The So-called “Mithraic Cave” of Angera

The existence of a mithraeum at Angera (VA, Italy) was assumed for the first time in the 19th century, after the discovery of two Mithraic inscriptions re-used as ornaments of a private garden in the middle of the small town. The location of the alleged mithraeum is still uncertain: the inscriptions have been found out of context, and the place of worship has never been localized. The “Antro mitraico” (Mithraic Cave), also known as “Tana del Lupo”, is a natural cave situated at the base of the East wall of the cliff on which the Rocca Borromeo (the Castle of Angera) stands. At the cave the most visible archaeological evidences are tens of breaches cut into the outside rocky wall, which probably contained votive inscriptions or stele. These elements denote the use of the cave as a place of worship. In 1868 Biondelli identified in the cave the location of a Mithraic cult, giving rise to a theory that continues still today. If, on the one hand, the proposal appeared plausible, there is no clear evidence that in the cave a mithraeum was ever set up; besides, the presence of many an ex voto is in conflict with the mysteric ritual practices. This paper is intended to present an analytical study of the monument, with a broader inquiry on the characteristics of mithraea and other sanctuaries within natural caves

In vivo validation of the multicomponent powder (Vitachelox\uae) against the deposition of polluting ions

Purpose: The purpose of this in vivo study is to evaluate the acute clinical application of a multicomponent powder (Vitachelox\uae), including three naturally occurring standardized extracts rich in polyphenols (grape seed extract, green tea extract, oak wood/bark extract), on healthy volunteers by measuring prevention of any metal deposition within the stratum corneum (SC) following a 6-h exposure period in a polluted environment. Patients and methods: In this in vivo study, we evaluated the skin protective activity of the multicomponent powder formulated in a base emulsion compared to a relevant placebo cream. Using the tape stripping method, SC samples of face skin obtained from 30 healthy volunteers were compared following a 6-h exposure in a polluted area. Results: No statistically significant variations on the amount of heavy metals were found in the samples of SC cells obtained from the hemi-faces treated with the multicomponent powder, with respect to baseline. On the contrary, a significantly higher concentration of heavy metals was found in the cells samples obtained from the hemi-faces treated with the placebo cream. In particular, an increased concentration of heavy metals superior to 100% were found for iron and zinc (+130.2% and +142.6%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: This in vivo study validates and extends previous in vitro findings, indicating that the multicomponent powder allows the prevention of any metal deposition within the SC following exposure in a polluted environment. Our results suggest that the test product could play an effective role in counteracting skin damages induced by air pollution

Soothing and anti-itch effect of quercetin phytosome in human subjects: A single-blind study

Background: We evaluated the ability of quercetin, a natural antioxidant formulated in a specific delivery system, to reduce skin inflammation induced by a variety of stimuli, including UV radiation, stimulation with a histamine solution, or contact with chemical irritants. In particular, we tested the soothing and anti-itch effect of Quercevita\uc2\uae, 1% cream for external use, a formulation characterized by a phospholipids-based delivery system. Patients and methods: The study was a monocentric, single blind trial that enrolled a group of 30 healthy volunteers. The back of each subject was examined to identify four quadrants with no previous skin damage or naevi that were treated in order to induce a controlled and reversible form of skin stress. The areas were treated as follows: no product; Quercevita\uc2\uae 1% cream, 2 mg/cm2; placebo; positive control (a commercially available topical formulation containing 1% dexchlorpheniramine). Results: Only quercetin phospholipids 1% and dexchlorpheniramine 1% achieved a significant reduction in erythema with comparable results: (\ue2\u80\u9310.05% [P=0.00329] for quercetin phospholipids 1% vs \ue2\u80\u9314.05% [P=0.00046] for the positive control). Moreover, quercetin phospholipids 1% and dexchlorpheniramine 1% were both associated with a significant decrease in mean wheal diameter: (\ue2\u80\u9313.25% and \ue2\u80\u9312.23% for dexchlorpheniramine 1%, respectively). Similar findings were reported for the other tested parameters. Conclusion: Quercetin has a skin protective effect against damage caused by a variety of insults, including UV radiation, histamine, or contact with toxic chemical compounds. Indeed, quercetin is able to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation of damaged skin; it may also help restore skin barrier function, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss

Instantaneous coronary collateral function during supine bicycle exercise

Aims The instantaneous response of the collateral circulation to isometric physical exercise in patients with non-occlusive coronary artery disease (CAD) is not known. Methods and results Thirty patients (age 59 ± 9 years) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention because of stable CAD were included in the study. Collateral function was determined before and during the last minute of a 6 min protocol of supine bicycle exercise during radial artery access coronary angiography. Collateral flow index (CFI, no unit) was determined as the ratio of mean distal coronary occlusive to mean aortic pressure both subtracted by central venous pressure. To avoid confounding due to recruitment of coronary collaterals by repetitive balloon occlusions, patients were randomly assigned to a group ‘rest first' with CFI measurement during rest followed by CFI during exercise, and to a group ‘exercise first' with antecedent CFI measurement during exercise before CFI at rest. Simultaneously, coronary collateral conductance (occlusive myocardial blood flow per aorto-coronary pressure drop) was determined by myocardial contrast echocardiography in the last 10 consecutive patients. Overall, CFI increased from 0.168 ± 0.118 at rest to 0.262 ± 0.166 during exercise (P = 0.0002). The exercise-induced change in CFI did not differ statistically in the two study groups. Exercise-induced CFI reserve (CFI during exercise divided by CFI at rest) was 2.2 ± 1.8. Overall, rest to peak bicycle exercise change of coronary collateral conductance was from 0.010 ± 0.010 to 1.109 ± 0.139 mL/min/100 mmHg (P < 0.0001); the respective change was similar in both groups. Conclusion In patients with non-occlusive CAD, collateral flow instantaneously doubles during supine bicycle exercise as compared with the resting state. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0094705

Archeometrical Analysis for the Characterization of Mortars from Ostia Antica

AbstractThe aim of the study is to provide, through the characterization of the mortar samples and the relative raw materials, useful information in order to define the stages of construction, the workers technological and archaeological knowledge. The study is an interdisciplinary approach carried out by different analysis techniques in order to define the mineral-petrographic composition and highlight the differences among the various samples. Mortars are present in all the walls, except dry ones, as a bedding material and as a coating. The mortars may be regarded as markers for excellence, because they must be prepared at the time of their use, during the construction of the masonry, and cannot be re-used after their hardening and socket. Furthermore, the production of mortars in the past depended on the availability of raw materials in situ thus establishing a strong and direct correlation between the origin and use.The chemical and petrographic study of the subtle differences and composition of the mortar makes it possible to use this material as an excellent timeline if the supply of building materials varies over time. Mortars, for these reasons, play two key roles in archaeological survey: an absolutely priority for the correct determination of the contours of Stratigraphic Units; the role of the typological class very representative and very useful for making comparisons between different parts of the building and connecting between them the activities of the individual site

The Relevance of Assessing Subjective Experiences of Skin Toxicity During Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

Purpose: Radiodermatitis is likely to be an inevitable side effect of radiotherapy (RT) but experiencing pain relief during RT might contribute making treatment more acceptable and less impairing. The current study aimed to assess the subjective perceptions and experiences of skin toxicity in a sample of women undergoing adjuvant RT for breast cancer. Methods: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to one out of two groups: treatment (i.e., a newly developed topical product) and control (i.e., standard-of-care). Patients underwent adjuvant RT for 3 weeks. Clinical assessment of radiodermatitis and self-reported levels of pain, relief, and perceptions of treatment response were collected at the initiation of RT (T1), during RT (T2 and T3), and 2 weeks after treatment completion (T4). To assess changes in skin-related QoL, a subgroup of patients completed the Padua Skin-Related QoL questionnaire at T0 (before the initiation of RT) and at T4. Results: A comparable timing of onset and severity of radiodermatitis during treatment was observed in both groups. The treatment group reported lower levels of pain and higher levels of relief compared to the control group when skin toxicity was at its highest levels (T2 and T3). Independent of the group, levels of perceived improvements in clinical status increased over time, whereas skin-related QoL worsened from T0 to T4. Conclusion: Current findings outline the relevance of integrating clinical evaluations of radiodermatitis with patients\u2019 subjective experiences of skin toxicity in interventional studies. Moreover, they provide preliminary evidence about the soothing effect of a newly developed topical product, thus supporting its usefulness of as a supportive care

Efficient muscle distribution reflects the positive influence of coenzyme Q10 Phytosome in healthy aging athletes after stressing exercise

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an ubiquitously-distributed molecule with a key role in mitochondrial efficiency, involving protection against peroxidation induced by reactive oxygen species. In athletes during intense training and strenuous exercise, a reactive oxygen species overproduction occurs and can cause muscular stress and damage: a reduction of those undesired effects would be of benefit. CoQ10 antioxidant properties are described in several clinical studies, but efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation in pre-senescent athletes has not yet been clearly demonstrated. A randomized, intervention-controlled, single-center clinical trial was performed in healthy aging (pre-senescent) runners undergoing exercise training in conditions of high environmental stress. One group used an innovative food-grade CoQ10 phytosome formulation (Ubiqsome) daily for 30 days, while the control group did not take supplementation. Phytosome technique applied to CoQ10 successfully increased CoQ10 bioavailability, as previously demonstrated. CoQ10 levels and oxidative with inflammatory markers were detected in both plasma and muscle. Data obtained highlighted that 500 mg of CoQ10 phytosome (corresponding to 100 mg CoQ10), administered once a day for 30 days significantly improved CoQ10 bioavailability in healthy volunteer aging runners (50-65 years) by increasing both plasmatic and muscular CoQ10 levels, with a reduction of inflammatory cytokines and Malonyl Dialdehyde levels suggesting a protective effect induced by supplementation. The original CoQ10 phytosome formulation results to be of benefit in increasing CoQ10 plasmatic and muscular levels when CoQ10 decrease occurred for oxidative stress conditions, aging or high training

Instantaneous coronary collateral function during supine bicycle exercise

The instantaneous response of the collateral circulation to isometric physical exercise in patients with non-occlusive coronary artery disease (CAD) is not known

Psychological treatments and psychotherapies in the neurorehabilitation of pain. Evidences and recommendations from the italian consensus conference on pain in neurorehabilitation

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly recognized that treating pain is crucial for effective care within neurological rehabilitation in the setting of the neurological rehabilitation. The Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation was constituted with the purpose identifying best practices for us in this context. Along with drug therapies and physical interventions, psychological treatments have been proven to be some of the most valuable tools that can be used within a multidisciplinary approach for fostering a reduction in pain intensity. However, there is a need to elucidate what forms of psychotherapy could be effectively matched with the specific pathologies that are typically addressed by neurorehabilitation teams. OBJECTIVES: To extensively assess the available evidence which supports the use of psychological therapies for pain reduction in neurological diseases. METHODS: A systematic review of the studies evaluating the effect of psychotherapies on pain intensity in neurological disorders was performed through an electronic search using PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Based on the level of evidence of the included studies, recommendations were outlined separately for the different conditions. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 2352 results and the final database included 400 articles. The overall strength of the recommendations was medium/low. The different forms of psychological interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, cognitive or behavioral techniques, Mindfulness, hypnosis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Interpersonal Therapy, virtual reality interventions, various forms of biofeedback and mirror therapy were found to be effective for pain reduction in pathologies such as musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Central Post-Stroke pain, Phantom Limb Pain, pain secondary to Spinal Cord Injury, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating syndromes, diabetic neuropathy, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, migraine and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological interventions and psychotherapies are safe and effective treatments that can be used within an integrated approach for patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation for pain. The different interventions can be specifically selected depending on the disease being treated. A table of evidence and recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation is also provided in the final part of the pape

Inquinamento atmosferico e ricoveri ospedalieri urgenti in 25 citt? italiane: risultati del progetto EpiAir2 Air pollution and urgent hospital admissions in 25 Italian cities: results from the EpiAir2 project

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and hospital admissions in 25 Italian cities that took part in the EpiAir (Epidemiological surveillance of air pollution effects among Italian cities) project. DESIGN: study of time series with case-crossover methodology, with adjustment for meteorological and time-dependent variables. The association air pollution hospitalisation was analyzed in each of the 25 cities involved in the study; the overall estimates of effect were obtained subsequently by means of a meta-analysis. The pollutants considered were PM10, PM2.5 (in 13 cities only), NO2 and ozone (O3); this last pollutant restricted to the summer season (April-September). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the study has analyzed 2,246,448 urgent hospital admissions for non-accidental diseases in 25 Italian cities during the period 2006- 2010; 10 out of 25 cities took part also in the first phase of the project (2001-2005). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: urgent hospital admissions for cardiac, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases, for all age groups, were considered. The respiratory hospital admissions were analysed also for the 0-14-year subgroup. Percentage increases risk of hospitalization associated with increments of 10 &#956;g/m3 and interquartile range (IQR) of the concentration of each pollutant were calculated. RESULTS: reported results were related to an increment of 10 &#956;g/m3 of air pollutant. The percent increase for PM10 for cardiac causes was 0.34% at lag 0 (95%CI 0.04-0.63), for respiratory causes 0.75%at lag 0-5 (95%CI 0.25-1.25). For PM2.5, the percent increase for respiratory causes was 1.23% at lag 0- 5 (95%CI 0.58-1.88). For NO2, the percent increase for cardiac causes was 0.57%at lag 0 (95%CI 0.13-1.02); 1.29% at lag 0-5 (95%CI 0.52-2.06) for respiratory causes. Ozone (O3) did not turned out to be positively associated neither with cardiac nor with respiratory causes as noted in the previous period (2001-2005). CONCLUSION: the results of the study confirm an association between PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 on hospital admissions among 25 Italian cities. No positive associations for ozone was noted in this period.OBIETTIVO: valutare la relazione tra inquinamento atmosferico e ricoveri ospedalieri nelle citt? italiane partecipanti alla seconda fase del progetto EpiAir (Sorveglianza epidemiologica dell\u27inquinamento atmosferico: valutazione dei rischi e degli impatti nelle citt? italiane). DISEGNO: studio di serie temporali con metodologia case-crossover, con aggiustamento per i fattori temporali e meteorologici rilevanti. L\u27associazione inquinamento atmosferico- ospedalizzazioni ? stata analizzata in ciascuna delle 25 citt? in studio, le stime complessive di effetto sono state ottenute successivamente mediante una metanalisi. Gli inquinanti considerati sono stati il particolato (PM10), il biossido di azoto (NO2) e l\u27ozono (O3), quest\u27ultimo limitatamente al semestre estivo (da aprile a settembre). In 13 citt? in cui i dati erano disponibili ? stata analizzata anche la frazione fine del particolato (PM2.5). SETTING E PARTECIPANTI: lo studio ha esaminato 2.246.448 ricoveri ospedalieri urgenti per cause naturali di pazienti residenti e ricoverati, nel periodo 2006-2010, in 25 citt? italiane, di cui 10 gi? partecipanti alla prima fase del progetto EpiAir (2001-2005). PRINCIPALIMISURE DI OUTCOME: sono stati considerati i ricoveri ospedalieri urgenti per malattie cardiache, cerebrovascolari e respiratorie per tutte le fasce di et?. I ricoveri per cause respiratorie sono stati analizzati separatamente anche per la fascia di et? 0-14 anni. L\u27esposizione ? stata valutata per incremento sia di 10 &#956;g/m3 sia pari all\u27intervallo interquartile (IQR) della concentrazione di ciascun inquinante. RISULTATI: considerando un incremento di 10 &#956;g/m3 per inquinante, per il PM10 ? stato osservato un incremento percentuale di rischio per patologie cardiache dello 0,34%a lag 0 (IC95% 0,04-0,63), e per patologie respiratorie dello 0,75% a lag 0-5 (IC95% 0,25-1,25). Per il PM2.5 l\u27incremento percentuale di rischio per patologie respiratorie ? risultato dell\u271,23%a lag 0-5 (IC95%0,58-1,88). Per l\u27NO2 la stima di effetto per patologie cardiache ? risultata dello 0,57% a lag 0 (IC95% 0,13-1,02), e per patologie respiratorie dell\u271,29% a lag 0-5 (IC95% 0,52-2,06). L\u27ozono non ? risultato positivamente associato n? alle patologie cardiache n? a quelle respiratorie (a differenza del periodo 2001-2005). CONCLUSIONE: i risultati dello studio confermano l\u27effetto a breve termine dell\u27inquinamento atmosferico da PM10, PM2.5 e NO2 sulla morbosit?, in particolare respiratoria, nelle citt? italiane. Non sono state rilevate associazioni positive per l\u27O3