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ObjectiveTo explore the utility of using patient reported emergence of new symptoms (ES) as an outcome measure during the early phase of the disease.MethodsWe analyzed data from MDS-UPDRS Part IB and Part II from the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Assessment of Isradipine for PD (STEADY-PD3) study, with at least one annual follow-up over two years. We divided the sample into categories of follow-up visit (between 0 and 12-months, and 13 and 24-months) and the number of ES for each part of the scale between participants who started symptomatic treatment and those who did not (STx-yes/no). We assessed ES differences between participants STx in each follow-up visit using Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kaplan-Meier analyses.ResultsOf 331 participants observed for months 0 to 12, 288 (87%) developed ES, and 182 (55%) started STx. For Part IB, the median number of ES did not significantly differ between the STx groups (Z=-0.86, p = 0.39), while for Part 2, the number of ES was significantly higher for the STx-yes group (Z=-2.38, p=0.02). Of 148 participants who continued to be observed for months 13 to 24, 114 (77%) developed ES, and 62 (42%) started STx. For Part IB, the median number of ES did not significantly differ between the STx groups (Z=-0.33, p = 0.74), while for Part 2, the number of ES was significantly higher for the STx-yes group (Z=-2.25, p=0.02).ConclusionsAssessing ES among patient-reported experiences of daily living may provide a useful marker for tracking PD progression.

Two novel lipophilic derivatives of the natural olive oil phenol, hydroxytyrosol (HT), were synthesized using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid as starting material. Their antioxidant activities and kinetics compared to HT and TBHQ were assessed by Rancimat, Schaal Oven, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and deep-frying methods. All experiments, including kinetic data analysis based on the Arrhenius equation, utilized in assessing antioxidant activity except the DPPH assay revealed that the new lipophilic HT derivatives exhibited much stronger antioxidant activity than hydroxytyrosol. Tert-butylhydroquinone exhibited stronger antioxidant activity in bulk oil at 65 °C than the new HT derivatives, but showed much lower activity at higher temperatures (>110 °C). This demonstrates that the introduction of bulky alkyl moiety to the ortho-diphenolic structure of HT increased its antioxidant activity. It can be concluded that the new lipophilic HT derivatives satisfy industrial demands for bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant potential at high temperatures.

A fluorescent sensor for NH4+ based on 1,3,5-triethylbenzene shows remarkable binding and sensing selectivity for NH4+vs. K+. Fluorescence and NMR titrations reveal surprising differences in the sensing properties and binding constants of tris-(3,5-dimethyl)pyrazole 1vs. tris(3,5-diphenyl)pyrazole 2. The roles of ion pairing and solvation are revealed by X-ray and DFT studies.

The aim of this retrospective case study is the longitudinal description of the physical and functional parameters of a top-level Paralympic swimmer class S9-SB8-SM9 during four swimming seasons of training, from the Paralympic games in London 2012 to the Paralympic games in Rio 2016. A 22-year-old male swimmer underwent a specific preventive dry-land training based on diaphragmatic breathing, postural alignment, and slow-velocity resistance training aimed to improve his muscle strength. He was tested by using the Functional Movement Screen™, photographic postural assessment and vertical jump. The swimmer improved his functional, postural and strength parameters indicating a better functional movement and muscular power. These results show that a four-year specific dry-land intervention could be capable of enhancing the functional and physical requirements of a top-level Paralympic swimmer. This approach might be a suitable novel alternative for coaches and athletic trainers to integrate their training protocols for athletes with similar impairments.

There is proliferation of alcoholic beverages flavoured with herbal-extracts that are perceived to have medicinal values. Information on the phytochemical and heavy metal contents of these products is scarce. This study assessed the phytochemical properties and heavy metal contents of herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages in major motor parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The phytochemical properties of the beverages were determined in triplicate using standard methods, while the heavy metal contents were assessed while using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and means were compared using ANOVA at p &lt, 0.05.The pH range of the beverages was 3.28&ndash, 6.57 and the alcohol content was 34.0&ndash, 51.5%. Detected major phytochemicals and concentration ranges were phytic acid (0.72&ndash, 2.37 mg/g), alkaloids (0.42&ndash, 4.11 mg/g), flavonoids (0.22&ndash, 3.64 mg rutin equivalents/g), total phenols (1.13&ndash, 3.66 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), anthraquinones (0.74&ndash, 1.93 mg/g),and triterpenoids (0.74&ndash, 1.93 mg/g). The heavy metal contents were Pb (2.13&ndash, 4.70 mg/L), Cd (0.06&ndash, 0.07 mg/L), Co (0.12&ndash, 0.23 mg/L), Zn (0.14&ndash, 0.40 mg/L), and Fe (0.72&ndash, 4.22 mg/L), only Pb and Cd were above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits of 0.01 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L in water, respectively. The herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages contain beneficial phytochemicals and traces of heavy metals. Safety awareness of these products for improved consumers&rsquo, health would be of public health importance.

There is proliferation of alcoholic beverages flavoured with herbal-extracts perceived to have medicinal values. Information on the phytochemical and heavy metal contents of these products is scarce. This study assessed the phytochemical properties and heavy metal contents of herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages in major motor parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The phytochemical properties of the beverages were determined in triplicate using standard methods while the heavy metal contents were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and means were compared using ANOVA at p

Public summaryWork package 5In situ biodegradationDeliverable N° 5.9

Work package 5. In situ biodegradation Deliverable N° 5.6: Validation of lab and mesocosm tests against field experiments

In the last 20 years, a new generation of materials was developed: the biodegradable plastics. They reduce the accumulation of plastic in the environment and the cost of waste management because they can be fed in composting plants or, if used in agriculture (mulch films), they are applied to the soil and left there. Tenmonomers were chosen among themost used in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers (1,2-ethanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, terephthalic acid, glucose, lactic acid, and succinic acid) and tested according to ASTM 5988- 96 (a standard test method for determining aerobic biodegradation in soil of plastic materials measuring the carbon dioxide evolution). Two sandy loam soils, collected in two different sites in Italy, were used to evaluate the mineralization rate of the monomers. Four tests (two replicates each) were carried out for 27– 39 days. Experimental data show no relevant differences in the respirations of the two soils and in the carbon dioxide productions of the tested monomers. The final mineralization percent was 42–45% for glucose, succinic, and lactic acid and 50–56% for the other monomers.

In this study, two species of mulberry leaves were used as materials and four different size powders (about 20-115 µm, 15-20 µm, 10-15 µm and