Attaccamento a Dio, attaccamento ai genitori e ai pari e atteggiamento religioso in un gruppo di adolescenti italiani

Numerosi contributi in letteratura descrivono il rapporto che un credente cattolico ha con Dio facendo riferimento ai concetti della teoria dell’attaccamento di Bowlby. In questa prospettiva le principali caratteristiche degli stili di attaccamento ai genitori e ai pari possono riproporsi nella relazione con Dio. Nel presente lavoro è stata indagata in un gruppo di 992 adolescenti cattolici la relazione tra gli stili di attaccamento ai genitori, ai pari e a Dio e il grado di influenza di questi stili sull’atteggiamento religioso. Dai risultati emerge che le dimensioni insicure dell’attaccamento con i genitori e con i pari sono predittive di un attaccamento altrettanto insicuro e ansioso con Dio. Bassi livelli di attaccamento evitante o ansioso con Dio si riflettono in atteggiamenti positivi verso la religione e una maggiore partecipazione ai riti religiosi. I dati tendono a confermare l’ipotesi che il legame con Dio è influenzato dallo stile di attaccamento che il credente ha instaurato con i genitori e i pari. Tuttavia, dai risultati emerge che bassi livelli in alcune dimensioni dell’attaccamento (Comunicazione e Fiducia) tendono ad essere compensate nella relazione con Dio

Das Bild von sich selbst und Beziehungsentwicklung bei den Adoleszenten

U članku se ističe kako je izgradnja slike o sebi u adolescenciji proces razvoja svijesti o vlastitim sposobnostima i o novoj ravnoteži sa svijetom vlastitih odnosa. Istraživanje, provedeno na uzorku od 280 učenika, potvrđuje kako je prihvaćanje slike o sebi osnaženo uravnoteženjem raznih područja odnosa proučavanih adolescenata i kako ih postupno osposobljava za odgovorniju autonomiju.Im Artikel wird hervorgehoben, wie die Erstellung des Bildes von sich selbst in der Adoleszenz ein Prozeß des vergrößerten Gewissens von der eigenen Fähigung wie auch von neuem Gleichgewicht mit der eigenen Welt der Beziehungen sei. Die Erforschung durchgeführt am Muster von 280 Schülern bestätigt das Akzeptieren des eigenen Bildes, verstärkt durch das ins Gleichgewicht gebrachte Verhältnis mit verschiedenartigen Gebieten der erforschten Adoleszenten und wie es sie zur größeren Autonomie befähigt

Healthspan Enhancement by Olive Polyphenols in C. elegans Wild Type and Parkinson’s Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent late-age onset neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 1% of the population after the age of about 60 years old and 4% of those over 80 years old, causing motor impairments and cognitive dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that Mediterranean diet (MD) exerts beneficial effects in maintaining health, especially during ageing and by the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, olive oil and its biophenolic constituents like hydroxytyrosol (HT) have received growing attention in the past years. Thus, in the current study we test the health-promoting effects of two hydroxytyrosol preparations, pure HT and Hidrox® (HD), which is hydroxytyrosol in its “natural” environment, in the established invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. HD exposure led to much stronger beneficial locomotion effects in wild type worms compared to HT in the same concentration. Consistent to this finding, in OW13 worms, a PD-model characterized by α-synuclein expression in muscles, HD exhibited a significant higher effect on α-synuclein accumulation and swim performance than HT, an effect partly confirmed also in swim assays with the UA44 strain, which features α-synuclein expression in DA-neurons. Interestingly, beneficial effects of HD and HT treatment with similar strength were detected in the lifespan and autofluorescence of wild-type nematodes, in the neuronal health of UA44 worms as well as in the locomotion of rotenone-induced PD-model. Thus, the hypothesis that HD features higher healthspan-promoting abilities than HT was at least partly confirmed. Our study demonstrates that HD polyphenolic extract treatment has the potential to partly prevent or even treat ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases and ageing itself. Future investigations including mammalian models and human clinical trials are needed to uncover the full potential of these olive compounds

Healthspan Enhancement by Olive Polyphenols in C. elegans Wild Type and Parkinson’s Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent late-age onset neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 1% of the population after the age of about 60 years old and 4% of those over 80 years old, causing motor impairments and cognitive dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that Mediterranean diet (MD) exerts beneficial effects in maintaining health, especially during ageing and by the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, olive oil and its biophenolic constituents like hydroxytyrosol (HT) have received growing attention in the past years. Thus, in the current study we test the health-promoting effects of two hydroxytyrosol preparations, pure HT and Hidrox® (HD), which is hydroxytyrosol in its “natural” environment, in the established invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. HD exposure led to much stronger beneficial locomotion effects in wild type worms compared to HT in the same concentration. Consistent to this finding, in OW13 worms, a PD-model characterized by α-synuclein expression in muscles, HD exhibited a significant higher effect on α-synuclein accumulation and swim performance than HT, an effect partly confirmed also in swim assays with the UA44 strain, which features α-synuclein expression in DA-neurons. Interestingly, beneficial effects of HD and HT treatment with similar strength were detected in the lifespan and autofluorescence of wild-type nematodes, in the neuronal health of UA44 worms as well as in the locomotion of rotenone-induced PD-model. Thus, the hypothesis that HD features higher healthspan-promoting abilities than HT was at least partly confirmed. Our study demonstrates that HD polyphenolic extract treatment has the potential to partly prevent or even treat ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases and ageing itself. Future investigations including mammalian models and human clinical trials are needed to uncover the full potential of these olive compounds.Peer Reviewe

Near-infrared spectroscopy estimation of combined skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and O2 diffusion capacity in humans

The final steps of the O2 cascade during exercise depend on the product of the microvascular-tointramyocyte PO2 difference and muscle O2 diffusing capacity (DmO2). Non-invasive methods to determine DmO2 in humans are currently unavailable. Muscle oxygen uptake (mVO2) recovery rate constant (k), measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using intermittent arterial occlusions, is associated with muscle oxidative capacity in vivo. We reasoned that k would be limited by DmO2 when muscle oxygenation is low (kLOW), and hypothesized that: i) k in well-oxygenated muscle (kHIGH) is associated with maximal O2 flux in fiber bundles; and ii) Δk (kHIGH-kLOW) is associated with capillary density (CD). Vastus lateralis k was measured in 12 participants using NIRS after moderate exercise. The timing and duration of arterial occlusions were manipulated to maintain tissue saturation index (TSI) within a 10% range either below (LOW) or above (HIGH) half-maximal desaturation, assessed during sustained arterial occlusion. Maximal O2 flux in phosphorylating state was 37.7±10.6 pmol·s−1·mg−1 (~5.8 ml·min−1·100g−1). CD ranged 348 to 586 mm-2. kHIGH was greater than kLOW (3.15±0.45 vs 1.56±0.79 min-1, p\u3c0.001). Maximal O2 flux was correlated with kHIGH (r=0.80, p=0.002) but not kLOW (r=-0.10, p=0.755). Δk ranged -0.26 to -2.55 min-1, and correlated with CD (r=- 0.68, p=0.015). mVO2 k reflects muscle oxidative capacity only in well-oxygenated muscle. Δk, the difference in k between well- and poorly-oxygenated muscle, was associated with CD, a mediator of DmO2. Assessment of muscle k and Δk using NIRS provides a non-invasive window on muscle oxidative and O2 diffusing capacity

Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of a Nosocomial Cluster of C. auris: Evidence of Recent Emergence in Italy and Ease of Transmission during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Candida auris is an emerging MDR pathogen raising major concerns worldwide. In Italy, it was first and only identified in July 2019 in our hospital (San Martino Hospital, Genoa), where infection or colonization cases have been increasingly recognized during the following months. To gain insights into the introduction, transmission dynamics, and resistance traits of this fungal pathogen, consecutive C. auris isolates collected from July 2019 to May 2020 (n = 10) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and antifungal susceptibility testing (AST); patients' clinical and trace data were also collected. WGS resolved all isolates within the genetic clade I (South Asian) and showed that all but one were part of a cluster likely stemming from the index case. Phylogenetic molecular clock analyses predicted a recent introduction (May 2019) in the hospital setting and suggested that most transmissions were associated with a ward converted to a COVID-19-dedicated ICU during the pandemic. All isolates were resistant to amphotericin B, voriconazole, and fluconazole at high-level, owing to mutations in ERG11(K143R) and TACB1(A640V). Present data demonstrated that the introduction of MDR C. auris in Italy was a recent event and suggested that its spread could have been facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued efforts to implement stringent infection prevention and control strategies are warranted to limit the spread of this emerging pathogen within the healthcare system

Biopharmaceutical Assessment of Mesh Aerosolised Plasminogen, a Step towards ARDS Treatment

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication of lung injuries, commonly associated with bacterial, fungal and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 viral infections. ARDS is strongly correlated with patient mortality and its clinical management is very complex, with no effective treatment presently available. ARDS involves severe respiratory failure, fibrin deposition in both airways and lung parenchyma, with the development of an obstructing hyaline membrane drastically limiting gas exchange. Moreover, hypercoagulation is related to deep lung inflammation, and a pharmacological action toward both aspects is expected to be beneficial. Plasminogen (PLG) is a main component of the fibrinolytic system playing key roles in various inflammation regulatory processes. The inhalation of PLG has been proposed in the form of the off-label administration of an eyedrop solution, namely, a plasminogen-based orphan medicinal product (PLG-OMP), by means of jet nebulisation. Being a protein, PLG is susceptible to partial inactivation under jet nebulisation. The aim of the present work is to demonstrate the efficacy of the mesh nebulisation of PLG-OMP in an in vitro simulation of clinical off-label administration, considering both the enzymatic and immunomodulating activities of PLG. Biopharmaceutical aspects are also investigated to corroborate the feasibility of PLG-OMP administration by inhalation. The nebulisation of the solution was performed using an Aerogen (R) Solo (TM) vibrating-mesh nebuliser. Aerosolised PLG showed an optimal in vitro deposition profile, with 90% of the active ingredient impacting the lower portions of a glass impinger. The nebulised PLG remained in its monomeric form, with no alteration of glycoform composition and 94% of enzymatic activity maintenance. Activity loss was observed only when PLG-OMP nebulisation was performed under simulated clinical oxygen administration. In vitro investigations evidenced good penetration of aerosolised PLG through artificial airway mucus, as well as poor permeation across an Air-Liquid Interface model of pulmonary epithelium. The results suggest a good safety profile of inhalable PLG, excluding high systemic absorption but with good mucus diffusion. Most importantly, the aerosolised PLG was capable of reversing the effects of an LPS-activated macrophage RAW264.7 cell line, demonstrating the immunomodulating activity of PLG in an already induced inflammatory state. All physical, biochemical and biopharmaceutical assessments of mesh aerosolised PLG-OMP provided evidence for its potential off-label administration as a treatment for ARDS patients

Intractable coronary fibromuscular dysplasia leading to end‐stage heart failure and fatal heart transplantation

Coronary fibromuscular dysplasia is uncommon, and even rarer its unstable and recurrent course. We present the unique case of a 52-year-old woman who underwent in total 12 coronary angiographies and three percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 months because of repetitive acute coronary syndromes due to refractory spasm, dissection, restenosis all leading to end-stage heart failure, and heart transplantation. The patient died 12 days after the heart transplantation complicated by intraoperative acute thrombotic occlusion of left anterior descending artery of the graft despite normal pretransplant coronary angiography. Autopsy of the recipient heart confirmed coronary fibromuscular dysplasia with massive intimal hyperplasia and restenosis

ORal anticoagulants In fraGile patients with percutAneous endoscopic gastrostoMy and atrIal fibrillation: the (ORIGAMI) study

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials support the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, leading to increased use of these compounds. Crushed forms of DOACs have been shown to be reliable, but evidence supporting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) delivery is lacking. PEG is a long-term option for enteral food and drug delivery in patients unable to maintain oral intake, bypassing the risks and disadvantages of parenteral nutrition.AIMS: The ORal anticoagulants In fraGile patients with percutAneous endoscopic gastrostoMy and atrIal fibrillation (ORIGAMI) study investigates the safety and efficacy of Edoxaban administered via PEG in patients with atrial fibrillation and a clinical indication for a long-term anticoagulation.DESIGN: In this prospective, single-centre observational study, 12 PEG-treated patients with indication to anticoagulation will receive edoxaban via PEG and will be followed up to 6 months. Plasma antifactor Xa activity and edoxaban concentrations will be assessed. Thromboembolic (ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism) and bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) will be recorded at 1 and 6 months.PRELIMINARY CASES: A retrospective analysis of five atrial fibrillation cases undergoing PEG implantation at our Institution who received edoxaban via PEG showed plasma anti-FXa levels at a steady state of 146 ± 15 ng/ml, without major adverse event at a mean follow-up of 6 months.CONCLUSION: ORIGAMI prospectively investigates PEG-administration of edoxaban in PEG-treated patients requiring long-term anticoagulation. Our preliminary retrospective data support this route of DOAC administration. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04271293

Radial Artery as a Coronary Artery Bypass Conduit:20-Year Results

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence for the choice of the second conduit in coronary surgery. The radial artery (RA) is a possible option, but few data on very-long-term outcomes exist. OBJECTIVES: This study describes 20-year results of RA grafts used for coronary artery bypass grafting and the effects of RA removal on forearm circulation. METHODS: We report the results of the prospective 20-year follow-up of the first 100 consecutive patients who received the RA as a coronary bypass conduit at our institution. RESULTS: Follow-up was 100% complete. There were 64 deaths, 23 (35.9%) from cardiovascular causes. Kaplan-Meier 20-year survival was 31%. Of the 36 survivors, 33 (91.6%) underwent RA graft control at a mean of 19.0 \ub1 2.5 years after surgery. The RA was found to be patent in 24 cases (84.8% patency). In the overall population, probability of graft failure at 20 years was 19.0 \ub1 0.2% for the left internal thoracic artery (ITA), 25.0 \ub1 0.2% for the RA, and 55.0 \ub1 0.2% for the saphenous vein (p = 0.002 for RA vs. saphenous vein, 0.11 for RA vs. ITA, and p 90%, but not location of distal anastomosis, significantly influenced long-term RA graft patency. No patients reported hand or forearm symptoms. The ulnar artery diameter was increased in the operated arm (2.44 \ub1 0.43 mm vs. 2.01 \ub1 0.47 mm; p < 0.05) and correlated with the peak systolic velocity of the second palmar digital artery (Pearson coefficient: 0.621; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 20-year patency rate of RA grafts is good, and not inferior to the ITA, especially when the conduit is used to graft a vessel with >90% stenosis. RA harvesting does not lead to hand or forearm symptoms, even at a very-long-term follow-up