Prevalence of overweight and obesity in an Italian Prison and relation with average term of detention: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and overweight are universally recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. The few studies of overweight and obesity in inmate populations suggest that the prevalence of obesity in an institution is associated with the prevalence of the region. The goal of the study is to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of prisoners. METHODS: In a sample of prisoners of Busto Arsizio prison, weight and height were measured with standard method., Once collected information about nationality, age and duration of detention, we proceeded to calculate BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The subjects enrolled were 142, all males, aged 19-66 years, with a holding period of between 30 days and two years. From the survey, the total of obese or overweight subjects was 66.9%. In the comparison between Italian and Foreign prisoners, the latter showed the highest weight gain. The analysis of the correlation between increased BMI and length of detention has not shown a statistical association during detention, but it could depend on the number of inmates enrolled. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity and overweight among inmates (66.9%) was higher than the Italian general population (54.8%, adult males, ISTAT, 2015). The decreasing physical activity typical of the detention, the psycho-physical discomfort (incarceration trauma) and the prison meals could have had a significant importance in increasing weight. Desirable therefore more investigations (calculation of caloric needs, ethnic and religious diets, eating disorders) in order to establish appropriate preventive interventions.

[Oculoplastic Surgery At CHU-IOTA In Mali]. / La Chirurgie Oculoplastique Au CHU-IOTA Au Mali.

Esthetic and functional surgeries in the periocular region fall into the domain of oculoplastic, or plastic and reconstructive surgery and otorhinolaryngology. Oculoplasty is the largest surgical spectrum in ophthalmology including eyelids, orbits and the lacrimal system. Our purpose was to study the frequency of eyelid, lacrimal and orbital (oculoplastic) surgery at the CHU IOTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective medical chart review of all the patients who underwent oculoplastic surgery was conducted from October 2015 to September 2016. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were included with 52% female and 48% male. Patients were 37 years old on average. In total, the surgery was performed on the eyelids in83 cases (35.6%), the orbits in 113 cases (48.5%) and the lachrymal system in 37 cases (15.9%).Eyelid surgery commonly resulted from eye trauma (43,3%), followed by malpositions (30,2%). Mutilating surgery accounted for 92% of the orbital surgery. External dacryocystorhinostomy was the main lacrimal surgery (42%) followed by canalicular lacerations 25%. CONCLUSION: Oculoplasticsurgeryoccupies an important place in the surgical activities of the ophthalmologic University hospital despite a larger volume for cataractsurgery. Our studydoesn't highlight the outcome of the surgery itself but the epidemiology to help decision makers in their eye health policy including the reduction of mutilating surgery and oculoplastic training.

La chirurgie esthétique et fonctionnelle de la région périoculaire est du domaine de l'oculoplastie, ainsi que de la chirurgie plastique et reconstructive et de l'otorhinolaryngologie. L'oculoplastie constitue le plus large éventail chirurgical en ophtalmologie regroupant la paupière, l'orbite et le système lacrymal. OBJECTIF: Etudier la fréquence des procédures chirurgicales orbito-palpébrales et lacrymales (oculoplasties) dans un centre de troisième référence. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective des dossiers de patients opérés pour pathologies oculoplastiques d'octobre 2015 à septembre 2016. RÉSULTATS: Au total 233 patients ont été inclus dont 52% de sexe féminin et 48% de sexe masculin avec un âge moyen de 37 ans ; parmi lesquels 83 cas (35,6%) de chirurgie palpébrale, 113 cas (48,5%) de chirurgie orbitaire et 37 cas (15,9%) chirurgie lacrymale.La chirurgie palpébrale était dominée parréparationdesplaies traumatiques (43,3%), suivi des malpositions (30,2%). La chirurgie mutilante constituait 92% de la chirurgie orbitaire. La dacryocystorhinostomie par voie externe était la principale chirurgie lacrymale soit 42%, suivie des lacérations canaliculaires 25%. CONCLUSION: Notre étude ne met pas en exergue le résultat de la chirurgie elle-même, mais l'épidémiologie du traitement chirurgical afin d'aider les décideurs dans leur politique de santé oculaire notamment sur la réduction de la chirurgie mutilante et la formation oculoplastique.

Advanced capabilities for materials modelling with Quantum ESPRESSO.

Quantum EXPRESSO is an integrated suite of open-source computer codes for quantum simulations of materials using state-of-the-art electronic-structure techniques, based on density-functional theory, density-functional perturbation theory, and many-body perturbation theory, within the plane-wave pseudopotential and projector-augmented-wave approaches. Quantum EXPRESSO owes its popularity to the wide variety of properties and processes it allows to simulate, to its performance on an increasingly broad array of hardware architectures, and to a community of researchers that rely on its capabilities as a core open-source development platform to implement their ideas. In this paper we describe recent extensions and improvements, covering new methodologies and property calculators, improved parallelization, code modularization, and extended interoperability both within the distribution and with external software.

A first principle study of graphene functionalized with hydroxyl, nitrile, or methyl groups.

By means of ab initio calculations, we study the functionalization of graphene by different chemical groups such as hydroxyl, nitrile, or methyl. Two extreme cases of functionalization are considered: a single group on a supercell of graphene and a sheet of graphene fully functionalized. Once the equilibrium geometry is obtained by density functional theory, we found that the systems are metallic when a single group is attached to the sheet of graphene. With the exception of the nitrile functionalized boat configuration, a large bandgap is obtained at full coverage. Specifically, by using the GW approximation, our calculated bandgaps are direct and range between 5.0 and 5.5 eV for different configurations of hydroxyl functionalized graphene. An indirect GW bandgap of 6.50 eV was found in nitrile functionalized graphene while the methyl group functionalization leads to a direct bandgap with a value of 4.50 eV. Since in the two limiting cases of minimal and full coverage, the electronic structure changes drastically from a metal to a wide bandgap semiconductor, a series of intermediate states might be expected by tuning the amount of functionalization with these different groups.

Human brain distinctiveness based on EEG spectral coherence connectivity.

The use of EEG biometrics, for the purpose of automatic people recognition, has received increasing attention in the recent years. Most of the current analyses rely on the extraction of features characterizing the activity of single brain regions, like power spectrum estimation, thus neglecting possible temporal dependencies between the generated EEG signals. However, important physiological information can be extracted from the way different brain regions are functionally coupled. In this study, we propose a novel approach that fuses spectral coherence-based connectivity between different brain regions as a possibly viable biometric feature. The proposed approach is tested on a large dataset of subjects (N = 108) during eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) resting state conditions. The obtained recognition performance shows that using brain connectivity leads to higher distinctiveness with respect to power-spectrum measurements, in both the experimental conditions. Notably, a 100% recognition accuracy is obtained in EC and EO when integrating functional connectivity between regions in the frontal lobe, while a lower 97.5% is obtained in EC (96.26% in EO) when fusing power spectrum information from parieto-occipital (centro-parietal in EO) regions. Taken together, these results suggest that the functional connectivity patterns represent effective features for improving EEG-based biometric systems.

High-pressure core structures of Si nanoparticles for solar energy conversion.

We present density functional and many body perturbation theory calculations of the electronic, optical, and impact ionization properties of Si nanoparticles (NPs) with core structures based on high-pressure bulk Si phases. Si particles with a BC8 core structure exhibit significantly lower optical gaps and multiple exciton generation (MEG) thresholds, and an order of magnitude higher MEG rate than diamondlike ones of the same size. Several mechanisms are discussed to further reduce the gap, including surface reconstruction and chemistry, excitonic effects, and embedding pressure. Experiments reported the formation of BC8 NPs embedded in amorphous Si and in amorphous regions of femtosecond-laser doped "black silicon." For all these reasons, BC8 nanoparticles may be promising candidates for MEG-based solar energy conversion.

Towards a personalized and dynamic CRT-D. A computational cardiovascular model dedicated to therapy optimization.

BACKGROUND: In spite of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) benefits, 25-30% of patients are still non responders. One of the possible reasons could be the non optimal atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) intervals settings. Our aim was to exploit a numerical model of cardiovascular system for AV and VV intervals optimization in CRT. METHODS: A numerical model of the cardiovascular system CRT-dedicated was previously developed. Echocardiographic parameters, Systemic aortic pressure and ECG were collected in 20 consecutive patients before and after CRT. Patient data were simulated by the model that was used to optimize and set into the device the intervals at the baseline and at the follow up. The optimal AV and VV intervals were chosen to optimize the simulated selected variable/s on the base of both echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Intervals were different for each patient and in most cases, they changed at follow up. The model can well reproduce clinical data as verified with Bland Altman analysis and T-test (p > 0.05). Left ventricular remodeling was 38.7% and left ventricular ejection fraction increasing was 11% against the 15% and 6% reported in literature, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The developed numerical model could reproduce patients conditions at the baseline and at the follow up including the CRT effects. The model could be used to optimize AV and VV intervals at the baseline and at the follow up realizing a personalized and dynamic CRT. A patient tailored CRT could improve patients outcome in comparison to literature data.

The effects of Italian Mediterranean organic diet (IMOD) on health status.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of Italian Mediterranean Diet (IMD), consisting of organic versus conventional foods, on body composition, and biochemical parameters in a healthy individuals and in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, in order to decrease cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factor and the progression of renal diseases. DESIGN: After providing a written fully informed consent to the study, 150 Caucasian Italian men were recruited: 100 healthy male individuals (mean age 44,66+/-13,98 years; range 30-65 years) and 50 male CKD patients (mean age 46,25+/-5,97 years; range 42-54 years). These patients were affected by stage 2 and 3 of Chronic Renal Failure according to the K-DOQI 2003. Usual dietary intake and physical activity, during the previous 12 months were estimated by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The following were measured at baseline and after consumption of conventional/organic 14 days IMD: Body mass index (BMI), Body composition, by Dual-X absorptiometry (DXA) scanner, total plasma homocysteine (tHcy), serum phosphorus, glycemia concentrations, lipid profile, and microalbuminuria. RESULTS: A significant reduction of total homocysteine (tHcy) and phosphorus blood values were observed in the studied subjects. Body composition analysis by DXA highlighted high significant differences between conventional (T(0)) and organic diet (T(1)) for fat mass parameter, expressed as kilograms and as percentage (p<0.001). Improvement of lean body mass was observed in CDK patients (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study clearly demonstrates that the Italian Mediterranean Organic Diet (IMOD), according to the "Nicotera diet", was able to reduce tHcy, phosphorus, microalbuminuria levels and CVD risk in healthy individuals and in CDK patients.

Three dimensional ultrasound of retinoblastoma: initial experience.

AIM: To use 3D ultrasonography (3DUS) for the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. METHODS: Five eyes of three children with retinoblastoma were evaluated using a commercially available computerised 3DUS system. Interactive sectioning of the stored and reconstructed 3D volumes were performed. 3DUS and histopathological findings were correlated after enucleation. RESULTS: 3DUS examination revealed characteristics consistent with retinoblastoma: endophytic mass, retinal detachment, intratumoural calcifications, and secondary orbital shadowing. Unlike 2D imaging, 3DUS allowed for analysis of the acquired and stored volumes. Rotation and sectioning of this volume allowed the discovery of new oblique and coronal views. For example, calcium related orbital shadows were seen as 3D volumes and (coronal) cross sections of the optic nerve were evaluated for evidence of intraneural invasion by retinoblastoma. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported series of patients examined with 3DUS imaging for retinoblastoma. This technique allowed for new oblique and coronal views of the tumour and optic nerve. The ability to retrospectively analyse the (scanned and stored) ocular volume facilitated patient care, teaching, tumour-volume analysis, and telemedicine.

Algunos aspéctos del Sindrome de la Región Lumbar / Aspects in Lumbar Syndrome

Se analiza el Sindrome Lumbar en sus tre variantes: hernia del disco, canal estrecho y anomalia radicular. El trabajo se fundamenta en 3200 casos de hernia del nucleo pulposo operados en los 50 años de funcionamiento del Servicio de Neurocirugia del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen. Se destaca la importancia de la cirugia con la tecnica de Love en la patologia lumbar que hasta 1946 era considerada patrimonio de la traumatologia y ortopedia. Luego se valora el diametro del canal raquideo señalado por Verbiest con la descripcion del sindrome del canal estrecho congenito y adquirido, relevando el trayecto radicular y extradural de la raiz. Finalmente se resalta la importancia de las anomalias radiculares señaladas por Cannon con el trascendente aporte de la imagenologia, en especial la tomografia axial computarizada y la resonancia magnetica. Estos avances tecnologicos y de procedimientos han disminuido la persistencia del dolor lumbar post quirurgico de 30-35 por ciento hasta 2-5 por ciento. Se destaca la importancia de las intervenciones antes del sufrimiento radicular. No se ha considerado los sindromes dolorosos por inestabilidad del segmento ni por listesis congenita

Metabolismo de las hormonas sexuales en la obesidad / Metabolism of sexual hormones in obesity

Se señala el aumento de la producción de andrógenos en la obesidad, aún sin signos de virilización en la mujer, y su doble origen suprarrenal y gonadal, y con niveles plasmáticos frecuentemente normales, debido al aumento de la depuración. Esta depuración extrahepática se produce entre otros, haci la piel y sistema piloso, y hacia el tejido adiposo. Entre los andrógenos, los más activos como la testosterona, la 5 alfa dihidrotestosterona y el 5 alfa 3 alfa-androstanodiol, se unen más ávidamente a la globulina ligante de andrógenos y estadiol, cuanto mayor su actividad androgénica. El tejido adiposo transforma ciertos andrógenos en otras más activos como la dehidrestosterona en 5 alfa-3 alfa-androstanodiol, y de la disminución de la globulina ligante de andrógenos y estrógenos resulta una mayor cantidad de andrógenos biodisponibles. También el tejido adiposo transforma andrógenos en estrógenos gracias a su alto contenido en aromatasa. Este aumento de estrógenos con nivel constante, puede tener efectos nocivos como el estímulo de cáncer de endometrio y mama y las alteraciones de la regulación hipófiso-ovárica capaces de determinar mayor producción de andrógenos ováricos. El aumento de andrógenos favorece la acumulación de tejido adiposo en el abdomen y la hipertrofia de los adipocitos, con consiguientes peturbaciones metabólicas que determinan una intolerancia a la carga de hidratos de carbono con hiperinsulinemia reactiva. En cambio de los estrógenos favorece la acumulación adiposa especialmente en caderas y muslos con hiperplasia de los adipocitos de tamaño normal. La progesterona no parece ejercer un efecto directo sino a través de sus acciones antiandrogénicas y antiestrogénicas (AU)

Metabolismo de las hormonas sexuales en la obesidad / Metabolism of sexual hormones in obesity

Se señala el aumento de la producción de andrógenos en la obesidad, aún sin signos de virilización en la mujer, y su doble origen suprarrenal y gonadal, y con niveles plasmáticos frecuentemente normales, debido al aumento de la depuración. Esta depuración extrahepática se produce entre otros, haci la piel y sistema piloso, y hacia el tejido adiposo. Entre los andrógenos, los más activos como la testosterona, la 5 alfa dihidrotestosterona y el 5 alfa 3 alfa-androstanodiol, se unen más ávidamente a la globulina ligante de andrógenos y estadiol, cuanto mayor su actividad androgénica. El tejido adiposo transforma ciertos andrógenos en otras más activos como la dehidrestosterona en 5 alfa-3 alfa-androstanodiol, y de la disminución de la globulina ligante de andrógenos y estrógenos resulta una mayor cantidad de andrógenos biodisponibles. También el tejido adiposo transforma andrógenos en estrógenos gracias a su alto contenido en aromatasa. Este aumento de estrógenos con nivel constante, puede tener efectos nocivos como el estímulo de cáncer de endometrio y mama y las alteraciones de la regulación hipófiso-ovárica capaces de determinar mayor producción de andrógenos ováricos. El aumento de andrógenos favorece la acumulación de tejido adiposo en el abdomen y la hipertrofia de los adipocitos, con consiguientes peturbaciones metabólicas que determinan una intolerancia a la carga de hidratos de carbono con hiperinsulinemia reactiva. En cambio de los estrógenos favorece la acumulación adiposa especialmente en caderas y muslos con hiperplasia de los adipocitos de tamaño normal. La progesterona no parece ejercer un efecto directo sino a través de sus acciones antiandrogénicas y antiestrogénicas