Asymmetric Fluid Criticality I: Scaling with Pressure Mixing

The thermodynamic behavior of a fluid near a vapor-liquid and, hence, asymmetric critical point is discussed within a general ``complete'' scaling theory incorporating pressure mixing in the nonlinear scaling fields as well as corrections to scaling. This theory allows for a Yang-Yang anomaly in which \mu_{\sigma}^{\prime\prime}(T), the second temperature derivative of the chemical potential along the phase boundary, diverges like the specific heat when T\to T_{\scriptsize c}; it also generates a leading singular term, |t|^{2\beta}, in the coexistence curve diameter, where t\equiv (T-T_{\scriptsize c}) /T_{\scriptsize c}. The behavior of various special loci, such as the critical isochore, the critical isotherm, the k-inflection loci, on which \chi^{(k)}\equiv \chi(\rho,T)/\rho^{k} (with \chi = \rho^{2} k_{\scriptsize B}TK_{T}) and C_{V}^{(k)}\equiv C_{V}(\rho,T)/\rho^{k} are maximal at fixed T, is carefully elucidated. These results are useful for analyzing simulations and experiments, since particular, nonuniversal values of k specify loci that approach the critical density most rapidly and reflect the pressure-mixing coefficient. Concrete illustrations are presented for the hard-core square-well fluid and for the restricted primitive model electrolyte. For comparison, a discussion of the classical (or Landau) theory is presented briefly and various interesting loci are determined explicitly and illustrated quantitatively for a van der Waals fluid.Comment: 21 pages in two-column format including 8 figure

A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers and residents of long-term facilities in Italy, January 2021

Long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) are high‐risk settings for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This study aimed to describe SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositivity among residents of LTCFs and health‐care workers (HCWs). Subjects were recruited in January 2021 among unvaccinated HCWs of LTCFs and hospitals and residents of LTCFs in Northern Italy. Information concerning previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and a sample of peripheral blood were collected. Anti‐S SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies were measured using the EUROIMMUN Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 QuantiVac ELISA kit (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG). For subjects with previous COVID‐19 infection, gender, age, type of subject (HCW or resident), and time between last positive swab and blood draw were considered as possible determinants of two outcomes: the probability to obtain a positive serological result and antibody titer. Six hundred and fifty‐eight subjects were enrolled. 56.1% of all subjects and 65% of residents presented positive results (overall median antibody titer: 31.0 RU/ml). Multivariable models identified a statistically significant 4% decrease in the estimated antibody level for each 30‐day increase from the last positive swab. HCWs were associated with significant odds for seroreversion over time (OR: 0.926 for every 30 days, 95% CI: 0.860–0.998), contrary to residents (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 0.919–1.22). Age and gender were not factors predicting seropositivity over time. Residents could have a higher probability of maintaining a seropositive status over time compared to HCWs

Impact of Mutation Density and Heterogeneity on Papillary Thyroid Cancer Clinical Features and Remission Probability

BACKGROUND: The need to integrate the classification of cancer with information on the genetic pattern has emerged in recent years for several tumors. METHODS: The genomic background of a large series of 208 papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) followed at a single center was analyzed by a custom MassARRAY genotyping platform, which allows the simultaneous detection of 19 common genetic alterations, including point mutations and fusions. RESULTS: Of the PTCs investigated, 71% were found to have pathognomonic genetic findings, with BRAFV600E and TERT promoter mutations being the most frequent monoallelic alterations (42% and 23.5%, respectively), followed by RET/PTC fusions. In 19.2% of cases, two or more point mutations were found, and the co-occurrence of a fusion with one or more point mutation(s) was also observed. Coexisting BRAFV600E and TERT promoter mutations were detected in a subgroup of aggressive PTCs (12%). A correlation between several aggressive features and mutation density was found, regardless of the type of association (i.e., only point mutations, or point mutations and fusions). Importantly, Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that mutation density significantly correlated with a higher risk of persistent disease. In most cases, the evaluation of the allelic frequencies normalized for the cancer cell content indicated the presence of the monoallelic mutation in virtually all tumor cells. A minority of cases was found to harbor low allelic frequencies, consistent with the presence of the mutations in a small subset of cancer cells, thus indicating tumor heterogeneity. Consistently, the presence of coexisting genetic alterations with different allelic frequencies in some tumors suggests that PTC can be formed by clones/subclones with different mutational profiles. CONCLUSIONS: A large mono-institutional series of PTCs was fully genotyped by means of a cost- and time-effective customized panel, revealing a strong impact of mutation density and genetic heterogeneity on the clinical features and on disease outcomes, indicating that an accurate risk stratification of thyroid cancer cannot rely on the analysis of a single genetic event. Finally, the heterogeneity found in some tumors warrants attention, since the occurrence of this phenomenon is likely to affect response to targeted therapies

NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES AGAINST FELINE HERPESVIRUS TYPE 1 IN CAPTIVE WILD FELIDS OF BRAZIL

Abstract: Feline herpesvirus type 1 infection affects domestic cats, causing mainly upper respiratory tract diseases. Although this infection has been described in captive and free-ranging wild felids from Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, no information is available on its occurrence among wild felids of Brazil. In this study, 250 serum samples of six species of Brazilian captive wild felids (Leopardus tigrinus, Leopardus wiedii, Herpailurus yaguarondi, Puma concolor, Leopardus pardalis, and Panthera onca) were examined for neutralizing antibodies to feline herpesvirus type 1. Positive sera were found in 72% of L. tigrinus samples, 15% of L. wiedii, 6% of L. pardalis, 8% of H. yaguarondi, 18% of P. concolor, and 14% of P. onca. The relatively low percentages of seropositivity and low antibody titers found among the last five species suggest that feline herpesvirus type 1 does not circulate extensively among these animals. Nevertheless, quarantine, serologic screening, and vaccination of newly introduced felids is recommended in zoos in order to prevent virus transmission and outbreaks of the disease among wild felids kept in captivity

Espectroscopia ótica e de massa na caracterização de leite e derivados.

Leite e seus derivados são alimentos essenciais na dieta humana. Um controle rigoroso da qualidade e da autenticidade dos mesmos são primordiais de forma a garantir a saúde e satisfação dos consumidores. Dentre as várias técnicas analíticas possíveis a espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho e a espectrometria de massa MALDI-TOF se destacam por sua praticidade e acurácia. Esta revisão apresenta algumas aplicações recentes em espectroscopia do infravermelho médio e infravermelho próximo em sistemas lácteos. Sob o ponto de vista da utilização de MALDI-TOF, a espectrometria será focada na identificação de constituintes do leite e seus derivados assim como na identificação e caracterização de microrganismos presentes nestes alimentos. No caso do leite, os analitos-alvo são em sua maioria as proteínas e peptídeos, e com menor frequência os lipídeos e fosfolipídeos. Para os microrganismos, a técnica de espectrometria de massa é utilizada com sucesso na identificação de microrganismos isolados e na diferenciação entre espécies. As aplicações apresentadas demonstram a relevância das espectroscopias, ótica e de massa, como ferramentas poderosas e modernas no monitoramento e análise dos vários segmentos que compõem a cadeia produtiva do leite

Associação entre as condições higiênico-sanitárias de indústrias de laticínios e o nível de adequação na implementação de programas de autocontrole.

O monitoramento e a verificação dos programas de qualidade são fundamentais para a avaliação do cumprimento dos padrões legais e para garantir a qualidade e a segurança dos produtos lácteos. Foram avaliadas 15 indústrias de laticínios registradas no Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF), quanto à associação entre o nível de implementação dos programas de autocontrole (PAC) e as condições higiênico-sanitárias. Foi elaborada e aplicada uma lista de verificação (LV), concomitantemente à realização de análises microbiológicas de contagem de Staphylococcus aureus e aeróbios mesófilos das mãos dos manipuladores e mesas de processo, além da análise de fungos filamentosos e leveduras nos ambientes industriais. Todos os estabelecimentos foram classificados por meio da aplicação da LV, como ruins ou péssimos. Por meio da comparação de médias e da análise de regressão, foi possível concluir que quanto maior as adequações com relação à implementação dos PAC, menores as contagens microbiológicas de mãos, mesas e ambientes. Salvo algumas exceções, empresas com maiores percentuais de implantação dos PAC, tendem a obter resultados mais satisfatórios ao se avaliar contagens de mãos e mesas. As indústrias avaliadas possuem deficiências em seus PAC que podem comprometer a inocuidade dos produtos lácteos

Inflammation and endothelial activation in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer

PURPOSE: Emerging insights underline a link among chronic inflammation and endothelial activation with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). We aim to investigate whether specific plasma markers of inflammation and endothelial activation allow to discriminate BPH and PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients affected by BPH, 15 by PCa and 15 controls, were enrolled. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), CD40 ligand (CD40L), endothelial-selectin (E-selectin), platelet-selectin (P-selectin), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured. RESULTS: In systemic blood samples, IL-6 has been found increased in patients affected by BPH (4.25 ± 0. pg/mL) and PCa (5.08 ± 0.24) respect to controls (2.62 ± 0.34; p < 0.05). CD40L was higher in BPH (4.25 ± 0.65 ng/mL; p < 0.05) than in control (2.31 ± 0.20) and PCa group (2.60 ± 0.56). E-selectin, P-selectin and VCAM-1 did not show any significant difference. Higher levels of ICAM-1 were detected in patients with PCa (573.04 ± 52.23) and BPH (564.40 ± 74.67) than in the controls (215.30 ± 11.53 ng/mL; p < 0.05). In local blood samples, IL-6 has been found significantly increased in PCa in comparison with patients with BPH; there was no difference in CD40L, E-selectin, P-selectin, VCAM-1 ed ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in inflammation and endothelial activation markers may be not considered to be of value in discriminating BPH and PCa