"Utilizzo del sistema LCP Synthes© mini in gatti e cani toy con fratture dello scheletro appendicolare"

Scopo del lavoro: Lo scopo del nostro lavoro è valutare l'impiego di impianti ortopedici LCP mini in gatti e cani di piccola taglia con fratture dello scheletro appendicolare, al fine di valutarne l’applicazione clinica in rapporto a quanto delineato in letteratura. Materiali e metodi: In questo studio sono state analizzate in maniera retrospettiva le cartelle cliniche di cani toy e gatti con fratture di origine traumatica a carico dello scheletro appendicolare, sottoposti a intervento di fissazione interna con placca LCP mini Synthes© 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.4 mm, presso la Struttura Didattica Mario Modenato dell’Università di Pisa. Sono stati inclusi nel lavoro 5 cani trattati nel periodo compreso tra novembre 2012 e giugno 2016, con un peso compreso tra i 5 ed i 7,7 kg, ed età compresa tra i sei mesi ed i dodici anni. Per quanto riguarda i gatti abbiamo incluso nel lavoro, svolto nello stesso arco di tempo, 7 gatti con età compresa tra i sei mesi ed i sei anni ed un peso compreso tra i tre ed sette kg. Sono stati inclusi i soggetti di cui è stato possibile seguire l’andamento clinico ed i follow up radiografici pre e post-operatori almeno a 30 gg dalla procedura chirurgica e fino a consolidazione avvenuta, o comunque al raggiungimento di una buona e corretta progressione del processo di guarigione. Le fratture sono state trattate seguendo le linee guida fornite per l’utilizzo di tali impianti in medicina umana, ed utilizzate in diversi studi affini in medicina veterinaria. Risultati: dodici fratture, 5 cani e 7 gatti, sono rientrate nei criteri di inclusione. Le fratture erano così distribuite per segmento osseo: 7 fratture femorali, 4 radio ulnari, 1 tibiale. La riparazione chirurgica è avvenuta mediante l’utilizzo di impianti LCP 2.4 mm in 8 casi, 2.0 mm in 4 casi. In tutti i pazienti abbiamo osservato buona consolidazione ossea, ed il recupero funzionale alla visita clinica è risultato eccellente in 10 casi e discreto in due casi, dove permaneva zoppia di I grado. Discussioni e conclusioni: Nonostante in medicina veterinaria non siano presenti linee guida specifiche per l’utilizzo del sistema LCP Synthes© nei nostri pazienti, il rispetto delle indicazioni fornite per l’applicazione in medicina umana permette un buon utilizzo di tali impianti. In base ai nostri risultati possiamo ritenere positivo, versatile ed efficace l’utilizzo del sistema LCP Synthes© nel trattamento delle fratture dello scheletro appendicolare del gatto e cane toy; questi soggetti, per la loro dimensione e la ridotta presenza dei tessuti molli, fondamentali per una corretta vascolarizzazione e guarigione ossea, risultano essere candidati idonei a tale sistema di fissazione interna

Il tirocinio tecnico-pratico nei corsi di studio in igiene dentale. II parte: standard del tirocinio e dell’insegnamento

Il Gruppo di lavoro della Commissione Nazionale dei Corsi di Studio in Igiene Dentale ha elaborato un documento di consensus con indicazioni volte a uniformare gli standard del tirocinio tecnico-pratico presso i Corsi di Studio in Igiene Dentale sul territorio nazionale

Il tirocinio tecnico-pratico nei Corsi di Studio in Igiene Dentale. I parte: obiettivi

Il Gruppo di lavoro della Commissione Nazionale dei Corsi di Studio in Igiene Dentale ha elaborato un documento di consensus con indicazioni volte a uniformare gli standard del tirocinio tecnico-pratico presso i Corsi di Studio in Igiene Dentale sul territorio nazionale

How to communicate with older adults about climate change: a systematic review

IntroductionAlthough older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, they seem to be overall less concerned about it, and less inclined to support climate policies. The study aims to identify the communication strategies that have been evaluated in promoting awareness and/or climate friendly behaviors in older adults.MethodsWe searched multiple electronic databases for studies that evaluated the effects of any interventions aimed at communicating climate change to older persons (over 65 years) and assessed the results as awareness and /or behavioral changes. We selected quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies, and we also included systematic reviews for cross-referencing. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated using different tools according to the study design.ResultsFrom a total of 5,486 articles, only 3 studies were included. One mixed-method study engaged older adults to assess the community vulnerability to climate change and to develop adaptation recommendations based on their perspectives; one qualitative study conducted focus groups to identify the more effective language, values and themes based on participants’ responses to narratives; one quantitative study utilized a 360-degree audio-visual platform allowing users to engage with immersive visualizations of sea-level rise scenarios.DiscussionDespite the paucity of literature, this review demonstrates the potential for different strategies to increase the awareness of older persons about climate change. The involvement of older adults in the communication process, the identification of their priorities, and the integration of technology in their daily lives are promising approaches but more research, including both quantitative and qualitative studies is recommended on this topic.Systematic review registerationFor further details about the protocol, this systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO on July 1, 2023 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023438256)

The Neuroprotective Effects of mGlu1 Receptor Antagonists Are Mediated by an Enhancement of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission via a Presynaptic CB1 Receptor Mechanism

In this study, we investigated the cross-talk between mGlu1 and CB1 receptors in modulating GABA hippocampal output in whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in rat hippocampal acute slices, in organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and in gerbils subjected to global ischemia. CB1 receptor expression was studied using immunohistochemistry and the CA1 contents of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were measured by LC-MS/MS. Our results show that mGlu1 receptor antagonists enhance sIPSCs in CA1 pyramidal cells and the basal and ischemic hippocampal release of GABA in vivo in a manner that is mediated by CB1 receptor activation. In hippocampal slices exposed to OGD and in ischemic gerbils, mGlu1 receptor antagonists protected CA1 pyramidal cells against post-ischemic injury and this effect was reduced by CB1 receptor activation. OGD induced a transient increase in the hippocampal content of AEA and this effect is prevented by mGlu1 receptor antagonist. Finally, OGD induced a late disruption of CB1 receptors in the CA1 region and the effect was prevented when CA1 pyramidal cells were protected by mGlu1 antagonists. Altogether, these results suggest a cooperative interaction between mGlu1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system in the mechanisms that lead to post-ischemic neuronal death

Surveillance of Summer Mortality and Preparedness to Reduce the Health Impact of Heat Waves in Italy

Since 2004, the Italian Department for Civil Protection and the Ministry of Health have implemented a national program for the prevention of heat-health effects during summer, which to-date includes 34 major cities and 93% of the residents aged 65 years and over. The Italian program represents an important example of an integrated approach to prevent the impact of heat on health, comprising Heat Health Watch Warning Systems, a mortality surveillance system and prevention activities targeted to susceptible subgroups. City-specific warning systems are based on the relationship between temperature and mortality and serve as basis for the modulation of prevention measures. Local prevention activities, based on the guidelines defined by the Ministry of Health, are constructed around the infrastructures and services available. A key component of the prevention program is the identification of susceptible individuals and the active surveillance by General Practitioners, medical personnel and social workers. The mortality surveillance system enables the timely estimation of the impact of heat, and heat waves, on mortality during summer as well as to the evaluation of warning systems and prevention programs. Considering future predictions of climate change, the implementation of effective prevention programs, targeted to high risk subjects, become a priority in the public health agenda

Comparing the effects of augmented virtual reality treadmill training versus conventional treadmill training in patients with stage II-III Parkinson’s disease: the VIRTREAD-PD randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundIntensive treadmill training (TT) has been documented to improve gait parameters and functional independence in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), but the optimal intervention protocol and the criteria for tailoring the intervention to patients’ performances are lacking. TT may be integrated with augmented virtual reality (AVR), however, evidence of the effectiveness of this combined treatment is still limited. Moreover, prognostic biomarkers of rehabilitation, potentially useful to customize the treatment, are currently missing. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects on gait performances of TT + AVR versus TT alone in II-III stage PD patients with gait disturbance. Secondary aims are to assess the effects on balance, gait parameters and other motor and non-motor symptoms, and patient’s satisfaction and adherence to the treatment. As an exploratory aim, the study attempts to identify biomarkers of neuroplasticity detecting changes in Neurofilament Light Chain concentration T0-T1 and to identify prognostic biomarkers associated to blood-derived Extracellular Vesicles.MethodsSingle-center, randomized controlled single-blind trial comparing TT + AVR vs. TT in II-III stage PD patients with gait disturbances. Assessment will be performed at baseline (T0), end of training (T1), 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3, phone interview) from T1. The primary outcome is difference in gait performance assessed with the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment gait scale at T1. Secondary outcomes are differences in gait performance at T2, in balance and spatial–temporal gait parameters at T1 and T2, patients’ satisfaction and adherence. Changes in falls, functional mobility, functional autonomy, cognition, mood, and quality of life will be also assessed at different timepoints. The G*Power software was used to estimate a sample size of 20 subjects per group (power 0.95, α < 0.05), raised to 24 per group to compensate for potential drop-outs. Both interventions will be customized and progressive, based on the participant’s performance, according to a predefined protocol.ConclusionThis study will provide data on the possible superiority of AVR-associated TT over conventional TT in improving gait and other motor and non-motor symptoms in persons with PD and gait disturbances. Results of the exploratory analysis could add information in the field of biomarker research in PD rehabilitation

The impact of heat waves on mortality in 9 European cities: results from the EuroHEAT project

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed at developing a standardized heat wave definition to estimate and compare the impact on mortality by gender, age and death causes in Europe during summers 1990-2004 and 2003, separately, accounting for heat wave duration and intensity. METHODS: Heat waves were defined considering both maximum apparent temperature and minimum temperature and classified by intensity, duration and timing during summer. The effect was estimated as percent increase in daily mortality during heat wave days compared to non heat wave days in people over 65 years. City specific and pooled estimates by gender, age and cause of death were calculated. RESULTS: The effect of heat waves showed great geographical heterogeneity among cities. Considering all years, except 2003, the increase in mortality during heat wave days ranged from + 7.6% in Munich to + 33.6% in Milan. The increase was up to 3-times greater during episodes of long duration and high intensity. Pooled results showed a greater impact in Mediterranean (+ 21.8% for total mortality) than in North Continental (+ 12.4%) cities. The highest effect was observed for respiratory diseases and among women aged 75-84 years. In 2003 the highest impact was observed in cities where heat wave episode was characterized by unusual meteorological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Climate change scenarios indicate that extreme events are expected to increase in the future even in regions where heat waves are not frequent. Considering our results prevention programs should specifically target the elderly, women and those suffering from chronic respiratory disorders, thus reducing the impact on mortality