Charge-based continuous model for long-channel Symmetric Double-Gate Junctionless Transistors

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Assessment of urinary mutagens presence in a population of non smokers

The paper presents the early results of a study involving a group of 312 non smoking and not professionally exposed subjects (144 males and 168 females) in order to evaluate the probable presence of urinary mutagens possibly derived from aspecific exposures. Urine samples were assayed by the Ames test on the YG1024 Salmonella typhimurium strain in the presence of S9 mix with plate incorporation method with preincubation. At the moment of sample collection, the subjects were invited to fill a questionnaire on their main characteristics and lifestyle. On the basis of laboratory data analysis, it emerged that, on 288 samples with a valuable mutagenic activity, 20 urinary extracts (8 of which were males and 12 were females) showed mutagenicity levels twice as much as spontaneous revertants. Diet and indoor exposure to passive smoking, fireplace and cooking fume exposure seemed to play a major role among the lifestyle behaviours investigated in generating positive mutagenic response with a statistically significant difference between positive and negative samples induction (Chi square, P = 0.0057 and P = 0.0168 respectively). After correction of induced revertants by means of creatinine excretion determination, it appeared that females, who had the higher mean urinary mutagenic activity, showed a mutagenicity level twice as much as men (364 ± 491 revertants/mmole creatinine for males against 605 ± 868 revertants/mmole creatinine in females, Mann-Whitney U-test, z = -3.97, P inf. 0.0001) possibly in consequence of their greater cooking fumes exposure. The study, that carefully evaluated the characteristics of involved subjects, reveals the presence, even though modest, of mutagens in urine of an apparently not significantly exposed population. In addition, standardization of method leads to suppose little feasible a confounding influence of considered features. Moreover, it would be therefore rather interesting to study the effect of low exposure time persistence

Atomic-Scale Finite Element Modelling of Mechanical Behaviour of Graphene Nanoribbons

Experimental characterization of Graphene NanoRibbons (GNRs) is still an expensive task and computational simulations are therefore seen a practical option to study the properties and mechanical response of GNRs. Design of GNR in various nanotechnology devices can be approached through molecular dynamics simulations. This study demonstrates that the Atomic–scale Finite Element Method (AFEM) based on the second generation REBO potential is an efficient and accurate alternative to the molecular dynamics simulation of GNRs. Special atomic finite elements are proposed to model graphene edges. Extensive comparisons are presented with MD solutions to establish the accuracy of AFEM. It is also shown that the Tersoff potential is not accurate for GNR modeling. The study demonstrates the influence of chirality and size on design parameters such as tensile strength and stiffness. A GNR is stronger and stiffer in the zigzag direction compared to the armchair direction. Armchair GNRs shows a minor dependence of tensile strength and elastic modulus on size whereas in the case of zigzag GNRs both modulus and strength show a significant size dependency. The size-dependency trend noted in the present study is different from the previously reported MD solutions for GNRs but qualitatively agrees with experimental results. Based on the present study, AFEM can be considered a highly efficient computational tool for analysis and design of GNRs

Effect of soy on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors : a randomized controlled trial

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are currently the commonest cause of death worldwide. Different strategies for their primary prevention have been planned, taking into account the main known risk factors, which include an atherogenic lipid profile and visceral fat excess. Methods: The study was designed as a randomized, parallel, single-center study with a nutritional intervention duration of 12 weeks. Whole soy foods corresponding to 30 g/day soy protein were given in substitution of animal foods containing the same protein amount. Results: Soy nutritional intervention resulted in a reduction in the number of MetS features in 13/26 subjects. Moreover, in the soy group we observed a significant improvement of median percentage changes for body weight ( 121.5 %) and BMI ( 121.5 %), as well as for atherogenic lipid markers, namely TC ( 124.85 %), LDL-C ( 125.25 %), non-HDL-C ( 127.14 %) and apoB ( 1214.8 %). Since the majority of the studied variables were strongly correlated, three factors were identified which explained the majority (52 %) of the total variance in the whole data set. Among them, factor 1, which loaded lipid and adipose variables, explained the 22 % of total variance, showing a statistically significant difference between treatment arms (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The inclusion of whole soy foods (corresponding to 30 g/day protein) in a lipid-lowering diet significantly improved a relevant set of biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk

Nutraceutical approach for the management of cardiovascular risk \u2013 a combination containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and red yeast rice extract: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Probiotics incorporated into dairy products have been shown to reduce total (TC) and LDL cholesterolemia (LDL-C) in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia. More specifically, probiotics with high biliary salt hydrolase activity, e.g. Bifidobacterium longum BB536, may decrease TC and LDL-C by lowering intestinal cholesterol reabsorption and, combined with other nutraceuticals, may be useful to manage hypercholesterolemia in subjects with low cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical combination containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536, red yeast rice (RYR) extract (10\u2009mg/day monacolin K), niacin, coenzyme Q10 (Lactoflorene Colesterolo\uae). The end-points were changes of lipid CV risk markers (LDL-C, TC, non-HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), HDL-C, apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), and of markers of cholesterol synthesis/absorption. METHODS: A 12-week randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-three subjects (18-70\u2009years) in primary CV prevention and low CV risk (SCORE: 0-1% in 24 and 2-4% in 9 subjects; LDL-C: 130-200\u2009mg/dL) were randomly allocated to either nutraceutical (N\u2009=\u200916) or placebo (N\u2009=\u200917). RESULTS: Twelve-week treatment with the nutraceutical combination, compared to placebo, significantly reduced TC (-\u200916.7%), LDL-C (-\u200925.7%), non-HDL-C (-\u200924%) (all p\u2009<\u20090.0001), apoB (-\u200917%, p\u2009=\u20090.003). TG, HDL-C, apoAI, Lp(a), PCSK9 were unchanged. Lathosterol:TC ratio was significantly reduced by the nutraceutical combination, while campesterol:TC ratio and sitosterol:TC ratio did not change, suggesting reduction of synthesis without increased absorption of cholesterol. No adverse effects and a 97% compliance were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week treatment with a nutraceutical combination containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and RYR extract significantly improved the atherogenic lipid profile and was well tolerated by low CV risk subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02689934

Analysis of HDL-microRNA panel in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia subjects with LDL receptor null or defective mutation

In the last years increasing attention has been given to the connection between genotype/phenotype and cardiovascular events in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). MicroRNAs (miRs) bound to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may contribute to better discriminate the cardiovascular risk of FH subjects. Our aim was to evaluate the HDL-miR panel in heterozygous FH (HeFH) patients with an LDLR null or defective mutation and its association with pulse wave velocity (PWV). We evaluated lipid panel, HDL-miR panel and PWV in 32 LDLR null mutation (LDLR-null group) and 35 LDLR defective variant (LDLR-defective group) HeFH patients. HDL-miR-486 and HDL-miR-92a levels were more expressed in the LDLR-null group than the LDLR-defective group. When we further stratified the study population into three groups according to both the LDLR genotype and history of ASCVD (LDLR-null/not-ASCVD, LDLR-defective/not-ASCVD and LDLR/ASCVD groups), both the LDLR/ASCVD and the LDLR-null/not-ASCVD groups had a higher expression of HDL-miR-486 and HDL-miR-92a than the LDLR-defective/not-ASCVD group. Finally, HDL-miR-486 and HDL-miR-92a were independently associated with PWV. In conclusion, the LDLR-null group exhibited HDL-miR-486 and HDL-miR-92a levels more expressed than the LDLR-defective group. Further studies are needed to evaluate these HDL-miRs as predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular events in FH

Effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on HDL cholesterol efflux and serum cholesterol loading capacity in familial hypercholesterolemia subjects: a multi-lipid-center real-world evaluation

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), beyond regulating LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) plasma levels, exerts several pleiotropic effects by modulating lipid metabolism in extrahepatic cells such as macrophages. Macrophage cholesterol homeostasis depends on serum lipoprotein functions, including the HDL capacity to promote cell cholesterol efflux (CEC) and the serum capacity to promote cell cholesterol loading (CLC). The aim of this observational study was to investigate the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) treatment on HDL-CEC and serum CLC in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). 31 genetically confirmed FH patients were recruited. Blood was collected and serum isolated at baseline and after 6 months of PCSK9-i treatment. HDL-CEC was evaluated through the main pathways with a radioisotopic cell-based assay. Serum CLC was assessed fluorimetrically in human THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. After treatment with PCSK9-i, total cholesterol and LDL-c significantly decreased (−41.6%, p < 0.0001 and −56.7%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Total HDL-CEC was not different between patients before and after treatment. Conversely, despite no changes in HDL-c levels between the groups, ABCG1 HDL-CEC significantly increased after treatment (+22.2%, p < 0.0001) as well as HDL-CEC by aqueous diffusion (+7.8%, p = 0.0008). Only a trend towards reduction of ABCA1 HDL-CEC was observed after treatment. PCSK9-i significantly decreased serum CLC (−6.6%, p = 0.0272). This effect was only partly related to the reduction of LDL-c levels. In conclusion, PCSK9-i treatment significantly increased HDL-CEC through ABCG1 and aqueous diffusion pathways and reduced the serum CLC in FH patients. The favorable effect of PCSK9-i on functional lipid profile could contribute to the cardiovascular benefit of these drugs in FH patients

A study protocol for the evaluation of occupational mutagenic/carcinogenic risks in subjects exposed to antineoplastic drugs: a multicentric project

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Some industrial hygiene studies have assessed occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs; other epidemiological investigations have detected various toxicological effects in exposure groups labeled with the job title. In no research has the same population been studied both environmentally and epidemiologically. The protocol of the epidemiological study presented here uses an integrated environmental and biological monitoring approach. The aim is to assess in hospital nurses preparing and/or administering therapy to cancer patients the current level of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, DNA and chromosome damage as cancer predictive effects, and the association between the two.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>About 80 healthy non-smoking female nurses, who job it is to prepare or handle antineoplastic drugs, and a reference group of about 80 healthy non-smoking female nurses not occupationally exposed to chemicals will be examined simultaneously in a cross-sectional study. All the workers will be recruited from five hospitals in northern and central Italy after their informed consent has been obtained.</p> <p>Evaluation of surface contamination and dermal exposure to antineoplastic drugs will be assessed by determining cyclophosphamide on selected surfaces (wipes) and on the exposed nurses' clothes (pads). The concentration of unmetabolized cyclophosphamide as a biomarker of internal dose will be measured in end-shift urine samples from exposed nurses.</p> <p>Biomarkers of effect and susceptibility will be assessed in exposed and unexposed nurses: urinary concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine; DNA damage detected using the single-cell microgel electrophoresis (comet) assay in peripheral white blood cells; micronuclei and chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Genetic polymorphisms for enzymes involved in metabolic detoxification (i.e. glutathione <it>S</it>-transferases) will also be analysed.</p> <p>Using standardized questionnaires, occupational exposure will be determined in exposed nurses only, whereas potential confounders (medicine consumption, lifestyle habits, diet and other non-occupational exposures) will be assessed in both groups of hospital workers.</p> <p>Statistical analysis will be performed to ascertain the association between occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and biomarkers of DNA and chromosome damage, after taking into account the effects of individual genetic susceptibility, and the presence of confounding exposures.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The findings of the study will be useful in updating prevention procedures for handling antineoplastic drugs.</p

A PROBLEMÁTICA DO MONITORAMENTO DAS INFECÇÕES DE SÍTIO CIRÚRGICO E A NECESSIDADE DE PADRONIZAÇÃO DE CRITÉRIOS PARA SEU DIAGNÓSTICO E NOTIFICAÇÃO.

Las infecciones hospitalarias (IH) ocurren como un problema de salud pública mundial, siendo la Infección del Sitio Quirúrgico la tercera topografia más común, de 14% a 16% de todas las IH. Cuando un paciente muere por una causa asociada a la IH, 77% están relacionadas con la ISC; 93% de ellas con infecciones serias que invaden órganos o espacios accedidos durante un procedimiento quirúrgico. Directamente, las repercusiones de las ISC aparecen en los costos hospitalarios, pues aumentan la permanencia hospitalaria entre 7 a 10 días, amén de las readmisiones; pero, de manera indirecta, igualmente o más importante, están los costos indirectos que causan impactos emocionales desastrosos en los pacientes y en la familia. Los criterios más utilizados para diagnóstico de ISC son los Centers for Diseases Control (CDC); otros criterios desarrollados por especialistas ingleses como el National Prevalence Survey Study (NPS) también son utilizados. El objetivo de este estudio fue buscar una respuesta, en la literatura, para la práctica del controlador de infección hospitalaria en lo que respecta a la existencia de un “patrón-oro” para el diagnóstico de ISC, con el fin de soportar los resultados obtenidos y las consecuentes acciones. Una revisión sistemática ha mostrado que comparándose las definiciones del CDC y NPS de 93 heridas operatorias, 24% han quedado sin diagnóstico al utilizarse criterios del CDC y 19% cuando se utilizaron criterios del NPS. La conclusión de este estudio es que no hay un “patrón-oro” para el diagnóstico de ISC, pues el juicio es subjetivo, y sujeto a variaciones de acuerdo con el observador. Es necesario que cada servicio de salud junto al grupo Comissão de Controle de Infeccção Hospitalar -CCIH (Comisión de Control de Infección Hospitalaria) asuma y reglamente, por medio de la mejor evidencia científica, cuáles son los mejores criterios para diagnóstico y notificación de ISC, cuál es el mejor método de trabajo para vigilancia después del alta, teniendo en cuenta la factibilidad y las necesidades locales.As infecções hospitalares (IH) surgem como um problema de saúde pública mundial sendo a Infecção de Sítio Cirúrgico (ISC) a terceira topografia mais comum, de 14% a 16% de todas as IH. Quando um paciente morre por causa associada à IH, 77% estão relacionadas a ISC; 93% deles com infecções sérias que invadem órgãos ou espaços acessados durante o procedimento cirúrgico. Diretamente, as repercussões das ISC aparecem nos custos hospitalares pois aumentam a permanência hospitalar entre 7 a 10 dias, além das readmissões; mas de forma indireta e tão ou mais importante, estão os custos indiretos que provocam impactos emocionais desastrosos nos pacientes e familiares. Os critérios mais utilizados para diagnóstico de ISC são os do Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), outros critérios desenvolvidos por especialistas ingleses como o National Prevalence Survey Study (NPS) também são utilizados. O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar resposta, na literatura, para a pratica do controlador de infecção hospitalar no que tange a existência de um padrão ouro para o diagnostico de ISC, a fim de respaldar os resultados obtidos e as conseqüentes ações. Uma revisão sistemática mostrou que se comparando as definições do CDC e NPS de 93 feridas operatórias, 24% ficaram sem diagnóstico quando usados critérios do CDC e 19% quando usados critérios do NPS. A conclusão deste estudo é que não há padrão ouro, no diagnóstico de ISC, pois o julgamento é subjetivo e sujeito a variações de acordo com o observador. É preciso que cada serviço de saúde, junto ao grupo da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CCIH) assuma e normatize, por meio da melhor evidência científica, quais os melhores critérios para diagnóstico e notificação de ISC, qual o melhor método de trabalho para vigilância no pós-alta; levando em conta a factibilidade e as necessidades locais

Broadband velocity modulation spectroscopy of HfF^+: towards a measurement of the electron electric dipole moment

Precision spectroscopy of trapped HfF^+ will be used in a search for the permanent electric dipole moment of the electron (eEDM). While this dipole moment has yet to be observed, various extensions to the standard model of particle physics (such as supersymmetry) predict values that are close to the current limit. We present extensive survey spectroscopy of 19 bands covering nearly 5000 cm^(-1) using both frequency-comb and single-frequency laser velocity-modulation spectroscopy. We obtain high-precision rovibrational constants for eight electronic states including those that will be necessary for state preparation and readout in an actual eEDM experiment.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, 3 table