1,721,100 research outputs found
Selective and non-selective beta-blockers: are both effective in prophylaxis of migraine? A clinical trial versus methysergide
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Cl- regulates cryoglobulin structure: a new hypothesis for the physiopathological mechanism of temperature non-dependent cryoprecipitation
No full textCryoglobulins are pathological cold-precipitable immunoglobulins associated with a number of infectious, autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. Patients, when exposed to low temperatures, show symptoms related to intravascular precipitation of such immunoglobulins. The formation of cryoaggregates induced by exposure to cold temperature is the key pathogenetic mechanism. The subsequent intravascular precipitation can account for some clinical signs of peripheral vasculitis, but fails to explain the precipitation of cryoglobulins in regions where no significant temperature changes take place. We studied, in vitro, the activity of different ions on temperature-dependent aggregation of cryoglobulins and found that the concentration of Cl- present in solution is the most important variable that controls the size and the rate of formation of aggregates, both at low temperature and at 37degreesC. We suggest that chloride anion could be the most important factor involved in the pathogenesis of events in visceral regions, such as in the kidneys, where no temperature changes occur but where the local Cl- concentration changes to maintain blood electrolytic homeostasis and acid-basic equilibrium. Moreover, identification of a specific structural domain responsible for Cl- binding may provide new targets for drugs selectively designed to interfere with cryoglobulin aggregation
The effect of bromocriptine on plasma catecholamine concentrations in normal volunteers
No full textThe effect of the ergot derivative bromocriptine (5 mg orally) on blood pressure and plasma catecholamine concentrations was explored in normal volunteers. A significant decrease of plasma noradrenaline was found, while dopamine and adrenaline concentrations did not change significantly. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lowered at 150 min after administration. The hypotensive effect of bromocriptine seems to be mediated by a lowered release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve endings. It may be hypothesized that the drug stimulates presynaptic dopamine receptors located on postganglionic sympathetic nerves, thus inhibiting noradrenaline discharge
Postharvest performance of cut rose cv. Lovely red as affected by osmoprotec-tant and antitraspirant compounds
No full textOsmo-priming with seaweed extracts enhances yield of salt-stressed tomato plants
Full text linkSalinization of agricultural land is an expanding phenomenon, which requires a multi-level strategy to counteract its deleterious effects on crop yield and quality. Plant biostimulants are increasingly used in agriculture with multiple purposes, including protection against abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. The complex nature of plant biostimulants, however, makes it diffcult to establish a cause-effect relationship between the composition of the commercial product and its expected effects. Here, we demonstrate that field applications of two algal derivatives (Rygex, R and Super Fifty, SU) cause a 26% reduction in shoot biomass and a remodulation of the root-to-shoot ratio under moderately saline irrigation (6.3 dS m-1). Moreover, plants treated with the two algal derivatives showed lower leaf water potential and improved water use efficiency under control conditions, suggesting an osmo-priming effect by these two products. These pre-adaptation responses increased tomato yield by 49% (R) and 70% (SU) regardless of the salinity level, with a remarkable reallocation of the biomass toward the fruits. Overall, our results suggest that the application of these two biostimulants can be useful in the open field to protect tomato plants from osmotic stress due to seasonal salinization, a phenomenon that typically occurs in arid and semi-arid environments
The opinions and feelings about their educational needs and role of familial caregivers of parkinson’s disease patients: A qualitative study
Full text linkBackground and aim of the work. In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s Disease, patients need com-plex care and support, especially at home, where they often receive assistance by familial caregivers. However, caregivers may be or feel unable to cope with their role and, despite the needs of caregivers are often assessed in the literature, their opinions and feelings about these needs are not widely explored yet. This study aimed at exploring the opinions and feelings about their educational needs and role of familial caregivers of Parkinson’s Disease patients. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted from October to December 2017 in a polyclinic of central Italy. Fourteen caregivers voluntarily participated in the study; semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, and audio recorded until data saturation. Two investigators reviewed the transcribed notes, created Meaning Units, Sub-categories and finally the Categories with emerged themes. Results. The analysis of the 14 interviews generated three categories: supportiveness of healthcare educational programs; sense of inability to manage caregiver tasks; need for interaction with other familial caregivers. Conclusions. The caregivers declared their belief that healthcare educational courses can be useful in helping them live and understand the caregiving tasks and expressed their need to share their experiences with other caregivers. In fact, they often they felt abandoned and poorly trained for the patient’s management at the home. The clinical practice should allow healthcare professionals to meet the training and emotional needs of caregivers and create a trust relationship with them to make caregivers skilled in caring for patients. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Nutritional and functional profiling of traditional Italian 'San Marzano' tomatoes
No full textThe preservation of local landraces represents a crucial point in biodiversity maintenance and it necessarily starts from a qualitative and morphological characterization. The 'San Marzano' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an elongated fruit cultivar particularly suitable for processing and represents one of the most significant horticultural products for the Italian food industry. Five 'San Marzano' landraces ('SM Bellizzi 1', 'SM Bellizzi 2', 'SM Bellizzi 3', 'SM Montoro Inferiore' and 'SM Sarno') characterized by different fruit shapes (pointed, round and hollow) were compared in terms of yield, nutritional and functional quality. The fruit dry matter percentage as well as the juice EC ranged from 4.94 to 7.10% and from 3.04 to 3.80 dS m-1, respectively, with the lowest values observed in 'SM Montoro Inferiore'. The highest total soluble solids content was recorded in both 'SM Montoro Inferiore' and 'SM Sarbo', followed by 'SM Bellizzi 1' and 'SM Bellizzi 3', whereas the lowest values were observed in both 'SM Bellizzi 2' and 'SM Bellizzi 3'. Among the three macronutrients analyzed K was the most abundant macro-mineral, followed by phosphorus and finally nitrate. 'SM Bellizzi 1' was richer in P and K compared to the rest of the landraces tested. The highest levels of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities were recorded in 'SM Sarno' and 'SM Bellizzi 3', respectively. Our findings will contribute toward the documentation of nutritional and functional quality profiles of an important collection of niche products such as the SM tomato
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