Assessing the cervical range of motion in infants with positional plagiocephaly

Purpose: To determine if infants with positional plagiocephaly have limitations of active and passive cervical range of motion measured with simple and reliable methods. Methods: The examiners assessed bilateral active and passive cervical rotations and passive cervical lateral flexion. Cervical assessment was performed twice by 2 different physicians to assess intertester reliability. To assess intratester reliability the first investigator performed a second examination 48 hours after the first one. Results: One-hundred nine subjects were analyzed; 70.7% of the sample had head positional preference on the right, while 29.3% had head positional preference on the left (x2 35.52, P <0.001). Cervical rotations and lateral flexion showed reliable levels of agreement for intra and intertester reliability. Conclusions: The most limited range of motion in infants with positional plagiocephaly was cervical active rotation which affected more than 90% of patients. Passive cervical rotations and lateral flexion were limited in more than 60% of patient

Anatomical shape reconstruction and manufacturing: solving topological changes of lumen vessel trough geometric approach

Over the last years there has been an increasing growth of interest in Rapid Prototyping (RP) techniques applied to various fields of medicine. RP makes it possible, in vascular surgery, to produce accurate anatomic replicas of patient vessels. These replicas can help the customization of surgical invasive interventions such as in situ stent-graft insertion in carotid region. The main goal of this work is to obtain high quality in lumen reconstruction and manufacturing replicas by RP technique. This goal is achieved through the complete control of each phase of the generating process. We present a semi-automatic method for carotid lumen reconstruction based on Boundary Representation (BRep). All parameters influencing the quality of the shape reconstruction are presented and discussed: shape acquisition, shape reconstruction and shape manufacturing. The shape acquisition starts by extracting the points belonging to the boundary of the lumen vessel, from Computer Tomography (CT) images. These points, parameterised in a vector, are the input data of the shape reconstruction algorithm based on B-Spline interpolation. The B-Spline type for representing curves and surfaces were chosen because of their properties of continuity and local control. In the shape reconstruction stage we had to face problems due to the topological change on the vessel structure. For vessel regions where there are not changes of topology, we use the closed B-Spline curves (belonging to adjacent acquisition planes) as generating curves to build a B-Spline surface. For vessel regions with at least a change of topology (ex. bifurcation region) our algorithm split automatically the involved curves to obtain three rectangular B-Spline patches. Such patches are joined together to obtain the bifurcation vessel lumen. The set of lumen surfaces is then inserted in a Boundary Representation in order to get a valid solid. To analyse the quality of the reconstructed shapes, the final object is compared with the acquisition image. This solid is correctly tessellated in triangles to produce the data format used by the RP devices (STL)

Effects of Physical Rehabilitation Integrated with Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Spatio-Temporal and Kinematic Parameters of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Movement rehabilitation by means of physical therapy represents an essential tool in the management of gait disturbances induced by Parkinson's disease (PD). In this context, the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has been proven useful in improving several spatio-temporal parameters, but concerning its effect on gait patterns, scarce information is available from a kinematic viewpoint. In this study, we used three-dimensional gait analysis based on optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry to investigate the effects of 5\u2009weeks of supervised rehabilitation, which included gait training integrated with RAS on 26 individuals affected by PD (age 70.4\u2009\ub1\u200911.1, Hoehn and Yahr 1-3). Gait kinematics was assessed before and at the end of the rehabilitation period and after a 3-month follow-up, using concise measures (Gait Profile Score and Gait Variable Score, GPS and GVS, respectively), which are able to describe the deviation from a physiologic gait pattern. The results confirm the effectiveness of gait training assisted by RAS in increasing speed and stride length, in regularizing cadence and correctly reweighting swing/stance phase duration. Moreover, an overall improvement of gait quality was observed, as demonstrated by the significant reduction of the GPS value, which was created mainly through significant decreases in the GVS score associated with the hip flexion-extension movement. Future research should focus on investigating kinematic details to better understand the mechanisms underlying gait disturbances in people with PD and the effects of RAS, with the aim of finding new or improving current rehabilitative treatments

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) and motor rehabilitation in Parkinson\u2019s disease: New frontiers in assessment and intervention protocols

Previous studies have demonstrated that physical therapy accompanied by Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) can improve the motor skills of patients with Parkinson\u2019s disease and, in particular, their gait disturbances. In the present work we describe the neurological bases and perceptual-motor deficits generally associated with Parkinson\u2019s disease, with a specific focus on gait disturbances. Within this framework, we review the role of auditory cueing in the modulation of patients\u2019 gait, addressing this issue from the cognitive, neurological and biomechanical perspectives. In particular, we focus on the new frontiers of both assessment and intervention. With regards to the assessment, we describe the advantages of the three-dimensional quantitative multifactorial gait analysis. As concerns the intervention, we illustrate the potential impact of the administration of ecological footstep sounds as rhythmic cues

Effects of physical rehabilitation integrated with rhythmic auditory stimulation on spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters of gait in parkinsons's disease

Movement rehabilitation by means of physical therapy represents an essential tool in the management of gait disturbances induced by Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this context, the use of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) has been proven useful in improving several spatio-temporal parameters, but concerning its effect on gait patterns scarce information is available from a kinematic viewpoint. In this study we used three-dimensional gait analysis based on optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry to investigate the effects of 5 weeks of intensive rehabilitation, which included gait training integrated with RAS on 26 individuals affected by PD (age 70.4±11.1, Hoehn & Yahr 1-3). Gait kinematics was assessed before and at the end of the rehabilitation period and after a three-month follow-up, using concise measures (Gait Profile Score and Gait Variable Score, GPS and GVS, respectively), which are able to describe the deviation from a physiologic gait pattern. The results confirm the effectiveness of gait training assisted by RAS in increasing speed and stride length, in regularizing cadence and correctly reweighting swing/stance phase duration. Moreover, an overall improvement of gait quality was observed, as demonstrated by the significant reduction of the GPS value, which was created mainly through significant decreases in the GVS score associated with the hip flexion-extension movement. Future research should focus on investigating kinematic details to better understand the mechanisms underlying gait disturbances in people with PD and the effects of RAS, with the aim of finding new or improving current rehabilitative treatments

Forest Protection Unifies, Silviculture Divides: A Sociological Analysis of Local Stakeholders' Voices after Coppicing in the Marganai Forest (Sardinia, Italy)

Today, a forest is also understood as a real social actor with multiple-scale influences, capable of significantly conditioning the social, economic, and cultural system of a whole territory. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct and interpret the population's perception of the silvicultural activities related to traditional use of forest resources of the southwestern Sardinian Marganai State Forest. The "Marganai case" has brought to the attention of the mass media the role of this forest and its silviculture. The research was carried out via semi-structured interviews with the main stakeholders in the area. The qualitative approach in the collection and analysis of the information gathered has allowed us to reconstruct the historical-cultural and social cohesion function that the forest plays in rural communities. The results highlight that the main risks concern the erosion of the cultural forest heritage due to the abandonment of the rural dimension (mainly by the new generations, but not only), with the consequent spread of deep distortions in the perception, interpretation, and necessity of forestry activities and policy

Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in people with Parkinson's disease in laboratory and clinical setting: Are the measures interchangeable?

This study aimed to investigate possible differences in spatio-temporal gait parameters of people with Parkinson’s Disease (pwPD) when they are tested either in laboratory using 3D Gait Analysis or in a clinical setting using wearable accelerometers. The main spatio-temporal gait parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, stance, swing and double support duration) of 31 pwPD were acquired: i) using a wearable accelerometer in a clinical setting while wearing shoes (ISS); ii) same as condition 1, but barefoot (ISB); iii) using an optoelectronic system (OES) undressed and barefoot. While no significant differences were found for cadence, stance, swing and double support duration, the experimental setting affected speed and stride length that decreased (by 17% and 12% respectively, P<0.005) when passing from the clinical (ISS) to the laboratory (OES) setting. These results suggest that gait assessment should be always performed in the same conditions to avoid errors, which may lead to inaccurate patient’s evaluations

Impact of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand released by engineered adipose mesenchymal stromal cells on white blood cells

Background aims: The proapoptotic protein tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is physiologically expressed by immune cells and performs regulatory functions in infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer, where it acts as a tumor suppressor. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) also may play immunomodulatory roles in both primary and acquired immune responses. We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of an anticancer gene therapy based on AD-MSC engineered to secrete a soluble TRAIL variant (sTRAIL) against pancreatic cancer. However, the impact of AD-MSC sTRAIL on leukocyte subsets has been not yet considered also to predict a possible immunotoxicity profile in the clinical translation of this cell-based anticancer strategy. Methods: Monocytes, polymorphonuclear cells and T lymphocytes were freshly isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Immunophenotype and functional (DR4 and DR5) and decoy (DcR1 and DcR2) TRAIL receptors were tested by flow cytometry. The viability of white blood cells treated with sTRAIL released by gene-modified AD-MSC or co-cultured with AD-MSC sTRAIL was then evaluated by both metabolic assays and flow cytometry. In addition, cytokine profile in co-cultures was analyzed by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells showed high positivity for DR5 and DcR2, respectively, whereas T cells revealed negligible expression of all TRAIL receptors. Irrespective of TRAIL receptors' presence on the cell membrane, white blood cells were refractory to the proapoptotic effect displayed by sTRAIL secreted by gene-modified AD-MSC, and direct cell-to-cell contact with AD-MSC sTRAIL had negligible impact on T-cell and monocyte viability. Cytokine crosstalk involving interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma secreted by T lymphocytes and vascular endothelial growth factor A and interleukin 6 released by AD-MSC was highlighted in T-cell and AD-MSC sTRAIL co-cultures. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrates the immunological safety and thus the clinical feasibility of an anticancer approach based on AD-MSC expressing the proapoptotic molecule sTRAIL.Background aims: The proapoptotic protein tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is physiologically expressed by immune cells and performs regulatory functions in infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer, where it acts as a tumor suppressor. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) also may play immunomodulatory roles in both primary and acquired immune responses. We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of an anticancer gene therapy based on AD-MSC engineered to secrete a soluble TRAIL variant (sTRAIL) against pancreatic cancer. However, the impact of AD-MSC sTRAIL on leukocyte subsets has been not yet considered also to predict a possible immunotoxicity profile in the clinical translation of this cell-based anticancer strategy. Methods: Monocytes, polymorphonuclear cells and T lymphocytes were freshly isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Immunophenotype and functional (DR4 and DR5) and decoy (DcR1 and DcR2) TRAIL receptors were tested by flow cytometry. The viability of white blood cells treated with sTRAIL released by gene-modified AD-MSC or co-cultured with AD-MSC sTRAIL was then evaluated by both metabolic assays and flow cytometry. In addition, cytokine profile in co-cultures was analyzed by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells showed high positivity for DR5 and DcR2, respectively, whereas T cells revealed negligible expression of all TRAIL receptors. Irrespective of TRAIL receptors' pres-ence on the cell membrane, white blood cells were refractory to the proapoptotic effect displayed by sTRAIL secreted by gene-modified AD-MSC, and direct cell-to-cell contact with AD-MSC sTRAIL had negligible impact on T-cell and monocyte viability. Cytokine crosstalk involving interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma secreted by T lymphocytes and vascular endothelial growth factor A and inter-leukin 6 released by AD-MSC was highlighted in T-cell and AD-MSC sTRAIL co-cultures. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrates the immunological safety and thus the clinical feasibility of an anticancer approach based on AD-MSC expressing the proapoptotic molecule sTRAIL.(c) 2023 International Society for Cell &amp; Gene Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

[AuIII(N^N)Br2](PF6): A Class of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Complexes (N^N = 2,2'-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline Derivatives)

A series of new complexes of general formula [AuIII(N^N)Br2](PF6) (N^N = 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and diffractometric techniques and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus intermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), showing promising antibacterial and antibiofilm properties