Signs of local adaptation by genetic selection and isolation promoted by extreme temperature and salinity in the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica.

Adaptation to local conditions is known to occur in seagrasses; however, knowledge of the genetic basis underlying this phenomenon remains scarce. Here, we analysed Posidonia oceanica from six sites within and around the Stagnone di Marsala, a semi-enclosed coastal lagoon where salinity and temperature exceed the generally described tolerance thresholds of the species. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were measured and plant samples were collected for the assessment of morphology, flowering rate and for screening genome-wide polymorphisms using double digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing.

Functional assessment of patients with systemic sclerosis by the use of 'Six-minutes-walking-test'.

Aims: Systemic Sclerosis (SS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissues, characterised by alterations in the functions and structures of the small blood vessels (capillaries and arterioles) and by modifications associated with the disposition of collagen in the tissues. One of the most frequent complication of the SS is the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Aim of this study was to assess the various pathophysiological relationships betweens SS and PAH in order to establish whether the presence of this systemic disease can represent a risk factor.

Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): review of literature and report of a new case.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants can have unwanted, negative effects. By means of the description of an adverse reaction to a herbal remedy, we highlight the need for better efficacy-toxicity studies on these products.

Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases.

Purpose: To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to describe two new cases reported within the framework of the Italian surveillance system of natural health products.

Results: A literature search of publication between 1999 and October 2008 retrieved 34 cases of hepatitis. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory reactions, cholestasis, occasional steatosis, and necrosis.