Foliar application of specific yeast derivative enhances anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression in Sangiovese cv (Vitis vinifera L.).

The effect of elicitors on secondary metabolism in vines is receiving much interest, since it has been shown that they are able to increase the accumulation of phenolics, especially anthocyanins. This research aims to investigate the biochemical and molecular effects of the application of a commercial yeast derivative (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the accumulation of anthocyanins in potted Sangiovese vines. Experiments were performed on three consecutive years and the yeast derivative was applied at the beginning and at the end of veraison. Technological ripening, accumulation of anthocyanins and expression of the main genes involved in their biosynthesis were assessed. Technological ripening proceeded in a similar way in both treated and untreated berries in the three years. A significant increase in the concentration of anthocyanins was instead detected, following the induction by the yeast derivative of the expression of the genes involved in their biosynthesis. The research highlights the possibility of applying a specific inactivated yeast to increase the anthocyanin concentration even under the current climate change conditions, in Sangiovese, a cultivar extremely sensitive to high temperatures.

Reducing bioavailable sex hormones through a comprehensive change in diet: the diet and androgens (DIANA) randomized trial.

High serum levels of testosterone and estradiol, the bioavailability of which may be increased by Western dietary habits, seem to be important risk factors for postmenopausal breast cancer. We hypothesized that an ad libitum diet low in animal fat and refined carbohydrates and rich in low-glycemic-index foods, monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phytoestrogens, might favorably modify the hormonal profile of postmenopausal women. One hundred and four postmenopausal women selected from 312 healthy volunteers on the basis of high serum testosterone levels were randomized to dietary intervention or control. The intervention included intensive dietary counseling and specially prepared group meals twice a week over 4.5 months. Changes in serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin were the main outcome measures. In the intervention group, sex hormone-binding globulin increased significantly (from 36.0 to 45.1 nmol/liter) compared with the control group (25 versus 4%,; P < 0.0001) and serum testosterone decreased (from 0.41 to 0.33 ng/ml; -20 versus -7% in control group; P = 0.0038). Serum estradiol also decreased, but the change was not significant. The dietary intervention group also significantly decreased body weight (4.06 kg versus 0.54 kg in the control group), waist:hip ratio, total cholesterol, fasting glucose level, and area under insulin curve after oral glucose tolerance test. A radical modification in diet designed to reduce insulin resistance and also involving increased phytoestrogen intake decreases the bioavailability of serum sex hormones in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women. Additional studies are needed to determine whether such effects can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

[Eosinophilic gastroenteritis simulating ascites (eosinophilic ascites). Presentation of a case and review of the literature]. / La gastroenterite eosinofila ad espressione esclusiva di ascite (ascite eosinofila). Presentazione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon disorder of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent episodes of infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall with eosinophils and peripheral eosinophilia. The Authors report a patient in which ascites with eosinophilia in the ascitic fluid was the cardinal feature of the disease. A low E.S.R. in the acute phase of illness was found. Steroids are indicated in patients presenting obstructive symptoms or malabsorption. In our case the treatment was not necessary because of the spontaneous remission of the symptoms.

[Transitory ECG changes of an ischemic type during hyperosmolar non-ketoacidotic coma]. / Transitorie alterazioni elettrocardiografiche di tipo ischemico in corso di coma iperosmolare non chetoacidotico.

Hyperosmolar coma was the presenting feature of type I diabetes in a 20 year old man. Ischemic ECG abnormalities (downsloping ST depression of 5 mm in the anterior leads) were present during the comatose state but not in the following days, when a satisfactory metabolic control was achieved. Coronary heart disease was excluded on the basis of the normal response to a treadmill test carried out 6 months later. Hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, shock, hyperventilation and perhaps hyperosmolarity are responsible for these ECG changes. Caution must be used before considering such ECG patterns as ischemic in patients with this type of coma.

Intermittent or continuous therapy of experimental meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in rabbits: preliminary observations on the postantibiotic effect in vivo.

The relative effectiveness of bolus vs. constant intravenous administration of equivalent doses of penicillin G in killing bacteria in vivo was studied in a rabbit model of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were obtained from 30 rabbits at intervals of less than or equal to 8 hr after treatment for determination of antibiotic concentrations and titers of viable bacteria in the CSF. When penicillin G was given by continuous infusion (10(5) units/hr after an initial 10(5)-unit loading dose), concentrations of drug in serum and CSF reached a steady state in 1 hr. With intermittent bolus administration of 4 x 10(5) units every 4 hr, higher peak and lower trough concentrations were achieved, and these concentrations paralleled those in the CSF. Although an initial acceleration in bactericidal rate was observed with the bolus infusion between the first and second hour of therapy, after the second hour the rate of bacterial killing was identical for the two methods of administration. The duration of therapy required for sterilization of the CSF was dependent only on the bacterial count before treatment and not on the mode of drug administration. The effect of single bolus intravenous administration of ampicillin was examined in experimental pneumococcal meningitis. Ampicillin was given at various dosages (3.25-62.5 mg/kg), and frequent samples of CSF were obtained for determination of concentrations of pneumococci and ampicillin. A long postantibiotic effect was observed in the CSF of all animals, and this effect consistently was longer than that observed in vitro.

Abnormal cardiovascular reflexes in juvenile diabetics as preclinical signs of autonomic neuropathy.

The prevalence of abnormalities of cardiovascular reflexes as a marker of autonomic neuropathy was studied in a group of juvenile diabetics with long-standing disease, aged 20-58 years (mean 36). No patient had clinical evidence of autonomic failure. The study was carried out employing the most simple techniques and routine equipment. Resting heart rate, beta-to-beat variation, Valsalva ratio, systolic blood pressure in supine position and immediately after standing were measured. The results were compared with those determined in an age and sex-matched population. Beat-to-beat variation test appeared to be the most sensitive technique in detecting an impaired autonomic function (12/54 = 22.2%). Resting tachycardia was found in 10 patients and postural hypotension in 6. Only 1 patient had an abnormal Valsalva ratio associated with postural hypotension and reduced beta-to-beat variation. In agreement with previous studies our data confirm that autonomic dysfunction is frequent in asymptomatic diabetics. The methods to detect these abnormalities are easy to perform. Therefore they may be routinely used as screening tests in the diabetic population.

[Acute coronary occlusion of non bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (author's transl)]. / Occlusione coronarica acuta da endocardite trombotica non batterica

A case of acute myocardial infarct caused by a nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis is reported. It was followed by irreversible shock. The left coronary artery, which was in an abnormal position, was occluded by a verrucous peduncular elongation originating from the anterior left leaflet of the aortic valve.