Expression of TLR4-PTGE2 signaling genes in atherosclerotic carotid plaques and peripheral blood.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/prostaglandine synthetase 2 (PTGS2) signaling plays a relevant role in atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to check the gene expression of 6 genes participating to TLR4/PTGS2 signaling (TLR4, PTGS2, ACSL4, PTGER3, PTGER4, and EPRAP) in carotid plaques and blood samples from the same individual and to evaluate these genes as biomarker of plaque progression. We investigated differential gene expression by qRT-PCR in 62 atherosclerotic patients' carotid plaques and corresponding blood sample.

Correlations between gene expression highlight a different activation of ACE/TLR4/PTGS2 signaling in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques in atherosclerotic patients.

Inflammation has a key role and translates the effects of many known risk factors for the disease in atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. Aiming to look into the elements that induce the development of either a vulnerable or stable atherosclerotic plaque, and considering that inflammation has a central role in the progression of lesions, we analyzed the expression of genes involved in the ACE/TLR4/PTGS2 signaling in carotid plaques of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Patients with internal carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy at Verona University Hospital were included in this study.

Impact on Prehospital Delay of a Stroke Preparedness Campaign: A SW-RCT (Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial).

Background And Purpose: Public campaigns to increase stroke preparedness have been tested in different contexts, showing contradictory results. We evaluated the effectiveness of a stroke campaign, designed specifically for the Italian population in reducing prehospital delay.

Methods: According to an SW-RCT (Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial) design, the campaign was launched in 4 provinces in the northern part of the region Emilia Romagna at 3-month intervals in randomized sequence.

Postpartum Headache: A Prospective Study.

Aims: To prospectively assess the incidence and etiology (ie, primary vs symptomatic) of headache in women during the first month postdelivery, with particular emphasis on the type of presentation as a clue for identifying potentially harmful etiologies. A secondary aim was to evaluate the relative frequency of migraine- vs tension-type headache in cases of primary headache.

Methods: A total of 900 consecutive women were enrolled in the study and examined within 3 days of delivery, both clinically and with transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS).

Cerebral haemodynamics in early puerperium: A prospective study.

Aim: Prospective study on 900 consecutive puerperae to assess normal values and range of the blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery in both hemispheres.

Material And Method: M1 and M2 segments of both middle cerebral arteries were assessed in all subjects within 96 hours of delivery. Mean flow velocity was recorded after adjusting for insonation angle.