University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

About: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is a education organization based out in Modena, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 8179 authors who have published 22418 publications receiving 671337 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia & Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia.

Effects of myo-inositol in women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5%-10% of women in reproductive age, and it is the most common cause of infertility due to ovarian dysfunction and menstrual irregularity. Several studies have reported that insulin resistance is common in PCOS women, regardless of the body mass index. The importance of insulin resistance in PCOS is also suggested by the fact that insulin-sensitizing compounds have been proposed as putative treatments to solve the hyperinsulinemia-induced dysfunction of ovarian response to endogenous gonadotropins. Rescuing the ovarian response to endogenous gonadotropins reduces hyperandrogenemia and re-establishes menstrual cyclicity and ovulation, increasing the chance of a spontaneous pregnancy. Among the insulin-sensitizing compounds, there is myo-inosiol (MYO). Previous studies have demonstrated that MYO is capable of restoring spontaneous ovarian activity, and consequently fertility, in most patients with PCOS. With the present review, we aim to provide an overview on the clinical outcomes of the MYO use as a treatment to improve ovarian function and metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.

Marketing of unproven stem cell–based interventions: A call to action

Abstract: Commercial promotion of unsupported therapeutic uses of stem cells is a global problem that has proven resistant to regulatory efforts. Here, we suggest a coordinated approach at the national and international levels focused on engagement, harmonization, and enforcement to reduce the risks associated with direct-to-consumer marketing of unproven stem cell treatments.

Localization of nAChR subunit mRNAs in the brain of Macaca mulatta.

Abstract: We present here a systematic mapping of nAChR subunit mRNAs in Macaca mulatta brain. A fragment, from the transmembrane segments MIII to MIV of Macaca neuronal nAChR subunits was cloned, and shown to exhibit high identity (around 95%) to the corresponding human subunits. Then, specific oligodeoxynucleotides were synthesized for in situ hybridization experiments. Both alpha4 and beta2 mRNA signals were widely distributed in the brain, being stronger in the thalamus and in the dopaminergic cells of the mesencephalon. Most brain nuclei displayed both alpha4 and beta2 signals with the exception of some basal ganglia regions and the reticular thalamic nucleus which were devoid of alpha4 signal. alpha6 and beta3 mRNA signals were selectively concentrated in the substantia nigra and the medial habenula. The strongest signals for alpha3 or beta4 mRNAs were found in the epithalamus (medial habenula and pineal gland), whereas there were no specific alpha3 or beta4 signals in mesencephalic dopaminergic nuclei. alpha5 and alpha7 mRNA signals were found in several brain areas, including cerebral cortex, thalamus and substantia nigra, although at a lower level than alpha4 and beta2. The distribution of alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6, alpha7, beta2, beta3 and beta4 subunit mRNAs in the monkey is substantially similar to that observed in rodent brain. Surprisingly, alpha2 mRNA signal was largely distributed in the Macaca brain, at levels comparable with those of alpha4 and beta2. This observation represents the main difference between rodent and Macaca subunit mRNA distribution and suggests that, besides alpha4beta2*, alpha2beta2* nAChRs constitute a main nAChR isoform in primate brain.

Long QT syndrome-associated mutations in intrauterine fetal death.

Abstract: Intrauterine Fetal Death is a Major public health problem. About 1 million fetal deaths occur in the United States annually, with the vast majority occurring prior to 20 weeks' estimated gestational age.1 Fetal death occurring after 20 weeks, defined as stillbirth, has an incidence of 6.05 per 1000 live births.1 In fact, there were 25 972 reported fetal deaths at 20 weeks of gestation or more in the United States in 2006, a number rivaling that of all infant deaths (28 509) during this period.1 In 2009, an estimated 2.64 million stillbirths occurred worldwide.2 Although about 50% of fetal deaths can be explained by chromosomal abnormalities, congenital anomalies, maternal or fetal infection, hemorrhage, placental or cord abnormalities, and maternal diseases, postmortem evaluations fail to identify a cause in approximately 25% to 40%, thus prompting a diagnosis of unexplained fetal death.3 However, long QT syndrome (LQTS) has been shown to be a major determinant in young sudden death individuals for which an autopsy was performed but had remained inconclusive4 and a determinant for as much as 10% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).5-7 Long QT syndrome may also contribute to sudden unexpected fetal mortality.8 Long QT syndrome is characterized by delayed myocardial repolarization that may manifest as a prolonged QT interval on a resting 12-lead surface electrocardiogram.9 With a prevalence of approximately 1:2000 (0.05%) in the general population,10 individuals with LQTS are at an increased risk of syncope, seizures, and sudden cardiac death, despite a structurally normal heart. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can occur unexpectedly, mainly during childhood or adolescence. There have been anecdotal reports demonstrating fetal presentation of LQTS11,12 and associating it with fetal death.13-15 Herein, we report the spectrum and prevalence of functionally significant LQTS genetic variants in unexplained fetal death.

Bearing Fault Model for Induction Motor With Externally Induced Vibration

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between vibration and current in induction motors operated under external vibrations Two approaches are usually available to define this relationship The former is based on airgap variations, while the latter is based on torque perturbation This paper is focused on the airgap variation model The ball bearing fault is modeled by contact mechanics External vibrations often occur in many industrial applications where externally induced vibrations of suitable amplitude cause cyclic radial loading on the machine shaft The model is validated by experiments, owing to a dedicated test setup, where an external vibration source (shaker) was employed, together with ball bearing alterations in order to decrease the stiffness of the support along the radial direction To maximize the effects of externally induced vibrations, the frequency chosen was near the flexural resonance of the rotor (determined by finite-element method analysis) The direction of the external vibration is radial with respect to the axis of the electric machine under test During tests, both stator phase currents and vibration of the machine were sampled The test setup allowed one to vary the machine speed and load, vibration amplitude, and bearing stiffness (damage level) Radial effects are usually visible only in the case of large failures that result in significant airgap variations, as confirmed by experiments