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The manufacturing of Italian maiolica (tin-glazed pottery) was extremely appreciated during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leading to the production and collection of a rich cultural heritage. This pilot study aims to characterize the production technique and the origin of the lead used as a flux in a set of samples of maiolica glazes made in the area of Florence over a wide time span, ranging from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. In particular, this is the first study that applies provenance analysis, using lead isotopes, to tin-glazed artefacts made in the site of Montelupo Fiorentino and by the Ginori manufactory in Doccia (Florence, Italy), both important production centres of ceramics in Italy. The samples were first analysed by scanning electron microscopy to characterize their layer structure and chemical composition. Lead isotope analysis was then performed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and showed that the samples tend to be distributed into distinct groups according to their period of production. Moreover, the comparison with the lead isotope composition of the deposits of the European and circum-Mediterranean area from which lead was historically extracted showed that the isotopic composition of the samples differs from that of the Italian deposits, suggesting that lead was imported from abroad. The isotopic composition of all the investigated maiolica glazes is compatible with German ore deposits, in agreement with what is reported by the historical sources relating to the lead supply areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has raised awareness of the urgency of reforming our economy to achieve a global recovery. This endeavour will require the implementation of various strategies aiming for a system reset, at the core of which is the sustainable recovery model. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day. It was a brave act of acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems are our typical home. At the same time, it is a tangible expression of the global conviction that humankind must be in Harmony with Nature to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations. While the global community is actively searching for new ways to achieve sustainable development, resolved to perform an economic system reset, determined to a green recovery, why don't we try to reform the taxing system? A right taxation system could help recover quickly and achieve a green recovery of the global economy. While everyone has to pay tax, the truth is that some more prominent companies go to extreme measures to minimise their contribution where they are based and where they sell. The new thinking that this article puts forward is that instead of taxing the companies for what they produce and sell, we should tally the amount of CO2 a company emits while making the goods and recycling them to tax them accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of the conceptual design studies for the Toroidal Field (TF) coils of DEMO, a solution based on a layer-wound magnet, rectangular-shaped Cable-in-Conduit conductors and W&R manufacturing approach, is being developed. The feasibility and performance of a large-size Nb3Sn conductor operating at about 82 kA in a 13 T field has been proven in the past. Another key technology to be demonstrated for a layer-wound TF coil, is that of a joint between two different conductor grades, to be possibly manufactured in-line during winding. The proposed joint solution would provide the minimum room occupancy, with the joint embedded within the winding pack volume. A joint between two low-field conductor grades, i.e., constituted of a small number of superconducting strands and a high number of stabilization copper wires, has been designed and manufactured. The two conductor lengths are characterized by a different number of superconducting wires and different outer dimensions. A joint sample has been assembled and instrumented, in the configuration allowing testing at the SULTAN facility of the Swiss Plasma Center. Both DC and AC performance of the joint has been characterized at the DEMO TF operating conditions. The present paper reports the main manufacturing steps for the joint and its main test results. The implications on the performance and design approach of the TF coil are also discussed, based on the outcome of such tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass fractions of Cu, Zn, Ga, Ag, Cd, In, Sn and Tl were determined via isotope dilution quadrupole ICP‐MS in twenty‐one geological reference materials (RMs) and the carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil (CI1), Murchison (CM2) and Allende (CV3). The RMs comprise basaltic/mafic (BCR‐2, BE‐N, BHVO‐1, BHVO‐2, BIR‐1, BRP‐1, JB‐2, OKUM, W‐2, WS‐E), intermediate/felsic (AGV‐2, G‐2, JA‐2, RGM‐1), ultramafic (DTS‐2b, MUH‐1, PCC‐1, UB‐N) and sedimentary (MAG‐1, OU‐6) rocks. Pressure digestion was applied for nonbasaltic samples to ensure effective sample digestion. For basaltic RMs, hot plate digestion was found to be sufficient for a quantitative recovery of the target elements. To minimise interferences and increase ion beam intensities during isotope ratio analyses by ICP‐MS, separation of the target elements was carried out from single sample aliquots using a novel anion exchange procedure. The intermediate precision (2s) estimated from two to four replicate analyses was usually < 4% and results are in agreement with literature data, where available. Especially for Ag and Tl, the intermediate precision was compromised, likely due to low ion beam intensities and, hence, higher background and blank contributions. For ultramafic RMs, nugget effects and incomplete digestion might compromise the intermediate precision. Results for the carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil (CI1), Murchison (CM2) and Allende (CV3) agree well with previously reported data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe our response to the COVID‐19 emergency in a cancer centre to enable other nursing organizations to determine which elements could be useful to manage a surge of patients in their own setting. Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic represents one of the most challenging healthcare scenarios faced to date. Managing cancer care in such a complex situation requires a coordinated emergency action plan to guarantee the continuity of cancer treatments for patients by providing healthcare procedures for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in a safe environment. Procedures: We describe the main strategies and role of nurses in implementating such procedures. Results: Nurses at our hospital were actively involved in COVID‐19 response defined by the emergency action plan that positively contributed to correct social distancing and to the prevention of the spread of the virus. Implications for nursing and health policies: Lessons learned from the response to phase I of COVID‐19 have several implications for future nursing and health policies in which nurses play an active role through their involvement in the frontline of such events. Key policies include a coordinated emergency action plan permitting duty of care within the context of a pandemic, and care pathway revision. This requires the rapid implementation of strategies and policies for a nursing response to the new care scenarios: personnel redistribution, nursing workflow revision, acquisition of new skills and knowledge, effective communication strategies, infection control policies, risk assessment and surveillance programmes, and continuous supplying of personal protective equipment. Finally, within a pandemic context, clear nursing policies reinforcing the role of nurses as patient and caregiver educators are needed to promote infection prevention behaviour in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly siderophile elements (HSE) include the economically critical platinum group elements (PGE; Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, Au and Re), gold and rhenium. The HSE are redox sensitive in mantle and seafloor environments and have a strong affinity to iron and sulphur, therefore their distribution within the subducted mantle lithosphere record changes to oxidation state and sulphidation. The mobility of the HSE during subduction has important implications for Re–Os isotopic signatures in the mantle, and the formation of Cu–Au arc-related ore deposits. In this study, subducted rock samples from Alpine Corsica are used to track the HSE in serpentinites and hybrid ultramafic–mafic rocks through the subduction cycle. A comparison of bulk-rock HSE concentrations with those in pre-subduction analogues provides insights into the transfer of the HSE throughout the subduction cycle. Serpentinites subducted to blueschist–eclogite-facies conditions have similar HSE concentrations to primitive upper mantle (PUM) concentrations, therefore it is concluded that the HSE are not mobilized from serpentinites on the scale of the whole-rock or greater. Therefore, as suggested in previous studies, crustal lithologies may be more important contributors of the HSE to the sub-arc mantle, particularly Pt, Pd and Re. In contrast, HSE concentrations in hybrid rocks (talc schist and chlorite schist) deviate from protolith concentrations. Rhenium is higher in the talc schist, and Ir and Ru are lower in the chlorite schist than in the PUM, or possible mafic protoliths. Mineral parageneses place temporal constraints on the growth of hosts to the HSE (sulphides, oxides and metal alloys), and record changes to the activities of oxygen and sulphur (a O2– a S2), and hence redox conditions, from pre-subduction to exhumation. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the HSE concentrations in sulphides and oxides, and the detection of small (∼2–25 µm2) platinum group minerals utilized high-resolution SEM mapping techniques. The prograde and retrograde sulphides have lower HSE concentrations compared with sulphides from pre-subduction settings. Therefore, the redistribution of the HSE on a mineral scale from sulphides to alloys and/or other sulphides has occurred within the serpentinites, which may reflect more reducing conditions during serpentinization or subduction, consistent with the results of thermodynamic modelling. In contrast, the mineral assemblages in the hybrid rocks imply an increase in the extent of sulphidation and oxidation, and higher fluid:rock ratios during exhumation, coincident with Re enrichment in the talc schist, and a decrease in the concentrations of Ir and Ru in the chlorite schist, at length scales greater than those of the rock samples. Therefore, hybridization of lithologies at the slab–mantle interface may enhance the transfer of the HSE to the sub-arc mantle. If Re transfer from the slab to the sub-arc mantle is possible, this questions the robustness of Re–Os isotope signatures as tracers of crustal recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In electrical power systems, cords and extension cords are exposed to mechanical damage and other insulation stresses. Mechanical damage to stranded conductors can reduce locally their cross section or break them and cause anomalous local conditions of overheating or arcing. The ordinary protective devices cannot detect the series faults that persist, so the fault point remains energized and is subject to electric shock and fire hazards. Effective protection can be accomplished by implementing active and passive measures: installing arc-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault detection devices, able to detect arcing faults, or wiring the circuits with a grounding protection conductor to involve the ground in every fault. In this way, residual current protective devices (residual current devices or ground fault protective devices) quickly protect the series faults not only with arc, but also without it. Ground-fault-forced cables facilitate by design the conversion of any kind of cable fault to a ground fault. They are particularly recommended for cords and extension cords, internal circuits to grounded equipment, uninterruptible power system continuity circuits, aircraft circuits, road tunnels, data centers, refrigerated containers parks, residences, and hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the correlation between interatrial block (IAB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients admitted to our Internal Medicine Unit: 110 (group 1) were identified with electrocardiograms both in sinus rhythm and AF, and 123 (group 2) constantly in sinus rhythm. In both groups we analyzed: the presence of partial (P=120 msec) or advanced (P>120 msec and biphasic in D2, D3, aVF) IAB, and the main electrocardiographic and clinical features. Age and gender between the two groups were similar. IAB was present in 89/110 (80.91%) in group 1 and 26/123 (21.13%) in group 2 (P=<0.01); partial in 50/110 (45.45%) and 19/123 (15.7%) in group 1 and 2 respectively (P<0.01), advanced in 39/110 (35.45%) and 7/123 (5.69%) (P<0.019). The correlation between IAB and AF was significant (P<0.001); 36 (65.4%) patients out of 55 with atrial echo dilatation had IAB and 14 (25.4%) had deep terminal negativity of P-wave in V1 (DTNPV1) >0.1 mV (P<0.01). IAB represents a reliable predictor of AF; moreover, the sensitivity of the IAB in detecting atrial dilatation is higher than the DTNPV1 >0.1 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass fractions of Sn and In were determined in sixteen geological reference materials including basaltic/mafic (BCR‐2, BE‐N, BHVO‐1, BHVO‐2, BIR‐1, OKUM, W‐2, WS‐E), ultramafic (DTS‐2b, MUH‐1, PCC‐1, UB‐N) and felsic/sedimentary reference materials (AGV‐2, JA‐1, SdAR‐M2, SdAR‐H1). Extensive digestion and ion exchange separation tests were carried out in order to provide high yields (> 90% for Sn, > 85% for In), low total procedural blanks (~ 1 ng for Sn, < 3 pg for In) and low analytical uncertainties for the elements of interest in a variety of silicate sample matrices. Replicate analyses (n = 2–13) of Sn–In mass fractions gave combined measurement uncertainties (2u) that were generally < 3% and in agreement with literature data, where available. We present the first high‐precision In data for reference materials OKUM (32.1 ± 1.5 ng g−1), DTS‐2b (2.03 ± 0.25 ng g−1), MUH‐1 (6.44 ± 0.30 ng g−1) and PCC‐1 (3.55 ± 0.35 ng g−1) as well as the first Sn data for MUH‐1 (0.057 ± 0.010 μg g−1) and DTS‐2b (0.623 ± 0.018 μg g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acridine orange (AO) a fluorescent cationic dye used for the management of human musculoskeletal sarcomas, due to its strong tumoricidal action and accumulation in the acidic environment typical of hypoxic tumors, was used for the preparation of a primary sulfonamide derivative. The rationale behind the drug design is the fact that hypoxic, acidic tumors overexpress carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms, such as CA IX, which is involved in pH regulation, proliferation, cell migration and invasion, and this enzyme is strongly inhibited by primary sulfonamides. The AO-sulfonamide derivative was indeed a potent, low nanomolar CA IX inhibitor whereas its inhibition of the cytosolic isoforms CA I and II was in the micromolar range. A second transmembrane, tumor-associated isoform, CA XII, was also effectively inhibited by the AO-sulfonamide derivative, making this compound an interesting theranostic agent for the management of hypoxic tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

New benzenesulfonamides incorporating water solubilizing moieties were synthesized using N-α-acetyl- l-lysine or γ-aminobutyric acid as scaffolds followed by the conversion of their terminal amino group to the guanidine one. Their inhibition activity was assessed by determining their KIs values against the human (h) carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms hCA I, II, IX and XII. Some of these compounds were medium potency inhibitors of the cytosolic (CA I, II) and transmembrane (CA IX) isoforms and highly effective, nanomolar inhibitors of the second transmembrane isoform hCA XII. Some of these sulfonamides possessing good selectivity inhibition for the tumor-associated CA XII isoform over the cytosolic and physiologically dominant isoforms CA I and II may be used as tools to develop new anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Volatile elements are depleted in chondrites relative to the bulk solar system composition as represented by CI-chondrites. To disentangle the processes that affected volatile element abundances in the protoplanetary disk and on parent bodies we present high-precision isotope dilution data for 11 volatile elements (S, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Te and Tl) and Cd and Zn stable isotope compositions for carbonaceous, ordinary, enstatite and Rumuruti chondrites. Results and interpretation: For carbonaceous chondrites, our results confirm that volatile elements with 50% condensation temperatures (TC) between 1040 and 800 K show a progressive depletion with decreasing TC, while volatile elements with 800 K > TC > 500 K are almost unfractionated. This "hockey-stick" depletion pattern [1] represents the primary volatile element signature of the carbonaceous chondrite reservoir in the protoplanetary disk. Ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites show a similar pattern for volatile element depletion but only for elements with TC between 1040 K and 700 K (Cu, Ga, Ag, Zn, Te, Sn). As observed for carbonaceous chondrites, the abundances of plateau volatile elements (Zn, Te, Sn) in ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites covary with the matrix abundance, suggesting that ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites also contain a primitive CI-like matrix component. In contrast to carbonaceous chondrites, S and Se are less depleted, indicating different physicochemical conditions in the formation region of ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites in the protoplanetary disk. The highly unsystematic behavior of the most volatile elements Cd, In and Tl along with Cd and Zn (only ordinary chondrites) stable isotope fractionation suggest secondary redistribution processes on the respective parent bodies due to open system thermal metamorphism. Enstatite chondrites show no systematic volatile element abundance patterns with TC. Notably, their depletion pattern reveals similarities with evaporation experiments using carbonaceous chondrite powder under reduced conditions [1]. However, the rather uniform depletion of Cd, In and Tl together with unfractionated Cd and Zn stable isotope compositions in type 3 and 4 enstatite chondrites argue against extensive parent body alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug, specific inhibitor of COX-2, classified as a BCS class II compound due to its very low aqueous solubility (3 μg/mL) and good permeability. Objective: An innovative micellar formulation of celecoxib has been developed to increase its solubility and, consequently, its oral bioavailability. Materials and methods: Quaternary-ammonium-palmitoyl-glycol-chitosan (GCPQ) was selected as carrier, due to its micelle-forming ability joined to its solubilizing and enhancer properties towards hydrophobic drugs. A Doehlert design was applied to optimize the drug solubilizing efficiency of the micellar formulation. Tested factors were GCPQ concentration and time and power of probe sonication during micelles formation; the response to maximize was the celecoxib solubility. Results: The response-surface study allowed a thorough investigation of the effect of factors variations on the response over the considered experimental domain and identification of the best variable combination in order to maximize the desired improvement in drug solubility. The optimized micellar formulation (GCPQ 4.5 mg/mL; 25 min at 60% power of probe sonication) enabled an about 60-fold increase in celecoxib aqueous solubility. The optimized formulation, tested in vivo in mice by the writhing test, allowed a statistically significant shortening ( p < 0.05) of the pain alleviation onset and a more intense effect ( p < 0.05) with respect to the celecoxib aqueous suspension obtained by the commercial formulation. Conclusions: The results proved that the developed GCPQ micellar formulation is a valuable approach for improving the therapeutic effectiveness of celecoxib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the large experience of the ENEA Superconducting Laboratory in the manufacture and characterization of large scale superconducting systems, a project was launched, aimed at using High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) 2G wires for the manufacture of a cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC). In particular, the main aim was the definition of a conductor design fully compatible with existing cabling technologies, to be promptly transferred to an industrial scale production. The considered layout is based on 150 HTS tapes, arranged as five layered structures of twisted tapes wound on a helically slotted core with external round jacket. All manufacturing steps (slotted core production, tape stacking and insertion into the ducts, external wrapping and jacketing) are fulfilled by using equipments and technologies available at TRATOS Cavi S.p.A. These CICCs are intended for operation using forced flow of Helium. A 2D local thermal model has been developed for the optimization of the cooling configuration. This conductor is designed to target 20 kA at 4.2 K and 15 T (or, alternatively, higher temperature, in self-field and LN2 cooling) corresponding to a Je of about 55 \A/mm^2. The production of a short dummy sample revealed that the exploited industrial production process is very promising for the development of HTS CICC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Topical administration of celecoxib proved to be an effective mean of preventing skin cancer development and improving anticancer drugs effectiveness in skin tumors treatment. The aim of this study was the development of an effective topical formulation of celecoxib, able to promote drug skin delivery, providing its in depth penetration through the skin layers. Three kinds of vesicular formulations have been investigated as drug carriers: liposomes containing a surfactant, or transfersomes and ethosomes, containing suitable edge activators. Firstly, the effect of membrane composition variations on the system performance has been evaluated for each vesicle type. Selected formulations were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency. The best formulations were subjected to ex vivo permeation studies through excised human skin. All vesicular formulations markedly ( p < 0.001) improved the drug amount penetrated into the skin with respect to an aqueous suspension, from 2.0 to 6.5, up to 9.0 folds for liposomes, transfersomes and ethosomes, respectively. In particular, ethosomes containing Tween 20 as edge activator not only showed the best vesicle dimensions and homogeneity, and the highest encapsulation efficacy (54.4%), but also enabled the highest increase in drug penetration through the skin, probably due to the simultaneous presence in their composition of ethanol and Tween 20, both acting as permeation enhancers. Therefore, among the various vesicular formulations examined in the study, Tween 20-ethosomes can be considered the most promising one as carrier for topical celecoxib applications aimed to prevent skin cancer development and increase the anticancer drugs effectiveness against skin tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectinate-chitosan-beads aimed for colon theophylline delivery have been developed. The effect of zinc or calcium ions as cross-linking agent, and of chitosan concentration on the properties and colon-targeting performance of beads was investigated. Beads were characterized for morphology, entrapment efficiency and mucoadhesion properties. Zn-pectinate-chitosan beads formed a stronger gel network than the Ca-containing ones, enabling a greater entrapment efficiency, which further increased with chitosan content, probably due to polyelectrolyte complexes formation. Transport studies across Caco-2 cells evidenced a significant ( p > 0.05) drug permeation increase from all beads with respect to drug alone, attributable to the enhancer and/or mucoadhesion properties of the polymers, and Ca-pectinate-chitosan beads were more effective than the Zn-containing ones. Beads formulated as enteric-coated tablets demonstrated good colon-targeting properties, and no differences were observed in drug-release profiles from Zn- or Ca-pectinate-chitosan beads. Therefore, Ca-pectinate-chitosan beads emerged as the choice formulation, joining colon-targeting specificity with better permeation enhancer power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: The appearance of neurological disorders in a patient with liver cirrhosis initially suggests hepatic encephalopathy, but other causes should be considered, including bacterial infections. Materials and methods: An 80-year-old woman suffering from HCV-related cirrhosis was admitted for fever, confusion, and stupor. No improvement was seen after treatment with cephalosporins, lactulose, and fluids. Results: Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from blood cultures and subsequently from a cerebrospinal fluid specimen as well. On the basis of the antibiogram, the antibiotic therapy was modified to include ampicillin, but shock and multiorgan failure developed and the patient died one week later. Discussion: Bacterial infections are more common and more aggressive in patients with liver cirrhosis, probably because of the immune dysfunction associated with this disorder. The presence of neurological disorders in a patient with liver cirrhosis may be a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, but it is important to recall that there are other potential causes as well, including bacterial infections. In this case, it is possible that the patient''s symptoms were the result of the CNS infection with L. monocytogenes, which was particularly aggressive as a result of her cirrhosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The on-going construction of the ITER and JT-60SA tokamak reactors requires the production of a large quantity of Cable-In-Conduit Conductors (CICCs) to be employed in the superconducting magnets for plasma confinement and control. A new company, named ICAS (Italian Consortium for Applied Superconductivity), was established thanks to the large expertise in this field that has been present in Italy for nearly three decades. ICAS is a consortium among ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) and two Italian private companies: CRIOTEC Impianti, which owns an 850m long jacketing line for CICCs, and TRATOS Cavi, which has a large experience in cable manufacturing for various applications. ICAS' current activities are aimed at supplying to Fusion for Energy the European quote of ITER TF and PF conductors and the whole JT-60SA TF conductor quantity, as well as at supplying to the Korean Domestic Agency about 19 km of ITER TF conductor. This paper offers an overview of ICAS' technical capabilities and facilities, and outlines the first outcomes from the first productions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Summary: Introduction: The application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most important therapeutic interventions used in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) secondary to acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). Thanks to its positive effects on both hemodynamics and ventilation, CPAP improves clinical and blood-gas parameters. Compared with standard oxygen therapy, use of CPAP is associated with decreased mortality and reduced need for intubation in these patients. Aim of the study: This review examines the principles of CPAP, techniques and equipment used to deliver it, and clinical applications. Special emphasis is placed on CPAP delivered with the Boussignac device. Discussion and conclusions: In emergency departments, this simple, lightweight, disposable device has proved to be well tolerated and similar to Venturi-like flow generators in terms of effectiveness. These findings suggest that Boussignac CPAP might be useful for managing ARF in non-critical care areas where other more complicated CPAP equipment (Venturi-like flow generators and ventilators) are not available (for example, in general medical wards). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined strategy, based on cyclodextrin complexation and loading in liposomes, has been investigated to develop a new delivery system with improved therapeutic activity of the local anesthetic, prilocaine (PRL). In order to evaluate the actual effectiveness and advantages of this approach compared to the traditional drug-in-liposome one, four different liposomal formulations were prepared: (1) liposomes loaded with PRL base as complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP CD) in the aqueous phase; (2) liposomes loaded with PRL hydrochloride in the aqueous phase; (3) liposomes loaded with PRL base in the lipophilic phase; and (4) 'double-loaded' liposomes, containing free PRL base in the membrane bilayer and its HP CD complex in the aqueous compartment. All batches were characterized for particle size, charge, deformability, and entrapment efficiency from using, respectively, light scattering, extrusion, and dialysis techniques, while the anesthetic effect was evaluated in vivo on Guinea pigs, according to the test of dorsal muscle contraction. All drug liposomal dispersions showed enhanced analgesic duration with respect to the corresponding aqueous solutions, but significant differences were observed between the different formulations. In particular, cyclodextrin complexation not only allowed an efficient encapsulation of PRL base in the aqueous vesicle core, but also increased the anesthetic effect duration and reduced the initial lag time, in comparison with the corresponding formulations containing, respectively, free PRL in the lipophilic phase or PRL hydrochloride in the aqueous vesicle core. The technique of double loading was the most effective, giving rise to the shortest onset time and longest duration of anesthetic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction products of prilocaine hydrochloride (PRL), a local anesthetic agent highly soluble in water, with triacetyl-β-cyclodextrin (TAβCD), a hydrophobic CD derivative practically insoluble in water, were prepared to estimate their suitability for the development of a prolonged-release dosage form of the drug. Equimolar PRL-TAβCD solid systems were prepared by different methods (physical mixing, kneading, co-grinding, sealed-heating, coevaporation, spray-drying), in order to investigate their effectiveness and influence on the physical chemical properties of the end products. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry, FTIR spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were used for the solid-state characterization of the different PRL-TAβCD systems, whereas their in vitro dissolution properties were determined according to the dispersed amount method. On the basis of the overall solid-state studies results, the ability of the different methods to bring about effective drug-TAβCD interactions varied in the order: spray-drying > co-grinding ≈ coevaporation > sealed-heating > kneading > physical mixing. This rank order was not observed in dissolution studies, where coevaporated, kneaded and sealed-heated products exhibited very similar profiles, practically superimposable to that of pure drug and physical mixture, all reaching 100% dissolution in less than 10 min. Evidently, all these techniques gave rise only to weak surface interactions, rapidly destroyed in solution. Some decrease in dissolution rate was observed for co-ground system (100% dissolved drug after 40 min), probably due to electrostatic and aggregation phenomena associated with the high-energy mechanical treatment. A very different behaviour was shown by the spray-dried system, which give rise to an almost linear slow-dissolving profile, reaching 100% of dissolved drug after 420 min, suggesting in this case the formation of an actual inclusion compound. Thus, the drug-TAβCD product obtained by spray-drying was selected as the best candidate for the future development of a suitable prolonged-release oral dosage form of PRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined approach based on drug cyclodextrin (CD) complexation and loading into PLGA nanoparticles (NP) has been developed to improve oxaprozin therapeutic efficiency. This strategy exploits the solubilizing and stabilizing properties of CDs and the prolonged-release and targeting properties of PLGA NPs. Drug-loaded NPs, prepared by double-emulsion, were examined for dimensions, zeta-potential and entrapment efficiency. Solid-state studies demonstrated the absence of drug–polymer interactions and assessed the amorphous state of the drug-CD complex loaded into NPs. Drug release rate from NPs was strongly influenced by the presence and kind of CD used. The percentage released at 24 h varied from 16% (plain drug-loaded NPs) to 50% (drug- βCD-loaded NPs) up to 100% (drug-methyl βCD-loaded NPs). This result suggests the possibility of using CD complexation not only to promote, but also to regulate drug release rate from NPs, by selecting the proper type of CD or CD combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of the final design activities related to the ITER Toroidal Field (TF) coils, following the very good results obtained during the TF Prototype Conductors measurement campaign, Fusion For Energy, the European Domestic Agency for ITER, has launched the conductor performance qualification phase in order to confirm the final ITER TF conductor design. Six conductor lengths have been cabled by different Nb3Sn strand types coming from different producers: LUVATA Pori, Oxford Instruments Superconducting Technology (OST), ALSTOM (for two different strand layouts) and European Advanced Superconductors (EAS) (for two different strand layouts). ENEA has been in charge of performing QA and monitoring activity during the conductor production at LUVATA Fornaci di Barga and TRATOS Cavi, and to make visual/destructive tests over some spare lengths of the samples in order to have a detailed characterization of the produced conductors. The conductor unit lengths have been successfully manufactured and all the different work phases are here described, along with a discussion of the encountered problems and the adopted solutions. Five samples have been successfully tested in the SULTAN facility during 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: In the last years Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) has been playing an important role in the treatment of Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF). Prospective randomised controlled trials have shown improvements in clinical features (respiratory rate, neurological score), pH and arterial blood gases and in particular clinical conditions (Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema, ACPE, and acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD) systematic reviews and metha-analysis confirm a reduction in the need for intubation and in-hospital mortality compared to standard medical treatment. Methods: The most important techniques of ventilation in spontaneous breathing are: Continuous Positive Airway Pression (CPAP), usually performed with Venturi-like flow generators, and bi-level positive pressure ventilation (an high inspiratory pressure and a low expiratory pressure), performed with ventilators. Facial mask rather than nasal mask is used in ARF: the helmet is useful for prolonged treatments. Results: NIV''s success seems to be determined by early application, correct selection of patients and staff training. Controindications to NIV are: cardiac or respiratory arrest, a respiratory rate < 12 per minute, upper airway obstruction, hemodynamic instability or unstable cardiac arrhythmia, encephalopathy (Kelly score > 3), facial surgery trauma or deformity, inability to cooperate or protect the airway, high risk of aspiration and an inability to clear respiratory secretions. Conclusions: Bi-level ventilation for ARF due to COPD and CPAP or bi-level bentilation for ARF due to ACPE are feasible, safe and effective also in a General Medical ward if the selection of patients, the staff''s training and the monitoring are appropriate: they improve clinical parameters, arterial blood gases, prevent ETI, decrease mortality and hospitalisation. This should encourage the diffusion of NIV in this specific setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Background: Crohn’s Disease (CD) commonly presents extra-intestinal manifestations, but cardiac involvement is considered rare. The aim of the present study was to assess cardiac involvement in CD and its possible correlation with activity, duration, localization and therapy. Patients and Methods: A group of 68 patients with CD and a control group of 60 healthy subjects were subjected to a transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler study. Results: The study found overall morphologic alterations in 47/68 CD patients (69.11%) versus 12/60 controls (20.0%; P < 0.01); mitral valve prolapse in 20/68 CD patients (29.4%) versus 4/60 controls (6.6%; P < 0.01); and pericardial effusion in 13/68 CD patients (19.1%)versus 1/60 controls (1.6%; P < 0.01). The following findings were frequent, but without statistical significance: mitral insufficiency, 9/68 CD (13.2%) versus 3/60 controls (5.0%); tricuspidalic insufficiency, 8/68 CD (11.7%) versus 3/60 controls (5%); aortic insufficiency, 3/68 CD (4.4%) versus none in the control group; and decreased left ventricle ejection fraction, 5/68 CD (7.3%) versus none in the control group. Pericardial effusion was found to be related to CD activity ( r = 0.375; P = 0.002) as well as decreased ejection fraction ( r = 0.358; P = 0.003). No correlation with age, sex, duration, therapy or localization of disease was found. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CD frequently determines cardiac involvement, although it is usually subclinical. The alteration of cytokine network, especially the elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, could be implicated in the cardiac alterations because it was observed, as for raised oxidative stress, in other heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An evaluation process and adequate referrals are an important part of a distress screening program but insufficient consideration is given to referrals and uptake of available supportive services. Identifying the reasons for accepting or refusing help is needed to implement a screening-for-distress policy in a clinical cancer setting, as confirmed in the present study. It is vital to reach and motivate the highest possible number of patients to be referred to psycho-oncology services when needed. A multidisciplinary approach could help to raise awareness of the benefit of screening for distress, the implementation of which would improve uptake. Introduction: Little consideration is given to the referral and uptake of available supportive services after distress screening. However, identifying the reasons for accepting or refusing help is mandatory for implementing a screening policy. The present study explored the practical usefulness of and potential barriers to the application of distress management. Methods: 406 cancer patients were consecutively selected and asked to complete the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem Check List (PL). All patients with a DT score ≥6 were invited for a post-DT telephone interview with a trained psychologist. Results: The 112 patients who refused to take part were more often older, retired, at a more advanced stage of illness, and with no previous experience of psychological intervention with respect to those who accepted. Of the 78 patients with a score ≥6 who were referred to the Psycho-Oncology Service, 65.4% accepted the telephone interview. Twenty-two patients rejected the initial invitation immediately for various reasons including logistic difficulties, physical problems, and feeling embarrassed about opening up to a psychologist. Conclusions: Our study confirms that screening per sé is insufficient to deal with the problem of distress and that more emphasis should be placed on implementing referral and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]