Frequency of Discrimination,Harassment, and Violence in Lesbian,Gay Men,and Bisexual in Italy

Background

This cross-sectional study assessed the frequency of discrimination, harassment, and violence and the associated factors among a random sample of 1000 lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men recruited from randomly selected public venues in Italy.

Methods

A face-to-face interview sought information about: socio-demographics, frequency of discrimination, verbal harassment, and physical and sexual violence because of their sexual orientation, and their fear of suffering each types of victimization.

Results

In the whole sample, 28.3% and 11.9% self-reported at least one episode of victimization because of the sexual orientation in their lifetime and in the last year. Those unmarried, compared to the others, and with a college degree or higher, compared to less educated respondents, were more likely to have experienced an episode of victimization in their lifetime. Lesbians, compared to bisexual, had almost twice the odds of experiencing an episode of victimization. The most commonly reported experiences across the lifetime were verbal harassment, discrimination, and physical or sexual violence. Among those who had experienced one episode of victimization in their lifetime, 42.1% self-reported one episode in the last year. Perceived fear of suffering violence because of their sexual orientation, measured on a 10-point Likert scale with a higher score indicative of greater fear, ranges from 5.7 for verbal harassment to 6.4 for discrimination. Participants were more likely to have fear of suffering victimization because of their sexual orientation if they were female (compared to male), lesbian and gay men (compared to bisexual women and men), unmarried (compared to the others), and if they have already suffered an episode of victimization (compared to those who have not suffered an episode).

Conclusions

The study provides important insights into the violence experiences of lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men and the results may serve for improving policy initiatives to reduce such episodes.     

Levels of iron, zinc, and copper in aqueous humor, lens, and serum in nondiabetic and diabetic patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) levels of aqueous humor, lens, and serum in nondiabetics and diabetics and to determine the effects of diabetes on Fe, Zn, and Cu contents in the lens. Fe, Zn, and Cu contents of aqueous humor, lens, and serum samples of 19 patients (9 nondiabetic patients with a mean age of 62.3±5.4 yr, and 10 diabetic patients with a mean age of 59.5±5.9 yr) were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry using a prospective study design. The lens levels of Cu in diabetic patients were significantly higher compared with nondiabetic patients (p=0.02); however; there was no difference in the other elements (Zn, Fe; p=0.28, p=0.74, respectively). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Cu in the aqueous humor and serum of diabetic patients were not found to be statistically significant when compared to nondiabetics (p=0.46, p=0.11, p=0.18, and p=0.22, p=0.43, p=0.72, respectively). These results demonstrate that increased Cu content of the lens presumably has a greater association with the development of lens opacification in diabetics than Zn and Fe content.     

Sequence variation in ITS spacers and 5.8S rDNA and relationship of E, St, P, Ns, Xm, and H genomes in the genera of Agropyron, Elytrigia, Leymus, Pascopyrum, Psathyrostachys, and Hordeum

Understanding species evolution and improvement requires information of their genome origin and differentiation. Among the species in the family Gramineae, genome identities of Agropyron-Elytrigia-Leymus group are still ambiguous. In order to delineate the genome relationship, nucleotide sequence analysis in the rDNA ITS regions was carried out among the species in the genera Elytrigia, Agropyron, Psathyrostachys, Leymus, and Psacopyrum containing E, St, P, Ns, and Xm genomes. The ITS-1 and ITS-2 showed a narrow range of variation in length except for the presence of a pentanucleotide, TGGGG, in/del in some haplotypes, whereas higher numbers of nucleotide substitutions were observed in most genera. There were 187 variable sites in the ITS-1, 5.8S, and ITS-2 regions, in which a few genome specific mutations were observed. While the level of variation was similar between ITS-1 and ITS-2, the rate of transition mutation versus transversion mutations was different among the ITS-1, 5.8S, and ITS-2 segments. GC contents of the ITS regions ranged between 55–65% between genomes and the haplotypes of P and H genomes were slightly higher than others. In phylogenetic analysis, the ITS haplotypes were classified into two groups; one containing H, Ns, NsXm genomes, and another containing P, St, and E genomes, which are congruous to the genome affinities from other studies. Among the four genomes in Pascopyrum smithii (2n=8x=56, StStNsNsHHXmXm), the haplotypes of H and St genomes were identified with the reference diploid species, but the haplotypes having Ns and Xm genomes were not found in the present analysis.     

Occurrence of heavy metals,sodium, calcium,and potassium in human hair,teeth, and nails

Heavy metals in biological samples: nails, teeth, and hair were examined during 1991–1993. Investigations of biological samples (hairn=249 samples, teethn=145, nailsn=80 samples) were provided for inhabitants of selected towns in Beskid Śląski. The towns are small mountain towns in southern Poland: Wista, Szczyrk, Istebna, Koniaków, and Jaworzynka. The analysis of ANOVA and MANOVA variances were used for biological samples in the context of age, sex, and type of samples for 12 elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Co, Ca, Na, and K). The matrix correlation and cluster analysis were applied to explain the behavior of metals in human hair, teeth, and nails.     

Isolation,assay, biosynthesis,metabolism, uptake and translocation,and function of proline in plant cells and tissues

The amino acid L-proline has been the subject of intensive research during the past ten to fifteen years. This stems from the observations that it incorporates into peptide linkage thereby serving as a precursor to peptidyl-bound L-hydroxyproline, a constituent of “extensin,” and that it accumulates when some plants are exposed to diverse biological and environmental stresses. The contents of selected papers which have been published during the last quarter of a century regarding the isolation, assay, biosynthesis, metabolism, transport and function of L-proline within various plant tissues and their cells are both interpreted and summarized in this review. Occasionally, relevant information from animal and bacterial systems concerning these topics is included. Hydroxyproline-containing proteins are not considered. L-proline was reported to be a constituent of leaves as early as the 1950’s. Since then, it and its analogues have been extracted from the organs of a variety of plants. The analogues include: methyl-hydroxylproline; 4-methylene-DL-proline; L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid; 2,3,cis-3,4-trans-dihydroxy-L-proline; L-pipecolic acid and 4-trans-hydroxypro-line. L-proline can be both detected and quantified by colorimetric, combined fluorometric-amino acid analyzer and gas Chromatographic procedures. L-proline may be synthesized from L-glutamic acid via the following biosynthetic pathway: L-glutamic acid \(\underrightarrow {\gamma - glutamic acid kinase}\) γ-glutamyl phosphate \(\underrightarrow {\gamma - glutamyl phosphate reductase}\) γ-glutamyl semialdehyde \(\underrightarrow {spontaneous cyclization}\) Δ′-pyrroline-5-Carboxylate (P5C) \(\underrightarrow {P5C reductase}\) L-proline. Proline can also originate from L-arginine and L-ornithine. Biosynthesis from the latter compound proceeds either through the γ-glutamyl semialdehyde and pyrroline-5-carboxylate pathway or alternatively a α-keto-δ-aminovaleric and pyrroline-2-carboxylate pathway. The metabolism of L-proline most likely involves the reverse of the biosynthetic pathway with an initial prolyl dehydrogenaseor prolyl oxidasemediated conversion of L-proline to Δ′-pyrroline-5-carboxylate. The metabolism of L-proline has been demonstrated to occur in excised tissues and cell free extracts, cell suspension cultures and reproductive structures. Little is known about the mechanism by which L-proline is taken up by cultured plant cells and excised tissues. Once within the plant Lproline can be translocated through the phloem at velocities similar to those for carbon dioxide assimilates. In addition to serving as a substrate for peptidyl-bound hydroxyproline, L-proline may function as an adaptation to diverse biological and environmental stresses, a cryoprotectant, a nitrogen pool, a precursor for chlorophyll synthesis upon relief of stress, a regulator together with L-histidine of fertility and sterility and/or a substrate for respiration.     

Dispensable,Redundant, Complementary,and Cooperative Roles of Dopamine,Octopamine, and Serotonin in Drosophila melanogaster

To investigate the regulation of Drosophila melanogaster behavior by biogenic amines, we have exploited the broad requirement of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) for the vesicular storage and exocytotic release of all monoamine neurotransmitters. We used the Drosophila VMAT (dVMAT) null mutant to globally ablate exocytotic amine release and then restored DVMAT activity in either individual or multiple aminergic systems, using transgenic rescue techniques. We find that larval survival, larval locomotion, and female fertility rely predominantly on octopaminergic circuits with little apparent input from the vesicular release of serotonin or dopamine. In contrast, male courtship and fertility can be rescued by expressing DVMAT in octopaminergic or dopaminergic neurons, suggesting potentially redundant circuits. Rescue of major aspects of adult locomotion and startle behavior required octopamine, but a complementary role was observed for serotonin. Interestingly, adult circadian behavior could not be rescued by expression of DVMAT in a single subtype of aminergic neurons, but required at least two systems, suggesting the possibility of unexpected cooperative interactions. Further experiments using this model will help determine how multiple aminergic systems may contribute to the regulation of other behaviors. Our data also highlight potential differences between behaviors regulated by standard exocytotic release and those regulated by other mechanisms.     

Occurrence,Diversity, and Host Association of Intestinal Campylobacter,Arcobacter, and Helicobacter in Reptiles

Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Helicobacter species have been isolated from many vertebrate hosts, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Multiple studies have focused on the prevalence of these Epsilonproteobacteria genera in avian and mammalian species. However, little focus has been given to the presence within reptiles, and their potential zoonotic and pathogenic roles. In this study, occurrence, diversity, and host association of intestinal Epsilonproteobacteria were determined for a large variety of reptiles. From 2011 to 2013, 444 cloacal swabs and fecal samples originating from 417 predominantly captive-held reptiles were screened for Epsilonproteobacteria. Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Helicobacter genus specific PCRs were performed directly on all samples. All samples were also cultured on selective media and screened for the presence of Epsilonproteobacteria. Using a tiered approach of AFLP, atpA, and 16S rRNA sequencing, 432 Epsilonproteobacteria isolates were characterized at the species level. Based on PCR, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Helicobacter were detected in 69.3% of the reptiles; 82.5% of the chelonians, 63.8% of the lizards, and 58.0% of the snakes were positive for one or more of these genera. Epsilonproteobacteria were isolated from 22.1% of the reptiles and were isolated most frequently from chelonians (37.0%), followed by lizards (19.6%) and snakes (3.0%). The most commonly isolated taxa were Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter skirrowii, reptile-associated Campylobacter fetus subsp. testudinum, and a putative novel Campylobacter taxon. Furthermore, a clade of seven related putative novel Helicobacter taxa was isolated from lizards and chelonians. This study shows that reptiles carry various intestinal Epsilonproteobacteria taxa, including several putative novel taxa.     

Pollen,ovules, and pollination in pea: Success,failure, and resilience in heat

Field pea (Pisum sativum), a major grain legume crop, is autogamous and adapted to temperate climates. The objectives of this study were to investigate effects of high temperature stress on stamen chemical composition, anther dehiscence, pollen viability, pollen interactions with pistil and ovules, and ovule growth and viability. Two cultivars (“CDC Golden” and “CDC Sage”) were exposed to 24/18°C (day/night) continually or to 35/18°C for 4 or 7 days. Heat stress altered stamen chemical composition, with lipid composition of “CDC Sage” being more stable compared with “CDC Golden.” Heat stress reduced pollen viability and the proportion of ovules that received a pollen tube. After 4 days at 35°C, pollen viability in flower buds decreased in “CDC Golden,” but not in “CDC Sage.” After 7 days, partial to full failure of anthers to dehisce resulted in subnormal pollen loads on stigmas. Although growth (ovule size) of fertilized ovules was stimulated by 35°C, heat stress tended to decrease ovule viability. Pollen appears susceptible to stress, but not many grains are needed for successful fertilization. Ovule fertilization and embryos are less susceptible to heat, but further research is warranted to link the exact degree of resilience to stress intensity.     

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Leucine,Zinc, and Chromium,Alone and in Combination,in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

The main objective was to determine the elemental profile of the lung lining fluid of rats which are used as model animals in various experiments. Lung lining fluid elemental constitution obtained after bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the biological trace elements along with calcium and magnesium. BALF was collected from healthy rats using a tracheal cannula. However, cells in BALF were counted to monitor any underlying inflammatory lung condition. Cell free BALF samples were processed and analyzed for the elements including magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), bromine (Br), and iodine (I). In view of this, calcium concentration was the highest (6318.08 ± 3094.3 μg/L) and copper concentration was the lowest (0.89 ± 0.21 μg/L). The detected elements, from high to low concentration, include Ca > Mg > Fe > Br > I > Cr > Ni > Zn > Mn > Se > Cu. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between cell count and concentration of any of the element detected in BALF. Correlation analysis also revealed significant positive correlation among Fe, I, Cr, Ni, and Mn. Ca was found to be correlated negatively with Cu and positively with Se. Br and Mg found to be positively correlated with each other. Zn remained the only element that was not found to be correlated with any of the elements in the rat BALF.     

Metabolism of chrysene, 5-methylchrysene, 6-methylchrysene and 5,6-dimethylchrysene in rat liver cytosol, in vitro, and in rat subcutaneous tissue, in vivo

The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon chrysene undergoes a bioalkylation substitution reaction in vitro, in rat liver cytosol preparations, and in vivo, in rat dorsal subcutaneous tissue to yield 6-methylchrysene as a metabolite. In addition, both 5-methyl- and 6-methylchrysene were found to undergo a dealkylation reaction in these tissues to yield chrysene as well as both a biooxidation reaction to yield the corresponding hydroxyalkyl substituted chrysene and a bioalkylation reaction to give a dimethyl substituted chrysene. 5-Methylchrysene enzymatically cyclized to the 4,5-methylenechrysene derivative, an analog of benzo[a]pyrene in these tissues. 5,6-Dimethylchrysene was metabolized to monomethyl chrysenes, chrysene, and the hydroxyalkyl substituted chrysenes. The results suggest that chemical or biochemical substitution of a methyl group at the center of highest biochemical reactivity may be a necessary step in the metabolic activation and carcinogenicity of these compounds and their methylene bridged metabolites.     

Metabolism of shikimic,quinic, and cyclohexanecarboxylic acids in germfree,conventional, and gnotobiotic rats

By using a new high-pressure liquid chromatography assay, the increase in urinary hipprate following ingestion of shikimic, quinic, and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was studied to quantitate the extent of aromatization in germfree, gnotobiotic, and converitonal rats. Germfree rats aromatized 2% of a single dose of shikimic acid or quinic acid and 44% of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Conventional rats aromatized all three compounds; shikimic (12%), quinic (12%), and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (61%). A human fecal flora was fed to otherwise germfree rats to determine the degree of association and the resulting effect upon the metabolism of shikimic, quinic, and cyclohexanecarboxylic acids in vivo. Following establishment of the human microflora and subsequent feedings of shikimic or quinic acids, excretion of urinary hippurate was five to seven times greater (10–15% of the dose) than in germfree rats fed the same acids. The results suggest that the intestinal flora is needed to metabolize the shikimic acid to substrate(s) (probably cyclohexanecarboxylic acid). This substrate can then be aromatized by mammalian enzymes.     

Translocation of manganese, iron, cobalt, and zinc in tomato

Tomato plants in solution culture were treated with 0 to 50 μm Mn, Co, or Zn in the presence of 5 μm Fe. Stem exudates were analyzed to determine quantities and forms of the metals translocated.     

Clusters of Toxoplasmosis in Ganghwa-gun,Cheorwon-gun,and Goseong-gun,Korea

We find out the clusters with high toxoplasmosis risk to discuss the geographical pattern in Gyodong-myeon and Samsan-myeon of Ganghwa-gun, Cheorwon-gun, and Goseong-gun, Korea. Seroepidemiological data of toxoplasmosis surveyed using rapid diagnostic tests for the residents in the areas in 2019 were analyzed to detect clusters of the infection. The cluster was investigated using the SaTScan program which is based on Kulldorff’s scan statistic. The clusters were found with P-values in each region analyzed in the program, and the risk and patient incidence of specific areas can be examined by the values such as relative risk and log likelihood ratio. Jiseok-ri and Insa-ri were found to be a cluster in Gyodong-myeon and Seokmo-ri was the cluster in Samsan-myeon. Yangji-ri and Igil-ri were found to be a cluster in Cheorwon-gun and Madal-ri and Baebong-ri were the cluster in Goseong-gun. This findings can be used to monitor and prevent toxoplasmosis infections occurring in vulnerable areas.     

Distribution of Arsenic,Antimony, and Thallium in Soil in Kavadarci and its Surroundings,Republic of Macedonia

The aim of this study is to present a spatial distribution of As, Sb, and Tl in topsoil and subsoil in the Kavadarci region, Republic of Macedonia. In total, 344 soil samples were collected from 172 locations (0–5 cm and 20–30 cm) in an area of 360 km². ICP-MS was applied for the determination of the invesgated elements. It was found that the highest contents of As, Sb, and Tl were on Holocene alluvium of the river Crna Reka, where average concentrations exceeded the average of the total investigated area by two times for As, three for Tl, and more than five times for Sb. The enrichment of the Holocene alluvium of the river Crna Reka is supposed to be a consequence of natural erosion from Allchar mine deposits on Ko?uf Mountain and also from mining activities in the past.