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Biomedical subjects

R Simeone

Publications and source records attributed to R Simeone.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Detection of QTLs for grain protein content in durum wheat.

Grain protein content (GPC) of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) is an important trait for the nutritional value of grain and for influencing the technological property of flour. Protein content is a quantitative trait negatively correlated with grain yield, thus increase in protein quantity usually results in yield reduction. This study was initiated to introgress alleles for high GPC from var. dicoccoides into durum wheat germplasm by the backcross inbred line (BIL) method and to identify molecular markers linked to high GPC alleles not associated with depressing effects on yield. The backcross line 3BIL-85 with high GPC and similar grain yield to the recurrent parent was backcrossed to Latino, and the generations F2, F3 and F4 were evaluated for GPC and yield per spike (GYS) in three field trials. Three QTLs with major effects on GPC were detected on chromosome arms 2AS, 6AS and 7BL, identified by the markers Xcfa2164, XP39M37 (250) and Xgwm577, respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the three QTLs explained all the genetic variances of the trait. The high GPC parental line 3BIL-85 was not significantly different from the recurrent parent Latino for GYS, but the phenotypic correlation coefficient between GPC and GYS had negative values (from -0.02 to -0.28) in each trial, although it was statistically significant only in the F3 progeny trial. No co-located QTL for GYS was detected, excluding the hypothesis that the putative QTLs for GPC were indirect QTLs for low grain yield. The negative protein-yield response could be due to: (a) co-location of grain yield per spike QTLs with reduced phenotypic effects not detectable by the experimental design or statistical procedures, or to (b) opposite pleiotropic gene effects due to the major bio-energetic requirements for synthesis of protein then carbohydrates. Mapping loci by BILs should enable the production of near-isogenic lines in which the individual effects of each QTL can be examined in detail without confounding variations due to other putative QTLs.

Alleles↗
PubMed2005

[Breastfeeding and health promotion of child: survey results in Molise region].

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare initiation and duration rates of breastfeeding in Molise region (Italy) to those targeted from World Health Organization (WHO), and to examine factors associated with infant health. METHODS: Trained caregivers administered interviews to 430 mothers whose infants were receiving the 2nd dose of compulsory immunisation in 4 primary health care centers (ASL) of Molise region, during October-December 2001. Type of breastfeeding was classified as predominant or partial, according to the WHO definitions. RESULTS: The rate of breastfeeding initiation was 92%, dropping to 30% when infants were 6 months of age. We found strong differences among the 4 health care centers involved in the study. Lacking of support after discharge, non-breastfed previous child, receiving infant formulas, breastfeeding on schedule, rooming-in not effected at hospital, both maternal and familiar smoking, were significantly associated with early breastfeeding cessation. The rate of iodine supplemented salt consuming was 40%; the rate of mothers who knew the importance of using folic acid in preconceptional age was 19%; only 1/3 of infants (34%) was placed back to sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Although we meet WHO goals regarding breastfeeding initiation, we don't about breastfeeding duration, yet. Moreover, the leading factors negatively linked to infant health, are not widely recognized. It is therefore necessary to promote the whole infant health, either supporting predominantly breastfeeding, especially in some ASL, or providing better knowledge about risk factors.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed2005

Coagulation parameters in senior athletes practicing endurance sporting activity.

AIM: Physical activity is practiced more and more by middle-aged people. We studied the behavior of the coagulation system before and after near-maximum, specific and standardized exercise tests in 2 groups of senior athletes. METHODS: The subjects of the study were 2 groups of athletes over 40 years of age (ranging 41 to 60 years): 10 rowers and 10 marathon runners. The data were compared with 10 controls (ranging in age from 40 to 71 years) tested on the cycle ergometer. The first group (rowers) was tested on a rowing machine; the second group (marathon runners) performed a maximal exercise on the treadmill. All subjects were tested to a maximal level of cardiovascular and muscular exertion and cardiac and respiratory parameters were monitored. The following coagulation tests were performed before and after maximal exercise: prothrombin time (PT), partial activated thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen (FBG), antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), tissue activator of plasminogen (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI). All subjects performed a complete maximal specific test. RESULTS: The results showed all individuals produced a significant increase of FBG, PT and PTT activities and a lowering trend for PC and PS inhibitors after maximal exercise testing. ATIII levels increased significantly in trained subjects. After the test, data regarding fibrinolysis showed higher t-PA levels in athletes as compared with controls. PAI levels indicated a more marked decrease in athletes. The F1+2 showed a moderate but significant increase in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulative tests showed an increase in procoagulant and fibrinolysis parameters in all the groups but the increased fibrinolytic activity in trained athletes indicates a protective factor and greater vascular efficiency. The results demonstrate that sporting activity practiced by middle-aged people accelerates fibrinolytic activity in conditioned subjects. In conclusion, physical activity benefits the coagulation system particularly as regards fibrinolysis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Impact of highly purified urinary FSH and recombinant FSH on haemostasis: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been suggested that recombinant FSH administration may result in an increased risk of venous thrombosis. An open-label, randomized, controlled trial was carried out to compare the impact of urinary and recombinant FSH on haemostasis. METHODS: Fifty infertile women were randomized, using a random number generator on a personal computer, to receive either highly purified urinary FSH (u-hFSH) or recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH); a starting dose of 150 IU. Human chorionic gonadotrophin 10000 IU was administered once there was at least one follicle > or =18 mm. The luteal phase was supported with progesterone 50 mg/day for at least 15 days. Fifty normally menstruating women were recruited as controls. Repeated measurements of estradiol, progesterone, prothrombin time (PT) expressed as INR, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ratio, fibrinogen (FBG), factor VIII (FVIII), normalized activated protein C ratio (nAPC ratio), antithrombin III activity (AT), protein C activity (PC), protein S activity (PS), tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA), type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2), were performed during both hyperstimulated and natural cycles, and at onset of the following menstruation or at 8 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS: At the end of gonadotrophin administration PT INR increased in the u-hFSH group, while AT and t-PA significantly decreased. In the patients treated with r-hFSH, only F1+2 significantly decreased. No significant changes were observed in the control group. In the luteal phase FBG increased significantly in all groups. In the u-hFSH group no other significant changes were noted compared to pre-ovulatory values, while compared to baseline values AT, PS and t-PA significantly decreased. In the r-hFSH group during the luteal phase PT INR significantly decreased, but did not differ from baseline levels. Other parameters such as FBG, FVIII, t-PA, rose significantly, but only FVIII and FBG values were significantly higher than baseline levels. In the women who became pregnant a significant increase in t-PA and a significant decrease in PS at the midluteal phase were observed. After one month all the haemostatic parameters returned to baseline value if pregnancy failed to occur, while in the pregnant women a significant increase in FVIII and a significant decrease in PS were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH does not influence coagulation and fibrinolysis significantly, as already reported for urinary gonadotrophins. The moderate changes induced by both treatments are no longer detectable after 4 weeks.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Lipoprotein(a) changes during natural menstrual cycle and ovarian stimulation with recombinant and highly purified urinary FSH.

This prospective, randomized, controlled study compared the effects of recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) and highly purified urinary FSH (u-hFSH HP) on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations in women undergoing ovarian stimulation. Fifty infertile women were randomly allocated into two equally sized treatment groups (n = 25 per group). Thirty normal ovulation women were recruited as controls. The infertile women received u-hFSH or r-hFSH 150 IU/day starting on cycle day 2. From cycle day 6 the dose was adjusted according to ovarian response. Human chorionic gonadotrophin 10,000 IU was administered once there was at least one follicle > or =18 mm in diameter. The luteal phase was supported with progesterone 50 mg/day for at least 15 days. Repeated measurements of Lp(a) concentrations were performed during both stimulated and natural cycles. A significant increase in luteal phase Lp(a) concentrations was detected in the stimulated cycles, whereas no significant changes in serum Lp(a) concentrations were observed during natural cycles. There were no significant differences between the urinary and recombinant FSH effects on serum Lp(a). The luteal Lp(a) increase was transitory because after 1 month Lp(a) concentrations returned to baseline values if pregnancy failed to occur; in pregnant women persistent increased Lp(a) concentrations were found at the 8th week. The percentage changes in serum Lp(a) were positively correlated with the luteal progesterone increase (r = 0.40, P < 0.05), but not with follicular or luteal oestradiol increase. The women with low baseline Lp(a) (< or =5 mg/dl) had a greater increase of the Lp(a) concentrations at midluteal phase than women with baseline Lp(a) >5 mg/dl. In conclusion, the recombinant or urinary hFSH administration does not directly influence Lp(a) concentrations. The luteal Lp(a) increase in stimulated cycles is not related to gonadotrophin treatment per se, but appears to be related to the high luteal progesterone concentrations, physiologically or pharmacologically determined. Our results also suggest that the sensitivity to the progesterone changes could be related to apolipoprotein(a) phenotype.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Leukocyte detection in human semen using flow cytometry.

This study set out to establish a new method, using flow cytometry, to evaluate leukocytes in semen. Ejaculates of 59 males, asymptomatic for genitourinary infections, were examined. Routine semen analyses were carried out as well as peroxidase and polymorphonuclear granulocyte-elastase detection. Leukocytes were detected combining flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD45, anti-CD53). This technique reliably assessed the total number of leukocytes and differentiated subpopulations even at low concentrations. The peroxidase test and elastase determination showed good specificity, but only moderate sensitivity versus flow cytometry combined with monoclonal antibodies. No significant association was observed between semen parameters and leukocytospermia whether evaluated by conventional methods or flow cytometry except for a moderate correlation between spermatozoa and CD53-positive cell concentrations. A first comparison of data from patients grouped on the basis of leukocytospermia (>10(6) white blood cells, WBC/ml) or non-leukocytospermia revealed no significant differences in semen parameters; lowering the threshold value for leukocytospermia to 2x10(5) WBC/ml, sperm concentration was reduced in the group with a low number of WBC identified by monoclonal antibodies. Flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies was seen to be a simple, reproducible method that enables leukocytes in semen to be accurately detected and to identify WBC subpopulations without preliminary purification procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Influenza vaccination among the elderly in Italy.

This article surveys the attitudes and perceptions of a random sample of the elderly population in three regions of Italy on the use and efficacy of influenza vaccine. The data were collected by direct interviews using a standard questionnaire. The results show that vaccination coverage against influenza is inadequate (26-48.6%). The major reasons for nonvaccination were lack of faith in the vaccine and disbelief that influenza is a dangerous illness. These data emphasize the need for a systematic education programme targeted at the elderly and the provision of influenza vaccination, with the increased cooperation of general practitioners.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Variations in hemostatic parameters after near-maximum exercise and specific tests in athletes.

BACKGROUND: The clotting state of the blood changes according to the type of physical exercise to which a group of healthy subjects are subjected. We studied the behaviour of the coagulation system before and after near-maximum, specific and standardized exercise tests in three groups of males practising sports defined as demanding in terms of cardiovascular output. METHODS: The study was a comparative investigation between athletes and the group of controls composed of presumably healthy males. SETTING: athletes training for competitions such as marathon, rowing and weightlifting. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: we tested 7 rowers using the rowing machine, 12 marathon runners using the treadmill, 7 weightlifters using their own exercise equipment, and 7 healthy subjects (controls) using the cycle ergometer. MEASURES: during the tests we monitored heart rates, maximal oxygen intake, anaerobic threshold, respiratory quotient, maximum ventilation, and lactic acid. The following coagulation tests were performed before and after near-maximum exercise: prothrombin time (PT), partial activated thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen (FBG), antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), tissue activator of plasminogen (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI). RESULTS: The most significant results showed a low basal PC in the rowers which decreased further after near-maximum exercise; significantly higher basal activities of ATIII, PC and PS in the marathon runners compared to the rowers; a high proportion of weightlifters showed a reduction in t-PA after exercise and an increase of PAI; the controls were the only group in which fibrinolytic activity and all the circulating anticoagulants increased after near-maximum exercise. Thus subjects who practise aerobic sports differ principally in terms of variations in inhibitors (low PC in rowers and marathon runners, increased presence of inhibitors in controls). The weightlifters did not show any significant variations, and so the kind of exercise involved (training to increase resistance and maximum strength) and the recovery times between the exercises do not seem to trigger changes in coagulation/fibrinolysis. CONCLUSIONS: We can therefore confirm that only relatively prolonged effort can trigger a mechanism beneficial to the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, physical activity benefits the coagulation system particularly as regards fibrinolysis, but certain subjects may be at risk of thrombosis and these must be identified and followed. We suggest that fibrinolytic activity be studied in athletes who practise weightlifting and have a history of cardiovascular disease, and that inhibitors (protein C in particular) be studied in rowers with a family history of thromboembolism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Coagulation and fibrinolysis changes in normal pregnancy. Increased levels of procoagulants and reduced levels of inhibitors during pregnancy induce a hypercoagulable state, combined with a reactive fibrinolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the physiologic changes in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems during normal pregnancy and puerperium. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and seventeen normal pregnant women were investigated in a longitudinal study involving five measurements: blood samples were collected at 10, 20, 30, 36 weeks and on the second day puerperium and were assayed for prothrombin time (PT expressed in INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen (FBG), antithrombin III activity (AT III), protein C activity (PC), protein S activity (PS), prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2), type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PAI) and tissue-plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA). Student t-test, One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 (two tails) was assumed to indicate a significant difference. RESULTS: Fibrinogen concentrations were always increased with respect to controls (P<0.001), while protein S was always decreased, with values averaging 60% of those of controls from the 10th week of pregnancy onwards (P<0.001). Variance analysis showed a statistically significant increase with gestational age for procoagulant factors (INR: P<0.001; FBG: P<0.001), a reduction for anticoagulants (PC: P<0.0001; PS: P<0.0001), and a rise for F1+2 (P<0.0001). With regard to fibrinolysis, there was an increase both for t-PA (P<0.0001) and PAI-1 (P<0.0001) during pregnancy. The t-PA values were always comprised in the normal range. PAI-1 were increased with respect to control values starting from 31st week. The most significant variations in the procoagulants (expressed by PT and FBG) were recorded up to the 20th week (P<0.001); from the 30th week onwards, they remained stable until after the delivery. The same was true for protein S levels (P<0.001), except that the difference between the 10th and the 20th weeks was not statistically significant. The level of F1+2 gradually increased throughout pregnancy (P<0.001), and then fell in the puerperium (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The parameters showing the greatest variation during pregnancy were PT, FBG, PS, F1+2 and PAI-1. The existence of a hypercoagulable state in pregnancy was suggested by the increased levels of F1+2.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Treatment of patients with Niemann-Pick type is using repeated amniotic epithelial cells implantation: correction of aggregation and coagulation abnormalities.

Variations of platelet aggregation and plasma levels of clotting factors V, IX, XI, and XII were studied in 5 patients with Niemann-Pick disease type Is in the course of a 3-year study of treatment with periodic subcutaneous infusions of amniotic epithelial cells. Before commencement of treatment, the concentrations of these factors were found to be abnormal in four of five patients. It was possible to complete the study protocol in only two patients. Platelet aggregation and plasma levels of V, IX, XI, and XII clotting factors had been determined before each epithelial amniotic cells implantation and after 24, 48, and 72 hours. In both patients the aggregation test and the plasma levels of coagulation factors V, IX, XI, and XII were below the normal values of reference. Results showed that the epithelial amniotic cells treatment normalized platelet aggregation after each implantation in the two studied patients, both in terms of intensity of response (increase in light transmission after addition of adenosine diphosphate up to 350%) and in terms of obtaining an irreversible aggregation with 3 and 8 microM of adenosine diphosphate. The data related to clotting factors showed an increase of these concentrations up to 60% and some of these concentrations normalized completely.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Sexuality. Cultural, social and clinical aspects].

The deep changes in values, beliefs and behaviour, both individual and group, have been examined, referred to the sexuality, by various methods and prospects. Sexual differentiation, typical of the plast, has been rediscussed and modified. As a result of these changes we can talk about old myths, concerning the conception of sexuality in the past, and new myths that concern the present. In this work we have reviewed the different aspects of male and female roles: masturbation, the obsession abort performance, the orgasm and, not last, the sexuality in old age condition.

Contraception↗
PubMed1993

[Sexuality and psychopathology: aspects of prevention. Cognitive investigation of the sexual information of high school students in Avezzano (AQ)].

Here are reported the final data to out of the analysis of the answers given in a questionnaire distributed to more than a thousand students of the secondary schools of Avezzano before the beginning of a course of sexual information. The questions covered general information (including an opinion on the idea and on the way of treating a course of sexual information at school) such as knowledge of contraceptive methods, the illnesses that are transmitted with sexual acts, the most important rules for the prevention of tumoral pathologies in women and the knowledge of the family's advisory bureau. With a very careful analysis of the answers we have been able to get out very important data about the knowledge that the young people have of sexual arguments (arguments that have guided the successive course of information), and interesting aspects of boys' and girls' psychology with regard to sexual arguments.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Detection of grain protein content QTLs across environments in tetraploid wheats.

Grain protein content (GPC) is an important quality factor in both durum and bread wheats. GPC is considered to be a polygenic trait influenced by environmental factors and management practice. The objectives of this study were both to compare the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GPC in a population of 65 recombinant inbred lines of tetraploid wheats evaluated in three locations for several years (eight data sets), and to investigate the genetic relationship among GPC and grain yield. QTLs were determined based on the Messapia x dicoccoides linkage map which covers 217 linked loci on the 14 chromosomes with 42 additional loci as yet unassigned to linkage groups. The map extends to 1352 cM; the average distance between adjacent markers was 6.3 cM. Seven QTLs for GPC, located on the chromosome arms 4BS, 5AL, 6AS (two loci), 6BS, 7AS and 7BS, were detected that were significant in at least one environment at P<0.001 or in at least two environments at P<0.01. One QTL was significant in all but one environment, two were significant in four or five environments, and four were significant in two out of eight environments. Six out of seven protein content QTLs had pleiotropic effects or were associated to QTLs for grain yield and explained the negative correlation among GPC and yield components. The present results support the concept that studies conducted in a single environment are likely to underestimate the number of QTLs that can influence a trait and that the phenotypic data for a quantitative trait should be collected over a range of locations to identify putative QTLs and determine their phenotypic effects.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiologic psychiatric investigation in the community health district of Avezzano].

The aim of the epidemiological psychiatric survey carried out among the users of the Mental Hygiene Centre of Avezzano local health district was to study the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Data for patients for the years 1979 and 1989 were collected and analysed by studying all clinical records registered during those periods. This choice reflected the need compare user characteristics and methods of using the service following the introduction of the reform decree no. 180/1978. The aim of this retrospective epidemiological survey was to obtain data and information which would serve to formulate answers which responded to the needs expressed by users. The results revealed a heterogenous territorial distribution of psychiatric cases and this provided some indication for the realisation of a complex network of psychiatric network in the Avezzano health district.

Age Factors↗