Search

Selenium-containing compounds have emerged as promising treatment for redox-based and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of a novel diselenide named as dibenzyl[diselanediyIbis(propane-3-1diyl)] dicarbamate (DD). DD reacted with HOCl (k = 9.2 x 107 M−1s−1), like glutathione (k = 1.2 x 108 M−1s−1), yielding seleninic and selenonic acid derivatives, and it also decreased HOCl formation by activated human neutrophils (IC50=4.6 μM) and purified myeloperoxidase (MPO) (IC50=3.8 μM). However, tyrosine, MPO-I and MPO-II substrates, did not restore HOCl formation in presence of DD. DD inhibited the oxidative burst in dHL-60 cells with no toxicity up to 25 µM for 48h. Next, an intraperitoneal administration of 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg DD decreased total leukocyte, neutrophil chemotaxis, and inflammation markers (MPO activity, lipid peroxidation, albumin exudation, nitrite, TNF-α, IL-1β, CXCL1/KC, and CXCL2/MIP-2) on a murine model of carrageenan-induced peritonitis. Likewise, 50 mg/kg DD (i.p.) decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema over 5h. Histological and immunohistochemistry analyses of the paw tissue showed decreased neutrophil count, edema area, and MPO, carbonylated, and nitrated protein staining. Furthermore, DD treatment decreased the fMLP-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils (IC50=3.7 μM) in vitro with no toxicity. Lastly, DD presented no toxicity in a single-dose model using mice (50 mg/kg, i.p.) over 15 days and in Artemia salina bioassay (50 to 2000 µM), corroborating findings from in silico toxicological study. Altogether, these results demonstrate that DD attenuates carrageenan-induced inflammation mainly by reducing neutrophil migration and the resulting damage from MPO-mediated oxidative burst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the food industry, packaging is used to protect food. However, traditional packaging has serious environmental impacts. Thus, studies have investigated packaging composed of biodegradable polymers. Accordingly, the present study aimed to obtain and characterize polymeric films of sodium alginate and polyethylene glycol crosslinked with tetraethoxysilane and doped with nano-zinc oxide or nano-silicon oxide and evaluate their cytotoxicity and bactericidal activity against coliforms and Escherichia coli. The nanoparticles and crosslinked materials were characterized using infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the films was evaluated using a direct contact assay with a bovine fibroblast cell model. The bactericidal activity of the films was assessed by determining whether the contamination indicators were activated. The average sizes of the ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles were 408.3 and 125.3 nm, respectively, and their zeta potentials were −31.6 and −31.1 mV, respectively. Cell growth inhibition zone tests indicated that 75 ALG/25 PEG/SiO2 was slightly toxic, while 25 ALG/75 PEG/ZnO exhibited mild toxicity. Cell area analysis showed that the addition of SiO2 decreased the cytotoxicity of the obtained films. Finally, it was possible to observe the inactivation of both contamination bioindicators. Therefore, films containing nanoparticles could be promising biomaterials for packaging in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the subjective experience of the COVID-19 outbreak in healthy older adults and develop a model of the older population's psychological adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative grounded theory approach was taken to the study design and analysis, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 19 community-active Italian older people by telephone during the first wave of COVID-19 (May 2020). The theory emerging from the study conceptualized the COVID-19 subjective experience in older people as an adjustment process to the disruption of habits, social contacts, and routines that prompted a meaning-making process to face this adverse experience. Three emergent categories included 'loss, uncertainty, and distress' as the psychological impact of the pandemic emergency, 'making sense of COVID-19' as a subjective sense-making process of the pandemic, and 'living with the pandemic' as agency and self-management within the pandemic experience. The resulting narratives encompassed themes, i.e. risk perception, representation of the self, connection with past-time memories, and compliance with safety measures. The results have implications for designing effective messages to promote hope, social responsibility, and commitment in aging during the COVID-19 pandemic and for health workers who wish to support the psychological health of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial general distress levels and unique recovery trajectories of clients who report eating and body image concerns. Data from 3,129 participants were evaluated using one-way analysis of covariance to evaluate differences in initial distress as measured by the Outcome Questionnaire–45, and hierarchical linear modeling to explore recovery trajectories. Clients with eating and body image concerns reported higher general distress at intake (Cohen's d between 0.48 and 0.95) and were found to recover less quickly. They were also significantly less likely to reach clinically significant criteria for recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69), less likely to achieve reliable positive change (OR = 0.77), and more likely to experience no change or deterioration (OR = 1.33 and OR = 1.29). A thorough initial eating disorder assessment is recommended to aid with treatment planning and addressing eating-disorder-specific symptoms directly and early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is characterised by a high prevalence, low awareness and poor control among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Correct blood pressure (BP) measurement is highly important in these subjects. The "unattended" BP measurement aims to reduce the "white-coat effect," a phenomenon associated with cardiovascular risk. Data on "unattended" BP measurement in RA and its impact on hypertensive organ damage are very limited. BP was measured in the same patient both traditionally ("attended" BP) and by the "unattended" protocol (3 automated office BP measurements, at 1-min intervals, after 5 min of rest, with patient left alone) by a randomised cross-over design. Patients underwent clinical examination, 12-lead electrocardiography and trans-thoracic echocardiography to evaluate cardiac damage. Sixty-two RA patients (mean age 67 ± 9 years, 87% women) were enrolled. Hypertension was diagnosed in 79% and 66% of patients according to ACC/AHA and ESC/ESH criteria, respectively. Concordance correlation coefficients between the two techniques were 0.55 (95%, CI 0.38–0.68) for systolic BP and 0.73 (95%, CI 0.60–0.82) for diastolic BP. "Unattended" (121.7/68.6 mmHg) was lower than "attended" BP (130.5/72.8 mmHg) for systolic and diastolic BP (both p <.0001). Among the two techniques, only "unattended" systolic BP showed a significant association with left ventricular mass (r = 0.11; p =.40 for "attended" BP; r = 0.27; p =.036 for unattended BP; difference between slopes: z = 3.92; p =.0001). In RA patients, "unattended" BP is lower than traditional ("attended") BP and more closely associated with LV mass. In these patients, the "unattended" automated BP measurement is a promising tool which requires further evaluation. "Unattended" automated blood pressure registration, aimed to reduce the "white-coat effect" is lower than "attended" value in rheumatoid arthritis patients. "Unattended" blood pressure is more closely associated with left ventricular mass than "attende" registration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) prediction models for the estimation of chemical components and the fibre undegradable fractions (uNDF) of hay-based total mixed rations (TMR). A total of 205 TMR samples were used for the study. All the chemical components were measured using standard AOAC reference methods and expressed as percentages of dry matter (DM). Prediction models were developed using both cross- and independent validation and different mathematical treatments applied on spectral data. The best spectral treatment was chosen based on the method which simultaneously achieved the lowest root mean square error and the highest explained variance in cross-validation. The coefficient of determination in external validation (R2P) was the greatest for starch prediction model (R2P = 0.84), followed by acid detergent fibre (ADF; R2P = 0.79), and amylase-treated ash-corrected NDF with addition of sodium sulphite (aNDFom) and crude protein prediction models (CP; R2P = 0.73). The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) in validation ranged from 0.66 (ash prediction model) to 0.92 (starch prediction model), indicating substantial to accurate models' predictive ability. This study indicated that NIRS can be a screening method for the prediction of CP, Starch, aNDFom, ADF, acid detergent lignin (ADL), uNDF and Ash. The use of TMR utilised in various herds provided high variability for the NIRS calibration dataset, implying that the developed NIRS pre-diction models could be applicable to TMR collected from herds located in the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production area. NIRS can be successfully employed to determine quickly and at cost-effective different compositional and digestibility traits in hay-based TMR. TMR analysis predicted by NIRS can support nutritionists in the formulation of diets containing a proper nutrient profile to sustain physiological, metabolic, and immunological processes. The use of NIR technology for TMR analysis can allow frequent monitoring of rations and increasingly timely corrections, maximising cows' diet utilisation and conversion of the ingested feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beet and cane molasses mainly contain mono- di-, and tri-saccharides, composed by hexoses, as well as pentoses in traces. However, rationing software consider sugars as only one entity, with a rate of digestion ∼20% h−1. The aim of this initial study was to investigate and evaluate the in vitro digestion dynamics and rates of the sugar fraction in molasses. Three beet and three cane molasses were randomly selected from a variety of samples collected world-wide and digested via in vitro rumen fermentation, at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h. Samples were then analysed with a specific enzymatic kit to quantify residual sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, galactose, and arabinose. Complete disappearance of sucrose happened within 3 hours of incubation. Glucose and fructose were completely digested within 4-6 h, showing variability among samples. Even if not so representative, galactose showed a similar trend of digestion (97% digestion within 3-4 h). Raffinose was quite slower in cane molasses, while it was completely digested within 1 h in beet molasses. Arabinose, a pentose, never reached a complete digestion, and its fermentation dynamic was different compared to other sugars. Calculated rates of digestion for sucrose, glucose and fructose, most representative sugars in molasses, were higher than 50% h−1 in both cane and beet. Obtained results showed that sugar fraction in molasses may vary, and different sugars are rapidly fermented by rumen microbes. Modern rationing models should consider a modification of sugar rates of digestion, since the actual one appears too slow than those observed in vitro. Molasses are unique blends of several sugars Major sugars are digested in few hours Rationing software should consider a faster rate of digestion for different sugars [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hay-based diets are typically used in Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production. Parmigiano Reggiano feeding regulation prohibits 00-rapeseed dietary inclusion. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of substituting soybean-meal with different levels of 00-rapeseed-meal in dairy cows' diets, to evaluate the possibility to include it in Parmigiano Reggiano regulation. The study had a Latin square design with 8 tie stall dairy cows. The isoenergetic and isoproteic dietary treatments differed in protein source (% of DM): S (0.0% 00-rapeseed-meal, 9.3% of soybean-meal), LR (3.8% 00-rapeseed-meal, 6.8% of soybean-meal), MR (8.5% 00-rapeseed-meal, 3.4% of soybean-meal), and HR (13.2% 00-rapeseed-meal, 0.0% of soybean-meal). DMI, milk production and composition, rumination and reticular-pH were recorded daily. Dietary fibre digestibility was evaluated by in vitro fermentation and milk gointrin content was quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed by mixed model. Milk yield, protein and casein content increased for incremental 00-rapeseed-meal dietary levels. MR treatment compared to the others resulted in higher daily reticular-pH (5.92), and fewer minutes with pH below 5.8 (467) and 5.5 (72). Goitrin was detectable in milk when 00-rapeseed-meal was included in the diet. Overall, the inclusion of 00-rapeseed-meal in the Parmigiano Reggiano type ratio did not compromise the performances of cows pointing to it as a reliable substitute for soybean-meal. Our results suggest that 00-rapeseed-meal should be tested in feeding studies to determine its effects on milk organoleptic characteristics and cheese production and quality to see if it can be included in the Italian PDO cheese regulation. 00-rapeseed inclusion on hay-based diet improve DMI, ECM and rumen health 00-rapeseed-meal introduction in Italian PDO cheese regulation is suggested [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate of the productive responses of cows fed a dry hay based total mixed ration (TMR) in which sorghum (SOR) or corn (COR) meal (8 kg/h/d) were the main source of starch. The study involved two dairy herds located in the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO area, for a total of 1,400 cows (30% primiparous and 70% pluriparous). Each herd was fed alternatively SOR or COR TMR for 4 periods of 3 weeks: two weeks of adaptation and one week of data collection. Total milk production and composition, cheesemaking properties, fatty acid content and cheese yield were measured. In addition, within each herd, a random subgroup of 50 cows was selected for individual milk production, composition and cheesemaking properties analysis. Fibre digestibility was evaluated on faecal samples collected in 15 cows randomly selected in each subgroup. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model procedure with diet, herd, days in milk, parity and their interactions as fixed effects and cow as random effect. Individual milk production increase in SOR (32.43 vs. 31.34 kg, for SOR and COR, respectively; p<.0001) however, bulk milk and cheese yield did not show differences. Milk urea content was higher in SOR (27.38 vs. 22.79 mg/dL, for SOR and COR, respectively; p <.05). In this study the complete replacement of corn with finely ground sorghum meal in dairy cow diets in the Parmigiano Reggiano region did not result in negative effects on cows' productivity, cheese making properties and production. Sorghum meal can be used as a substitute of corn without negative effect on herd productivity, milk quality and cheese yield. Replacement of corn meal with sorghum meal in the dairy cows' ration permit to decrease the soy content of the ration, thus improving sustainability and costs of feeding. Utilising sorghum meal could increase the amount of crop produced in the geographical area of the farm, contributing to increase its economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rabbits' reproductive performance, litter size, birth weight, growth, and mortality rate are among the most important indicators to define the productive potential and they are associated with parity order. Birth weight and little size are valuable parameters as related to mortality and weaning weight. Thus, it is important to study individual newborn and intra-litter homogeneity parameters. This trial aimed to consider the litter homogeneity weight at birth, both within each litter and in the whole population, in order to suggest new proper within-litter homogenisation parameters. In this study, the 1st and 6th parity order had, respectively, the lowest and highest values in litter size (8.96 vs 12.39, n), born-alive (8.36 vs 12.22, n), litter weight (456.4 g vs 719.8, g), born-alive weight, and quartiles' homogeneity. These parameters decreased in greater parity orders. No significant effects on still-born numbers and mortality rates were evidenced. All these litter homogeneity evaluation parameters appeared interesting in describing differences between parity orders. The results confirmed that does parity order influences litter size and born-alive weight, but also the intra- and inter-litter homogenisation. Litter homogenisation is crucial to ensure a proportionate share of milk, more equal growth, and better productive performances. Based on these results, we suggest for the commercial genetic centres to equalise the litters according to the birth weight, by dividing the population into quartiles and rearing kits with light birth weight in smaller litters and those with heavier birth weight in larger litters. Does parity order influences litter size and born-alive weight Kit's quartiles distribution is a useful tool for equalisation practice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We performed a randomized single-blinded study to assess the superiority of the combination strategy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Bright Light Therapy (BLT) over rTMS treatment alone in reducing depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods: We enrolled 80 inpatients with a diagnosis of TRD. All patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group A was treated with rTMS, compared to group B treated with a combination of rTMS and BLT. Depressive symptoms were weekly assessed (T0, T1, T2, T3) through the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS-17). Results: rANOVA (F=2.766, p=0.043) and post-hoc in HDRS-17 showed significant better scores in favour of group B every week (p<0.025, T1: 22.075 vs 17.200; T2: 16.100 vs 12.775; T3: 12.225 vs 8.900). Conclusions: The antidepressant effect of rTMS was enhanced and accelerated by its combination with BLT in treating resistant depression. Almost one third of depressed patients does not respond to antidepressants; emerging neuromodulation and chronobiological techniques are effective antidepressant augmentation treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the superiority of the combination strategy of Light Therapy and TMS over TMS treatment alone in a group of treatment resistant depressed patients. The implication of this study in clinical practice is that a safe, low risk and cost-effective treatment, as Light Therapy, improves and accelerates the antidepressant effect of TMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to propose ways in which to increase PA levels in students from elementary and secondary schools, based on the implications of research findings examining adults' attitudes, beliefs, outlooks and preferences on PA and exercise. In other words, can the information that we have learned from adults in their relationship towards PA and exercise be utilized to increase PA levels within the school environment? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) biofeedback rehabilitation in selected low vision patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.Methods: Patients affected by advanced AMD, central macular atrophy with unstable fixation and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/100 and 20/320 were considered. Selected patients underwent fundus photography and microperimetry with fixation analysis for the selected eye (highest BCVA). Ten consecutive training sessions of 10 min each were performed twice a week in the selected eye with Retimax Vision Trainer (CSO, Florence). BCVA, reading acuity and reading speed, contrast sensitivity, fixation, retinal sensitivity and quality of life questionnaire (VFQ-25) were evaluated at baseline and 7 days following the final session.Results: Significant improvements in terms of BCVA [p = .011], reading speed [p = .007], VFQ-25 score [p = .007], retinal sensitivity [p = .021] and fixation stability in the central 2° and 4° [p = .048; p = .037] post-treatment were observed for the 9 patients enrolled, with insignificant improvements observed in reading acuity and contrast sensitivity [p = .335; p = .291].Conclusions: Preliminary results support VEP biofeedback rehabilitation improvements for visual function and quality of life in advanced AMD patients with low vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous research has shown a decline in Theory of mind (ToM) associated with normal aging. However, very few studies have investigated older people's ToM using an ecological approach. The present study was designed to fill this gap and examine older people's frequency of mental state talk (MST) in describing their best friend, together with their performance on a traditional ToM task. In addition, the study examined the association between these two ToM indices and relationships with friends and family members. Method: Seventy-two healthy older adults (age range 60–79) participated in the study. We measured ToM ability with a classic measure, the Faux Pas task, and selected the Describe-a-friend task to measure MST frequency; social relationships were investigated with the Lubben Social Network Scale. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results: No significant association between MST and scores on the Faux Pas task emerged. In addition, MST (but not Faux Pas scores) significantly predicted friendships (but not family relationships) over and above general cognitive functioning. Conclusion: These findings show the crucial distinction between possessing an ability and using it in daily life and suggest the need to move toward more ecological measures of older adults' abilities. In addition, the present results indicate that the spontaneous use of ToM ability, not the ability per se, impacts on older adults' social relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence indicates that Theory of Mind (ToM) declines in normal aging. However, the majority of this research has used classic and static verbal tasks that present scenarios, which are very different from real life. The present study was designed to fill this gap by administering the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) to young and older participants. It allows one to analyze not only the accuracy, but also the typology of error in mental states attribution distinguishing between iper-ToM (over-mentalization), ipo-ToM (insufficient mentalization), and no-ToM (lack of mentalization). We recruited 30 young (20-29 years), 39 young-old (65-74 years), and 31 old-old (75-86 years) participants. Along with the MASC, we administered a classic ToM task, the Strange Stories, and several measures of cognitive functioning. Results showed that older adults were less accurate in mental state attribution than young adults in the MASC, but not in the Strange Stories. In addition, compared to young adults, older adults committed more errors of both ipo- and no-ToM, while young adults committed more often iper-ToM errors. Additionally, older adults, but not young adults, did not show a difference between iper-ToM and ipo-ToM errors, which were equally frequent in this age group. Globally, results indicated that older adults' failure in classic ToM tasks may be due to both ipo- and iper-ToM and provide needed evidence for the MASC as a suitable measure of ToM in aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to the ability to attribute mental states to the self and others in order to explain and predict social behaviour. Meta-analytic results have shown a decline in ToM abilities in healthy older adults. Recent research has also highlighted the possibility of enhancing older adults' ToM performance through group conversations focused on mental states. Our aim was to determine whether the extent to which older people benefited from a ToM training was predicted by performance on a battery of executive functioning tasks, on baselines in ToM tasks, on verbal knowledge. Forty-three older adults (60-84 years) participated in a three-session ToM training programme that has previously shown to be effective in improving ToM ability. Results showed that verbal knowledge predicted training gains in practiced ToM tasks. In addition, age, executive functions and baseline performance predicted training gains in non-practiced ToM tasks. Results are discussed in light of the amplification model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults perform worse than younger adults when applying decision rules to choose between options that vary along multiple attributes. Although previous studies have shown that general fluid cognitive abilities contribute to the accurate application of decision rules, relatively little is known about which specific cognitive abilities play the most important role. We examined the independent roles of working memory, verbal fluency, semantic knowledge, and components of executive functioning. We found that age-related decline in applying decision rules was statistically mediated by age-related decline in working memory and verbal fluency. Our results have implications for theories of aging and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recently, motivation has been found to attenuate the age-related decline in Theory of Mind (ToM) performance (i.e. faux pas recognition). However, whether or not this effect could be generalized to other ToM tasks is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether and how motivation could enhance older adults' performance and reduce age differences in ToM tasks (Faux Pas vs. Animation task) that differ in familiarity. Method: Following a previous paradigm, 171 Chinese adults (87 younger adults and 84 older adults) were recruited, and we experimentally manipulated the level of perceived closeness between participants and the experimenter before administering the ToM tasks in order to enhance participants' motivation. Results: Results showed that, for the Faux Pas task, we replicated previous findings such that older adults under the enhanced motivation conditions performed equally well as younger adults. Conversely, for the Animation task, younger adults outperformed older adults, regardless of motivation. Discussion: These results indicate that motivation can enhance older adults' performance in ToM tasks, however, this beneficial effect cannot be generalized across ToM tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family history events have been shown to be reliable predictors of eating and body image concerns; however, little is known regarding how family history events compare in a clinical sample, or if these events differ by gender. The current study addresses this paucity, focusing on 3,129 university students seeking clinical services. Having a family member with an eating problem was the most consistent family history predictor across all severity levels. Men and women demonstrated different family history predictors, indicating possible separate pathways to eating or body image concerns based on gender. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) generally comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and their main characteristic is the intestinal mucosa inflammation. Although its origin is not yet fully known, there is growing evidence related to genetics, intestinal microbiota composition, and the immune system factors such as precursors for the initiation and progression of intestinal conditions. The use of certain probiotic microorganisms has been touted as a possible and promising therapeutic approach in reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the benefits of probiotics, indicating that some bacterial strains are able to positively modulate the intestinal microbiota and the immune system, and to produce metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this paper is to bring together the various results and information, based on scientific evidence, that are related to probiotics and inflammatory bowel disease, emphasizing the possible mechanisms involved in this action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Previous research has shown that individual differences in Theory of Mind (ToM) are crucial for people's social relationships. However, very few studies have investigated this issue in ageing. The present study was designed to fill this gap and examine the associations between ToM and social relationships in elderly adults. In doing so, this study considered people's relationships with their relatives and friends, and examined the possible moderating role of social motivation. Method:The study involved 53 healthy older adults (age:M= 67.91; SD = 6.93; range: 60--85 years). All participants were tested collectively during a 2-hr session and completed a demographic questionnaire as well as a battery of tests assessing verbal ability (vocabulary and word fluency), ToM and social relationships. They also answered a social motivation question. Results:Results showed that individual differences in older people's ToM were overall significantly associated with those in relationships with friends, but not relatives. In addition, the Hayes moderating procedure showed that individual differences in ToM were related to those in friendships only for those people who had a high or medium level of social motivation. Conclusion:These findings underline the importance of motivation in guiding the use of ToM in everyday social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study on R1234yf flow boiling inside a mini microfin tube with an inner diameter at the fin tip of 2.4 mm. R1234yf is a new refrigerant with an extremely low global warming potential (GWP <1), proposed as a possible substitute for the common R134a, whose GWP is about 1300. The mass flux was varied between 375 and 940 kg m−2s−1, heat flux from 10 to 50 kW m−2, and vapor quality from 0.1 to 1. The saturation temperature at the inlet of the test section was kept constant and equal to 30°C. The wide range of operative test conditions permitted highlighting the effects of mass flux, heat flux, and vapor quality on the thermal and hydraulic behavior during the flow boiling mechanism inside such a mini microfin tube. The results show that at low heat flux the phase-change process is mainly controlled by two-phase forced convection, and at high heat flux by nucleate boiling. The two-phase frictional pressure drop increases with increasing both mass velocity and vapor quality. Dry-out was observed only at the highest heat flux, at vapor qualities of around 0.94–0.95. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pier Paolo Pasolini’s ventures into the essay film form provide, in films such asLa Rabbia(The Rage, 1963) andAppunti per un’Orestiade africana(Notes towards an African Orestes, 1970), an interrogation on the experience of temporality and the ways in which it redefines notions of cultural memory and tradition. The aim of this article is to theorize, within Pasolini’s essayistic practice, a conception of temporality based on an expanded notion of writing, in the context of the essay film’s peculiar position in the history of film cultures. Looking at the ways in which tradition as intertexuality is constructed inLa Rabbiaand how cultural mediation is transformed into poetic necessity inAppunti per un’Orestiade africana, I argue that Pasolini’s essayistic films should be considered as reflections on the way in which we intellectually and historically experience time in our modern world. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:Previous research on age-related changes in Theory of Mind (ToM) showed a decline in older adults, particularly pronounced over 75 years of age. Evidence that ToM may be enhanced in healthy aging people has been demonstrated, but no study has focused on the role of age on the effects of ToM training for elderly people. The present study was designed to examine the efficacy of a ToM training on practiced (ToM Strange Stories) and transfer tasks (ToM Animations) in both young and older adults. Method:The study involved 127 older adults belonging to two age groups: young–old (Mage= 64.41; SD = 2.49; range: 60–69 years) and old–old (Mage= 75.66; SD = 4.38; range: 70–85 years), randomly assigned to either a ToM group or a control group condition. All participants took part in two 2-hour testing sessions and four 2-hour training sessions. Results:Results showed that both young–old and old–old adults in the ToM group condition improved their ability to reason on complex-mental states significantly more than participants in the control group condition. This positive effect of the training was evident on practiced and transfer ToM tasks. Crucially, age did not moderate the effect of the ToM training. Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that young–old and old–old adults equally benefit from the ToM training. Implications for the positive effect of the ToM training in old–old adults are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present a detailed approach to implement a moment-tensor point source to compute displacements, particle velocities and accelerations using direct grid methods. Here, the wave modeling algorithm is based on pseudospectral methods to compute the partial derivatives. A comparison to the analytical solution in the 3D acoustic case verifies the discrete implementation of the source in the mesh. Then, the more general 3D elastic case is illustrated and simulations, with and without free surface, are performed that can be used as a reference solution for other grid methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Given the multi-componential nature of executive functions, we compared 48 outpatients affected by Type 2 diabetes and 49 control subjects on the executive domains of inhibition, updating, shifting, and word fluency. Variables commonly associated with diabetes were considered in explaining the relationship between diabetes and executive functioning. Each participant underwent a clinical and cognitive (addressing the four executive domains) evaluation. Raw test scores were standardized per domain and compared between groups. Possible risk factors related to diabetes were examined. The diabetes group scored lower than the control subjects only in the inhibition measure, whereas no differences resulted in the other executive domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the heat transfer and pressure drop performance potentials of halogenated propene isomers during in-tube condensation and in-tube flow boiling using the penalty factor and total temperature penalization concepts, respectively. In particular, five isomers are considered: R-1233xf, R-1233zd(E), R-1234yf, R-1234ze(E), and R-1243zf. In addition, to these five pure fluids, the heat transfer and pressure drop performance potentials are investigated for five R-32/R-1234yf blends and for twenty-seven blends being considered as part of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program. The article also presents thermophysical property estimations for the five pure fluids relative to R-134a or R-123, and the five R-32/R-1234yf blends relative to R-134a. The thermophysical properties considered are the ones that influence the heat transfer and pressure drop performance potentials, and include the thermodynamic properties temperature, pressure, density, latent heat of vaporization, and specific heat, and the transport properties thermal conductivity and viscosity. The article also presents a literature review of relevant articles for condensation and boiling heat transfer and pressure drop of fluorinated propene isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of peracetic acid (PAA) in the disinfection of sanitary effluents provides an opportunity for the study of analytic methods that permit the determination of the residual concentration of the disinfectant in the effluent. The object of the present study is to compare different methodologies for the determination of residual PAA in concentrations recommended for disinfection of wastewater. The methodologies adopted in this study include three redox titration methods and one spectrophotometric method. Preliminary tests were performed by adding PAA (0.1; 0.5; 1.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mg L−1) to distilled water, and later reevaluated by applying the same concentrations of the disinfectant in wastewater. The results obtained were statistically evaluated and showed that the concentrations between 0.5 and 10 mg L−1of PAA could be determined both by the cerimetric/iodometric titration method and by the spectrophotometric method using DPD chromophore with catalase. For concentrations between 0.1 and 0.5 mg L−1, only the spectrophotometric method provided satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nonpathological elders, cognitive decline is more evident by middle age and depends on different factors, such as speed of processing, nature of the task (i.e., storing versus processing), and type of stimuli (i.e., verbal versus visual and spatial) to be recalled. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of age and environmental factors (i.e., retirement home versus one's own home) on visuo-spatial working memory functions of healthy elderly (73 to 81 years old) and very old participants (83 to 90 years old). Results showed that visuo-spatial working memory processes in the institutionalized sample were comparable with those in free-living participants. A differential age effect was more evident for mnestic tasks involving the manipulation of stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 0.96 mm circular minichannel is used to measure both heat transfer coefficients during condensation and two-phase pressure losses of the refrigerants R32 and R245fa. Test runs have been performed at around 40°C saturation temperature, corresponding to 24.8 bar saturation pressure for R32 and 2.5 bar saturation pressure for R245fa. The pressure drop tests have been performed in adiabatic flow conditions, to measure only the pressure losses due to friction. The heat transfer experimental data are compared against predicting models to provide a guideline for the design of minichannel condensers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the task-affordance hypothesis, people will be more likely to use a specific strategy as tasks more readily afford its use. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the degree to which older and younger adults used a self-testing strategy to learn items, because previous studies suggest that age-related differences in the use of this powerful strategy vary across tasks. These tasks (words affixed to a board vs. pairs on flashcards) differentially afford the use of the self-testing strategy and may moderate the age-related effects on strategy use. Participants performed a recall-readiness task in which they continued to study items until they were ready for the criterion test. As predicted, self testing was used less often on tasks that least afforded its use. Namely, participants used self testing less when they studied single words affixed to a board than when they studied pairs on flashcards. Most important, age-related deficits in strategy use were greater for the former task and nonexistent for the latter one, suggesting that task affordance moderates age differences in strategy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of an innovative shell-and-tube heat pump condenser using 2 mm ID minichannels is presented. This condenser has been designed aiming at the minimization of the charge, which can be required by safety or environmental restrictions. Nevertheless, minichannels represent also a solution to the high-pressure challenge when using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. The present prototype was realized for the use with propane in the framework of the European project SHERHPA, concerning the development of heat pumps working with natural fluids. Experimental data for heat transfer and pressure drop are reported in the present paper. The measurements have been obtained using refrigerant R22, which displays a temperature versus pressure saturation curve pretty close to the one of propane. The data have also been compared against a computational procedure for shell-and-tube heat exchangers design. The refrigerant charge has been computed by means of different void fraction correlations, showing that the expected charge is less than half the quantity required by a brazed plate condenser giving the same capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal foams are cellular structure materials that present open cells, randomly oriented and mostly homogeneous in size and shape. Cellular structure materials, and particularly open-cell metal foams, have been proposed as possible substitutes for traditional finned surfaces in electronics cooling applications. This article presents the heat transfer and pressure drops measurements obtained during air flow through an aluminum foam, which has 40 pores per inch with 0.63 mm pore diameter. The specimen has been inserted in a new open-circuit type wind channel with a rectangular cross-section that has recently been built at the Department of Fisica Tecnica of the University of Padova. The experimental heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops have been collected by varying the air flow rate supplied by the screw compressor that provides a variable volumetric air flow ranging between 0-90 m3h-1 at a constant gauge pressure of 7 bar. The specific heat flux has been simulated by powering with a 25-kWm-2 copper heater attached at the bottom of the aluminum foam base plate. The experimental results are reported in terms of heat transfer coefficients, mean normalized wall temperatures, and pressure drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the amount of steroids that is found in the aqueous humor after topical administration of dexamethasone solution eye-drops and dexamethasone suspension eye-drops. Materials and methods: One hundred seventeen consecutive patients of both genders 18 years or older, candidates for cataract surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Fifty-one patients (group A) received a single instillation of a suspension containing tobramicin 0.3% mg/ml + dexamethasone 0.1% mg/ml; 56 patients (group B) received a single instillation of a solution containing tobramicin 0.3% mg/ml + dexamethasone 0.1% mg/ml; 10 patients (group C), control group, did not receive any drops. Samples were taken immediately before surgery from the anterior chamber and dexamethasone levels were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: The mean dexamethasone concentrations were 0.56 μM (min 0.00, max 3.25) in group A and 0.15 μM (min 0.00, max 2.93) in group B. Dexamethasone was not detected in samples from group C. Conclusions: Dexamethasone suspension gives concentrations of steroids in the aqueous humor approximately three times higher than with dexamethasone solution drops. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diphoterine (Laboratoire Prevor, Valmondois, France) is an active, amphoteric, polyvalent, chelating, slightly hypertonic decontamination solution for chemical splashes to the skin and eyes. It chemically binds a large number of chemical substances present on the skin surface without causing a significant release of heat (exothermic reactions). Because of its amphoteric properties, it can bind chemically opposite substances such as acids and bases or oxidizers and reducing agents. No adverse effects have been observed in an ongoing postmarketing surveillance program during many years of use in European industrial facilities. Diphoterine has more recently been used in hospitals for delayed management of chemical burns to the skin and eyes. There is interest in having protocols for both immediate and delayed Diphoterine use for skin decontamination. Whereas studies of Diphoterine efficacy, clinical and in vitro or ex vivo, have been published or are in the process of being prepared for publication, no review has yet been published focusing solely on the safety of this decontamination solution. Therefore, all available studies on the safety of Diphoterine are described here, including recent studies demonstrating no harmful effects on the skin. Diphoterine can be used, even on damaged skin, without toxic, irritant, allergenic, or sensitizing effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were: (i) to examine frozen-thawed ovarian tissues for features of follicular health and atresia by histology; (ii) to assess the expression of estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) by real-time PCR; (iii) to evaluate the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as an apoptotic index, in the ovarian tissues before and after cryopreservation. Ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from 11 patients. The fragments were subdivided into two groups, fresh (control tissues) and cryopreserved tissues obtained by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen. Both tissue groups were subjected to a histological evaluation of the healthy and atretic follicles, immunohistochemical localization of the ER, and a real-time PCR (qPCR) to evaluate the expression of ER, Bax, Bcl-2 as well as β-actin, as control gene. Damage was observed in 31% of primordial, 45% of primary, and 75% of secondary follicles in the cryopreserved tissue group. The qPCR analysis showed that the level of ERβ was greater in fresh than cryopreserved tissues, whereas the ERα expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were similar in both tissue groups. A significant inverse association was observed between ERα mRNA levels in the fresh tissue group and subjects' ages. The results show that cryopreservation and thawing of human ovarian tissue does not affect the morphology of primordial or primary follicles and that cryopreservation does not affect apoptosis. However, cryopreservation seems to have an inhibitory effect on the level of ERβ. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the differential effects of freezing follicles at different stages of follicular development and ovarian steroidogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether computer familiarity could regulate the efficacy of a computer-based memory training intervention in an Italian sample of older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either the training or the waiting-list control group and were tested on four computerized neuropsychological memory tasks and one paper-pencil task. Computer familiarity measures included a computer questionnaire, reaction times in a pointing task and mouse use ability. Only the training group was taught and practised two memory strategies on three computerized neuropsychological tasks during three training sessions. Compared to the waiting-list control group, participants in the training condition showed significant benefits after the intervention in the practiced tasks and they generalized training effects to the transfer tasks. Furthermore, no link resulted between computer familiarity and memory benefits. These findings support the application of the computer-based memory training with older adults, independently of them being computer users or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new procedure for fluorescent detection of intracellular H2O2 in cells transiently expressing the catalyst Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is setup and validated. More specific reaction with HRP largely amplifies oxidation of the redox probes used (2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein and dihydrorhodamine). Expression of HRP does not affect cell viability. The procedure reveals MAO activity, a primary intracellular H2O2 source, in monolayers of intact transfected cells. The probes oxidation rate responds specifically to the MAO activation/inhibition. Their oxidation by MAO-derived H2O2 is sensitive to intracellular H2O2 competitors: it decreases when H2O2 is removed by pyruvate and it increases when the GSH-dependent removal systems are impaired. Specific response was also measured after addition of extracellular H2O2. Oxidation of the fluorescent probes following reaction of H2O2 with endogenous HRP overcomes most criticisms in their use for intracellular H2O2 detection. The method can be applied for direct determination in plate reader and is proposed to detect H2O2 generation in physio-pathological cell models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that lactobacilli can exert antiproliferative effects on the gastrointestinal epithelium. However, their role in affecting the cellular proliferative mechanisms is not completely clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (L. GG) homogenate on cell growth and proliferation (by MTT, [3H]-thymidine incorporation and polyamine biosynthesis) in neoplasms originating from different gastrointestinal tracts. Thus, HGC-27 human gastric cancer cells and DLD-1 human colonic adenocarcinoma cells were evaluated. Besides, in order to verify which bacterial fraction was involved in the antiproliferative effects, the cytoplasm and cell wall extracts were tested separately. Gastric HGC-27 and colonic DLD-1 cells showed significant differences in their proliferative behavior, in particular in their polyamine profile and biosynthesis. Notwithstanding, one and the other proved to be sensitive to the growth inhibition by the highest concentrations of bacterial homogenate. Both HGC-27 and DLD-1 cells were resistant to the bacterial cell wall fractions, whereas increasing cytoplasm fraction concentrations induced an evident antiproliferative effect. These data suggest that cytoplasm extracts could be the responsible for L. GG action on proliferation in these two cell lines from gastric and colonic neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density, affinity, and subtype distribution of endothelin-1 (ET-1) binding sites were determined in rat cardiac tissue as a function of age in order to evaluate the association of alterations in the endothelin receptor system and aging in the heart. A significant decrease in the receptor subtype ET-A, which represents 70% to 80% of the total receptor population in cardiac tissue of 3- and 12-month-old rats, was observed in 24-month-old rats with respect to the younger groups. These findings indicate an alteration in ET-1 cardiac receptors associated with aging, mainly due to a variation in the receptor subtype distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolichol, a long-chain polyisoprenoid broadly distributed in all tissues and cellular membranes with unknown function(s), might have a role in free radical metabolism [it accumulates in older tissues and decreases after CCl4 (in liver) or phenylhydrazine (in spleen and liver) administration]. The effects of the NADPH-ADP-Fe system on Dolichol levels in isolated hepatocytes were explored and the time-course of changes was compared with the release of MDA in the incubation medium and the decrease in CoQ 9 and 10 and Vitamin E levels. Results showed that the system increased lipid peroxidation and decreased Dolichol and CoQ levels in_parallel fashions and lowered Vitamin E levels with shorter latency. Meanwhile, no increase in dead cells and no Dolichol release in the medium were detected. In conclusion, an increase in oxidative stress possibly caused a rapid degradation of dolichol by the same (unknown) mechanism responsible for the breakdown of_Ubiquinone isoprenoid chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous in vivo studies have suggested that lactobacilli can exert anti-proliferative effects on the gastric epithelium. However, few data are available on their mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (L. GG) homogenate on cell growth and proliferation [by 3-(4,5 di-methylthiazol-2-yl)—2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, [3H]-thymidine incorporation and polyamine biosynthesis] and apoptosis processes (by Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression) in HGC-27 human gastric cancer cells. To verify which bacterial fraction was involved in the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects, the cytoplasm and cell wall extracts were tested separately. HGC-27 cells were sensitive to the apoptotic induction and growth inhibition by increased concentrations of bacterial homogenate. HGC-27 cells were resistant to the bacterial cell wall fractions, whereas increasing cytoplasm fraction concentrations induced evident antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions. These data suggest that cytoplasm extracts could be responsible for L. GG action on HGC-27 cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method to determine the condensation heat transfer coefficient of fluids flowing into horizontal smooth tubes with internal diameters D > 3 mm. The method has been drawn up as simply as possible and is ready to use in heat exchanger modeling and design applications. It is also suitable to work very well with old and new fluids used in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump industries. Particular attention is given to accuracy: it has been tested over a wide updated experimental database and comes from many different independent researchers with reduced experimental uncertainties. In order to obtain an easy structure, only two equations are employed, related respectively to ∆T-independent and to ∆T-dependent fluid flows. All the parameters that influence the condensation heat transfer have been included. A comparison has been conducted against HCFCs, HFCs, HCs, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and water data. Zeotropic mixtures with two and three components are also considered in the comparison by applying the Bell and Ghaly [1] correction to calculate the relative heat transfer penalization. A model has been developed with the idea of getting high accuracy through an easy structure, and the results show a very satisfactory agreement with experimental data: average deviation e R = +2%, absolute mean deviation e AB = 14%, and standard deviation σ N = 19% for the total number of 5478 data points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reviews published experimental work focusing on condensation flow regimes, heat transfer, and pressure drop in minichannels. New experimental data are available with high (R410A), medium (R134a), and low (R236ea) pressure refrigerants in minichannels of different cross-section geometries and with hydraulic diameters ranging from 0.4 to 3 mm. Because of the influence of flow regimes on heat transfer and pressure drop, a literature review is presented to discuss flow regimes transitions. The available experimental frictional pressure gradients and heat transfer coefficients are compared with semi-empirical and theoretical models developed for conventional channels and models specifically created for minichannels. Starting from the results of the comparison between experimental data and models, the paper will discuss and evaluate the opportunity for a new heat transfer model for condensation in minichannels; the new model attempts to take into account the effect of the entrainment rate of droplets from the liquid film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective . The main molecules of cholesterol homeostasis are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR), the key enzyme of the biosynthetic pathway, and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R), which is responsible for the uptake of plasma lipoproteins. The increase in the endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis results in stimulation of DNA synthesis, while the inhibition of cholesterogenesis suppresses cell growth. Estrogens have been reported to regulate hepatic LDL-R expression and modulate cell proliferation in different tissues. In order to clarify the mechanisms of estrogenic growth control in colorectal carcinoma, we have investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol exposure on LDL-R gene expression and its protein, as well as on HMG-CoAR gene expression, its protein as well as enzyme activity in the DLD-1 human colon cancer cell line. The effect of 17β-estradiol on both cell growth and apoptosis in this cell line was also investigated. Material and methods . LDL-R and HMG-CoAR gene expressions were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in DLD-1 cells at different times and doses of 17β-estradiol exposure. LDL-R and HMG-CoAR protein expression was detected by Western immunoblotting. HMG-CoAR activity was evaluated using a radiometric assay. Cell proliferation was measured by colorimetric MTT test and incorporation of [ 3 H]-thymidine in DNA. Apoptotic death was estimated by DNA fragmentation analysis. Results . Estrogens induced an early increase of LDL-R, at both mRNA and protein level, and later decreased HMG-CoAR activity and protein expression. DLD-1 cells treated with 17β-estradiol exhibited inhibition of DNA synthesis and apoptosis. Conclusions . The results of this study suggest that estrogens regulate LDL-R and HMG-CoAR and influence cell growth and apoptosis in colon cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamines and their rate-limiting enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), are actively involved in cell growth and differentiation. The phytoestrogen genistein has been demonstrated to possess antitumor properties by influencing proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genistein at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 100 microM on the polyamine biosynthesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in the estrogen receptor-positive DLD-1 human colon cancer cell line. Polyamine levels and ODC activity were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography and radiometric technique, respectively. The proliferative response was estimated by [3H]-thymidine incorporation and the colorimetric 3-(4,5 di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test. Apoptosis was investigated by DNA fragmentation. Bax and Bcl-2 gene expressions were evaluated by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction. At concentration >or=1 microM, genistein decreased significantly the ODC activity and the polyamine levels. At the same concentration, genistein also increased significantly Bax mRNA expression, but not Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Higher concentrations (>or=10 microM) were needed to obtain a significant inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation. The results of this study suggest that genistein can affect growth of DLD-1 cells by both decreasing polyamine biosynthesis and inducing apoptosis. However, further studies are required to assess the true ability of a soy rich diet in modifying colon cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the experimental heat transfer coefficients measured during condensation of RI34a and R410A inside multiport minichannels are presented. The frictional pressure gradient was also measured during adiahatic two-phase flow. The need for experimental research on condensation inside multiport minichannels comes from the wide use of those channels in automotive air-conditioners. The perspective for the adoption of similar channels in the residential air conditioning applications also calls for experimental research on new high pressure refrigerants, such as R410A. Experimental data are compared against models to show the accuracy of the models in the prediction of heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop inside minichannels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]