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Highlights: [•] Flavonol composition of 34 hybrid grape varieties was studied. [•] Compounds were characterised by using different LC/MS methods. [•] 24 glycoside flavonols were identified. [•] Five of them were found in grape for the first time. [•] Samples were divided in four groups on the basis of their flavonol profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present the results of a numerical calculation of the space charge first described in a model proposed by Chazalviel to explain the onset of ramified growth in electrodeposition from a binary electrolyte. Our results confirm that, when the ionic concentration goes to zero at the cathode the system departs from electroneutrality. However, the excess of positive charges at the cathode critically depends on the parameters of the system. In typical conditions, it may rise up to 10−4 mol/L. The extension of the space charge region is approximately 200nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have carried out an in vitro study to investigate the ability of substance P to activate cell growth and the NK1 receptor antagonist L-733,060 to inhibit cell growth in the SKN-BE(2) neuroblastoma and GAMG glioma cell lines. A coulter counter was used to determine viable cell numbers, followed by application of the tetrazolium compound [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium], inner salt, colorimetric method to evaluate cell viability in this cytotoxicity assay. Nanomolar concentrations of substance P increased, and micromolar concentrations of L-733,060 inhibited the growth of both cell lines studied, with and without previous administration of substance P. In addition, we have demonstrated by immunoblot analysis that NK1 receptors are present in both cancer cell lines studied here. Thus, this study demonstrates that substance P acts as a mitogen in the SKN-BE(2) neuroblastoma and GAMG glioma cell lines, and that the antitumoural action of L-733,060 on both human cell lines occurs through the NK1 receptor. This action suggests that the NK1 receptor is a new and promising target in the treatment of human neuroblastoma and glioma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated copper electrodeposition from copper sulfate solutions in thin cells with small inter-electrode distance. At large enough current densities, when the concentration at the cathode approaches zero, we observe large concentration fluctuations in the direction parallel to the electrodes, indicating local fluctuations of the current density. These fluctuations are essentially observed in the vicinity of the anode. They occur much before the onset of dendritic growth at the cathode. A preliminary model is presented, which accounts for the observed behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A role for Substance P (SP) in human placenta is not known, although is possible that regulates placental physiology through the Neurokinin (NK)-1 receptor. Ten human normal placenta tissues were studied by immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the localization of NK-1 receptor and SP. An immunostaining pattern for NK-1 receptor and SP was observed in the endothelium and myocytes of fetal blood vessels, decidua and trophoblast. The SP is located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus whereas NK-1 receptor in cytoplasmic. These findings reported here for the fist time, suggest a role for the SP and NK-1 receptor in the placental physiology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrodeposition process of Li metal in 1.0M LiTFSI–ionic liquid (N-methoxymethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium) bis(trifluoromethane-sulfonyl) imide was observed in situ by optical microscope. Morphological variations of electrodeposited Li dendrite and its growth rate were examined and the ionic mass transfer rate in the vicinity of the electrode surface was discussed. Once the dendrite starts to grow, its length is proportional to the square root of time. This indicates that the Li+ mass transfer rate affects its growth. Dendrite growth process can be classified into two regions depending on its growth rate: the initiation period and the growing period with swinging behavior probably caused by residual stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maritime traffic is one of many anthropogenic pressures threatening the marine environment. This study was specifically designed to investigate the relationship between vessels presence and cetacean sightings in the high sea areas of the Western Mediterranean Sea region. We recorded and compared the total number of vessels in the presence and absence of cetacean sightings using data gathered during the summer season (2009–2013) along six fixed transects repeatedly surveyed. In locations with cetacean sightings (N = 2667), nautical traffic was significantly lower, by 20%, compared to random locations where no sightings occurred (N = 1226): all cetacean species, except bottlenose dolphin, were generally observed in locations with lower vessel abundance. In different areas the species showed variable results likely influenced by a combination of biological and local environmental factors. The approach of this research helped create, for the first time, a wide vision of the different responses of animals towards a common pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Neuro-psychiatric (NP) disturbances are highly prevalent in patients with Parkinson''s disease (PD) and contribute to worsen quality of life. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is commonly utilized as surgical treatment for advanced PD with motor complications. The effectiveness of the procedure on motor symptoms is well established whereas the effects of STN-DBS on NP symptoms are less clear. The aim of our study was to analyze the postoperative pharmacological therapy for NP symptoms in a group of STN-DBS treated PD patients. Such therapy provides indirect information about the evolution of underlying NP disturbances during the follow-up in this group of PD patients. Methods: NP therapy (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics) was assessed in 48 consecutive PD patients treated by STN-DBS, preoperatively and postoperatively after 4months, 1year and 3years. Motor symptoms were evaluated by the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and levodopa equivalence daily dose (LEDD) was calculated. Cognitive, mood and anxiety assessments were performed with appropriate rating scales. Results: The number of patients treated with antidepressant drugs gradually increased during the follow-up. The use of antipsychotic drugs was stable until 1year, with a subsequent increase at 3years. Benzodiazepines were given to fewer patients immediately after surgery. Conclusions: Pharmacological treatment supplies further information about NP symptoms in the follow-up of PD patients undergoing STN stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This study reports a retrospective analysis of 67 consecutive parkinsonian patients to assess changes in antiparkinsonian medications after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN). Methods: All antiparkinsonian drugs, including levodopa, dopamine agonists, associated drugs such as COMT and MAO inhibitors, amantadine and anticholinergics, were evaluated pre- and post-operatively at 1 and 3 years follow-up. Results: The levodopa mean daily dose was reduced approximately 60% after 1 year and remained stable after 3 years. Apomorphine, bromocriptine, tolcapone, entacapone and selegiline were withdrawn after STN DBS. Three years post-operatively, 9 patients (13.4%) no longer required levodopa and 6 patients (8.9%) completely stopped all dopaminergic medications. More patients were on monotherapy of either levodopa or dopamine agonist and fewer patients required a combined treatment of dopamine agonist and levodopa, compared to the pre-surgical condition. Conclusions: STN DBS treated PD patients experience a significant long-term reduction and simplification of the pharmacological treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Convection due to electric and gravity forces increase complexity in thin layer electrochemistry (ECD). We describe conditions in a vertical cell with the cathode above the anode in which global convection is eliminated and a dense branched morphology with a smooth front is obtained. It is shown that these conditions allow a theoretical one dimensional modeling notably simplifying the complex analysis of the problem. We report experimental measurements under constant current conditions showing that the deposit, cathodic and proton fronts scale linearly with time, a signature of migration controlled regime. We discuss a theoretical ECD model under galvanostatic conditions with a three ion electrolyte and a growth model, consisting in the one dimensional Nernst–Planck equations for ion transport, the Poisson equation for the electric field and a growth law whose front velocity equals the anion mobility times the local electric field. The model predicts cation, anion and proton concentration profiles, electric field variations and deposit growth speed, that are in good agreement with experiments; the predicted evolution and collision of the deposit and proton fronts reveal a time scaling close to those observed in experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]