Geological and Hydrogeological Characterization of Springs in a DSGSD Context (Rodoretto Valley – NW Italian Alps)

As continuous groundwater monitoring in the upper sector of Rodoretto Valley (Germanasca Valley, Italian Western Alps) is hampered by logistical problem of data collection during winter and spring months, the only tools currently available to derive hydrogeological information are non-continuous and non-long-term dataset of spring discharge (Q), temperature (T) and electrical conductivity (EC). In order to quantity aquifer groundwater reserve, available Q dataset of a small mountain spring (Spring 1 CB) was investigated by applying the analytical solutions developed by Boussinesq (J Math Pure Appl 10:5–78, 1904) and Maillet (Essais dı’hydraulique souterraine et fluviale, vol 1. Herman et Cie, Paris, 1905); T and EC datasets were also used to provide qualitative information about the nature of the aquifer that supplies the spring. The outcomes of the elaborations highlighted the limits of applicability of these methods in the presence of a non-continuous Q dataset: both Boussinesq (J Math Pure Appl 10:5–78, 1904) and Maillet (Essais dı’hydraulique souterraine et fluviale, vol 1. Herman et Cie, Paris, 1905) estimated that discharge values as a function of recession time were found to be consistently lower than the available discharge ones and the estimated groundwater volumes stored over time above the spring level turned out to be underestimated. Continuous (hourly value) and long-term Q, EC and T values are, therefore, needful to correctly quantify and to make a proper management of groundwater resources in mountain areas

Prader-Willi syndrome: A primer for clinicians

The advent of sensitive genetic testing modalities for the diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome has helped to define not only the phenotypic features of the syndrome associated with the various genotypes but also to anticipate clinical and psychological problems that occur at each stage during the life span. With advances in hormone replacement therapy, particularly growth hormone children born in circumstances where therapy is available are expected to have an improved quality of life as compared to those born prior to growth hormone

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Cumulus Cells of Type I Diabetic Mice

Impaired oocyte quality has been demonstrated in diabetic mice; however, the potential pathways by which maternal diabetes exerts its effects on the oocyte are poorly understood. Cumulus cells are in direct contact with the oocyte via gap junctions and provide essential nutrients to support oocyte development. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal diabetes on the mitochondrial status in cumulus cells. We found an increased frequency of fragmented mitochondria, a decreased transmembrane potential and an aggregated distribution of mitochondria in cumulus cells from diabetic mice. Furthermore, while mitochondrial biogenesis in cumulus cells was induced by maternal diabetes, their metabolic function was disrupted as evidenced by lower ATP and citrate levels. Moreover, we present evidence suggesting that the mitochondrial impairments induced by maternal diabetes, at least in part, lead to cumulus cell apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c. Together the deleterious effects on cumulus cells may disrupt trophic and signaling interactions with the oocyte, contributing to oocyte incompetence and thus poor pregnancy outcomes in diabetic females

Obesity: An overview on its current perspectives and treatment options

Obesity is a multi-factorial disorder, which is often associated with many other significant diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. The management of obesity will therefore require a comprehensive range of strategies focussing on those with existing weight problems and also on those at high risk of developing obesity. Hence, prevention of obesity during childhood should be considered a priority, as there is a risk of persistence to adulthood. This article highlights various preventive aspects and treatment procedures of obesity with special emphasis on the latest research manifolds

Energy metabolism in Bardet-Biedl syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a consistent presenting feature of the Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), a hereditary disorder caused by a single gene defect. This contrasts sharply with general obesity which, despite a strong hereditary component, has a multifactorial aetiology. For BBS, the phenotypic characterisation of the components of energy balance and the implications for their management remains relatively uninvestigated. OBJECTIVE: A case–control study to determine whether energy metabolism in subjects with BBS differs from matched obese controls and to inform the clinical management of these patients. METHODS: A total of 20 overweight and obese subjects with BBS (11 females, 9 males) matched for age, gender and BMI to 20 subjects without BBS. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, physical activity by CSA accelerometry, body composition by the deuterium dilution technique and dietary intake by 7-day food records. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between BBS and control subjects in body fat (male: % fat=38, s.d. 2.8 vs 34, s.d. 9.1, female: % fat=45, s.d. 5.9 vs 44, s.d. 8.1; P=0.46] or absolute RMR (male: 6.95, s.d. 1.55 MJ/day vs 7.19, s.d. 1.28 MJ/day; P=0.6). After adjustment for gender, age, fat-free mass and fat mass, there was no significant difference in RMR between BBS and control subjects (F(1, 30)=0.91; P=0.35). A lower level of physical activity was observed in BBS subjects (median cnts/min 259, IQR=153) compared to controls (median cnts/min=306, IQR=119, P=0.02). Reported energy intake, macronutrient composition and magnitude of under-reporting were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study reveals no evidence for systematic differences in energy metabolism in subjects with BBS relative to other obese individuals, suggesting that the genetic basis of BBS is not associated with specific abnormalities in energy metabolism. This is an important finding for clinical management and supports the use of energy prescriptions based on RMR for the general obese population plus an appropriate allowance for energy expended via physical activity. Further research is needed on physical activity in BBS

Hydrogeochemistry of Isti Su Hot Spring, Western Azerbaijan, Iran

The Isti Su hot spring is located in southeast of Salmas, in Western Azerbaijan, Iran. The area is a small part of Sanandaj–Sirjan geological zone which hosts many hot springs. The magma chamber of Salmas region is the main heat source of the hot springs in Isti Su area. Abundant rainfall and relatively long duration of snowfall as well as several deep faults in the area create the best conditions to have several hot springs in the area. The host rocks of the area are sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of Cambrian to Recent sediments which are intruded by several granite and ophiolite bodies. Several hot springs have been formed in the vicinity of these plutonic to sub-volcanic bodies. The Isti Su hot spring is one of the most typical hot springs of the Salmas region. Eight samples were collected from the study area. To investigate the seasonal changes in the field and chemical parameters and to measure trace element concentrations in dry and wet seasons, springs were sampled twice in May and November. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity of the water samples were measured on-site. Temperatures of the selected samples range from 26.3 to 38.5 °C. The pH values of the samples vary between 6.4 and 7.5. TDS contents range from 9200 to 1790 mg/L. The results of geochemical analysis show that the As, Li, Fe, Hg, Na, and Cr are not more than WHO’s standard level. As and B are two times more than WHO’s standard level. The As and B concentrations in the hydrothermal and geothermal solutions rise higher than its standard level. World Health Organization recommended As level for drinking water is 0.01 mg/L. The Na–SO4–HCO3 triangular diagram shows that the samples are of HCO3 and Na types. Open skin scars, gangrene, malignant cancers and environmental problems are among the consequences of high concentrations of As and B. The high content of As and B in water of this hot spring can be harmful to the environment and people of the area