Synthesis and electrochemical behavior of ceramic cation-exchange membranes based on zirconium phosphate

Cation-exchange membranes made exclusively from ceramic materials have been synthesized by means of the impregnation of microporous ceramic supports with zirconium phosphate. Changes in the pore size distribution and total pore volume of the supports were provoked by the addition of starch as pore former in the fabrication procedure. This allowed the production of supports with increased effective electrical conductivities and with larger pores available for the zirconium phosphate deposition. An improved functionality for the exchange of cations was given to the ceramic membranes by means of their impregnation with the active particles of zirconium phosphate. The ion-exchange properties of the membranes were increased with further impregnation cycles and the resulting current–voltage curves showed a similar shape to that typical of commercial polymeric ion-exchange membranes. The production of ion-exchange membranes with increased chemical and radiation stability will broaden their applicability for the treatment of specific industrial waste waters, which are very aggressive for the current commercial ion-exchange membranes.     

The Enigmatic Role of TP53 in Germ Cell Tumours: Are We Missing Something?

The cure rate of germ cell tumours (GCTs) has significantly increased from the late 1970s since the introduction of cisplatin-based therapy, which to date remains the milestone for GCTs treatment. The exquisite cisplatin sensitivity has been mainly explained by the over-expression in GCTs of wild-type TP53 protein and the lack of TP53 somatic mutations; however, several other mechanisms seem to be involved, many of which remain still elusive. The findings about the role of TP53 in platinum-sensitivity and resistance, as well as the reported evidence of second cancers (SCs) in GCT patients treated only with surgery, suggesting a spectrum of cancer predisposing syndromes, highlight the need for a deepened understanding of the role of TP53 in GCTs. In the following report we explore the complex role of TP53 in GCTs cisplatin-sensitivity and resistance mechanisms, passing through several recent genomic studies, as well as its role in GCT patients with SCs, going through our experience of Center of reference for both GCTs and cancer predisposing syndromes.     

Synthesis Mechanism of an Iron–Chromium Ceramic Pigment

The synthesis of a black Fe₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ pigment has been studied to better understand the synthesis mechanism. A mechanism is proposed according to which, under the tested operating conditions, one of the starting constituents (Cr₂O₃) is transferred, largely in a gas phase (after subliming), to the particle surface of the other constituent (Fe₂O₃), at which it is deposited or chemisorbed, forming a layer from which it diffuses inward into the Fe₂O₃ particles. The process stops when the composition of the resulting solid solution has become uniform.