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The interaction of cadmium (Cd) with photosynthesis was investigated in poplar ( Populus x canadensis Mönch., clone A4A, Populus nigra L., clone Poli) and willow ( Salix alba L., clone SS5) clones that had different leaf metal concentrations in preliminary experiments. Plants grown in the presence of 50 μm CdSO4 for 3 weeks under hydroponic conditions were used to examine leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and images, and for Cd detection using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). Leaves were finally analysed for Cd and phytochelatin concentrations. Results showed that SS5 had the highest leaf Cd concentration and high gas exchange activity similar to that of Poli, which had the lowest Cd concentration. Leaf fluorescence images evidenced in large undamaged areas of SS5 corresponded to high values of Fv/Fm, Fo, ΦPSII, qP and NPQ, while patches of dark colour (visible necrosis) close to the main vein corresponded to low values of these parameters. In A4A, these necrotic patches were more diffuse on the leaf blade and associated with a range of fluorescence parameter values. ED-XRF analysis indicated that Cd was only detectable in necroses of SS5 leaves, while in A4A it was relatively more diffuse. Phytochelatins (PCs) were not detected in SS5, while their concentration was high in both Poli and A4A. The absence of these molecules in SS5 is thought to favour confinement of high accumulations of Cd to necrotic areas and gives SS5 the ability to maintain high photosynthesis and transpiration in remaining parts of the leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time course of symbiotic N2-fixing and photosynthetic activities during vegetative growth from 30 d after plantation until pod set was measured in the CB5 and 7964 cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes of contrasting senescence traits. At emergence, seedlings were inoculated with a "non-cowpea miscellany" Rhizobium strain generally used to inoculate Cicer arietinum. Maximum N2-fixing activity occurred in inoculated CB5 and 7964 plants about 54 and 68 d after plantation, respectively. A similar temporal shift of maximum was found for net photosynthetic rate ( P N), confirming a good coordination between the two processes. A higher P N was found from the first measurements in inoculated plants of both genotypes as compared with uninoculated plants. Apparently, the maximum activity of both N2-fixation and P N was timed to occur at a particular stage of plant ontogeny correlating the high N supply with the high N demand by the plant. Rhizobium inoculation did not significantly affect partitioning coefficients of biomass to various plant organs but extended leaf longevity by about 10 d in the CB5 genotype, retarding thus the monocarpic senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients' attitudes and subjective experience are crucial in the management of severe mental illness, but their practical value is overlooked. Objectives: To identify predictors of future adherence to LAI antipsychotic maintenance treatment of schizophrenia among socio-demographic, clinical, and psychometric characteristics - including Drug Attitude Inventory-10 (DAI-10) and Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics short form (SWN-K) scores. Methods: Retrospective baseline data from 53 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia switched from oral to LAI therapy were collected. Patients continuing treatment at the time of analysis (n=29) were compared to those who had discontinued it (n=24). Selected variables were further evaluated in survival analyses. Results: Between-group differences are presented in Table 1 (**: p<0.01; *: p<0.05). Cox regression analysis included instruction, employment, hospitalisations, PANSS subscales and DAI-10 scores: a protective role against treatment discontinuation was outlined only for employment (HR 0.16; 95%CI 0.05-0.50) and higher DAI-10 scores (HR 0.85; 95%CI 0.78-0.94). DAI-10 scores delineated distinct adherence trajectories (Figure 1). Conclusions: Baseline DAI-10 scores may identify patients at risk of dropout after switching to LAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Francesco Pietrini,1 Umberto Albert,2 Andrea Ballerini,3 Paola Calò,4 Giuseppe Maina,5 Federica Pinna,6 Marco Vaggi,7 Ileana Boggian,8 Maria Fontana,4 Cesare Moro,9 Bernardo Carpiniello10,61Department of Mental Health and Addictions, Central Tuscany NHS Trust, Florence, Italy; 2Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; 3Department of Health Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, Florence, Italy; 4Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Lecce, Lecce, Italy; 5Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; 6Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; 7Department of Mental Health and Drug Addiction ASL 3 Genoa, Azienda Sanitaria 3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy; 8Department of Mental Health, Azienda Ulss 9 Scaligera, Legnago, Italy; 9Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Bergamo Ovest, Treviglio, Italy; 10Psychiatric Clinical Unit, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, ItalyAbstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic syndrome involving different clinical dimensions, and causes significant disability with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Current guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia focus on maximizing a patient’s adaptive functioning and quality of life in a recovery-oriented approach that encourages active collaboration among patients, caregivers, and mental health professionals to design and manage a customized and comprehensive care plan. In the present study, a panel of experts (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse, and social worker) gathered to review and explore the need for contemporary use of second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables (SGA LAIs) in “recovery-oriented” and “patient-centered” care of schizophrenia. Starting from the available data and from sharing personal attitudes and experiences, the panel selected three clinical dimensions considered useful in characterizing each patient: phase of disease, adherence to treatment, and level of functioning. For each clinical dimension, perspectives of patients and caregivers with regard to needs, expectations, and personal experiences were reviewed and the role of SGA LAIs in achieving shared goals examined. The experts concluded that from today’s modern perspectives, SGA-LAIs may play an important role in breaking the spiral of desocialization and functional decline in schizophrenia, thus favoring the recovery process.Keywords: long-acting injections, antipsychotic, schizophrenia, quality of life, subjective well-being, recovery