Imaging of temporomandibular joint: Approach by direct volume rendering

Materials and Methods: We have studied the temporom-andibular joint anatomy, directly on the living, from 3D images obtained by medical imaging Computed Tomography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance acquisition, and subsequent re-engineering techniques 3D Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering. Data were analysed with the goal of being able to isolate, identify and distinguish the anatomical structures of the joint, and get the largest possible number of information utilizing software for post-processing work.Results: It was possible to reproduce anatomy of the skeletal structures, as well as through acquisitions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging; it was also possible to visualize the vascular, muscular, ligamentous and tendinous components of the articular complex, and also the capsule and the fibrous cartilaginous disc. We managed the Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering, not only to obtain three-dimensional images for colour and for resolution comparable to the usual anatomical preparations, but also a considerable number of anatomical, minuter details, zooming, rotating and cutting the same images with linking, graduating the colour, transparency and opacity from time to time.Conclusion: These results are encouraging to stimulate further studies in other anatomical districts.Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a morphological analysis of the temporomandibular joint, a highly specialized synovial joint that permits movement and function of the mandible

Cognitive processess and cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, which can occur independently. While MS is traditionally considered an inflammatory disease of the white matter, degeneration of gray matter is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to the progressive cognitive decline. A protective factor against the progression of cognitive dysfunction in MS could be the cognitive reserve, defined as resistance to brain dysfunction. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of cognitive reserve for different aspects of cognitive dysfunction of patients with MS. We found that patients with MS and lower cognitive reserve have poorer neuropsychological performance and slower information speed processing. These findings support the notion that intellectual reserve may protect some aspects of cognitive function in patients with MS

A new class of glycomimetic drugs to prevent free fatty acid-induced endothelial dysfunction

Background: Carbohydrates play a major role in cell signaling in many biological processes. We have developed a set of glycomimetic drugs that mimic the structure of carbohydrates and represent a novel source of therapeutics for endothelial dysfunction, a key initiating factor in cardiovascular complications. Purpose: Our objective was to determine the protective effects of small molecule glycomimetics against free fatty acid­induced endothelial dysfunction, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress pathways. Methods: Four glycomimetics were synthesized by the stepwise transformation of 2,5­dihydroxybenzoic acid to a range of 2,5­substituted benzoic acid derivatives, incorporating the key sulfate groups to mimic the interactions of heparan sulfate. Endothelial function was assessed using acetylcholine­induced, endotheliumdependent relaxation in mouse thoracic aortic rings using wire myography. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior was evaluated in the presence or absence of the free fatty acid, palmitate, with or without glycomimetics (1µM). DAF­2 and H2DCF­DA assays were used to determine nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Lipid peroxidation colorimetric and antioxidant enzyme activity assays were also carried out. RT­PCR and western blotting were utilized to measure Akt, eNOS, Nrf­2, NQO­1 and HO­1 expression. Results: Ex vivo endothelium­dependent relaxation was significantly improved by the glycomimetics under palmitate­induced oxidative stress. In vitro studies showed that the glycomimetics protected HUVECs against the palmitate­induced oxidative stress and enhanced NO production. We demonstrate that the protective effects of pre­incubation with glycomimetics occurred via upregulation of Akt/eNOS signaling, activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and suppression of ROS­induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: We have developed a novel set of small molecule glycomimetics that protect against free fatty acidinduced endothelial dysfunction and thus, represent a new category of therapeutic drugs to target endothelial damage, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease

An MPC approach to the design of motion cueing algorithms for small size driving simulators

Driving simulators are widely used in different applications: driver training, vehicle development, and medical studies. To fully exploit the potential of such devices, it is crucial to develop motion control strategies that generate realistic driving feelings. This has to be achieved while keeping the platform within its limited operation space. Such strategies are called motion cueing algorithms. In this paper a particular implementation of a motion cueing algorithm is described, based on Model Predictive Control technique. A distinctive feature of such approach is that it exploits a detailed model of the human vestibular system, and consequently differs from standard motion cueing strategies based on washout filters. The algorithm has been evaluated experimentally on a small-size, innovative platform, by performing tests with professional drivers. Results show that the MPC-based motion cueing algorithm allows to effectively handle the platform working area and to devise simple and intuitive tuning procedures

Role of vitamin d receptor activators in cardio-renal syndromes

The involvement of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is attracting great interest. In patients with chronic kidney disease this association is stronger because vitamin D levels decrease as a result of renal progressive impairment. In chronic kidney disease secondary hyperparathyroidism commonly occurs in response to persistent hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia; moreover, parathyroid gland volume increases, vascular calcification is accelerated, and structural and functional modifications of the left ventricle are observed. These alterations entail both cardiac and renal involvement, resulting in cardio-renal syndrome. Recent studies concluded that vitamin D administration seems to have cardioprotective and renoprotective effects and improve peripheral vascular disease, vascular calcification, cardiac outcome, and blood pressure control. In clinical practice, therefore, the use of this hormone may play an important role in cardio-renal syndrome prevention