Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS) and clinical implications: A systematic review.

Background: Affective neuroscience (AN) theory assumes the existence of seven basic emotional systems (i.e., SEEKING, ANGER, FEAR, CARE, LUST, SADNESS, PLAY) that are common to all mammals and evolutionarily determined to be tools for survival and, in general, for fitness.

Markers of emotion regulation processes: A neuroimaging and behavioral study of reappraising abilities.

Emotion regulation (ER) is a core element for individual well-being, and dysregulated emotional states are prominent in several mental disorders. Moreover, dispositional use of adaptive ER strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal, is usually associated to better psychological outcomes and less emotional problems. Thus, identifying markers of emotion dysregulation could serve as a key point for developing treatments against risks of psychopathological outcomes.

Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS): A Gender Perspective.

Although larger trinucleotide expansions give rise to a neurodevelopmental disorder called fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a "premutation" (55-200 CGG repeats) in the gene. FXTAS is one of the more common single-gene forms of late-onset ataxia and tremor that may have a more complex development in women, with atypical presentations. After a brief presentation of the atypical case of an Italian woman with FXTAS, who had several paroxysmal episodes suggestive of acute cerebellar and/or brainstem dysfunction, this article will revise the phenotype of FXTAS in women.

Complexity and Cognitive Engagement in the Rorschach Task: An fMRI Study.

Recently, an eye-tracking study found that Complexity and other R-PAS variables located in the Engagement and Cognitive Processing domain correlated with a proxy marker for cognitive effort and engagement. The goal of the current study was to test the robustness and validity of those eye-tracking findings by inspecting fMRI data. We hypothesized that the greater the level of engagement and cognitive effort put in place by a Rorschach test-taker, the greater the engagement of his/her cortical areas reflecting ongoing top-down attentional processes should be.

Introducing the concept of neurobiological foundation of Rorschach responses using the example of Oral Dependent Language.

We introduce the concept of "neurobiological foundation" of Rorschach interpretations as an extension of the concept of behavioral representation as a foundation for interpretation of R-PAS variables. Here, we propose that if there is a parallelism between the mental, verbal and perceptual behaviors occurring within the microcosm of the Rorschach task and those occurring in the external environment [behavioral foundation], then the same brain regions engaged by the test-taker when producing of a given code, should be engaged also when reproducing, in the external environment, the same psychological processes underlying that specific Rorschach code [neurobiological foundation]. To investigate this concept, we used archival, fMRI data and tested whether producing Oral Dependency Language (ODL) responses would associate with increased activation in brain regions associated with dependency-related, psychological processes.

The level of physical training modulates cytokine levels through P2X7 receptor in healthy subjects.

Introduction: The P2X7 receptor-NLRP3 inflammasome complex (P2X7R-Infl) regulates inflammatory and immune responses. Physical exercise modulates heat-shock proteins (Hsps), influencing cytokine levels and oxidative stress; Hsp72 triggers P2X7R-Infl-dependent responses.

Subjects And Methods: We studied the effect of a single bout of maximal exercise on lymphomonocyte expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, caspase-1, NF-kB and Hsp72 and circulating levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and MCP-1, all modulated by P2X7R-Infl, in healthy sedentary (SED), trained (ATH), endurance (END) male individuals.

Dapagliflozin acutely improves endothelial dysfunction, reduces aortic stiffness and renal resistive index in type 2 diabetic patients: a pilot study.

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood pressure (BP) and renal and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes through not fully elucidated mechanisms. Aim of this study was to investigate whether dapagliflozin is able to acutely modify systemic and renal vascular function, as well as putative mechanisms.

Methods: Neuro-hormonal and vascular variables, together with 24 h diuresis, urinary sodium, glucose, isoprostanes and free-water clearance were assessed before and after a 2-day treatment with dapagliflozin 10 mg QD in sixteen type 2 diabetic patients; data were compared with those obtained in ten patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide 12.

White matter and schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging studies.

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are the most implemented methodologies to detect alterations of both gray and white matter (WM). However, the role of WM in mental disorders is still not well defined. We aimed at clarifying the role of WM disruption in schizophrenia and at identifying the most frequently involved brain networks.

P2X Receptor and APOE Polymorphisms and Survival from Heart Failure: A Prospective Study in Frail Patients in a Geriatric Unit.

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most frequent cause of hospitalization in elderly and often coexists with concurrent geriatric syndromes, like cognitive disturbances; various pathophysiological mechanisms are shared by HF and cognitive decline, notably a substrate of low-grade inflammation. We investigated whether SNPs in the purinergic receptor (P2XR) and apolipoprotein (APO) E genes, both involved in a series of inflammatory responses, are associated to HF or cognitive impairment and are able to predict post-discharge mortality in the elderly. We prospectively analyzed 198 patients (age 85 ± 8 years, predominantly females) admitted to a Geriatric unit for acute HF, whose diagnosis was based on clinical signs, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) values and ecocardiography in uncertain diagnosis (BNP values between 100 and 400 pg/mL); cognitive performance was assesed by Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ).

Silent coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: application of a screening approach in a follow-up study.

Aims: The cost-effectiveness of screening for silent coronary heart disease (CHD) in type 2 diabetes (DM2) is still debated.

Methods: We applied a diagnostic algorithm for silent CHD detection, in a cohort of 102 asymptomatic DM2 subjects (57±7years), attending 5 Italian outpatient clinics, to verify its predictive value. The risk of silent CHD was calculated considering classical risk factors, and presence of microangiopathy/macroangiopathy.

Determinants of glomerular filtration rate following bariatric surgery in individuals with severe, otherwise uncomplicated, obesity: an observational, prospective study.

Aims: Obesity-induced nephropathy is an established clinical entity arising from a "maladaptive" response to lipid accumulation at the nephron level. Bariatric surgery positively affects renal function, reducing or increasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in subjects with hyperfiltration and renal impairment, respectively. The effect of this surgery in patients with normal estimated GFR (eGFR) is less clear.

Metabolic and Hormonal Determinants of Glomerular Filtration Rate and Renal Hemodynamics in Severely Obese Individuals.

Objective: Renal function is often compromised in severe obesity. A true measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is unusual, and how estimation formulae (EstForm) perform in such individuals is unclear. We characterized renal function and hemodynamics in severely obese individuals, assessing the reliability of EstForm.

Heterozygosity for the rs696217 SNP in the Preproghrelin Gene Predicts Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Severely Obese Individuals.

Background: Several patients encompass a scarce weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). As such event is not related to surgical complications, finding markers able to identify "well responders" and to predict weight loss outcome is clinically relevant. Ghrelin regulates appetite and energy balance.

The Four Cs of disaster partnering: communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration.

Public, nonprofit and private organisations respond to large-scale disasters domestically and overseas. Critics of these assistance efforts, as well as those involved, often cite poor interorganisational partnering as an obstacle to successful disaster response. Observers frequently call for 'more' and 'better' partnering.

Hormone replacement therapy, renal function and heart ultrasonographic parameters in postmenopausal women: an observational study.

Background And Aim: A certain degree of impaired kidney function is related to an increased cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection exerted in the postmenopausal state by the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is debated. No studies have so far explored the relationship between menopause, renal function and cardiovascular risk profile in healthy menopausal women in relation with HRT.

Acute effects of different degrees of ultra-endurance exercise on systemic inflammatory responses.

Background: Intense physical stress might promote inflammatory responses, whereas a regular physical exercise has positive influence. Little is known on the acute metabolic and inflammatory responses to different levels of strenuous exercise in trained athletes.

Aim: To compare the short-term effect of two different ultra-endurance competitions on the inflammatory profile in male triathletes.

The complex P2X7 receptor/inflammasome in perivascular fat tissue of heavy smokers.

Objective: Smoking is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor. Perivascular visceral adipose tissue (PVAT) is a source of inflammatory molecules, thus contributing to atherosclerosis progression. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7 R)-inflammasome complex, crucial in determining IL-1β and IL-18 release, participates in this scenario.

Demonstration of the relationship between heart dimensions and QRS voltage amplitude.

This study was undertaken to elucidate the still debated question of the relationship between cardiac volume and QRS voltage amplitude. The authors studied 14 healthy men, aged 24-61 years (mean age, 41.2 +/- 12.

Effects of venous return reduction in hypertensive patients: is there a Doppler diastolic dysfunction index independent of preload reduction?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preload reduction on the Doppler transmitral flow pattern in the presence of diastolic dysfunction (hypertensive patients) and normal diastolic function (normal subjects) to identify, if present, one or more indexes of abnormal diastolic ventricular filling independent of variations in preload. For this purpose Doppler echocardiography was performed in 17 patients with hypertension and in 18 normal subjects under basal conditions and after 5 minutes of blood pressure cuff inflation at the root of the four limbs. The two groups showed a similar response to preload reduction: a significant reduction in peak velocity and the time-velocity integral of the E wave and in the ratio of peak velocities of E and A waves.

Evaluation of systolic time intervals in a group of healthy children 10-12 years old.

The normal values of the systolic time intervals (STI) in children and their possible relationship with heart rate have not been studied thoroughly. From a group of 9760 healthy school-children 10-12 years old, 488 subjects of both sexes were randomly selected in order to measure the STI and calculate the respective indices. The final population study was composed of 479 children, 249 males and 230 females, aged from 10/1 to 12/2 years/months (mean age 11/1 +/- 0/4 years/months).

Effects of preload reduction on mitral flow velocity pattern in normal subjects.

In the last few years, alterations in transmitral diastolic flow pattern have been used to assess changes in left ventricular diastolic properties. However, since diastolic flow primarily reflects the atrioventricular pressure gradient, loading conditions, as well as intrinsic left ventricular properties, should be able to affect this pattern. This study was selectively designed to decrease preload (a major determinant of the atrioventricular pressure gradient) in normal subjects to observe the effects on the Doppler transmitral flow pattern without pharmacologic interventions that may also affect left ventricular diastolic properties.

Plasma beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin in congestive heart failure in man.

Beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin plasma concentrations were evaluated in 24 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) (10 patients had chronic CHF and 14 an acute episode superimposing on chronic CHF), and in 35 age matched controls. Beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin were significantly lower (P less than 0.005 and P less than 0.

Vectorcardiographic evaluation of diabetic cardiomyopathy and of its contributing factors.

In order to investigate the prevalence of vectorcardiographic bites, expression of small areas of fibrosis, atrophy or degeneration of the myocardium, we studied, using the vectorcardiograms (VCG) of 101 diabetic patients (35 with insulin-dependent and 66 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, aged from 25 to 60 years, without hypertension, coronary artery disease, or intraventricular conduction defects) and 228 normal control subjects, matched for age and sex. The prevalence of bites was 38.6% in diabetic patients and 10.

Effects of ibopamine in combination with furosemide on renal function in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

The effects of ibopamine and furosemide on renal function given alone and in combination at single doses were studied in 6 men and 6 women aged 45 to 73 years with chronic congestive heart failure of NYHA class II. After 3 days of dietary stabilization, the patients received either ibopamine 200 mg, furosemide 40 mg, or furosemide 40 mg plus ibopamine 200 mg with 2-day washout between treatments, according to a double-blind, balanced three-way crossover design using all possible treatment sequences. On each treatment day urine collections were performed at 2-hourly intervals from 2 h before to 6 h after dosing, and urine volume and Na+, K+, Cl-, and creatinine concentrations were measured for every period.

Two-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular ejection fraction: comparison between three different methods.

Twelve patients with chronic cor pulmonale due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been examined with 2D echocardiography, performing four-chamber view by apical and subcostal approaches, and the right ventricular outflow tract view by the subcostal approach. These views have permitted evaluation of right ventricular volumes, and hence right ventricular ejection fraction, by the use of three different geometrical formulae: the biplane area-length method, Simpson's rule and the pyramidal method. The ejection fraction values obtained from each method have been compared to those obtained by equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography.