Functionalization of a layered oxide with organic moieties: towards hybrid proton conductors

The design of innovative proton conductors for intermediate-temperature fuel cells, closing the gap between PEMFC and SOFC, is a forefront research theme in materials chemistry. [1] Layered perovskites with the Dion-Jacobson structure (ALaNb2O7) have bidimensional lanthanum niobate sheets, separated by a layer of A+ cations. These can be substituted by a variety of molecules with soft chemistry, to yield inorganic-organic hybrids. In particular, the intercalation of amines, alcohols, carboxylic or phosphonic acids, and their covalent binding to the sheets has been demonstrated recently. [2-4]We present preliminary results on the intercalation and covalent bonding of different organic molecules, in order to develop hybrid proton conductors for use in intermediate temperature fuel cells. Smaller molecules (such as alcohols) are intercalated to expand the interlayer space, to form intermediates for the further binding of proton carriers such as imidazoles or sulfonates.The intercalation process is investigated by XRD (to measure the interlayer distance) and TGA (to determine the weight loss upon thermal decomposition). NMR is applied to confirm the covalent bonding between the organic and oxide parts. The intercalation behavior of different functional groups is explained in terms of van der Waals and/or hydrogen bonding between organic chains. The interplay of theory (ab initio and periodic DFT) and experiment allowed us to elucidate the 1H and 13C-NMR spectra, and to investigate the nature of interaction (i.e. ionic or covalent bond) of the organic chains with the interlayer surface

Urinary proteomic profiles of prostate cancer with different risk of progression and correlation with histopathological features

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common tumor in men with extremely variable outcome, varying from latent or indolent form to very aggressive behavior. High grade tumors, expansions exceeding the prostatic capsule into the surrounding soft tissues and spreading through lymph vascular channels, represent the most consistent unfavorable prognostic factors. However, accuracy in the prediction of the disease progression is sometimes difficult. Along with new molecular diagnostic techniques and more accurate histopathological approaches, proteomic studies challenge to identify potential biomarkers predictive of PCa progression. In our study we analyzed the urinary proteomes of 42 patients affected by PCa through two-dimensional electrophoresis associated with mass spectrometry. Proteomic profiles were correlated to histopathological features including pTNM stage and tumor differentiation in order to provide new promising markers able to define more accurately the PCa aggressiveness and driving new therapeutic approaches

Giant elephantiasis neuromatosa in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report

Elephantiasis neuromatosa (EN) can arise from a plexiform neurofibroma of the superficial and deep nerves developing from a hyperproliferation of the perineural connective tissue infiltrating adjacent fat and muscles. To date, the clinical association between EN and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has been poorly defined, particularly with regard to the role of lymphatic alterations and the consequent lymphedema. The present study reports the clinical and biomolecular features of EN in a NF1 patient with the clear clinical diagnostic criteria of multiple caf\ue8-au-lait macules, neurofibromas, EN, a positive family history and a novel NF1 germline c.1541_1542del mutation. Lymphoscintigraphy (LS) highlighted marked dermal backflow in the affected limb, hypertrophy of the ipsilateral inguinal and external iliac lymph nodes, and a bilateral lower limb lymph flow delay. These data support the hypothesis that an extensive hyperproliferative process involving perineural connective, limb soft tissues, bones and the lymphatic system can be responsible for EN in NF1 patients, on the basis of adipocyte metaplasia triggered by lymphostasis and lymphedema, and bone overgrowth and gigantism caused by chronic hyperemia. LS and magnetic resonance imaging can be efficacious tools in the diagnosis and clinical characterization of the early onset of the disease

COVID-19 Pandemic: New Prevention and Protection Measures

As of the end of February 2021, more than 420,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, with 5,856,224 deaths. Transmission of the different genetically engineered variants of SARS-CoV-2, which have been isolated since the beginning of the pandemic, occurs from one infected person to another by the same means: the airborne route, indirect contact, and occasionally the fecal–oral route. Infection is asymptomatic or may present with flulike symptoms such as fever, cough, and mild to moderate and severe respiratory distress, requiring hospitalization and assisted ventilation support. To control the spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the adoption of effective hygiene systems, is one of the primary prevention measures for the entire population. Companies and institutions around the world are therefore trying to find the best ways to reorganize their operations, minimizing the risk of infection among their employees, in order to protect their health and prevent internal outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2, including through the development of new technologies that could also be an innovative and driving factor for the relaunch of companies in a more sustainable, ethically correct, and safe for the health of employees perspective. On the basis of the above premises, in view of the coexistence with SARS-CoV-2 that will most likely accompany us in the coming years, and in view of the vaccination campaign adopted worldwide, the purpose of our narrative review is to update the previous operational protocols with the latest scientific knowledge to be adopted in the workplace even when the emergency crisis is over

Clinico-pathological and biomolecular findings in Italian patients with multiple cutaneous neurofibromas

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Neurofibroma occurs as isolated or multiple lesions frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common autosomal dominant disorder affecting 1 in 3500 individuals. It is caused by mutations in the <it>NF1 </it>gene, which comprises 60 exons and is located on chromosome 17q11.2. <it>NF1 </it>is a fully penetrant gene exhibiting a mutation rate some 10-fold higher compared with most other disease genes. As a consequence, a high number of cases (up to 50%) are sporadic. Mutation detection is complex due to the large size of the <it>NF1 </it>gene, the presence of pseudogenes and the great variety of lesions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>110 patients with at least two neurofibroma lesions recorded in the files of the Pathology Department of the University of Modena during the period 1999-2010, were included in this study. Through interviews and examination of clinical charts, pedigrees were drawn for all patients who were affected by at least two neurofibromas. We attempted to delineate the clinical features of NF1 and the mutational spectrum in the cohort of 11 NF1 families identified. For each proband, the whole coding sequence and all splice sites were studied for mutations, either by the protein truncation test (PTT), or, more frequently, by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Two GIST tumors of NF1 patients were tested for somatic NF1 mutations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>NF1 germline mutations were identified in 7 (68%) patients. A novel mutation, c.3457_3460delCTCA in exon 20, was detected in two unrelated patients and was associated with different clinical features. No NF1 somatic mutations were detected in the GIST tumors. A wide phenotypic and genotypic variability was registered, both in the spectrum of skin lesions and visceral neoplasms, even among members of the same family who had different clinical manifestations. A proclivity to multiple tumors arising in the same subject, and a higher tumor burden per family were the most relevant findings observed in patients affected with the NF1 mutation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We report a novel NF1 mutation and we contribute data for the refinement of the NF1 genotype-phenotype spectrum.</p

Anastomosis configuration and technique following ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

A limited ileocaecal resection is the most frequently performed procedure for ileocaecal CD and different anastomotic configurations and techniques have been described. This manuscript audited the different anastomotic techniques used in a national study and evaluated their influence on postoperative outcomes following ileocaecal resection for primary CD. This is a retrospective, multicentre, observational study promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), including all adults undergoing elective ileocaecal resection for primary CD from June 2018 May 2019. Postoperative morbidity within 30&nbsp;days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and anastomotic leak rate were the secondary outcomes. 427 patients were included. The side to side anastomosis was the chosen configuration in 380 patients (89%). The stapled anastomotic (n = 286; 67%), techniques were preferred to hand-sewn (n = 141; 33%). Postoperative morbidity was 20.3% and anastomotic leak 3.7%. Anastomotic leak was independent of the type of anastomosis performed, while was associated with an ASA grade ≥ 3, presence of perianal disease and ileocolonic localization of disease. Four predictors of LOS were identified after multivariate analysis. The laparoscopic approach was the only associated with a reduced LOS (p = 0.017), while age, ASA grade ≥ 3 or administration of preoperative TPN were associated with increased LOS. The side to side was the most commonly used anastomotic configuration for ileocolic reconstruction following primary CD resection. There was no difference in postoperative morbidity according to anastomotic technique and configuration. Anastomotic leak was associated with ASA grade ≥ 3, a penetrating phenotype of disease and ileo-colonic distribution of CD

National variations in perioperative assessment and surgical management of Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

Aim: Crohn's disease (CD) requires a multidisciplinary approach and surgery should be undertaken by dedicated colorectal surgeons with audited outcomes. We present a national, multicentre study, with the aim to collect benchmark data on key performance indicators in CD surgery, to highlight areas where standards of CD surgery excel and to facilitate targeted quality improvement where indicated. Methods: All patients undergoing ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection in the participating centres for primary and recurrent CD from June 2018 to May 2019 were included. The main objective was to collect national data on hospital volume and practice variations. Postoperative morbidity was the primary outcome. Laparoscopic surgery and stoma rate were the secondary outcomes. Results: In all, 715 patients were included: 457 primary CD and 258 recurrent CD with a postoperative morbidity of 21.6% and 34.7%, respectively. Laparoscopy was used in 83.8% of primary CD compared to 31% of recurrent CD. Twenty-five hospitals participated and the total number of patients per hospital ranged from 2 to 169. Hospitals performing more than 10 primary CD procedures per year showed a higher adoption of laparoscopy and bowel sparing surgery. Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity in the number of CD surgeries performed per year nationally in Italy. Our data suggest that high-volume hospitals perform more complex procedures, with a higher adoption of bowel sparing surgery. The rate of laparoscopy in high-volume hospitals is higher for primary CD but not for recurrent CD compared with low-volume hospitals

4-cyanopirazoles derivatives as a new class of compounds with potent antifungal activity

Introduction We have reported that some 4-nitrosopyrazoles derivatives displayed in vitro and in vivo potent antifungal activity at no cytotoxic concentration and some of these compounds were 4 times more potent than Amphotericine B and Fluconazole respectively against Cryptococcus Neoformans and C. Krusei. We reported also that the absence of NO group or its replacement with NO2 or NH2 groups gave compounds devoid of antimycotical activity. Aim of the work To better understand the mechanism of action and with the aim of identifying the chemical features responsible for the action, we synthesized and tested a new class of compounds in which the 4-NO group was replaced with 4-CN group having, these last, similar steric and electronic features, but different routes by which may be metabolized in vivo. Result The title compounds tested in vitro for antifungal activity against C. Neoformans and C. Krusei, displayed an interesting antifungal activity, increased compared to the analogous 4-NO-pyrazole

The other side of the coin: dissecting molecular mechanisms behind hereditary breast cancer in search of therapeutic opportunities

Over the last quarter century several genetic alterations have been implicated in hereditary breast cancer (HBC). Two papers recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine explored the mutation prevalence in breast cancer predisposition genes across a large population of affected and unaffected subjects. These analyses designated ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C and RAD51D as the core set of genes associated with a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer. A deeper understanding of the biological role of these genes unearths an intricate mechanism involving DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. Exploiting these inherited alterations for targeted treatments, as is currently the case with PARP inhibitors, may provide additional therapeutic opportunities for HBC patients