0000000000630634
AUTHOR
Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
Second asymptomatic carotid surgery trial (ACST-2): a randomised comparison of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy.
Summary Background Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence. Methods ACST-2 is an international multicentre randomised trial of CAS versus CEA among asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis thought to require intervention, interpreted with all other relevant trials. Patients were eligib…
Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Do Not Affect LTP-Like Plasticity in Healthy Humans.
Introduction: Several studies explored, in vitro, the biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) and reported the induction of functional changes in neuronal activity. In particular, ELF-MFs can influence synaptic plasticity both in-vitro and in animal models. Indeed, some studies reported an increase in long-term potentiation (LTP) whereas others suggested its reduction. However, no specific study has investigated such effect in humans. Aims: To evaluate whether ELF-MFs affect the propensity of the human cortex to undergo LTP-like plasticity. Methods: We designed a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over study on 10 healthy subjects. Cortical plas…