration and net muscle area were also calculated. Patient sample included 94 patients with LBP underwent MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Results: The stepwise analysis revealed that increasing psoas net area was associated with lower VAS levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.94: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-0.98; p=.005), and an increase of one square centimeter of total psoas area resulted in a greater probability of reporting a mild (+1.21%; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.05%) or a moderate VAS (+0.40%; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.82%), Furthermore, a more severe VAS was associated with a higher BMI (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a relationship between LBP and MRI parameters of paravertebral and psoas muscles status. The psoas muscle is extremely important for spine stabilization and is linked to clinical symptoms of patients affected by LBP. These findings could contribute to future studies and improve treatment options in patients with LBP, possibly reducing the impact on disability, quality of life and socioeconomical burden.

Overview of the Current Knowledge and Conventional MRI Characteristics of Peri- and Para-Vascular Spaces.

Brain spaces around (perivascular spaces) and alongside (paravascular or Virchow-Robin spaces) vessels have gained significant attention in recent years due to the advancements of in vivo imaging tools and to their crucial role in maintaining brain health, contributing to the anatomic foundation of the glymphatic system. In fact, it is widely accepted that peri- and para-vascular spaces function as waste clearance pathways for the brain for materials such as ß-amyloid by allowing exchange between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Visible brain spaces on magnetic resonance imaging are often a normal finding, but they have also been associated with a wide range of neurological and systemic conditions, suggesting their potential as early indicators of intracranial pressure and neurofluid imbalance. Nonetheless, several aspects of these spaces are still controversial. This article offers an overview of the current knowledge and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of peri- and para-vascular spaces, which can help in daily clinical practice image description and interpretation. This paper is organized into different sections, including the microscopic anatomy of peri- and para-vascular spaces, their associations with pathological and physiological events, and their differential diagnosis.

Mapping the Neural Basis of Neuroeconomics with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Narrative Literature Review.

Neuroeconomics merges neuroscience, economics, and psychology to investigate the neural basis of decision making. Decision making involves assessing outcomes with subjective value, shaped by emotions and experiences, which are crucial in economic decisions. Functional MRI (fMRI) reveals key areas of the brain, including the ventro-medial prefrontal cortex, that are involved in subjective value representation. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts are essential for advancing the field of neuroeconomics, with implications for clinical interventions and policy design. This review explores subjective value in neuroeconomics, highlighting brain regions identified through fMRI studies.

Preoperative right ventricular strain as an early predictor of perioperative cardiac failure in patients undergoing mitral surgery: An exploratory study.

Objectives: This study's primary purpose was to demonstrate the correlation of preoperative right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and pre-/postsurgical variation in strain (delta strain) with the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction. Its secondary purpose was to determine the correlation of RVFWLS and delta strain with length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilation days, trend of natriuretic peptide test. (NT-proBNP) and lactate in the first 48 h, incidence of acute renal failure, and 28-day mortality. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia Department and ICU of the University Hospital Integrated Trust of Verona. Participants: Patients scheduled for mitral surgery. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: All clinical and transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) parameters were collected at baseline, before surgery (T1) and at admission in the ICU postsurgery (T2). During the postoperative period, the clinical and echocardiographic diagnoses of right, left, or biventricular dysfunction were evaluated. TEE parameters were evaluated by a cardiologist offline. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the development of any type of ventricular dysfunction. No statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. According to a logistic regression model, a T1-RVFWLS value of -15% appeared to predict biventricular dysfunction (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 91.3%). No correlation between T1- or T2-RVFWLS and creatinine, hours of ventilation or ICU LOS was found. Conclusions: Our study introduces a new parameter that could be used in perioperative evaluations to identify patients at risk of postoperative biventricular dysfunction.

Assessing Gender Differences in Neuropathic Pain Management: Findings from a Real-Life Clinical Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is defined as pain induced by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are frequently employed. In the current clinical investigation, we assessed the effects of sex on the safety and effectiveness of medications used to treat neuropathic pain. Methods: We conducted a prospective analysis between 1 February 2021 and 20 April 2024, involving patients with neuropathic pain referred to the Ambulatory of Pain Medicine of "Renato Dulbecco" University Hospital in Catanzaro (Calabria, Italy). Patients over 18 years old with signs of neuropathic pain (Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questionnaire ≥ 4) were included. Exclusion criteria comprised patients with Alzheimer's disease; patients with nociplastic or nociceptive pain; and patients with neoplasms. Patients with fewer than two accesses to ambulatory care were excluded, as were those who did not sign the informed consent. Clinical data were collected from each enrolled patient and subsequently analyzed, considering clinical outcomes. Sex and gender differences in efficacy were estimated using multivariate linear modeling and propensity-score matching. Results: During the study, 531 patients were screened, and 174 were enrolled (33.5%, mean age 61.5 ± 13.1; 64 males and 110 females, mean age 60.6 ± 13.4 and 61.96 ± 13.0) in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only minor differences in treatment prescription were observed based on age, body mass index, and comorbidities. Smoking, sex, educational level, and body mass index did not induce a significant change in pain perception. Males required slightly higher, though not significantly, doses of drugs for pain control than females. The treatment was not significantly more effective for females than for males. Females did not exhibit a significantly lower number of adverse drug reactions compared to males. Conclusions: The current study found that there are no appreciable differences between the sexes when it comes to the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Perampanel in post-stroke epilepsy: Clinical practice data from the PERampanel as Only Concomitant antiseizure medication (PEROC) study.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) is one of the most common causes of acquired epilepsy. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence regarding the clinical profile of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in PSE. This study aims to evaluate the 12-month effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) used as only add-on treatment in patients with PSE in a real-world setting. METHODS: We performed a subgroup analysis of PSE patients included in a previous retrospective, longitudinal, multicentre observational study on adults. Treatment discontinuation, seizure frequency and adverse events were collected at 3, 6 and 12 months. Sub-analyses by early (≤1 previous ASM) or late PER add-on were also conducted. RESULTS: Our analysis included 56 individuals with PSE, characterized by varying initial treatment modalities and timeframes relative to disease onset. We found notable retention rates (92.8%, 83.7%, and 69% at 3, 6, and 12 months), with treatment withdrawal mainly due to poor tolerability. One year after PER introduction, seizure frequency significantly reduced, with a responder rate (≥50% reduction) of 83.9% and a seizure-free rate of 51.6%. Adverse events occurred in 25 (46.3%) patients, mainly dizziness, irritability, and behavioural disorders. No major statistical differences were found between early (30 patients, 53.6%) and late add-on groups, except for a higher 6-month responder rate in the early add-on group. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive PER was effective and well-tolerated in patients with PSE in a real-world setting. Perampanel demonstrated good efficacy and safety as both early and late add-on treatment, making it a compelling option for this unique patient population.