Bottle-brush-shaped heterostructures of NiO-ZnO nanowires: growth study and sensing properties.

We present here heterostructured ZnO-NiO nanowires (NWs), constituted by a core of single crystalline ZnO NWs, covered by poly-crystalline NiO nanorods (NRs). The bottle-brush shape was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope, confirming that a columnar growth of NiO occurred over the ZnO core, with a preferred orientation of NiO over ZnO NWs. The heterostructured devices are proposed for gas sensing application. Bare ZnO NWs and heterostructured sensors with two different thicknesses of NiO poly-crystalline NRs were analysed for acetone, ethanol, NO2 and H2 detection. All sensors maintained n-type sensing mechanism, with improved sensing performance for lower thickness of NiO, due to high catalytic activity of NiO. The sensing dynamic is also strongly modified by the presence of heterojunction of NiO/ZnO, with a reduction of response and recovery times towards ethanol and acetone at 400 °C.

A new strategy for the decellularisation of large equine tendons as biocompatible tendon substitutes.

Tendon ruptures and/or large losses remain to be a great clinical challenge and often require full replacement of the damaged tissue. The use of auto- and allografts or engineered scaffolds is an established approach to restore severe tendon injuries. However, these grafts are commonly related to scarce biocompatibility, site morbidity, chronic inflammation and poor biomechanical properties. Recently, the decellularisation techniques of allo- or xenografts using specific detergents have been studied and have been found to generate biocompatible substitutes that resemble the native tissue. This study aims to identify a novel decellularisation protocol for large equine tendons that would produce an extracellular matrix scaffold suitable for the regeneration of injured tendons in humans. Specifically, equine tendons were treated either with tri (n-butyl) phosphate alone, or associated to multiple concentrations of peracetic acid (1, 3 and 5 %), which has never before been tested in vitro.Samples were then analysed by histology and with biochemical, biomechanical, and cytotoxicity tests. The best decellularisation protocol, resulting from these examinations, was selected and the chosen scaffold was re-seeded with murine fibroblasts. Resulting grafts were tested for cell viability, histologic analysis, DNA and collagen content. The results identified 1 % tri (n-butyl) phosphate combined with 3 % peracetic acid as the most suitable decellularised matrix in terms of biochemical and biomechanical properties. Moreover, the non-cytotoxic nature of the decellularised matrix allowed for good fibroblast reseeding, thus demonstrating a biocompatible matrix that will be suitable for tendon tissue engineering and hopefully as substitutes in severe tendon damages.

Functionalization of Indium Oxide for Empowered Detection of CO2 over an Extra-Wide Range of Concentrations.

Carbon capture, storage, and utilization have become familiar terms when discussing climate change mitigation actions. Such endeavors demand the availability of smart and inexpensive devices for CO2 monitoring. To date, CO2 detection relies on optical properties and there is a lack of devices based on solid-state gas sensors, which can be miniaturized and easily made compatible with Internet of Things platforms. With this purpose, we present an innovative semiconductor as a functional material for CO2 detection. A nanostructured In2O3 film, functionalized by Na, proves to enhance the surface reactivity of pristine oxide and promote the chemisorption of even rather an inert molecule as CO2. An advanced operando equipment based on surface-sensitive diffuse infrared Fourier transform is used to investigate its improved surface reactivity. The role of sodium is to increase the concentration of active sites such as oxygen vacancies and, in turn, to strengthen CO2 adsorption and reaction at the surface. It results in a change in film conductivity, i.e., in transduction of a concentration of CO2. The films exhibit excellent sensitivity and selectivity to CO2 over an extra-wide range of concentrations (250-5000 ppm), which covers most indoor and outdoor applications due to the marginal influence by environmental humidity.

CdSe spherical quantum dots stabilised by thiomalic acid: biphasic wet synthesis and characterisation.

CdSe quantum dots stabilised by thiomalic acid have been synthesised by an aqueous biphasic ligand exchange reaction in air. The materials are completely water-soluble and were found to be stable over a long time. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal the formation of CdSe nanocrystals with cubic structure (a=0.6077 nm; spatial group: F-43m). The average particle size is about 5 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis shows that the nanocrystals are nonstoichiometric, with a Cd/Se ratio varying between 60/40 and 70/30, and indicates the presence of Cd(2+) ions at the nanocrystal surface. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform measurements suggest that thiomalic acid chelates CdSe through the thiol group and one carboxylic function, while the second COOH group is semi-free. A complex-like structure is proposed, in which thiomalic acid forms a five-membered chelate ring with the Cd(2+) ions present on the nanocrystal surface. Chelate effect accounts for the easiness of ligand exchange and is expected to additionally stabilise the nanosystem.

[Primary gastric lymphoma: our experience (clinical contribution)]. / Il linfoma gastrico primitivo: nostra esperienza (contributo clinico).

The authors analyze a personal study population (11 cases) of primary gastric lymphoma. Whenever possible, more radical surgery was carried out even in severely debilitated patients. Polychemotherapeutic treatment was given after discharge. The mean postoperative survival was 35 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 27.2%.

[Biliary pathology in chronic pancreatitis]. / La patologia biliare nella pancreatite cronica.

The authors expose in a very accurate discussion the biliary pathology during chronic pancreatitis. They divide the biliary lesions into associated with pancreatitis and secondary to chronic pancreatitis. They emphasize the necessity to practise a detailed study of the biliary tract in all patients affected by chronic pancreatitis and the good results showed by a very simple surgical act.

Food habits and the apparent nature and extent of dietary nutritional deficiencies in the Peruvian Andes.

Food patterns, and energy and nutrient intake of a sample of rural and urban families in the Peruvian Andes are analyzed and compared with requirements and recommended figures of nutrient allowances. It is concluded that, with the exception of vitamin A, there is very little nutrient deficiency where calorie requirements are met. About half the population in the region suffers from some degree of calorie deficiency in the sense that the total quantity of food available to the family is insufficient to satisfy energy needs of all family members. The incidence of calorie deficiency is about equally distributed between rural and urban areas and there is strong evidence that calorie intake is positively correlated with the proportion of home-produced to total (home-produced and purchased) food.

Effects of protected fish oil in the diet of periparturient dairy goats on phenotypic variation in blood and milk leukocytes.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary protected fish oil (FO) on phenotypic variation in blood, milk leukocytes, and some productive and metabolic parameters in periparturient dairy goats. About 12 Alpine goats, selected from a larger group of second-parity animals, were fed from 15 days before kidding until the 15th day of lactation with the same basal diet that had been supplemented with either 47 g/head per day of FO or 47 g/head per day hydrogenated palm oil (PO). Dry matter intake, live body weight (LBW), body condition score (BCS), and productive performance were evaluated in 2 weeks after kidding. On days 15, 7, and 2 before kidding and days 2, 7, and 15 after kidding, plasma samples were collected for evaluation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and urea levels. White blood cell and blood leukocyte subsets were counted in whole blood samples on the kidding day, as well as at 1, 4, and 15 days after kidding. In addition, milk somatic cell count, intramammary infection (IMI), and milk leukocyte subsets were evaluated on days 4 and 15 after kidding. No differences were observed in dry matter intake and BCS, while LBW was higher in FO-fed animals. Milk production and composition, plasma metabolites, and liver enzymes were similar in both experimental groups. Blood CD4 positive cells increased constantly (P = 0.05) in FO-fed group, while CD8 and CD14 cell counts significantly increased 4 days after kidding (P < 0.01). Milk leukocyte subsets showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in PO-fed group and a non-significant increase (P = 0.34) in FO-fed group, despite the presence of coagulase negative staphylococci IMI. The results of the productive performance evaluation agreed with those of many other studies, which did not find any significant differences between dairy goats fed diets enriched with FO or PO supplements. The administration of FO to dairy goats in transition appeared to affect the variation in blood leukocytes with a constant increase in CD4- and CD8-positive cells in comparison with a PO fat-supplemented diet.

Human liver budesonide sulphotransferase is inhibited by testosterone and correlates with by testosterone sulphotransferase.

Budesonide, a corticosteroid used in the treatment of asthma and allergic reactions, is almost entirely cleared by metabolism in man. We describe the sulphation of budesonide in human liver and lung and provide evidences that the sulphation of budesonide is catalysed by testosterone sulphotransferase. A rapid and reproducible radiometric assay for budesonide sulphotransferase is described. Liver specimens were obtained from 35 men and 65 women and lung specimens from 2 women and 17 men. The average hepatic budesonide sulphation rate was significantly higher in men (41.1 pmol.min-1.ml-1) than women (28.2 pmol.min-1.mg-1). In the lung, the mean budesonide sulphation rate was 5.0 pmol.min-1.mg-1. Testosterone strongly inhibited the hepatic sulphation of budesonide, whereas p-nitrophenol and dopamine were poor inhibitors; the IC50 was 7.0 uM (testosterone), 320 uM (p-nitrophenol) and 510 uM (dopamine). The hepatic rates of testosterone, p-nitrophenol and dopamine sulphation were measured in the same samples assayed for budesonide sulphotransferase. There was a correlation between the hepatic rates of budesonide and testosterone sulphation (P < 0.001; r = 0.810). The activity of testosterone sulphotransferase was significantly greater in men than women (22.0 vs. 17.2 pmol.min-1.mg-1), whereas those of dopamine and p-nitrophenol sulphotransferase were not sex dependent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Captopril methylation in human liver and kidney: interindividual variability.

1. The methylation of captopril was studied in the microsomal fraction obtained from 87 specimens of human liver and 70 specimens of human renal cortex. 2. The rate captopril methylation ranged over one order of magnitude in the liver and kidney. In the human liver, the mean (+/- SD) rate of captopril methylation (pmol/min/mg) was significantly (p < 0.001) greater in women (199 +/- 97) than in men (126 +/- 88), whereas in the kidney no sex-difference was observed, and the mean (+/- SD) of all cases was 47 +/- 23 pmol/min/mg. 3. In the kidney, the statistical analysis revealed the presence of two subgroups in the rate of captopril methylation and their mean (+/- SD) estimates were 42.5 +/- 13.9 and 90.3 +/- 12.0 pmol/min/mg (p < 0.05). Of the population, 84% fell in the former and the remaining 16% in the latter subgroup. 4. Captopril is mainly eliminated by metabolism and its bioavailability is 65%. Methylation is one of the metabolic routes of captopril and its variability may contribute, to some extent, to modulate the intracellular concentration of this drug.

Low selenium status in the elderly influences thyroid hormones.

1. Iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase, which is mainly responsible for peripheral triiodothyronine (T3) production, has recently been demonstrated to be a selenium-containing enzyme. In the elderly, reduced peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to T3 and overt hypothyroidism are frequently observed. 2. We measured serum selenium and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (as indices of selenium status), thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone in 109 healthy euthyroid subjects (52 women, 57 men), carefully selected to exclude abnormally low thyroid hormone levels induced by acute or chronic diseases or calorie restriction. The subjects were subdivided into three age groups. To avoid conditions of under-nutrition or malnutrition, dietary records were obtained for a sample of 24 subjects, randomly selected and representative of the whole population for age and sex. 3. In order to properly assess the influence of selenium status on iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase type I activity, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was also carried out on 36 elderly subjects, resident at a privately owned nursing home. 4. In the free-living population, a progressive reduction of the T3/T4 ratio (due to increased T4 levels) and of selenium and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity was observed with advancing age. A highly significant linear correlation between T4, T3/T4 and selenium was observed in the population as a whole (for T4, R = -0.312, P < 0.002; for T3/T4 ratio, R = 0.32, P < 0.01) and in older subjects (for T4, R = -0.40, P < 0.05; for T3/T4 ratio, R = 0.54, P < 0.002). 5. The main result of the double-blind placebo-controlled trial was a significant improvement of selenium indices and a decrease in the T4 level in selenium-treated subjects; serum selenium, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and thyroid hormones did not change in placebo-treated subjects. 6. We concluded that selenium status influences thyroid hormones in the elderly, mainly modulating T4 levels.

Variability in the rate of 6-mercaptopurine methylation in the erythrocytes, liver and kidney in an Italian population.

OBJECTIVE: The polymorphism of erythrocyte thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is genetically regulated as an autosomal codominant trait, and so should be congenital. RESULTS: We tested this hypothesis by measuring TPMT activity in erythrocyte preparations from adults and newborns and observed polymorphic distribution of TPMT activity in the adult and newborn erythrocytes. The activity of TPMT was higher in red cells from the newborns than adults. The frequency distribution of TPMT activity was also investigated in the liver and kidney. In the kidney, TPMT activity fell into two subgroups, whereas in the liver the distribution pattern was more complex. The activity of TPMT in erythrocytes and liver from the same subject was correlated, but the values of only half the cases fell within the 95% confidence limits, suggesting that the control of hepatic and/or erythrocyte TPMT is multifactorial.

Food habits and the apparent nature and extent of dietary nutritional deficiencies in the Peruvian Andes.

Se analizan los patrones de ingesta de alimentos y nutrientes en una muestra de familias urbanas y rurales de los Andes Peruanos, y se comparan con los requerimientos establecidos. Se concluye que, con excepcion de vitamina A, existe poca deficiencia nutricional en los casos en que se satisfacen los requerimientos caloricos.Cerca de la mitad de la poblacion en la region padece de cierto grado de deficiencia calorica en el sentido de que la cantidad total de alimentos disponibles para la familia, es insuficiente para satisfacer las necesidades energeticas de todos sus miembros. La incidencia de deficiencia calorica es mas o menos la misma en las areas rurales que en las urbanas, y existe evidencia fuertemente indicativa de que la ingesta calorica esta correlacionada positivamente con la proporcion de alimentos que se producen a nivel del hogar a alimentos totales (producidos en el hogar mas los comprados en el mercado)