T-cell receptor V beta-specific expansions in children from HIV-infected mothers

This paper present a tonometer incorporated in a contact lens, which allows simultaneous measurement of intraocular pressure and performance ophthalmoscopy. The tonometer can record the pulse curve continuously, which can give us an indication of any circulatory problem. The device is therefore expected to yield additional information useful for the diagnosis of early glaucoma. Te device has three force sensors built in, which allow continuous measurement of the force exerted on the eye surface by the contact lens. The force of the contact lens on the eye can be altered and makes the adjustment of different eye pressures possible. These induced changes of the eye pressure and their influence on the fundus can be checked. We have taken some measurements on enucleated human eyes to compare our device with a Statham tansducer in the vitreous. We found a good correlation. We are currently taking measurements in volunteers. The clinical relevance of these observations and measurements will be examined in a future study.     

Histological appearances and nuclear DNA content of verrucous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Of the 12 cases of verrusous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx encountered since 1968 at the Department of Otolaryngology of Padua University (including the Verona Section) and the Department of Pathologic Anatomy of the University of Trieste, three are reported, together with an investigation of the nuclear DNA content of the tumour cells. It is suggested that such a study may assit with early detection of verrucous carcinoma. The laryngeal localization of the neoplasm has been evidenced only in some centres. The difficulties in establishing a correct diagnosis for this variant of squamous cell carcinoma are emphasized and the pathomorphological features, as well as the microscopic and macroscopic appearances, are discussed. The prognosis is excellent and the therapy of choice must be only surgical, as radiation has not only proven ineffective, but in some cases has induced anaplasia, leading to a rapid dissemination of the tumour.     

Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Experience, evolution, and comparison of techniques

The paper broadly outlines the technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy used by the authors to treat patients suffering from calculosis of the gallbladder. Basing their comments on the French school, the authors review the literature to identify those innovations introduced by individual operators in elation to the original technique which have enabled this method to be extended to those cases complicated by acute cholecystitis, VBP calculosis or sequelae from abdominal surgery. The most important innovations include the use of a laparoscope with oblique 30-degrees vision, which is extremely useful during the dissection of Calot's triangle since it allows VBP to be identified with greater ease and precision, above all in the event of phlogistic sequelae enclosing the peduncle. In addition, laparoscopic suture or ligation using Roeder's running-knot, used by the Dundee school to treat the cystic duct and artery, presents considerable advantages compared to the conventional use of metal clips. The authors also emphasise the growing return to intraoperative cholangiography which is routinely performed by some authors and is of value in identifying anatomic anomalies, iatrogenic lesions and VBP calculi unnoticed by preoperative tests. A second innovation which is highlighted consists of the treatment of choledocholithiasis during the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in addition to pre- and postoperative endoscopic papillo-sphincterotomy.     

Fast and air stable near-infrared organic detector based on squaraine dyes

In search for an organic material suitable for the detection of near-infrared electromagnetic radiation and at the same time capable of air stable operation of related devices, so to address the many applications envisaged with this technology (remote control, chemical/biological sensing, optical communication, spectroscopic and medical instruments), we explore the performance of a blend of hydrazone end-capped symmetric squaraines and phenyl C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester. We succeed in developing air stable solution-processed devices with external quantum efficiency in the NIR as high as 3.5% and response times of few hundreds of nanoseconds. Essential to these achievements has been a detailed characterization of the devices performed by correlating the optoelectronic performances to the morphology of the layers (extracted from AFM measurements) and to the charge carrier mobility (extracted from transistor structures), enabling their optimization at the chemical level, by tailoring the squaraine substitution pattern, and at the device level, by tuning the blend composition. We show that a good balance between holes and electrons mobility is essential for high EQE and fast response speed, and that a smooth morphology is mandatory to achieve long term air stability and operability with no need for encapsulation.     

Electrochemical oxidation of organics in water: Role of operative parameters in the absence and in the presence of NaCl

The electrochemical oxidation of organics in water was investigated theoretically and experimentally to determine the role of several operative parameters on the performances of the process in the presence and in the absence of sodium chloride. Theoretical considerations were used to design the experimental investigation and were confirmed by the results of the electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid (OA) at boron doped diamond (BDD) or IrO₂-Ta₂O₅ (DSA-O₂) anodes in a continuous batch recirculation reaction system equipped with a parallel plate undivided electrochemical cell. Polarization curves and chronoamperometric measurements indicated that, in the presence of chlorides, the anodic oxidation of OA is partially replaced by an indirect oxidation process. This result was confirmed by electrolyses experiments that show that, in the presence of suitable amount of chlorides, oxidation of OA takes place mainly by a homogeneous process. Interestingly, a very different influence of the nature of the anodic material, the flow rate and the current density on the performances of the process arises in the absence and in the presence of chlorides so that optimization of the two processes requires very different operative conditions. In the absence of chlorides, high current efficiency (CE) is obtained at BDD when most part of the process is under charge transfer controlled kinetics, i.e. when low current densities and high flow rates are imposed. On the other hand, in the presence of NaCl, higher CE are generally obtained at DSA anode when high current densities and low flow rates are imposed, i.e. when a high concentration of chemical oxidants is obtained as a result of the chloride oxidation. The effect of other operative parameters such as the OA concentration and the pH were further investigated.     

Hierarchical syntactic models for human activity recognition through mobility traces

Recognizing users’ daily life activities without disrupting their lifestyle is a key functionality to enable a broad variety of advanced services for     

A large-scalein situ permeability test at Presenzano (Italy)

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Soil permeability had to be carefully determined in order to decide whether or not the whole lower reservior (750.000 m2) of the Presenzano...     

Iron reduction potentiates hydroxyl radical formation only in flavonols

Flavonoids, substantial components of the human diet, are generally considered to be beneficial. However, they may possess possible pro-oxidative effects, which could be based on their reducing potential. The aims of this study were to evaluate the ability of 26 flavonoids to reduce ferric ions at relevant pH conditions and to find a possible relationship with potentiation of hydroxyl radical production. A substantial ferric ions reduction was achieved under acidic conditions, particularly by flavonols and flavanols with the catecholic ring B. Apparently corresponding bell-shaped curves displaying the pro-oxidant effect of flavonols quercetin and kaempferol on iron-based Fenton reaction were documented. Several flavonoids were efficient antioxidants at very low concentrations but rather inefficient or pro-oxidative at higher concentrations. Flavonols, morin and rutin were progressively pro-oxidant, while 7-hydroxyflavone and hesperetin were the only flavonoids with dose-dependent inhibition of hydroxyl radical production. Conclusively, administration of flavonoids may lead to unpredictable consequences with few exceptions.     

Advances in cultivar choice,hazelnut orchard management,and nut storage to enhance product quality and safety: an overview

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a major species of interest for nutritional use within the Betulaceae family and its nuts are widely used throughout the world in the chocolate, confectionery, and bakery industries. Recently its cultivation has been expanded in traditional producer countries and established in new places in the southern hemisphere, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Introducing hazelnut in new environments could reduce its productivity, lead the trees to experience eco‐physiological disorders, and expose the crop to high pressure from common and new pests and diseases. Thus, new approaches in cultivar choice guidance, in the sustainable orchard management and even in nut storage and kernel quality evaluation are urgently required to improve the hazelnut production and processing chain. The main objective of this study was to systematize the published information regarding recent findings about the cultural operations that directly influence nut and kernel quality, support varietal choice for new plantations, and list the recent advances in nut storage and in quality and safety evaluation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry