The key role of public health in renovating Italian biomedical doctoral programs.

Background: A key renovation of doctoral programs is currently ongoing in Italy. Public health and its competencies may play a pivotal role in high-level training to scientific research, including interdisciplinary and methodological abilities.

Methods: As a case study, we used the ongoing renovation of the Clinical and Experimental Medicine doctoral program at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

Effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on survival and safety in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a retrospective population-based cohort study.

Background: Oral tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a commercial drug currently tested in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) both singly and combined with sodium phenylbutyrate. This retrospective study aimed to investigate, in a real-world setting, whether TUDCA had an impact on the overall survival of patients with ALS who were treated with this drug compared to those patients who received standard care only.

Methods: This propensity score-matched study was conducted in the Emilia Romagna Region (Italy), which has had an ALS regional registry since 2009.

Is Greenness Associated with Dementia? A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis.

Purpose Of Review: We assessed the relation between environmental greenness and risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis up to March 30, 2022, characterizing whenever possible the shape of the association using dose-response meta-analysis.

Recent Findings: Twelve studies were included in this review, either using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or land use/cover (LU/LC) methodology to assess greenness. Comparing the highest versus lowest exposure categories of greenness assessed using the NDVI (6 studies) or LU/LC (6 studies), we found no association with dementia.

Insomnia treatment: a new multitasking natural compound based on melatonin and cannabis extracts.

Objectives: Our main aim was to investigate the short-term thera-peutic effects, safety/tolerability of natural compound, composed of melatonin (1,5 mg) and cannabis extracts (2.5 mg CBD) in patients with sleep disorders.

Methods: In this spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective, "compas-sionate-use," observational, open-label study, 20 patients (age 43-96 years) were appealed to our "Second Opinion Medical Consulting Net-work" (Modena, Italy), because of a variable pattern of sleep disorders and anxiety and were instructed to take sublingually the compound (20 drops) overnight for 3 months of treatment.

From Raynaud Phenomenon to Systemic Sclerosis in COVID-19: A Case Report.

In 2019, the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection emerged, causing the disease called COVID-19, which primarily affects the respiratory tract and lung at alveolar and interstitial levels. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and diffuse and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Raynaud phenomenon (RP) occurs in virtually all patients affected by SSc and, in most cases, is an onset symptom of the disease; that is, RP may appear several years before overt illness.

Onco-Esthetics Dilemma: Is There a Role for Electrocosmetic-Medical Devices?

Objective: The primary aim of this review is to verify whether the warning against the use of electromedical instruments in the cosmetic professional or medical cancer patient settings is consistent with evident oncological risks supported by experimental / studies or anecdotal clinical reports, or any other reasonable statement.

Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, AMED, Ovid, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched. Data relating to research design, sample population, type of electro-cosmetic devices used, were extracted.

Immune memory: an evolutionary perspective.

The innate immune system, through pattern recognition receptors, intercepts any kind of pathogen and reacts through chemotactic, phagocyting, cytokines-secreting and cell-killing mechanisms in a very quick and effective way. Meanwhile, the adaptive immunity arm, through dendritic and T and B cells memory activation, is alerted and starts, more slowly, to produce antibodies, seen thanks to the progress of immunological investigations in comparative vertebrates, invertebrates, and vegetal models.However, it has been stated that the innate immune system also displays adaptive potential in terms of reinfection resistance through immune memory, in addition to the modulation of responses against repeated low doses of lipopolysaccharides (Lps) or cross-immunization, starting from one pathogenic species and extending to others.

Skin scars and wrinkles temporary camouflage in dermatology and oncoesthetics: focus on acetyl hexapeptide-8.

Objective: The aim of study is to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of specific formulated cosmeceutical product to mask and reduce the appearance surgical scars or unappealing skin tags in chronic diseases, such as cancer

Methods: In a spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective study, 26 patients with skin disorders appealed to Second Opinion Medical Network (Modena, Italy), required masking and improving the skin appearance. To evaluate the aesthetic improvement of skin imperfections, a gelcream containing 10% of acetyl hexapeptide-8 (registered trademark Argireline®) was selected, that can be applied directly upon the lesion, followed by a light massage in the treated area for a few minutes

Results: The skin quality parameters (hydration, elasticity, sebum), photographs and investigators clinical assessment have been performed before and after the treatment and demonstrated that this cream significantly improved the skin values and the self-image expectation of each patient. No allergic reactions were documented during the period treatment

Conclusions: The topical administration of this cosmeceutical cream is a safe and effective alternative to the invasive procedures, to improve the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders such as cancer, surgical scars, hidradenitis, aging wrinkles

18F-FDG-PET brain imaging may highlight brain metabolic alterations in dysautonomic syndrome after human papilloma virus vaccination.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate brain glucose metabolism by means of [18F]-fluoro-deoxygluycose (F-FDG) PET in a group of patients presenting dysautonomic syndrome after human papilloma virus (HPV) immunization.

Methods: Medical records of patients, referred to the 'Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network' Medical Centre (Modena, Italy) diagnosed with dysautonomic syndrome were searched. Inclusion criteria were presence in the medical history of adverse drug reactions following HPV vaccine; a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <25 and good quality of a F-FDG-PET brain scan performed within 12 months from the diagnosis of dysautonomic syndrome.

Electromedical devices in wound healing management: a narrative review.

Wound healing is the sum of physiological sequential steps, leading to skin restoration. However, in some conditions, such as diabetes, pressure ulcers (PU) and venous legs ulcers (VLU), healing is a major challenge and requires multiple strategies. In this context, some electromedical devices may accelerate and/or support wound healing, modulating the inflammatory, proliferation (granulation) and tissue-remodelling phases.

The long-standing history of Corynebacterium parvum, immunity, and viruses.

We report a review of all the experimental and clinical studies performed in the last 60 years on the antiviral activity of inactivated Corynebacterium parvum (Cutibacterium acnes). This bacterium has been originally investigated and used for its oncolytic properties linked to immunomodulating activity, but the interest to successfully prevent and treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections and lethality, uprising the innate immunity barriers produced many experimental models and very few clinical studies. The dramatic defenseless situation due to impending CoViD-19 pandemic claims to exhume and highlight this aspecific strategy in preventive and therapeutic settings; as a matter of fact, no new or mutated virus can potentially escape to this strong innate immune surveillance strengthened by adequate C.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis incidence following exposure to inorganic selenium in drinking water: A long-term follow-up.

Some studies have reported an association between overexposure to selenium and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare degenerative disease of motor neurons. From 1986 through 2015, we followed a cohort in Northern Italy that had been inadvertently consuming tap water with unusually high concentrations of inorganic hexavalent selenium from 1974 to 1985. We had previously documented an excess incidence of ALS in this cohort during 1986-1994.

Cosmetic penile enhancement surgery: a 3-year single-centre retrospective clinical evaluation of 355 cases.

Men's satisfaction and sexual function is influenced by discomfort over genital size which leads to seek surgical and non-surgical solutions for penis alteration. In this article we report the results of a retrospective study of 355 cases of cosmetic elongation, enlargement and combined elongation and enlargement phalloplasty. We found a significant improvement in length at rest, stretched length and circumference at rest at 2, 6 and 12 months post-surgical procedure (all p < 0.

A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of CBD-ointment administered on severe skin chronic diseases and/or on their outcome scars.

Methods: A spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective study of 20 patients with two most frequent skin disorders: psoriasis (n: 5 patients), atopic dermatitis (n: 5) and resulting outcome scars (n: 10). The subjects were instructed to administer topical CBD-enriched ointment to lesioned skin areas twice daily for three months treatment.

Spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective, open-label study on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan).

Objectives: Our main aim was to investigate the short-term therapeutic effects, safety/tolerability and potential side effects of the cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan) in patients with a range of chronic conditions unresponsive to other treatments.

Methods: In this retrospective, 'compassionate use', observational, open-label study, 20 patients (age 18-80 years) who had appealed to our 'Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network' (Modena, Italy), were instructed to take sublingually the galenical oil twice a day for 3 months of treatment. The usual starting dose was low (0.

Feasibility single-arm study of a medical device containing and combined with chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.

Background: Neoplasms of the head and neck represent approximately 5% of cancers and they require complex multidisciplinary clinical management. (Desmodium) is a plant that possesses anti-allergic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. (Lithothamnium) is a calcified seaweed that possesses remineralization properties and the ability to maintain homeostasis.

Vulvovestibular Syndrome and Vaginal Microbiome: A Simple Evaluation.

Background: The vulvovestibular syndrome (VVS) is a chronic, inflammatory, multifactorial, chronic inflammation of the female urogenital access.

Methods: The aim of this anecdotal, observational, retrospective, case-control study was to comparatively evaluate the most common bacterial strains (, , , and ) and fungi (, ., and ) in vulvodinic women, and in women without gynecological symptoms (control group).

Role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited fatal X-linked myogenic disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 3500 male live births. It affects voluntary muscles, and heart and breathing muscles. DMD is characterized by continuous degeneration and regeneration cycles resulting in extensive fibrosis and a progressive reduction in muscle mass.

A hyaluronic acid- and chondroitin sulfate-based medical device improves gastritis pain, discomfort, and endoscopic features.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a medical device, Esoxx®, based on hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate on gastritis-related upper abdominal pain/discomfort and endoscopic features. Fifty patients, affected by gastritis, were randomised to receive the medical device or placebo.

Riluzole and other prognostic factors in ALS: a population-based registry study in Italy.

Objective: In this prospective population-based registry study on ALS survival, we investigated the role of riluzole treatment, together with other clinical factors, on the prognosis in incident ALS cases in Emilia Romagna Region (ERR), Italy.

Methods: A registry for ALS has been collecting all incident cases in ERR since 2009. Detailed clinical data from all patients diagnosed with ALS between 1.

Physical rehabilitation modulates microRNAs involved in multiple sclerosis: a case report.

This study shows that neuromuscular taping improves gait, balance, pain and ability to walk and conduct daily activities in a multiple sclerosis patient. It is the first study to identify a panel of miRNAs modulated throughout rehabilitation using neuromuscular taping in a multiple sclerosis patient.

Herpes simplex virus-1 entrapped in Candida albicans biofilm displays decreased sensitivity to antivirals and UVA1 laser treatment.

Background: Recently, we published data suggesting a mutualistic relationship between HSV-1 and Candida. albicans; in particular: (a) HSV-1 infected macrophages are inhibited in their anti-Candida effector function and (b) Candida biofilm protects HSV-1 from inactivation. The present in vitro study is aimed at testing the effects of Candida biofilm on HSV-1 sensitivity to pharmacological and physical stress, such as antiviral drugs (acyclovir and foscarnet) and laser UVA1 irradiation.

Fat embolism after fractures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an underdiagnosed complication? A systematic review.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most frequent lethal genetic disease. Several clinical trials have established both the beneficial effect of steroids in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the well-known risk of side effects associated with their daily use. For many years it has been known that steroids associated with ambulation loss lead to obesity and also damage the bone structure resulting in the bone density reduction and increased incidence of bone fractures and fat embolism syndrome, an underdiagnosed complication after fractures.

The memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay in immune system disorders: Is useful or useless?

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance, sensitivity and specificity of blood test, Memory Lymphocyte ImmunoStimulation Assay (MELISA), in genetically predisposed patients that suffer by autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, after HPV-vaccination and that could have a high metal hypersensitivity.

Materials And Methods: Sixteen girls (aged 12-24 years) that developed long-lasting and invalidating somatoform symptoms occurring within 20 days postvaccination are included in this descriptive study. The hypersensitivity to five metals (aluminum, nickel, mercury, methyl mercury, and thimerosal) was measured by MELISA test.