102,482 research outputs found
I DIABETOLOGI ITALIANI E LA TERAPIA MEDICA NUTRIZIONALE DEL PAZIENTE DIABETICO: LA SURVEY DI AMD
The role of lipoprotein abnormalities as risk factors for macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes
Macroangiopathy in diabetes mainly consists of an accelerated form of atherosclerosis. Despite the high prevalence of risk factors, no more than 25% of the additional cardiovascular risk in diabetes can be explained by known risk factors. Lipoprotein abnormalities play a fundamental part in this context. In particular, high VLDL concentrations, smaller LDL particles, and reduced levels of the HDL2 subclass are hallmarks of type 2 diabetic patients with extrahepatic insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity and microalbuminuria, and they may help to explain why type 2 diabetic patients are prone to cardiovascular disease. Low Apolipoprotein AII levels in diabetic patients also seem to be relevant, since these patients frequently have reduced concentrations of HDL cholesterol, and these apo anomalies may predict fatal vascular events in such patients. As for small, dense LDL particles, which are more susceptible to oxidation and glycation, with a fundamental role in atherosclerosis, several studies have confirmed that the concentration of plasma triglyceride is the most important determinant of variability in LDL size. Oxidized LDL play a major part in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Oxidative modifications make LDL immunogenic and autoantibodies against oxidized LDL reportedly predict the progression of coronary artery disease. Judging from our data, humoral immune response could play a different role in different stages of the development of atherosclerosis. Patients with coronary heart disease, be they diabetic or not, very often have low levels of HDL cholesterol, but little information are available on the possible qualitative changes in their HDL. In a recent investigation, we demonstrated that 2D gel electrophoresis, followed by enzymatic digestion and MALDI MS, is an effective tool for characterizing Apolipoprotein AI changes, and modified-Apo AI levels are considerably higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, there is evidence of a close connection between lipoprotein abnormalities and macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes and this could help to explain the additional cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes. © 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc
La copertura dei rischi finanziari nelle imprese non finanziarie italiane attraverso gli strumenti derivati
Structure and mechanics of soft PSAs (pressure sensitive adhesives)
The adhesive performances of a PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) are attributed to their viscoelastic properties. In this paper we analyse the viscoelastic behaviour of different PSAs having substantially similar adhesive performance. Linear and non linear analysis were performed using small amplitude oscillatory shear tests and tensile stress-strain tests, respectively. However, deeper knowledge can be achieved by non linear viscoelastic tests. Modelling of tensile stress-strain curves is proposed, based on a network theory accounting for the presence of entanglements, but a rate-dependence of some of the physical parameters of the model is introduced in order to describe correctly experimental data. It is shown that the same substantial in-service properties can be achieved with adhesives showing different fingerprints in terms of viscoelastic spectra
Preparation and Performance of Novel Biodegradable Polymeric Materials Based on Hydrolyzed Proteins for Agricultural Application
Aim of the research is the development of biodegradable polymeric materials based on hydrolyzed proteins,
derived from waste products of the leather industry. Particular attention has been devoted to evaluate the application of
such biobased materials in the agricultural practice of mulching. Biobased mulching films were generated in situ by lowpressure
spraying of polymeric water dispersion on the soil; the mulches were tested in an ornamental cultivation carried
out inside a greenhouse. The innovative spray films based on biodegradable components lasted in the field up to 12
months, keeping their mulching effect, thus guarantying weed suppression and preserving soil aggregates
Induction of labor with prostaglandins and transient stress urinary incontinence in the puerperium
Uterine fundal pressure in the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and pelvic floor dysfunction
Takmaz et al. enrolled 39 women where the fundal pressure maneuver was applied and 47 women who delivered spontaneously without the maneuver. The authors found that the Kristeller maneuver is associated with a higher risk of levator ani muscle defects, and in particular a significantly higher anteroposterior hiatal diameter during rest, Valsalva maneuver, and pelvic floor muscle contraction. In 2012, we published an article that evaluated the effects of uterine fundal pressure on pelvic floor function 3 months after vaginal delivery. We enrolled 522 primiparous women divided into two groups: 297 women received the Kristeller maneuver with different indications (fetal distress, failure to progress, mother exhaustion), and 225 women constituted the control group. We did not find significant differences in terms of urinary or anal incontinence, genital prolapse, and pelvic floor strength, whereas mediolateral episiotomies, dyspareunia, and perineal pain were significantly higher in the Kristeller group. These data seem to confirm the role of episiotomies in developing perineal pain in the puerperium
A versatile method for obtaining hydrophobically modified hydrogels
Hydrogels with different degrees of hydrophilicity and cross-link densities were synthesized starting from epoxy monomers and aliphatic amines. Their chemical cross-link density was varied by changing the functionality of monomers or the resin/hardener ratio. Physical cross-links were introduced by incorporating in the polymer network hydrophobic segments, which in aqueous media give hydrophobic interaction. It was shown that the swelling degree, thermosensitivity and mechanical properties of these hydrogels can be easily tailored by changing the concentration and relative amount of physical and chemical cross-links
Development of hydrolyzed protein derivatives for biodegradable spray mulching coatings
Over the last years the growing environmental awareness has been prompting the research to develop a new generation of mulches starting with raw materials from renewable origin. Innovative biodegradable soil mulching coatings were developed using novel polymeric materials based on hydrolyzed proteins, derived from waste products of the leather industry. These biodegradable polymeric materials were applied in the field by means of the spray technique at University of Bari (Italy, latitude 41° 05' N), from 2009 to 2011. In order to obtain biodegradable coatings and to modulate their chemical-physical and mechanical properties, grafting and crosslinking protein hydrolysate with biodegradable polymeric materials such as Poly(ethylene glycols) (PEG) and natural polyunsaturated fatty acids were performed. In order to improve the physical properties and decrease water sensitivity, fibers, saw dust and carbon black were added. The biodegradable soil mulching polymeric materials showed suitable mechanical properties keeping its mulching effect up to 12 months. The black coatings inhibited weed growth like the black LDPE film did, satisfying the agronomic task of the mulching film. The biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic petro-chemical polymers for a sustainable agriculture.Over the last years the growing environmental awareness has been prompting the research to develop a new generation of mulches starting with raw materials from renewable origin. Innovative biodegradable soil mulching coatings were developed using novel polymeric materials based on hydrolyzed proteins, derived from waste products of the leather industry. These biodegradable polymeric materials were applied in the field by means of the spray technique at University of Bari (Italy, latitude 41° 05' N), from 2009 to 2011. In order to obtain biodegradable coatings and to modulate their chemical-physical and mechanical properties, grafting and crosslinking protein hydrolysate with biodegradable polymeric materials such as Poly(ethylene glycols) (PEG) and natural polyunsaturated fatty acids were performed. In order to improve the physical properties and decrease water sensitivity, fibers, saw dust and carbon black were added. The biodegradable soil mulching polymeric materials showed suitable mechanical properties keeping its mulching effect up to 12 months. The black coatings inhibited weed growth like the black LDPE film did, satisfying the agronomic task of the mulching film. The biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic petro-chemical polymers for a sustainable agriculture
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