Young Italian Population Research Articles

Sensitivity and Attachment in an Italian Sample of Hikikomori Adolescents and Young Adults.

Hikikomori is a severe form of social withdrawal increasing among the young Italian population. Hikikomori has been connected to psychological problems and high environmental sensitivity. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been carried out in the Italian context, and they did not analyze several aspects strictly related to the hikikomori phenomenon, such as the role of attachment and sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment, sensitivity, and psychological problems in a sample of Italian hikikomori. Our sample comprised 72 Italian adolescents and young adults (49 males and 23 females), meanly aged 22.5 years, recruited through online forums and clinical centers for the hikikomori phenomenon. Our participants fulfilled the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R). The results showed high psychological issues (i.e., depression and anxiety), environmental sensitivity, and insecure attachment orientations. Moreover, we discovered a significant relationship between attachment dimensions, environmental sensitivity, and psychopathology. Our study sheds light on a novel research path and could help both the researchers and the clinicians who work with people suffering from social withdrawal.

Ponticulus posticus: clinical and CBCT analysis in a young Italian population.

To evaluate the prevalence, the morphological characteristics and any related symptoms of Ponticulus Posticus (PP) in young Italian patients by means of cone-beam computed tomography. A retrospective study was conducted on images derived from cone-beam CT scans of an Italian population in developmental age (mean age 12.61 ± 2.69); medical history was also evaluated from medical records. The total prevalence and morphology of PP, the prevalence by gender and according to age groups were calculated. For the statistical analysis the ?² test was used. Total prevalence of PP was 28.24%, the prevalence by gender was 35.27% for males and 21.42% for females, with statistically significant differences. PP was bilateral in 74.33%, and monolateral in 25.67%. As regards symptoms, the cases with headache were 32.43%, tinnitus 6.08%, migraine 3.38%. Dividing by age, patients aged ? 11 years showed headache in 25% of cases, patients aged between 12 and 14 years in 54.17% of cases and patient aged between 15 and 17 years in 20.83%. PP is not a rare anomaly in Italian young patients and should always be sought in the lateral cephalograms and CBCT, in patients whether or not symptomatic, irrespective of their age, for differential diagnosis and management of cranio-cervicofacial pain in developmental patients.

HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Objective: The clinical outcomes associated to hypertension and obesity in the young population are major risk factors for renal and cardiovascular events in the adult age. Objectives of the study are: to assess the associations among genetic and environmental factors and blood pressure (BP) in a high school population before developing hypertension and to study the transition from normotension to hypertension. Design and method: This observational cohort study obtained data from 2911 high school students in three different regions of Italy. Participants underwent anthropometric, BP measurement and saliva and urine sample collection. Selected genetic variants were determined. Results: Our results confirmed the link between body weight, salt intake and BP in adolescents (p < 0.005; R square 30%). Analysis of BP values (adjusted for BMI, waist circumference, age, sex, region) and genetic polymorphisms evidenced associations with Lanosterol Synthase (LSS), an enzyme involved in Endogenous Ouabain synthesis. The A allele of a missense variant in LSS gene was associated to higher diastolic and systolic BP levels (DBP: LSS AA+AC 69.7 ± 0.32 mmHg, LSS CC 68.8 ± 0.3, p = 0.004; SBP: LSS AA+AC 120.3 ± 0.5, CC 119.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.008). Furthermore, a Klotho (KL) missense genetic variant resulted strongly associated to 24h-urinary Na excretion (p = 0.017, recessive model). The urinary proteomic study showed an augmented excretion of IL1 in both ADD1 T subjects and LSS C subjects, suggesting an increased inflammatory activity. Conclusions: In this young Italian population we detected specific environmental factors (such as high salt intake) and gene polymorphisms linked to higher BP values. This help to create the basis for future interventions in educational, clinical and/or pharmacological studies.

Obesity-related genetic polymorphisms and adiposity indices in a young Italian population.

Pediatric obesity develops when a complex biological predisposition collides with an obesogenic environment. To further elucidate the role of genetics in obesity onset, we performed a candidate-gene association study in a young and sportive Italian population by testing the association of functional polymorphisms in ACE (rs4646994), FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and PPARG (rs1801282) genes with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We also tested the combinations of identified risk genotypes and epistatic interactions among them to determine the existence of cumulative effects in predicting the predisposition to gain weight. Our results confirm a significant direct influence of MC4R rs17782313 and PPARG rs1801282 on body composition, that is, minor allele homozygotes showed significantly higher BMI (rs17782313, β = 1.258, P = 0.031; rs1801282, β = 6.689, P = 1.2 × 10-4 ) and WHtR (rs17782313, β = 0.021, P = 0.005; rs1801282, β = 0.069, P = 0.003) values. Moreover, by leveraging multifactor dimensionality reduction and general linear model (GLM) approaches we identified an epistatic interaction between ACE and MC4R, where heterozygosity at ACE rs4646994 seems to protect from the unfavorable predisposition to gain weight given by C/C genotype at MC4R rs17782313 (GLM, P = 0.004). In conclusion, to clarify the role of genetics in multifactorial diseases remains a difficult goal, even for the most investigated polymorphisms and in controlled populations. Further studies on epistasis and gene-gene interaction will help to elucidate this complex scenario. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):98-105, 2017.

Detection of Bone Defects Using CBCT Exam in an Italian Population.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo incidence and the location of fenestrations in a young Italian population by using CBCT. Materials and Methods Fifty patients who had previously performed CBCT for planning third molar extraction or orthodontic therapy were selected for the study. No previous dental treatment had been performed on these patients. Overall, 1,395 teeth were evaluated. Root fenestrations were identified according to the definition of Davies and the American Association of Endodontists. Data was collected and statistically analyzed. Results Fenestrations were observed in 159 teeth out of 1,395 (11% of teeth). In the lower jaw, we found 68 fenestrations (5%) and 91 in the maxilla (6,5%). Incisors were the teeth with the highest incidence of fenestrations. Conclusion The relative common finding (11%) of fenestration supports the need for CBCT exams before any surgical/implant treatment to avoid complications related to the initial presence of fenestrations. CBCT was found to be an effective and convenient tool for diagnosing fenestration.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Ins/Del Polymorphism and Body Composition: The Intermediary Role of Hydration Status

Background: The well-known insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been previously associated with obesity, blood flow, muscular strength, and ACE enzyme activity. Despite the relevant role of ACE in homeostasis, few data are currently available on the relationship between rs4646994 and hydration status. Thus, we tested the association between the ACE Ins/Del polymorphism, body composition, and hydration status in a young Italian population. Methods: A total of 306 healthy children and adolescents who regularly practice sports were recruited. Anthropometric, bioimpedentiometric parameters, and urine samples were collected, while ACE rs4646994 genotyping was performed on DNA from buccal swabs. General linear models were used for association testing. Results: The ACE Ins/Del polymorphism was associated with body composition. Ins/Ins individuals had higher phase angle (PhA) and body cellular mass index (BCMI) values. A significant influence of the ACE rs4646994 according to hydration status on body composition was also identified. In particular, Ins/Ins individuals displayed higher PhA and BCMI values only if norm-hydrated, while they showed values similar to Del carriers if dehydrated. Conclusion: Our results confirm the relationship between the ACE Ins/Del polymorphism and body composition and suggest a role for hydration status in modulating this relationship. These interesting preliminary results warrant further investigation to disentangle the genetic role of ACE on hydration homeostasis.

Determinants of consumer behaviour in novice markets: the case of wine

Purpose – This study aims to understand the behaviour of novice consumers and provide businesses with guidelines regarding how to approach the different typologies of novice consumers from new inexperienced markets and from new generations. Design/methodology/approach – The reasoned action approach is applied to wine consumer, and two parallel surveys using a questionnaire have been conducted with a sample of the Missouri population – representing new consumers – and a sample of the young Italian population – representing young consumers located in traditional consuming countries. Two research hypotheses are tested. Findings – The hypothesis testing reveals two effects. The age effect creates similarities in the decision-making process structure, and attitude and subjective norm have the same weight in influencing behavioural intention. The novice effect creates differences in the structure; however, similarities exist at a more basic level than that of attitude and subjective norm, in salient beliefs and salient referents. Practical implications – The study highlights that penetration of these consumer segments should pursue different marketing approaches: educational goals for young people from new markets, an experiential marketing approach to improve the link between product and producer for new consumers and emphasis on cultural aspects of the product in a “young manner” for young consumers from traditional consuming markets. Originality/value – For the first time in the literature, this study analyses commonalities and peculiarities in the decision-making process of novice consumers.

Consumo de sustancias estimulantes y drogas de abuso en el deporte: la experiencia italiana

The incidence of the abuse of illicit drugs in sport may be a useful indicator of the extent of the phenomenon among the youth population. Many drugs of abuse are included in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Prohibited List, and are therefore routinely tested for in antidoping controls. This study presents the data obtained in tests carried out in the period 2003- 2007 at the Antidoping Laboratory of Rome, on 44781 samples analysed. The methods used are those developed by the Laboratory for routine antidoping analyses. The percentage of positive test results ranges from 1.1 to 2%, with a high incidence of stimulants and drugs of abuse. The substance most frequently found is THC metabolite, which accounts for 0.2-0.4% of the total, followed by cocaine metabolites, accounting for 0.1%. Other stimulants found are ephedrines, carphedon, modafinil, and anorexic compounds such as phendimetrazine and norfenfluramine. No amphetamines or amphetaminelike designer drugs have been detected. These data may be indicative of the widespread incidence of cocaine and cannabis abuse among the young Italian population, bearing in mind that the phenomenon is underestimated in this study, due to the fact that drugs of abuse are investigated only in samples involved in competitive sport, and especially to the fact that people doing such activities take more care of their health and are subject to greater control in their behaviour and habits with respect to the 'normal' population.

Role of TGF-β1 haplotypes in the occurrence of myocardial infarction in young Italian patients

BackgroundTransforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene play an important role in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI), however no investigation has been conducted so far in young AMI patients.In this study, we evaluated the influence of TGF-β1 polymorphisms/haplotypes on the onset and progression of AMI in young Italian population.Methods201 cases and 201 controls were genotyped for three TGF-β1 polymorphisms (G-800A, C-509T and Leu10Pro). The main follow-up end-points (mean follow-up, 107 ± 49 months) were death, myocardial infarction or revascularization procedures.ResultsSignificant risk factors were smoking (p < 10-4), family history for coronary artery disease (p < 10-4), hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.002). The C-509T and Leu10Pro polymorphisms showed significant differences (p = 0.026 and p = 0.004) between cases and controls.The most common haplotypes revealed a possible protective effect (GCT, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.99, p = 0.042) and an increased risk of AMI (GTC, OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.13–2.02, p = 0.005), respectively.No statistical differences were observed in genotype distribution in the follow-up study between the two groups: 61 patients with subsequent events (13 deaths) and 108 without events.ConclusionEven though our results need to be further confirmed in larger studies, this is the first study reporting on a possible role of TGFβ1 common haplotypes in the onset of AMI in young patients.