Exponentially and logarithmically closed Hardy fields in several variables

AbstractWe define a notion of (C, P) system of Pfaff type of analytic submanifolds of Rn. Then, we study the existence of Hardy fields in several variables, which are closed by exponentiation and logarithm

New Model OF consumption: scenarios for sustainability

The current consumption model identifies the base of the well-being of individuals and the community itself as the possession of property. Agriculture is no exception; as well as other sectors of the economy, it is subject to strict laws of supply and demand: food has slowly transformed into an industrial product, on the one hand becoming increasingly affordable and abundant, but on the other more standard and approved. In addition, if we consider that food chains are one of the most energy-intensive and polluting sectors, it follows that the current pattern of consumption can no longer be socially, environmentally and economically consolidated and supported. The purpose of our work is to define, through the analysis of different case studies, new scenarios of possible development, which can create new positive relationships between the protagonists of the system, and in which the flows of energy and matter constitute new resources and opportunities for the territory

Tissues under-vacuum to overcome suboptimal preservation

Abstract The accuracy of histopathological diagnosis is strictly reliant on adequate tissue preservation, which is completely dependent on pre-analytical variables. Among these variables, the time interval between the end of surgical excision to the onset of fixation (the cold ischemia time) may adversely affect preservation of tissue morphology, influencing the interpretation and reproducibility of diagnosis. During this time interval, the activation of enzymes may produce autolysis and degradation of antigens and nucleic acids, thus potentially affecting immunocytochemical and molecular results. Several studies have described under-vacuum at 4 °C storage of fresh surgical specimens as a safe and reliable method to control cold ischemia and preserve fresh tissues, as well as to standardize fixation times and implement tissue-banking. This review article gives a systematic overview of the advantages and drawbacks of the use of under-vacuum tissue preservation and cooling in surgical pathology, highlighting the impact this procedure may have on diagnostic and experimental pathology. It also documents our experience acquired within daily practice and national and international projects

Neuroactive Peptides as Putative Mediators of Antiepileptic Ketogenic Diets

Various ketogenic diet (KD) therapies, including classic KD, medium chain triglyceride administration, low glycemic index treatment, and a modified Atkins diet, have been suggested as useful in patients affected by pharmacoresistant epilepsy. A common goal of these approaches is to achieve an adequate decrease in the plasma glucose level combined with ketogenesis, in order to mimic the metabolic state of fasting. Although several metabolic hypotheses have been advanced to explain the anticonvulsant effect of KDs, including changes in the plasma levels of ketone bodies, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and brain pH, direct modulation of neurotransmitter release, especially purinergic (i.e., adenosine) and γ-aminobutyric acidergic neurotransmission, was also postulated. Neuropeptides and peptide hormones are potent modulators of synaptic activity, and their levels are regulated by metabolic states. This is the case for neuroactive peptides such as neuropeptide Y, galanin, cholecystokinin and peptide hormones such as leptin, adiponectin, and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs). In particular, the GHRP ghrelin and its related peptide des-acyl ghrelin are well-known controllers of energy homeostasis, food intake, and lipid metabolism. Notably, ghrelin has also been shown to regulate the neuronal excitability and epileptic activation of neuronal networks. Several lines of evidence suggest that GHRPs are upregulated in response to starvation and, particularly, in patients affected by anorexia and cachexia, all conditions in which also ketone bodies are upregulated. Moreover, starvation and anorexia nervosa are accompanied by changes in other peptide hormones such as adiponectin, which has received less attention. Adipocytokines such as adiponectin have also been involved in modulating epileptic activity. Thus, neuroactive peptides whose plasma levels and activity change in the presence of ketogenesis might be potential candidates for elucidating the neurohormonal mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of KDs. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for altered regulation of the synthesis of neuropeptides and peripheral hormones in response to KDs, and we try to define a possible role for specific neuroactive peptides in mediating the antiepileptic properties of diet-induced ketogenesis

Halogen bonds direct the solid state architectures of a multivalent iodopropargylcalix[4]arene

The iodoalkynyl group is a ditopic synthon, able to act as a halogen bond (XB) donor through the iodine atom and as an XB acceptor on the C≡C triple bond. With the aim of exploring the self-assembly properties via XB of calix[4]arene macrocycles containing this synthon, we synthesized and characterized a tetra(iodopropargyl)calix[4]arene (3). In the solid state, all the iodoalkynyl units of 3 are involved in intermolecular XB interactions as both donors and acceptors, resulting in a two-dimensional network of calixarene double layers. On the contrary, in the cocrystal of 3 with 4,4′-bipyridine, a bidentate XB acceptor, the iodine atoms are halogen bonded to the pyridine nitrogen atoms forming a one-dimensional ribbon of calixarenes alternated by two 4,4′-bipyridine units. These supramolecular architectures are the first example of solid-state networks of calixarene derivatives where the self-assembly is mostly driven by XBs

Trisulfonamide calix[6]arene-catalysed Michael addition to nitroalkenes

We describe the application of a novel family of trisulfonamide (TSA) calix[6]arenes in general acid catalysis. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between acidic TSA and methanol boosted the reactivity of the Michael addition of indoles to nitroalkene derivatives. The transformation occurs at a low catalyst loading of 5 mol%, allowing for the synthesis of nitroalkanes with good yields and functional group tolerance

Evolving concepts in HER2 evaluation in breast cancer: heterogeneity, HER2-low carcinomas and beyond

Abstract The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-known negative prognostic factor in breast cancer and a target of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab as well as of other anti-HER2 compounds. Pioneering works on HER2-positive breast cancer in the 90' launched a new era in clinical research and oncology practice that has reshaped the natural history of this disease. In diagnostic pathology the HER2 status is routinely assessed by using a combination of immunohistochemistry (IHC, to evaluate HER2 protein expression levels) and in situ hybridization (ISH, to assess HER2 gene status). For this purpose, international recommendations have been developed by a consensus of experts in the field, which have changed over the years according to new experimental and clinical data. In this review article we will document the changes that have contributed to a better evaluation of the HER2 status in clinical practice, furthermore we will discuss HER2 heterogeneity defined by IHC and ISH as well as by transcriptomic analysis and we will critically describe the complexity of HER2 equivocal results. Finally, we will introduce the clinical impact of HER2 mutations and we will define the upcoming category of HER2-low breast cancer with respect to emerging clinical data on the efficacy of specific anti-HER2 agents in subgroups of breast carcinomas lacking the classical oncogene addition dictated by HER2 amplification

Near-IR Absorbers Based on Pt(II)-Dithiolene Donor–Acceptor Charge-Transfer (CT) Systems: A Structural Analysis to Highlight DA Interactions

The packing interactions of a series of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) charge transfer (CT) near-IR absorbers based on platinum-dithiolene complexes are reinvestigated here as a case study also by using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. This analysis on systems, which exhibit the 1:1, 2:1 and 2:2 columnar stacking patterns between D and A, allows to point out that several inter-actions of atoms and fragments are involved in the stacking interactions but also that only a lim-ited fraction of these interactions, limited to the 1:1 D/A columnar stacking case, can be relatable to the absorption features of this class of compounds