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    The R3 component of the blink reflex in man: a reflex response induced by activation of high threshold cutaneous afferents.

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    Ten successive experiments were carried out in 10 volunteers to compare the physiological properties of R2 and R3 components of the blink reflex. The electrical activation threshold of the R3 component was found to be significantly higher than that of the R2 response and was more susceptible to anaesthetic blocking of the peripheral afferents. This result suggests that the R3 component is induced by the activation of a different population of peripheral afferents from the R2 component. A recovery cycle study performed using a double stimulus showed that R3 is inhibited to a greater extent and for a longer time than R2. The temporal relationship of R3 to the voluntarily produced blink demonstrates that R3 is not a voluntary response to electrical stimulation. In conclusion, these experiments support the existence of an independent R3 component and its relationship with the activation of small diameter and higher threshold afferent fibres, perhaps nociceptive ones

    Myotonia levior: contribution to the nosography.

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    Two family are described affected by a mild myotonic syndrome, characterized by almost exclusively presence of myotonic phenomenon, in absence of symptoms as muscular weakness, hypotrophy or hypertrophy ("myotonia levior"). The nosographic classification of this disease in the congenital myotonias is today uncertain, and it could be a case of a low expressivity variant of the dominant form (Thomsen disease), or the heterozygotic phenotype of the recessive form (Becker disease). Family history, clinical and electrophysiological data obtained in the patients seem to support first hypothesis, providing an useful element for a correct genetic counselling in these cases

    Organic Vs Conventional Winter Wheat Quality and Organoleptic Bread Test

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    In the frame of a long-term experiment carried out in Central Italy, conventional and organic winter wheat cropping systems were compared in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate the effect of system management on wheat grain yield and quality. The organic system showed grain and straw yield about 50% lower than the conventional system. Organic grain samples resulted 20% lower in protein content and exhibited poor bread production qualities. Despite that, organic bread, did not show differences in crust thickness, crumb volume and in crumb alveolus structure in a visual evaluation. Differences were, however, appreciated by panellists who found organic bread harder and more flavourful than conventional

    Effects of selenium and vitamin E on muscular strength and blood parameters in Steinert disease.

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    Six patients with Steinert disease were treated with selenium and vitamin E, for a 24 month period, including a first phase of 12 months, 6 months wash-out interval and a second treatment phase of 6 months. Mean segmental strength values showed significant improvement during the first 12 months of therapy, while marked reductions of serum enzymes CPK, SGOT, SGPT and gamma-GT were observed in some patients. The results support the hypothesis that selenium may play a role in the development of muscle damage in Steinert disease
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