Effects of a school based intervention to promote healthy habits in children 8-11 years old, living in the lowland area of Bologna Local Health Unit.

BACKGROUND: A school based health promotion intervention was performed with the aim of increasing physical activity and improving the dietary habits of primary school pupils, using integrated educational strategies involving schools, families, public bodies, sports associations and public health operators. METHODS: The intervention concerned 11 classes during 3 school years from 2009-10 (231 third-year school children) to 2011-12 (234 fifth-year school children). Information was collected both before and after the intervention about the dietary habits and the physical activities practised by the children, using the questionnaires of the project !OKkio alla Salute! which were administered to both children and parents. At the same time anthropometric measurements were taken (height, weight, BMI) and motor skills were assessed using standardized tests: Sit & Reach, medicine-ball forward throw, standing long jump, 20 m running speed, and forward roll. At the end of the intervention 12 different expected outcomes were assessed (5 about dietary habits, 5 about motor habits, 1 about anthropometric characteristics, 1 about motor skills). RESULTS: At baseline, 35.8% of the children show excess weight (23.4% overweight; 12.4% obese); this percentage falls to 29.3% (25.3% overweight; 4% obese) after the intervention (p <0.05). The dietary habits improve from the pre- to the post-intervention: there is a rise in the percentage of children who receive an adequate mid-morning snack (p <0.0001), a fall in the percentage of children who consume snacks and drinks after the dinner (p <0.01), and an increase in the percentage of those who take five or more portions of fruits and vegetables daily. The motor habits do not improve in the same way, since there is the increasing tendency with age to skip from a regular daily practice of physical exercise to favour of the occasional practice of a sport. The motor performances, compared after normalization for modifications due to the process of growth, improve between the third and fifth years of primary school, but with no significant differences. To achieve this objective more focused measures are necessary in the administration of moderate to intense physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to a positive assessment of the intervention, thus highlighting the importance of planning integrated and multisectorial actions in school-based programmes to promote correct dietary and motor habits and for the control of body weight, also involving non scholastic areas.

Metal- and ligand-centered monoelectronic oxidation of mu-nitrido[((tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese)phthalocyaninatoiron)], [(TPP)Mn-N-FePc]. X-ray crystal structure of the Fe(IV)-containing species [(THF)(TPP)Mn-N-FePc(H(2)O)](I(5))02THF.

The reaction of mu-nitrido[((tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese)(phthalocyaninatoiron)], [(TPP)Mn-N-FePc], with I(2) in THF develops with the formation of two different species, i.e., [(THF)(TPP)Mn-N-FePc(H(2)O)](I(5)).2THF (I) and [(TPP)Mn(IV)-N-Fe(III)Pc](I(3)) (II). On the basis of single-crystal X-ray work and Mössbauer, EPR, Raman, and magnetic susceptibility data, I, found to be isostructural with the corresponding Fe-Fe complex, is shown to contain a low-spin triatomic Mn(IV)=N=Fe(IV) system (metal-centered oxidation). Data at hand for II (Mössbauer, EPR, Raman) show, instead, that oxidation takes place at one of the two macrocycles, very likely TPP (ligand-centered oxidation). The same cationic fragment present in I, and containing the Mn(IV)=N=Fe(IV) bond system, is also obtained when (TPP)Mn-N-FePc is allowed to react in THF with (phen)SbCl(6) (molar ratio 1:1). There are indications that the use of (phen)SbCl(6) in excess (2:1 molar ratio), in benzene, probably determines further oxidation with the formation of a species showing the combined presence of the Mn(IV)-Fe(IV) couple and of a pi-cation radical.

Binding and redox properties of iron(II) bonded to an oxo surface modeled by calix[4]arene.

The syntheses of the parent compounds [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe-L] [R = Me, L = THF, 5; R = Bu(n), L = THF, 6; R = PhCH2, L = THF, 7; R = SiMe3, L = none, 8] have been performed by reacting the protonated form of the dialkylcalix[4]arene with [Fe2Mes4] [Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2]. All of them undergo one-electron oxidative functionalization. By use of different oxidizing agents, the following iron(III) derivatives have been obtained: [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe-X] [X = Cl, R = Me, 9; X = I, R = Me, 10] and [(p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)2Fe2(mu-X] [X = O, R = Me, 11; X = O, R = Bu(n), 12; X = S, R = Me, 13], 9 and 10 being particularly appropriate for a further functionalization of the metal. The last three display typical antiferromagnetic behavior [J = -78.6 cm-1, 11; J = -64.1 cm-1, 13]. In the case of 7 and 8, the reaction with O2 led to the dealkylation of one of the alkoxo groups, with the formation of a dimeric iron(III) derivative ([mu-p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)3(OR))2Fe2] [R = PhCH2, 14; R = SiMe3, 15] [J = -9.8 cm-1]. The reaction of the parent compounds with ButNC and diazoalkanes led to the formation of [Fe=C] functionalities supported by a calix[4]arene oxo surface. The following compounds have been isolated and characterized: ([p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe=CNBut] [R = SiMe3, 16, nu CN = 2175 cm-1], ([p-Bu(t)-calix[4]-(O)2(OR)2)Fe=CPh2] [R = Me, 17; R = PhCH2, 18; R = SiMe3, 19]. The three carbene complexes 17-19 display quite an unusual high-spin state, which is a consequence of the formation of a weak pi interaction between the metal and the carbene carbon, as confirmed by the extended Hückel calculations. The carbene functionality has been removed from the iron center in the reaction with O2 and HCl. The proposed structures have been supported by X-ray analyses of complexes 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19.

An experimental study in X-ray spectroscopy of the zirconium (Ca-PSZ) - bone interface. Microanalytic evaluation of the osteogenetic response.

Ultrastructural difractometric and chemical evaluations of calcium partially stabilized zirconium (Ca-PSZ) implants were performed in an in vivo study on animals in order to evaluate its biological behaviour. The chemical-morphological investigations demonstrated the presence of an osteogenetic activity at the bone-biomaterial interface. The new-osteogenesis was preceded by the formation of a loose connective tissue around the implants. This mesenchymal-type tissue without a capsular organization, allowing modulation of the mechanical forces to which the implant is subject, could be considered a positive event in the osteogenetic process and not a sign of future failure of the implant. Finally, microanalytical investigations carried out on non-implanted and implanted Ca-PSZ tools suggested that the surface of this ceramic material does not undergo modification once it has been inserted in the biological environment (12 months).

Umbilical veins in dichorionic twins. A morpho-functional assessment.

Investigations on singleton and twin pregnancies show different functional behaviour on maternal-fetal relationship. In some ways twin pregnancies may be considered at risk and they may develop associated pathologies such as hypertension. The aim of this work was to evaluate the morpho-functional behaviours of umbilical cord veins in twin and singleton gestations to better understand the role of these extra-embryonic tissues in the regulation of pregnancies. The umbilical cords were studied from singleton pregnancies and from dichorionic twin pregnancies. Biochemical and morphological investigations were carried out. A significant decrease in the anisotropy values was observed in endothelial cells from twins compared with singletons. Our ultrastructural data show immaturity features at the vein vessel wall level in twins. Furthermore, immunohistochemical investigations showed a lower degree of expressivity concerning adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and ELAM. Morphogenetic extracellular glycoproteins like fibronectin and tenascin seem over-expressed in twin pregnancies. Our morpho-functional data well testify the lower maturation degree of umbilical cord veins in twins with respect to singletons.

Lack of major mitochondrial bioenergetic changes in cultured skin fibroblasts from aged individuals.

Human skin fibroblasts from young and old donors were cultured in vitro and compared in their mitochondrial morphology and function. A decreased numerical density of mitochondria in the fibroblasts from old individuals was balanced by the increased size of individual mitochondria. The mitochondrial membrane potential, estimated in the intact cells by the difference between the total accumulation ratio of the lipophilic cation tetraphenylphosphonium and the accumulation ratio in presence of uncoupler, was unchanged, as were some mitochondrial enzymatic activities tested in the homogenates. The results point out that the decreased proliferating capacity observed in the fibroblasts from the old subjects was accompanied by a likely decrease of mitochondrial duplication; the decreased energy utilization for cell division balances a possible energetic decline in such way that the steady-state energy status is unchanged.

Wound management with N-carboxybutyl chitosan.

In patients undergoing plastic surgery, donor sites were treated with soft pads of freeze-dried N-carboxybutyl chitosan to promote ordered tissue regeneration. Compared to control donor sites, better histoarchitectural order, better vascularization and the absence of inflammatory cells were observed at the dermal level, whilst fewer aspects of proliferation of the malpighian layer were reported at the epidermal level. Accordingly, N-carboxybutyl chitosan leads to formation of regularly organized cutaneous tissue and reduces anomalous healing.

Shear bond strength and SEM evaluation of dentinal bonding systems.

Shear bond strength of seven dentin bonding systems (DBS) was evaluated. After shear bond testing, the specimens were analyzed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Buccal dentin just below the dentin-enamel junction of erupted third molars of young subjects were used. A statistical difference was observed among the material bond values. SEM examination of both sides of the sheared bonds frequently showed an adhesive failure between dentin and bonding agents in the specimens where resin penetrated into the opened dentinal tubules. A complex cohesive fracture of both resin and dentin was observed for bonding agents that required the treatment of the smear layer, while a cohesive fracture in the smear layer thickness was noted when dentin was not altered by primer solutions. The study demonstrated that the DBS that require the removal of the smear layer showed a significantly higher shear bond strength and that the bond value reflects the mode of material fracture and the presence of smear layer.

Reconstruction of parodontal tissue with chitosan.

Chitosan ascorbate, obtained by mixing chitosan with ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate, was produced in a gel form suitable for the treatment of periodontitis according to current dental surgery. While chitosan ascorbate underwent degradation in vitro, especially in the presence of atmospheric oxygen and at pH 6.0, the protection from oxygen offered by the surgical cements and the physiological pH value permitted chitosan ascorbate to play an important biological role in vivo, where it kept a honeycomb structure, as indicated by SEM on biopsies taken on 10 patients. The proliferation and organization of the cells were thus favoured with a subsequent enhanced capability of reconstructing a histoarchitectural tissue. Chitosan was progressively reabsorbed by the host, with very satisfactory clinical recoveries of the 52 defects treated, for which tooth mobility and pocket depths were significantly reduced.

Cell separation, cell differential and granulocyte colony frequency in polycythemia vera.

In seven patients with polycythemia vera, the agar colony growth of bone marrow total nucleated cell suspensions and of the cell fractions obtained with an albumin discontinuous density gradient were studied. In one patient, the density distribution of colony-forming units in culture (CFUc) before and after alkylating treatment was evaluated and cell differentials on smears obtained from each density fraction were determined. A high percentage of low density CFUc compared with the total CFUc population and with that in the normal control subjects in the same density fractions was observed.

A preliminary study on humoral control of granulopoiesis in primary myelofibrosis and chronic granulocytic leukaemia.

The extent of the urine Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF/u), as well as the Colony Stimulating Activity (CSA) of peripheral-white blood cells (WBC) were evaluated in two groups of patients with myeloproliferative disorders, at the disease onset. The first patient group deals with Primary Myelofibrosis (PM), whereas the second group deals with Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia (CGL). The Stanley technique was used for the above-mentioned assay, and in each group of patients either human or murine bone-marrow cell-suspensions were cultivated. In all patients with PM, a low CSF/u was detected, while patients with CGL showed a high CSF/u, regardless whether Ph1-positive or not. CSA of WBC in the PM-group was normal. In contrast, a significant low CSA in the CGL-group was noted. This fact could be of some importance in differentiating the two disorders at their onset.

Colony forming activity, density distribution and morphological features of the stem cell population in primary myelofibrosis.

In four patients with untreated primary myelofibrosis, the peripheral-blood cell growth in agar culture (frequency of clusters and colonies) was studied. As cell sources, were used either the buffy coat or the fractions obtained from an albumin discontinuous density gradient, prepared according to Dicke's technique. Besides the agar culture, also morphological features of the blasts of the granulocytic cell series of the gradient fractions were investigated, in order to relate the above-mentioned cell parameters. The results, taken as a whole, pointed out: a) increase in circulating CFUc's (expressed as the number/10(5) nucleated cells) in the patients, when compared to the controls; b) high percentage of CFUc's with an abnormal specific density (below 1.062 in 3 out of 4 patients); c) presence in 3 out of 4 patients, of two populations of blasts: one showing low specific density, small size, high N/C rate, high plating efficiency and no nucleoli; the other with a higher specific density and low plating efficiency, showing the typical morphological features of the myeloblasts.