Il principe inquieto: Federico Colonna (1601-1628). la parabola di un fedelissimo del re

D’Agata, Silvia: Il principe inquieto: Federico Colonna (1601-1628). la parabola di un fedelissimo del re. En: Estudis: Revista de historia moderna, 48 2022: 199-21

A Combined Robotic and Cognitive Training for Locomotor Rehabilitation: Evidences of Cerebral Functional Reorganization in Two Chronic Traumatic Brain Injured Patients

It has been demonstrated that automated locomotor training can improve walking capabilities in spinal cord-injured subjects but its effectiveness on brain damaged patients has not been well established. A possible explanation of the discordant results on the efficacy of robotic training in patients with cerebral lesions could be that these patients, besides stimulation of physiological motor patterns through passive leg movements, also need to train the cognitive aspects of motor control. Indeed, another way to stimulate cerebral motor areas in paretic patients is to use the cognitive function of motor imagery. A promising possibility is thus to combine sensorimotor training with the use of motor imagery. The aim of this paper is to assess changes in brain activations after a combined sensorimotor and cognitive training for gait rehabilitation. The protocol consisted of the integrated use of a robotic gait orthosis prototype with locomotor imagery tasks. Assessment was conducted on two patients with chronic traumatic brain injury and major gait impairments, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Physiatric functional scales were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results showed greater activation post-training in the sensorimotor and supplementary motor cortices, as well as enhanced functional connectivity within the motor network. Improvements in balance and, to a lesser extent, in gait outcomes were also found

Magnetic Nanoparticles in the Central Nervous System: Targeting Principles, Applications and Safety Issues

One of the most challenging goals in pharmacological research is overcoming the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) to deliver drugs to the Central Nervous System (CNS). The use of physical means, such as steady and alternating magnetic fields to drive nanocarriers with proper magnetic characteristics may prove to be a useful strategy. The present review aims at providing an up-to-date picture of the applications of magnetic-driven nanotheranostics agents to the CNS. Although well consolidated on physical ground, some of the techniques described herein are still under investigation on in vitro or in silico models, while others have already entered in—or are close to—clinical validation. The review provides a concise overview of the physical principles underlying the behavior of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) interacting with an external magnetic field. Thereafter we describe the physiological pathways by which a substance can reach the brain from the bloodstream and then we focus on those MNP applications that aim at a nondestructive crossing of the BBB such as static magnetic fields to facilitate the passage of drugs and alternating magnetic fields to increment BBB permeability by magnetic heating. In conclusion, we briefly cite the most notable biomedical applications of MNPs and some relevant remarks about their safety and potential toxicity

The "journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal club series: Highlights on recent papers in overtraining and exercise addiction

We are glad to introduce the seventeenth Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in the last years in the field of Overtraining and Exercise Addiction, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the sport seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture

Motor attention in procedural learning: behavioral and cerebral changes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cerebral changes following a motor attention training, i.e. exercises that combine both motor and cognitive components. The training consisted in learning a motor sequence; subjects were asked to focalize on movement and kinesthetic perception. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess preand post-training brain activity, in order to detect the effect of the exercises: significant modifications were found in brain areas involved in divided and sustained attention, motor intention and plannin

APPLICAZIONE DI UN'ORTESI ATTIVA PER ARTI INFERIORI NEL CAMPO DELLA NEURORIABILITAZIONE ROBOTIZZATA

Il presente lavoro si prefigge di presentare l'utilizzo di un'ortesi attiva applicabile nell'ambito della neuroriabilitazione robotizzata. Il caso presentato rappresenta uno studio pilota su un soggetto sano per la messa a punto di un protocollo di riabilitazione da utilizzare in futuro. La finalità è di apportare dei cambiamenti a livello della neuroplasticità cerebrale attraverso un training in cui aspetti motori e cognitivi del soggetto interagiscano. La valutazione dell’efficacia del training viene effettuata tramite risonanza magnetica funzionale (fMRI). Per il training è stato utilizzato il tutore attivo P.I.G.R.O. (Pneumatic Interactive Rehabilitation Orthosis), macchina a 6 gradi di libertà completamente progettata e costruita presso il Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica ed Aerospaziale del Politecnico di Torino, in collaborazione con un esperto gruppo di medici. I risultati derivanti dalle prove preliminari sono molto buoni