2,625 research outputs found
The Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement with Carnosine and Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (AqualiefTM) in Patients with Xerostomia: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
No full textThe purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of AqualiefTM in patients affected by xerostomia. The main ingredients of AqualiefTM are carnosine and dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (karkadè) for their buffering effect at pH 7 as well as for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lenitive properties. In a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial, sixty patients with xerostomia (RTOG/EORTC grade 1-2) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, or AqualiefTM tablets (three times/day after meals) for 6 consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after 6 days of AqualiefTM or placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and pH were measured before and after application. Treatment with AqualiefTM for 6 days induced a significant increase in saliva pH from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) while placebo was ineffective (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). AqualiefTM also induced a significant increase in the pH of stimulated saliva from 6.3 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Placebo was ineffective also in this setting (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). Besides an expected normalization of the saliva pH value, AqualiefTM treatment for 6 days greatly increased (56%, P < 0.0001) saliva production. Placebo induced a 19% increase (P < 0.05), which was likely due to mechanical stimulation. AqualiefTM also increased stimulated saliva production (27% increase with respect to day 0, P < 0.05), while placebo was ineffective. AqualiefTM was effective in regulating the saliva pH, in increasing saliva production and improving dry mouth symptoms in xerostomic patients
Effects of pacifiers on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation during wake time
No full textWe studied the variations in peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) during wake time in relation to pacifier use and to the following different positions: supine at 0◦, supine at 30◦ (in babies under one year) vs. sitting (in babies between 1 and 3 years of age). We observed 54 patients under the age of three years, weighing over 1.800 g. Peripheral oxygen saturation was recorded for at least 40 min per patient in the following positions: 20 min lying supine at 0◦ (10 min with a pacifier and 10 min without); 20 min lying supine at 30◦ inclination or in a sitting position if the baby was older than one year (10 min with a pacifier and 10 min without). Pacifier use improved the peripheral oxygen saturation both in the 0◦ supine position, and at 30◦ in a sitting position. No significant differences were observed in the SpO2 levels comparing the different positions. In conclusion a pacifier thus seems to have a positive effect on respiration
Gioco, guerra e diritto nel De ludo scacchorum in legali methodo tractatus (1583) di Tommaso Azzi
No full textThe De ludo scacchorum in legale methodo tractatus (1583) of Tommaso Azzi, is not really a treatise on the game of chess, but a work that addresses various legal issues. In De ludo the theme of war is relevant. The aim of my essay is to show how the close connection between war, game of chess and law established by Azzi is functional to the idea of just war based on the game theory. According to Azzi the war has affinities to the game: strict rules, a limited and orderly space in which to take place, a position of equality between the parties. In this treaty the author underlines similarities between war and gaming and he represents war as a regulated phenomenon, within a path of “civilisation”.Il De ludo scacchorum in legali methodo tractatus (1583) del giurista Tommaso Azzi non è realmente un trattato sul gioco degli scacchi, ma un’opera che affronta varie questioni giuridiche. Tra i temi ricorrenti del De ludo troviamo il tema della guerra. La tesi di questo saggio è mostrare come la stretta connessione tra guerra, gioco degli scacchi e diritto stabilita da Azzi sia funzionale all’affermazione di una idea di guerra giusta ricalcata sul gioco. Tale guerra deve quindi possedere le caratteristiche proprie del gioco: regole severe, uno spazio limitato e ordinato in cui svolgersi, una posizione di uguaglianza tra le parti. Il trattato si inserisce così all’interno di una tradizione che, sottolineando le similitudini tra guerra e gioco, rappresenta la guerra come un fenomeno regolato, all’interno di un percorso di “civilizzazione”
Reaction mechanism of the reconstituted aspartate / glutamate carrier from mitochondria. Reversible switching to uniport function
No full textDierks T, Krämer R. Reaction mechanism of the reconstituted aspartate / glutamate carrier from mitochondria. Reversible switching to uniport function. In: Azzi A, Nalecz KA, Nalecz MJ, Wojtczak L, eds. Anion Carriers of Mitochondrial Membranes. Berlin: Springer; 1989: 99-110
Alternative Augmentative Communication in paediatric dentistry: a mighty tool to amplify mother tongue's power
No full textAim: The role of a child's mother tongue in shaping his/her identity and emotional development is crucial. In the context of paediatric dentistry, this principle should always be reminded. The child's right to effective communication, even when a language barrier exists, is a fundamental principle, as recently stated in the 'Rights from the Start' rights fact sheet. Preserving a child's native language in the dental setting, especially in the context of an increasingly diverse society with a significant number of refugee children, is essential. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies can assist in bridging language gaps and improving treatment outcomes, blending with the traditional approaches used in paediatric dentistry. The article promotes flexibility, innovation, and empathy in paediatric dentistry to provide optimal care and ensure that every child's rights are respected. Conclusion: • The relationship with one's mother language plays a central role in children's growth and in the relationship they can develop with the world, "motherised" by the words of the caregiver. • The interaction between immigrant children from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and dentists providing their care requires the integration of traditional paediatric dental techniques with AAC strategies that can compensate for deficient oral communication. • Dentists treating immigrant children should follow the suggestions proposed in this article to establish the best and most tailored paediatric setting for the child's specific needs
Exploitation of the health-promoting and sensory properties of organic pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice through lactic acid fermentation
No full textTwo strains (POM1 and C2) or LP09 of Lactobacillus plantarum, which were previously isolated from tomatoes
and carrots, and another commercial strain of L. plantarum (LP09), were selected to singly ferment (30 °C for
120 h) pomegranate juice (PJ) under standardized protocol. PJs were further stored at 4 °C for 30 days. Filtered
PJ, not added of starters (unstarted PJ), was used as the control. After fermentation, all starters grew
to ca. 9.0 Log CFU/mL. Viable cells of strain LP09 sharply decreased during storage. The other two strains survived
to ca. 7.0 and 8.0 Log CFU/mL. Lactic acid bacteria consumed glucose, fructose, malic acid, and branched
chain and aromatic amino acids. The concentration of free fatty acids increased for all started PJs. Compared
to unstarted PJ, color and browning indexes of fermented PJs were preferable. The concentration of total polyphenolic
compounds and antioxidant activity were the highest for started PJs, with some differences that
depended on the starter used. Fermentation increased the concentration of ellagic acid, and enhanced
the antimicrobial activity. Fermented PJs scavenged the reactive oxygen species generated by H2O2 and modulated
the synthesis of immune-mediators from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Unstarted and
fermented PJs inhibited the growth of K562 tumor cells. The sensory attributes of fermented PJs were preferred.
The fermentation of pomegranate juice would represent a novel technology option, which joins
health-promoting, sensory and preservative features to exploit the potential of pomegranate fruits
Chronic mechanical trauma/irritation and oral carcinoma: A systematic review showing low evidence to support an association
No full textBackground: Chronic trauma of oral mucosa, resulting from repeated and persistent mechanical irritative action of an intraoral injury agent, has repeatedly been reported to be possibly implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Objectives: The present systematic review aimed to assess whether chronic mechanical trauma can be considered a risk factor for OSCC. Data sources: PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Scopus; EMBASE, Web of Science. Study eligibility criteria: Cohort studies comparing OSCC incidence among subjects with/without chronic mechanical trauma or case–control or cross-sectional studies comparing chronic mechanical trauma among subjects with/without OSCC. Results: Only one prospective case–control study fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but the quality of the evidence provided is not enough to define trauma as a risk factor for OSCC. The main limitation is the presence of only one case–control study at high risk of bias. In the absence of strong evidence supporting the role of trauma in OSCC, a thorough discussion on trauma and carcinogenesis has been performed. Conclusions: Available evidence does not support an active role for chronic trauma in oral carcinogenesis, neither as promoter nor as progressor factor. Prospective cohort studies able to better assess trauma in OSCC are needed
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