Dificultades para la colaboración en investigación entre cardiólogos y médicos de urgencias / Difficulties for research collaboration between cardiologists and emergency service doctors

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The (87)Sr/(86)Sr strontium isotopic systematics applied to Glera vineyards: a tracer for the geographical origin of the Prosecco.

Glera vineyards from the Prosecco wine district in northern Italy have been characterised in terms of the (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope-ratio of musts from the 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages, coupled with the isotopic analysis of Sr in the labile fraction of the soils of provenance. For a single vineyard, detailed Sr isotopic analyses were carried out in sequentially extracted soil fractions at three different depths, and in the grape components (skin, seeds, must and stem), in order to verify the lack of Sr isotopic fractionation within the plant. The (87)Sr/(86)Sr in must, seeds and stem overlaps within experimental uncertainties; skins are shifted towards a lower Sr isotopic composition. A large range of Sr isotopic compositions ((87)Sr/(86)Sr between 0.70706 and 0.71215) characterizes musts from the different vineyards, notwithstanding the relatively limited extension of the investigated geographic area. A statistically significant correspondence between the soil labile fraction and must is observed.

Muscle LIM protein/CSRP3: a mechanosensor with a role in autophagy.

Muscle LIM protein (MLP) is a microtubule-associated protein expressed in cardiac and muscle tissues that belongs to the cysteine-rich protein (CSRP/CRP) family. MLP has a central role during muscle development and for architectural maintenance of muscle cells. However, muscle cells rely on autophagy during differentiation and for structural maintenance. To study the role of MLP in autophagy, we have used C2C12 mouse myoblasts silenced or overexpressing MLP. Our results show that MLP contributes to the correct autophagosome formation and flux by interacting with LC3 as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and PLA assay. In fact, MLP silencing results in decreased LC3-II staining and absent degradation of long-lived proteins. Moreover, MLP silencing impaired myoblasts differentiation as measured by decreased expression of MyoD1, MyoG1 and myosin heavy chain. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of large empty autophagosomes in myoblasts and multimembranous structures in myotubes from MLP-silenced clones. Impaired autophagy in MLP-silenced cells resulted in increased susceptibility to apoptotic cell death. In fact, treatment of MLP-silenced C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes with staurosporine resulted in increased caspase-3 and PARP cleavage as well as increased percentage of cell death. In conclusion, we propose that MLP regulates autophagy during muscle cell differentiation or maintenance through a mechanism involving MLP/LC3-II interaction and correct autophagosome formation.

Italian study on buckwheat allergy: prevalence and clinical features of buckwheat-sensitized patients in Italy.

Buckwheat allergy is considered a rare food allergy outside of Asia. In Europe, buckwheat has been described mainly as a hidden allergen. Data on the prevalence of buckwheat hypersensitivity in non-Asian countries is very poor. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the prevalence of buckwheat sensitization and its association with other sensitizations among patients referred to allergy clinics in different geographic areas of Italy. All patients referred to 18 Italian allergy clinics from February through April 2011 were included in the study and evaluated for sensitization to buckwheat and other allergens depending on their clinical history. A total of 1,954 patients were included in the study and 61.3 percent of them were atopic. Mean prevalence of buckwheat sensitization was 3.6 percent with significant difference between Northern (4.5 percent), Central (2.2 percent) and Southern (2.8 percent) regions. This is, to our knowledge, the largest epidemiological survey on buckwheat allergy reported outside of Asia. Buckwheat is an emerging allergen in Italy, being more frequently associated to sensitization in Northern regions.

SIRT3 protects from hypoxia and staurosporine-mediated cell death by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular pH.

Mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) mediates cellular resistance toward various forms of stress. Here, we show that in mammalian cells subjected to hypoxia and staurosporine treatment SIRT3 prevents loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(mt)), intracellular acidification and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Our results indicate that: (i) SIRT3 inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition and loss of membrane potential by preventing HKII binding to the mitochondria, (ii) SIRT3 increases catalytic activity of the mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase VB, thereby preventing intracellular acidification, Bax activation and apoptotic cell death. In conclusion we propose that, in mammalian cells, SIRT3 has a central role in connecting changes in ΔΨ(mt), intracellular pH and mitochondrial-regulated apoptotic pathways.

Recovering correct phase information in multiwavelength digital holographic microscopy by compensation for chromatic aberrations.

We demonstrate experimentally that correct phase imaging without 2pi ambiguity is obtainable in digital holography by using a multiwavelength approach in the microscope configuration. We describe a general approach for removing chromatic aberrations and for controlling the pixel size of the reconstructed phase image in multiwavelength digital holography when the Fourier transform method is adopted for the numerical reconstruction of digital holograms. The retrieved phase is affected by the unavoidable, unwanted chromatic aberration. The correct phase can be obtained by evaluating the phase from the reference holograms reconstructed at different wavelengths to compensate for the chromatic aberration.

Two-dimensional mapping of electro-optic phase retardation in lithium niobate crystals by digital holography.

We demonstrate accurate two-dimensional mapping of the phase retardation induced by the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate crystals. Off-axis digital holography is used to investigate congruent z-cut crystals. The spatially resolved optical path difference is interferometrically measured while a linearly rising voltage ramp is applied to the crystal. This procedure provides information on the uniformity of crystals' electro-optic properties and offers the ability to detect the presence of defects that is of fundamental importance for reliable processing of photonic devices.

Potential application of coal-fuel oil ash for the manufacture of building materials.

In this paper coal-fuel oil ash has been characterized in terms of leaching behaviour and reactivity against lime and gypsum in hydratory systems for the manufacture of building materials. Its behaviour was also compared to that of coal ash. Metal release was measured in a dynamic leaching test with duration up to 16 days. The results have shown that coal-fuel oil ash behaves very similarly to coal ash. The reactivity of coal-fuel oil ash against lime and gypsum was measured in mixtures containing only lime and in mixtures containing both lime and gypsum. These systems were hydrated at 25 and 40 degrees C under 100% R.H. The results have shown that the main hydration products are the same as those that are usually formed in similar coal ash-based systems. That is, calcium silicate hydrate in coal-fuel oil ash/lime systems and calcium silicate hydrate plus calcium trisulphoaluminate hydrate in coal-fuel oil ash/lime/gypsum systems. From the quantitative point of view, hydration runs showed that the amounts of both chemically combined water and reacted lime measured in the case under investigation are very similar to those found in similar coal ash-based systems. Finally, the measurement of unconfined compressive strength proved that the systems have potentiality for the manufacture of pre-formed building blocks.

Obesity and borderline personality symptomatology: comparison of a psychiatric versus primary care sample.

This study explores the relationship between obesity and borderline personality symptomatology in two clinical settings: a psychiatric vs primary care setting. The body mass indices (BMI) of 48 women from a psychiatric outpatient setting and 83 women from a primary care setting were calculated. Each participant completed the borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Revised (PDQ-R). While BMI and PDQ-R were moderately related in the psychiatric sample (r=0.43, P<0.01), there was a lack of association between these variables in the primary care sample (r=0.04, P>0.05). In conclusion, women's increasing body weight appears to have some degree of correlation to borderline personality symptomatology among psychiatric patients, whereas it apparently does not among primary care patients.

Adult somatic preoccupation and its relationship to childhood trauma.

Somatic preoccupation has been associated with a variety of comorbid psychiatric conditions including childhood trauma, personality disorder, and depression. The current study was undertaken to simultaneously explore the inter-relationship of these psychiatric variables as conceptualized in a path model. Participants (N = 120), both men and women, seen for nonemergent health care in a resident-staffed internal medicine clinic, were given questionnaires exploring the presence of childhood trauma, borderline personality symptomatology, current depression, worry, and somatic preoccupation. With one exception, all simple correlation coefficients among study variables were relatively substantial. By sequencing variables into an a priori model and using a path analytic approach, several indirect and direct relationships among variables were evident. Most important, childhood trauma exhibited a direct effect on somatic preoccupation as well as indirect effects through borderline personality disturbance and current depression. These data suggest that childhood trauma may be a precursor for somatic preoccupation during adulthood.

Childhood trauma and adult somatic preoccupation by body area among women in an internal medicine setting: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the relationship between three types of abuse in childhood and their relationship to somatic preoccupation, in general and by body area, in adulthood. METHOD: Eighty-five women in an internal medicine clinic completed self-report measures of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse as well as the Bradford Somatic Inventory. RESULTS: Using simple correlations, all three types of abuse were positively related to current somatic preoccupation. Using multiple regression analysis that included demographic variables (education and age) and the three forms of childhood abuse, only the demographic variables and sexual abuse were uniquely predictive of somatic preoccupation. To determine the relationship between childhood abuse and somatic symptoms based on body area (head, chest, stomach, throat) and fatigue, a series of multiple regression analyses were performed. The chest and throat areas were significant, but no abuse variable was uniquely predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Among females in adulthood, all studied forms of abuse in childhood appear to contribute to general somatic preoccupation, as well as specific somatic symptoms in the chest and throat areas. Sexual abuse, specifically, is a unique predictor for general somatic preoccupation, but not necessarily specific body areas.

Patterns of self-harm behavior among women with borderline personality symptomatology: psychiatric versus primary care samples.

The current study investigated differences in self-harm behavior among individuals with borderline personality symptomatology from two different clinical settings. Participants were women, between the ages of 18 and 45, from an outpatient mental health setting or a primary care setting. Each participant completed the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI) and the borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Revised (PDQ-R). Using a predetermined cut-off for substantial borderline personality symptomatology on the SHI, group comparisons with chi(2) analyses indicated that "overdosed" and "hit self" were significantly more common in the mental health subsample whereas "abused laxatives" was significantly more common in the primary care subsample. Using a predetermined cut-off for borderline personality on the PDQ-R, chi-square analyses indicated that "overdosed" and "hit self" remained significantly more common in the mental health subsample. Despite these differences, there was remarkable similarity of symptoms between groups. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The prevalence of borderline personality disorder among individuals with obesity: a critical review of the literature.

Through a MEDLINE and PsycLIT database search, all US studies relating to the prevalence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) among obese individuals were reviewed. The highest rates of BPD among these individuals were found in samples recruited from psychologically oriented settings (i.e., eating disorders program, mental health setting). Lowest rates were found among those seeking weight loss in non-psychological programs or those in primary care settings. Among those studies examining individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED), all indicated a higher-than-community prevalence of BPD. These data suggest that the prevalence of BPD appears increased among those obese individuals seeking psychological care or who have BED.

Perceptions of parents' health status and relationship to somatic preoccupation.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the potential relationship of family factors to somatic preoccupation. METHOD: A total of 116 internal medicine patients completed research booklets exploring perceptions of parents' health, childhood trauma, borderline personality symptomatology [Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Revised (PDQ-R)], and somatic preoccupation (Bradford Somatic Inventory). RESULTS: Simple correlations revealed that most of the relationships between somatic preoccupation and remaining study variables were statistically significant (e.g., poor parental health status correlated to somatic preoccupation). Using path analysis, poor perception of mother's health demonstrated an indirect effect on somatic preoccupation via borderline personality symptomatology, whereas, poor perception of father's health demonstrated an indirect effect on somatic preoccupation via childhood trauma. Neither parents' health status demonstrated direct effects on somatic preoccupation. CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be parent gender differences in the mediation of the relationship between poor parental health status and somatic preoccupation in the offspring. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Physician mental health and substance abuse. What are state medical licensure applications asking?

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and characterize the questions on initial applications for medical licensure (nonosteopathic) as they relate to applicants' mental health and substance abuse. DESIGN: Collection and analysis of applications for initial medical licensure (nonosteopathic) from 50 states and the District of Columbia. PARTICIPANTS: Nonosteopathic medical licensure applications of 47 states and the District of Columbia (N = 48). INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of questions per application relating to mental health problems and substance abuse, in addition to time qualifiers (e.g., current difficulty, specified number of years in the past, ever) and impairment qualifiers (e.g., functional impairment, treatment, hospitalization) per question or set of questions for each area. RESULTS: Of 48 applications analyzed, 41 (85%) inquired about mental health problems and 43 (90%) inquired about substance abuse. Most explored periods between the past 10 years and the present; functional impairment was the most common inquiry. CONCLUSIONS: Applications for nonosteopathic medical licensure most often inquire about physicians' recent history of mental health and substance abuse problems as well as related functional impairment. Variation of items across state applications may have important implications for some physician applicants.

Obesity among sexually abused women: an adaptive function for some?

In an attempt to explore the possibly adaptive function obesity may serve for some women with histories of sexual trauma, we examined relationships among sexual abuse history, body dissatisfaction, and maximum weight fluctuation among obese (n = 38; Body Mass Index > or = 27.3) and nonobese (n = 112; Body Mass Index < 27.3) women sampled from a primary care medical setting. History of sexual abuse was unrelated to current body weight within the entire sample, as well as the nonobese and the obese subsamples. However, the interaction between obesity and sexual abuse was statistically significant in the prediction of both current/ideal body-weight discrepancy (i.e., body dissatisfaction) and maximum weight fluctuation during adulthood. Among nonobese women, history of sexual abuse was unrelated to current body dissatisfaction but was related to greater maximal weight fluctuation during adulthood. Among obese women, those with a history of sexual abuse reported relatively less current body dissatisfaction and less weight fluctuation during adulthood compared to nonsexually-abused obese women. Results are discussed with regard to the potential adaptive function obesity may play for some sexually abused women and the need for additional research using larger, more diverse samples and more elaborate measures.

The Self-Harm Inventory (SHI): development of a scale for identifying self-destructive behaviors and borderline personality disorder.

Intentional self-harm behavior is an important clinical phenomenon that appears highly related to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Self-harm behavior in the context of borderline personality probably exists along a continuum from graphic, self-harm behavior to milder forms of self-sabotaging behavior that might be viewed as self-defeating Relatively little attention has been paid to developing a self-report measure of intentional self-harm, particularly as a screening device for detecting BPD. In Study 1, an initial list of self-harm behaviors encountered in clinical practice was narrowed to those behaviors related to BPD in a sample comprised of adults from both a mental health and non-mental health setting. All participants (N = 221) underwent a semistructured diagnostic interview for BPD. Using a cut-off score of 5 on the resulting 22-item Self-Harm Inventory (SHI), 83.7% of research participants were correctly classified as having BPD or not. In Study 2, women (N = 285) sampled from an outpatient medical setting completed the SHI and a widely used self-report measure of BPD. The SHI cut-off score resulted in correct classification of 87.9% of the individuals. In Study 3, using a sample of adults involuntarily hospitalized for psychiatric reasons (N = 32), the SHI performed at least as well as another self-report measure of BPD in diagnosing participants (the final diagnosis was based on a semistructured interview). The results are discussed with regard to potential advantages and utility of the SHI and need for further validation.