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This work presents the morphotectonic map of the Tasso Stream-Sagittario River valley, located in the Central Abruzzo area (Marsica region), in one of the areas of highest average elevation in the Apennines chain between two main intermontane basins (i.e. the Sulmona basin and Fucino basin). It is bounded by one of the main drainage divides of Central Italy, separating the Adriatic side of the Apennines from the large endorheic Fucino area. The morphotectonic map of the Sagittario River valley is the result of an geomorphological analysis of the drainage at the basin scale in Central Italy and incorporates three main sections: orography and hydrography (upper right on the map), the main morphotectonic map (center and left on the map), and the morphotectonic profile section (lower on the map). This map provides a basis for the recognition of morphotectonic features at the basin scale, the detection of tectonic vs. surface processes' control on the landscape, and the reconstruction of the landscape evolution of the Sagittario gorges, one of the main gorges incising the carbonate ridges of the Apennines. It contributes to defining the main phases of the Quaternary landscape evolution of the inner mountain landscape of the Apennines, resulting from the combination of alternating morphotectonics (i.e. rock uplift and local tectonics) and surface processes (i.e. slope, karst, glacial and fluvial processes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy is a complex period of human growth, development, and imprinting. Nutrition and metabolism play a crucial role for the health and well-being of both mother and fetus, as well as for the long-term health of the offspring. Nevertheless, several biological and physiological mechanisms related to nutritive requirements together with their transfer and utilization across the placenta are still poorly understood. In February 2009, the Child Health Foundation invited leading experts of this field to a workshop to critically review and discuss current knowledge, with the aim to highlight priorities for future research. This paper summarizes our main conclusions with regards to maternal preconceptional body mass index, gestational weight gain, placental and fetal requirements in relation to adverse pregnancy and long-term outcomes of the fetus (nutritional programming). We conclude that there is an urgent need to develop further human investigations aimed at better understanding of the basis of biochemical mechanisms and pathophysiological events related to maternal-fetal nutrition and offspring health. An improved knowledge would help to optimize nutritional recommendations for pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with significantly high reproductive risks, ranging from infertility to fetal structural defects and long-term diseases. In this review we focus on the reproductive risks related to some micronutrients during the periconceptional period, a critical step in determining fetal development and health due to the potential onset of several disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Recently there has been increasing interest in the production of gluten-free (GF) foods and studies on minor cereals and pseudocereals without celiac activity in order to fulfill the specific needs of people affected by celiac disease. GF bread, pasta, biscuits are usually manufactured using different combinations of thickenings and particular food processing procedures that could affect starch digestibility. Carbohydrates, mainly starch from cereals, play an important part in a balanced diet, and dietary guidelines suggest a diet with low glycemic index foods, that is to say rich in slowly digested carbohydrates.Aim: The present study was aimed at evaluating: 1) the importance of some GF food characteristics in relation to their effects on in vitro starch accessibility to digestion, in comparison with traditional gluten products; 2) the in vivo metabolic responses to GF foods.Methods: Firstly, starch digestibility of several products was evaluated in vitro. Then, an in vivo study was performed on a group of healthy volunteers. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were evaluated after administration of three GF foods and traditional bread. Triglycerides and free fatty acids (FFA) were also evaluated. Attempts were also made to explore differences in metabolic responses to GF foods in healthy subjects with respect to celiac subjects.Results: The area under the curve (AUC) of digested starch of GF bread was slightly higher than that of the traditional counterpart. No significant difference was observed in AUCs of digested starch between GF pasta and the traditional pasta. The AUCs of digested starch of quinoa and the two samples of pasta were not statistically different. Significant differences were observed between GF bread and bread-like products. Statistic differences in glucose responses to GF pasta were observed between healthy and celiac subjects. In healthy subjects, the AUCs of glucose response after GF bread were higher than those after bread with gluten. No significant differences were observed between the AUCs of insulin responses to all products tested. Glycemic index (GI) for GF pasta was similar to GI for GF bread while GI for quinoa was slightly lower than that of GF pasta and bread. Two-way ANOVA revealed that quinoa induced lower FFA levels with respect to GF pasta. In addition, triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced for quinoa with respect to GF bread and bread.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the different formulations and the food processing procedures used in the manufacturing of GF products may affect the rate of starch digestion both in vitro and in vivo. It may be worthwhile improving the formulation of these products. Furthermore, quinoa seems to represent a potential alternative to traditional foods, even if further and larger studies are required to demonstrate its hypoglycemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPT) samples with different carboxyl terminal groups content were synthesized in bulk and characterized in terms of chemical structure and molecular weight. The thermal behavior was examined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. All the polymers under investigation show a good thermal stability, however decreasing with increasing carboxyl terminal groups content. No significant change of the glass transition temperature as well as melting temperature values was found in the samples under investigation; on the contrary, the crystallization rate of PPT was found to be affected by carboxyl terminal groups content, regularly decreasing as the amount of –COOH terminal groups is increased. This trend was interpreted on the basis of the interactions among the terminal groups of the polymeric chains, which determine a decrease in the chain mobility. Direct current (dc) electrical behavior was also investigated. The dc charging/discharging currents and electrical conductivity are studied as a function of temperature, time of applied voltage and amount of –COOH terminal groups. The conductivity values were found to increase as the content of –COOH end groups was increased, due to an increment of amount of ionic charge carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a letter to the editor on the efficacy of adjuvant sertraline in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia.

Seismic events in volcanic systems can be accompanied by the release of gas from the Earth's crust: of particular interest here is fossil CO2, which contains no trace of carbon-14, and therefore dilutes the carbon-14 present in the surrounding atmosphere. When landscape conformation hampers mixing confining the low carbon-14 atmosphere, it can be wondered whether a trace of the release may be found in the wood of the trees breathing it. The present article describes a limited experimental campaign aimed at testing this idea, which was conducted on trees from the Pozzuoli caldera. The results presented can in no way be conclusive; however, they seem to yield support to the possibility of finding such markers of seismic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exhaustive study of the co-catalytic activity of phosphates on titanium and titanium/hafnium based catalytic systems in poly(butylene terephthalate) synthesis was conducted in order to investigate any improvement in the process and/or in the properties of the final polymer with respect to the industrially used titanium based catalyst. Small scale polymerisation and subsequent scale up in higher capacity reactors showed a strong co-catalytic effect of phosphates. A screening on model compounds showed NaH2PO4 to be the most active co-catalyst. The co-catalysts had a stronger effect on titanium with respect to hafnium. Decreases in polymerisation time and tetrahydrofuran formation were observed, which in turn can improve the productivity of the whole process. Moreover, the use of phosphate improved the thermal stability of the final polymers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: Objectif: L’utilisation de la thermofusion dans l’hystérectomie vaginale a permis une réduction significative du temps et de la douleur postopératoire, ouvrant ainsi la voie à la réalisation de cette intervention en ambulatoire. Notre objectif a consisté en l’étude de la faisabilité de l’hystérectomie vaginale ambulatoire. Patientes et méthodes: Il s’agit d’une étude prospective à propos de 30 patientes ayant bénéficié d’une hystérectomie vaginale ambulatoire selon une technique standardisée. La douleur postopératoire a été évaluée par une échelle visuelle analogique et la durée totale de consommation d’antalgiques relevée. La satisfaction des patientes a été évaluée au moment de la visite postopératoire et par le biais d’une enquête téléphonique. Résultats: La durée opératoire moyenne était de 59,3 (25–110) minutes et le poids moyen de la pièce opératoire de 170,2 (60–710) grammes. Aucune complication intra-opératoire n’est à déplorer. Trois patientes sur 30 (10 %) n’ont pas quitté le service d’hospitalisation le jour de l’intervention. À J1 et J2, les scores de douleur (EVA) étaient de 4,40 et 4,35/10. La durée moyenne de consommation d’antalgiques a été de 5jours (3–8jours). Les patientes ont déclaré être très satisfaites de la prise en charge dans 36,7 % des cas (11/30), satisfaites dans 53,3 % (16/30) et peu satisfaites dans 10,0 % (3/30). Au total, 83,3 % (25/30) auraient accepté de refaire l’intervention dans le secteur ambulatoire. Discussion et conclusion: L’hystérectomie vaginale ambulatoire a démontré sa faible morbidité et un taux de satisfaction globale élevé. Cette technique pourrait être proposée aux femmes clairement informées des risques potentiels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel class of aliphatic polyesters, and their derived copolyesters, have been developed. Beside their specific mechanical and thermal properties, the durability, in terms of biodegradability and photodurability, has been investigated. In particular, the polymers were submitted to natural and accelerated photo-ageing and an original methodology based on melt rheology has been applied to determine molecular changes upon UV weathering. Both scission and recombination reactions, which strongly compete as a function of the exposure time, were found to cause a strong evolution of the molecular structure. The results indicate that chemical structure and stereochemistry of the novel materials define the predominant process and the overall behaviour of the samples upon UV exposure. Moreover, the changes of the molecular structure, induced by UV irradiation, could have a significant role into the further biodegradability of the polymers. Therefore, while the relationships between structure and durability enable to design materials with desired well-adapted performances according to their final destination, the biodegradable character upon lifetime use is considered as really questionable and needs further studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel copolyesters have been prepared by polycondensation and by melt mixing of poly(butylene terephthalate) with an ethoxylated bisphenol S. No side reactions occur during the synthesis of the samples, as proved by NMR analysis. The polyesters were examined by TGA and DSC. The insertion of the bisphenol S (sulfonyldiphenol) group significantly improved the thermal stability of the polymer. The thermal analysis carried out using DSC technique showed that the Tm of the copolymers decreased with increasing co-unit content, differently from Tg , which on the contrary increased, exceeding in some cases 100 °C, and crystallization rate decreased. A polymer containing only terephthalate moieties and ethoxylated bisphenol S has been prepared for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims at the reconstruction of magnitude and timing of surface uplift affecting a wide sector of the Central Apennines (Italy) by means of morphometric and morphostructural analyses. In the chain interiors (where stratigraphic and geomorphological markers of past sea-level positions are lacking) the study is based on analysis of erosional landforms and river valleys. A large-scale topographic analysis, by processing 90-m and 230-m DEMs, is performed. The spatial distribution of several morphometric parameters, together with characteristic wavelengths of relief, allowed the differentiation of three main regions affected by different cumulative surface uplift and tectonic/erosional fragmentation: a Peri-Tyrrhenian Belt, an Axial Belt and a Peri-Adriatic Belt. Particular attention is devoted to fluvial landforms, with analysis of longitudinal profiles and geometric pattern of the main drainage lines and their relations with the major structures. Major differences occur between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic valley systems. The Tyrrhenian drainage mainly consists of longitudinal valleys displaying overall concave-up longitudinal profiles. The Adriatic drainage is mainly constituted by transverse streams and shows less regular longitudinal profiles. Topographic features and the river valley architecture seem related to different styles and amounts of uplift in the three belts. Within the study area, a coast to coast transect (Gaeta-Vasto Transect, GVT) has been investigated in detail, focusing the analysis on its axial sector, around the Apennines main divide (Main Divide Area, MDA). A possible scheme of Quaternary surface uplift along the GVT is proposed. In the MDA, the main stages of landscape evolution and drainage organization can be reconstructed by means of the analysis of paleosurfaces coupled with study of the relict and present-day drainage networks. This allowed the recognition of a major phase of surface uplift (exceeding 1500 m in the Meta-Mainarde massif) that occurred in response to thrusting during the Pliocene. For Quaternary surface uplift a minimum value of 400 m can be estimated. This study suggests that, during the Quaternary, the Peri-Tyrrhenian Belt suffered a subdued uplift acting over small wavelengths (10–15 km), while the Axial and Peri-Adriatic Belts were subject to a larger and long-wavelength (90 km) surface uplift, with maximum values (about 700 m) shifted to the NE of the Axial Belt and tapering to zero towards the Adriatic coast. The reconstructed pattern of uplift is coherent with the topographic properties of the three belts and with the observed drainage features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(propylene terephthalate/2,6-naphthalate) random copolyesters (PPT-PPN) were synthesized and characterized from the molecular and thermal point of view. All the polymers showed a good thermal stability. The main effect of copolymerization was a lowering in the crystallinity and a decrease of T m respect to homopolymers. WAXD measurements indicated that PPT-PPN copolymers are characterized by isodimorphic cocrystallization. The defect free energies, calculated on the basis of the inclusion model proposed by Wendling and Suter, indicated that the amount of PT units incorporated in the poly(propylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PPN) β crystals is higher than the amount of PN units which cocrystallizes in the poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPT) crystalline phase, probably due to the larger molar volume of PN units compared to PT ones. Amorphous samples showed a monotonic increment of T g as the content of PN units is increased, due to the stiffening effect of naphthalene rings in the chain. Finally, the Fox equation described well the T g-composition data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal behavior of poly(butylene-co-2,2-bis[4-(ethylenoxy)-1,4-phenylene]propane terephthalate) copolymers (PBT/BHEEBT) was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. A good thermal stability was found for all the samples. The thermal analysis carried out using DSC technique showed that the Tm of the copolymers decreased with increasing BHEEBT unit content, different from that of Tg, which on the contrary increased. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements permitted to identify the kind of crystalline structure of PBT in all the semi-crystalline samples. The multiple endotherms typical of PBT were also evidenced in the PBT/BHEEBT samples, due to melting and recrystallization processes. By applying the Hoffman–Weeks'' method, the Tm° of the copolymers was derived. The isothermal crystallization kinetics was analyzed according to the Avrami''s treatment. The introduction of BHEEBT units decreased the PBT crystallization rate. Values of the exponent n close to 3 were obtained, independently of Tc and composition. Furthermore, the presence of a crystal–amorphous interphase was evidenced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Excessive daytime somnolence is a common adverse effect of dopamine-agonist treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Many factors, such as age and sleep disturbances, could be involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. However, pharmacokinetic factors have never been considered. In this open, prospective, pilot study, nine consecutive non-demented PD patients in early disease stages on monotherapy treatment with dopamine agonists and with no significant sleep problems, were enrolled. They were selected based on the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness induced by the dopaminergic treatment. A fast switch-over from the dopamine agonist currently used to a single equivalent dose of cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine agonist, administered at bedtime was performed. All patients were evaluated by means of UPDRS and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ES S). A significant 70% reduction of daytime sleepiness was observed during the 3-month study compared with baseline. Data from this study suggest that both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of dopamine agonist-induced sleepiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical differentiation of Lewy body dementia (LBD) from Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be difficult. The aim of the present study was to assess the dopamine transporter function and the perfusional pattern in LBD and AD in vivo. Twenty patients with probable LBD and 24 with probable AD underwent on 2 separate days a brain perfusional SPECT with 99mTc-ECD and a SPECT with 1231-FP-CIT, a ligand of dopamine transporter. In LBD a significantly (p<0.0005) lower ratio of specific (bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen) to non-specific (occipital cortex) 1231-FP-CIT binding than in AD was reported. Perfusional data (SPM analysis) showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease of temporo-parietal blood flow in AD versus LBD, whereas in LBD a significant (p<0.001) occipital hypoperfusion with respect to AD was reported. Our findings confirm that dopaminergic nigrostriatal function is impaired in LBD. The selective occipital hypoperfusion in LBD needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]