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Atomic oxygen reactions can contribute significantly to the oxidation of unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The reaction mechanism is started by electrophilic O atom addition to the unsaturated bond(s) to form "chemically activated" triplet oxy-intermediate(s), which can evolve adiabatically on the triplet potential energy surface (PES) and nonadiabatically

The O(3P) + 1,3 C4H6 reaction is studied through non adiabatic AITSTME simulations and CMB experiments. The main reaction channels are HCO + C3H5, CO + C3H6, H2CO + C3H4, and H + C4H5O. Temperature dependent rates are then theoretically determined.

Alkylated aromatics constitute a significant fraction of the components commonly found in commercial fuels. Toluene is typically considered as a reference fuel. Together with n-heptane and iso-octane, it allows for realistic emulations of the behavior of real fuels by the means of surrogate mixture formulations. Moreover, it is a key precursor for the formation of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, which are of relevance to understanding soot growth and oxidation mechanisms. In this study the POLIMI kinetic model is first updated based on the literature and on recent kinetic modelling studies of toluene pyrolysis and oxidation. Then, important reaction pathways are investigated by means of high-level theoretical methods, thereby advancing the present knowledge on toluene oxidation. H-Abstraction reactions by OH, HO2, O and O2, and the reactivity on the multi well benzyl-oxygen (C6H5CH2 + O2) potential energy surface (PES) were investigated using electronic structure calculations, transition state theory in its conventional, variational, and variable reaction coordinate forms (VRC-TST), and master equation calculations. Exploration of the effect on POLIMI model performance of literature rate constants and of the present calculations provides valuable guidelines for implementation of the new rate parameters in existing toluene kinetic models.

A custom CMOS image sensor designed for catheter based visible and Near-Infra-Red (NIR) endoluminal applications is proposed. The sensor presents high dynamic range (HDR) capability in a controlled light environment, providing a user-programmable power responsivity curve. The fabricated chip is a monochrome imager including a 256 × 256 pixel array, a complete read-out channel, a series of DACs for internal references and digital blocks for chip control. The complete functionality of the chip is guaranteed through six signal pins, used for the I2C-like input interface and the differential analog output. Prototypes were produced using the AMS 0.35 μm OPTO technology. The imager was electrically and optically characterized. Characterization results show state-of-the-art performance in terms of pixel noise (PN

The current status of modeling of chemical vapor deposition of Si epitaxial thin solid films is reviewed. It is shown that sophisticated fluid dynamic models of the growth process can nowadays be routinely used to optimize the growth conditions as a function of the reactor operative parameters. Such models rely on the availability of gas phase and surface kinetic mechanisms consisting of elementary reactions.

The present work deals with innervation patterns along collector lymphatic vessels from cervical, mesenteric, and femoral regions, and lymph capillaries in young and elderly subjects.Morphological and morphometric analysis of nerve fibers along lymph vessels was performed by immunohistochemistry for PGP 9.5, NPY, TH, ChAT, VIP, SP, and dopamine. Nerves containing NPY and TH were frequent, whereas immunoreactivity for ChAT and VIP were few. SP-positive fibers were widely distributed in the medial and endothelial layers. Dopamine neurotransmitters were observed in a few short nerve fibers. A more diffuse presence of nerve fibers in mesenteric and femoral lymph vessels, compared to cervical ones, was detected. In lymph capillary vessels, a few nerve fibers positive for neuropeptides and neurotransmitters were detected, whereas no dopamine and VIP immunoreactive fibers were detected. A wide reduction of all specific nerve fibers analyzed was detected in lymph vessels from elderly subjects.The presence on lymph vessels of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems can be declared. The differences observed in lymphatic vessel innervation patterns may note the involvement in lymph flow regulation, calling attention in aging, when nerve fibers reduction may cause functional default of lymph vessels.

Human thymus of healthy subjects and patients affected by thymoma-associated Myastenia Gravis were studied in order to visualize and compare the morphological distributive pattern of four neuropeptides: vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, neuropeptide Y, and neurotensin. Based on our observations, we formulated hypotheses on their relations in neuro-immunomodulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Immuno-histochemical staining for neuropeptides was performed and morphological and morphometrical analyses were conducted on healthy and diseased thymus. In normal thymus, a specific distributive pattern was observed for the several neuropeptide-positive nerves in different thymus lobular zones. In particular substance P-positive fibers were observed in subcapsular zone, specifically located into parenchyma, where they represent the almost total amount of fibers; neurotensin-positive fibers were observed primarily located in parenchyma than perivascular site of several thymus lobular zones, and more abundant the cortico-medullary and medullary zones. Instead VIP- and NPY-positive fibers were widely distributed in perivascular and parenchymal sites of several thymus lobular zones. In thymoma, the distribution of neuropeptide-positive fibers was quantitatively reduced, while cells immunopositive to VIP and substance P were quantitatively increased and dispersed. Observation of the perivascular and parenchymal distribution of the analyzed neuropeptides suggests evidence that a regulatory function is performed by nerves and cells that secrete neuropeptide into the thymus. The alteration of neuropeptide patterns in thymoma suggests that these neurotransmitters play a role in autoimmune diseases such as Myastenia Gravis.

A custom CMOS image sensor for capsular endoscopy is presented. The complete functionality of the chip is guaranteed through seven signal pins, used for the I2C like input and the LVDS output interfaces. Prototypes have been produced in the UMC 0.18μm-CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) technology both in the monochrome and colour-RGB versions. The imager has been electrically and optically characterized and ex-vivo images have been acquired and evaluated. The results of the characterization show state of the art performance in terms of power consumption (

This investigation describes some morphological, age-related changes in different compartments and cells of the human thymus. Scanning electron microscopic observations were done on human thymus samples obtained from four young and eight elderly patients during thoracic surgery and/or diagnostic biopsy of the thymus, after receiving authorization from the Ethical Committee of our university. The morphological data were submitted to quantitative image analysis so as to obtain quantitative results. Subsequently, the related values were used for statistical analysis. Our findings demonstrate that (1) all thymus compartments (subcapsular spaces, cortical, medullar, thymus microenvironment) contain numerous thymocytes even after the thymus has aged. (2) In older humans, residual thymus lymphoid islets contain, in addition to fatty cells and/or fibrous cells, also the same types of resident and nonresident cells (permanent and moving cells) that are found in young and adult subjects. (3) Endothelial cells of thymus microvessels contain numerous gaps. These gaps are tight in young subjects and become loose with age. (4) Thymocytes, in older subjects, are always found near these loose endothelial gaps of thymus microvessels. (5) While thymus cortical microvessels are provided with pericytes and/or periarteriolar spaces, microvessels of the thymus medullar are free of such spaces. Our morphological and quantitative results lead us to consider the possibility that the thymus fraction of resident and permanent cells (including thymocytes and reticular epithelial cells) is larger in younger subjects compared with older ones. The endothelial loose gaps of thymus microvessels, in older subjects, can allow the bidirectional transit of thymocytes through the wall of the said microvessels. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Silicon is a promising material for solar cells and optical devices. Among the different growth techniques, Plasma Enhanced CVD (PECVD) attracts particular interest allowing to obtain high quality deposition at significant rates and low substrate temperatures. Controlling the film morphology is key for improving the material optoelectronic properties. In order to be able to relate growth rates and quality of the deposited material to the plasma operating conditions we have developed a detailed plasma-reactor model. The solution of mass, momentum and energy conservation equations in a 2D domain is considered, and eventually coupled to the solution of a discharge model based on a simplified gas phase chemistry. The main novelty of this model are the detailed gas phase and surface kinetic schemes developed. The gas phase model comprises about 30 chemical species involved in more than 80 reactions. Surface reaction probabilities were calculated based on a fully atomistic, dynamical approach. The predictive power of the model against experimental data is demonstrated, and the role of various radicals and ions in determining the film growth is discussed.

Xerosis cutis is a frequent condition in the elderly and the topical treatments are aimed to maintain a balance between the physiological components of the epidermis and an optimal moisturization. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a dermoprotective cream, glycerol and paraffin-based, in the treatment of individuals affected by senile xerosis.The patients were recruited at the Professional Dermatology and Allergology Outpatient Clinic of the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute of Rome, between 1st January 2013 and 30th September 2014. To assess the efficacy of the cream, two different areas of treatment were identified in each patient upper the limbs. All patients were staged at baseline (T0) and evaluated after 14 days (T1) and 28 days (T2) of topical treatment, using five clinical parameters: scaling, sensation of skin tightness, presence of fissuring and excoriations from scratching and erythema. The itching degree was also evaluated using a 10-steps analogical scale.Fifty patients with xerosis, 25 with a severe and 25 with a moderate form, over 60 were recruited and evaluated. Median age was 65 years (IQR=61-70). After 28 day of topical administration of the cream, the 54.0% of patients showed the absence of signs of xerosis, the 44.0% a mild form and the 2.0% (one patient) a moderate form. Consistently, a progressive and significative reduction of itching and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and an improvement in skin hydration was also measured. A good profile of tolerability and no episodes of undesirable side effects, was also observed.The topical daily use of a cream glycerol and paraffin-based, seem to able to control the xerosis in elderly patients, with a significant reduction of all associated signs and symptoms. Further additional data should be collected to better confirm the role of the topical treatment in the control of disease.

Background: Age-related changes were studied in younger and older humans, by staining of acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyl-transferase activities on autopsy samples of pulmonary vessels (arteries, veins and micro-vessels). Methods: Samples of human pulmonary vessels were harvested and exposed to the enzymatic staining for acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyltransferase, two enzymes linked to the metabolism of acetylcholine. The morphological data were subjected to the quantitative analysis of images and to the statistical analysis of data. Results: Both acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyl-transferase activities are localized in the pulmonary vessels of younger and older humans. Staining of these two enzymes shows strong age-related changes. Structures resembling cholinergic nerve fibers are located in pulmonary vessels both in the extra-parenchymal and intraparenchymal branches, organized in two plexuses. The quantitative analysis of images and the statistical analysis of data demonstrate that the cholinergic innervation of pulmonary vessels (especially the extra-parenchymal branches) strongly decreases with age. Conclusion: Our opinion is that the extra and intrapulmonary branches of the artery and veins of the human lung are provided with cholinergic nerve fibers, which could control the afferent pathways of the pulmonary vascular tree. These cholinergic nerve fibers are particularly sensitive to age-related changes.

The presence and distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cholineacetyl transferase activities (Chat) were examined in the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) of juvenile, adult and old rats. Histoenzymatic and immunochemical methods were used in association with quantitative analysis of images and statistical analysis of the data. Our results showed that both AChE and Chat activities were primarily confined to the BALT lymphoid cells. Only a low level of activity was observed in the sub-pleural parenchyma of the lung and in the wall of the bronchus. Moreover, both AChE and Chat activities in the BALT are specifically located in the lymphoid cells. Histoenzymatic staining and corresponding values of quantitative analysis of images confirmed morphological and immunochemical results. Finally, the intensity of histoenzymatic staining for AChE and of immunochemical staining for Chat in BALT of rats strongly decreases with age. On the basis of our results we hypothesize that both AChE and Chat activities may play an important role in BALT and both these enzymes undergo specific age-related changes.

Traditional endoscopic techniques (i.e. those exploiting flexible endoscopes) can be operated effectively and reliably through different districts of the gastrointestinal (GI) apparatus (the oesophagus, stomach, large bowel or colon and part of the small bowel) with diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical capabilities [1]. However, the rigidity of the instrument, due to its dimensions (diameter from 11 to 13 mm for a standard colonoscope), and the integration of actuation mechanisms running through the instrument result in limited accessibility, making endoscopic procedures significantly traumatic and poorly tolerated by patients [2]. Pain or problems with sedation make patients disinclined to undergo endoscopy, significantly limiting the pervasiveness of mass screening campaigns. A significant medical drawback of flexible endoscopy is that certain areas of the GI tract cannot be reached, such as most of the small bowel [3].

Age-related changes of the optic nerve fibres were studied in 3-month-old (young), 12-month-old (adult) and 24-month-old (aged) male Sprague-Dawley rats. The optic nerve was harvested with particular care from the intracranial portion. Cross sections from the optic nerve of animals of different age groups were stained with toluidine blue and examined under a light microscope at low and high magnification. Other sections were stained for the demonstration of glial cells using the method described by Holzer. A third group of sections were stained by the immunohistochemical method to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein, which is a marker for localising and characterising astrocytes. All these morphological results were subjected to the quantitative analysis of images and to statistical analysis of the values to identify significant morphometric data. Biochemical dosages of proteins were also performed on homogenised fragments of the optic nerve. Our results demonstrate that the following age-related changes can be observed: (1) an increase in meningeal membranes, (2) an increased number of astrocytes, (3) an increase in areal density of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivities, (4) an increased thickness of the entire optic nerve and an increased area of the nerve, (5) a decreased number of nerve fibres and (6) a decrease in the nerve fibre/meningeal membrane ratio from 3:1 to 1:1. Moreover, the amount of protein does not change with age. The rat optic nerve, therefore, appears sensitive to aging processes.

The occurrence and distribution of 4-aminobutyrate:2 oxoglutarate transaminase (GABA-t) activity were examined in the rat thymus of normal and immunostimulated rats using biochemical and histoenzymatical methods. Specific GABA-t reactivity was confined primarily to the arteries and, to a lesser extent, to the veins. Only a few activities could be observed in association with the subcapsular and medullar part of the parenchyma and nerve fibers. GABA-t was considered a linking enzyme between the immune and the nervous system and it was studied with the aim of analyzing the relationships between these two systems. Our findings indicate that the GABA-t activity in the thymus is specifically located in the wall of the blood vessels. Moreover, our results demonstrate the presence of a GABA-t activity in the peripheral blood vessels. Treatment with interleukin 1beta induces an increase of protein content of the amounts of GABA-t biochemically assayed and of the levels of histoenzymatically stained GABA-t. Furthermore, staining of the different structures of the thymus in treated or untreated rats shows that the significant modifications concern the parenchyma, the structures resembling nerve fibers and finally, the whole thymus. On the contrary, the highest activity of the GABA-t is located in the walls of arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels.

Background: The cholinergic neurotransmission within the human mesenteric lymphatic vessels has been poorly studied. Therefore, our aim is to analyse the cholinergic nerve fibres of lymphatic vessels using the traditional enzymatic techniques of staining, plus the biochemical modifications of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Materials and methods: Specimens obtained from human mesenteric lymphatic vessels were subjected to the following experimental procedures: 1) drawing, cutting and staining of tissues; 2) staining of total nerve fibres; 3) enzymatic staining of cholinergic nerve fibres; 4) homogenisation of tissues; 5) biochemical amount of proteins; 6) biochemical amount of AChE activity; 6) quantitative analysis of images; 7) statistical analysis of data. Results: The mesenteric lymphatic vessels show many AChE positive nerve fibres around their wall with an almost plexiform distribution. The incubation time was performed at 1 h (partial activity) and 6 h (total activity). Moreover, biochemical dosage of the same enzymatic activity confirms the results obtained with morphological methods. Conclusions: The homogenates of the studied tissues contain strong AChE activity. In our study, the lymphatic vessels appeared to contain few cholinergic nerve fibres. Therefore, it is expected that perivascular nerve stimulation stimulates cholinergic nerves innervating the mesenteric arteries to release the neurotransmitter AChE, which activates muscarinic or nicotinic receptors to modulate adrenergic neurotransmission. These results strongly suggest, that perivascular cholinergic nerves have little or no effect on the adrenergic nerve function in mesenteric arteries. The cholinergic nerves innervating mesenteric arteries do not mediate direct vascular responses.

Collagen IV and laminin play a key role in regulating stiffness, elasticity and flexibility of the vescico-uterine space (VUS) tissue. The neurotensin (NT), the neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and the protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) possessing vasorelaxation and tissue vascularization activities, play key roles in cervical ripening, scar innervations and pain control. We propose that the integrity of these substances in VUS tissue is compromised after Cesarean section (CS), since wound healing disturbances and pelvic pain, as well as pregnancy and delivery complications, are related with lower uterine segment dysfunctions after CS. Therefore, the contents of collagen IV, laminin, NT, NPY and PGP 9.5 nerve fibres from the VUS tissue samples obtained during the first CS and the repeated CS were comparatively studied. VUS specimens were collected from 104 patients during CS and evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Collagen IV and laminin were mostly found in the vascular membrane bounds and their images were quantitatively evaluated by Quantimet Leica analyzer software. Differences of collagen IV, laminin, NT, NPY and PGP 9.5 values in VUS tissue between the first CS and the repeat CS samples were calculated by Student's Mest. Reduced laminin and increased collagen IV values were observed in the VUS scar tissue after the repeated CS in comparison with those of VUS intact tissue obtained during the first CS. Significantly higher values of nerve fibres, containing NT, NPY and PGP 9.5 were registered in intact VUS tissue samples, respectively 5±0.7, 7±0.6 and 5±0.9 CU, than those of VUS scar tissue samples obtained during the repeated CS, respectively 3±0.6,2±0.4 and 3±0.7 CU (p

In this paper, the authors present an innovative vision platform for laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery based on a wired and magnetically activated 5-degrees-of-freedom robot with stereovision. The stereoscopic vision module, developed using two off-the-shelf cameras and a light emitting diodes lighting system, is mounted on the robot tip. An autostereoscopic screen is adopted to display the surgical scenario as an alternative to 3-D helmets or polarizing glasses. A rough position of the stereocamera can be determined along the abdominal wall by dragging the robot with a set of external permanent magnets (EPMs). Once the camera is set in the desired position, the EPMs provide fixation, while the internal mechanism allows fine tilt adjustment. Considering the deformable round shape of the insufflated abdomen wall and in order to replicate the precise roll motion usually provided by the endoscopist's hands, this prototype embeds an actuated mechanism that adjusts the stereocamera horizon and thus prevents any visual discomfort. Finally, the platform was preliminarily tested in vivo in a LESS scenario, demonstrating its advantages for eliminating potential conflicts with the operative tools and enabling the introduction of an additional instrument through the same access port used for stereoscopic vision.

Analysis of the innervation pattern of the thoracic duct in young and elderly human subjects has been performed. The subdivision of the vessels in cervical and lumbar region were taken in consideration.Immunostaining for general nerve fibers with a PGP 9.5 marker disclosed a diffuse innervation of the thoracic duct in young subjects, which was strongly reduced in elderly subjects. In young subjects, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive fibers, markers of noradrenergic postganglionic sympathetic fibers, were frequent; choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactive fibers, marker of cholinergic parasympathetic nerve fibers, were also well represented. Therefore, the influence of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems on the thoracic duct can be confirmed. The immunoreactivity of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a neuropeptide frequently present in cholinergic parasympathetic nerve fibers, was scarcely present. Dopamine-positive fibers were observed in few short nerve fibers. Substance P (SP)-positive fibers were widely distributed in the medial and intimal smooth muscle layers, suggesting their involvement as contractile modulating fibers and sensitive fibers. In elderly subjects, an evident reduction of all specific nerve fibers analyzed was detected, the ChAT-positive fibers being the most affected.The lymphatic vessel thoracic duct is able to regulate hydrodynamic lymph flow by intrinsic contraction of its smooth muscle layer. Therefore, analysis of the thoracic duct innervation pattern may be important in assessing the regulation of vessel contraction. These findings called attention to the reduction of lymphatic drainage functionality affecting fluid balance in the elderly.

The aim of this work is the development of a custom vision system for capsule endoscopy enabling real time data stream at 20 fps. The core components of the system is a custom imager purposely developed for the target application, combined with a red, green and blue LEDs illumination system and a low power FPGA for sensor control, image compression and interfacing with transmission.

a b s t r a c t This work presents a development system, based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), that was specifically designed for testing the entire electronics to be integrated in an endoscopic capsule, such as a camera, an image compression engine, a high-speed telemetric system, illumination and inertial sensors. Thanks to its high flexibility, several features were tested and evaluated, thus allowing to find the optimal configuration, in terms of power consumption, performances and size, to be fit in a capsule. As final result, an average frame rate of 19 frame per second (fps) over a transmission channel of 1.5 Mbit/s was chosen as the best choice for the development of a miniaturized endoscopic capsule prototype.

In the near future, it is likely that 3-dimensional (3D) surgical endoscopes will replace current 2D imaging systems given the rapid spreading of stereoscopy in the consumer market. In this evaluation study, an emerging technology, the autostereoscopic monitor, is compared with the visualization systems mainly used in laparoscopic surgery: a binocular visor, technically equivalent from the viewer’s point of view to the da Vinci 3D console, and a standard 2D monitor. A total of 16 physicians with no experience in 3D interfaces performed 5 different tasks, and the execution time and accuracy of the tasks were evaluated. Moreover, subjective preferences were recorded to qualitatively evaluate the different technologies at the end of each trial. This study demonstrated that the autostereoscopic display is equally effective as the binocular visor for both low- and high-complexity tasks and that it guarantees better performance in terms of execution time than the standard 2D monitor. Moreover, an unconventional task, included to provide the same conditions to the surgeons regardless of their experience, was performed 22% faster when using the autostereoscopic monitor than the binocular visor. However, the final questionnaires demonstrated that 60% of participants preferred the user-friendliness of the binocular visor. These results are greatly heartening because autostereoscopic technology is still in its early stages and offers potential improvement. As a consequence, the authors expect that the increasing interest in autostereoscopy could improve its friendliness in the future and allow the technology to be widely accepted in surgery.

BACKGROUND The aim of this work was to study some morphologic and histochemical characteristics of the wall of blood vessels in the hemangioma of the head and/or face. This disease represents a most frequent vascular pathology, consisting of an embryonic display involving the cranial-facial vascular network. METHODS The clinical characteristics of head-facial hemangioma were studied in 28 individuals (9 males and 19 females) admitted in our hospital. Some of these patients (n = 16) were subjected to the surgical therapy for the removal of the hemangioma. During surgical therapy, all the removed tissues were transferred in our experimental laboratories for the staining of microanatomic details and for immune-chemical demonstration of some specific substances enclosed in the wall of the hemangioma vessels (proteoglycans, collagen type IV, and laminin). All results were submitted to the quantitative analysis of images and statistical evaluation of the data.

Commercial endoscopic capsules are passive. Nevertheless, active capabilities such as active locomotion, drug delivery or biopsy, among others, can now be offered with the aid of robotics. New robotic functions require additional electronics for control purposes, as well as for the sensors and actuators. To avoid increasing the capsule size as a consequence, it is useful to incorporate all the electronics into the minimum number of elements, preferably in a single ASIC. This paper describes the ASIC included in a robotised capsule with the abovementioned active functions. The ASIC is a system-on-chip (SoC) integrating all the electronics needed to control the other electronic elements in the capsule. It also enables the movement of two BLDC motors, illuminates the exploration region and focuses a liquid lens used to achieve advanced vision capabilities. Details of the complete system integration are also given.

This work presents a flexible demo system, based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), that was specifically designed for testing all elements which have to be integrated in an endoscopic capsule, such as an image compression engine, a high-speed telemetric system, illumination system and inertial sensors. Several elements were tested and evaluated, obtaining a maximum frame rate of 19 fps over a transmission channel of 1.5 Mbit/s. The final configuration was chosen for the development of a miniaturized endoscopic capsule prototype.

A custom CMOS image sensor designed for low power endoluminal applications is presented. The fabricated chip includes a 320 × 240 pixel array, a complete read-out channel, a 10-bit ADC converter, a series of DACs for internal references and digital blocks for chip control. The complete functionality of the chip is guaranteed through 7 signal pins, used for the I2C-like input and LVDS output interfaces. Prototypes were produced using UMC 0.18 μ m-CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) technology for both monochrome and colour-RGB versions. Due to its high sensitivity, a pinned photodiode was implemented. The imager was electrically and optically characterized and preliminary ex-vivo tests were performed. Characterization results show state-of-the-art performance in terms of power consumption ( 40 mW for the core), which is less than half compared to off-the-shelf sensors, and light sensitivity (0.1 lux@555 nm for the monochrome imager), which makes sensor performance comparable to CCD technology performance for single chip endoluminal applications.

A miniaturized color camera module for disposable endoscopic applications and minimally invasive surgery has been designed and developed. The module consists of a Complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, miniaturized optics, a Light Emitting Diode (LED)-based illuminator and a connector on a single substrate. The compact size (5.0 mm × 8.2 mm × 7.0 mm), high-efficiency illumination, VGA resolution and good image quality allow it to be used in endoluminal procedures. A demonstration system has been built and tested in vivo. The module is connected through a 1.5-m long cable to a receiver board, which transfers the data stream to a Personal Computer (PC). A dedicated software controls the hardware setting and displays the image, after having performed various color and image processing tasks. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to examine rat thymus innervation using denervation techniques and to explore the related micro-anatomical localization of dopamine, D1, D2 receptors and dopamine membrane transporter (DAT). In the thymus subcapsular region, the parenchymal cholinergic fibers belong exclusively to phrenic nerve branching. No somatic phrenic nerve branching was detected in any other analysed thymus lobule regions. In rats subjected to sympathetic or parasympathetic ablation, it was observed that catecholaminergic and cholinergic nerve fibers respectively contributed to forming plexuses along vessel walls. In the subcapsular and septal region, no parenchymal nerve branching, belonging to sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system was noted. Instead, in the deep cortical region, cortico-medullary junction (CM-j) and medulla, catecholaminergic and cholinergic nerve fibers were detected along the vessels and parenchyma. Dopamine and dopamine receptors were widely diffused in the lobular cortico-medullary junction region and in the medulla, where the final steps of thymocyte maturation and their trafficking take place. No variation in dopamine and DAT immune reaction was observed following total or partial parasympathectomy or phrenic nerve cutting. After chemical or surgical sympathectomy however, neither dopamine nor DAT immune reaction was noted again. Instead, D1 and D2 dopamine receptor expression was not affected by thymus denervation. In rats subjected to specific denervation, it was observed the direct intraparenchymal branching of the phrenic nerve and sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers into thymus parenchyma along vessels. These findings on the dopaminergic system highlight the importance of neurotransmitter receptor expression in the homeostasis of neuroimmune modulation.

A prototype of a vision system for capsular endoscopy provided with autofocus function was developed. It is composed by two main parts: a wireless capsule with an adjustable focus in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, and a personal computer where the autofocus algorithm is implemented. Several benches and ex vivo tests were performed in order to validate the developed system and encouraging results were obtained. Further miniaturization will be pursued to obtain a swallowable device adequate for capsular endoscopy procedures.

INTRODUCTION Hemangiomas of the head or face are a frequent vascular pathology, consisting in an embryonic dysplasia that involves the cranial-facial vascular network. Hemangiomas show clinical, morphological, developmental, and structural changes during their course. METHODS Morphological, structural, ultrastructural, and clinical characteristics of head-facial hemangiomas were studied in 28 patients admitted in our hospital. Nineteen of these patients underwent surgery for the removal of the hemangiomas, whereas 9 patients were not operated on. All the removed tissues were transferred in our laboratories for the morphological staining. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used for the observation of all microanatomical details. All patients were studied for a clinical diagnosis, and many were subjected to surgical therapy. RESULTS The morphological results revealed numerous microanatomical characteristics of the hemangiomatous vessels. The observation by light microscopy shows the afferent and the efferent vessels for every microhemangioma. All the layers of the arterial wall are uneven. The lumen of the arteriole is entirely used by a blood clot. The observation by transmission electron microscopy shows that it was impossible to see the limits of the different layers (endothelium, medial layer, and adventitia) in the whole wall of the vessels. Moreover, both the muscular and elastic components are disarranged and replaced with connective tissue. The observation by scanning electron microscopy shows that the corrosion cast of the hemangioma offers 3 periods of filling: initially with partial filling of the arteriolar and of the whole cast, intermediate with the entire filling of the whole cast (including arteriole and venule), and a last period with a partial emptying of the arteriolar and whole cast while the venule remains totally injected with resin. CONCLUSION Our morphological results can be useful to clinicians for a precise diagnosis on the aftereffects of hemangiomas.

The aim of this study was to quantify iron in the placentas at the end of pregnancy in two patients suffering from beta-thalassemia and compare the data to that recorded from the placentas of healthy women. Iron was quantified in placental specimens taken after the delivery. The specimens were subjected to chemical treatments in order to remove extracellular iron and leave the intracellular iron intact. After coloration, each specimen was subjected to quantitative analysis of images in order to identify and quantify iron. Our results demonstrated that in beta-thalassemia there is an accumulation of iron in the outer basal cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of placental cotyledons.

1. The location and distribution of dopaminergic receptors in rat dura mater was studied by examining several dural zones (vascular, perivascular, intervascular) in different cranial and spinal regions. 2. The pharmacological characteristics and anatomical distribution of dopamine D1- and D2-like receptors sites were investigated using combined pharmacological techniques and immunofluorescent microscopy. 3. Samples of rat dura mater were obtained from 10 adult Wistar rats. On frozen slices, dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors were stained immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies. 4. Inhibition studies were performed using fluorescent and non-fluorescent agonists or antagonists to define the pharmacological specificity of the immunostaining. 5. The greater sensitivity to displacement by amisulpride, bromocryptine, domperidone, haloperidol, raclopride and l-sulpiride than to displacement by N-propyl-nor-apomorphine, quinpirole and clozapine suggests that the immunofluorescent sites observed in these experiments are likely to belong to the dopamine D2 receptor subtype. 6. Our observations provide evidence of the presence of D1 and D2 receptors in the wall of meningeal vessels. The dopaminergic receptors are located in the adventitia, media and intima of dural arteries. Furthermore, the density of receptors is higher in close proximity to arteries and decreases passing from the vascular to the perivascular and intervascular zones. 7. In the rat dura mater, dopamine regulates the meningeal blood vessels and, through this action, dopamine and its receptors can play an important role in the pathogenesis of cephalalgia.

Age-related changes of the catecholaminergic nerve fibers of the trachea, bronchial smooth muscle, lung capillaries and bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) were studied in male Wistar rats aged 3 months (young), 12 months (adult) and 24 months (old/aged). Catecholamine histo- and immuno-fluorescence techniques were used, associated with image analysis and high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection of nor-epinephrine (nor-adrenaline). In young rats, blue-green fluorescent nerve fibers supply the trachea-bronchial smooth muscle and tracheal and bronchial glands. These structures are innervated by a delicate network of nerve fibers, being rich in varicosities. Pulmonary capillaries are sparsely innervated. The highest nor-epinephrine concentration was found in the trachea and bronchi, followed by BALT. The density and the pattern of noradrenergic nerve fibers of the trachea-bronchial tree or of the pulmonary vessels were similar in young and adult rats. In aged rats, a loss of noradrenergic nerve fibers, involving primarily the supply to the smooth muscle of the trachea-bronchial tree, was observed. Fluorescence microscopic techniques demonstrated a higher sensitivity than nor-epinephrine assay in detecting changes of the sympathetic nerve supply of the trachea-bronchial tree, pulmonary vessels and BALT. The possible significance of reduced noradrenergic nerve supply of the trachea-bronchial-pulmonary tree in aged rats is discussed.

Early morphological alterations in the rat kidney and heart due to experimentally induced diabetes are described in order to evaluate the possible therapeutic role of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; OP 2123/parnaparin).Our findings concern the alterations observed in the rat kidney and heart because these are the organs (together with the retina) mainly involved in the early morphological angiopathic modifications associated with diabetic damage of organs and tissues. In diabetic animals treated with LMWH, the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction showed a slight decrease when compared with the diabetic control group. Photographs were submitted to the quantitative analysis of images using a Quantimet 500 Image Analyzer (Leica) equipped with specific software. The following parameters were measured: (1) total area occupied by alkaline phosphatase (AP)-positive capillaries; (2) number and diameter of AP-positive capillaries; (3) distribution and total area occupied by PAS-positive structures (related to the intensity of the reaction resulting from the different amount of mucopolysaccharides).LMWH treatment is efficient in preventing these modifications, above all in the kidney. The histological study of the heart and kidney shows no significant, relevant alterations. However, the histological study of the mucopolysaccharides in diabetic animals highlighted a tendency for the heart to accumulate these substances. LMWH treatment only modestly reduced this accumulation.Previous evidence demonstrating a beneficial effect of therapy based on heparan sulphate proteoglycans and/or other heparin-like substances in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus seems to be confirmed by our experimental results in different organs of adult rats. In fact, parnaparin treatment is effective (in our experience) for ameliorating the morphological pattern observed early in some diabetic tissues of rats and, above all, in the kidney.

Age-related changes of the optic nerve were studied in 3-month-old (young), 12-month-old (adult) and 24-month-old (aged) male Sprague-Dawley rats. Cross sections of the intracranial portion of the optic nerves of animals of different age groups were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and examined under a light microscope at low and high magnification. Other sections were stained with crystal violet for demonstration of glial cells. A third group of sections were stained immunohistochemically to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) which is a marker for localizing and characterizing astrocytes. All morphological results were subjected to the quantitative analysis of images and to statistical analysis to identify significant morphometrical data. Tissue protein concentrations were determined on homogenized fragments of optic nerve. Our results demonstrate the following age-related changes: (1) increase of the optic nerve sheaths (meningeal membranes); (2) increased number of astrocytes; (3) increase of areal density of GFAP immunoreactivity; (4) increased diameter and area of the optic nerve; (5) decreased number of nerve fibres; (6) decreased-size of nerve fibres and (7) decrease of the nerve fibres/meningeal membrane ratio from 3:1 to 1:1. Moreover, the protein amount does not change with age. The rat optic nerve, therefore, appears sensitive to ageing processes and can be considered as a useful model for the studies on neuronal ageing.

Background: Age-related changes of catecholaminergic nerve fibers supplying the myocardium and the coronary vessels were studied in adult and in old rats. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are quantitative changes in myocardial and/or coronary catecholaminergic nerve fibers and related neurotransmitters. Methods: Samples of myocardium and/or coronary vessels were studied by means of glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence, aldehyde-induced fluorescence, and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity. All morphological results were submitted to quantitative analysis of images. Biochemical dosage of proteins and of norepinephrine was also performed, and morphological data were compared with biochemical ones. Finally, all data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Our findings are indicative of an age-related decrease of all types of fluorescent sympathetic nerve fibers in rat heart and coronary arteries. Moreover, our data show that aging induces a strong decrease of norepinephrine levels in tissue homogenates of rat heart and coronary vessels. The majority of the catecholaminergic nerve fibers that show strong age-related changes are not contiguous with contractile cells of myocardium and/or of vascular wall. In fact, these fibers are located in adventitial (or epicardial) and in endothelial (or endocardial) layers. Conclusion: The decrease of the catecholaminergic innervation of heart and coronary vessels of old rats can be in close relationships to the poor cardiac and/or coronary functions observed in old animals.

Age-related changes of the monoaminoxidases, evaluated by enzymatic staining, quantitative analysis of images, biochemical assay and statistical analysis of data were studied in cerebellar cortex of young (3-month-old) and aged (26- month-old) male Sprague-Dawley rats. The enzymatic staining shows the presence of monoamino-oxidases within the molecular and granular layers as well as within the Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum of young and aged animals. In molecular layer, and in Purkinje neurons the levels of monoaminooxidases were strongly increased in old rats. The granular layer showed, on the contrary, an age-dependent loss of enzymatic staining. These morphological findings were confirmed by biochemical results. The possibility that age-related changes in monoaminooxidase levels may be due to impaired energy production mechanisms and/or represent the consequence of reduced energetic needs is discussed.

Interferon, a thymic immunostimulator, was used with the aim of assessing the importance of adrenergic nerve fibers (ANF) and/or AChE-positive nerve fibers (AChENF) in the regulation of some immunological functions in humans. Thymic normal control fragments and/or thymic fragments of immunostimulated patients were removed during surgical biopsies. Thymic slices were stained with eosin-orange (for the recognition of microanatomical details of the microenvironment) and with Bodian's method for staining of nerve fibers. Histofluorescence microscopy was employed for staining ANF. AChENFs were detected by means of the direct-coloring thiocholine method. All images were submitted to quantitative morphometrical analysis and statistical comparisons of data. Moreover, the amount of proteins and noradrenaline was measured on thymic homogenates of the same patients. Treatment with interferon induces substantial changes in the thymic microenvironment, on ANF, on AChENFs and on the total amount of proteins and noradrenaline in thymic tissue homogenates. In conclusion immunostimulation with interferon induces substantial changes in the whole thymus and in its microenvironment, involving both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers.

Summary This study points out the early alterations that affect the sciatic nerve of rats with experimentally induced diabetes. It emphasizes the advantages deriving from treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) OP 2123/parnaparin and correlates these findings with observations emerging from a review of the relevant literature. In fact, the number and diameter of the capillaries within the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats appear to be increased consistent with a microangiopathy (the main characteristic of which is the fragility of new vessels), that is related to the evolution of diabetes in humans and animals. Our results suggest a possible therapeutic role for OP 2123/parnaparin in both diabetic neuropathy and microangiopathy, frequent complications of diabetes.

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a discussion on the vapor-phase and surface chemistry of epitaxial growth theory. The chapter presents a discussion on the kinetics of the gas-phase and surface reactions active during the growth of silicon films from cholrosilanes and silanes precursors. The chapter discusses the reaction pathway that determines the transition of silicon from the gas to the solid phase. The chapter discusses the process usually followed to develop a kinetic mechanism, with a particular emphasis on the individuation of the physical and chemical parameters necessary for the realization of a satisfactory and effective model. Experimental and theoretical methods nowadays adopted to determine kinetic constant values for gas-phase and surface processes are described in brief. Gas-phase reactions of silanes and chlorosilanes are discussed. In particular, they are grouped into thermally activated precursors decomposition, radical reactions, plasma-assisted precursor decomposition, and radical reactions. Thermodynamic parameters for the known SiH x Cl y gas-phase species are also discussed. The chapter reports the details necessary to develop a kinetic scheme. An effort has been made to harmonize all the available information in an elementary mechanism that can be adopted for the growth of silicon films by means of the most important precursors under quite broad process conditions (for example, from high to low pressure and from thermally activated to plasma-assisted depositions).

The aim of this paper is to clarify the distribution of Dopamine D1 (DA D1) receptors in the uveo-scleral tissue of human eyes with or without elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and to study the relationships between DA D1 receptors and uveo-scleral tissue. Samples of human uveo-scleral tissue were taken from seven men undergoing eye surgery for a traumatic lesion of the anterior segment of the eye, without involvement of the iris-corneal angle and /or from eye donors. The subjects (in whom one eye bulb had been surgically enucleated) had been previously enrolled in our medical protocols because they suffered for increased IOP, while the eye donors (of both eye bulbs) had a normal IOP. Frozen sections from the uveo-scleral tissue were submitted to biochemical characterization and to morphological autoradiographic techniques for detection of DA-D1 receptors. [3H]-SCH-23390 was used as a ligand of Dopamine D1 receptors. [3H]-SCH 23390 was bound by sections of the human uveo-scleral tissue. The pharmacological profile of the binding was consistent with the labeling of D1 receptors. Light microscope analysis was used for localization of D1 receptors and revealed an accumulation of the radioligand in the human uveo-scleral tissue. In eyes with normal IOP there is a high reaction. The Bmax of radioligand decreases in the eyes with increased IOP. The possibility that dopaminergic receptors play a role in the controlling uveo-scleral tissue functions is suggested.

Metabolic changes in the rabbit lens have been studied by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These changes have been induced by prolonged topical treatment with dexamethasone. Our results demonstrate an increase in sorbitol, sorbitol-3-phosphate, fructose-3-phosphate, glycerol-3-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate levels and a decrease in glutathione sulphate (GSH) and myo-inositol levels, in agreement with what was observed in lenses from streptozocin-diabetic rats before lens opacity. The hyperglycaemia can only partially explain all these observed biochemical variations. The lack of increase in the intermediates of pentose cycle, such as sedoheptulose-7-phosphate, seems to support the hypothesis of an inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by dexamethasone treatment. Finally dexamethasone treatment induces a decrease in GSH. The decreasing or the loss of GSH has been suggested as a possible pathogenic mechanism in the cataract formation.

The aim of our study was the evaluation of the anatomy of ulnar and median nerves in the upper limb in order to ameliorate knowledge on the clinical anatomy of these nerves. In fact, further information on this topic may be useful owing to its possible clinical relevance when planning surgical anatomy and reconstructive surgery in tumor affected and injured patients. The relationships between ulnar and median nerve and neighbouring anatomical structures have been examined, together with the course and ramification of the ulnar and median nerves in six fresh cadavers. Moreover, we have performed a review of the literature. Four specific aspects were evaluated during dissection: 1) division modality of the ulnar nerve at the wrist; 2) anatomical details of the medial humeral epicondyle; 3) anatomical relationships between median nerve and retinaculum flexorum; 4) median-ulnar nerves anastomosis. Our results show that: the medial humeral epicondyle shows specific anatomical details in relation to the ulnar nerve; the relationships between the median nerve and the transverse carpal ligament may be characterized by one or two nerve trunks (two cases of bifid median nerve in our experience); median-ulnar nerve anastomosis may be also found at various levels. Comparing our results with those of the available literature we can conclude that anatomical variations of ulnar and median nerve in the upper limb are not an infrequent finding and their clinical, diagnostic and surgical relevance should be considered.

The role of myosin-like protein in regenerating and proliferating corneal cells following a standard alkali-injury in the rabbit eye has been studied. Microfilaments were observed by conventional transmission electron microscopy (T.E.M.) in injured epithelium and in fibroblasts. Typical microfilament bundles with electron dense structures and with stress fibers were evident. The presence of myosin-like proteins was demonstrated by means of immunochemical and autoradiographical techniques. Both epithelial cells and fibroblasts bind antimyosin-like antibodies (AMA). The same cells studied with the E.M. showed bundles of microfilaments in the cortical areas of their cytoplasm in correspondence with the same side of fluorescent or labelled AMA. The immunochemical and ultrastructural results suggest that both cells are able to produce in vivo movements involved in morphogenetic phenomena. Therefore, these structures play a role in post-traumatic corneal regeneration.