Role of L-type Ca-channels in the vasorelaxing response to finerenone in arteries of human visceral adipose tissue.

Inadequate blood supply to the expanding adipose tissue (AT) is involved in the unhealthy AT remodeling and cardiometabolic consequences of obesity. Because of the pathophysiological role of upregulated mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling in the complications of obesity, this study tested the vasoactive properties of finerenone, a nonsteroidal MR antagonist, in arteries of human AT. Arteries isolated from the visceral AT of obese subjects were studied in a wire myograph.

In Vivo Identification of H3K9me2/H3K79me3 as an Epigenetic Barrier to Carcinogenesis.

The highly dynamic nature of chromatin's structure, due to the epigenetic alterations of histones and DNA, controls cellular plasticity and allows the rewiring of the epigenetic landscape required for either cell differentiation or cell (re)programming. To dissect the epigenetic switch enabling the programming of a cancer cell, we carried out wide genome analysis of Histone 3 (H3) modifications during osteogenic differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The most significant modifications concerned H3K27me2/3, H3K9me2, H3K79me1/2, and H3K4me1 that specify the process of healthy adult stem cell differentiation.

A novel tumour enhancer function of Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 in colorectal cancer.

CRC cells evolve a variety of strategies to limit or circumvent apoptosis cell death. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate many of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of cancer. The insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding proteins (IMP) family are oncofoetal RBPs, consisting of IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3, which have an important role in RNA metabolism.

Mirabegron relaxes arteries from human visceral adipose tissue through antagonism of α-adrenergic receptors.

Aim: As inadequate perfusion has emerged as a key determinant of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity, interest has grown regarding possible pharmacological interventions to prevent this process. Mirabegron has proved to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in obese humans via stimulation of β-adrenoceptors which also seem to mediate endothelium-dependent vasodilation in disparate human vascular beds. We characterized, therefore, the vasomotor function of mirabegron in human adipose tissue arteries and the underlying mechanisms.

The prognostic value of subjective nasal symptoms and SNOT-22 score in middle ear surgery.

Background: The relationship between nasal functions and middle ear surgery is still under debate. Nasal obstruction is considered as a negative prognostic factor in middle ear surgery. This is based on the theory that it may cause Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) by leading to reduced ventilation of the middle ear, as found in several patients with nasal septal deviation, chronic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

Anti-Inflammatory and Active Biological Properties of the Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds Luteolin and Luteolin 7-Glucoside.

Flavonoids are interesting molecules synthetized by plants. They can be found abundantly in seeds and fruits, determining the color, flavor, and other organoleptic characteristics, as well as contributing to important nutritional aspects. Beyond these characteristics, due to their biochemical properties and characteristics, they can be considered bioactive compounds.

Changes in Speech Range Profile Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment.

Background And Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the variations in the speech range profile (SRP) of patients affected by cognitive decline.

Methods: We collected the data of patients managed for suspected voice and speech disorders, and suspected cognitive impairment. Patients underwent an Ear Nose and Throat evaluation and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Anti-Inflammatory and Proliferative Properties of Luteolin-7-O-Glucoside.

Flavonoids display a broad range of structures and are responsible for the major organoleptic characteristics of plant-derived foods and beverages. Recent data showed their activity, and in particular of luteolin-7-O-glucoside (LUT-7G), in reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms in different physiological systems. In this paper, we tried to elucidate how LUT-7G could exert both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in endothelial cells cultured in vitro.

Mechanisms of SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Transporter Type 2) Inhibition-Induced Relaxation in Arteries From Human Visceral Adipose Tissue.

As novel drug treatments for diabetes have shown favorable cardiovascular effects, interest has mounted with regard to their possible vascular actions, particularly in relation to visceral adipose tissue perfusion and remodeling in obesity. The present study tested the vasorelaxing effect of the SGLT2 (sodium-glucose transporter type 2) inhibitor canagliflozin in arteries from visceral adipose tissue of either nonobese or obese humans and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Also, the vasorelaxing effect of canagliflozin and the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonist liraglutide were compared in arteries from obese patients.

Predictive factors of severity and persistence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in sub-acute stroke.

Purpose: This study aims to understand the factors contributing to the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia and its persistence in the sub-acute phase of stroke.

Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of all the patients suffering from a stroke in the last year. The severity of stroke was reported according to the NIHSS score.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly population suffering from mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: Understanding the link.

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly patients suffering from minimal or mild cognitive decline.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and were undergoing management for suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia, in our department. All our patients were subjected to Mini Mental State Examination test, MD Anderson dysphagia inventory and caregiver mealtime and dysphagia questionnaire.

Does aggressive management of solitary pulmonary nodules pay off?

Indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs), measuring up to 3 cm in diameter, are incidental radiological findings. The ever-growing use of modern imaging has increased their detection. The majority of those nodules are benign; however, the possibility of diagnosing early-stage lung cancer still stands.

Lp-PLA, a new biomarker of vascular disorders in metabolic diseases.

Metabolic diseases are chronic disorders correlated to a greater risk of cardiovascular event and death. Recently, many data have sustained the biological link between microvascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and metabolic diseases. The determination of new and specific blood biomarkers of vascular inflammation associated with obesity-related metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes such as lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A (Lp-PLA) could be useful to identify subject with high risk of cardiovascular events.

Performance characteristics of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity assay on the Dimension Vista analyser and preliminary study of a healthy Italian population.

Introduction: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA) is a marker of vascular inflammation associated with coronary heart disease and stroke. We evaluated analytical performance of the PLAC® Activity Test on Siemens Dimension Vista® 1500 analyzer and measured Lp-PLA activity in Italian adults to establish reference intervals (RIs) and evaluate correlation with circulating lipids and age.

Materials And Methods: The evaluation protocol consisted of precision, linearity, sensitivity, method comparison, substrate depletion ("hook") effect and interference assessment.

Ectopic thyroid tissue in the head and neck: a case series.

Background: Through a review of three cases, the etiopathogenetic, clinical-diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of ectopic thyroid tissue are herein discussed to highlight the main presentations of this polymorphous disease.

Case Presentations: The first case involved an ectopic thyroid gland in the lingual area in a 45-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with dysphagia and midline swelling at the base of the tongue. The second case involved a 22-year-old Caucasian woman with a submandibular mass comprising ectopic thyroid tissue.

Homocysteine, cysteine, folate and vitamin B₁₂ status in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) is a risk factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In type 2 diabetes (T2D), hHcy is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation have been reported to lower homocysteine (tHcy) levels, but no data on plasma tHcy, cysteine (Cys), folate and vitamin B12 levels in T2D-CKD patients are reported.

Plasma and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and fatty acids in Italian general population and hemodialysis patients.

Background: Dyslipidemia and abnormal phospholipid metabolism are frequent in uremic patients and increase their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD): ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce this risk in the general population. In this study we compared the plasma and erythrocyte cell membrane composition of PUFAs in a group of Caucasian hemodialysis (HD) patients and in a control group of healthy subjects and evaluated the erythrocyte/cell membrane fatty acid ratio as a marker of the dietary intake of phospholipids. The relationship between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and the possible differences in PUFAs concentrations were also investigated.

A multicenter observational study on the role of comorbidities in the recurrent episodes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objective: Primary objective of this study was to find a statistical link between the most worldwide comorbidities affecting the elderly population (hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthrosis, osteoporosis and depression) and recurrent episodes of BPPV. Secondary objective was defining possible "groups of risk" for people suffering recurrent positional vertigo related to the presence of a well documented comorbidity.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter, spontaneous, non-pharmacological study.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: results of intratympanic steroids as salvage treatment.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and the safety of intratympanic dexamethasone to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss as salvage therapy.

Materials And Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients affected by idiopathic sudden hearing loss who were treated before with some systemic therapy, but without recovery of the hearing The patients able to undergo the study, but who refused salvage treatment were considered as control group. A solution of Dexamethasone 4 mg/ml was then injected through the posterior-inferior quadrant filling completely the middle ear.

Features of biopsy in diagnosis of metatypical basal cell carcinoma (Basosquamous Carcinoma) of head and neck.

Metatypical Basal Cell Carcinoma, also known as Basosquamous Carcinoma is a subtype of Basal Cell Carcinoma. It is similar to Basal Cell Carcinoma for the gross aspect and regional recurrences, but it has the capacity to spread and develop metastasis. This terrible characteristic endangers the life of the patient if it is not readily recognized by the physicians.

Facial nerve schwannoma involving middle cranial fossa: when the unilateral sensorineural hearing loss guide to the correct diagnosis.

The Facial Nerve Schwannoma is a rare tumor and it seldom involved the middle cranial fossa. Facial nerve schwannoma has various manifestations, including facial palsy but unfortunately facial nerve is very resistant to compression and often facial nerve paralysis or a facial weakness are not present. We present a case of giant facial nerve schwannoma involved the middle cranial fossa without facial nerve paralysis.

Comparison of repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of posterior semicircular canal: advantages of hybrid maneuver.

Objective: The prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is becoming more frequent in elderly population. The presence of comorbid factors has to be considered before assessment as well as before commencing any repositioning treatment. Our aims were evaluation of the maneuvers efficacy and evaluation of the applicability of hybrid maneuver (HM) in patients with physical limitation.