Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by an urge to move the limbs with a circadian pattern (occurring in the evening/at night), more prominent at rest, and relieved with movements. RLS is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, occurring in 5%-10% of the European population. Thomas Willis first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and Karl-Axel Ekbom described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable severity, RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and quality of life, with a relevant socio-economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, screening methods present limitations and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of augmentation with dopamine agonists represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS pathomechanisms can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in pharmacology, imaging, genetics, and animal models of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research. This review will update the reader on the current state of RLS clinical practice and research, with a special focus on the contribution of European researchers

The Behavior of some Table Grapevine Cultivars in Relation to Phomopsis Viticola (Sacc.) Attack in Târnave Vineyard

Phomopsis viticola (Sacc) causes excoriosis (Phomopsis cane and leaf spot), this results in high loses in grape production and in severe cases, death of the grapevine. The symptoms are as follows: the base of affected canes swells and blackens, and the scarred cortex may tear in longitudinal streaks, these canes are extremely fragile and easily break beneath their own load, other canes can completely dry. Data was collected and calculated (Phomopsis viticola AD, attack degree on leaves and canes) for the years 2021 and 2022, from the following cultivars: Kodryanka, Arkadia, Muscat New York, Moldova, Original, Muscat Poeloeske, and Muscat bleu as Vitis interspecific crosses cultivars, Victoria, Muscat Hamburg, Timpuriu de Cluj. Splendid and Transilvania as Vitis vinifera cultivars..Data comparison was done using the StatView software, ANOVA and ANCOVA test. In the present research work, it was demonstrated that in Tîrnave vineyard different table grapes cultivars behave differently to Phomopsis viticola (Sacc) attack

Possible algorithms for determining adverse reactions caused by food supplements in Romania

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Richter Pharmacy no 7, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaIntroduction. The advertising of food supplements on various media channels or in specialty stores with natural products and other stores, as well as the lack of informative and educational programs for the population on side effects and the interaction of food supplements with food and drugs, have led to the development of uncontrolled marketing of these products. Through this paper we want to present the algorithms that can be applied to determine the side effects caused by food supplements in Romania, the need to initiate a legislative project on reporting these side effects and educating the population on the consumption of food supplements. Material and methods. PubMed, ResearchGate and EUR-Lex databases (online portal providing access to EU legislation) were analyzed between 2015-2021, based on search criteria: adverse reactions, ingredient new food, food supplements, algorithms. Results. Dietary supplements concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a beneficial nutritional or physiological effect intended to supplement a normal diet. They can be sold as capsules, dragees, tablets, sachets or in bottles. Certain dietary supplements can cause multiple side effects, such as: impaired platelet function by decreased platelet aggregation, gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, vomiting), decreased wound healing/epithelialization, bacterial or fungal sepsis, most common in patients older. Probiotics that can cause human sepsis, generally in elderly patients and those suffering from chronic diseases, are Lactobacilli (strains of L. rhamnosis, due to its high translocation potential), Lactobacillus sp. bacteremia which is sometimes fatal, infectious endocarditis caused by L. rhamnosus, L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. jensenii, L. plantarum and L. paracasei. They can cause anaphylactic response in patients who have undergone cardiovascular surgery or localized infection in diabetes associated with old age and liver transplantation. Side effects have also been found with mineral supplements, omega 3 / fish oil, soy protein, soy protein, plant nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, supplements for weight loss or bodybuilding, various botanical supplements. Multi-skeletal distortion, fatigue, pain and gastrointestinal symptoms and hepatic adverse events have been reported with the nutraceutical ingredient RYR (red rice yeast) at the doses recommended by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). With the exception of "classic" foods (hazelnuts, nuts, eggs, etc.) known to cause certain side effects such as allergies, the development of the food industry has led to the emergence of foods eaten especially by teenagers, such as energy drinks. Frequent consumption of this type of drink was significantly associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, high stress, lack of sleep, poor school performance and suicide attempts in Korean adolescents. Conclusions. It is imperative to legislate the reporting of adverse reactions caused by food supplements, including their interaction with food or medicine. The veracity of the practical applicability of the legislation and the existence of an educational program of the population, make this action not to become null and void. Using the algorithms applied to analyze the severity - causality of adverse reactions caused by drugs, in Romania, nutrivigilence can be implemented for the health and safety of the population

Algoritmi posibili pentru determinarea reacțiilor adverse cauzate de suplimentele alimentare în România

Introduction. The advertising of food supplements on various media channels or in specialty stores with natural products and other places, as well as the lack of informative and educational programs for the population upon side effects and the interaction of food supplements with food and drugs, have led to the development of uncontrolled marketing of these products. Material and methods. PubMed, ResearchGate and EUR-Lex databases were analyzed during 2015-2021, based on search criteria based on: adverse reactions, ingredient new food, food supplements, algorithms. Results. Certain dietary supplements can cause multiple side effects, such as: impaired platelet function by decreased platelet aggregation, gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, vomiting), decreased wound healing/epithelialization, bacterial or fungal sepsis, most common in patients older. Herbal resources such as Aloe vera, Matricaria recutita, Taraxacum officinale and others, can cause dermatological side effects and inhibit the elimination of dermatological drugs metabolised by cytochrome P-450 (e.g. terbinafine). Matricaria recutita, Allium sativum, Mentha piperita L. and others, inhibit the enzyme CYP2C9. Another enzyme with a role in the metabolism of dermatological drugs and which is inhibited by plant resources is CYP3A4. Conclusions. It is imperative to legislate the reporting of adverse reactions caused by food supplements, including their interaction with food or drugs.Introducere. Promovarea suplimentelor alimentare în diverse surse media sau de către unele magazine, în special de cele specializate în comercializarea produselor naturale, precum și lipsa programelor informative și educaționale pentru populație cu privire la efectele secundare și interacțiunea suplimentelor alimentare cu alimentele și medicamentele, au dus la dezvoltarea comercializării necontrolate a acestor produse. Material si metode. Bazele de date PubMed, Research Gate și EUR-Lex au fost analizate în perioada 2015-2021, pe baza criteriilor de căutare: reacții adverse, ingrediente alimentare noi, suplimente alimentare, algoritmi. Rezultate. Anumite suplimente alimentare pot provoca efecte secundare multiple, cum ar fi: afectarea funcției trombocitelor prin scăderea agregării plachetare, efecte secundare gastrointestinale (diaree, vărsături), scăderea vindecării/epitelizării rănilor, sepsis bacterian sau fungic, atestate cel mai frecvent la pacienții cu vârstă înaintată. Resursele vegetale precum Aloe vera, Matricaria recutita, Taraxacum officinale și altele, pot provoca reacții adverse dermatologice și inhiba eliminarea medicamentelor dermatologice metabolizate de citocromul P-450 (de exemplu terbinafină). Matricaria recutita, Allium sativum, Mentha piperita L. și altele, inhibă enzima CYP2C9. O altă enzimă cu rol în metabolismul medicamentelor dermatologice și care este inhibată de resursele vegetale este CYP3A4. Concluzii. Este imperativ să se reglementeze raportarea reacțiilor adverse cauzate de suplimentele alimentare, inclusiv interacțiunea acestora cu alimentele sau medicamentele

Study Regarding the Status of Fungal Grapevine Trunk Diseases in some Romanian Vineyards

Romania is a wine-producing country, with a rich and long tradition in the field of viticulture. Field evaluation of the land and grapevines from a phytosanitary point of view is essential for establishing the most effective control methods for grapevine diseases and pests. Grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) are currently considered one of the biggest threats to vineyard sustainability. In this study, GTD symptoms were investigated by direct field observations in vineyards from Blaj, Bujoru, Murfatlar and Miniș in 2020 throughout the vegetation period. In 2021 samples of the grapevines, showing signs of decline in the previous year were analyzed following traditional methods based on macroscopic examinations. A total of 69 samples were analyzed and symptoms of four GTDs were identified: Esca disease; Eutypa dieback; Phomopsis dieback and Petri disease. Out of these 55 % of the samples presented Esca disease symptoms. More than 80 % of the samples presented symptoms of 2 or more diseases at the same time

Formulation, preparation and in vitro - in vivo evaluation of compression-coated tablets for the colonic-specific release of ketoprofen

The aim of this study was to formulate and prepare compression-coated tablets for colonic release (CR-tablets), and to evaluate the bioavailability of ketoprofen following the administration of a single dose from mini-tablets with immediate release (IR-tablets) compared to CR-tablets. CR-tablets were prepared based on time-controlled hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K100M inner compression-coating and pH-sensitive Eudragit® L 30D-55 outer film-coating. The clinical bioavailability study consisted of two periods, in which two formulations were administered to 6 volunteers, according to a randomized cross-over design. The apparent cumulative absorption amount of ketoprofen was estimated by plasma profile deconvolution. CR-tablets were able to delay ketoprofen’s release. Compared to IR-tablets used as reference, for the CR-tablets the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was lower (4920.33±1626.71 ng/mL vs. 9549.50±2156.12 ng/mL for IR-tablets) and the time needed to reach Cmax (tmax) was 5.33±1.63 h for CR-tablets vs. 1.33±0.88 h for IR-tablets. In vitro-in vivo comparison of the apparent cumulative absorption amount of ketoprofen showed similar values for the two formulations. Therefore, the obtained pharmacokinetic parameters and the in vitro-in vivo comparison demonstrated the reliability of the developed pharmaceutical system and the fact that it is able to avoid the release of ketoprofen in the first part of the digestive tract

From grape to wine - Muscat Ottonel from Blaj-Târnave vineyard chemical and sensory analysis

Following the global trend of selling high-quality wines, those produced in Blaj vineyard must be superior due to a highly competitive market and consumer tastes and demands. Because the quality of wine is given by both sensory and chemical properties this work presents the phenolic fingerprint, the general chemical characteristics, and the sensory properties of the 2021 Blaj Muscat Ottonel wine as well as the phenolic composition of the grapes from which this wine was produced. Grape phenolics were represented by flavanols (73%), flavonols (14%), hydroxybenzoic acids (9.08 %) and hydroxycinnamic acids (4%), while wine phenolics by flavanols (42%), hydroxycinnamic acids (33%) and hydroxybenzoic acids (15%). Catechin and procyanidin dimer B1 were identified both in grapes and in wine. More than half of the grapes’ procyanidin dimer B1 (3.638 mg/g out of 6.379 mg/g) and more than one-tenth of grapes’ catechin (1.570 mg/g out of 9.298 mg/g) were found in wine. As the general and sensory qualities of the Blaj Muscat Ottonel wine were kept within the limits of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) demi-sweet wine, the presence of resveratrol glucoside, catechin, and procyanidin in its content supports the idea of classifying this wine as a potential nutraceutical ‘functional wine’

The Influence of Climatic Conditions on Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew in Târnave Vineyard

The main diseases that affect the vineyards in the Târnave vineyard are: grapevine downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola and grapevine powdery mildew caused by Uncinula necator. The present study aimed to address the relationship between grapevine cultivars and the main diseases, downy mildew and powdery mildew, according to climatic variability and treatments applied. The analysis was carried out over two consecutive years 2021 and 2022 on five new cultivars, the creation of SCDVV Blaj: Selena, Blasius, Rubin, Radames and Brumăriu. Disease attack was determined during the vegetation period, until harvest. Cultivar susceptibility varied, some cultivars were relatively tolerant and no cultivar was highly resistant to both diseases. In addition, a difference between foliar and grape berry susceptibility to the two diseases was observed for several cultivars. This data provide a basis for developing low-treatment disease management strategies for specific grapevine cultivars based on downy mildew and powdery mildew susceptibility/tolerance

Influence of the Climatic Conditions of the Year 2022 on the Grapevine Phenology at SCDVV Blaj

The present article attempts to describe how the effects of climate conditions affect the evolution of the grapevine phenological period in 2022. The cultivars used were Selena, Blasius, Rubin, Radames and two clones obtained approved in SCDVV Blaj: Sauvignon blanc 9Bl and Fetească albă 29 Bl. The experiment was carried out at SCDVV Blaj and included field observations, monitoring weather conditions such as temperature and precipitation. For the onset of the phenological phases: budding, flowering, veraison (colour change of grape berries) and ripening-maturation. The phenological phases of the grapevines were monitored for a growing season according to the protocol established, taking into account the BBCH grade. Temperature and precipitation are the two main climatic factors that affect the growth and development of the grapevines. Due to existing thermal conditions and continued global warming, the Târnave vineyard region is a recommended place for white grape cultivation

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London