Pyridine adsorption reveals high-coordinated cationic centres at the surface of microcrystalline ZnO

The adsorption of pyridine at 300 K on microcrystalline ZnO has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Besides an interaction by H-bonding with surface OH groups, evidence is found for the Lewis coordination of pyridine onto coordinatively unsaturated surface Zn²⁺ centres possessing a regular tetrahedral coordination, as well as onto some other surface Zn²⁺ centres, only slightly uncoordinated. The creation at the surface of the ZnO of cationic centres with an anomalous coordination higher than 4 (quasi-octahedral) is thus postulated. No such high-coordinated Zn²⁺ centres seem to form to an appreciable extent when ZnO is dispersed (at least at up to a 3% weight level) at the surface of other microcrystalline oxides such as, for instance, TiO₂.     

Success of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on fertility in two adult males with 21-CAH homozygote classic form

A normal gonadal maturation with normal fertility are some of the major goals of long-term replacement therapy in adult males with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). We describe here two young men, G.O. (case A, 23 years old) and S.S.(case B, 24 years old), both with a well defined diagnosis of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency classic homozygote form (21-CAH). In case A the diagnosis of the 21-CAH classic virilizing form was made at 3 years of age. The patient has undergone glucocorticoid therapy and is now 170 cm tall; all his hormonal findings are within the normal range. The semen analysis has shown a good fertility potential, with a slight modification when the patient decided to discontinue the therapy. In case B the diagnosis of the 21-CAH salt wasting form was performed at 9 days of age. The patient was initially treated with i.v. normal saline solution and a daily i.m. injection of hydrocortisone and, subsequently, with mineral and glucocorticoid replacement therapy po. A satisfactory adult stature (165 cm) was attained. The patient is still on therapy, with a good hormonal profile. The semen analysis has shown an apparently normal fertility. In conclusion, our experience in adult males with 21-CAH, who have been administered prompt and adequate replacement therapy, shows that these patients can attain normal quality of life, satisfactory growth and development, normal sexual maturation and activity, and adequate sperm fertilizing ability, thereby supporting the usefulness of continuing this therapy during adult age.     

Oral Corticosteroids Dependence and Biologic Drugs in Severe Asthma: Myths or Facts? A Systematic Review of Real-World Evidence

Airway inflammation represents an important characteristic in asthma, modulating airflow limitation and symptom control, and triggering the risk of asthma exacerbation. Thus, although corticosteroids represent the cornerstone for the treatment of asthma, severe patients may be dependent on oral corticosteroids (OCSs). Fortunately, the current humanised monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab, and reslizumab have been proven to induce an OCS-sparing effect in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), thus overcoming the problem of OCS dependence in severe asthma. Nevertheless, a large discrepancy has been recognized between selected patients enrolled in RCTs and non-selected asthmatic populations in real-world settings. It is not possible to exclude that the OCS-sparing effect of mAbs resulting from the RCTs could be different than the real effect resulting in clinical practice. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and correlation analysis to assess whether mAbs are effective in eliciting an OCS-sparing effect and overcoming the OCS dependence in severe asthmatic patients in real-world settings. Overall, real-world studies support the evidence that OCS dependence is a real condition that, however, can be found only in a small number of really severe asthmatic patients. In most patients, the dependence on OCS can be related to modifying factors that, when adequately modulated, may lead to a significant reduction or suspension of OCS maintenance. Conversely, in severe asthmatics in whom OCS resistance is proved by a high daily dose intake, mAbs allow reversion of the OCS dependence, leading to the suspension of OCS therapy in most patients or >50% reduction in the daily OCS dose.     

Magnetic Characterization of MgB2 Bulk Superconductor for Magnetic Field Mitigation Solutions

Magnetic shielding properties of MgB₂ bulk samples synthesized by the SPS (Spark?CPlasma?CSintering) technique were characterized in low applied magnetic fields at temperatures ranging from 20 to 37 K. The used growth technique allows one to produce this compound in different shapes and sizes required for shielding applications. In this framework, shielding magnetic-induction field profiles generated by MgB₂-based shield components, shaped as planar thick disks, were measured by means of a suitable Hall probe in-plane array. The magnetic field distribution at different vertical distances above the sample was also obtained by a micrometric motion of the probe ensemble. Magnetic field profiles were then analyzed in the framework of the critical state model and the critical current density, J _c , was evaluated. The J _c magnitude indicates that the material under test is a good candidate for passive magnetic shield manufacturing up to temperatures close to the transition one.     

Comparison between thiosulphate-citrate-bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar and CHROMagar Vibrio for isolating Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Considering its widespread distribution in marine environments, its fast replication times and low infectious doses and the rapid spread of its strains in recent years, intensive and continuous monitoring of potentially pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus is strongly recommended in order to assess the human health risk arising from shellfish consumption. The lack of epidemiological data points to the need to develop specific methods for detecting V. parahaemolyticus. In this note, the authors compare two plating media currently available for isolating V. parahaemolyticus in shellfish. Both approaches involve pre-enrichment of V. parahaemolyticus. One uses thiosulphate-citrate-bile salt sucrose (TCBS) as the isolation medium, while the other uses a chromogenic medium (CHROMagar Vibrio). Next, biochemical identification of isolates was performed with API 20E, followed by PCR assay aimed at the toxR gene to confirm the cultural and biochemical identification. Comparison of the two methods highlighted that CHROMagar Vibrio is more accurate and specific than TCBS. The analysis of data from 160 shellfish samples showed an accuracy and specificity of just 51% and 71% for TCBS compared with 88% and 95% for CAV.     

Diagnostic Performance of 1→3-β-d-Glucan in Neonatal and Pediatric Patients with Candidemia

Fungal sepsis is one of the major problems in neonatal and pediatric care unit settings. The availability of new diagnostic techniques could allow medical practitioners to rapidly identify septic patients and to improve their outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the 1→3-β-d-glucan (BDG), individually and in comparison with the Candida mannan (CM) antigen, in ten preterm infants and five onco-haematological pediatric patients with Candida bloodstream infections already proven by positive culture. The serum levels of BDG were >80 pg/mL on the same day as a positive blood culture in all examined patients, while CM antigen was negative in the patients with C. parapsilosis fungemia and in one further case due to C. albicans. These results suggest that a regular monitoring of serum circulating antigens (i.e., 1→3-β-d-glucan) combined with other microbiological and clinical information, may allow earlier and accurate diagnosis. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its usefulness in routine clinical practice.     

Determination of Total Nitrosamines in Vegetables Cultivated Organic and Conventional Using Diamond Electrode

Vegetables were analyzed for total N-nitrosamines (NAs) and the influence of disinfection processes was assessed. Differences in NAs found in cabbage, spinach, and broccoli were determined by square wave voltammetry using a boron-doped diamond electrode. Analysis of samples showed that all samples contained detectable levels of NAs but the results indicated that organic contained less than conventionally grown products. The sum of the total NAs was higher in the cabbage samples, ranging between 2.8–3.1 ppb and lower in broccoli samples at 0.2–1.1 ppb. The method described is simple, rapid, selective, and sensitive. The results suggested that the disinfection process affects the level of NAs, in this manner affecting the level of human exposure to NAs.