A novel DR/NIR T-shaped aiegen: Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure study

We developed a new benzodifuran derivative as the condensation product between 2,6-diamino-4-(4-nitrophenyl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]difuran-3,7-dicarboxylate and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde. The intramolecular hydrogen-bond interactions in the terminal half-salen moieties produce a sterically encumbered highly conjugated main plane and a D-A-D (donor-acceptor-donor) T-shaped structure. The novel AIEgen (aggregation-induced enhanced emission generator) fulfils the requirement of RIR (restriction of intramolecular rotation) molecules. DR/NIR (deep red/near infrared) emission was recorded in solution and in the solid state, with a noteworthy photoluminescence quantum yield recorded on the neat crystals which undergo some mechanochromism. The crystal structure study of the probe from data collected at a synchrotron X-ray source shows a main aromatic plane π-stacked in a columnar arrangement

Efficacy of a partially hydrolyzed whey formula on infant colic: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Infant colic (IC) affects up to 20% of infants in the first 4 months of life. Although IC is a benign affection that spontaneously resolves after the first 3-4 months of life, it is often a stressful problem for parents. Methods: Babies, aged ≤ 3 months, observed at family pediatrician office because a suspect of IC, were randomized in two groups of 3-week dietary intervention: Group 1, receiving non-analgesic, non-nutritive soothing maneuvers, continuing a standard formula; Group 2, receiving a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (w-pHF), containing GOS (0.5g/100ml), low content of lactose (2.5g/100ml) and low osmolarity (185 mOsm). All infants performed clinical examinations at enrollment and after 7, 14 and 21 days. Number of colic episodes, and the number and consistency of fecal outputs were recorded daily. Results: Fifty infants with IC were enrolled and randomized: 25 in Group 1 and 25 in Group 2. The rate of infants with IC in Group 2 decreased significantly within 14 days compared to Group 1 and the number of bowel movements increased significantly within 7 days in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Stool consistency significantly improved in Group 2 within 7 days. Conclusion: The studied formula could represent a useful approach in infants with IC reducing pharmacological treatments

A novel l-shaped fluorescent probe for aie sensing of zinc (Ii) ion by a dr/nir response

In the field of optical sensors, small molecules responsive to metal cations are of current interest. Probes displaying aggregation-induced emission (AIE) can solve the problems due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) molecules, scarcely emissive as aggregates in aqueous media and in tissues. The addition of a metal cation to an AIE ligand dissolved in solution can cause a “turn-on” of the fluorescence emission. Half-cruciform-shaped molecules can be a winning strategy to build specific AIE probes. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel L-shaped fluorophore containing a benzofuran core condensed with 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde crossed with a nitrobenzene moiety. The novel AIE probe produces a fast colorimetric and fluorescence response toward zinc (II) in both in neutral and basic conditions. Acting as a tridentate ligand, it produces a complex with enhanced and red-shifted emission in the DR/NIR spectral range. The AIE nature of both compounds was examined on the basis of X-ray crystallography and DFT analysis

Thermo-Induced Fluorochromism in Two AIE Zinc Complexes: A Deep Insight into the Structure-Property Relationship

Solid-state emitters exhibiting mechano-fluorochromic or thermo-fluorochromic responses represent the foundation of smart tools for novel technological applications. Among fluo-rochromic (FC) materials, solid-state emissive coordination complexes offer a variety of fluorescence responses related to the dynamic of noncovalent metal-ligand coordination bonds. Relevant FC behaviour can result from the targeted choice of metal cation and ligands. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of two different colour emitters consisting of zinc complexes obtained from N,O bidentate ligands with different electron-withdrawing substituents. The two complexes are blue and orange solid-state fluorophores, respectively, highly responsive to thermal and me-chanical stress. These emitters show a very different photoluminescent (PL) pattern as recorded before and after the annealing treatment. Through X-ray structural analysis combined with thermal analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, PL, and DFT simulation we provide a comprehensive analysis of the structural feature involved in the fluorochromic response. Notably, we were able to correlate the on-off thermo-fluorochromism of the complexes with the structural rearrangement at the zinc coordination core

Targeting Food Allergy with Probiotics.

The dramatic increase in food allergy prevalence and severity globally is demanding effective strategies. Food allergy derives from a defect in immune tolerance mechanisms. Immune tolerance is modulated by gut microbiota composition and function, and gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with the development of food allergy. Selected probiotic strains could act on immune tolerance mechanisms. The mechanisms are multiple and still not completely defined. Increasing evidence is providing useful information on the choice of optimal bacterial species/strains, dosage, and timing for intervention. The increased knowledge on the crucial role played by gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as butyrate, is also opening the way to a postbiotic approach in the stimulation of immune tolerance

Bugs for atopy: the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strategy for food allergy prevention and treatment in children

Food allergy (FA) is a major health issue for children living in Western countries. At this time the only proven treatment for FA is elimination of offender antigen from the diet. It is becoming clear that the development of gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune system maturation and tolerance acquisition. Increasing evidence suggests that perturbations in gut microbiota composition of infants are implicated in the pathogenesis of FA. These findings have unveiled new strategies to prevent and treat FA using probiotics bacteria or bacterial substance to limit T-helper (Th)/Th2 bias, which changes during the disease course. Selected probiotics administered during infancy may have a role in the prevention and treatment of FA. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is the most studied probiotic in this field. Administration of LGG in early life have a role in FA prevention. Preliminary evidence shows that LGG accelerates oral tolerance acquisition in cow's milk allergic infants. We are understanding the mechanisms elicited by LGG and metabolites in influencing food allergen sensitization. A deeper definition of these mechanisms is opening the way to new immunotherapeutics for children affected by FA that can efficiently limit the disease burden

Atopy patch test are useful to predict oral tolerance in children with gastrointestinal symptoms related to non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy.

Atopy patch tests (APTs) have been proposed for the diagnostic approach in children with non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy and gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to investigate the benefit of APTs in predicting oral tolerance in these patients. We prospectively evaluated 172 subjects with a sure diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated CMA and gastrointestinal symptoms (97 boys, 56.4%; age, 6.37 m; range, 212 m). At diagnosis, 113/172 (65.7%) children had positive APTs to cow's milk proteins (CMP). After 12 months of exclusion, diet APTs were repeated immediately before OFC. APTs significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with the OFC outcome (r 0.579). Diagnostic accuracy was sensitivity of 67.95%, specificity of 88.3%, PPV of 82.81%, NPV of 76.85%, and a +LR of 5.80. APTs are a valuable tool in the follow-up of children with non-IgE-mediated CMA-related gastrointestinal symptoms by contributing in determining whether an OFC can safely be undertaken

Benzodifuran-based fluorescent brighteners: A novel platform for plant cell wall imaging

Herein we designed three novel fluorescent brightening agents based on a benzodifuran skeleton. The compounds are colorless fluorophores emitting in the blue region with an improved water solubility and ability to interact with living cells. A complete understanding of the emission mechanisms was achieved by Density Functional Theory study based on X-ray crystallographic analysis. The fluorescence quantum yields were measured in different solvents and at different pH values. The ability of the different fluorophores to stain cell compartments of plant root samples was tested in water- and glycerol-based solutions. Through fluorescence microscopy technique two probes with a different functionalized branching chain proved to be efficient stains for plant root cell wall. The cationic probe has no harmful effect on plant tissues and is suitable for in vivo fluorescent visualization of plant root cell boundaries. This study sheds light on the potential use of brighteners containing a central benzodifuran core as tools for imaging of fixed and alive plant tissues

Hodgkin's disease presenting below the diaphragm. The experience of the Gruppo Italiano Studio Linfomi (GISL)

Background and Objective. Infradiaphragmatic Hodgkin\ub4s disease is rare, making up 5-12% of cases in clinical stages I and II; consequently, several questions concerning prognosis and treatment strategy remain to be answered. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics and outcome of his condition. Methods. A series of 282 patients with CS I-II Hodgkin\ub4s disease (HD) was investigated. In 31 patients the disease was confined below the diaphragm (BDHD), and in the remaining above the diaphragm (ADHD). The presenting features and outcomes were compared in the two groups. Results. The BDHD group was older (p < 0.0002), had a higher frequency of males (p < 0.08) and a different histological subtype group distribution (p < 0.0001). Stage II BDHD patients had a worse overall survival rate (OS) than stage II ADHD patients (68.8% vs 86.6% at 8 years, p < 0.01) if age is not considered; patients with more than 40 years of age, in fact, had the same survival rates as those with ADHD. BDHD patients with intra-abdominal disease alone had worse prognostic factors and OS (p = 0.12) than patients with inguinal-femoral nodes. Interpretation and Conclusions. Although BDHD patients present distinct features, they have the same OS and relapse-free survival rate as age-adjusted ADHD patients. According to our experience patients with stage I peripheral BDHD respond well to radiotherapy-based regimens. Those with stage II and or intra-abdominal disease are more challenging; chemotherapy or a combined therapy seem to be more suitable approaches for these patients

Multiparameter characterisation of vertebral osteoporosis with 3-T MR = Valutazione multiparametrica dell’osteoporosi vertebrale con RM a 3 Tesla

Purpose. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of 3-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) in vertebral osteoporosis. Materials and methods. Thirty subjects (ten healthy controls, ten with osteoporosis but no fracture, ten with osteoporotic vertebral fractures) underwent MR of the lumbar spine. Turbo spin echo (TSE) T1-, T2- and T2- spectral selection attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR) weighted imaging and spectroscopy for the selective evaluation of water and fat content were performed. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to create a map of the spatial arrangement of the tissue structures. Results. Morphological imaging detected recent vertebral fractures. In osteoporotic patients, spectroscopic imaging demonstrated an increase in the saturated fats and a decrease in the ADC, whereas the data provided by DTI demonstrated a bone structure with medium-degree anisotropy. Discussion. Osteoporosis is characterised by trabecular thinning, with an increase in the intertrabecular spaces, which are filled with fats. The anisotropic study and the subsequent assessment of colour and vector maps can provide a noninvasive tool for assessing the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis