Showing papers by "University of Siena published in 1983"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the analogy existing between the typical circadian periodicity of ACTH and that recently described of beta-lipotropin (LPH) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) plasma levels.
Abstract: The major objective of this study was to investigate the analogy existing between the typical circadian periodicity of ACTH and that recently described of beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) plasma levels. The determination of their concentrations, plus cortisol, has been performed on the same plasma samples of 6 healthy volunteers. All hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay. Those of beta-LPH and beta-EP were preceded by a purification of plasma through silicic acid extraction and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. The highest values (mean +/- SEM) were found in the morning (ACTH: 10.3 +/- 0.9; beta-LPH; 6.3 +/- 0.7; beta-EP: 6.5 +/- 0.5 fmol/ml; cortisol: 378 +/- 30 pmol/ml) and the lowest values in the evening (ACTH: 6:1 +/- 0.7; beta-LPH: 3.3 +/- 0.4; beta-EP: 3.7 +/- 0.6 fmol/ml; cortisol: 130 +/- 23 pmol/ml). Statistical analysis using the Fourier method led to the evidence of a concomitant circadian secretory pattern of the three proopiocortin-related peptides. These results strongly suggest that the phasic secretion of ACTH, beta-LPH and beta-EP underlies a common central control.
83 citations
TL;DR: This description of tapetal ultrastructure starts from the meiotic prophase when the tapetum is still cellular and comprises two rows of cells on the inside of the tetrasporangiate anther.
Abstract: A tapetum is found around all higher plant meiocytes and is thought to nourish them. It may, in turn, be influenced by their development. The mature tapetal membrane in amoeboid (or periplasmodial) tapeta, of whichArum italicum is an example, fits closely around the developing meiocyte.
60 citations
TL;DR: The distribution of the macrobenthic community, in relation to various physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment, was studied along the coast of Southern Tuscany (Central Tyrrhenian) in an area under the influence of the Ombrone River outflow as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: . The distribution of the macrobenthic community, in relation to various physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment, was studied along the coast of Southern Tuscany (Central Tyrrhenian) in an area under the influence of the Ombrone River outflow.
The zonation of the benthos was found to be primarily under the control of a gradient of water movement, as is reflected by variations in the sediment structure from the coast to the open sea. This correlation is somehow influenced by secondary gradients such as the degree of mixing of the sediment and the deposition of terrigenous materials along the river plume.
59 citations
TL;DR: There was a significant 60% increase in pain-free walking distance in either Pentoxifylline treatment periods, whereas there were no clinically relevant changes in the placebo periods.
Abstract: A double blind placebo-controlled randomised crossover study was performed with Pentoxifylline (Trental 400 tablets with 400 mg active ingredient) in 24 patients (19 males, 5 females, aged between 40 and 71 years) suffering from peripheral occlusive arteriopathy of stage II severity (Fontaine's classification). In 12 patients (group I) the treatment was started with placebo, and in another 12 subjects with Pentoxifylline (group II). The dosage was 3 tablets of either formulation t.d.s., the treatment periods were 8 weeks each with a two week washout between. The standardised walking test (120 steps/min under metronome control) was used for the assessment of the walking capacity. There was a significant 60% increase in pain-free walking distance in either Pentoxifylline treatment periods, whereas there were no clinically relevant changes in the placebo periods. When comparing the two starting periods only, there was an increase in the Pentoxifylline group from 223 to 359 m on average and in the placebo group from 208 to 215 m, patients in both groups being comparable at basal level as to the distribution of sex, age, location of occlusion, duration of disease as well as in respect to the walking capacity. No adverse reactions were recorded during the trial.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, major-element, trace-element and mineralogical data are reported for a series of mafic inclusions occurring in the rhyodacitic lavas of Mt. Amiata (southern Tuscany, Italy), a volcanic complex belonging to the Tuscan Magmatic Province.
56 citations
TL;DR: In the plasma samples, both beta LPH and beta EP concentrations showed a pattern throughout life which was expressed by a paraboloid function with the lowest values found in young and old subjects and with peaks at 51.3 and 48.2 years, respectively.
56 citations
TL;DR: Nematode sperm evolution does not seem to be a progressive acquisition of new characters, but rather a radiation from an already perfect model of some further simplifications occurring in parallel in most of the orders.
Abstract: The main features of the Nematode sperm cell are the absence of a flagellum and of an acrosome. Transition forms have never been described, as in other animal phyla also reaching the aflagellate condition, like Platyhelminths and Arthropods. The absence of the flagellum must be considered as a definitive acquisition in the group. In addition, centrioles have been demonstrated to be lacking in most cases. The absence of the acrosome is the second general feature of the Nematode sperm cell. Among other features, more or less common to the Nematodes, the most important and general is the presence in the cell periphery of spheroidal membranous vesicles, originated from the Golgi complex but not involved in fertilization or in the production of ascaridin granules. These are absent only in the Ascarid Aspiculuris and the Dorylaimiid Xiphinema, both kinds of sperm having a peculiar shape. These granules are possibly involved in cell motility. Some Nematode sperm have proteinaceous crystalline inclusions originated from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, called ascaridin granules, the role of which remains obscure. A third important feature is the absence of a nuclear envelope, characterizing all described Nematode spermatozoa, the only exception being the Enoplid Mesacanthion, which seems to be for this reason the most primitive model in the group. Other features are the reduced number, or total absence of, the chondriome, an amoeboid movement not owing to an actomyosin system and a dense halo of 10-nm filaments surrounding the perinuclear cytoplasm.
In this apparently homogeneous picture, three main evolutionary steps can be recognized. The first one, represented by the primitive Enoploid Mesacanthion, is that of a sperm conserving the nuclear envelope, surrounded by a few mitochondria and many membranous vesicles. The second, the most typical of the group, present in high Enoplida, and in Rhabditida, Strongylida, Ascarida, Spimrida, Trichinellida, is that of roundish, amoeboid spermatozoa devoid of a nuclear envelope but containing mitochondria, membranous vesicles, filaments, microtubules, sometimes centrioles, and sometimes ascaridin granules. The third step is apparently a simplification of the second; in fact, in Tylenchida and Dorylaimiida, the sperm is devoid of membranous vesicles, while in Mononchida and Dioctophymatida it is devoid of mitochondria. Aspiculuris, also devoid of membranous vesicles and having a big mitochondrial derivative, can be assigned to the same level. Nematode sperm evolution does not seem therefore to be a progressive acquisition of new characters, but rather a radiation from an already perfect model of some further simplifications occurring in parallel in most of the orders.
43 citations
39 citations
TL;DR: The junctional complexes demonstrate the presence of a very efficient blood-testis barrier, containing tight, gap, tight-gap, septate-like, desmosome- like, and Sertoli-Sertoli junctions.
38 citations
TL;DR: The fine structure of the bronchial cilia has been studied in biopsies of eighteen patients with chronic bronchitis and six nonsmoking controls as discussed by the authors, and the percentage of abnormal cilia ranged from 0 to 6% in control subjects and from 8 to 28%.
Abstract: The fine structure of the bronchial cilia has been studied in biopsies of eighteen patients with chronic bronchitis and six nonsmoking controls. Abnormal cilia were noted in three of the control subjects and in all the patients with chronic bronchitis. The percentage of abnormal cilia ranged from 0 to 6% in control subjects and from 8 to 28% in patients with chronic bronchitis. Some ciliary abnormalities with changes in the axonemal 9 + 2 pattern of organisation were only detected in patients with chronic bronchitis. Compound cilia with two or more complete axonemes arranged parallel to one another and giant cilia with increased amounts of cytoplasmic matrix were observed in both control and diseased subjects. The possibility that these cilia represent aspects of biological variability or abnormalities of epigenetic origin is discussed. On the basis of the reported data, it is reasonable to suggest that the presence of atypical cilia of epigenetic origin contribute to the severe impairment of mucociliary transport associated with chronic bronchitis.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported their measurements of the cross sections for the electronic-energy-transfer process and compared their results with the results of other experiments, including the results reported in this paper.
Abstract: We report our measurements of the cross sections ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{5S}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{4D}$ for the electronic-energy-transfer process $\mathrm{Na}(3P)+\mathrm{Na}(3P)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Na}(5S,4D)+\mathrm{Na}(3S)$ To obtain these cross sections we have measured the fluorescence intensity for the transitions $5S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3P$, $4D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3P$, and $3P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3S$ in sodium vapor excited with a cw dye laser The study of this electronic energy transfer is complicated and there is a large disagreement (\ensuremath{\gtrsim}${10}^{4}$) among reported measurements We believe we have avoided most of the difficulties of previous experiments Our results are ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{5S}=(20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}07)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{4D}=(32\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}11)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, and they are compared with the results of other experiments
01 Jan 1983
TL;DR: Evidence is presented that α-L-fucosidase on the sperm surface is responsible for the binding of spermatozoa to the vitelline coat.
Abstract: Species-specific and self-non self binding of spermatozoa to the vitelline coat is an obligatory step for fertilization in Ciona intestinalis (1,2). It is known that terminal fucose residues of the glycoproteins of the outer surface of the vitelline coat play the major role in the binding (3,4). However, it is yet to be proved that the counterpart on the sperm surface is a fucose-binding protein. This paper presents evidence that α-L-fucosidase on the sperm surface is responsible for the binding.
TL;DR: Data suggest a possible role of BLPH and BEP in and/or other proopiocortin-related peptides in the development of adrenarche, while the lack of particular changes in these peptide levels during sexual maturation seems to exclude their role in gonadarche and pubertal development.
TL;DR: A summary of 198 different types of equations and their rules of solution found in an algebra text of the 14th century, attributed to an unknown master Dardi of Pisa, is given in this article.
TL;DR: Three poly(amido-amine)s of similar structure in the form of highly hydrophilic crosslinked resins, have been prepared, and tested for their heparin-adsorbing capacity at physiological pH; they showed different capacities, and their capacities were related to their basicities.
TL;DR: The stigmatic tissue is glandular whereas the papillae are non-glandular, rich in tannins and devoid of cuticle, and the vacuoles of the stylar cortex are replete with granular material possibly tannin precursors.
Abstract: SUMMARYConfined to a narrow area, the transmitting cells have very thick walls and are without intercellular substance. They are synthetically active, rich in tannin, proteins and polysaccharides, and are well connected with adjacent tissues through vertically and horizontally oriented plasmodesmata. Occasionally autophagic vacuoles occur. The vacuoles of the stylar cortex are replete with granular material possibly tannin precursors. The epidermis has a thick cuticle. The stigmatic tissue is glandular whereas the papillae are non-glandular, rich in tannins and devoid of cuticle. They are covered with lipidic exudate transported from the stigmatic zone. Nuclear para- crystals, of proteinaceous nature, are abundant all over. The probable functions of various cell types and cell organelles are discussed.
TL;DR: The statistical analysis of the data obtained made it possible to define the personality patterns of both male and female subjects and then to differentiate between them in relation to the various types of headache.
Abstract: One hundred and sixty-seven subjects (91 females and 76 males) aged 18 to 55 and suffering from recurrent headache, daily headache, and cluster headache, were studied. In order to collect detailed information about their clinical as well as social and environmental conditions, a multi-page card was used which had been specially prepared for this purpose. The patients' personality patterns were assessed by the following methods: MMPI (the Hs, Hy, D, and Ma scales, in particular); EPQ (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire); and AS IPAT (Cattel's Anxiety Scale). The statistical analysis of the data obtained made it possible to define the personality patterns of both male and female subjects and then to differentiate between them in relation to the various types of headache. Furthermore, possible relationships between personality traits and headache suffering were investigated. If the personality patterns of females seem to have existed prior to the disease, those of males raise some questions. In cluster patients, in particular, the age of onset seems to be related to certain personality traits; in patients with daily headache, by contrast the association between the duration and severity of the disorder appears to play a major trigger role. Some of these correlations do not have a linear character and suggest new working hypotheses that go beyond the limits of standard correlations.
TL;DR: A second metal ion which is fully hydrated, M(H2O)2+(6), is engaged in a strong hydrogen bond with the gamma phosphate group of ATP and suggests a possible step in facilitating the cleavage between the beta and gamma phosphates in phosphoryl transfer reactions.
Abstract: The X-ray structures of the isomorphous Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ complexes of ATP have been determined. The metal ions are wrapped in hexa-coordination by the α, β and γ phosphate groups of two ATP molecules thus blocking the interaction of the metal ions with the adenine base. A second metal ion which is fully hydrated, M(H2O)2+ 6, is engaged in a strong hydrogen bond with the γ phosphate group of ATP and suggests a possible step in facilitating the cleavage between the β and γ phosphates in phosphoryl transfer reactions.
TL;DR: Follow-up study in 53 patients showed that neurological signs and symptoms as well as electrodiagnostic abnormalities continued for years in several patients, and some patients showed signs of central nervous system dysfunction such as spasticity of the lower limbs and increased deep tendon reflexes.
Abstract: Cases of polyneuropathy due to exposure to industrial solvents have been studied at several shoe factories in the province of Siena. After the screening of 654 employees 98 verified cases were detected. Of these, 16 were rated as moderate to severe, 45 as mild, and 37 were minimally involved but with characteristic electrodiagnostic abnormalities. Follow-up study in 53 patients showed that neurological signs and symptoms as well as electrodiagnostic abnormalities continued for years in several patients. In addition, after a year's observation, some patients showed signs of central nervous system dysfunction such as spasticity of the lower limbs and increased deep tendon reflexes. High percentages of commercial n-hexane were found in all the samples of glues and solvents collected from home-workers and from factories where cases of polyneuropathy occurred.
TL;DR: The mechanism of adventive embryogenesis was studied at ultrastructural level using Citrus cultivars as material and initial cells have a « meristematic » character and are embedded in the endosperm.
Abstract: SUMMARYThe mechanism of adventive embryogenesis was studied at ultrastructural level. Three Citrus cultivars were used as material, two poly-embryonic and one mono-embryonic. The adventive embryos in Citrus are initiated in the nucellar tissue adjacent to the embryo sac in the micropylar half and incidentally from the chalazal end. The nucellar embryoids derive from initial cells. Initial cells are present already at the time of flowering in the poly-embryonic cultivars: in the mono-embryonic cultivar initial cells are absent. At the mature embryo sac stage the initial cells have a « meristematic » character. Before division they develop new cell walls and become « zygote-resembling » cells. During this development they are isolated and their original cell walls are disintegrated. Simultaneously the surrounding nucellar cells degenerate and disappear and the initial cells become embedded in the endosperm.
TL;DR: Carbohydrates present in β- and γ-interferons seem to play a role in the synthesis, secretion, distribution and catabolism of these glycoproteins.
TL;DR: According to the results, Porricondylinae seem to be the most primitive in the group and Cecidomyiinae the most evolved, and the latter seem to have followed an evolutionary trend towards aflagellarity.
Abstract: The spermatozoa of 2 gall midges, Dicerura iridis and Claspettomyia sp (Diptera : Cecidomyiidae) of the subfamily Porricondylinae, have been studied with the transmission electron microscope Features found to be common to both species are: absence of an acrosome, a 9+3 axoneme, absence of accessory tubules, doublets with 2 dynein arms, mitochondrial derivatives with a longitudinal crystallized axis and normal motility At its base, the Dicerura iridis sperm axoneme is surrounded by a fine granular material, representing the adjunct centriole, while in the same region of the Claspettomyia spermatozoon a cloud of dense ovoidal bodies encircles the axoneme Sperm features are compared with those obtained from 2 other gall midge subfamilies, Cecidomyiinae and Lestremiinae According to our results, and in agreement with the traditional systematics, Porricondylinae seem to be the most primitive in the group and Cecidomyiinae the most evolved The latter, which possess several aberrant axonemal models, seem to have followed an evolutionary trend towards aflagellarity
TL;DR: The marine snail Turritella communis is known to have spermatozoa that are joined in pairs and this type of mitochondrial organization has been seen only in some related snails and presumably represents a superfamily characteristic.
TL;DR: The results indicate the reduced CSF beta-EP content in chronic alcoholics and suggest that peripheral pro-opiocortin-related peptides may penetrate into the CSF compartment when there is BBB damage, and support the concept thatbeta-EP, beta-LPH and ACTH may be autonomously regulated at the central level.
Abstract: In 34 chronic alcoholics, subdivided into two groups according to the state of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), ACTH and cortisol levels were determined in basal conditions in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hormonal concentrations were correlated with brain damage and mnesic function. The results indicate the reduced CSF beta-EP content in chronic alcoholics and suggest that peripheral beta-EP may penetrate into the CSF compartment when there is BBB damage. They also sustain the different origins of central and peripheral pro-opiocortin-related peptides, and support the concept that beta-EP, beta-LPH and ACTH may be autonomously regulated at the central level. Moreover, both morphological brain damage and mnesic impairment in chronic alcoholics are unrelated to CSF peptide levels. The role of opioid peptides in the nature of alcohol-seeking behavior is supported.
TL;DR: The spermatological results agree with the systematic position of Lestremiinae at the base of the evolutionary trend of the family Cecidomyiidae and the probable origin of the giant axoneme is hypothesized.
TL;DR: High-pressure liquid chromatography revealed the presence of cannabinoid acids in fresh cut influorescences of cannabis plants, and the ratio acid/neutral cannabinoid may be useful in supplying information about the age of the cannabis preparations.
01 May 1983
TL;DR: In this paper, two home-built color center lasers are described with special concern to the production of the FA(II) centers in KCl : Li crystals and the fluorescence properties of these centres are briefly investigated and an example of application to molecular spectroscopy is shown.
Abstract: 2014 The description of two home-built colour centre lasers is presented. Technical details of the solutions are given with special concern to the production of the FA(II) centres in KCl : Li crystals. The fluorescence properties of these centres are briefly investigated and an example of application to molecular spectroscopy is shown. Revue Phys. Appl. 18 (1983) 301-306 MAI 1983, PAGE
TL;DR: The selective rate was shown to be particularly sensitive in detecting binding interactions with macromolecular cell constituents and it was shown that the aromatic moiety of procaine is involved in binding the cell plasma membrane.
TL;DR: In this article, a careful analysis of the chapters devoted to algebra in the Trattato di praticha d'arismetrica written by MoBenedetto of Florence in 1463 (ms. L.IV.21 Municipal Library, Siena).