Three-flavor solar neutrino oscillations with terrestrial neutrino constraints

We present an updated analysis of the current solar neutrino data in terms of three-flavor oscillations, including the additional constraints coming from terrestrial neutrino oscillation searches at the CHOOZ (reactor), Super-Kamiokande (atmospheric), and KEK-to-Kamioka (accelerator) experiments. The best fit is reached for the subcase of two-family mixing, and the additional admixture with the third neutrino is severely limited. We discuss the relevant features of the globally allowed regions in the oscillation parameter space, as well as their impact on the amplitude of possible CP-violation effects at future accelerator experiments and on the reconstruction accuracy of the mass-mixing oscillation parameters at the KamLAND reactor experiment.Comment: 10 pages + 8 figure

Cutaneous Lichen Amyloidosis Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A

We have previously described a kindred with hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 A [MEN 2A]) with localized pruritic cutaneous manifestations present only in affected members. Although the initial skin biopsies reported did not show amyloidosis, subsequent skin biopsy results reported here have demonstrated amyloid which stained for keratin but not for calcitonin and established that this family represents an association of a rare autosomal dominant form of lichen amyloidosis with MEN 2A

Fiano, Greco and Falanghina grape cultivars differentiation by volatiles fingerprinting, a case study

The biomolecular characterization of edible products is gaining an increasing importance in food chemistry. The characteristic aroma or bouquet of a wine is the result of complex interactions of volatile molecules and odor receptors. Its characterization is the subject of many different studies, aimed at the development of new methods to be used for the discovery of frauds and for the typization of Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) or Protected Geographic Indication (P.G.I.) wines. We previously outlined the proteomic profile of three cultivars of Vitis vinifera from South Italy (Campania) used for white wine production (Fiano, Greco and Falanghina) during the ripening. In this work, we present a mass spectrometry based study aimed at obtaining the profile of volatiles on the same samples using solid phase micro extraction coupled to gas chromatography. We demonstrated that some of the main constituents of aroma (namely terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, etc.) were characteristic of certain grapes and absent in others

Cell mechanosensory recognizes ligand compliance at biomaterial interface

Cells activate signalling through ligand-receptor bonds by sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Ligands, indeed, have to withstand the pulling force elicited by cell receptors through focal adhesions (FAs). On this basis, we developed functional ligands to be simply adsorbed on surfaces and constituted by a two-domain peptide: one derived from ECM proteins and available to receptors to offer biochemical cues, and another adsorbed on material to withstand the tension upon receptor engagement. Tuneable compliance of the anchoring domain of the peptide ligand was verified by single peptide analysis through molecular dynamics and adsorption measurements. We showed that the highest adsorbed peptides combined with integrin cell-binding motifs allow for the cell recognition and polarization with larger mature FA areas. On the contrary, the lowest adsorbed sequences did not provide mechanical resistance to the integrin pulling action, leading to more rounded cells with smaller FA areas. This evidence demonstrates that cell mechanosensory can discriminate ligands on surfaces and should be considered as a criterion in ligand design for material bioactivation

Total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy: long-term follow up

Severe hemophilia is complicated by recurrent spontaneous joint bleedings, which lead to severe secondary arthrosis, defined as hemophilic arthropathy. Joint pain, unresponsive to medical treatment and impaired function are indications for total knee replacement. A well–balanced homeostasis is the basic requirement for successful operative interventions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the results of a combined series of total knee replacements in 25 patients with severe hemophilia A and one patient with severe hemophilia B, treated at University Orthopaedic Departments of Naples and Bari from 1992 to 2006. We evaluated patients according Knee Score. Review of the patients over a period of 85 months (12–156 months) after operation showed dramatic reduction of pain and maintenance of a satisfactory range of movement. The frequency of hemarthrosis was also markedly reduced and the requirements for replacement FVIII/IX concentrate in the years after operation fell substantially. On the whole, an improvement of the Knee Score from 37 (pre-operative) to 87 (post-operative) has been recorded. In our experience total knee replacement led to a significant clinical improvement in all the patients, with relevant impact on quality of life