The photosynthetic and photochemical adaptation of grapevine leaves to high UV radiation, under hot and dry summer conditions, was investigated in near-isohydric Cannonau (syn. Grenache) and nearanisohydric Bovale grande (syn. Carignan). From pea-size stage until harvest, vines with mild to moderate water deficit were subjected to UV-blocking treatment (-UV) and compared to a control exposed to sunlight (C). Canopy light and thermal microclimate, growth and density, maximum leaf gas exchange, primary photochemistry (PSII) and phenols were monitored. Average increments in canopy temperature under -UV tunnels during day-time and night-time were 3.3°C and 0.8°C in Bovale grande and 2.6°C and 1.1°C in Cannonau. Cultivars reached similar leaf area, intrinsic water-use efficiency and stem water potential under C and -UV. Cannonau showed lower stomatal conductance, maximum net assimilation and transpiration rates, but also faster recovery of PSII under heat and moderate water stress. UV radiation induced a stronger and longer impact on leaf assimilation, but the duration of elevated temperatures under −UV induced higher photoinhibition and lower photochemical efficiency. A similar degree of correlation between leaf temperature and gas exchange was found among cultivars and treatments. In Cannonau, leaf anthocyanin decreased due to heat-induced long-lasting PSII photoinactivation under C. Conversely, Bovale grande showed higher phenolic content stability, thus higher photoprotection and recovery of PSII functional units. Agronomical practices affecting leaf phenolic accumulation influence canopy acclimation to heat and high sunlight. Vineyard management must avoid excessive canopy sun exposure and duration of elevated temperatures to favour high assimilation, while reducing photoinactivation and heat damage.
ObjectivesPatients with clinical, genetic and histological features of coeliac disease (CD), but negative for serological markers, pose a significant clinical problem. The aim of this study was to outline a specific profile, and to evaluate the natural history and response to gluten-free diet (GFD) of patients with seronegative CD.Methodspatients with duodenal mucosa damage Marsh I, II and III stages, HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotype and clinical features suggestive of CD, but negative for CD serology, were defined as seronegative CD patients. Other common causes of duodenal mucosa damage were excluded. HLA–DR and DQ genotype/haplotype between all Marsh stages of patients with seronegative and seropositive CD were compared. Clinical features, laboratory testing and histological findings were evaluated after a GFD and a gluten rechallenge. A long follow-up period was available.Results48 patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria over a 4-year period. Clinical phenotype and HLA−DR and DQ frequencies between patients with seronegative and seropositive CD was similar. However, Marsh I stage was more prevalent in seronegative patients (42% vs 22%; p<0.05). After a 1-year GFD trial, clinical symptoms, histological features and laboratory testing improved in 40 patients and worsened in those who underwent a 6-months gluten challenge. Five patients with seronegative CD (25%) experienced the occurrence of autoimmune diseases during a median follow-up of 133 months (range 72–192).ConclusionsPatients with seronegative CD did not display a specific profile. They benefitted from GFD as patients with seropositive CD. Waiting for more sensitive serological markers, the diagnosis of seronegative CD remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Abstract. In 2014, the Sardinian Regional Department of Hygiene, Health and Social
Security promoted the Regional Prevention Plan, which embraced the
protection of the population from exposure to indoor pollutants, including
radon gas. The programme foresaw: the drafting of “Guidance for the
construction/renovation of buildings”; radon monitoring and mapping
activities during a dedicated campaign based on geological surveying; a
radon health impact assessment; community involvement and a radon risks
communication campaign. The objectives of the programme were focused to
protect Sardinian population from radon risk, with special reference to
vulnerable and susceptible subjects, spread knowledge about risks and the
opportunities to reduce them. Using a Health Impact Assessment procedure,
the number of attributable deaths was estimated based on radon exposure
levels, also visible as preventable events by implementing preventive
actions. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the activities carried
out, with specific reference to the use of communication to develop each
action, to understand strengths and weaknesses and the lessons to be applied
in Sardinia and other areas. Monitoring and evaluation results indicate that the health of populations
living in radon-exposed areas can be significantly improved by reducing
exposure to radon and synergistic risk factors. It is essential to
strengthen awareness-raising events using historical and acquired knowledge,
and to monitor progress in order to reinforce further actions, as these
schemes should be planned for the long term, with central coordination and
continuous evaluation. The case of radon risk management and communication in Sardinia offers a
number of suggestions and lessons learned, both for the continuation of the
work that is expected to be very intense in the coming years, and for the
problems that may arise in other regions and countries affected by radon
risk.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.