The aging process in prison: pathologies and health conditions in old inmates. An epidemiological research in Italy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elderly may suffer from different pathologies during their detention in jail because of their age. Conditions in jails were tough and adapting to that life could be problematic for the elder population. This article aimed to analyse the pathologies and health conditions in a sample of elder inmates from Italy. METHODS: The sample was composed by 94 elderly inmates. The research is multicentric. We selected jails from the cities of Bari, Taranto, Foggia, Lecce, Brescia, Bergamo, Cremona and Mantua. The study was conducted by interviewing the prisoners over 60 years of age, in the period between September and December 2017. RESULTS: 64% of the sample was in a "Not Optimal" health status. Most of pathologies were Cardiac pathologies (23.4%), Diabetes (12.8 %) and Surgery (9.6%). Statistically significant differences were found for heart disease (p=0.02) and Neoplasia (p=0.025) in the prison of Bari compared to all the other prisons. Statistically significant differences were found for Hypertension in Foggia and Taranto prisons compared to all the other (p=0.023). Furthermore, 18.1% of inmates ended up having an addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed that in our sample physical problems were more frequent than psychological one. In fact, in spite of in the literature there was a high prevalence of mental health problems among elderly inmates, we did not find this result. However, stress conditions may increase the risk of pathologies: for example, being in jail and adapt to new hard environment may increase the risk of getting sick. Heart disease pathologies and diabetes were very common in our sample as confirmed by the literature.

Importance and Meaning of TERRA Sequences for Aging Mechanisms.

Any theory suggesting an adaptive meaning for aging implicitly postulates the existence of specific mechanisms, genetically determined and modulated, causing progressive decline of an organism. According to the subtelomere-telomere theory, each telomere is covered by a hood formed in the first cell of an organism having a size preserved at each subsequent duplication. Telomere shortening, which is quantitatively different for each cell type according to the telomerase regulation, causes the hood to slide on the subtelomere repressing it by the telomeric position effect. At this point, the theory postulates existence of subtelomeric regulatory sequences, whose progressive transcriptional repression by the hood should cause cellular alterations that would be the likely determinant of aging manifestations. However, sequences with characteristics of these hypothetical sequences have already been described and documented. They are the [sub]TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) sequences. The repression of TERRA sequences causes progressively: (i) down- or up-regulation of many other regulatory sequences; (ii) increase in the probability of activation of cell senescence program (blockage of the ability to replicate and very significant alterations of the cellular functions). When cell senescence program has not been triggered and the repression is partial, there is a partial alteration of the cellular functions that is easily reversible by telomerase activation. Location of the extremely important sequences in chromosomal parts that are most vulnerable to repression by the telomeric hood is evolutionarily unjustifiable if aging is not considered adaptive: this location must be necessarily adaptive with the specific function of determining aging of the cell and consequently of the whole organism.

Age-Related Dysfunctions: Evidence and Relationship with Some Risk Factors and Protective Drugs.

The theories interpreting senescence as a phenomenon favored by natural selection require the existence of specific, genetically determined and regulated mechanisms that cause a progressive age-related increase in mortality. The mechanisms defined in the subtelomere-telomere theory suggest that progressive slackening of cell turnover and decline in cellular functions are determined by the subtelomere-telomere-telomerase system, which causes a progressive "atrophic syndrome" in all organs and tissues. If the mechanisms underlying aging-related dysfunctions are similar and having the same origin, it could be hypothesized that equal interventions could produce similar effects. This article reviews the consequences of some factors (diabetes, obesity/dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, moderate use and abuse of alcohol) and classes of drugs [statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, sartans] in accelerating and anticipating or in counteracting the process of aging. The evidence is compatible with the programmed aging paradigm and the mechanisms defined by the subtelomere-telomere theory but it has no obvious discriminating value against the theories of non-programmed aging paradigm. However, the existence of mechanisms, determined by the subtelomere-telomere-telomerase system and causing a progressive age-related decline in fitness through gradual cell senescence and cell senescence, is not justifiable without an evolutionary motivation. Their existence is expected by the programmed aging paradigm, while is incompatible with the opposite paradigm.

Phenolic Plant Extracts Induce Sirt1 Activity and Increase Antioxidant Levels in the Rabbit's Heart and Liver.

BACKGROUND: Several dietary phytochemicals potentially regulate the equilibrium between oxidant and antioxidant species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lippia citriodora, Raphanus sativus, and Solanum lycopersicum on blood parameters, oxidative/antioxidant status, and SIRT1 activity in the rabbit's heart and liver. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. The control group (CN) received a feed without any additives. One intervention group received a supplement containing verbascoside (VB), another Raphanus sativus extract (RAP), and lastly lycopene (LYC). Oxidant-antioxidant parameters and SIRT1 activity were measured in plasma and in the heart and liver, respectively. RESULTS: The treatment with VB, RAP, and LYC resulted in a marked improvement in the blood lipid and glycaemic profile in respect to CN. VB was the most effective, but all three plant extracts induced a significant reduction in oxidant parameters as well as an increase in antioxidant tissue activity and vitamin A and E levels. SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in both VB and LYC compared to CN, but the increased levels in the VB group were far the highest. The multivariate analysis suggests that the benefits of VB, particularly the antiglycaemic and antioxidant effects, might be mediated by increasing SIRT1 activity.

Elimination of Senescent Cells: Prospects According to the Subtelomere-Telomere Theory.

Cell senescence is an artificially reversible condition activated by various factors and characterized by replicative senescence and typical general alteration of cell functions, including extra-cellular secretion. The number of senescent cells increases with age and contributes strongly to the manifestations of aging. For these reasons, research is under way to obtain "senolytic" compounds, defined as drugs that eliminate senescent cells and therefore reduce aging-associated decay, as already shown in some experiments on animal models. This objective is analyzed in the context of the programmed aging paradigm, as described by the mechanisms of the subtelomere-telomere theory. In this regard, positive effects of the elimination of senescent cells and limits of this method are discussed. For comparison, positive effects and limits of telomerase activation are also analyzed, as well of the combined action of the two methods and the possible association of opportune gene modifications. Ethical issues associated with the use of these methods are outlined.

Sirtuin 1 and aging theory for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory syndrome that represents an increasing health problem, especially in the elderly population. Drug therapies are symptomatic and inadequate to contrast disease progression and mortality. Thus, there is an urgent need to clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for this condition in order to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Processes including oxidant/antioxidant, protease/antiprotease, and proliferative/antiproliferative balance and control of inflammatory response become dysfunctional during aging as well as in COPD. Recently it was suggested that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an antiaging molecule involved in the response to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, is implicated in both development and progression of COPD. The present review focuses on the involvement of SIRT1 in the regulation of redox state, inflammation, and premature senescence, all crucial characteristics of COPD phenotypes. Recent evidence corroborating the statement of the "aging theory for COPD" was also discussed.

[Parricide, abuse and emotional processes: a review starting from some paradigmatic cases]. / Parricidio, abusi e processi emozionali: una rassegna partendo da alcuni casi paradigmatici.

The authors of this study tackle the complex subject of parricide, which is a rare and often brutal form of homicide. Parricide has a high emotional impact on public opinion and on our collective imagination, especially in light of the fact that the perpetrators are often minors.. Three striking cases of parricide, taken from various documented sources and judicial files from the "N. Fornelli" Juvenile Penal Institute (Bari, Italy), are presented here. A review of the literature on the topic has revealed differences between parricides committed by adults and those committed by minors. In the end, the complex issues underlying such an unusual crime are connected to abuses and maltreatment that minor perpetrators of parricide have suffered, especially the emotional processes that are activated.

The Role Of Physical Activity On The Prevention Of Cognitive Impairment.

Physical exercise is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and overall mortality. However, growing evidence shows that physical activity can also improve cognitive function and may lower the risk of developing dementia, but Randomized Clinical Trials gave mixed results. Aim of this article was to review the knowledge available in literature on the effects of physical activity on cognition and the suggested possible mechanisms involved in these effects. Our group have planned a trial aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity in preventing or delaying the cognitive decline in individuals at risk of developing dementia. Beside the effects of exercise on cognition are not fully defined, also the mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity on cognitive sphere are not completely known. Recently the SIRT1 loss is both closely associated with accumulation of beta amyloid and tau protein in AD patients. Although there is no specific exercise that can be recommended, the available evidence suggests that practicing more types of physical activity is particularly advantageous. It is important to explore further mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the AD in order to be able to identify new and effective target treatment, including physical activity.

False accusations of sexual abuse as a mean of revenge in couple disputes.

OBJECTIVE: In forensic-psychiatric evaluations on a minor presumed victim of sexual abuse, one may come across "false positives" and "false negatives". The aim of this study was to examine the phenomenon of false sexual abuse as revenge by one ex-partner against the other, and to offer recommendations about how to avoid this risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors examined 75 technical consultations and expert testimonials in which intrafamilial sexual abuse of a minor was reported. RESULTS: Twenty two (30%) were found to be baseless and result of conflict, revenge of one partner upon the other. Of these 22, 5 involved men who accused their ex-wives and/or live-in partners. The remaining 17 cases involved charges by women against their ex- husbands, and/or live-in partners. CONCLUSIONS: Charges of abuse represent not only an instrument of protection of one's own children, but also a weapon of revenge against an ex-partner, putting these minors into the role of victims.

Effectiveness of rehabilitation in active ankylosing spondylitis assessed by the ASAS response criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation in a group of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by the Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) Working Group response criteria. METHODS: Fifty-two active AS patients consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation inpatient clinic were enrolled. Patients underwent a 3-week intensive rehabilitation programme and were then discharged with home exercises. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving a response based on ASAS 20 at discharge, and at 6 and 12 weeks after. Secondary outcome measures included an improvement in the Revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire (RLDQ) and function expressed as anthropometric measures. RESULTS: The ASAS 20 was achieved in 46 patients (88.5%) at the end of the rehabilitation, in 31 (59.6%) and in 17 (32.7%) patients at 6 and 12 weeks follow-up, respectively. The percentage of ASAS 20 responders statistically declined over time measured from the end of rehabilitation compared with 6 (P < 0.001) and 12 weeks follow-up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study shows the effectiveness of rehabilitation as assessed by the ASAS 20, a validated instrument for treatment response, suggesting its usage in rehabilitation settings. Moreover, the results obtained show that the effectiveness of the intensive inpatient rehabilitation declined over time.