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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of scopolamine (a parasympatholytic drug) immediately after delivery, on uterine involution in dairy cows. The cows were divided into two groups: group T (treated with scopolamine butylbromide 40 mg/100 kg P.V., within 24 h of delivery) and group C (treated with 2 ml/q of saline solution). The cows were monitored at T0, within 24 h of delivery, T7, T14, T28 and T40 respectively 7th, 14th, 28th and 40th day postpartum, by measuring the levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), an important marker of uterine involution; by ultrasound examination for the measurement of the diameter of uterine horns and of blood flow in the middle uterine artery; and by evaluation of reproductive indices. HYP showed higher concentrations in the T group than in the C group at all times, but the difference was significant at T7 and T40. Uterine diameters were reduced from T7 to T40, with lower values in the T group, as compared to the C group; the pulsatility index (PI) of the middle uterine artery increased in the T group compared to the C group, with a statistically significant difference at T7. There was a better conception-delivery interval and higher pregnancy rate in the T group compared to the C group. It is likely that scopolamine blocked the uterine contractions in postpartum, for the duration of its half-life. After cessation of its pharmacological effect, the uterus may have started to contract more effectively. These results suggested that scopolamine could be useful as a pharmacological approach to postpartum management.

The Zeise’s salt, K[PtCl3(h2-C2H4)], is a paradigmatic example of the olefin to metal bond and still an important starting material for the synthesis of platinum-based organometallic compounds. The great reactivity of Zeise’s anion, essentially related to the lability of the chlorido ligand trans to the olefin, which can be easily substituted by any ligand having a reasonable affinity for platinum. To get further insights in the reaction of nucleophilic substitution upon changing the ligand trans to the h2-olefin, we tested the reactivity of three monoanionic platinum(II) substrates (Zeise’s anion itself, [PtCl3(h2-C2H4)]-, 1, trans-[PtCl2(OH)(h2-C2H4)], 2, and trans-[PtCl2(h1-CH2NO2)(h2-C2H4)]-, 3), towards aromatic imines with different steric requirements (pyridine, 4-methylpyridine, and 2,6-dimethylpyridine). We also performed a X-ray crystal structure characterization of the tetraphenylphosphonium salts of 2 and 3. Our data have highlighted the nature of the Pt-Cl Pt-OH, and Pt-C s bonds. Cl– is the only one of the three trans-to-olefin ligands which can have a h-acceptor capacity towards the metal. The s-donor capacity of the ligands can be ranked in the order: CH2NO2 C- >> Cl– > OH–. The carbanion has an unexpectedly high weakening effect on the bond between platinum and the trans-olefin. As a consequence the olefin is displaced in preference not only by another olefin but also by h-donors such as pyridines. In the light of the present results, the series ranking the trans-effect, which were set up in the 1980’s, needs to be reconsidered in view of the importance for synthetic chemistry of trans-directing ligands.

Chronic venous disorders (CVDs) subtend a spectrum of vascular abnormalities, including microcirculation and skin damages (as ulcers) in the lower limb. Mesoglycan has been established as an effective agent to improve microcirculation associated with CVDs. The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial function of mesoglycan on cutaneous blood flow measured by laser Doppler fluometry (LDF) before and after iontophoresis analysis using methacholine chloride (MCh) injection in a group of female patients in different stages of CVDs, according to the CEAP classification.Female patients with chronic venous disorders (CVD) were referred from primary care practices and vascular clinics. The study selected 75 women aged 45.5 ± 9.6 years (range, 30 to 60 years). And grading in CEAP classification. Eligible patients were allocated consecutively, according to entrance order, in an active treatment group and in a control group for 90 days. The active group (N. = 37) received mesoglycan 50 mg twice daily in adjunct to standard care. The primary outcome variable for the study was the measurement of skin microcirculation blood flow by LDF. Data obtained was transferred to a database (Excel) and analysed using statistical software (SPSS version 12, SPSS, USA).After 90 days of treatment, mesoglycan obtained a significative increase in peak flow at LDF of about 13% respect of baseline and standard care in the entire group of CVD treated women. In upper CEAP classes there was a trend for a more intense vasodilating activity of mesoglycan.The study shows improving in microvascular function induced by a 3-month mesoglycan treatment in patients classified by CEAP stages C1 and C4.

Aims: Arteriosclerosis is a degenerative process of the arterial wall implicating activation of macrophages and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Calcium-Calmodulin dependent Kinase II (CaMKII) regulates vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, as well as macrophage activities, such as diapedesis, infiltration and release of extracellular matrix enzymes. We investigated the role of CaMKII in the setup of arteriosclerosis. Methods and results: Clinically defined stable and unstable plaques obtained from patients undergoing carotid endoarteriectomy were processed for evaluation of CaMKs protein expression, activity and localization. The levels of expression and activation of CaMKII were significantly higher, and localized mostly in macrophages. The larger content of CaMKII was found in macrophages that were more abundant in unstable rather than stable plaques. Stable and unstable plaques also differed for the CaMKs isoforms, with a dominance of CaMKIId in unstable plaques. To test the biological effect of activated macrophages, VSMCs were exposed to the medium conditioned (CM) by macrophages extracted from carotid plaques. CM induced attenuation of CaMKs expression and activity in VSMCs, leading to the reduction of VSMCs proliferation. A possible role of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL6) and interleukin-8 (IL8) in CaMKII modulation was demonstrated. In a related model, CaMKII inhibition in macrophages prevents the inhibition VSMCs proliferation. Conclusion: Our results indicate a pivotal role of CaMKs in arteriosclerosis by regulating macrophages on VSMCs activity. CaMKII could represent a possible target for therapeutic strategies based on macrophages specific inhibition for the stabilization of atherosclerotic lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and its associated features. METHODS: Fifty unselected SSc patients and 41 controls, matched for sex and age, were investigated for previous cardiovascular events, cardiovascular risk factors, and ultrasonographic features of subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, that is intima-media thickness (IMT) > 0.9 mm or plaques. SSc patients were also investigated for disease features and previous treatment. Finally, blood samples were randomly selected from 27 patients and 18 controls to evaluate concentrations of amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-13, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), D-dimer, and prothrombin fragments (F1+2). RESULTS: Previous cardiovascular events were recorded in three SSc patients and no controls (p > 0.05). Mean IMT (0.613 ± 0.240 vs. 0.654 ± 0.173 mm) did not differ between patients and controls (p > 0.05), but subclinical atherosclerosis was detected in 14/50 SSc patients and 4/41 controls (p = 0.036). At multiple logistic regression analysis, mean IMT was correlated with older age [p = 0.006; odds ratio (OR) 1.276, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.043-1.516] and a higher cumulative corticosteroid intake (p = 0.017; OR 1.155, 95% CI 1.027-1.300). No correlation was found with any soluble marker of disease activity and of coagulation/fibrinolysis system activation. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms an increased prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in SSc patients and demonstrates a hitherto unknown association with corticosteroid cumulative dosage.

Background: We investigated whether several different inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, and white blood cells (WBCs) count, are associated with maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In PCOS women (n = 124, 24.1 +/- 4.5 yrs old) VO(2max) was measured during symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test. Abdominal fat distribution was determined by ultrasound. Physical activity level was assessed by a standardized questionnaire. CRP was measured by immunoassays, fibrinogen by the Clauss method, and WBCs count with a Coulter counter. Results: Pearson's analysis showed a significant correlation between VO(2max) and LogCRP (r=-0.437, P

Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systemic inflammatory response (SIR), characterized by the activation of cellular and humoral elements, with concomitant release of neutrophil elastase and matrix-metallo proteinases. In the present study, the protease release during extracorporeal circulation in 28 patients undergoing cardiac surgical operations was monitored using casein zymography. A peak in protease activity was found in all patients at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma samples of patients were allowed to interact with different traps obtained by immobilizing different protease inhibitors on specific carriers. α1-Antitpypsin, Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor, Elastatinal or Leupeptin were used as inhibitors and were covalently immobilized by diazotization or by condensation. A reduction in the proteolytic activity of the plasma samples was observed after interaction with the different traps. The most efficient traps, i.e. the ones displaying greatest power to inhibit protease activity, were those obtained by immobilizing Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor and Leupeptin. The biocompatibility of traps was also tested. Results show that protease activity in blood can be decreased by our protease traps.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a pathology of unknown cause, characterized by tissue and cellular damage, secondary to production of autoantibodies and to deposition of immunocomplexes. Lupus nephritis is one of the most common complications of SLE. Our purpose is to propose a therapeutic protocol for patients suffering from Lupus nephritis. This consists of Plasmapheresis associated with pharmacological therapy so that dosage of immunosuppressors can be reduced and consequently also the side effects of the pharmacological therapy.

The authors report their experience about cleft lip and palate.