Assessment of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid comparing acute relapse and stable disease in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Previous studies have reported an involvement of neuroactive steroids as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS); an analysis of their profile during a specific clinical phase of MS is largely unknown. The pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and allopregnanolone (ALLO) profile was evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients as well as those in patients affected by non-inflammatory neurological (control group I) and without neurological disorders (control group II). An increase of PREG and DHEA values was shown in CSF of male and female RR-MS patients compared to those observed in both control groups. The ALLO values were significantly lower in female RR-MS patients than those found in male RR-MS patients and in female without neurological disorder. During the clinical relapse, we observed female RR-MS patients showing significantly increased PREG values compared to female RR-MS patients in stable phase, while their ALLO values showed a significant decrease compared to male RR-MS patients of the same group. Male RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed PREG and DHEA values higher than those found in female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Similary, male RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed PREG and DHEA values higher than male without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed DHEA values higher than those found in female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Male and female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed ALLO values higher than those found in respective gender groups without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. ALLO values were lower in male than in female RR-MS patients without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Considering the pharmacological properties of neuroactive steroids and the observation that neurological disorders influence their concentrations, these endogenous compounds may have an important role as prognostic factors of the disease and used as markers of MS activity such as relapses

Production procedures and mechanical behaviour of interlocking stabilized compressed earth blocks (ISCEBs) manufactured using float ram 1.0 press

This paper illustrates an innovative manufacturing procedure for producing handcrafted interlocking stabilized compressed earth blocks (ISCEBs). A comparison of the mechanical properties of ISCEBs is conducted to assess the influence of varying components. The ISCEBs are manufactured by employing different block densities with three distinct mixtures (earth, earth and lime, earth and straw) and by using a human-powered machine named Float RAM 1.0 Press. The manual press was conceived for regions with limited access to technology and allows the production of interlocking blocks via two modes of compaction: mono-directional and bi-directional. A production average of approximately 30 blocks/hour corresponding to the work of three people is achieved. Three-point bending tests and uniaxial compression tests are carried out to investigate the ISCEB mechanical behaviour. The improvements obtained by incorporating additives into the subset of ISCEBs made from a pure earth mixture are tested. The aim of this work is to identify, for this specific technology, the relationship between production parameters and the consequent behaviour of different stabilization methods. A correlation is found between the compaction force and the compression strength of ISCEBs. The addition of lime increases strength and causes the blocks to exhibit a brittle behaviour. Moreover, the incorporation of straw fibres improves the tensile strength and ductility without significantly affecting the compression strength of the blocks. Energy-based parameters are obtained for all the tests, allowing the assessment of the ISCEB mechanical and dissipation properties

Godišnje promjene nekih pokazatelja mijene tvari u mliječnih krava na području Sredozemlja.

The seasonal rhythms reflect the ability of the endogenous adaptive mechanism to react in advance to the regular environmental changes associated with the seasons. It seems that these biochemical parameters are often influenced by a change in physiological status. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of annual variations of some biochemical parameters in dairy cows. The experimental subjects were ten dairy cows and the start of the experimental period coincided with the last month of pregnancy. These animals were monitored for one year and blood samples were collected every month. From the obtained sera, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), tryglicerides, β-hydroxybutyrate, total proteins, calcium and phosphorus were assessed by means of an automated spectrophotometer. All the results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Data were normally distributed (P<0.05, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). One method of repeated measurement, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), was applied to determine the effect of time during the experimental period (12 months) and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Using cosinor-rhythmometry, three rhythmic parameters were determined: mesor (mean level), amplitude (half the range of oscillation) and acrophase (Φ, time of peak). A significant effect of time (P<0.0001) was shown for all the parameters, except for NEFA. After application of cosinor rhythmometry, only total bilirubin, creatinine, triglycerides and β-hydroxybutyrate showed a seasonal rhythm. In conclusion we can affirm that our results supplement the current information available about the circannual changes in the metabolic activity of these animals and help us to evaluate the adaptation of these animals to environmental changes, together with the metabolic effect of calving and lactation.Ritam promjene godišnjih doba utječe na endogeni adaptacijski mehanizam kako bi on unaprijed reagirao na sezonske promjene u okolišu. Čini se da promjene u fiziološkom stanju često utječu na biokemijske pokazatelje vezane uz taj mehanizam. Svrha je ovog istraživanja procijeniti utjecaj godišnjih promjena na neke biokemijske pokazatelje u mliječnih krava. U pokus je bilo uzeto 10 mliječnih krava, a sam je pokus započeo kad su one bile u posljednjem mjesecu bređosti. Krave su bile promatrane tijekom jedne godine, a krv im je bila uzimana svaki mjesec. Uzeti uzorci seruma bili su automatskim spekrofotometrom pretraženi na ukupni bilirubin, dušik iz ureje u krvi (BUN), kreatinin, ukupni kolesterol, neesterificirane masne kiseline, trigliceride, β-hidroksibutirat, ukupne bjelančevine te kalcij i fosfor. Rezultati su bili izraženi kao srednja vrijednost ± standardna devijacija (SD). Podatci su bili normalno distribuirani (P<0,05, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Za ponovljeno mjerenje bila je primijenjena analiza varijance (ANOVA) kako bi se odredio učinak vremena tijekom pokusnog razdoblja (12 mjeseci) te su P vrijednosti <0,05 smatrane statistički značajnima. Uporabom Cosinor ritmometrije određena su četiri ritmička pokazatelja: mesor (srednja vrijednost), amplituda (polovica područja oscilacije) i akrofaza (Φ, vršno vrijeme). Značajan učinak vremena (P<0,0001) dokazan je za sve pokazatelje, osim za neesterificirane masne kiseline. Nakon primjene cosinor ritmometrije samo su ukupni bilirubin, kreatinin, trigliceridi i β-hidroksibutirat pokazivali sezonski ritam. Zaključno se može potvrditi da rezulati predstavljaju doprinos aktualnim informacijama o godišnjim promjenama metaboličke aktivnosti u krava i pomažu vrednovanju njihove prilagodbe okolišnim promjenama kod teljenja i laktacije

Isoflavones in aglycone solution enhance ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage repair efficiency.

The isoflavones daidzein and genistein are natural compounds which have anti-inflammatory and photoprotective activities, and may be effective in the repair of ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage. In this study, an alcoholic solution of aglycone isoflavones with a genistein:daidzein ratio of 1:4 [Rottapharm (RPH)-aglycone] was examined for its effects on the repair of DNA damage induced by a single dose of UVB irradiation (20 mJ/cm2). For this purpose, human skin cells were first UVB-irradiated and then treated with RPH-aglycone. Comet assay analysis was used to estimate the UVB-induced DNA damage at different time points after treatment by measuring the tail moment parameter. We found that treatment with 10 μmol/L RPH-aglycone solution resulted in a significantly reduced tail moment at 1 h after treatment, and 34-35% enhancement of damage repair at 4 h after treatment. These results suggest that isoflavone aglycones are protective against UVB-induced DNA damage. © 2014 British Association of Dermatologists

Atorvastatin combined to interferon to verify the efficacy (ACTIVE) in relapsing-remitting active multiple sclerosis patients: a longitudinal controlled trial of combination therapy.

A large body of evidence suggests that, besides their cholesterol-lowering effect, statins exert anti-inflammatory action. Consequently, statins may have therapeutic potential in immune-mediated disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Our objectives were to determine safety, tolerability and efficacy of low-dose atorvastatin plus high-dose interferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis patients responding poorly to interferon beta-1a alone. Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients, aged 18–50 years, with contrast-enhanced lesions or relapses while on therapy with interferon beta-1a 44 mg (three times weekly) for 12 months, were randomized to combination therapy (interferon+atorvastatin 20mg per day; group A) or interferon alone (group B) for 24 months. Patients underwent blood analysis and clinical assessment with the Expanded Disability Status Scale every 3 months, and brain gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at screening, and 12 and 24 months thereafter. Primary outcome measure was contrast-enhanced lesion number. Secondary outcome measures were number of relapses, EDSS variation and safety laboratory data. Forty-five patients were randomized to group A (n 1⁄4 21) or B (n 1⁄4 24). At 24 months, group A had significantly fewer contrast-enhanced lesions versus baseline (p 1⁄4 0.007) and significantly fewer relapses versus the two pre-randomization years (p < 0.001). At survival analysis, the risk for a 1-point EDSS increase was slightly higher in group B than in group A (p 1⁄4 0.053). Low-dose atorvastatin may be beneficial, as add-on therapy, in poor responders to high-dose interferon beta-1a alone

Imaging the three-dimensional architecture of the Middle Aterno basin (2009 L’Aquila earthquake, Central Italy) using ground TDEM and seismic noise surveys: preliminary results

We present preliminary results from a multidisciplinary geophysical approach applied to the imaging of the threedimensional architecture of the Middle Aterno basin, close to the epicentral area of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (central Italy). We collected several time domain electromagnetic soundings (TDEM) coupled with seismic noise measurements focusing on the characterization of the bedrock/infill interface. Our preliminary results agree with existing geophysical data collected in the area, and show that the southeastern portion of the basin is characterized by a deepening of the Mesozoic-Tertiary bedrock down to a depth of more than 450 m. We found that a joint use of electromagnetic and seismic methods significantly contributes in obtaining new insights on the 3D geometry of the Middle Aterno basin. Moreover, we believe that our combined approach based on TDEM and noise measurements can be adopted to investigate similar geological settings elsewhere.PublishedPescina, Fucino Basin, Italy2T. Tettonica attiva7A. Geofisica di esplorazioneope

Imaging the three-dimensional architecture of the Middle Aterno basin (2009 L’Aquila earthquake, Central Italy) using ground TDEM and seismic noise surveys: preliminary results

We present preliminary results from a multidisciplinary geophysical approach applied to the imaging of the threedimensional architecture of the Middle Aterno basin, close to the epicentral area of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (central Italy). We collected several time domain electromagnetic soundings (TDEM) coupled with seismic noise measurements focusing on the characterization of the bedrock/infill interface. Our preliminary results agree with existing geophysical data collected in the area, and show that the southeastern portion of the basin is characterized by a deepening of the Mesozoic-Tertiary bedrock down to a depth of more than 450 m. We found that a joint use of electromagnetic and seismic methods significantly contributes in obtaining new insights on the 3D geometry of the Middle Aterno basin. Moreover, we believe that our combined approach based on TDEM and noise measurements can be adopted to investigate similar geological settings elsewhere

A rare cause of recurrent syncope: chemodectoma of left carotid

Syncope is a frequent cause of access to emergency departments. Recurrent syncope may be associated with a transient lock of consciousness. When neurological or cardiological common causes of syncope are excluded, rare causes of syncope, such as solid carotid tumors, should be considered. In this study, we report a rare case of left carotid chemodectoma in a patient with frequent access to the emergency room for syncope in which a thorough differential diagnosis has been performed

Preliminary Assessment of Radiolysis for the Cooling Water System in the Rotating Target of {SORGENTINA}-{RF}

The SORGENTINA-RF project aims at developing a 14 MeV fusion neutron source featuring an emission rate in the order of 5-7 x 10(13) s(-1). The plant relies on a metallic water-cooled rotating target and a deuterium (50%) and tritium (50%) ion beam. Beyond the main focus of medical radioisotope production, the source may represent a multi-purpose neutron facility by implementing a series of neutron-based techniques. Among the different engineering and technological issues to be addressed, the production of incondensable gases and corrosion product into the rotating target deserves a dedicated investigation. In this study, a preliminary analysis is carried out, considering the general layout of the target and the present choice of the target material