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Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Valeria Amendola at the University of Pavia, Mariolino Carta at the University of Swansea, and Johannes C. Jansen at the CNR-ITM. The image depicts one of the novel imide/imine organic cages that were employed as fillers in mixed-matrix membranes for the selective separation of CO

El objetivo de la revisión fue analizar la evidencia científica sobre los efectos tóxicos del consumo del tabaco sin humo (TS) venezolano (chimó) en la cavidad bucal y a nivel sistémico. Fueron empleadas para la búsqueda las bibliotecas virtuales BVS, PubMed, Nature, Scholar Google y LILACS, utilizando la palabra en español: chimó, palabras combinadas: tabaco sin humo, tabaco de mascar, tabaco venezolano, patología bucal, patologías sistémicas; palabras en inglés: smokeless, smoked, tobacco; palabras en portugués: tabaco sem fumaça, se incluyeron artículos libres y artículos completos, tomando como criterios de inclusión y exclusión, que abordaran el tema del chimó y su relación a efectos tóxicos a nivel sistémico y bucal, que no fuesen estudios de prevalencia e incidencia y que hayan sido publicados a partir del año 2000. Fueron seleccionados un total de 61 (sesenta y uno) artículos en inglés, portugués y español que consideran el TS, incluyendo 14 (catorce) estudios observacionales, descriptivos y explicativos, que valoran los efectos sobre la cavidad bucal y sistémicos del chimo venezolano. Los resultados mostraron que existen pocos estudios con evidencia científica que respalde el papel etiológico del chimó venezolano en los procesos patológicos bucales y sistémicos. No obstante, la existente coincide con los efectos adversos a la salud que son atribuidos al tabaco de combustión, tales como enfermedad cardiovascular, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cáncer, enfermedades metabólicas y a nivel bucal (lesiones pigmentadas en el tejido duro dental y en tejidos blandos, leucoplasias, eritroplasias; desórdenes potencialmente malignos), enfermedad periodontal, cáncer bucal, que están relacionados con estrés oxidativo, lesiones del ADN, lo que lleva a inestabilidad genómica y muerte celular producidos por la nicotina y la cotinina (su principal metabolito). Se requieren más estudios para profundizar en los efectos tóxicos del chimó venezolano en la salud bucal y a nivel sistémico en los consumidores.

We report the investigation of dicopper(II) bistren cryptate, containing naphthyl spacers between the tren subunits, as a receptor for polycarboxylates in neutral aqueous solution. An indicator displacement assay for dicarboxylates was also developed by mixing the azacryptate with the fluorescent indicator 5-carboxyfluorescein in a 50:1 molar ratio. Fluorimetric studies showed a significant restoration of fluorophore emission upon addition of fumarate anions followed by succinate and isophthalate. The introduction of hexyl chains on the naphthalene groups created a novel hydrophobic cage; the corresponding dicopper complex was investigated as an extractant for dicarboxylates from neutral water into dichloromethane. The liquid-liquid extraction of succinate-as a model anion-was successfully achieved by exploiting the high affinity of this anionic guest for the azacryptate cavity. Extraction was monitored through the changes in the UV-visible spectrum of the dicopper complex in dichloromethane and by measuring the residual concentration of succinate in the aqueous phase by HPLC-UV. The successful extraction was also confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Considering the relevance of polycarboxylates in biochemistry and in the environmental field, e.g., as waste products of industrial processes, our results open new perspectives for research in all contexts where recognition, sensing, or extraction of polycarboxylates is required.

The aim of our study is to evaluate taste changes in patients affected by solid tumors not involving oral cavity within the first month of standard chemotherapy. In this monocentric, prospective, cohort study, we enrolled patients treated at our institution for different types of solid tumors between February and July 2019. Taste cotton swabs assay was used to assess taste changes. Thirty-one patients were enrolled and most of them had at least one change in taste. The taste that changed less was acid (42% of the population) whereas the one that changed the most was the perception of sweet (reduced in 35% of the population and increased in 45% of the population) and sour (reduced in 35% of the population). We did not find any statistical significant difference in terms of changes of taste and type of chemotherapy (emetogenic vs not, p > 0.05 for salty, sweet, bitter, and acid tastes). The type of primary tumor (breast vs GI-related) had a significant impact on perception of both salty (p = 0.0163) and acid (p = 0.0312) flavor. Furthermore, body mass composition assessed by BIA showed that obese patients had different changes in acid flavor vs non-obese patients (p = 0.04). This could not be proven when the assessment was made using BMI calculation. Our study suggests that type of primary tumor (GI vs breast) more than type of chemotherapy used could be relevant in determining changes in taste during chemotherapy. Individualized dietary strategies based on these reported data are suggested, as to optimize patients’ management.

A chiral organic cage is able to detect the surrogate of 99TcO4− in water, fruit juice and artificial urine medium.

Purpose This study evaluated whether a series of analyses that are associated with physical state decay, such as phase angle (PhA), obtained by bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) performed before the first cycle (t0) and after 1-2 months (t1) of chemotherapy, might be associated with differences in a series of clinical factors. Methods In this monocentric, prospective, observational study we enrolled patients affected by solid tumors (breast or gastrointestinal cancers) treated with chemotherapy at our Institution between February and July 2019. We calculated whether a series of clinical factors (age, sex, type of chemotherapy regimen, metastatic vs not-metastatic disease involvement and different tumor type) might be associated with changes in PhA. BIA analysis was performed with DF50 Body Composition Analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed with statistical software R (4.1.0) and MedCalc® Statistical Software version 19.7.2. Results Thirty patients were enrolled, treated with chemotherapy in neoadjuvant, adjuvant or first line metastastic setting. In the whole cohort of patients, it was observed a reduction of PhA (p=0.02) between t0 and t1. Stratifying by clinical variables, female patients (p=0.02), younger patients (p=0.02), predominantly with not-metastatic involvement (p=0.03), affected by breast cancer (p

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of carbon-based conductive recycled additions, i.e., recycled carbon fibres (RCF) and gasification char (GCH), on the mechanical, electrical, and durability properties of concretes. The obtained results show that the compressive strength of concrete is not affected by conductive additions, whereas electrical impedance, measured according to Wenner’s method, is significantly reduced (6%, 30% and 74% with RCF, GCH, and their combination, respectively) to the advantage of self-sensing properties. As durability is concerned, conductive additions slightly increase capillary water absorption, whereas they decrease chloride ingress through diffusion and do not significantly modify carbonation resistance.

Purpose This paper presents the outcomes of the international project “Protecting Landscape Heritage: a requalification project as an instrument for the re-birth of Quang Tri Old Citadel in Vietnam”, achieved with scientific cooperation between the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy) and Hue University of Sciences (Vietnam) funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam. The research focuses on the Quang Tri Citadel, founded in 1809 and now in an advanced state of degradation. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of rehabilitation, the wide multidisciplinary project first examined the historical context of the military model, the architectural aspects of the structure, the characterization of the existing materials, the degradation levels of different parts, and, finally, a proposal of the suggested interventions. Findings The original structure and geometry were extrapolated and studied. Building materials were produced with nearby raw materials. Firing temperatures of bricks ranged from 800 to 1,000 °C, hydraulic lime was supposed the binder of the mortar with a calcination temperature lower than 1,000 °C. Damage assessment was provided and after these analyses a requalification project was proposed so the cultural heritage can play a role for the future in the dialog between different cultures. Originality/value The requalification project achieved by an integrated analytical approach defines aspects in relation to the restoration of the structures, enabling compliance with the geometry, techniques, building materials used in the original construction and allowing its guardianship and management to align with the historical context of the architectural heritage.

La capacidad de las células de recibir, procesar y enviar información entre ellas, les permite a los organismos multicelulares responder eficientemente a cambios en el medio externo o en el medio interno, de manera tal de mantener la homeostasis. En un organismo multicelular las células pueden comunicarse entre sí de diversas maneras, que podemos agrupar en dos categorías principales: señales químicas y señales eléctricas... Fil: Leon, Ignacio Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino"; Argentina Fil: Tolosa, María José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular; Argentina Fil: Mobili, Pablo. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentina

En las células animales, la membrana citoplasmática es la única estructura que se encuentra en contacto directo con el espacio extracelular. Esta membrana actúa como un límite efectivo que permite la coexistencia de dos espacios adyacentes de diferente composición: el líquido intracelular y el líquido extracelular. Los procesos celulares consumen sustratos y generan desechos constantemente, por lo que el mantenimiento de la constancia de la composición química del medio intracelular requiere un continuo intercambio de materia con el medio extracelular.. Fil: Mobili, Pablo. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentina Fil: Enrique, Nicolás Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos; Argentina

The behavior of lightweight cement-based and alkali-activated mortars after exposure to temperatures of 500, 750, and 1000 °C was compared. In cement-based mortars, cement was partially replaced (40 vol%) by several refractory fillers (coal fly-ash, biomass fly-ash, cocciopesto, metakaolin). In alkali-activated mortars, metakaolin was partially substituted (0, 25, 50 wt%) by coal fly-ash. The substitution of cement by 40% metakaolin and the substitution of metakaolin by 50% fly ash enhances the resistance to high temperatures of cement-based and alkali-activated mortars, respectively. After exposure to 1000 °C, the high residual compressive strength of cement-based mortars with metakaolin is due to the formation of new crystalline species, whereas in alkali-activated mortars is due to their high densification.

The article focuses on the development of innovative and multifunctional mortars with low environmental impact for indoor applications acting as passive systems to moderate extremes of humidity and to lower the concentration of pollutants. Mortars are manufactured by keeping constant the water/binder ratio, using sand as reference aggregate, and by replacing the total volume of sand with zeolite. In some mixes the aggregate, is also at 25vol% by wool natural fibers. Regardless lightness, zeolite thanks to its pozzolanic activity, helps to improve the compressive strength of mortars manufactured with wool fibers. In addition, the combination of zeolite and wool increases the hygro-thermal performance of mortars: water vapor resistance factor (22% lower than the reference), moisture buffering value (100% higher than the reference), and thermal conductivity (66% lower than the reference), respectively. Depolluting properties of zeolite-based mortars, in terms of adsorption capacity, are 65% lower than that of reference mortar.