Phenolic distribution in liquid preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis idaea L.

INTRODUCTION: Liquid preparations such as tinctures and 'bud extracts' of bilberry and lingonberry are typical products used in some European countries but they have not been widely studied to date. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to define a phytochemical profile in terms of phenolic compounds for liquid preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) and Vaccinium vitis idaea L. (lingonberry) foliar tissues, and evaluate their stability. METHODS: Up to 17 extracts of lingonberry, and bilberry have been analysed by HPLC equipped with a diode-array detector (DAD) in combination with MS. Some of these samples were freshly prepared (laboratory extracts). RESULTS: Phenolic profiles of the bud extracts and tinctures of bilberry and lingonberry were obtained at 330 nm, typical of the cinnamoyl compounds and suitable to distinguish these two species. Analogously, the profiles at 280 nm were used to detect the arbutin derivatives recognised as the typical markers of lingonberry leaves only. Among the cinnamoyl derivatives, chlorogenic acid was the main compound found in bilberry samples, while caffeoyl arbutin was the principal marker in lingonberry samples. In quantitative terms, the hydroxycinnamic acids were the main class in bilberry bud extracts ranging between 4.67 and 6.81 mg/L (from 52 to 84% of the total phenols). The young sprouts of this species, independently from the extraction mixture, show a higher phenolic content than adult leaves of the same plant. CONCLUSIONS: The analytical method allowed to define fingerprints of bilberry and lingonberry liquid preparations. Moreover, without applying accelerated ageing protocols, the stability over time of 11 samples was evaluated up to 6 months, demonstrating negligible variations.

Engineering memory with an extrinsically disordered kinase.

Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in memory formation by regulating the communication between neurons. Although actin polymerization has been linked to synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine stability, the causal link between actin polymerization and memory encoding has not been identified yet. It is not clear whether actin polymerization and structural changes in dendritic spines are a driver or a consequence of learning and memory. Using an extrinsically disordered form of the protein kinase LIMK1, which rapidly and precisely acts on ADF/cofilin, a direct modifier of actin, we induced long-term enlargement of dendritic spines and enhancement of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus on command. The activation of extrinsically disordered LIMK1 in vivo improved memory encoding and slowed cognitive decline in aged mice exhibiting reduced cofilin phosphorylation. The engineered memory by an extrinsically disordered LIMK1 supports a direct causal link between actin-mediated synaptic transmission and memory.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. METHODS: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study / Breve intervención interprofesional para el manejo del dolor crónico: un estudio piloto / Intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. Methods: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Probar los efectos de una breve intervención interprofesional en el manejo del dolor crónico. Método: Estudio piloto, de tipo antes y después. La breve intervención interprofesional, de enfoque psicoeducativo, estuvo basada en la Teoría de la Autoeficacia, con el uso de estrategias de Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual. La intervención tuvo como propósito mejorar el manejo del dolor crónico. Se realizó en grupo durante seis semanas, con una reunión semanal de dos horas, incluidas estrategias educativas sobre el manejo del dolor, estiramiento y técnicas de relajación. Se evaluaron la autoeficacia, la intensidad del dolor, la discapacidad, la fatiga y los síntomas depresivos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t pareada y la correlación de Pearson. Resultados: En el estudio participaron adultos con dolor de moderado a severo. El análisis posintervención apuntó a una mejora significativa en la autoeficacia (p = 0,004) y una significativa reducción en la intensidad del dolor (p = 0,024), discapacidad (p = 0,012), fatiga (p = 0,001) y síntomas depresivos (p = 0,042). Conclusión: Los efectos de la breve intervención interprofesional fueron positivos en el manejo del dolor crónico. Se sugieren estudios con diseños más robustos y una muestra más grande para confirmar estos hallazgos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Testar os efeitos de uma intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica. Método: Estudo piloto do tipo antes e depois. A intervenção interprofissional breve teve enfoque psicoeducativo e foi baseada na Teoria da Autoeficácia, com utilização de estratégias da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental. A finalidade da intervenção foi melhorar o manejo da dor crônica. Realizada em grupo, ao longo de seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas, incluindo estratégias educativas sobre manejo da dor, alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. Autoeficácia, intensidade da dor, incapacidade, fadiga e sintomas depressivos foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste t-pareado e correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Participaram do estudo adultos com dor moderada a intensa. A análise pós-intervenção mostrou melhora significativa da autoeficácia (p = 0,004) e redução significativa da intensidade da dor (p = 0,024), incapacidade (p = 0,012), fadiga (p = 0,001) e sintomas depressivos (p = 0,042). Conclusão: Os efeitos da intervenção interprofissional breve foram positivos para manejo da dor crônica. Sugere-se estudos com desenhos mais robustos e amostra ampliada para confirmar estes achados.

Brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management: pilot feasibility study / Intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto de viabilidade

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals and requires multidisciplinary attention. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a brief multidisciplinary intervention for the management of chronic pain. METHODS: A pilot feasibility study. The participants were individuals with chronic pain. The intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was carried out in a group for six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting. Participants received education on pain management, practiced stretching and relaxation techniques. The intervention was applied by two nurses, a psychologist and a physical therapist. The specific objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the intervention through indicators of acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: Forty-eight people with chronic pain eligible to participate in the study were identified. Among the acceptability indicators, the acceptance rate to participate in the intervention was 52% and the retention rate among participants was 60%. The rate of adherence to the recommendations was moderate for walking (53.3%) and satisfactory for stretching (100%) and relaxation (73.3%). As for the feasibility indicators, the following aspects were considered "great": access to the intervention site (83.3%), the intervention room (66.6%), the intervention content (86.6%) and the number of sessions (46.6%). All participants (100%) suggested increasing the number of sessions. CONCLUSION: The brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management was considered feasible and should be tested and implemented in primary care services and outpatient services specialized in pain management.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica provoca impacto negativo na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos e requer atenção multidisciplinar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de uma intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico de viabilidade. Os participantes foram pessoas com dor crônica. A intervenção teve foco psicoeducativo e foi realizada em grupo, por seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas. Os participantes receberam educação sobre manejo da dor, praticaram alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. A intervenção foi aplicada por duas enfermeiras, uma psicóloga e uma fisioterapeuta. O objetivo específico deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade da intervenção por meio de indicadores de aceitabilidade e viabilidade. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 48 pessoas com dor crônica elegíveis para participar do estudo. Entre os indicadores de aceitabilidade, a taxa de aceitação para participar da intervenção foi de 52% e a taxa de retenção foi de 60%. A taxa de adesão às recomendações foi moderada para caminhada (53,3%) e satisfatória para alongamento (100%) e relaxamento (73,3%). Quanto aos indicadores de viabilidade, foram considerados "ótimos": o acesso ao local da intervenção (83,3%), a sala da intervenção (66,6%), o conteúdo da intervenção (86,6%) e o número de sessões (46,6%). Todos os participantes (100%) sugeriram aumentar o número de sessões. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica foi considerada viável e deve ser testada e implantada em serviços de atenção primária e serviços ambulatoriais especializados no tratamento da dor.

Spatial distribution and potential sources of trace elements in PM10 monitored in urban and rural sites of Piedmont Region.

The results on elemental composition of aerosol (PM10) sampled during 2011 in Piedmont region (Italy) are interpreted using meteorological data, Enrichment Factors (EF), chemometric processing by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Daily concentrations of about 30 elements were measured using HR-ICP-MS in five monitoring sites. A clear seasonal pattern, with higher concentrations in autumn and winter, was observed, particularly in the urban sites. Levels of As, Cd, Ni and Pb in most of the samples were within the limits imposed by the European legislation. Spatial differences in PM10 and metal concentrations were significant, with rural and urban sites showing different metal patterns, indicating different sources. K and Ca were used, respectively, as marker of biomass burning and industrial marker (cement plant); EFs showed that Ca was enriched just in one area and K was enriched only in the winter period considered and in some stations. Data analysis through PCA, FA and HCA allowed us to identify correlations among the investigated elements and similarities between sampling sites in order to individuate specific emission sources, such as non-exhaust vehicle emission.

Changes in regional cerebral blood flow caused by deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) throughout the entire brain volume in patients with Parkinson's disease and to evaluate which of the brain areas showing an rCBF increase during STN stimulation related significantly to the improvement in motor function. METHODS: Ten consecutive Parkinson's disease patients (6 men, 4 women; mean age +/- SD, 59 +/- 8 y) with bilateral STN stimulators underwent 3 rCBF SPECT examinations at rest: the first preoperatively and the second and third postoperatively (follow-up, 4.8 +/- 1.4 mo) with STN stimulators on and off, respectively. The motor unified Parkinson's disease rating scale, the Hoehn and Yahr disability scale, and the Schwab and England activities-of-daily-living scale were used to evaluate the clinical state under each condition. Statistical parametric mapping was used to investigate rCBF during STN stimulation in comparison with rCBF preoperatively and with STN stimulators off. Also evaluated with statistical parametric mapping was the relationship between rCBF and individual motor scores used as covariates of interest. RESULTS: STN stimulation significantly changed rCBF in the right pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and in the medial Brodmann's area 8 (BA8) as defined in the atlas of Talairach and Tournoux (P < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons). The rCBF in these areas increased from the preoperative condition to the stimulators-on condition and decreased again after the stimulators were switched off. A significant correlation was detected between the improvement in motor scores and the rCBF increase only in the right pre-SMA and in the anterior cingulate motor area (P < 0.005, uncorrected). CONCLUSION: According to the topographic organization of the primate STN, our study shows that stimulation of the STN leads to rCBF increases in the motor (pre-SMA), associative, and limbic territories (anterior cingulate) in the frontal cortex. The significant correlation between motor improvement and rCBF increase in the pre-SMA and the anterior cingulate motor area reinforces the hypothesis that STN stimulation in parkinsonian patients can potentiate the cortical areas participating in higher-order aspects of motor control.

Whole brain apparent diffusion coefficient histogram: a new tool for evaluation of leukoaraiosis.

PURPOSE: To test whole brain apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis as an alternative approach to visual score for the assessment of leukoaraiosis (LA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: T2 and diffusion weighted images were obtained in 15 elderly patients. LA extension was assessed on T2 weighted images by two observers using a semiquantitative visual score. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of the entire brain were generated and, after exclusion of the skull with manual tracing and of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by application of a threshold value, whole brain (WB)-ADC histogram was obtained. Moreover, a brain volume index (BVI) was calculated on ADC maps as (intracranial volume - CSF volume) /intracranial volume. RESULTS: The kappa inter-observer agreement for LA scoring was 0.69. Manual segmentation of the skull showed a mean inter-operator coefficient of variation below 3%. The median value of whole brain ADC histogram directly correlated with LA extension (P = 0.013). Moreover a significant inverse correlation (P = 0.002) was found between WB-ADC median value and BVI. CONCLUSION: WB-ADC histogram is a reproducible alternative tool for assessing LA extension and severity.