Capillaroscopy Opens A Window to Look Inside

In 2013 the power of the non-invasive nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) technique, has been recognized for the early diagnosis of the scleroderma spectrum diseases, its predictivity and prognostic value, as well as its role as a tool for the therapeutic follow up. After more than 30 years of intensive investigation, capillaroscopy is now officially considered by the EULAR and ACR guidelines as both an essential and mandatory diagnostic tool for the classification criteria of systemic sclerosis. ACR/EULAR stated in the 2013 guidelines for classification criteria of systemic sclerosis (SSc):"Capillaroscopy is now widely used, and considering the value of magnified nailfold visualization in the diagnosis and management of SSc, these new criteria may encourage acquisition of this skill by physicians caring for SSc patients" [2]

Osteoporosis, inflammation and ageing

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mass and increased bone fragility, putting patients at risk of fractures, which are major causes of morbidity substantially in older people. Osteoporosis is currently attributed to various endocrine, metabolic and mechanical factors. However, emerging clinical and molecular evidence suggests that inflammation also exerts significant influence on bone turnover, inducing osteoporosis. Numerous proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the regulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and a shift towards an activated immune profile has been hypothesized as important risk factor. Chronic inflammation and the immune system remodelling characteristic of ageing, as well as of other pathological conditions commonly associated with osteoporosis, may be determinant pathogenetic factors. The present article will review the current perspectives on the interaction between bone and immune system in the elderly, providing an interpretation of osteoporosis in the light of inflamm-ageing

Pathophysiology of age-related diseases

A Symposium regarding the Pathophysiology of Successful and Unsuccessful Ageing was held in Palermo, Italy on 7-8 April 2009. Three lectures from that Symposium by G. Campisi, L. Ginaldi and F. Licastro are here summarized. Ageing is a complex process which negatively impacts on the development of various bodily systems and its ability to function. A long life in a healthy, vigorous, youthful body has always been one of humanity's greatest dreams. Thus, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of age-related diseases is urgently required to improve our understanding of maintaining good health in the elderly and to program possible therapeutic intervention

Conceptual Design of a Soft X‐ray SASE‐FEL Source

FELs based on SASE are believed to be powerful tools to explore the frontiers of basic sciences, from physics to chemistry to biology. Intense R&D programs have started in the USA and Europe in order to understand the SASE physics and to prove the feasibility of these sources. The allocation of considerable resources in the Italian National Research Plan (PNR) brought about the formation of a CNR‐ENEA‐INFN‐University of Roma "Tor Vergata" study group. A conceptual design study has been developed and possible schemes for linac sources have been investigated, bringing to the SPARX proposal. We report in this paper the results of a preliminary start to end simulation concerning one option we are considering based on an S‐band normal conducting linac with high brightness photoinjector integrated in a RF compressor

The Osteoporosis/Microbiota Linkage: The Role of miRNA

Hundreds of trillions of bacteria are present in the human body in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host. A stable dynamic equilibrium exists in healthy individuals between the microbiota, host organism, and environment. Imbalances of the intestinal microbiota contribute to the determinism of various diseases. Recent research suggests that the microbiota is also involved in the regulation of the bone metabolism, and its alteration may induce osteoporosis. Due to modern molecular biotechnology, various mechanisms regulating the relationship between bone and microbiota are emerging. Understanding the role of microbiota imbalances in the development of osteoporosis is essential for the development of potential osteoporosis prevention and treatment strategies through microbiota targeting. A relevant complementary mechanism could be also constituted by the permanent relationships occurring between microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a set of small non-coding RNAs able to regulate gene expression. In this review, we recapitulate the physiological and pathological meanings of the microbiota on osteoporosis onset by governing miRNA production. An improved comprehension of the relations between microbiota and miRNAs could furnish novel markers for the identification and monitoring of osteoporosis, and this appears to be an encouraging method for antagomir-guided tactics as therapeutic agents

Who needs education on LGBTQIA+ healthcare inclusion?

ABSTRACTThe topic of education on healthcare needs and equity of care for LGBTQIA+ populations is an extremely current issue. There is a demand for education on these topics not only from medical and other health sciences students but also from established healthcare professionals. Given this widespread educational deficiency, it is natural to ask whether the teaching class is prepared to satisfy these requests or in turn needs training on these issues and above all whether it is capable of transmitting attention and sensitivity on the issues of inclusion and equality in needs of healthcare

Psoriasis Induced by Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors revolutionized the management of patients affected by autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. The biologic agents targeted to blockade TNF-a, like infliximab, adalimumab, certulizumab pegol, etanercept and golimumab have a good safety profile however, with increasing , broader and prolonged use, could expose to an increased risk of adverse reactions included a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions of different etiology and morphology. Among these, of particular interest the development of skin immune-mediated diseases that seem to be the consequence of the paradoxical inflammation induced by anti-TNF-a therapy. The majority of these lesions are identified as psoriasiform with three main morphologies and different frequency: pustular psoriasis, signs of psoriasis and guttate, although among others, with less frequency erythrodermic or inverted psoriasis may be observed.The increased incidence of these dermatological immune-mediated lesions highlight the importance of the skin as a main target of the side effect of anti-TNFa agents, while the immunopathogenetic hypothesis of these paradoxical effects are quite intriguing.The aim of this review is to collect and to analyse  existing knowledge to better understand the pathogenetic mechanism of these complications  and suggest new fields of investigation,  to improve therapeutic strategies of autoimmune diseases and prevent and / or better address such complication.</p