Crystal Structure and Local Dynamics in Tetrahedral Proton-Conducting La1-xBa1+xGaO4

La1-xBa1+xGaO4-0 (LBG) compounds, based on unconnected GaO4 moieties, were recently proposed as proton conductors. Protonic defects in the lattice are inserted through self-doping with Ba2+, to create oxygen vacancies subsequently filled by hydroxyl ions. We present a combined structural analysis on self-doped LBG using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption (EXAFS): these results unravel the finer structural details on the short-range and long-range scales, and they are correlated with the dynamical properties of protonic conduction coming from vibrational spectroscopy. The structure of the GaO4 groups is independent of the oxide composition. On hydration, an array of short intertetrahedral hydrogen bonds is formed, producing a contraction of the a axis. On the basis of thermogravimetric analysis, EXAFS, XRD and infrared spectroscopy (IR) results, we propose that the stiffness of the GaO4 tetrahedra hinders the intratetrahedral proton transfer, while the noticeable fraction of protons involved in strong hydrogen bonds limit the proton reorientational freedom

TTF-1/p63-positive poorly differentiated NSCLC: A histogenetic hypothesis from the basal reserve cell of the terminal respiratory unit

TTF-1 is expressed in the alveolar epithelium and in the basal cells of distal terminal bronchioles. It is considered the most sensitive and specific marker to define the adenocarcinoma arising from the terminal respiratory unit (TRU). TTF-1, CK7, CK5/6, p63 and p40 are useful for typifying the majority of non-small-cell lung cancers, with TTF and CK7 being typically expressed in adenocarcinomas and the latter three being expressed in squamous cell carcinoma. As tumors with coexpression of both TTF-1 and p63 in the same cells are rare, we describe different cases that coexpress them, suggesting a histogenetic hypothesis of their origin. We report 10 cases of poorly differentiated non-small-cell lung carcinoma (PD-NSCLC). Immunohistochemistry was performed by using TTF-1, p63, p40 (∆Np63), CK5/6 and CK7. EGFR and BRAF gene mutational analysis was performed by using real-time PCR. All the cases showed coexpression of p63 and TTF-1. Six of them showing CK7+ and CK5/6− immunostaining were diagnosed as “TTF-1+ p63+ adenocarcinoma”. The other cases of PD-NSCLC, despite the positivity for CK5/6, were diagnosed as “adenocarcinoma, solid variant”, in keeping with the presence of TTF-1 expression and p40 negativity. A “wild type” genotype of EGFR was evidenced in all cases. TTF1 stained positively the alveolar epithelium and the basal reserve cells of TRU, with the latter also being positive for p63. The coexpression of p63 and TTF-1 could suggest the origin from the basal reserve cells of TRU and represent the capability to differentiate towards different histogenetic lines. More aggressive clinical and morphological features could characterize these “basal-type tumors” like those in the better known “basal-like” cancer of the breast

EFFECTS OF SHIFT WORK ON CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVITY, SERUM CORTISOL AND WHITE BLOOD CELLS COUNT IN A GROUP OF ITALIAN FISHERMEN

We analyzed the effects of working activity and working shifts on the circadian rhythmicity and circadian phase relations of serum cortisol level, white blood cells count, resting heart rate and systolic/diastolic blood pressure in a group of italian fishermen. We observed a shift-induced displacement of cortisol secretion and a modification in leukocyte count. Moreover, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate were markedly influenced by the night shift, whereas no appreciable changes were observed after the morning and afternoon shifts, compared to pre-working values. These data suggest that the human circadian system is greatly influenced by shift work, and serum cortisol level, leukocyte count, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate are sensitive indicators of the biological responses to a stress workload in shift workers, especially after a night shif

Indium doping of proton-conducting solid oxides

Solid oxides protonic conductors are prepared by doping the pure matrix compounds with cationic species. Barium cerate and barium zirconate are perovskite-like compounds, characterized by a network of corner-sharing MeO6 octahedra (Me=Ce, Zr). Barium lies in the cavities between octahedra. Insertion of trivalent species in the octahedral site involves the formation of charge- compensating oxygen vacancies, that can be filled by hydroxyls coming from dissociative water absorption. Then, proton delocalization among structural oxygens ensures conductivity. The most effective conductors are obtained by yttrium doping that, on the other hand, enters only in limited amounts in both BaZrO3 and BaCeO3, thus involving limited carrier concentration. Perovskites are affected by different drawbacks: barium cerate compounds are very sensitive to the acidic components present in the environment and in particular to CO2 that induces decomposition in barium carbonate and cerium oxide; barium zirconate, notwithstanding a very high bulk conductivity, is biased by high grain boundary resistivity. A possible alternative to perovskite-like compounds is constituted by fergusonite-type lanthanum niobate and lanthanum tantalate compounds, characterized by a tetrahedral coordination of Nb and Ta. These oxides present a very high chemical stability but very low carrier concentration, usually induced by Ca-doping the lanthanum site [1]. Among the different trivalent dopants, it was demonstrated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy that indium is able to enter in any composition in the perovskite network, thus providing a very high carrier concentration, even if with lower proton mobility. This property of indium was ascribed to its electronic structure and in particular to the low Pearson hardness, allowing this cation to fit in a hosting matrix with the least structural strain [2]. A preliminar attempt of exploiting indium for enhancing the carrier concentration of lanthanum niobate was carried out. The solid state synthesis involved amounts of the reactant simple oxides suitable to force indium doping of the niobium site. X-ray diffraction do not show significant amounts of secondary oxide phases

EFFECTS OF SHIFT WORK ON CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVITY, SERUM CORTISOL AND WHITE BLOOD CELLS COUNT IN A GROUP OF ITALIAN FISHERMEN

We analyzed the effects of working activity and working shifts on the circadian rhythmicity and circadian phase relations of serum cortisol level, white blood cells count, resting heart rate and systolic/diastolic blood pressure in a group of italian fishermen. We observed a shift-induced displacement of cortisol secretion and a modification in leukocyte count. Moreover, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate were markedly influenced by the night shift, whereas no appreciable changes were observed after the morning and afternoon shifts, compared to pre-working values. These data suggest that the human circadian system is greatly influenced by shift work, and serum cortisol level, leukocyte count, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate are sensitive indicators of the biological responses to a stress workload in shift workers, especially after a night shif

Marine biomass as potential energy source. The state of art

The use of biomass to produce biofuels represents an interesting opportunity for the progressive replacement of fossil fuels, without drastic changes for the final users. Some common fuels for terrestrial transports are already a blend of fossil fuels and biofuels. However, the contribution from renewable sources is still marginal. The adoption of biomass is a delicate aspect since some ethical issues should be properly managed. An interesting solution is currently offered by the cultivation of biomass in the seas. The goal of this paper is to assess the current state of art of this sector, depicting the possibilities, critical aspects, and opportunities

TECNICHE DI RICOSTRUZIONE DELLA SUPERFICIE POSTERIORE DEL PADIGLIONE AURICOLARE E DELLAMASTOIDE CON LEMBI LOCALI

B a c k g ro u n d. Reconstruction of the posterior auricular surface and of the mastoid has never been given much attention and there are no techniques described. The authors describe two techniques for reconstruction of these areas after cancer excision with local flaps. M e t h o d s . 13 patients have been treated after cancer resection with an advancement flap from the posterior auricular surface and a bilobed flap from the mastoid. R e s u l t s. All flaps healed uneventfully with a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. No relevant complications have been o b s e r v e d . C o n c l u s i o n s. Reconstruction of the posterior auricular surface and of the mastoid with the techniques described allows satisfactory defect closure even in complex situations such as cartilage or bone exposure

Correlation among job-induced stress, overall well-being, and cardiovascular risk in Italian workers of logistics and distribution

Introduction: Work-related stress is an occupational risk that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While previous studies have explored this association in various work contexts, none have focused specifically on logistics and distribution personnel. These workers may be exposed to significant job stress, which potentially increases the risk of CVD. Methods: In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular risk in a sample of 413 healthy workers of a logistics and distribution company. To assess work-related stress and cardiovascular risk, we used the organisational well-being questionnaire proposed by the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority, the Framingham Heart Study General Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Prediction Score and the WHO General Wellbeing Index (WHO-5). Results: Our results revealed that individuals with low job support had a significantly higher CVD risk score and lower well-being index than those reporting high job support. Furthermore, workers with high-stress tasks showed higher well-being index scores than those with passive tasks. Approximately 58% of the subjects were classified as low CVD risk (CVD risk <10%), approximately 31% were classified as moderate risk (CVD risk between 10 and 20%) and 11% were considered high risk (CVD risk >20%). The overall median CVD risk for the population was moderate (6.9%), with individual scores ranging from 1 to 58%. Discussion: Further analyses confirmed the protective effect of work support, also identifying physical inactivity, regular alcohol consumption and low educational level as factors contributing to an increased risk of CVD. Interestingly, factors such as job control and work support demonstrated a positive impact on psychological well-being. These results emphasise the importance of intervention strategies aimed at promoting health in the workplace. By addressing these combined factors, organisations can effectively reduce the risk of CVD and improve the general well-being of their workforce