GATA3 and TGF-β in normal placenta and pre-eclampsia.

GATA3 plays critical roles in the development and function of various tissues and organs throughout the body. Likewise, TGF-β signaling is critical for placental development and can interact with GATA3. We aimed to investigate the involvement of the multifunctional cytokine and transcription factor in trophoblast development.

Executive Functions Assessment Based on Wireless EEG and 3D Gait Analysis During Dual-Task: A Feasibility Study.

Executive functions (EFs) are neurocognitive processes planning and regulating daily life actions. Performance of two simultaneous tasks, requiring the same cognitive resources, lead to a cognitive fatigue. Several studies investigated cognitive-motor task and the interference during walking, highlighting an increasing risk of falls especially in elderly and people with neurological diseases.

Lateral Pectoral Nerve Identification through Ultrasound-Guided Methylene Blue Injection during Selective Peripheral Neurectomy for Shoulder Spasticity: Proposal for a New Procedure.

Internally rotated and adducted shoulder is a common posture in upper limb spasticity. Selective peripheral neurectomy is a useful and viable surgical technique to ameliorate spasticity, and the lateral pectoral nerve (LPN) could be a potential good target to manage shoulder spasticity presenting with internal rotation. However, there are some limitations related to this procedure, such as potential anatomical variability and the necessity of intraoperative surgical exploration to identify the target nerve requiring wide surgical incisions.

Acute Foot Drop Caused by Intraneural Ganglion Cyst of the Peroneal Nerve: Literature Review and Case Report.

Background: Foot drop (FD) is characterized by an inability to lift the foot against gravity because of dorsiflexor muscle weakness. The aim of the present study is to report a clinical case of acute non-traumatic FD in patients with peroneal intraneural ganglion, after performing a scoping review on the methodological management of this disease.

Methods: We performed a review of the literature and reported the case of a 49-year-old man with acute FD caused by an intraneural ganglion cyst of the peroneal nerve.

Long-Term Spasticity Management in Post-Stroke Patients: Issues and Possible Actions-A Systematic Review with an Italian Expert Opinion.

Spasticity is a well-known motor dysfunction occurring after a stroke. A group of Italian physicians' experts in treating post-stroke spasticity (PSS) reviewed the current scientific evidence concerning the state-of-the-art clinical management of PSS management and the appropriate use of botulinum toxin, aiming to identify issues, possible actions, and effective management of the patient affected by spasticity. The participants were clinicians specifically selected to cover the range of multidisciplinary clinical and research expertise needed to diagnose and manage PSS.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Clinical and Histopathological Study in Pregnancy.

During pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with several adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restriction related to the development of placenta vascular abnormalities. We analyzed human placenta from full-term, uncomplicated pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first, second, or third trimesters of gestation. We studied, by the immunohistochemistry technique, the expression of CD34 and podoplanin (PDPN) as markers of vasculogenesis to find any differences.

Antiinflammatory Activities of Curcumin and Spirulina: Focus on Their Role against COVID-19.

Nutraceuticals have for several years aroused the interest of researchers for their countless properties, including the management of viral infections. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and research on the antiviral properties of nutraceuticals have greatly increased. More specifically, over the past two years, researchers have focused on analyzing the possible role of nutraceuticals in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19.

Adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells under tenofovir alafenamide, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and integrase strand transfer inhibitors selective challenge: an in-vitro model.

Objective: Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are a class of antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications with a good tolerability profile and a high genetic barrier to HIV drug resistance. However, several studies report significant weight gain among persons receiving INSTI-based ART regimens compared with other regimens.

Design: In-vitro model of adipogenesis.

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Tumor Vascularization.

Tumor diseases are unfortunately quick spreading, even though numerous studies are under way to improve early diagnosis and targeted treatments that take into account both the different characteristics associated with the various tumor types and the conditions of individual patients. In recent years, studies have focused on the role of ion channels in tumor development, as these proteins are involved in several cellular processes relevant to neoplastic transformation. Among all ion channels, many studies have focused on the superfamily of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are non-selective cation channels mediating extracellular Ca influx.

Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement In Vivo Kinematic Assessment: A Prospective Study Protocol.

Total ankle prosthesis as a surgical solution in the case of end-stage osteoarthritis has seen a considerable increase in the last two decades. This study protocol arises from the need to understand the in vivo kinematics of mobile-bearing, flat tibial component total ankle replacement, evaluating the real range of motion and the reciprocal relationships between the components during normal motor tasks through the use of model-based radio-stereometric analysis (MB-RSA). In addition, pre- and post-operative evaluation of walking kinematics with inertial motion sensors, proprioception through a dedicated workstation, and clinical outcomes are discussed.

Kinematic Evaluation of the Sagittal Posture during Walking in Healthy Subjects by 3D Motion Analysis Using DB-Total Protocol.

Posture can be evaluated by clinical and instrumental methods. Three-dimensional motion analysis is the gold standard for the static and dynamic postural assessment. Conventional stereophotogrammetric protocols are used to assess the posture of pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, trunk (considered as a single segment) and rarely head and upper limbs during walking.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Identification of Novel and Recurrent Gene Variants and Correlations with Neurocognitive Phenotype.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic tumor predisposition syndrome, caused by mutations in the . To date, few genotype-phenotype correlations have been discerned in NF1, due to a highly variable clinical presentation. We aimed to study the molecular spectrum of NF1 and genotype-phenotype correlations in a monocentric study cohort of 85 NF1 patients (20 relatives, 65 sporadic cases).

Enhanced recovery (fast-track surgery) after total ankle replacement: The state of the art.

The post-operative results of a total ankle replacement are not determined solely by an optimal surgical technique, but by an appropriate anesthesiological and rehabilitative post-operative approach. Enhanced functional recovery often depends on a multidisciplinary approach based on a correct framework of the patient and his needs, requests, and characteristics. Extensive bibliographical research has been performed on Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus.

Nociplastic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity: Dermatomal Evaluation, Treatment with Intradermal Saline Injection and Outcomes Assessed by 3D Gait Analysis: Review and a Case Report.

Nociplastic pain has been introduced by the IASP as a third category of pain, distinct from nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Pathogenetically, it is considered to be a continuum of these two types of pain after becoming chronic. Repetitive peripheral painful stimulation causes a central sensitization with hypersensitivity of the corresponding spinal metamer or brain region.

Physical decline and cognitive impairment in frail hypertensive elders during COVID-19.

Background: Hypertension is common in older adults and its incidence increases with age. We investigated the correlation between physical and cognitive impairment in older adults with frailty and hypertension.

Methods: We recruited frail hypertensive older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 2021 and December 2021.

Variability of Postural Stability and Plantar Pressure Parameters in Healthy Subjects Evaluated by a Novel Pressure Plate.

Background: Postural stability and plantar pressure parameters can be assessed by baropodometry; nevertheless, they are often affected by low repeatability. The aim of the study was to test the accuracy and repeatability of a novel resistive sensor pressure plate and to establish the most reliable baropodometric parameters. Methods: Accuracy and repeatability of the FM12050 BTS-Bioengineering plate measurements were assessed by using different weights in static conditions across three sessions.

Indirect Structural Muscle Injuries of Lower Limb: Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise.

Muscle injuries are the most common trauma in team and individual sports. The muscles most frequently affected are those of the lower limb, and in particular hamstrings, adductors, rectus femoris and calf muscles. Although several scientific studies have tried to propose different rehabilitation protocols, still too often the real rehabilitation process is not based on scientific knowledge, especially in non-elite athletes.

Long-term effects of asymmetrical posture in boxing assessed by baropodometry.

Background: Asymmetrical posture maintained over long training periods may affect phenotypic plasticity, resulting functional to sporting goal but negative to the locomotor system. Aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate these long-term effects in competitive boxers.

Methods: Baropodometric analysis was used to assess 20 competitive boxers and 20 non-sportsmen in upright bipedal posture for 5 s and for 51.

Quantitative Evaluation of Upright Posture by x-Ray and 3D Stereophotogrammetry with a New Marker Set Protocol in Late Onset Pompe Disease.

Background: Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) is a rare myopathy characterized by prevailing weakness of trunk and pelvic girdle muscles that causes motor disabilities. Spinal deformities have been reported unclearly on clinical examination. No study quantitatively assessed upright posture defining specific alterations of LOPD various phenotype.

Short and long term effects of Nabiximols on balance and walking assessed by 3D-gait analysis in people with Multiple Sclerosis and spasticity.

Background: Spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) is one of the most disabling symptoms on walking ability and balance. Among the systemic antispastic drugs, Nabiximols showed a good tolerability, safety profile and relevant efficacy. A few studies assessed long-term effects of this drug through clinical scales and instrumental tools, but no study investigated short-term effects.

Rare Variants in Autophagy and Non-Autophagy Genes in Late-Onset Pompe Disease: Suggestions of Their Disease-Modifying Role in Two Italian Families.

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase. The late-onset form of Pompe disease (LOPD) is characterized by a slowly progressing proximal muscle weakness, often involving respiratory muscles. In LOPD, the levels of GAA enzyme activity and the severity of the clinical pictures may be highly variable among individuals, even in those who harbour the same combination of mutations.

Effects of Hoverboard on Balance in Young Soccer Athletes.

Hoverboards are always more popular among children. Hoverboards are to them like a game or a mean of transport, but they could be used as a valid and useful instrument in children's training programs to improve their performance. In this study, we compared the athletic performance of two groups of 12 children.