Analysis of SOD2 rs4880 Genetic Variant in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

A few gene loci that contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) onset have been identified. Few studies have been published about the relationship between SOD2 rs4880 single nucleotide variant and AD, revealing inconsistent results. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to further examine the role of the SOD2 rs4880 in AD. We performed a case-control study with a total of 641 subjects (320 patients with probable AD, and 321 healthy controls). The statistical analysis was performed assuming five genetic models. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed no association between SOD2 rs4880 and AD in any of the assumed genetic models that were examined [log-additive OR = 0.95 (0.76-1.19), over-dominant OR = 1.15 (0.85-1.57), recessive OR = 0.85 (0.59-1.22), dominant OR = 1.03 (0.72-1.47), and co-dominant OR1 = 1.10 (0.75-1.60) and OR2 = 0.90 (0.58-1.40)]. Adjustment for sex and subgroup analyses based on sex did not reveal any statistically significant results either. Based on our findings, SOD2 rs4880 does not appear to play a determining role in the risk of developing AD. Larger studies are warranted to elucidate the connection between rs4880 and AD.

The impact of genetic factors on the response to migraine therapy.

Migraine is a multidimensional disease affecting a large portion of the human population presenting with a variety of symptoms. In the era of personalized medicine, successful migraine treatment presents a challenge, as several studies have shown the impact of a patient's genetic profile on therapy response. However, with the emergence of contemporary treatment options, there is promise for improved outcomes. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, in order to obtain studies investigating the impact of genetic factors on migraine therapy outcome. Overall, 23 studies were included in the current review, exhibiting diversity in the treatments used and the genetic variants investigated. Divergent genes were assessed for each category of migraine treatment. Several genetic factors were identified to contribute to the heterogeneous response to treatment. SNPs related to pharmacodynamic receptors, pharmacogenetics and migraine susceptibility loci were the most investigated variants, revealing some interesting significant results. To date, various associations have been recorded correlating the impact of genetic factors on migraine treatment responses. More extensive research needs to take place with the aim of shedding light on the labyrinthine effects of genetic variations on migraine treatment, and, consequently, these findings can promptly affect migraine treatment and improve migraine patients' life quality in the vision of precise medicine.

The Impact of Distance Learning and COVID-19 Lockdown on Students' Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health.

PURPOSE: During the past two years, in most institutions worldwide, educational activities were remodeled for remote delivery, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of two-year distance learning on the physical activity and musculoskeletal health of university students. METHODS: This was a national, cross-sectional study using data collected via an online questionnaire distributed through university communication platforms, which included questions on online education routines, musculoskeletal health, and physical activity of university students. RESULTS: In total, 1,366 students (65% female, 35% male) from 11 universities took part in the survey. The most common sites of reported pain were the neck (59.5%), shoulders (22.8%), back (29%), and low back (66.7%). Musculoskeletal pain significantly increased during the lockdown, according to the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain (before: 2.7 ± 1.6; during: 5.5 ± 2.2, p<0.001). Everyday pain was referred by significantly more students during the lockdown (4.5% vs 36.1 %, p<0.001), while the percentage of asymptomatic students was significantly decreased (40.5% vs 6.1%, p<0.001). Concerning physical activity, the percentage of students who did not exercise significantly increased during the lockdown (15.1% vs 23.2%, p<0.001). Distance learning and total screen time were positively correlated with VAS for pain scores. On the contrary, an increased frequency of ergonomic position, walking intervals, and physical activity was associated with significantly decreased VAS for pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Distance learning and limited physical activity led to a significant increase in musculoskeletal pain in university students, while exercise and ergonomic body position were considered protective factors. Interventions to encourage physical activity and healthy studying habits should be developed by universities, since distance learning may be again necessary for the future.

Visual disorders and driving ability in persons with dementia: A mini review.

Background: Impaired driving ability in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with a decline in cognitive processes and a deterioration of their basic sensory visual functions. Although a variety of ocular abnormalities have been described in patients with AD, little is known about the impact of those visual disorders on their driving performance. Aim: Aim of this mini-review is to provide an update on the driving ability of patients with dementia and summarize the primary visual disorders affecting their driving behavior. Methods: Databases were screened for studies investigating dementia, associated visual abnormalities and driving ability. Results: There is consistent evidence that dementia affects driving ability. Patients with dementia present with a variety of visual disorders, such as visual acuity reduction, visual field defects, impaired contrast sensitivity, decline in color vision and age-related pathological changes, that may have a negative impact on their driving ability. However, there is a paucity in studies describing the impact of oculovisual decline on the driving ability of AD subjects. A bidirectional association between cognitive and visual impairment (VI) has been described. Conclusion: Given the bidirectional association between VI and dementia, vision screening and cognitive assessment of the older driver should aim to identify at-risk individuals and employ timely strategies for treatment of both cognitive and ocular problems. Future studies should characterize the basic visual sensory status of AD patients participating in driving studies, and investigate the impact of vision abnormalities on their driving performance.