Posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of art.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF WORK: posture is the position of the body in the space, and is controlled by a set of anatomical structures. The maintenance and the control of posture are a set of interactions between muscle-skeletal, visual, vestibular, and skin system. Lately there are numerous studies that correlate the muscle-skeletal and the maintenance of posture. In particular, the correction of defects and obstruction of temporomandibular disorders, seem to have an impact on posture. The aim of this work is to collect information in literature on posture and the influence of the stomatognathic system on postural system. METHODS: Comparison of the literature on posture and posturology by consulting books and scientific sites. RESULTS: the results obtained from the comparison of the literature show a discrepancy between the thesis. Some studies support the correlation between stomatognathic system and posture, while others deny such a correlation. CONCLUSIONS: further studies are necessary to be able to confirm one or the other argument.

Potential benefits of colostrum in gastrointestinal diseases.

This paper reviews the composition of colostrum and the potential preventive and therapeutic use of this "first milk" for treating various gastrointestinal disorders in humans. Colostrum is a complex biological liquid that is richer in antimicrobial peptides, immune-regulating compounds and growth factors than the subsequent mature milk. The main functions of colostrum are to provide essential nutritional components, strengthen the natural defense system, modulate immune response, balance intestinal microbiota and enhance the growth and repair of several tissues. Several studies and clinical trials carried out both in vitro and in vivo on humans and animals suggest the clinical benefits of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation in gastro-intestinal diseases. Despite the encouraging results, further well-designed studies are required in order to confirm these effects, the dose and duration of treatment. Colostrum is safe since there are no contraindications regarding high dose levels and few side effects of clinical relevance have been reported. In conclusion, in the near future, colostrum-based supplements may play a complementary role to synthetic drugs in the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders.

Diverticular disease of right colon. Clinical variants and personal experience.

Diverticular disease of the right colon is not common, especially in western countries. It occurs in two different clinical forms, known as the "usual" and "hidden" variants. The diagnosis is not always easy, especially in the latter variant, because sometimes barium enema and CT scan are unable to distinguish this form from cancer. The final diagnosis is only intraoperative. In our experience, from 1994 to 2004, we observed 4 cases of complicated right-sided diverticulitis. Three of these patients had symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis, such as fever and abdominal pain. Only 2 of them underwent surgical treatment consisting of a right standard hemicolectomy. The 4th patient had no inflammatory symptoms, but had a history of right-sided abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Laboratory data showed only hypochromic anaemia. Barium enema and CT scan highlighted a vegetating mass in the ascending colon causing irregular severe stenosis of the lumen and hyperdensity of mesocolic fatty tissue. Surgical treatment consisted in a right hemicolectomy. Macroscopically, the mass involved the caecum and ascending colon. Enlarged lymph-nodes were present in the thickness of the mesocolon, but not in other districts. Histological examination revealed diffuse diverticular disease complicated by perforation of many diverticula into the mesocolon.