University of Palermo

About: University of Palermo is a education organization based out in Palermo, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 15621 authors who have published 40250 publications receiving 964384 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Palermo & Universita degli Studi di Palermo.

Common fixed points in cone metric spaces

Abstract: In this paper we consider a notion of g-weak contractive mappings in the setting of cone metric spaces and we give results of common fixed points. This results generalize some common fixed points results in metric spaces and some of the results of Huang and Zhang in cone metric spaces.

Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Gastric Diseases: Correlation with IL-10 and IL1RN Polymorphism.

Abstract: Introduction. Helicobacter pylori and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection have recently been shown to be associated with gastric diseases. Polymorphisms in genes encoding cytokines such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 1 Receptor (IL-1RN) influence cytokine secretion levels and appear to contribute to the risk of developing gastroduodenal diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first preliminary study to address the association of coinfection with H. pylori and EBV and their correlation with genetic predisposition in the development of gastric diseases. Methods. Gastric biopsy samples of 96 patients with different gastric diseases were used. Results. Our results showed that the rate of coinfection was higher in patients with gastric cancer than in patients with normal gastric mucosa, active chronic gastritis, and MALT lymphoma. As regards the characterization of H. pilory strains, the polymorphism s1m1i1 of vacA gene was more frequent in patients with MALT Lymphoma in comparison to others, while the polymorphism s2m2i2 was most frequent in patients with normal gastric mucosa. In addition, patients who tested positive for the cagA gene were more frequently those affected with gastric cancer than those with inactive chronic gastritis. Similarly, the patients with oipA gene ON were more frequently those with gastric cancer than those with inactive chronic gastritis. Conclusion. According to our analysis, there was no correlation between coinfection and polymorphisms in genes encoding IL-10 and IL-1RN. We conclude that various factors can be involved in the development of gastric diseases.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.

Abstract: The influence of nutrition has the potential to substantially affect physical function and body metabolism. Particular attention has been focused on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which can be found both in terrestrial features and in the marine world. They are responsible for numerous cellular functions, such as signaling, cell membrane fluidity, and structural maintenance. They also regulate the nervous system, blood pressure, hematic clotting, glucose tolerance, and inflammatory processes, which may be useful in all inflammatory conditions. Animal models and cell-based models show that n-3 PUFAs can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. Furthermore, recent human studies demonstrate that they can influence not only the exercise and the metabolic response of skeletal muscle, but also the functional response for a period of exercise training. In addition, their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity may provide health benefits and performance improvement especially in those who practice physical activity, due to their increased reactive oxygen production. This review highlights the importance of n-3 PUFAs in our diet, which focuses on their potential healthy effects in sport.

Study on carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde polymeric films: mechanical properties, release kinetics and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities

Abstract: Polyethylene-co-vinylacetate (EVA) films with different concentrations (3.5 wt% and 7 wt%) of essential oil constituents, carvacrol or cinnamaldehyde, were prepared and characterized by mechanical, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. The incorporation of the compounds into copolymer films affected their elastic modulus, tensile stress and elongation at break. Carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde act as plasticizers which reduce the intermolecular forces of polymer chains, thus improving the flexibility and extensibility of the film. The analysis of the surface characteristics demonstrated that essential oil constituents lowered the contact angle values without causing any remarkable variation of the surface roughness. The films allowed progressive diffusion of the bioactive molecules and the kinetic of release was correlated with the damaging effect on bacterial growth. The kill curves proved that the film with essential oil constituents (7 wt%) had a significant bactericidal effect (reduction of 4 and 2 log CFU) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and a bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Listeria monocytogenes (reduction of about 1 log CFU). With regard to biofilm formation the biomass formed on polymeric films surface was significantly reduced if compared with the pure copolymer control. The results were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy images by Live/dead staining. The reduction in the surface tension coupled to an inherent bactericidal property of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde could in turn affect the initial attachment phase of bacteria and compromise the normal biofilm development.