Electrospun La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–δ (LSCF) nanorod cathodes are investigated. Morphological characterization shows that the nanorods are arranged into a 3‐D stochastic structure, with multiple ...contact points with each other. Experimental characterization of symmetrical button cells through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates an electrode polarization resistance Rp = 3.9 Ω cm2 at 940 K and Rp = 10.9 Ω cm2 at 890 K. The impedance results, measured from 890 K up to 1,200 K, show that the depressed Gerischer behavior is not an intrinsic feature of the electrode, since it appears only at certain well defined temperatures, and then it tends to disappear for other operating temperatures. Equivalent circuit model fitting is accomplished through the depressed Gerischer element, and also through an alternative circuit based on a normal Gerischer coupled to an RQ element. The superior fitting capability of the latter equivalent circuit is demonstrated. The latter circuit allows to assess separately the impedance contribution of the electrode bulk, associated to the Gerischer element, and of the electrode/electrolyte interface, associated to the RQ element. Both the related polarization resistances are larger with the electrospun LSCF 3‐D random nanorod electrode, rather than with an electrospun LSCF electrode with unbroken nanofibers laying neatly in‐plane over the electrolyte.
IntroductionWhile laser technology has expanded the armamentarium of treatment for various skin diseases during the past years, heterogeneity in study outcomes hampers comparability and appropriate ...evidence synthesis. Part of these issues can be addressed by developing a generic outcome set. Using the Delphi method, this study aims to seek consensus between key stakeholders on relevant generic outcomes (what to measure) for implementation in the international registry on Laser trEAtments in Dermatology (LEAD). The registry is focused on collecting research data on various laser treatments for skin disorders.Methods and analysisBy reviewing the literature and involvement of key stakeholder groups and adult patients in need or after laser surgery and health professionals, a preliminary list of outcomes will be generated and categorised into domains. Using these outcomes, an international three-round Delphi study will be performed to rate the importance of outcomes in the selection of a generic outcome set. Participants are allowed to provide new outcomes to the preliminary list for revisions during the first Delphi round. Finally, results will be discussed during a consensus meeting to agree on generic outcomes to be used in the LEAD registry.Ethics and disseminationAn ethics approval was not applicable (W19_290 # 18.336). The study is registered with the Cochrane Skin Core OUtcome Set INitiative) and the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative. Procedures will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
"Salsiccia Sarda" is catalogued as a ready-to-eat food (RTE) for which actual European Legislation proposes microbiological criteria for L. monocytogenes. This study evaluates the influence of water ...activity (aw) on L. monocytogenes growth in 180 "Salsiccia Sarda" samples. A challenge test was performed to determine the L. monocytogenes growth potential (delta). The highest values of delta were detected in samples with limited values of a.sub.w, showing that this product is frequently around the limits for the growth of this pathogen. Our results provide some critical information about process parameter combinations that could lead to greater safety of this product and better L. monocytogenes control. Keywords: Challenge test, growth potential, legislation, Listeria monocytogenes, ready to eat meat products, "Salsiccia Sarda", water activity
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Currently, many attempts have been made worldwide to isolate compounds from plants that could prevent transmission of HIV and offer new treatments. In this study, the methanolic extract of Onopordum ...illyricum aerial parts was evaluated for the inhibition of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) ribonuclease H (RNase H), an attractive target for the identification of new antiretroviral inhibitors. Using an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated RNase H inhibition assay, the bio-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of seven compounds (luteolin, apigenin, hispidulin, arctiin, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and two germacranes, 8α-(5-hydroxy)-angeloylsalonitenolide and onopordopicrin). Among them, luteolin was the most effective on RNase H RT-associated function (IC
50
of 12.8 μM), followed by 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and apigenin with IC
50
values of 16.9 and 59.6 μM, respectively. Pure compounds were then assayed for their effects also on HIV-1 integrase (IN). 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, arctiin, onopordopicrin, and luteolin exhibited the most potent inhibition with IC
50
values ranging from 0.50 to 22.5 μM. 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid was also able to inhibit the early stages of HIV-1 replication in cell-based assays.
The microbiological quality of the water used in irrigation is crucial for the safety of products, such as fruit and vegetables, especially when destined to be consumed raw. However, the ...microbiological quality of this water is not defined at a community regulatory level or at a national level.
With our present work, we wanted to investigate the microbiological quality of the water used for crop irrigation in various Sardinian provinces. Since in most fields the irrigation water is filtered to remove any impurities, the sample was processed twice - both before and after the filtering process. Furthermore, with the purpose of hypothesising the potential health risks attributable to the consumption of crops from the tested fields, samples of horticultural product were collect. Any eventual seasonal differences in the values of microbial concentration were assessed. Microorganism faecal contamination indicators (Escherichia coli, total coliform and faecal streptococci), but even the presence of the opportunistic pathogen such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa were researched in irrigation water. Total mesophilic counts (TMC) were assessed at 36°C and 22°C. On horticultural products we researched both the indicators of process parameters, such as Escherichia coli, Total mesophilic counts at 30°C, Enterobacteriaceae, Total Psychrophilic counts and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogens, such as Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica.
The number of target microorganisms, when present in irrigation water, was very limited: Escherichia coli, total coliform and faecal streptococci, were detected respectively in 48% and 67% of the water samples tested with average concentration values of 0.9, 1.2 and 1.4 log respectively. In fresh vegetable products, the total mesophilic counts (TMC) were found to have average values of 6.6x107 CFU/g. The average values of Enterobacteriaceae totalled 6.1x105 CFU/g; Escherichia coli was detected in only one sample (curly endive) with a value of 180 CFU/g.
The data highlights the high quality of the water and how this contributed to achieving satisfactory quality on prime material. However the use of filters, to eliminate impurities, and reservoirs, may represent a crucial issue, if not managed correctly.
The genus Taylorella is composed of two species: (i) Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of CEM, a venereally transmitted infection of Equidae and (ii) Taylorella asinigenitalis, a closely ...related species considered to be nonpathogenic, although experimental infection of mares with this bacterium resulted in clinical signs of vaginitis, cervicitis or endometritis. Currently, there is a need for an alternative host model to further study the taylorellae species. In this context, we explored Galleria mellonella larvae as potential alternative model hosts for taylorellae. Our results showed that infection of G. mellonella larvae with a high concentration of taylorellae did not induce overt G. mellonella mortality and that taylorellae were not able to proliferate within G. mellonella. In conclusion, G. mellonella larvae are resistant to taylorellae infection and therefore do not constitute a relevant alternative system for studying the virulence of taylorellae species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To date, the pathogenicity and host colonization capacity of Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM) and T. asinigenitalis, the second species within the Taylorella genus, remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the relevance of Galleria mellonella as an infection model for taylorellae; we showed that G. mellonella are resistant to taylorellae infection and therefore do not constitute a suitable host model for taylorellae.
The activity of palbociclib as a single agent in advanced breast cancer has not been extensively studied, with the only available clinical data limited to heavily pretreated patients. Preclinical ...data suggests palbociclib may partially reverse endocrine resistance, though this hypothesis has not been evaluated in previous clinical studies. This phase II, open-label, multicenter study examined the activity of palbociclib monotherapy, as well as palbociclib given in combination with the same endocrine therapy (ET) that was received prior to disease progression, in postmenopausal women with moderately pretreated, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer.
Eligible women with advanced disease which had progressed on one or two prior ETs were randomized 1 : 1 to receive either palbociclib alone, or palbociclib in combination with the ET as previously received. Primary end point was clinical benefit rate (CBR); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS).
Between October 2012 and July 2016, a total of 115 patients were randomized. The CBR was 54% 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.5–63.7 for combination therapy, and 60% (95% CI: 47.8–72.9) for monotherapy. Median PFS was 10.8months (95% CI: 5.6–12.7) for combination therapy, and 6.5months (95% CI: 5.4–8.5) for monotherapy hazard ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4–1.1, exploratory P-value=0.12. Exploratory analyses revealed the PFS advantage for combination therapy was seen in the subgroup of patients who received prior ET for >6months (HR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9, exploratory P-value=0.02), but not in those who received prior ET for ≤6months.
Palbociclib has clinical activity as a single agent in women with moderately pretreated, oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Palbociclib may have potential to reverse endocrine resistance in patients with a history of previous durable response to ET.
NCT02549430
Each year in industrialized countries, 30-40% or more cases of food poisoning occur in the household. The aims of this study are to describe the aspects related to food safety in households by ...carrying out a microbiological characterization of the kitchens in residential dwellings and to increase consumers' awareness concerning the importance of good hygienic practices, which are required for preventing foodborne diseases at household level.
The collection of data involved taking 760 analytical samples of kitchen-counter tops and food from 80 kitchens of private dwellings; the manner in which food was treated was evaluated from the moment of purchase to its transformation and storage by means of a checklist; the questionnaire enabled us to determine the extent of consumers' knowledge concerning the food sector.
Overall, the results showed a good level of hygiene concerning both food and kitchen-counter top food surfaces. The respondents of the questionnaire did not appear to be aware of various health risks especially concerning the management of the temperature and compartments of refrigerators as well as food storage times and the cooking or heating of food.
The data indicate that final consumers should take more care when cleaning kitchen-counter tops and washing salad; special training programmes should be included in school curricular in order to increase citizens' awareness and knowledge concerning food risks within the household.
Let
G
=
(
V
,
E
)
be the graph obtained by taking the cartesian product of an infinite and connected graph
G
=
(
V
,
E
)
and the set of integers
Z
. We choose a collection
C
of finite connected ...subgraphs of
G
and consider a model of Bernoulli bond percolation on
G
which assigns probability
q
of being open to each edge whose projection onto
G
lies in some subgraph of
C
and probability
p
to every other edge. We show that the critical percolation threshold
p
c
(
q
)
is a continuous function in (0, 1), provided that the graphs in
C
are “well-spaced” in
G
and their vertex sets have uniformly bounded cardinality. This generalizes a recent result due to Szabó and Valesin.
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