RESULTS OF TREATMENT WITH TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE IN 7 CASES OF MICROPENIS

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Improvement of CO2 retention of PET bottles for carbonated soft drinks

One of the major aims pursued by the carbonated soft drinks industry is to extend the shelf-life of PET-packaged products, in order to guarantee the consumers with the original characteristics and quality. Most of the responsibility in the shelf-life extension of such products has to be attributed to the bottle material performances, such as the barrier properties to gases with special regards for the ability to maintain the internal CO2 through the shelf-life. Tests on carbonated soft drinks bottles are performed at every change (design, volume, etc.) of the package, in order to verify the performances of the new bottle with special regards for the CO2 retention properties. The research aims at the evaluation of new bottles addressed to the packaging of a sugar free and a caffeine free carbonated soft drink (Coca-Cola Light e Coca-Cola Caffeine Free), recently launched on the Italian market. The start of commercialisation for these new products is the result of a project named "Silver and Gold", which takes the name from the new colours of the new bottles. Such bottles are produced using the same PET resin as the standard ones, with the only exception of master batch dyes used in the test materials. The CO2 retention performances of Silver and Gold bottles were investigated in comparison with the standard bottle used as a control. Results showed that CO2 retention was improved in the Silver and Gold bottles, which retained averagely 88% of the initial CO2 level after 14 weeks of storage, approximately 10% more than the standard bottles

Stress-cracking of PET bottle as an unpredictable factor limiting the commercial life of carbonated soft drinks

The shelf life of carbonated beverages mainly depends on the carbon dioxide retention performances of the PET bottle, however the commercial life of such products can be compromised by ruptures and crackings of the material, which can occur in certain conditions. The so-called "stress cracking" of PET bottles occurs in correspondence with the injection point, which is more susceptible due to its amorphous nature, unlike the sides of the bottles, whose strength is a result of a certain degree of orientation. Stress cracking can be a consequence of various factors, which usually act in combination and are difficult to isolate: excessive internal pressure (excess carbonation), material distribution, altered intrinsic viscosity, exposure to UV rays and/or high temperatures, but most important is the contact with caustic substances (for example, the lubricant of the conveyors belts), etc. The present contribution focuses on a case study occurred at SIBEG s.r.l., concerning the non conformity of 1.5 L PET bottles of a popular carbonated soft drink, which caused the loss of an important amount of bottles, the disposal of defective products, and the careful inspection and selection of in-house stocks. Inspections revealed no failure in the blowing process, leading to hypothesize over-carbonation and transport conditions as the triggering events. Moreover, the analysis of intrinsic viscosity (IV) of bottles and preforms revealed the non-conformity with specification. Despite the product conformity concerning thermal stability, burst test and stress cracking test performed in alkaline conditions, PET bottles quality and performances may become altered if the IV of the material does not fulfill specifications. Therefore, the IV determination plays a key role, complementary with other routine determinations, in the quality control of PET bottles addressed to carbonated soft drinks packaging. The use of such tool is fundamental for the prevention of severe problems which might occur along the distribution chain, such as claims, withdrawal and disposal of defective products

Measures to prevent stress corrosion cracking of aluminum cans for carbonated beverages

Common containers for carbonated beverages are PET bottles and aluminum cans. These different materials are chosen based on marketing and convenience reasons. While the shelf life of carbonated beverages packed in PET bottles is affected by the CO2 permeation through the polymer matrix, aluminum cans allow the gas retention and guarantee a higher quality during storage. Indeed, the shelf life of canned carbonated beverages is commonly ≥1 year. While the longer commercial life is an advantage from a commercial point of view, it increases the probability of occurrence of failure due to corrosion. Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) occurring from the outside of the can would prejudice the integrity of the container, provoke the product loss and, what is probably worst, could determine a chain-effect on other adjacent cans if the product is spilled from the damaged can. Normally, aluminum cans are internally lacquered for protecting the metal from corrosion by the food components. Chlorine from the conditioning water bath and storage environmental moisture determines the onset of SSC, while temperature and internal gas pressure speed up the failure of cans. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of a supplementary outer enamel for preventing stress corrosion cracking, and proved that this measure, which does not imply significant process changes or supplementary costs, could effectively reduce the risk of product loss, with consequent need for damaged products withdraw and disposal, and prejudice for the image of the producer

Acute flaccid myelitis temporally associated with rhinovirus infection: just a coincidence?

We report the case of a 3.6-year-old male child who developed progressive hyposthenia of the left lower limb. Symptoms were preceded by rhinitis, malaise, and fever. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse signal abnormalities compatible with a subacute myeloencephalitis. A diagnostic lumbar puncture was performed and followed by an empirical therapy including Acyclovir, Ceftriaxone, and Clarithromycin. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed clear fluid, glucose, proteins, albumin within the reference range, and 144 leukocytes/mm3. Oligoclonal bands were absent and a search for viruses was negative. Wide microbiological surveillance was performed on surface swabs, blood, urine, and stool. Both nasal and pharyngeal swabs were positive for PicoRNAvirus: sequencing identified Rhinovirus A44. This virus has been detected in association with acute flaccid paralysis in only a few patients worldwide, whereas in the great majority of patients with acute flaccid paralysis other Enterovirus species were identified. The most appropriate therapeutic approach towards acute flaccid paralysis is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, with no current definitivere commendations available. With a combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory therapy including intravenous immunoglobulins, intravenous Methylprednisolone, oral Prednisone, and oral Ibuprofen, we experienced a positive outcome both from the clinical point of view and from three-month follow-up imaging studies. Given the rarity and the complexity of this condition, additional studies are needed to better define the potential role of Rhinovirus A44 in the pathogenesis of the disease and the efficacy of any therapeutic measure in the management of acute flaccid paralysis

Dependance of the shelf-life of carbonated soft drinks from PET performances as required by "the Coca Cola Company"

PET (Polyethyleneterephthalate) is one of the most important resins used for the package of carbonated water and soft drinks. Preforms are intermediate products which are manufactured in a wide range of designs and colours by injection moulding of PET. The cost of the resin covers a high percentage in the overall cost of the produce, especially due to the recent increments on the price of petroleum, from which PET is derived. As a consequence, according to the numerous standards fixed by " The Coca-Cola Company (R)", Sibeg S.r.l. decided to test a new cheaper PET preform which was suggested by a possible new supplier. The experiment consisted in the comparison of the main performance characteristics of the old PET bottles in comparison with the ones obtained from the new preforms. " The Coca-Cola Company (R)" requires specific test procedures to authorize a new package. Among the methods used to test new materials, the gas-barrier properties have a main importance as they are directly linked with the shelf-life of the bottled produces. Shelf-life of carbonated soft drinks is determined by the internal CO2 level, and limits for this parameter are different for different the types of beverages. Therefore a material with higher CO2-barrier property would be effective in extending the shelf-life of carbonated drinks. Results evidenced a similar behaviour of the two materials tested for what concerns the characteristics of the bottles (dimensions, appearance, distribution of the material, stress cracking test), showing, in particular, comparable CO2 internal pressure after 12 weeks of storage

RESULTS OF TREATMENT WITH TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE IN 7 CASES OF MICROPENIS

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MEIS2 gene is responsible for intellectual disability, cardiac defects and a distinct facial phenotype

Myeloid ecotropic insertion site 2 (MEIS2) gene, encoding a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, has been recently related to syndromic intellectual disability with cleft palate and cardiac defects. Here, we present a male patient, aged 10, with cardiac defects, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms and gastroesophageal reflux. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo nonsense mutation in the MEIS2 gene. This patient represents another reported case with a de novo MEIS2 point mutation and helps to characterize a distinct facial phenotype consisting in low anterior hairline, thin eyebrows, anteverted nares, hypoplastic alae nasi, and M-shape upper lip. Furthermore, these data confirm the role of this gene in cardiac, nervous system development and gastrointestinal function