Doped silicon and NIS junctions for bolometer applications

We discuss the performance, of a normal metal hot electron bolometer (NHEB) that we have measured at 0.3 K. We found that the noise equivalent power was limited by the amplifier noise. To improve the NHEB power response and to make it more robust and reliable we propose to substitute the normal metal with heavily doped silicon. The heavily doped silicon behaves like a metal with lower carrier concentration and has a smaller electron–phonon thermal coupling. We have fabricated superconductor-doped silicon-superconductor contacts (S-Sm-S) and we have used them as thermometers and coolers.     

Hypercoagulability and chronic atrial fibrillation: the role of markers of thrombin generation

BACKGROUND: We have studied 64 patients with congestive heart failure, half of them also with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients were also stratified according to a history of prior stroke. METHODS: The generation of thrombin was investigated by means of the molecular markers prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) and thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), because AF patients may have a hypercoagulable state. There was only a trend toward higher values of TAT and F1 + 2 for AF patients, while subjects with previous stroke (irrespective of AF) had increased levels of the markers of thrombin generation (TAT stroke+ 18.95 +/- 5.15 vs TAT stroke- 8.34 +/- 2.41; F1 + 2 stroke+ 2.22 +/- 0.29 vs F1 + 2 stroke- 1.32 +/- 0.12). The presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) within left atrium was also investigated in 32 AF patients by transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: TAT were significantly higher in subjects (n = 11) with SEC (TAT sec+ 37.5 +/- 13.41 vs TAT sec- 8.7 +/- 2.51, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Finally, when we grouped into 1) those with both AF and stroke, 2) AF alone, 3) stroke alone and 4) sinus rhythm without stroke, levels of F1 + 2 were higher (and marginally higher TAT) in patients with AF and stroke than in those without stroke, revealing that there is a true clotting activation state in these subjects.     

Identification and activity of cytosol creatine phosphokinase enzymes in normal and diseased skin

Phosphocreatine molecules (PCR) in skin regenerate adenosine triphosphate and help cutaneous tissue survive ischemia associated with skin flaps, grafts, and hair transplantation procedures. In addition, PCR concentration in psoriasis is elevated many times above normal, indicating either overproduction of PCR by mitochondrial creatine phosphokinase (CPK) enzymes or a defect in cytosol CPK enzymatic activity. Skin CPK isoenzymes, before this study, have not been identified. Herein, for the first time, cytosol CPK enzymatic activity was measured in normal and psoriatic, involved and uninvolved skin, skin tumors, and mouse skin and keratinocyte cell cultures. Creatine phosphokinase MM is the major isoenzyme in normal, uninvolved psoriatic and mouse skin. Total CPK enzymatic activity was increased in psoriasis and skin tumors. These data clearly indicate that increased PCR concentration in a psoriatic skin is not a result of decreased cytosol CPK enzymatic activity.     

Surveillance after colorectal cancer surgery

Early diagnosis of local and distant recurrences of colorectal cancer remains difficult and there is no agreement on the effectiveness of follow-up in these patients. The aim of this study is to assess the value of our method of follow-up. We consider 239 patients with colorectal cancer and at least 2 years follow-up following radical resection. A local recurrence appeared in 26 patients (10.9%), a distant metastasis in 41 (17.1%), while in seven (2.9%) local and distant recurrences appeared simultaneously. Local recurrence was detected because of an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in 15 patients (57.7%), during a scheduled endoscopy in four (15.4%) and because of symptoms in seven (26.9%). In seven patients (26.9%) a radical resection was possible. Distant metastases were detected by CEA levels in 20 patients (48.8%), by ultrasonography (U.S.) in 12 (29.3%) and by chest X-ray in five (12.2%). In 13 of 26 patients with liver metastases a resection was performed. This study shows that few patients benefit from follow-up and only CEA levels and liver U.S. performed intensively between 15 and 36 months after surgery are useful in early detection of recurrences. A modification of the follow-up to the single patient, according to the stage, location and grading of cancer, could improve the results, so lowering the costs of this expensive practice.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and gallbladder cancer: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

The correct treatment strategy of patients with unsuspected gallbladder cancer undergoing laparoscopy, and the prevention of delayed diagnosis are current issues. We report a case of late diagnosis with umbilical metastasis and poor survival. A policy of careful inspection of the gallbladder and a cautious strategy in the case of gross alteration of its external morphology seems advisable during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although no agreement exists concerning the best treatment in the event of delayed diagnosis, the adopted strategy is contingent on patient status, disease stage and the possibility of performing appropriate follow-up.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on rabbit meat appearance,oxidative stability and fatty acid profile during retail display

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina and Thyme supplementation on rabbit meat during retail display. At weaning 294 rabbits were allocated to 7 different treatments (42 rabbits/treatment). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a diet without any supplementation throughout the experiment (5–11 weeks of age). The other groups were fed diets containing 5% Spirulina (S), 3% Thyme (T) or both supplements (ST) for the whole trial (5–11 weeks; treatments S, T and ST), or for a part of the growing period (8–11 weeks; treatments C–S, C–T and C–ST). Colour parameters, pH, water holding capacity and drip loss were determined on fresh and stored Longissimus dorsi muscle of 5 rabbits/treatment. Spirulina- and Thyme-supplemented diets had a significant effect on redness and yellowness of Longissimus dorsi. Drip loss was significantly reduced in C–T and T groups that also showed the highest content of α-tocopherol and n − 3 fatty acids content and the lower lipid oxidation.     

Characterisation of Italian commercial apricot juices by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and multivariate analysis

The modern fruit juice industry needs their products to be characterized by high-quality attributes to meet consumers’ expectation. In this view, the composition of 26 Italian commercial apricot juices obtained from organic, integrated and conventional agriculture was analysed for carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids, phenolic compounds and furanic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in apricot juices (range 0.1–18 mg/l) was within the regulatory limit of 20 mg/l. The lack of furanic compounds in apricot fresh fruits confirmed their importance as quality markers of heating condition during processing and storage of fruit juices. Univariate analysis disclosed some significant differences among the composition of the apricot juices in terms of glucose, fructose, malic acid, glycine, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and a^∗-parameter (redness). Principal component analysis on chemical composition of apricot juices resulted in two principal components (PCs) that accounted for 66% of the total variance. Organic apricot juices showed some separation from the other juices, whereas a lack of distinction between integrated and conventional juices appeared.     

Cold groundwater temperatures and conductive heat flow in the Mt. Amiata geothermal area, Tuscany, Italy

The hydrogeochemical study of the cold springs present in the Mt. Amiata geothermal area, where the Bagnore and Piancastagnaio geothermal fields are situated, has defined the different shallow groundwater systems.The cold groundwater temperature of the volcanic phreatic aquifer is largely correlated with the geothermal heat flow. Through the analysis of the temperature of cold groundwaters, a possible method for geothermal prospection has been developed, supported by the results obtained in the studied area. Through the enthalpic balance of the aquifer and in agreement with available data, a geothermal flow of about 200 mW m^-2 has been calculated.     

Molecular Mechanisms and Physiological Changes behind Benign Tracheal and Subglottic Stenosis in Adults

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease whose pathogenesis remains unclear. LTS is considered to be the result of aberrant wound-healing process that leads to fibrotic scarring, originating from different aetiology. Although iatrogenic aetiology is the main cause of subglottic or tracheal stenosis, also autoimmune and infectious diseases may be involved in causing LTS. Furthermore, fibrotic obstruction in the anatomic region under the glottis can also be diagnosed without apparent aetiology after a comprehensive workup; in this case, the pathological process is called idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). So far, the laryngotracheal scar resulting from airway injury due to different diseases was considered as inert tissue requiring surgical removal to restore airway patency. However, this assumption has recently been revised by regarding the tracheal scarring process as a fibroinflammatory event due to immunological alteration, similar to other fibrotic diseases. Recent acquisitions suggest that different factors, such as growth factors, cytokines, altered fibroblast function and genetic susceptibility, can all interact in a complex way leading to aberrant and fibrotic wound healing after an insult that acts as a trigger. However, also physiological derangement due to LTS could play a role in promoting dysregulated response to laryngo-tracheal mucosal injury, through biomechanical stress and mechanotransduction activation. The aim of this narrative review is to present the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding molecular mechanisms, as well as mechanical and physio-pathological features behind LTS.