Cellular localisation of VvRops and VvRabA5e, small GTPases developmentally regulated in grape berries

VvRops, in particular VvRop9, and VvRabA5e are small GTPases which are developmentally regulated in grape berries. In an attempt to help elucidate the role of these proteins during fruit development and ripening, we investigated their localisation in the fruit by immunocytofluorescence. These proteins were observed at a perinuclear location, at cell periphery and around vesicles. In particular VvRops were found to be located in the nucleus and likely on the plasma membrane. VvRop9 and VvRabA5e cDNAs were introduced separately into S. cerevisiae mutants with RHO1 and YPT31/YPT32 defective genes respectively. Neither cDNAs could complement these temperature-sensitive mutants, suggesting that the functions of the VvRop9 and VvRabA5e genes in grapevine likely differ from the functions of RHO1 and YPT31/YPT32 genes in yeast.

Nationwide survey on the management of pediatric pharyngitis in Italian emergency units

Background: Acute pharyngitis is a frequent reason for primary care or emergency unit visits in children. Most available data on pharyngitis management come from primary care studies that demonstrate an underuse of microbiological tests, a tendency to over-prescribe antibiotics and a risk of antimicrobial resistance increase. However, a comprehensive understanding of acute pharyngitis management in emergency units is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of rapid antigen test use to diagnose acute pharyngitis, as well as other diagnostic approaches, the therapeutic attitude, and follow-up of children with this condition in the emergency units. Methods: A multicentric national study was conducted in Italian emergency departments between April and June 2022. Results: A total of 107 out of 131 invited units (response rate 82%), participated in the survey. The results showed that half of the units use a scoring system to diagnose pharyngitis, with the McIsaac score being the most commonly used. Most emergency units (56%) were not provided with a rapid antigen diagnostic test by their hospital, but the test was more frequently available in units visiting more than 10,000 children yearly (57% vs 33%, respectively, p = 0.02). Almost half (47%) of the units prescribe antibiotics in children with pharyngitis despite the lack of microbiologically confirmed cases of Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Finally, about 25% of units prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanic acid to treat Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus pharyngitis. Conclusions: The study sheds light on the approach to pharyngitis in emergency units, providing valuable information to improve the appropriate management of acute pharyngitis in this setting. The routinary provision of rapid antigen tests in the hospitals could enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pharyngitis

Mechanical evaluation of the stability of one or two miniscrews under loading on synthetic bone

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the primary stability of a two-miniscrew system inserted into a synthetic bone and to compare the system with the traditional one. Forty-five bi-layered polyurethane blocks were used to simulate maxillary cancellous and cortical bone densities. Samples were randomly assigned to three groups-one-miniscrew system (Group A, N = 23), two-miniscrew system (Group B, N = 22) and archwire-only (Group C, N = 10). A total of 67 new miniscrews were subdivided into Group A (23 singles) and Group B (22 couples). 30 mm of 19\u2033 7 25\u2033 archwires were tied to the miniscrew. The load was applied perpendicularly to the archwire. Maximum Load Value (MLV), Yield Load (YL) and Loosening Load (LL) were recorded for each group. The YL of Group B and C had a mean value respectively of 4.189 \ub1 0.390 N and 3.652 \ub1 0.064 N. The MLV of Group A, B and C had a mean value respectively of 1.871 \ub1 0.318N, of 4.843 \ub1 0.515 N and 4.150 \ub1 0.086 N. The LL of Group A and B had a mean value respectively of 1.871 \ub1 0.318 N and of 2.294 \ub1 0.333 N. A two- temporary anchorage device (TAD) system is on average stiffer than a one-TAD system under orthodontic loading

Gold‐Catalyzed Carboamination of Allenes by Tertiary Amines Proceeding with Benzylic Group Migration

International audienceTertiary amines bearing a benzyl-type group (CH2Ar) undergo Au(I)-catalyzed intramolecular addition to allenes. A formal 1,3-transfer of the CH2Ar group takes place during the cyclization. As demonstrated by both experimental and DFT studies, these unprecedented intramolecular carboaminations involve two consecutive [3,3] rearrangements via a dearomatized intermediate. Because of the poor stability of the enamine products, protocols were developed to convert them in situ to more stable polycyclic chiral compounds

Investigations on PVP/Y3BO6:Eu3+, a red luminescent composite for lighting devices based on near UV-LEDs.

International audienceThis work deals with a red phosphor, Y3BO6:Eu3+, and its corresponding poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)/Y3BO6:Eu3+ luminescent composite film suitable for applications in the next generation of Hg-free lamps based on near ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs). Well crystallized samples of Y3BO6 powders with the Eu3+ content up to 20 mol% were prepared by the Pechini method. After structural, morphological and optical characterization, the best doping rate of Eu3+ in the matrix was determined to be 15 mol%. This optimal powder, which is highly friable, was easily ground into fine particles and homogeneously dispersed into a PVP polymer solution to give rise to a polymer phosphor composite. Structural and optical features of the composite film have been studied and compared to those of a pristine PVP film and Y3BO6:Eu3+ powder. All the characterization (XRD, SAXS, luminescence…) proved that the red phosphor particles are well incorporated into the polymer composite film which exhibited the characteristic red emission of Eu3+ under UV light excitation. Furthermore, photostability of the polymer/phosphor composite film under UV-LED irradiation was evaluated from exposure to accelerated artificial photoageing at wavelengths above 300 nm

Health-related quality of life and unmet needs in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia

Few studies have evaluated the quality of life of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). We sought to determine the health impact of the disease as well as the unmet needs in a large group of patients. Questionnaires were either posted or e-mailed to known patients with PCD and published online. Questionnaires included the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 and a questionnaire that we produced to obtain information on age of diagnosis, symptoms and likely PCD-specific problems of these patients. 78 subjects (96% of those invited) answered all the questionnaires. Patients were diagnosed at a mean age of 9.4 yrs. Progressive worsening of the disease was observed and adherence to physiotherapy was found to be poor, particularly in adolescents and adults. Patients with the highest treatment burden had a worse quality of life. Over time patients become progressively less interested in treating their disease and adherence to treatment modalities decreases. PCD is associated with a progressive and continuous impact on the physical and mental health of the patients. Earlier identification of the patients and better strategies aimed at improving compliance with care are urgently needed