FTIR and NDIR spectroscopies as valuable alternatives to IRMS spectrometry for the δ(13)C analysis of food

6restrictedInternationalItalian coauthor/editorThe 13C/12C carbon isotope ratio is a chemical parameter with many important applications in several scientific area and the technique of choice currently used for the δ13C determination is the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). This latter is highly accurate (0.1‰) and sensitive (up to 0.01‰), but at the same time expensive and complex. The objective of this work was to assess the reliability of FTIR and NDIRS techniques for the measurement of carbon stable isotope ratio of food sample, in comparison to IRMS. IRMS, NDIRS and FTIR were used to analyze samples of food, such as oil, durum, cocoa, pasta and sugar, in order to determine the natural abundance isotopic ratio of carbon in a parallel way. The results were comparable, showing a close relationship among the three techniques. The main advantage in using FTIR and NDIRS is related to their cheapness and easy-to-operate in comparison to IRMS.restrictedPironti, C.; Proto, A.; Camin, F.; Cucciniello, R.; Zarrella, I.; Motta, O.Pironti, C.; Proto, A.; Camin, F.; Cucciniello, R.; Zarrella, I.; Motta, O

Bactericidal and Fungicidal Activity in the Gas Phase of Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is usually employed as a disinfectant for the treatment of water, environmental surfaces and medical equipment principally for its effectiveness as a microbicide agent. In this study, we explore the possibility of a new use for NaDCC by investigating the microbicidal activity of chlorine, which derives from the hydrolysis of NaDCC mediated by air humidity, and by testing its effect on the neutralization of microbes present in domestic waste. NaDCC was inserted in a plastic garbage can where LB agar plates, with different dilutions of a known title of four different microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Debaryomyces hansenii and Aspergillus brasiliensis), were weakly inserted. The molecular chlorine (Cl2) levels present in the garbage can were quantified using an iodometric titration. The gas emitted in the garbage can presented a strong microbicide effect, inhibiting the proliferation of all four microorganisms and for four consecutive weeks, thus showing that NaDCC hydrolysis, mediated by air humidity, is able to ensure the decontamination of restricted environments, avoiding the proliferation of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi

Low-dose quinacrine reduces vascular restenosis without affecting re-endothelialization

Background: Coronary drug-eluting stents have significantly reduced the rate of in-stent restenosis, but the rate of in-stent thrombosis seems increased. In this study, we tested whether Quinacrine (Q) might reduce smooth muscle cells (SMC) proliferation while exerting minor effects on endothelial cells proliferation (EC) or thrombosis. Methods: Human SMC and EC were treated with increasing concentrations of Q, and the effects on apoptosis or cell proliferation were tested. Next, we evaluated Q effects on tissue factor (TF) and cell adhesion molecules expression (CAMs) in EC. Finally, we tested Q effects on neointima formation and re-endothelialization in a rat model of carotid artery angioplasty. Results: In SMC, all tested Q concentrations reduced proliferation, increased p53 expression and apoptosis. In contrast, EC, pro-apoptotic effects and TF activation were only observed after prolonged treatment with the highest dose, while CAMs expression was never induced at all concentrations. In vivo, Q induced p53 levels and apoptosis in the neointima, and significantly reduced neointimal formation without affecting re-endothelialization. Conclusion: Q exerts pro-apoptotic effects with higher selectivity for SMC, without pro-thrombotic effects, and might represent a safer drug to prevent or treat artery restenosis after percutaneous interventions