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Biomedical subjects

F Fiorani

Publications and source records attributed to F Fiorani.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Regulation of alternative oxidase activity in six wild monocotyledonous species. An in vivo study at the whole root level.

The activity of the alternative pathway is affected by a number of factors, including the level and reduction state of the alternative oxidase (AOX) protein, and the reduction state of the ubiquinone pool. To investigate the significance of these factors for the rate of alternative respiration in vivo, we studied root respiration of six wild monocotyledonous grass species that were grown under identical controlled conditions. The activity of the alternative pathway was determined using the oxygen isotope fractionation technique. In all species, the AOX protein was invariably in its reduced (high activity) state. There was no correlation between AOX activity and AOX protein concentration, ubiquinone (total, reduced, or oxidized) concentration, or the reduction state of the ubiquinone pool. However, when some of these factors are combined in a linear regression model, a good fit to AOX activity is obtained. The function of the AOX is still not fully understood. It is interesting that we found a positive correlation between the activity of the alternative pathway and relative growth rate; a possible explanation for this correlation is discussed. Inhibition of the AOX (with salicylhydroxamic acid) decreases respiration rates less than the activity present before inhibition (i.e. measured with the 18O-fractionation technique).

Cotyledon↗
PubMed2000

Can meristematic activity determine variation in leaf size and elongation rate among four Poa species? A kinematic study.

We studied inherent variation in final leaf size among four Poa spp. that live at different elevations. The average final length of leaf 7 of the main stem of the smallest species (Poa alpina) was only one-half that of the largest species (Poa trivialis); it was correlated with leaf elongation rate, but not with the duration of leaf elongation. A faster rate of leaf elongation rate was associated with (a) larger size of the zone of cell expansion, and (b) faster rates of cell production (per cell file) in the meristem, which in turn were due to greater numbers of dividing cells, whereas average cell division rates were very similar for all species (except Poa annua). Also we found that the proliferative fraction equaled 1 throughout the meristem in all species. It was remarkable that rates of cell expansion tended to be somewhat higher in the species with slower growing leaves. We discuss the results by comparing the spatial and material viewpoints, which lead to different interpretations of the role of cell division. Although the presented data do not strictly prove it, they strongly suggest a regulatory role for cell division in determining differences in growth rate among the present four Poa spp.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1998

[Psychosexual problems in menopause].

BACKGROUND: A case-control study about the evaluation of sexual disturbances during menopause considering the ways in which these are caused by neuro-endocrine disequilibrium, or by a psycho-social crisis during menopause. In addition, there is an evaluation of the efficacy of hormonal replacement therapy on sexual disturbances. METHODS: Two groups of 44 menopausal women. The first group was transdermically treated with 50 micrograms/day of estradiol for three weeks in a one month period with the association of MAP 10 mg administered orally for 10 days. The other group received a placebo. Both groups were studied for a period of six months with quarterly check-ups. We have identified the crucial symptoms using a series of interviews which consisted of questions regarding the classic symptoms of menopause. The intensity of such symptoms was classified on a five point scale. Specific questions were asked regarding the frequency of sexual intercourses and the presence and intensity of sexual desire. The same questions were consecutively asked to the subjects at three month intervals. RESULTS: The presence of crucial symptoms was distributed as follows: hot flashes and perspiration in 65%, anxiety in 60%, symptoms of depression in 50%, paraesthesia and asthenia in 40%, insomnia in 35%, varying degrees of memory loss in 30%, vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in 15% of the subjects in both groups (control and sperimental). Sexual desire was diminished or very diminished in 48%, unchanged in 31% and increased in 11.5%. The frequency of sexual intercourse was diminished or very diminished in 56.5%, unchanged in 25% and absent in 18.5%. For the vasomotor disorders, patients participating in the first group demonstrated only a slight persistence in 15% by the end of six cycles. Similar results were found with symptoms of insomnia. Only 10% of the patients mentioned slight symptoms of anxiety or depression. All of the patients with vaginal dryness and dyspareunia showed a total remission of the symptoms. Subjects participating in the control group noted a slight increase in vasomotor disturbances, while psychological symptoms decreased slightly. Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia remained unchanged. At the end of treatment, only a modest percentage of the subjects, from both groups, mentioned an increase in the frequency of sexual desire and intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: These results shows that the lack of estradiol is not the most important factor in deciding sexual behavior. Also, for the group of patients complaining symptoms connected to vaginal atrophy, only a small increase in sexual interest and practice was verified once the normal trophism of tissue was reestablished. The same data obtained from the control group is probably a result of a certain mental condition caused by the "pharmacological effect".

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Proposed medical record to be used in rape cases. New diagnostic and medicolegal aspects].

The latest report of 1996 on human development in the UN development programme (UNDP) states that 130,000 women are raped every year in the industrialized countries. Illegal "violation" is defined as the sexual penetration of any orifice of the body without the victim's consent. The doctor's contribution is essential in order to ascertain this offence. It can be divided into two stages: precise and complete (... missing? ...) information regarding the sexual aggression which might have taken the form of rape. Management of a rape case represents an extremely complex undertaking for the doctor since it involves medical and legal aspects and requires a number of interventions that lead to a rational evaluation and appropriate treatment. In this context, the doctor's role is not only to protect the psychophysical integrity of the victim, but also to contribute, following an early diagnosis of sexual aggression, to the identification of the particulars of an offence which still risks remaining unpunished, owing to the difficulty of diagnosis and in spite of the recent enactment of Law no. 66 on 15 February 1996. The medical record proposed by the authors consists of a descriptive anamnestic part and a graphic part, thus making the evaluation of the victim more rapid and precise. The proposed medical record is subdivided into anamnesis, objective examination, psychological examination, laboratory tests, any consultancy requested and therapy.

Female↗