424 research outputs found
PROPERTIES OF HIGH SPEED AISI M2 STEEL PRODUCED BY ULTRAFAST SINTERING OF NANOSTRUCTURED POWDERS
No full textPhytosterols: structural diversity, health benefits, supplementation, analytical methods and challenges.
No full textPhytosterols (plant sterols/stanols), are naturally occurring compounds in plant cells, which play important roles in plants membrane stability and metabolism [1]. These phytochemicals are members of the triterpene family and are structurally similar to cholesterol. More than 250 phytosterols have been reported but the more important are β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, which represent 98% of phytosterols in plants and human diet [2].
Various studies reported that phytosterols possess several health benefits such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation activities. However, phytosterols have generated a worldwide interest due to their blood LDL-cholesterol lowering effects. This effect recognized and regulated by European and US guidelines, stimulated the development of functional foods enriched in phytosterols such as dairy products [3].
The supplementation of dairy products requires many studies: analysis of food composition; analysis of functional ingredient; stability studied of phytosterols during food processing and storage. The quantification of phytosterols is therefore fundamental for supplementation studies.
The analysis of phytosterols is usually performed by gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC-FID) or mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Recently, modern methods based on liquid chromatography have been developed. However, the absence of chromophore and the low ionization of phytosterols limit their detection through diode array detector (DAD) and electrospray ionization (ESI-MS) [4]. Therefore, a pre-column derivatization step was necessary to improve the HPLC analysis of phytosterols. For this purpose, dansyl chloride (4 mg mL−1) was used as derivatizing agent and different reaction parameters have been optimized: catalysts (DMAP, Na2CO3, NaHCO3 and (C2H5)3N ), concentrations (1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10 μg mL−1), solvent (methanol, acetone, acetonitrile, hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane), time (10, 20, 30 and 60 min) and temperatures (30, 40 and 60 °C) of derivatization.
The highest yields of derivatization were obtained using DMAP as catalyst, CH2Cl2 as solvent at 40 °C for 30 min. The precolumn-derivatization improves the UV detection and allowed the analysis of phytosterols by ESI-MS. Moreover, the derivatization enhances the chromatographic separation of phytosterols.
References
[1] Moreau, R. A., Nyström, L., Whitaker, B. D., Winkler-Moser, J. K., Baer, D. J., Gebauer, S. K., & Hicks, K. B. Prog Lipid Res, 2018, 70, 35-61.
[2] Nzekoue, F.K, Khamitova, G., Angeloni, S., Sempere, A.N., Tao, J., Maggi, F., Xiao, J., Sagratini, G., Vittori, S. and Caprioli, G., 2020. Food Chem, 2020, p.126836.
[3] Commission Regulation (EU) No 686/2014 of 20 June 2014. OJEU, 2014, 182, 1.
[4] Nzekoue, F. K., Caprioli, G., Ricciutelli, M., Cortese, M., Alesi, A., Vittori, S., & Sagratini, G. Food Res Int, 2020, 131, 108998
ITHACA Italy Hazard from Capable Faults: a database of active faults of the Italian onshore territory
No full textAn introduction to biomaterials in urology
No full textAim of this paper is to provide a brief introduction on the biomaterials used in urology, discussing issues of biocompatibility and biomaterials available for use. Information will moreover be provided on basic elements of Tissue engineering and Regenerative medicine, rapidly advancing technologies that could finally shift in the next future from the laboratory to clinical practice, with special interest to possible urological application
Advantages of ketamine in pediatric anesthesia
No full textAlthough ketamine is primarily used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, it also presents sedative, amnestic, anesthetics, analgesic, antihyperalgesia, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulant, and antidepressant effects. Its unique pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties allow the use of ketamine in various clinical settings including sedation, ambulatory anesthesia, and intensive care practices. It has also adopted to manage acute and chronic pain management. Clinically, ketamine produces dissociative sedation, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining laryngeal reflexes, with respiratory and cardiovascular stability. Notably, it does not cause respiratory depression, maintaining both the hypercapnic reflex and the residual functional capacity with a moderate bronchodilation effect. In the pediatric population, ketamine can be administered through practically all routes, making it an advantageous drug for the sedation required setting such as placement of difficult vascular access and in uncooperative and oppositional children. Consequently, ketamine is indicated in prehospital induction of anesthesia, induction of anesthesia in potentially hemodynamic unstable patients, and in patients at risk of bronchospasm. Even more, ketamine does not increase intracranial pressure, and it can be safely used also in patients with traumatic brain injuries. This article is aimed to provide a brief and practical summary of the role of ketamine in the pediatric field
“Emerging Topics in Pain Medicine”: Advancing Research and Patient-Centered Health Strategies
No full text: Pain, in all its various forms and manifestations, impacts the lives of millions worldwide [...]
Penile curvature: an update for management from 20 years experience in a high volume centre
No full textOur aim was to review the literature and discuss about penile curvature in order to have an update for management after 20 years experience in the field.Penile curvature may be congenital or acquired. Congenital penile curvature is a relatively uncommon condition that may present in late adolescent or early adult life. The incidence is estimated to be 0.6 %. On the other side, acquired penile curvature has an overall prevalence of 0.5-13%. Three main factors seem to increase the risk of developing an acquired penile curvature, often related to Peyronie's disease: penile traumatism, genetic and familiar conditions and a history of diseases of the genital tract. In treating Peyronie's disease, no medical therapy is fully effective, and surgery remains the gold standard in cases of severe deformity and/or erectile disfunction. Peyronie's disease is associated with significant psychological stress for patients and their partners. Appropriate treatment should be individualized and tailored to the patient's goals and expectations. There is not the 'best' surgical technique and outcomes are satisfactory when proper treatment decisions are made
(99m)Tc-Mag3 Diuretic Renography In Assessment Of Obstructive Uropathy. The New Test F+10sp: A Step Ahead In The Differential Diagnosis
No full textBACKGROUND: Dilation of the renal pelvis is a problem Urologists have often to deal with. One of the key aspects is to clear if the dilation is the consequence of an obstruction to the outflow or a simple anatomic variant. Aim of this study was to compare two diuretic renographic procedures, F-15 vs the new procedure F+10SP (Seated Position) in a group of hydronephrotic patients, in order to increase the accuracy in the differential diagnosis between non-obstructive and obstructive dilation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 34 Patients (14 male, 20 female, 18-71 yrs range), 27 pts having an unilateral hydronephrosis and 7 pts a bilateral hydronephrosis diagnosed by ultrasound, were enclosed in the study. They were subjected to two 99mTc-MAG3 diuretic renography with furosemide consecutively, with different modalities: 1) 40 mg of furosemide were administered IV to patient in supine position 15 minutes before tracer injection (Test F-15, by English); 2) the new procedure: 20 mg of furosemide were administered IV to patient in Seated Position (SP), 10 minutes after tracer injection during dynamic acquisition (Test F+10 SP). The average interval between the two tests was 7 days. Two different physicians analyzed all the tests. The results were classified as: non-obstruction (only F+10SP can distinguish between normal and dilated without obstruction), obstruction, equivocal and not applicable.
RESULTS: Among the 68 renal units (RU) included in the analysis, the F+10SP test showed normal findings in 21 RU (30,8%), dilation without obstruction in 21 RU (30,8%), obstruction in 25 RU (36.8%) and equivocal result in 1 RU. The F-15 renography showed non-obstructive results in 35 RU (51.5%), obstruction in 20 RU (29.4%) and equivocal findings in 11 RU (16.1%); the test was not applicable in 2 RU (2.9%) due to insufficient renal function. Side effects reported for the F-15 renogram were hypotension in 1 patient, renal colic in 3 patients, bladder filling in 13 patients, disruption because of voiding in 4 patients. No complications were observed during or after the F+10SP renography. The 20 RU diagnosed with obstruction at the F-15 test were considered obstructed also at the F+10SP test.
CONCLUSIONS: The "equivocal" test rate lowered from 16% for the F-15 test to less than 1.5% for the new F+10 SP test. The F+10SP procedure is easy, well tolerated, time saving and seems to be a more reliable tool in assessment of obstructive uropathy in adults
Seismic hazard evaluation in central Italy: preliminary results of the Rieti Basin Project
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