ABSTRACT
High levels of disgust and perfectionism co-exist in some clinical disorders raising questions about the relationship between the two. This research evaluated socially-related and physically-related disgust in people with varying levels of perfectionism. In Study 1, 120 college students participated in a state emotion-eliciting scenario task, then completed both the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised and the Three Dimensions of Disgust Survey (TDDS). In Study 2, 380 Qualtrics users completed the scenarios, along with the TDDS and Multidimensional Perfectionist Scale. Both studies showed that state emotions differed from each other in ways that were unrelated to perfectionism. Gender differences were seen in the perfectionist groups, state disgust responses, and trait sexual disgust. However, Study 2 also showed relationships between trait perfectionism and disgust. The differing state emotional responses show that contextual interpersonal factors are highly important in disgust behaviors. Additionally, the findings suggest that gender could be important in the relationship between disgust and perfectionism.
ABSTRACT
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a myocardial genetic disease relatively common in the general population with heterogenous clinical presentation, natural history and prognosis. About 60% of HCM patients have a stable clinical course, while others may experience a variety of HCM-related complications which follows relatively independent pathways, and that can be distinguished in different subgroups. These subgroups are represented by patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; patients with end-stage disease and reduced or preserved systolic function; patients with apical hypertrophy; patients with apical aneurysm; patients with atrial fibrillation, patients at high risk of sudden death and patients with preclinical HCM. The purpose of this review was to describe each of these clinical profiles with its prognostic implications.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnosis , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/complications , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/diagnosis , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/genetics , Humans , Myocardium , Prognosis , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/complicationsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Treatments used in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have been associated with enhanced risk of viral infections and viral reactivation, however, it remains unclear whether IBD patients have increased risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity in IBD patients followed at our referral center. The role of treatments for IBD and risk factors for infection were also evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, all IBD patients followed at our referral centre between May 27th and July 21st, 2020 and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Specific IgG antibodies were evaluated by a commercial ELISA kit and SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab was performed in seropositive patients. RESULTS: Two-hundred and eighteen patients, 128 Crohn's disease (CD) and 90 Ulcerative colitis (UC) [age 44, (19-77) years; ongoing biologics in 115 (52.7%)] were enrolled. No patient had major SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 IgG were detected in 3 out of 218 (1.37%) patients with IBD (2 CD and 1 UC), all on biologics (2.6%). In all of the 3 seropositive patients, the nasopharyngeal swab was negative. There was no relationship between SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the demographic/clinical characteristics of IBD patients. In contrast, history of recent travel was more frequent in the SARS-CoV-2 seropositive patients (2/3; 66.6%) than in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative patients [7/215 (3.25%); p<0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity in IBD patients appears to be comparable to the non-IBD population and not influenced by ongoing treatments. Risk factors for infection common to the general non-IBD population should be considered when managing patients with IBD.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology , Colitis, Ulcerative/virology , Crohn Disease/epidemiology , Crohn Disease/virology , Female , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/virology , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Seroepidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
ANTECEDENTES: El hiperparatiroidismo (HPT) se caracteriza por el aumento de los niveles de parathormona (PTH), siendo la exéresis quirúrgica la única opción curativa definitiva. Luego de establecida la necesidad de cirugía, la adecuada identificación de las glándulas paratiroides en el preoperatorio resulta esencial para un abordaje mínimamente invasivo. La negatividad y/o discordancia en los estudios de primera línea (ecografía y gammagrafía de paratiroides Tc99m-MIBI) exige imágenes de mayor precisión, para reducir la probabilidad de exploración cervical bilateral o reintervención. OBJETIVOS: a) Demostrar la sensibilidad de la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) / tomografía computarizada 4D (TC 4D) 18 fluorocolina (18F-colina) en HPT; b) comprobar si existe correlación entre la calcemia y la PTH preoperatoria versus el tamaño y SUV (standardized uptake value) máximo precoz y tardío de la glándula, determinado por PET/TC 4D 18F-colina, y c) analizar el comportamiento de las lesiones paratiroideas con el contraste endovenoso (EV). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El número total de pacientes incluidos fue de 28 entre los años 2016 y 2019 en una única institución. Es un estudio observacional de tipo cohorte prospectiva. Las correlaciones se analizaron mediante el coeficiente de Pearson para variables con distribución normal y Spearman (rho) para aquellas con distribución no normal. El estándar de referencia para determinar la sensibilidad fue el análisis anatomopatológico. Se interpretó como significativa una p < 0,05. Se utilizó el software STATA 13. RESULTADOS: De los 28 pacientes con PET/TC 4D 18F-colina realizados, 18 fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. De las 26 lesiones diagnosticadas por PET/TC 4D 18F-colina como sugestivas de lesiones paratiroideas, 23 correspondieron a enfermedad glandular (adenoma o hiperplasia) estableciendo una sensibilidad del 88,5%. Existió correlación entre la PTH preoperatoria del paciente y el tamaño máximo de la glándula en PET/TC 4D 18F-colina. (Spearman=0,66; p = 0,0014). Las lesiones paratiroideas presentaron, además del realce ante la aplicación de contraste EV, características de comportamiento distintivas que permiten identificarlas de manera altamente sugestiva. CONCLUSIONES: El PET/TC 4D 18F-colina es un estudio anatómico y funcional con una alta sensibilidad en pacientes con HPT con estudios de primera línea negativos o discordantes. La PTH preoperatoria mostró correlación con el tamaño máximo de la glándula en PET/TC 4D 18F-colina. Las lesiones paratiroideas tienen un comportamiento altamente sugestivo y realzan ante el contraste EV
BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is characterised by increased levels of parathyroid hormone (HPT), surgical excision being the only definitive curative option. After establishing the need for surgery, it is essential to identify the parathyroid glands in the preoperative period to use a minimally invasive approach. Negativity and / or discrepancy in first-line studies (ultrasound and Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy) require more accurate images to reduce the likelihood of bilateral cervical exploration or reintervention. OBJECTIVES: a) To demonstrate the sensitivity of 18F-fluorocholine (18F-choline) positron emission tomography (PET)/4D computed tomography (4D CT) in HPT. b) To check whether there is a correlation between calcaemia and preoperative PTH versus size and early and late SUVmax (Standardized Uptake Value) of the gland, determined by 18F-choline PET/4D CT and c) to study the behaviour of parathyroid lesions with intravenous contrast (IV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients were included between 2016 and 2019 in a single institution. Prospective observational cohort study. Correlations were analysed using Pearson's coefficient for variables with normal distribution and Spearman (rho) for those with non-normal distribution. Anatomopathological analysis was the benchmark standard to determine sensitivity was. A p<.05 was interpreted as significant. STATA 13 software was used. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients who underwent 18F-choline PET/4D CT, 18 were operated. Of the 26 lesions diagnosed by 18F-choline PET/4D CT as suggestive of parathyroid lesions, 23 corresponded to glandular disease (adenoma or hyperplasia) establishing a sensitivity of 88.5%. There was a correlation between the patient's preoperative PTH and the maximum size of the gland on 18F-choline PET/4D CT. (Spearman=.66; p=.0014). The parathyroid lesions showed, in addition to IV contrast enhancement, distinctive behavioural characteristics identified as highly suggestive. CONCLUSIONS: 18F-choline PET/CT 4D is an anatomical and functional study with high sensitivity in patients with HPT with negative or discrepant first-line studies. Preoperative PTH showed a correlation with maximum gland size on 18F-choline PET/CT 4D. Parathyroid lesions behave in a highly suggestive way and are enhanced by IV contrast
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/administration & dosage , Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography/methods , Hyperparathyroidism/diagnostic imaging , Administration, Intravenous/methods , Parathyroidectomy/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity , Choristoma/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is characterised by increased levels of parathyroid hormone (HPT), surgical excision being the only definitive curative option. After establishing the need for surgery, it is essential to identify the parathyroid glands in the preoperative period to use a minimally invasive approach. Negativity and / or discrepancy in first-line studies (ultrasound and Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy) require more accurate images to reduce the likelihood of bilateral cervical exploration or reintervention. OBJECTIVES: a) To demonstrate the sensitivity of 18F-fluorocholine (18F-choline) positron emission tomography (PET)/4D computed tomography (4D CT) in HPT. b) To check whether there is a correlation between calcaemia and preoperative PTH versus size and early and late SUVmax (Standardized Uptake Value) of the gland, determined by 18F-choline PET/4D CT and c) to study the behaviour of parathyroid lesions with intravenous contrast (IV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients were included between 2016 and 2019 in a single institution. Prospective observational cohort study. Correlations were analysed using Pearson's coefficient for variables with normal distribution and Spearman (rho) for those with non-normal distribution. Anatomopathological analysis was the benchmark standard to determine sensitivity was. A p<.05 was interpreted as significant. STATA 13 software was used. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients who underwent 18F-choline PET/4D CT, 18 were operated. Of the 26 lesions diagnosed by 18F-choline PET/4D CT as suggestive of parathyroid lesions, 23 corresponded to glandular disease (adenoma or hyperplasia) establishing a sensitivity of 88.5%. There was a correlation between the patient's preoperative PTH and the maximum size of the gland on 18F-choline PET/4D CT. (Spearman=.66; p=.0014). The parathyroid lesions showed, in addition to IV contrast enhancement, distinctive behavioural characteristics identified as highly suggestive. CONCLUSIONS: 18F-choline PET/CT 4D is an anatomical and functional study with high sensitivity in patients with HPT with negative or discrepant first-line studies. Preoperative PTH showed a correlation with maximum gland size on 18F-choline PET/CT 4D. Parathyroid lesions behave in a highly suggestive way and are enhanced by IV contrast.
Subject(s)
Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography/methods , Hyperparathyroidism/diagnostic imaging , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Adenoma/complications , Adenoma/diagnostic imaging , Adenoma/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Calcium/blood , Choline/analogs & derivatives , Contrast Media , Female , Fluorine Radioisotopes , Humans , Hyperparathyroidism/blood , Hyperparathyroidism/etiology , Hyperplasia , Male , Middle Aged , Organ Size , Parathyroid Glands/diagnostic imaging , Parathyroid Glands/pathology , Parathyroid Neoplasms/complications , Parathyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Parathyroid Neoplasms/surgery , Prospective Studies , Radiopharmaceuticals , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young AdultABSTRACT
AIMS: Penicillium digitatum, Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides are pathogens responsible for large decays and production losses of citrus. They are commonly controlled by fungicides, whose excessive applications have led to the emergence of resistant P. digitatum strains. Alternative approaches are imperative for sustainable and environmental harmless citrus production, being biological control a promising strategy. The objective was to evaluate the potential of Trichoderma strains native from the rhizosphere of citrus trees to control these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven strains were isolated and identified as Trichoderma harzianum, T. guizhouense, T. atroviride and T. koningiopsis through morphological and molecular analyses. Five of them showed effective antagonist performance in vitro against the pathogens. The strain T. harzianum IC-30 was the best biological control agent in vivo, obtaining a reduction of rot percentage around 80% after 3 weeks of infection of oranges with P. digitatum A21 (resistant to pyrimethanil). This strain also showed the highest chitinase and glucanase activities. CONCLUSIONS: Trichoderma harzianum IC-30 is an optimal antagonist for the control of green mould spreading and other pathogens in post-harvest citrus fruits. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The strain combined with supplementary practices could lead to sustainable management of citrus fungal diseases, dispensing with synthetic fungicides.
Subject(s)
Citrus sinensis/microbiology , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology , Plant Diseases/prevention & control , Trichoderma/physiology , Antibiosis , Fungi/drug effects , Fungi/pathogenicity , Pest Control, Biological , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Pyrimidines/pharmacology , RhizosphereABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The main purpose of this work is the inter-comparison between different devices devoted to the transversal dose profile recostruction for daily QA tests in proton therapy. METHODS: The results obtained with the EBT3 radiochromic films, used as a reference, and other common quality control devices, have been compared with those obtained with a beam profiling system developed at the "Laboratori Nazionali del Sud" of Italian Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN-LNS, Catania, Italy). It consists of a plastic scintillator screen (thickness 1 mm), mounted perpendicularly to the beam axis and coupled with a highly sensitive CCD detector in a light-tight box. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The tests, carried out both at the INFN-LNS and Trento Proton Therapy Center facilities, show, in general, a good agreement between the different detectors. The beam profiling system, in particular, appears to be a promising quality control device for 2-D relative dosimetry, because of its linear response in a dose rate range useful for proton therapy treatments, its high spatial resolution and its short acquisition and processing time.
Subject(s)
Proton Therapy/instrumentation , Protons , Radiometry/instrumentation , Scintillation Counting/instrumentation , Calibration , Equipment Design , Humans , Phantoms, Imaging , Plastics/chemistry , Quality Assurance, Health Care , Radiotherapy Dosage , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methodsABSTRACT
The case of a 24-year-old male patient affected by follicular occlusion tetrad (acne conglobata, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal cyst and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) associated with clinical signs of pachyonychia congenita (PC)-2 (focal palmoplantar keratoderma, plantar pain, onycodystrophy and multiple cysts) is reported. The diagnosis was supported by genetic analysis that showed heterozygous mutation within the exon 1 of KRT17 gene. This case may reflect different expressions of a phenotypic spectrum induced by a common genetic alteration.
Subject(s)
Acne Conglobata/diagnosis , Cellulitis/diagnosis , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/diagnosis , Keratin-17/genetics , Pachyonychia Congenita/genetics , Pilonidal Sinus/diagnosis , Scalp Dermatoses/diagnosis , Skin Diseases, Genetic/diagnosis , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/genetics , Humans , Male , Pachyonychia Congenita/diagnosis , Syndrome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful inflamed nodules, recurrent abscesses and fistulas located in apocrine gland-bearing body sites. The negative impact of HS on patient's quality of life (QoL) has been reported to be greater than other dermatologic conditions as psoriasis and atopic eczema, and its improvement is an important goal in disease management. Nowadays, there are no specific validated QoL instruments available for HS and generic dermatologic questionnaires are used. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the validity, reliability and responsiveness of HIDRAdisk, a new innovative tool designed for rapid assessment of HS burden and, at the same time, an intuitive graphic visualization of the measurement outcome. METHODS: A multicentre, longitudinal, observational study was conducted to validate the HIDRAdisk compared with other validated questionnaires [Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health (WPAI:GH)] and to evaluate its correlation with disease severity in Italian patients with any degree of HS severity, as measured by Hurley stage and HS Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA). RESULTS: A total of 140 patients (59% women; mean age 34.9 ± 11.0 years) were enrolled in 27 dermatologic centres. HIDRAdisk showed a strong correlation with Skindex-16 and DLQI, and a good one with WPAI:GH (correlation coefficient: 0.7568, 0.6651 and 0.5947, respectively) and a statistically significant correlation with both Hurley stage and HS-PGA. Very good internal consistency (Cronbach coefficient >0.80; intraclass correlation coefficient >0.6), with correlation between the 10 items, good test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.8331; P < 0.0001) and responsiveness to changes were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that HIDRAdisk, a short and innovative visual HS QoL instrument, has been psychometrically validated in Italian language and it may help improve the management of HS once implemented in routine clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adult , Female , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/complications , Humans , Italy , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Visual Analog Scale , Young AdultABSTRACT
The clinical characteristics associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) severity are poorly understood. In this study, 124 patients with HS from 6 Italian dermatology centres participated in this study. Disease severity was assessed using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment score (HS-PGA) and Hurley score. The impact of clinical characteristics on disease severity was assessed by logistic regression. Clinical characteristics were similar between men (n = 53) and women (n = 71). Disease severity was also similar; 75% of the patients had Hurley stage II or III disease, and > 60% had moderate, severe or very severe HS as judged by HS-PGA. Lesions were more frequent in the gluteal region in men (32.3% in men vs. 8.7% in women, P < 0.001) and more frequent on the breast in women (16.3% in women vs. 4.6% in men, P = 0.02). Obesity was associated with increased disease severity as measured by HS-PGA (OR: 3.28, 95% CI 1.55-6.95, P < 0.01) and Hurley classification (OR: 3.22, 95% CI 1.34-7.31, P < 0.01). Although severity of HS is similar between the sexes, the localization of lesions is different.
Subject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa/physiopathology , Adult , Axilla , Breast , Buttocks , Comorbidity , Female , Groin , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/epidemiology , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/epidemiology , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Young AdultSubject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa/diagnostic imaging , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/pathology , Ultrasonography , Adult , Female , Humans , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultSubject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa/diagnosis , Female , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/pathology , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorders in western populations, and is characterized by a progressive degradation of articular cartilage (AC) leading to loss of joint function. Methods to cure, delay or prevent the onset of OA and/or improve AC repair strategies have high clinical and socioeconomic impact. Possible innovative strategies envisioned for early OA treatments or cartilage repair include the implantation/injection of mesenchymal progenitors (MPs)-based constructs or cell-free bioactive scaffolds/hydrogel coupled with the controlled recruitment and instruction of resident MPs or AC. However, these tissue engineering-based strategies still suffer from unreliable outcomes with poor fibro-cartilaginous repair and blood vessel invasion. In such conditions Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family has been shown to play a key role in controlling AC catabolism on one hand and angiogenesis on the other as a crucial step for endochondral ossification of MPs, ultimately leading to progressive breakdown of the neo-formed matrix. This review aims to provide a summary of relevant relationships between impaired angiogenesis, OA and cartilage regeneration highlighting how VEGF might play a paramount role in the pathophysiology of cartilage aging or degeneration as well as in cartilage repair.
Subject(s)
Cartilage, Articular/physiopathology , Osteoarthritis/physiopathology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/physiology , Humans , Regeneration , Tissue EngineeringABSTRACT
Fabry disease (FD) [OMIM 301500] is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, resulting in progressive multisystem accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Although the introduction of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) resulted in a variety of clinical benefits, life-long intravenous (IV) treatment with ERT with an every other week schedule, may interfere with daily life activities and impact on QoL. We report here a multicentric, observational, longitudinal data analysis on a large cohort of 85 Italian FD patients (45 males, 40 females) from 11 out of 20 Italian regions, who received a cumulative number of 4269 home infusions of agalsidase alfa. For the whole cohort, the average duration of home therapy was 1 year and 11 months (range 3 months-4 years and 6 months), and during this period, compliance to treatment (number of infusions performed vs scheduled) reached 100%. The EQ-5 VAS scale was administered to patients to evaluate the self-reported QoL, 58% of patients showing an increase of EQ-5 VAS score at follow up compared to baseline (home treatment start) or remaining stable. A mild increase of average disease severity, measured through Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI), was found during hospital treatment (p < 0,007), while it remained stable between the first home therapy infusion and last follow up. Interestingly, 4 out of 7 (57%) patients, showing an improvement in FD-related clinical status after starting home therapy, had previously a sub-optimal compliance to treatment during the period of hospital treatment management. Only 4 adverse non serious reactions (0,093%) were reported totally in 2 patients during home treatment. We conclude that home infusions in eligible patients with FD are safe, contribute to improve treatment compliance and therapeutic clinical outcomes, and may have a positive impact on self-perceived QoL.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Assumption of lipid-lowering drugs, mostly statins, is recommended at bed-time and evidence demonstrated a strong and independent correlation between night-time blood pressure (BP) and increased risk of cardiovascular events. AIM: To evaluate the effects of statins on night-time BP levels. METHODS: We analysed data derived from a large cohort of adult individuals, who consecutively underwent home, clinic and ambulatory BP monitoring at our Unit. All BP measurements were performed and BP thresholds were set according to recommendations from European guidelines. Study population was stratified according to statin use. RESULTS: We included an overall sample of 5634 adult individuals (women 48.9%, age 60.5â±â11.6 years, BMI 27.0â±â4.6âkg/m, clinic BP 144.3â±â18.4/90.9â±â12.4âmmHg, 24-h BP 130.7â±â13.4/79.0â±â9.7âmmHg), among whom 17.3% received and 82.7% did not received statins. Treated outpatients were older, had higher BMI and prevalence of risk factors and comorbidities than those who were untreated (Pâ<â0.001 for all). Patients treated with statins showed lower DBP levels at all BP measurements, including night-time (67.3â±â9.4 vs. 70.9â±â9.7âmmHg; Pâ<â0.001) periods, than those observed in untreated patients. Also, statin use resulted an independent factor associated with 24-h [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.513(1.295-1.767); Pâ<â0.001] and night-time [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.357(1.161-1.587); Pâ<â0.001] BP control, even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, number of antihypertensive drugs (model 1) or presence/absence of antihypertensive treatment (model 2). CONCLUSION: Statin use was associated with significantly lower DBP levels. These effects were independently observed, even after correction for cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, as well as number of antihypertensive drugs.
Subject(s)
Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory/methods , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Different lifestyle and dietetic factors have been linked with the onset and severity of acne. OBJECTIVE: To assess the complex interconnection between dietetic variables and acne. METHODS: This was a reanalysis of data from a case-control study by using a semantic connectivity map approach. 563 subjects, aged 10-24 years, involved in a case-control study of acne between March 2009 and February 2010, were considered in this study. The analysis evaluated the link between a moderate to severe acne and anthropometric variables, family history and dietetic factors. Analyses were conducted by relying on an artificial adaptive system, the Auto Semantic Connectivity Map (AutoCM). RESULTS: The AutoCM map showed that moderate-severe acne was closely associated with family history of acne in first degree relatives, obesity (BMI ≥ 30), and high consumption of milk, in particular skim milk, cheese/yogurt, sweets/cakes, chocolate, and a low consumption of fish, and limited intake of fruits/vegetables. CONCLUSION: Our analyses confirm the link between several dietetic items and acne. When providing care, dermatologists should also be aware of the complex interconnection between dietetic factors and acne.