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We propose here a novel voltammetric method for the determination of platinum at trace levels. The method is based on the interference that platinum generates on the anodic stripping signal of tin acidic solutions: in appropriate conditions platinum uses the intermediate formation of tin(II) ions, taking place during the tin cathodic reduction, to reduce itself and to form mixed Pt(II)-Sn(II) chloro-complexes. From the analysis of the anodic stripping plots obtained after subsequent additions of tin in a Pt-containing solution, it is possible to quantify accurately and precisely the Pt concentration from 3 ppb to more than 10 ppm. This novel method is validated for the analysis of Pt in heterogeneous catalysts, but in principle could be extended to other matrixes.

Candida albicans is the most notorious and the most widely studied yeast biofilm former. Design of experiments (DoE) showed that 10 mg/L zosteric acid sodium salt reduced C. albicans adhesion and the subsequent biofilm formation by at least 70%, on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces of 96-well plates. Indeed, biofilm imaging revealed the dramatic impact of zosteric acid sodium salt on biofilm thickness and morphology, due to the inability of the cells to form filamentous structures while remaining metabolically active. In the same way, 10 mg/L zosteric acid sodium salt inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation when added after the adhesion phase. Contrary to zosteric acid sodium salt, methyl zosterate did not affect yeast biofilm. In addition, zosteric acid sodium salt enhanced sensitivity to chlorhexidine, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and cis-2-decenoic acid, with a reduction of 0.5 to 8 log units. Preliminary in vitro studies using suitable primary cell based models revealed that zosteric acid sodium salt did not compromise the cellular activity, adhesion, proliferation or morphology of either the murine fibroblast line L929 or the human osteosarcoma line MG-63. Thus the use of zosteric acid sodium salt could provide a suitable, innovative, preventive, and integrative approach to preventing yeast biofilm formation.

Local therapy with trichoriboside and trichosaccharide, which have been found to be beneficial for scalp hair maintenance in adult males affected by androgenic alopecia, was found to increase cAMP levels in human scalp hair follicles. The increase was significant in men affected by androgenic alopecia, whereas it was not significant in unaffected control men. Trichoriboside showed a greater activity than trichosaccharide, and such activity was accompanied by a significant concomitant reduction of ATP in the hair.

Plasma cortisol half-times following an i.v. pharmacological dose were determined in subjects with variously serious forms of liver disease in a search for data indicating the course and prognosis. Determinations were made by means of the competitive protein binding technique. In the normal subject, values remain within the range 49 to 95 min. In acute and chronic liver disease, it was found that values in subsequent controls varied in function of the course. Cases with clinically cured acute hepatitis presented values within normal limits, while stationary or aggravescent forms were always accompanied by values of over 95'. It is suggested, therefore, that this test will give useful information concerning the course and prognosis of both acute and chronic liver disease.