Vaginal temperature of lactating cows during heat waves or normal summer day and effect of additional daily cooling treatments as heat load mitigation strategy

The vaginal temperature (VT) of lactating Holstein cows was monitored in not heat wave (NHW) and in heat wave (HW) summer days. Temperature humidity index (THI) was monitored and assigned to four classes of heat load (HL): THI < 68 null; 68 < THI < 74 low; 74 < THI < 80 moderate; and THI > 80 high.Five daily treatments consisting of continuous forced ventilation and sprayed water (1' on follow by 5' off) were assumed as control cooling protocol (CC) and compared with two experimental cooling protocols (EC) applied in the feed bunk and based on the CC plus two additional cooling treatments which lasted a total of 90' (EC90) or 150' (EC150) in the day.Sixty lactating cows were enrolled in two summer trials carried out in NHW or HW. In each trial, 10 cows were cooled by CC, 10 by EC90 and 10 by EC150. Twenty additional cows were monitored in a fall trail to have reference value of THI and VT under thermoneutral conditions (TN). Each trial lasted 72 h, and measurements of VT were carried out by intra-vaginal data loggers.The 33% of observed THI was within the high class of HL during HW, whereas THI never exceeded the upper threshold of moderate or low class of HL in NHW and TN, respectively.Multiparous and high yielding cows were more sensitive to HL, and the increased daily cooling treatments reduced heat load during hot conditions. However, during heat waves a certain degree of hyperthermia occurred even with intensive cooling management based on seven daily treatments.

Clinical impact of high platelet reactivity in patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention on dual or triple antithrombotic therapy

High platelet reactivity (HPR) on clopidogrel is an established thrombotic risk factor after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The introduction of more potent antiplatelet drugs has partially surpassed this issue. However, in the setting of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) and PCI clopidogrel is still the most adopted P2Y12 inhibitor. In the present study all consecutive patients with history of AF discharged from our cardiology ward with dual (DAT) or triple (TAT) antithrombotic therapy after a PCI from April 2018 to March 2021 were enrolled in an observational registry. For all subjects, blood serum samples were collected and tested for platelet reactivity by arachidonic acid and ADP (VerifyNow system) and genotyping of the CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function polymorphism. We recorded at 3 and 12-months follow-up: (1) major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), (2) major hemorrhagic or clinically relevant non-major bleeding and (3) all-cause mortality. A total of 147 patients were included (91, 62% on TAT). In 93.4% of patients, clopidogrel was chosen as P2Y12 inhibitor. P2Y12 dependent HPR resulted an independent predictor of MACCE both at 3 and 12 months (HR 2.93, 95% C.I. 1.03 to 7.56, p = 0.027 and HR 1.67, 95% C.I. 1.20 to 2.34, p = 0.003, respectively). At 3-months follow-up the presence of CYP2C19*2 polymorphism was independently associated with MACCE (HR 5.21, 95% C.I. 1.03 to 26.28, p = 0.045). In conclusion, in a real-world unselected population on TAT or DAT, the entity of platelet inhibition on P2Y12 inhibitor is a potent predictor of thrombotic risk, suggesting the clinical utility of this laboratory evaluation for a tailored antithrombotic therapy in this high-risk clinical scenario. The present analysis was performed in patients with AF undergoing PCI on dual or triple antithrombotic therapy. At 1 year follow-up MACCE incidence was consistent, and it was not different in different antithrombotic pattern groups. P2Y12 dependent HPR was a potent independent predictor of MACCE both at 3- and 12-months follow-up. In the first 3 months after stenting the carriage of CYP2C19*2 allele was similarly associated with MACCE. Abbreviation: DAT, dual antithrombotic therapy; HPR, high platelet reactivity; MACCE, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events; PRU, P2Y12 reactive unit; TAT, triple antithrombotic therapy. Created with BioRender.com.

A green sustainable architectural model for the suburbs

The Goal 11 &lt;&lt;make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable &gt;&gt; is crucial in the increasing Europe urbanization context. By altering cities and the surrounding countryside, urban growth is having several consequences on ecosystem and human health. The urban density alludes to the idea of the cities as a ‘sick bodies', now reemerging because of the recent climatic and health crises. This concept should be contrasted with the idea of the ‘city as a cure', that can limit the consumption of soil and energy, reducing our ecological burden on the environment. Recently, in Europe many urban development projects have been implemented according to sustainability principles as the Eindhoven demonstration case where, a central square was transformed into a small green oasis. Reforesting, even at the cost of demolishing to create large avenues for green area, is essential for air quality and for intervening on the climate. To intervene on abandoned urban canals by creating new waterways may redevelop entire areas and affect traffic and temperature. To contain the negative impact of the built space on the environment is in fact aimed at increasing the green space. However, recent studies demonstrate the criticalities of the fragmentation of landscapeto analyze the link between urban form and landscape heterogeneity to establish renewed relationships between the forms of architecture and the natural void and to devise urban projects to control building density and population. In particular, to develop models for redeveloping the suburbs by building new urban parts from scratch, with a view to urban polycentrism. The recomposition of ecological corridors and of the municipal, provincial and regional environmental network may connect to the great ‘green lungs' of natural parks and to areas with a high degree of naturalness in a progressive succession of habitats to mitigate ever new forms of overall mutations of natural and anthropised environments.

Clinical features and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma in Caucasian cirrhotic patients on long-term analogue therapy for hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Long-term oral nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related compensated cirrhotics prevents clinical decompensation but not hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.

AIMS

To define the clinical features and outcomes of HCC in long-term NUC-treated HBV patients.

METHODS

All HCCs developing between 2005 and 2016 in NUC-treated HBV patients under surveillance were studied, excluding those that occurred within the first 6 months of therapy. Clinical features of HCC, alpha faetoprotein (AFP) patterns and patients' outcome were studied.

RESULTS

Seventy-six HCC patients were included. Median age was 67 (40-83) years, 84% males, 96% Caucasian, 95% HBeAg-negative, 96% with undetectable HBV DNA, 83% with normal ALT levels, and 92% with compensated cirrhosis. Median serum AFP levels were 4 (1-3615) ng/mL (>7 ng/mL in 36%). HCC was monofocal in 78%, had a median diameter of 20 (6-57) mm and was in its early stage in 92% which allowed potentially curative treatments in 78% (39% ablation, 28% surgical resection, 11% liver transplantation). Overall, a complete response was obtained in 61 (80%) patients: in 40 after a first-line treatment, in 3 after the second-line treatment, in 2 after the third-line treatment, while 16 underwent liver transplantation (8 as second line). During 45 (7-144) months after HCC diagnosis, 19 patients died, 84% from HCC progression. The median time to recurrence was 20.2 (3-53) months, and the cumulative 5-year liver-related survival was 74%.

CONCLUSIONS

HCCs developing in patients under long-term NUC treatment were single, small tumours, amenable to curative therapies able to confer excellent 5-year survival rates.

Review article: the potential of interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue combination therapy in chronic hepatitis B infection

BACKGROUND

A short-term course of pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN), or a long-term treatment with a third generation nucleot(s)ide analogue (NUC), of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection achieves viral suppression and may prevent disease progression. Owing to different mechanisms of action of the two regimens, a Peg-IFN and NUC combination treatment may be an attractive approach to enhance the off-treatment rates of virological and serological response.

AIM

To review the literature on combinations of Peg-IFN plus NUC, including the simultaneous initiation of Peg-IFN and NUC in naïve patients; an 'add-on' combination, where Peg-IFN is started at variable times after the beginning of NUC; or a 'switch-to' strategy usually from NUC to Peg-IFN.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed literature search using the following terms individually or in combination: NUC, hepatitis B virus, chronic hepatitis, interferon, pegylated-interferon, nucleos(t)ide analogues, entecavir, tenofovir. English-language articles published up to December 2015, as well as conference proceedings from international meetings were reviewed. References from selected papers were reviewed and used if relevant.

RESULTS

While combination and NUC pre-treatment failed to increase HBsAg clearance rates, more promising results were achieved in patients under long-term effective NUC therapy.

CONCLUSION

While Peg-IFN and nucleos(t)ide analogue combination therapy should not be recommended currently, the addition of or the switch to Peg-IFN in nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B infection may be useful option.

Angio-CT

After nine months' experience with helical CT (Elscint Twin), we describe an epicrisis in 13 patients with intracranial aneurysms, 12 of whom were referred to us by the emergency room for suspect subarachnoid hemorrhage. After standard CT scan confirming subarachnoid hemorrhage, patients underwent angio-CT with display of the sac responsible for bleeding in all cases.

All patients subsequently underwent digital angiography which confirmed the angio-CT findings and in three cases disclosed associated malformations. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the technique are assessed in relation to the quality of the images obtained (MIP) in such a short time (15 min on average).

The diagnostic information is comparable to that offered by angio-MR with the obvious positive and negative aspects linked to each method.

Digital angiography remains the technique of choice in terms of diagnostic accuracy, but carries some risk to the patient.

Energy transfer upon collision of selectively excited CO2 molecules: State-to-state cross sections and probabilities for modeling of atmospheres and gaseous flows

Carbon dioxide molecules can store and release tens of kcal/mol upon collisions, and such an energy transfer strongly influences the energy disposal and the chemical processes in gases under the extreme conditions typical of plasmas and hypersonic flows. Moreover, the energy transfer involving CO2 characterizes the global dynamics of the Earth-atmosphere system and the energy balance of other planetary atmospheres. Contemporary developments in kinetic modeling of gaseous mixtures are connected to progress in the description of the energy transfer, and, in particular, the attempts to include non-equilibrium effects require to consider state-specific energy exchanges. A systematic study of the state-to-state vibrational energy transfer in CO2 + CO2 collisions is the focus of the present work, aided by a theoretical and computational tool based on quasiclassical trajectory simulations and an accurate full-dimension model of the intermolecular interactions. In this model, the accuracy of the description of the intermolecular forces (that determine the probability of energy transfer in molecular collisions) is enhanced by explicit account of the specific effects of the distortion of the CO2 structure due to vibrations. Results show that these effects are important for the energy transfer probabilities. Moreover, the role of rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom is found to be dominant in the energy exchange, while the average contribution of translations, under the temperature and energy conditions considered, is negligible. Remarkable is the fact that the intramolecular energy transfer only involves stretching and bending, unless one of the colliding molecules has an initial symmetric stretching quantum number greater than a threshold value estimated to be equal to 7.

Functional infrared imaging of paroxysmal ischemic events in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon

The use of thermal infrared (IR) imaging together with the study of the thermal recovery from a controlled cold challenge has been proposed in the diagnosis and follow-up of therapeutic response of Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The controlled cold challenge test usually performed during IR investigations may induce a RP in patients with the latter condition. In our Institution we routinely perform capillaroscopy and thermal IR to follow-up SSc patients. In this paper, we describe the thermal recovery patterns shown by two SSc patients (a 40 year-old male with diffuse variant of SSc and a 71 year-old female with a limited variant of SSc) who presented ischemic and paroxysmal RP attack while recovering from the routine controlled cold challenge test. During RP attack, the cutaneous temperature of some fingers continued to decrease for some minutes even after the cessation of the cold stress. To the best of our knowledge, to date, no literature report has documented the thermal behaviour of SSc patients' fingers which occasionally present ischemic and paroxysmal response. Triggering of ischemic RP attack appears to not rely only on morphological and structural finger impairment, but also upon other aspects, like the emotional attitude of the subject and the possible discomfort experienced with the proceeding of the functional cold stress test.

New 1,5-benzodiazepine compounds: activity at native GABA(A) receptors

Various new 1,5-benzodiazepine compounds were synthesized and tested for their biological activity in terms of effects on GABA(A) receptors of rat cerebellar granules in culture. Their effects were compared to those of a 1,4-benzodiazepine agonist, flunitrazepam and the already known 1,5-benzodiazepine antiepileptic clobazam. The effects were evaluated for the two different GABA(A) receptor populations present in these neurons, one mediating phasic inhibition and the other one mediating tonic inhibition. Many such compounds display a profile of inverse agonist to both GABA(A) receptor populations. One of them presents a profile of full agonist at the component mediating phasic inhibition. Interestingly, substitution of just one oxygen atom in that compound with sulphur in a specific position of a morpholine ring resulted in a remarkable change of activity from full agonist to a probable inverse agonist. This indicates such a position as a proton accepting one for the ligand within the benzodiazepine binding pocket of the relevant GABA(A) receptors. In addition, that position appears to be critical for the pharmacological activity.

Multidisciplinary approach to obesity

Obesity, associated with morbidity and mortality, is a complex disorder, characterised by an increase in fat mass (FM). Most authors agree in considering essential an integrated treatment made up of nutritional intervention, physical reconditioning programme and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. However, the feasibility is problematic and data in literature confirming the validity of this approach are poor.

AIM

To verify the efficacy of a multidimensional approach (Nutritional Psycho-Physical Reconditioning - NPPR) in obesity treatment.

METHODS

All patients admitted from June 2002 to June 2004 (464 subjects) ranged from 18 to 65 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 were included in the programme. After the nutritional status evaluation a standard dietetic treatment (group N) or an integrated and multidisciplinary obesity treatment (group NPPR) was proposed.

RESULTS

In group NPPR treatment duration was significantly higher (142.6+/-26 vs 48.6+/-55 days - p=0.000), while the drop-out amount was definitely lower (5.5 vs 54.4%; p=0.000). Weight loss compared to the initial weight and the difference between initial and final FM resulted significantly higher in group NNPR. Subjects in NPPR obtained a higher increase in the distance covered in a 6-minute walk test (59.9+/-19 vs 40.5+/-17 m; p=0.04) and in muscular strength. State and trait anxiety, mood and quality of life scores improved in NPPR subjects while remained substantially stable in group N.

CONCLUSIONS

An integrated approach to obesity is the way to be pursued in order to obtain important and at least short-term results.

Accelerator-based tests of radiation shielding properties of materials used in human space infrastructures

Shielding is the only practical countermeasure for the exposure to cosmic radiation during space travel. It is well known that light, hydrogenated materials, such as water and polyethylene, provide the best shielding against space radiation. Kevlar and Nextel are two materials of great interest for spacecraft shielding because of their known ability to protect human space infrastructures from meteoroids and debris. We measured the response to simulated heavy-ion cosmic radiation of these shielding materials and compared it to polyethylene, Lucite (PMMA), and aluminum. As proxy to galactic nuclei we used 1 GeV n iron or titanium ions. Both physics and biology tests were performed. The results show that Kevlar, which is rich in carbon atoms (about 50% in number), is an excellent space radiation shielding material. Physics tests show that its effectiveness is close (80-90%) to that of polyethylene, and biology data suggest that it can reduce the chromosomal damage more efficiently than PMMA. Nextel is less efficient as a radiation shield, and the expected reduction on dose is roughly half that provided by the same mass of polyethylene. Both Kevlar and Nextel are more effective than aluminum in the attenuation of heavy-ion dose.

Burnout among women: associations with demographic/socio-economic, work, life-style and health factors

This study examined the occurrence of low/high burnout among women and the demographic/socio-economic, work, life-style, and health "correlates" of high burnout. The sample consisted of 6.000 randomly selected women from the general population, of which 3.591 participated. The design was cross-sectional. The univariate analyses showed that about 21% of the women had high burnout, and compared to those with low burnout, they were more often younger, divorced, blue-collar workers, lower educated, foreigners, on unemployment/retirement/sick-leave, financially strained, used more medication and cigarettes, reported higher work demands and lower control/social support at work, more somatic problems (e.g. pain) and depression. The regression analysis showed that only age, sick-leave, financial strain, medication, work demands, depression and somatic ailments were independently associated with high burnout. Thus, women with high burnout were apparently faring poorly financially, emotionally and physically. Considering our findings, interventions to alleviate their problems may be necessary. We may have provided new insights into women's burnout experiences, but longitudinal studies are warranted to firmly identify "determinants" of burnout.

Shielding of relativistic protons

Protons are the most abundant element in the galactic cosmic radiation, and the energy spectrum peaks around 1 GeV. Shielding of relativistic protons is therefore a key problem in the radiation protection strategy of crewmembers involved in long-term missions in deep space. Hydrogen ions were accelerated up to 1 GeV at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York. The proton beam was also shielded with thick (about 20 g/cm2) blocks of lucite (PMMA) or aluminium (Al). We found that the dose rate was increased 40-60% by the shielding and decreased as a function of the distance along the axis. Simulations using the General-Purpose Particle and Heavy-Ion Transport code System (PHITS) show that the dose increase is mostly caused by secondary protons emitted by the target. The modified radiation field after the shield has been characterized for its biological effectiveness by measuring chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed just behind the shield block, or to the direct beam, in the dose range 0.5-3 Gy. Notwithstanding the increased dose per incident proton, the fraction of aberrant cells at the same dose in the sample position was not significantly modified by the shield. The PHITS code simulations show that, albeit secondary protons are slower than incident nuclei, the LET spectrum is still contained in the low-LET range (<10 keV/microm), which explains the approximately unitary value measured for the relative biological effectiveness.

Cytogenetic effects of high-energy iron ions: dependence on shielding thickness and material

We report results for chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after they were exposed to high-energy iron ions with or without shielding at the HIMAC, AGS and NSRL accelerators. Isolated lymphocytes were exposed to iron ions with energies between 200 and 5000 MeV/nucleon in the 0.1-1-Gy dose range. Shielding materials consisted of polyethylene, lucite (PMMA), carbon, aluminum and lead, with mass thickness ranging from 2 to 30 g/cm2. After exposure, lymphocytes were stimulated to grow in vitro, and chromosomes were prematurely condensed using a phosphatase inhibitor (calyculin A). Aberrations were scored using FISH painting. The yield of total interchromosomal exchanges (including dicentrics, translocations and complex rearrangements) increased linearly with dose or fluence in the range studied. Shielding decreased the effectiveness per unit dose of iron ions. The highest RBE value was measured with the 1 GeV/nucleon iron-ion beam at NSRL. However, the RBE for the induction of aberrations apparently is not well correlated with the mean LET. When shielding thickness was increased, the frequency of aberrations per particle incident on the shield increased for the 500 MeV/nucleon ions and decreased for the 1 GeV/nucleon ions. Maximum variation at equal mass thickness was obtained with light materials (polyethylene, carbon or PMMA). Variations in the yield of chromosomal aberrations per iron particle incident on the shield follow variations in the dose per incident particle behind the shield but can be modified by the different RBE of the mixed radiation field produced by nuclear fragmentation. The results suggest that shielding design models should be benchmarked using both physics and biological data.

Modelled microgravity does not modify the yield of chromosome aberrations induced by high-energy protons in human lymphocytes

The aim was to evaluate the effect of modelled microgravity on radiation-induced chromosome aberrations (CAs). G0 peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed to 60 MeV protons or 250 kVp X-rays in the dose range 0-6 Gy, and allowed to repair DNA damage for 24 h under either normal gravity or microgravity modelled by the NASA-designed rotating-wall bioreactor. Cells were then stimulated to proliferate by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) under normal gravity conditions and prematurely condensed chromosomes were harvested after 48 h. CAs were scored in chromosomes 1 and 2 by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Proliferation gravisensitivity was examined by cell growth curves and by morphological evaluation of mitogen-induced activation. Cell replication rounds were monitored by bromodeoxyuridine labelling. Modelled microgravity markedly reduced PHA-mediated lymphocyte blastogenesis and cell growth. However, no significant differences between normal gravity and modelled microgravity were found in the dose-response curves for the induction of aberrant cells or total interchromosomal exchange frequency. Rotating-wall bioreactor-based microgravity reproduced space-related alterations of mitogen stimulation in human lymphocytes but did not affect the yield of CAs induced by low-linear energy transfer radiation.

Fragmentation studies of relativistic iron ions using plastic nuclear track detectors

We measured fluence and fragmentation of high-energy (1 or 5 A GeV) 56Fe ions accelerated at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron or at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, USA) using solid-state CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Different targets (polyethylene, PMMA, C, Al, Pb) were used to produce a large spectrum of charged fragments. CR-39 plastics were exposed both in front and behind the shielding block (thickness ranging from 5 to 30 g/cm2) at a normal incidence and low fluence. The radiation dose deposited by surviving Fe ions and charged fragments was measured behind the shield using an ionization chamber. The distribution of the measured track size was exploited to distinguish the primary 56Fe ions tracks from the lighter fragments. Measurements of projectile's fluence in front of the shield were used to determine the dose per incident particle behind the block. Simultaneous measurements of primary 56Fe ion tracks in front and behind the shield were used to evaluate the fraction of surviving iron projectiles and the total charge-changing fragmentation cross-section. These physical measurements will be used to characterize the beam used in parallel biological experiments.

Chromosomal aberrations induced by high-energy iron ions with shielding

Biophysical models are commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of shielding in reducing the biological damage caused by cosmic radiation in space flights. To improve and validate these codes biophysical experiments are needed. We have measured the induction of chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro to 500 MeV/n iron ion beams (dose range 0.1-1 Gy) after traversing shields of different material (lucite, aluminium, or lead) and thickness (0-11.3 g/cm2). For comparison, cells were exposed to 200 MeV/n iron ions and to X-rays. Chromosomes were prematurely condensed by a phosphatase inhibitor (calyculin A) to avoid cell-cycle selection produced by the exposure to high-LET heavy-ion beams. Aberrations were scored in chromosomes 1, 2, and 4 following fluorescence in situ hybridization. The fraction of aberrant lymphocytes has been evaluated as a function of the dose at the sample position, and of the fluence of primary 56Fe ions hitting the shield. The influence of shield thickness on the action cross-section for the induction of exchange-type aberrations has been analyzed, and the dose average-LET measured as a function of the shield thickness. These preliminary results prove that the effectiveness of heavy ions is modified by shielding, and the biological damage is dependent upon shield thickness and material.

Biological dosimetry in Russian and Italian astronauts

Large uncertainties are associated with estimates of equivalent dose and cancer risk for crews of long-term space missions. Biological dosimetry in astronauts is emerging as a useful technique to compare predictions based on quality factors and risk coefficients with actual measurements of biological damage in-flight. In the present study, chromosomal aberrations were analyzed in one Italian and eight Russian cosmonauts following missions of different duration on the MIR and the international space station (ISS). We used the technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize translocations in chromosomes 1 and 2. In some cases, an increase in chromosome damage was observed after flight, but no correlation could be found between chromosome damage and flight history, in terms of number of flights at the time of sampling, duration in space and extra-vehicular activity. Blood samples from one of the cosmonauts were exposed in vitro to 6 MeV X-rays both before and after the flight. An enhancement in radiosensitivity induced by the spaceflight was observed.

Cell inactivation by beryllium, boron and carbon ions at the low-energy irradiation facility of the Naples University

The 3MV HVEC TTT-3 Tandem accelerator at the University of Naples, already used for radiobiological studies with protons and alpha particles, was set up for irradiation of biological samples with low energy carbon, boron, and beryllium beams. Radiobiological characterisation and study of these ion beams is essential in hadrontherapy (correction of hadrotherapy) to understand, for example, the possible biological effect of the target fragmentation products. Furthermore in space radiation biology we need to know the biological effects of heavy ions, a component of cosmic radiation that can contribute to the radiobiological risk when long sojourns in space are concerned. V79 Chinese hamster cells were irradiated with the different ions and the resulting cell inactivation data are reported.

A model of radiation-induced myelopoiesis in space

Astronauts' radiation exposure limits are based on experimental and epidemiological data obtained on Earth. It is assumed that radiation sensitivity remains the same in the extraterrestrial space. However, human radiosensitivity is dependent upon the response of the hematopoietic tissue to the radiation insult. It is well known that the immune system is affected by microgravity. We have developed a mathematical model of radiation-induced myelopoiesis which includes the effect of microgravity on bone marrow kinetics. It is assumed that cellular radiosensitivity is not modified by the space environment, but repopulation rates of stem and stromal cells are reduced as a function of time in weightlessness. A realistic model of the space radiation environment, including the HZE component, is used to simulate the radiation damage. A dedicated computer code was written and applied to solar particle events and to the mission to Mars. The results suggest that altered myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis in microgravity might increase human radiosensitivity in space.

Effect of space radiation on expression of apoptosis-related genes in endometrial cells: a preliminary study

In this paper we present some preliminary results on alteration of gene expression caused by radiation on human endometrial cells. To this purpose, we have studied the modulation of the expression of the bcl-2 gene family in two cell lines following irradiations with low energy protons and gamma-rays from a 60Co. The two epithelial cell strains, namely AN3Ca and HEC1B cells, both obtained from human neoplastic endometrial tissues, grow in culture and continue to maintain some differentiated functions typical of the original tissue. Indeed, these cells, that can be considered as representative of different stages of cellular transformation of endometrium. Because their epithelial nature and rapid growth, the expression of genes related to the maintenance of the cellular homeostasis (correction of omeostasis), as the pro and anti-apoptotic ones, is expected to be susceptible to changes in environment, including radiation. The effects have been evaluated in terms of both cell survival and changes in the expression of pro- and anti apoptotic proteins. Even though the data reported above can not be considered complete and/or definitive, nevertheless, in whole, they confirm that these cells may constitute a suitable model system to study, at molecular level, the effects of cosmic radiation on endometrium. Further observation, ensuing from these preliminary data, is that endometrial cells present different sensitivity to radiation in regard to its 'quality' and 'dosage', in accord to the original stage of differentiation.

Experience of musculoskeletal pain. Comparison of immigrant and Swedish patient

We explored differences regarding several psychosocial constructs (e.g. coping with pain) between immigrant (n = 140) and Swedish (n = 446) patients seeking treatment for pain at health and physiotherapy centres. A cross-sectional study design was used. The findings showed that, compared with Swedes, immigrants more often relied on benefits for their support and were more concerned with their financial situation. They also had longer periods of sick-leave. In addition, immigrants felt more disabled, reported more job strain and relied more on passive coping strategies for pain. Finally, they were more emotionally distressed, as they showed more symptoms of burnout, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress reactions, and lower self-confidence. Multivariate analyses performed separately for immigrant and Swedish patients showed differential patterns of associations between sociodemographic variables, financial strain, emotional distress, perceived disability, passive coping and job strain. We conclude that immigrant patients live under more strained psychosocial conditions and experience a deeper impact of pain than do their Swedish counterparts.

The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper

AIM

: To decrease the intensity of dyspeptic symptoms by impairing the visceral nociceptive C-type fibres with capsaicin, contained in red pepper powder.

METHODS

: The study was performed on 30 patients with functional dyspepsia and without gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. After a 2-week washout period, 15 patients received, before meals randomly and in a double-blind manner, 2.5 g/day of red pepper powder for 5 weeks, and 15 patients received placebo. A diary sheet was given to each patient to record, each day, the scores of individual and overall symptom intensity, which subsequently were averaged weekly and over the entire treatment duration.

RESULTS

: The overall symptom score and the epigastric pain, fullness and nausea scores of the red pepper group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group, starting from the third week of treatment. The decrease reached about 60% at the end of treatment in the red pepper group, whilst placebo scores decreased by less than 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

: Red pepper was more effective than placebo in decreasing the intensity of dyspeptic symptoms, probably through a desensitization of gastric nociceptive C-fibres induced by its content of capsaicin. It could represent a potential therapy for functional dyspepsia.

Antioxidants and total peroxyl radical-trapping ability of olive and seed oils

The presence of the oxidized and reduced forms of ubiquinones Q(9) and Q(10) was determined in commercial extra virgin olive and seed oils, where the amounts of alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and beta-carotene were also quantitated. Very high concentrations of ubiquinones were found in soybean and corn oils. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capability of each oil was evaluated by measuring total radical-trapping antioxidant parameters (TRAP) in tert-butyl alcohol and using egg lecithin as the oxidizable substrate. These values decreased in the order sunflower > corn > peanut > olive; the highest TRAP, which was found in sunflower oil, was related to the very high amount of alpha-tocopherol. Olive oil, because of the low content of alpha-tocopherol, exhibited a TRAP value approximately one-third that of sunflower oil. TRAP values of corn and soybean oils, in which low amounts of alpha-tocopherol but very high contents of gamma-tocopherol and reduced ubiquinones were present, were intermediate. gamma-Tocopherol exhibited a poor ability of trapping peroxyl radicals in tert-butyl alcohol. This behavior was probably due to the effects of the solvent on the rate of hydrogen abstraction from this phenol.

Inactivation of human cells exposed to fractionated doses of low energy protons: relationship between cell sensitivity and recovery efficiency

Within the framework of radiation biophysics research in the hadrontherapy field, split-dose studies have been performed on four human cell lines with different radiation sensitivity (SCC25, HF19, H184B5 F5-1 M10, and SQ20B). Low energy protons of about 8 and 20 keV/micron LET and gamma-rays were used to study the relationship between the recovery ratio and the radiation quality. Each cell line was irradiated with two dose values corresponding to survival levels of about 5% and 1%. The same total dose was also delivered in two equal fractions separated by 1.5, 3, and 4.5 hours. A higher maximum recovery ratio was observed for radiosensitive cell lines as compared to radioresistant cells. The recovery potential after split doses was small for slow protons, compared to low-LET radiation. These data show that radiosensitivity may not be related to a deficient recovery, and suggest a possible involvement of inducible repair mechanisms.

1,5-Benzodiazepines. Part XII. Synthesis and biological evaluation of tricyclic and tetracyclic 1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives as nevirapine analogues

A number of properly substituted 5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,5]benzodiazepines (2) and pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,5]benzodiazepines (3 and 4), as well as compounds 5-7, which are derivatives of new tetracyclic systems, were prepared as nevirapine analogues through multistep synthetic routes. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 properties of compounds 2-7 were evaluated in cell-based assays, together with their inhibitory activity against the HIV-1 recombinant reverse transcriptase (rRT) in enzyme assays. The modifications introduced into nevirapine heterocyclic skeleton proved to have a negative effect for the anti-HIV-1 activity. It is worth noting that some of the new derivatives proved to be cytotoxic in the low micromolar range.

Associations between financial strain and the diurnal salivary cortisol secretion of long-term unemployed individuals

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the associations between self-rated financial strain and overall diurnal salivary cortisol levels, as well as secretory patterns among long-term unemployed individuals.

METHODS

Psychosocial and life-style variables were assessed by means of questionnaires among 85 participants (mean age 42+/-9 years; 56% females). Salivary cortisol was sampled on four occasions during a 24-hour period and data was analysed separately for men and women.

RESULTS

Among females, high financial strain was related to higher overall cortisol levels, and to elevated levels in the evening. These associations did not reach significance among men. Multivariate analyses showed that evening levels of cortisol were positively associated with financial strain, but largely unrelated to life-style variables and psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that high financial strain influences the diurnal cortisol secretion of unemployed individuals in terms of elevated cortisol levels in the evening. The mediating mechanisms are in need of further investigation.

Phonological processing in visual rhyming: a developmental erp study

We employed a visual rhyming priming paradigm to characterize the development of brain systems important for phonological processing in reading. We studied 109 righthanded, native English speakers within eight age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, and 21-23. Participants decided whether two written words (prime-target) rhymed (JUICE-MOOSE) or not (CHAIR-MOOSE). In similar studies of adults, two main event-related potential (ERP) effects have been described: a negative slow wave to primes, larger over anterior regions of the left hemisphere and hypothesized to index rehearsal of the primes, and a negative deflection to targets, peaking at 400-450 msec, maximal over right temporal-parietal regions, larger for nonrhyming than rhyming targets, and hypothesized index phonological matching. In this study, these two ERP effects were observed in all age groups; however, the two effects showed different developmental timecourses. On the one hand, the frontal asymmetry to primes increased with age; moreover, this asymmetry was correlated with reading and spelling scores, even after controlling for age. On the other hand, the distribution and onset of the more posterior rhyming effect (RE) were stable across age groups, suggesting that phonological matching relied on similar neural systems across these ages. Behaviorally, both reaction times and accuracy improved with age. These results suggest that different aspects of phonological processing rely on different neural systems that have different to developmental timecourses.

Blood homocysteine and vitamin B levels are not associated with cognitive skills in healthy normally ageing subjects

Increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels are a known risk factor for vascular disease and have been reported in association with cognitive impairment of old age. Alternatively, however, increased tHcy levels may simply be an indicator of B vitamin deficiency. We evaluated the relationship between plasma tHcy levels, serum vitamin B12 and folate levels, and the scores at a battery of neuropsychological tests in 54 healthy cognitively normal subjects aged 65 years and over. Hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence (plasma tHcy>15 micromol/L) was about 24%. In univariate analysis, vitamin B12 levels were associated with both verbal memory and visuo-spatial skills, whereas no association was found between psychometric test scores and folate levels or tHcy levels. However, none of the univariate associations of neuropsychological test scores and serum B12 vitamin levels was confirmed when adjusting for age, education and other confounding variables. In conclusion, although a relationship between homocysteine, B vitamins and poor cognitive skills in the elderly is plausible, this study does not suggests that such relationship is biologically important.

1,5-Benzodiazepine tricyclic derivatives exerting anti-inflammatory effects in mice by inhibiting interleukin-6 and prostaglandinE(2)production

The 1,4- and the 1,5-benzodiazepines (BDZ) are commonly used as anxiolytic and anticonvulsive drugs. It has been suggested that they influence, particularly through stimulation of peripheral BDZ receptors, some immune cell properties such as pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The availability of a new class of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives (compounds IV), endowed with anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic properties but no anti-pentylenetetrazole activity, prompted us to investigate in more detail the anti-inflammatory properties of three selected compounds IV (N,N-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benz- odiazepin-5-amine; N,N-dibutyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine; 1-methyl-N,N-dimethyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine) and one structurally related compound (1-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5(6H)-one). These BDZ derivatives have lost their affinity for the central and peripheral BDZ receptors. The in vivo effect on leukocyte migration of these compounds was investigated by using the mouse air-pouch model of local inflammation. Compounds A and B, significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced leukocyte recruitment in a dose-dependent manner starting from the dose of 50 mgkg(-1), whereas compound C was effective only at the higher dose of 100 mgkg(-1). Compound D did not exert such effects at any of the doses considered. The effect of compounds A, B and C on leukocyte recruitment was paralleled by a significant inhibition of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E(2)production in the exudate, similarly to indomethacin, and by a partial reduction of vascular permeability. These features may be relevant for the design and development of innovative anti-inflammatory molecules among the 4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine derivatives.

Analysis of all-in-one parenteral nutrition admixtures by liquid chromatography and laser diffraction: study of stability

All-in-one parenteral nutrition admixtures are complex lipid emulsions (oil/water) which require absolute sterility, stability and no precipitates. Particle diameter must be in the range 0.4--1 microm in order to mime the size of chylomicra. Added vitamins must not degrade during infusion time (24 h). In this study, the physicochemical stability of parenteral nutrition admixtures was tested in the course of time at different storage temperatures. Two liquid chromatographic methods, based on solid phase extraction (SPE), were developed for fat-soluble vitamin determination. Stability studies were carried out on three industrial lipid emulsions and on six compounded all-in-one admixtures. They were stored at three different temperatures: 4 degrees C (storage), 25 degrees C (compounding) and 37 degrees C (infusion); then they were analyzed at starting time and at 24, 48 and 72 h after compounding. Particle diameter was determined by means of Laser Particle Sizer Analysette 22, which uses laser diffraction technique (light scattering -- reverse Fourier optics). Fat-soluble vitamins (retinol palmitate and alpha-, delta-, gamma-tocopherol) were determined in admixtures with a branded vitamin compound called Idroplurivit Liofilizzato. Samples were extracted by SPE on C(18) cartridges, then they were separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) and detected by ultraviolet detection (retinol palmitate) and electrochemical detection (tocopherols). Laser diffraction analysis pointed out that particle size did not change in the course of time at the tested temperatures. LC analysis showed that vitamins interact each other and degrade after compounding at different times and storage temperatures; only retinol palmitate is stable at 37 degrees C. Retinol palmitate recovery was 98%, coefficient of variation (CV) 5.4%, detection limit 25 microg/l, limit of quantitation 75 microg/l and there were not interfering substances. Tocopherols average recovery was 99%, CV 3.5%, detection limit 15 ng/l and limit of quantitation 50 ng/l. In conclusion, all-in-one parenteral admixtures were proved to be physically stable under analysis conditions, but degradation of retinol palmitate and tocopherols requires admixtures with vitamins to be infused within 24 h after compounding.

On the radiosensitivity of man in space

Astronauts' radiation exposure limits are based on experimental and epidemiological data obtained on Earth. It is assumed that radiation sensitivity remains the same in the extraterrestrial space. However, human radiosensitivity is dependent upon the response of the hematopoietic tissue to the radiation insult. It is well known that the immune system is affected by microgravity. We have developed a mathematical model of radiation-induced myelopoiesis which includes the effect of microgravity on bone marrow kinetics. It is assumed that cellular radiosensitivity is not modified by the space environment, but repopulation rates of stem and stromal cells are reduced as a function of time in weightlessness. A realistic model of the space radiation environment, including the HZE component, is used to simulate the radiation damage. A dedicated computer code was written and applied to solar particle events and to the mission to Mars. The results suggest that altered myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis in microgravity might increase human radiosensitivity in space.

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels in centenarians are not associated with cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have shown elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in elderly person with impaired cognition.

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between cognitive status and plasma tHcy levels in centenarians.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Centenarians living in two northern Italian provinces.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirteen cognitively normal centenarians, ten cognitively impaired not-demented centenarians, and 34 demented centenarians with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

MEASUREMENTS

Blood levels of homocysteine's biological determinants vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6.

RESULTS

Elevated plasma tHcy levels (>17 micromol/l) were common in the general population (77% of normal centenarians, 100% of cognitively impaired not-demented centenarians, 82% of AD centenarians). Demented centenarians had the lowest folate serum levels. Low or borderline vitamin B12 serum levels (<221 pmol/l) and low vitamin B6 plasma levels (<11.7 nmol/l) were found in 33 and 66% of all centenarians independently of cognitive status. Among demented centenarians only plasma tHcy correlated inversely with both serum vitamin B12 and folate. No significant difference was found for plasma tHcy levels among the three diagnostic groups, even after adjusting for B vitamin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperhomocysteinemia is very common among centenarians, probably due to vitamin deficiencies, but does not seem to be associated with cognitive impairment.

Homocysteinemia, serum folate and vitamin B12 in very young patients with diabetes mellitus type 1

BACKGROUND

Recently a link between hyperhomocysteinemia [HH(e)] and diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications has been reported. However, it is far from clear whether HH(e) is an epiphenomenon or a cause of angiopathic complications.

OBJECTIVE

To try to clarify this question we studied adolescents and young diabetic patients without or with only initial complications.

SUBJECTS

Plasma levels of basal homocysteinemia [H(e)], folate and vitamin B12 were measured in 76 young diabetic patients (age range 13.6-32.2 yr) and 70 normal volunteers matched for sex and age. In 68 diabetic patients and 53 controls we evaluated the levels of homocysteinemia 2 h after a methionine-loading test.

METHODS

Total (free + protein bound) plasma H(e) level was measured by HPLC.

RESULTS

Basal or post-load HH(e) occurred in 4.1% of diabetic patients and 12.4% of controls (frequencies not statistically different). In diabetic patients plasma homocysteine values were statistically lower than in controls, but this difference was present only in females. The females showed lower homocysteine values and higher folate levels than males only in the diabetic group. We did not find significant differences in H(e) levels between patients with early complications, late complications or without complications of any type.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering very young diabetic patients, the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia does not appear to be greater than in normal controls. Furthermore, our data seem to demonstrate that HH(e) is not a preexisting condition in diabetic patients, even in those predisposed to early complications.

Synthesis of glutathione in response to methionine load in control subjects and in patients with cirrhosis

The fasting plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH), a methionine-derived tripeptide, is reduced in cirrhosis. There is evidence that a reduced activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase limiting the flux of methionine along the transmethylation/transsulfuration pathway may contribute to decrease GSH levels. No studies have analyzed plasma GSH in response to a methionine load. In 6 control subjects and in 10 patients with cirrhosis, plasma sulfur amino acid and plasma and erythrocyte GSH levels were measured in response to a L-methionine load (0.1 g/kg). Blood samples were obtained throughout the day after the oral load. Urine was collected for measurement of sulfur excretion. During the study period, all subjects consumed a standard diet of 1,683 kcal containing 2% protein and virtually no methionine. Plasma methionine increased in both groups to a peak level exceeding 20 times the basal value 90 minutes after the load, and declined thereafter. Methionine clearance, calculated on the descending part of the methionine-time curve, was reduced by 50% in cirrhosis (P = .0001). Fasting GSH was higher in controls (mean +/- SD, 3.9 +/- 1.3 v 1.6 +/- 0.7 micromol/L, P = .0004). In response to a methionine load, it peaked at 10.2 +/- 7.2 and 3.2 +/- 1.3 micromol/L, respectively (P = .009). Thereafter, plasma GSH progressively declined, and after 24 hours, it returned to the fasting preinfusion values in both groups. Plasma cysteine and taurine concentrations, as well as the erythrocyte GSH time course, paralleled plasma GSH levels, with less significant differences between groups. Sulfate excretion was delayed. GSH synthesis is stimulated by a methionine load. The reduced flux of methionine along the transmethylation/transsulfuration pathway reduces GSH synthesis in cirrhosis. Defective methionine metabolism also may be responsible for reduced fasting GSH.

1,8-Naphthyridines IV. 9-substituted N,N-dialkyl-5-(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino) [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1, 8]naphthyridine-6-carboxamides, new compounds with anti-aggressive and potent anti-inflammatory activities

The title compounds (8) were synthesized through the cyclocondensation of the corresponding N-substituted 4-amino-2-chloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (4) with the proper hydrazides, in order to evaluate their anti-inflammatory and anti-aggressive properties. Several compounds 8 exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenin-induced paw edema assay in the rat) along with appreciable anti-aggressive properties (isolation-induced aggressiveness test in mice). With respect to anti-inflammatory activity, the most active compounds (8n and 8c) produced a 61% edema inhibition at the 25 mg/kg dose, and 50 or 35% inhibition, respectively, at the 12.5 mg/kg dose. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Inactivation of human normal and tumour cells irradiated with low energy protons

PURPOSE

To analyse the cell inactivation frequencies induced by low energy protons in human cells with different sensitivity to photon radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four human cell lines with various sensitivities to photon irradiation were used: the SCC25 and SQ20B derived from human epithelium tumours of the tongue and larynx, respectively, and the normal lines M/10, derived from human mammary epithelium, and HF19 derived from a lung fibroblast. The cells were irradiated with y-rays and proton beams with linear energy transfer (LET) from 7 to 33 keV/microm. Clonogenic survival was assessed.

RESULTS

Survival curves are reported for each cell line following irradiation with gamma-rays and with various proton LETs. The surviving fraction after 2 Gy of gamma-rays was 0.72 for SQ20B cells, and 0.28-0.35 for the other cell lines. The maximum LET proton effectiveness was generally greater than that of gamma-rays. In particular there was a marked increase in beam effectiveness with increasing LET for the most resistant cells (SQ20B) whose 2 Gy-survival varied from 0.72 with gamma-radiation down to 0.37 with 30 keV/microm protons. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE(2 Gy gamma)) with the 30 keV/microm beam, evaluated as the ratio of 2 Gy to the proton dose producing the same inactivation level as that given by 2 Gy of gamma-rays, was 3.2, 1.8, 1.3 and 0.8 for SQ20B, M/10, SCC25, and HF19, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RBE for inactivation with high-LET protons increased with the cellular radioresistance to gamma-rays. The cell line with the greatest resistance to gamma-rays was the most responsive to the highest LET proton beam. A similar trend has also been found in studies reported in the literature with He, C, N ions with LET in the range 20-125 keV/microm on human tumour cell lines.