A fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts attenuates intestinal barrier dysfunction from inflammatory stress in an in vitro model using Caco-2 cells.

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), are considered a growing global disease, with about ten million people being affected worldwide. Maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity is crucial for preventing IBD onset and exacerbations. Some recent patents regarding oily formulations containing probiotics (WO2010122107A1 and WO2010103374A9) and the use of probiotics for gastrointestinal complaints (US20110110905A1 and US9057112B2) exist, or are pending application. Objective: In this work, we studied the effect of a fixed combination of registered Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus strains and herbal extracts in an in vitro inflammation experimental model. Methods: Caco-2 cell monolayer was exposed to INF-\u3b3+TNF-\u3b1 or to LPS; Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability were investigated. ZO-1 and occludin Tight Junctions (TJs) were also investigated by mean of immunofluorescence. Results: Pre-treatment with the fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts prevented the inflammation-induced TEER decrease, paracellular permeability increase and TJs translocation. Conclusions: In summary, the fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts investigated in this research was found to be an interesting candidate for targeting the re-establishment of intestinal barrier function in IBD conditions

Analysis of conventionally controlled PEMFC based on a distributed parameter model

Presentado al IV Iberian Symposium on Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Advanced Batteries celebrado en Estoril (Portugal) del 26 al 28 de junio de 2013.The proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) have been incorporated to a wide range of portable, stationary and automotive applications. However, PEMFC are still not accepted as a practical power generator. The key challenge is to reduce the cost and achieve a high performance and long life of the cells. Variations in the concentrations of reactants, as well as temperature, have significant effects on the performance and durability of PEMFC. All these variables exhibit spatial dependence along the channel, which needs to be taken into account in order to progress towards a PEMFC operation that is efficient and mitigates degradation. To this end, a controlled PEM fuel cell study is done through a distributed parameter simulation model. A conventional stoichiometry control objective is considered in order to analyze the behavior of spatial profiles of some important variables and, therefore, point out the importance of considering distributed parameter models in control design.Peer Reviewe

Distributed parameter PEMFC model order reduction

Trabajo presentado al Iberconappice 2014 (Congreso Iberoamericano de Hidrógeno y Pilas de Combustible) celebrado en Barcelona del 15 al 17 de octubre.This work focuses on obtaining an order-reduced model from a nonlinear single PEMFC model, which incorporates the effects of distributed parameters that are relevant for its proper functioning and performance. The original model is an in-house MATLAB® code, flexible enough to manipulate the underlying model equations and apply model order reduction (MOR) techniques. The obtained order-reduced model is suitable to perform numerical simulations and design efficient controllers for the original nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) model.This work has been supported by National Project DPI2011-25649 and European Project PUMA MIND FP7-303419.Peer Reviewe

Novel Mutation in the Apob Gene (Apo B-15.56): A Case Report

Novel Mutation in the Apob Gene (Apo B-15.56): A Case ReportFamilial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is a rare co-dominant genetic disorder characterized by decrease of plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) or apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) equal to or less than the 5th percentile for the population. We describe a 48-year-old male who presented with fatty liver disease (FLD), insulin resistance (IR), obesity and hypertension. Our patient thus met the latest diagnostic criteria of the metabolic syndrome (MS) proposed by the Adult Treatment Panel and the International Diabetes Federation. However, he had very low plasma concentration of LDL-c and Apo-B. DNA sequencing showed that he and two first-degree relatives affected by obesity and mild IR were heterozygous for a single nucleotide deletion on exon 15 of the APOB gene, which was predicted to form a truncated Apo-B designated Apo B-15.56

Constrained Collaborative Power Management

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A review of clinical decision-making: Models and current research

Aims and objectives: The aim of this paper was to review the current literature with respect to clinical decision-making models and the educational application of models to clinical practice. This was achieved by exploring the function and related research of the three available models of clinical decision making: information processing model, the intuitive-humanist model and the clinical decision making model. Background: Clinical decision-making is a unique process that involves the interplay between knowledge of pre-existing pathological conditions, explicit patient information, nursing care and experiential learning. Historically, two models of clinical decision making are recognised from the literature; the information processing model and the intuitive-humanist model. The usefulness and application of both models has been examined in relation the provision of nursing care and care related outcomes. More recently a third model of clinical decision making has been proposed. This new multidimensional model contains elements of the information processing model but also examines patient specific elements that are necessary for cue and pattern recognition. Design: Literature review Methods: Evaluation of the literature generated from MEDLINE, CINAHL, OVID, PUBMED and EBESCO systems and the Internet from 1980 – November 2005

A novel ex vivo porcine model of acid-induced esophageal damage for preliminary functional evaluations of anti-gastroesophageal reflux disease medical devices

open7noAim: The aim of the study was to set up a porcine ex vivo model of acid-induced damage and to evaluate its performance by means of multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) live recording, histology, and Evans blue (EB) permeability assay. Materials and Methods: Thirteen esophagi, collected at a slaughterhouse, were ablated of their sphincters, pinned upright on a support, and placed in a thermostatic hood at 37°C with two infusion tubes and an MII-pH probe inserted in the top end. Three esophagi (histology controls) were only left in the hood for 3.5 h before sampling, while the remaining organs underwent the experimental protocol including saline infusion and recovery recording, and acid solution infusion and recovery recording. Results: MII-pH analysis highlighted a significantly stronger decrease during acid infusion when compared to saline, but a better post-infusion recovery for saline solution. At the end of the protocol, MII was still statistically lower than baseline. The acid-damaged esophagi significantly absorbed more EB dye, and histology revealed strong mucosal exfoliation. Conclusion: The proposed model of esophageal acid damage seems to be repeatable, reliable, and achievable using organs collected at the slaughterhouse. MII recording proved to have good sensitivity in detecting mucosal alterations also in ex vivo trials.openVentrella D.; Salaroli R.; Elmi A.; Carnevali G.; Forni M.; Baldi F.; Bacci M.L.Ventrella D.; Salaroli R.; Elmi A.; Carnevali G.; Forni M.; Baldi F.; Bacci M.L