Characterization of anomalous pair currents in Josephson junction networks

Measurements performed on superconductive networks shaped in the form of planar graphs display anomalously large currents when specific branches are biased. The temperature dependences of these currents evidence that their origin is due to Cooper pair hopping through the Josephson junctions connecting the superconductive islands of the array. The experimental data are discussed in terms of theoretical models which predict, for the system under consideration, an inhomogeneous Cooper pair distribution on the superconductive islands of the network as a consequence of a Bose-Einstein condensation phenomenon.

Palmitoylethanolamide prevents metabolic alterations and restores leptin sensitivity in ovariectomized rats

It has been suggested a role of fatty acid ethanolamides in control of feeding behavior. Among these, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has not been directly implicated in appetite regulation and weight gain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PEA on food intake and body weight and the interaction between PEA and hypothalamic leptin signaling in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy produced hyperphagia and increased weight gain, making it an useful model of mild obesity. Ovariectomized rats were treated with PEA (30 mg/kg sc) for 5 weeks. Then, blood was collected, and hypothalamus and adipose tissue were removed for histological, cellular, and molecular measurements. We showed that PEA caused a reduction of food intake, body weight, and fat mass. The mechanisms underlying PEA effects involved an improvement in hypothalamic leptin signaling, through a raise in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation. We also reported that PEA reduced AMP-activated protein kinase-α phosphorylation and modulated transcription of anorectic and orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Moreover, PEA increased AMP-activated protein kinase-α phosphorylation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 transcription in adipose tissue, suggesting an increase in ATP-producing catabolic pathway. PEA also polarized adipose tissue macrophages to M2 lean phenotype, associated to a reduction of inflammatory cytokines/adipokines. To demonstrate the direct effect of PEA on leptin sensitivity without interference of adiposity loss, we obtained consistent data in PEA-treated sham-operated animals and in vitro in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Therefore, our data provide a rationale for the therapeutic use of PEA in obese postmenopausal woman.

Brain modularity controls the critical behavior of spontaneous activity

The human brain exhibits a complex structure made of scale-free highly connected modules loosely interconnected by weaker links to form a small-world network. These features appear in healthy patients whereas neurological diseases often modify this structure. An important open question concerns the role of brain modularity in sustaining the critical behaviour of spontaneous activity. Here we analyse the neuronal activity of a model, successful in reproducing on non-modular networks the scaling behaviour observed in experimental data, on a modular network implementing the main statistical features measured in human brain. We show that on a modular network, regardless the strength of the synaptic connections or the modular size and number, activity is never fully scale-free. Neuronal avalanches can invade different modules which results in an activity depression, hindering further avalanche propagation. Critical behaviour is solely recovered if inter-module connections are added, modifying the modular into a more random structure.

Energy dependence of the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles in pp collisions measured by ALICE

Differential cross sections of charged particles in inelastic pp collisions as a function of p_T have been measured at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. The p_T spectra are compared to NLO-pQCD calculations. Though the differential cross section for an individual [Formula: see text] cannot be described by NLO-pQCD, the relative increase of cross section with [Formula: see text] is in agreement with NLO-pQCD. Based on these measurements and observations, procedures are discussed to construct pp reference spectra at [Formula: see text] up to p_T=50 GeV/c as required for the calculation of the nuclear modification factor in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions.

Directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity relative to the spectator plane in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV relative to the collision symmetry plane defined by the spectator nucleons. A negative slope of the rapidity-odd directed flow component with approximately 3 times smaller magnitude than found at the highest RHIC energy is observed. This suggests a smaller longitudinal tilt of the initial system and disfavors the strong fireball rotation predicted for the LHC energies. The rapidity-even directed flow component is measured for the first time with spectators and found to be independent of pseudorapidity with a sign change at transverse momenta p(T) between 1.2 and 1.7  GeV/c. Combined with the observation of a vanishing rapidity-even p(T) shift along the spectator deflection this is strong evidence for dipolelike initial density fluctuations in the overlap zone of the nuclei. Similar trends in the rapidity-even directed flow and the estimate from two-particle correlations at midrapidity, which is larger by about a factor of 40, indicate a weak correlation between fluctuating participant and spectator symmetry planes. These observations open new possibilities for investigation of the initial conditions in heavy-ion collisions with spectator nucleons.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Charmonium and e+e- pair photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]

The ALICE Collaboration at the LHC has measured the J/ψ and ψ' photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]. The charmonium is identified via its leptonic decay for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 23 μb-1. The cross section for coherent and incoherent J/ψ production in the rapidity interval -0.9 Collapse

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J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

D meson elliptic flow in noncentral Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 Tev

Azimuthally anisotropic distributions of D0, D+, and D*+ mesons were studied in the central rapidity region (|y|<0.8) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV per nucleon-nucleon collision, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The second Fourier coefficient v2 (commonly denoted elliptic flow) was measured in the centrality class 30%-50% as a function of the D meson transverse momentum pT, in the range 2-16  GeV/c. The measured v2 of D mesons is comparable in magnitude to that of light-flavor hadrons. It is positive in the range 2<pT<6  GeV/c with 5.7σ significance, based on the combination of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Method for speciation of organoarsenic in mussels by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and QTRAP tandem mass spectrometry

Arsenic toxicity to humans critically depends on the chemical form of the arsenic. The Expert Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization defined a tolerable intake only for inorganic arsenic, although the toxicity of some organoarsenic compounds is known. Arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenocholine (AsC), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) are abundant in shellfish. We present a fast and reliable method for identification of the type of organic arsenic in mussels by using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry on triple quadrupole with parallel determination of total arsenic by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method was validated by evaluating mean recoveries, repeatability, specificity, limits of quantification, and limits of detection that produced satisfactory results. The method was used to carry out the first survey of the concentrations of AsB, AsC, MMA, and DMA in seafood from southern Italy. Total As concentrations ranged from 1.38 to 12.79 mg/kg. AsB and DMA were detected in all samples (AsB: 0.72 to 10.36 mg/kg; DMA: 0.28 to 1.08 mg/kg), and concentrations of AsC and MMA ranged from 0.20 to 1.53 mg/kg. This method allowed us to rapidly and inexpensively identify arsenic types in fishery products and would be suitable for routine detection of organoarsenic compounds in molluscs.

Measurement of inelastic, single- and double-diffraction cross sections in proton-proton collisions at the LHC with ALICE

Measurements of cross sections of inelastic and diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions at LHC energies were carried out with the ALICE detector. The fractions of diffractive processes in inelastic collisions were determined from a study of gaps in charged particle pseudorapidity distributions: for single diffraction (diffractive mass MX <200 GeV/c2) [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text]; for double diffraction (for a pseudorapidity gap Δη>3) σDD/σINEL=0.11±0.03,0.12±0.05, and [Formula: see text], respectively at [Formula: see text]. To measure the inelastic cross section, beam properties were determined with van der Meer scans, and, using a simulation of diffraction adjusted to data, the following values were obtained: [Formula: see text] mb at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The single- and double-diffractive cross sections were calculated combining relative rates of diffraction with inelastic cross sections. The results are compared to previous measurements at proton-antiproton and proton-proton colliders at lower energies, to measurements by other experiments at the LHC, and to theoretical models.

Accreditation of a screening method for non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl detection in fishery products according to European legislation

European Commission Regulation 882/2004/EC requires that official control laboratories for foodstuffs in the member states are certified according to UNI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (general requirement for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories). This mandatory requirement has resulted in a continuous adaptation and development of analytical procedures. The aim of this study was to develop a method for semiquantitative screening of polychlorinated biphenyls in fish for human consumption. According to the Commission Decision 657/2002/CE, the detection capability, the precision, the selectivity-specificity, and applicability-ruggedness-stability were determined to validate the method. Moreover, trueness was verified. This procedure resulted in rapid execution, which allowed immediate and effective intervention by the local health authorities to protect the health of consumers. Finally, the procedure has been recognized by the Italian accrediting body, ACCREDIA.

Transverse momentum distribution and nuclear modification factor of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum (p(T)) distribution of primary charged particles is measured in minimum bias (non-single-diffractive) p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The p(T) spectra measured near central rapidity in the range 0.5<p(T) <20 GeV/c exhibit a weak pseudorapidity dependence. The nuclear modification factor R(pPb) is consistent with unity for p(T) above 2 GeV/c. This measurement indicates that the strong suppression of hadron production at high p(T) observed in Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC is not due to an initial-state effect. The measurement is compared to theoretical calculations.

Heavy metals in canned tuna from Italian markets

Fish is a good source of nutrients for humans but can pose a risk to human health because of the possible presence of some xenobiotics such as heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants. Constant monitoring is needed to minimize health risks and ensure product quality and consumer safety. The aim of the present study was to use atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals (Hg, Pb, and Cd) in tuna packaged in different kinds of packages (cans or glass) in various countries (Italy and elsewhere). Concentrations of Cd and Hg were within the limits set by European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and in many samples were below the detection limit. Pb concentrations exceeded European limits in 9.8% of the analyzed samples. These results are reassuring in terms of food safety but highlighted the need to constantly monitor the concentrations of heavy metals in fish products that could endanger consumer health.

Pseudorapidity density of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density measured over four units of pseudorapidity in nonsingle-diffractive p+Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV is presented. The average value at midrapidity is measured to be 16.81±0.71 (syst), which corresponds to 2.14±0.17 (syst) per participating nucleon, calculated with the Glauber model. This is 16% lower than in nonsingle-diffractive pp collisions interpolated to the same collision energy and 84% higher than in d+Au collisions at s√(s(NN))=0.2 TeV. The measured pseudorapidity density in p+Pb collisions is compared to model predictions and provides new constraints on the description of particle production in high-energy nuclear collisions.

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge-dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 0.8 are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudorapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge-dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.

251 DEVELOPMENTAL AND BIOENERGY/OXIDATIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF PREPUBERTAL OVINE OOCYTES MATURED IN VITRO

Juvenile in vitro embryo transfer in farm animals reduces the generation interval and increases the rate of genetic gain. In human reproductive medicine, it enables the preservation of female fertility of young patients affected by cancer or by premature ovarian failure. The developmental competence of in vitro-produced juvenile embryos is strictly related to oocyte quality. The aim of the present study was to analyse the developmental potential and the mitochondrial/oxidative status of ovine prepubertal oocytes matured in vitro to clarify their suitability in juvenile in vitro embryo transfer programs. Oocytes from the ovaries of slaughtered prepubertal lambs (less than 6 months of age) were analysed after in vitro maturation. After cumulus cell removal, oocytes at the metaphase II stage (MII) underwent either IVF plus in vitro embryo culture (Experiment 1; n = 200; Bogliolo et al. 2011 Reprod. Fert. Dev. 23, 809–817) or confocal analysis of mitochondria (mt) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence distribution, intensity, and colocalization (Experiment 2; n = 30; Martino et al. 2012 Fertil. Steril. 97, 720–728) or scavenger enzyme [superoxide dismutase (Ambruosi et al. 2011 PLoS ONE 6, e27452) and catalase (Beers and Sizer 1952 J. Biol. Chem. 195, 133–140)] activity analyses in cell lysates of individual oocytes (Experiment 3; n = 7). In Experiment 1, 150 of 200 MII oocytes (75%) cleaved after 30 h of in vitro embryo culture, and 36 of 150 2- to 4-cell-stage embryos (24%) reached the blastocyst stage at Day 8. In Experiment 2, 60 of 111 (54%) oocytes selected for in vitro maturation culture reached the MII stage, and 30 of them (50%) with a regular size (>150 µm in diameter) and morphology were analysed for bioenergy/redox parameters. Fourteen of 30 oocytes (47%) showed a heterogeneous (perinuclear, pericortical, or both) mt distribution pattern, and the remaining 16 of 30 oocytes (53%) showed a homogeneous distribution of small mt aggregates. Intracellular ROS were uniformly distributed, thus not corresponding to the mt distribution pattern. Fluorescent intensity of mt and ROS labelling, expressed as arbitrary densitometric units, were 821.4 ± 274.7 and 737.6 ± 226.5 in oocytes with a heterogeneous pattern and 723.7 ± 371.6 and 831.7 ± 263.7 in oocytes with a homogeneous pattern, respectively (not significant). The mt/ROS colocalization (Pearson correlation coefficient) did not differ between heterogeneous (0.47 ± 0.2) and homogeneous (0.51 ± 0.09; not significant) oocytes. In Experiment 3, superoxide dismutase (n = 4) and catalase activity (n = 3) values were 1.09 ± 0.03 and 10.63 ± 1.96 IU mg–1 of protein, respectively. This study provides basal values of bioenergy/redox parameters in prepubertal lamb MII oocytes as related to their developmental potential and may increase the knowledge of prepubertal oocyte physiology compared with their young adult counterparts.

High prevalence of undiagnosed anxiety symptoms among HIV-positive individuals on cART: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Anxiety disorders are frequent in HIV-infected individuals, can pre-exist or occur during HIV infection. We evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire whether anxiety is related to HIV clinical status and therapeutic success in a cohort of HIV-positive subjects in Sicily.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 251 patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for at least six months; Self Rating Anxiety State SAS 054 was used to diagnose anxiety and a Z score ≥ 45 points was considered diagnostic.

RESULTS

47% of patients were diagnosed with anxiety. Patients showing symptoms related to anxiety had experienced a high number of therapeutic switches (fourth line or more).

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms among subjects with HIV infection in Eastern Sicily. Physicians should be aware of the extent of the problem and should be able to adequately manage anxiety in the setting of HIV infection.

Pion, kaon, and proton production in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

In this Letter we report the first results on π(±), K(±), p, and p production at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV, measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The p(T) distributions and yields are compared to previous results at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV and expectations from hydrodynamic and thermal models. The spectral shapes indicate a strong increase of the radial flow velocity with sqrt[s(NN)], which in hydrodynamic models is expected as a consequence of the increasing particle density. While the K/π ratio is in line with predictions from the thermal model, the p/π ratio is found to be lower by a factor of about 1.5. This deviation from thermal model expectations is still to be understood.

Thrombophilic gene mutations in children with migraine

In 35 patients of both sexes (18 boys and 17 girls), mean age 8.9 ± 4.5 years, affected by migraine both with (45.2%) and without an aura (54.9%) (P > 0.05) who had no alteration of brain computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated possible thrombotic events in the pathogenesis of the disease. In all cases and in 50 random healthy controls clotting tests (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, protein C activity (PC), antithrombin III (ATIII), protein S (PS), antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), and Lupus anticoagulant (LA) were normal. FVIII and FIX activities were increased in seven and five migraine sufferers, respectively. Genetic thrombophilic risk factors - factor V Leiden (FVL) and MTHFR677T - resulted in a significantly increased prevalence in migraine patients when compared with controls but without significant differences for the F2 polymorphism. The examined polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of developing migraine (odds ratio (OR) > 1). These findings could confirm the key role of a reduced cerebral flow in the pathogenesis of migraine and possible risk of ischaemic stroke (IS) but we feel that these observations need to be confirmed in larger multi-centre studies.

Detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methodology

Over the past years, LC-MS-based approaches have gained a growing interest in food analysis by using different platforms and methodologies. In particular, enhanced selectivity and sensitivity of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan function offer powerful capabilities in detecting and quantifying specific analytes within complex mixtures such as food matrices. The MRM approach, traditionally applied in biomedical research, is particularly suitable for the detection of food adulteration and for the verification of authenticity to assure food safety and quality, both recognized as top priorities by the European Union Commission. Increasingly stringent legislation ensure products safety along every step 'from farm to fork', especially for traditional foods designed with the Protected Designation of Origin certification. Therefore, there is a growing demand of new methodologies for defining food authenticity in order to preserve their unique traits against frauds. In this work, an ultra performance liquid chromatopgraphy-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methodology based on MRM has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration. The targeted quantitative analysis was performed by monitoring specific transitions of the phosphorylated β-casein f33-48 peptide, identified as a novel species-specific proteotypic marker. The high sensitivity of MRM-based MS and the wide dynamic range of triple quadrupole spectrometers have proved to be a valuable tool for the analysis of food matrices such as dairy products, thus offering new opportunities for monitoring food quality and adulterations.

Central administration of oxytocin reduces hyperalgesia in mice: implication for cannabinoid and opioid systems

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) contributes to the regulation of diverse cognitive and physiological functions including nociception. Indeed, OXT has been reported to be analgesic when administered directly into the brain, the spinal cord, or systemically. Although many authors have reported the analgesic effects of OXT, its mechanism has not been well elucidated. Recently, it has been also hypothesize that OXT, increasing intracellular concentration of calcium, could regulate the production of mediators, like endocannabinoids (eCB). It has been well documented that eCB are able to suppress pain pathways. The present study investigates the effect of OXT in paw carrageenan-induced pain. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of OXT, but neither intraperitoneal nor intraplantar route, induces an antihyperalgesic effect increasing paw withdrawal latency to mechanical or thermal stimuli. Our results clearly demonstrate that 3 and 6h following carrageenan challenge, central administration of OXT (30 ng/mouse) shows a significant antihyperalgesic activity. Moreover, for the first time, we demonstrate that CB1 receptor plays a key role in the antihyperalgesic effect of OXT. In fact our results show CB1 antagonist, but not the specific CB2 antagonist reduce OXT-induced antihyperalgesic effect. In addition, our data show that central OXT administration is able to reduce carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia but does not modify carrageenan-induced paw edema. Finally, using opioid antagonists we confirm an important role of opioid receptors. In conclusion, our experiments suggest that central administration of OXT reduces hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan, and this effect may work via cannabinoid and opioid systems.

Nano Superconducting QUantum Interference Device sensors for magnetic nanoparticle detection

In this paper, Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) based on single layer Nb nanobridge Josephson junctions are described. Devices, with loop area ranging from 4 to 0.5 microm2, have been patterned by Electron Beam Lithography (EBL) in a 20 nm thick Nb layer, achieving a responsivity of about 30 microA/phi0. Magnetization measurements have been performed via switching current measurements at a temperature T = 4.2 K. Preliminary detection of Silica-magnetite (Fe3O4-SiO2) core/shell nanoparticle cluster has been proven.

Effect on haematological and anthropometric parameters of iron supplementation in the first 2 years of life. Risks and benefits

Effects of iron supplementation (IS) on haematological and anthropometric parameters in a cohort of 121 healthy children, followed from 6 to 24 months of life, in the Paediatric Department, Second University of Naples, were evaluated. Children were randomly segregated in four groups: (1) exclusively breast feeding (BF) weaned with non-iron fortified (NIF) foods, (2) BF and iron fortified formulas (IFF) and foods, (3) exclusively IFF and foods, (4) BF and oral iron supplementation (OIS). Haematological parameters (Hb, MCV, Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation) in addition to anthropometric measurements (length and weight) were obtained. Results from the study at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months showed significantly lower values of haematological parameters in BF infants than other groups and in IFF infants than in those with OIS. In contrast children with OIS showed significant lower length. It appears that IS may be of limited or no benefit for growth in non-iron deficient children.

Levels of heavy metals in liver and kidney of dogs from urban environment

Lead, cadmium and mercury were detected in liver and kidney tissue of dogs from an urban habitat. Samples were digested in a microwave system and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results of the current study showed that at least one of the three heavy metals was detected in tissues of all examined dogs. These findings make us suppose that humans are exposed to the same heavy metals similar to those of dogs that are exposed since they share the same environment. Mercury concentrations detected in kidney of household dogs were higher than stray dogs, therefore the involvement of pet food in exposure to mercury can be supposed.

Levels of heavy metals in liver and kidney of dogs from urban environment

Lead, cadmium and mercury were detected in liver and kidney tissue of dogs from an urban habitat. Samples were digested in a microwave system and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results of the current study showed that at least one of the three heavy metals was detected in tissues of all examined dogs. These findings make us suppose that humans are exposed to the same heavy metals similar to those of dogs that are exposed since they share the same environment. Mercury concentrations detected in kidney of household dogs were higher than stray dogs, therefore the involvement of pet food in exposure to mercury can be supposed.

Neuroprotection by leptin in a rat model of permanent cerebral ischemia: effects on STAT3 phosphorylation in discrete cells of the brain

In addition to its effects in the hypothalamus to control body weight, leptin is involved in the regulation of neuronal function, development and survival. Recent findings have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of leptin against ischemic brain injury; however, to date, little is known about the role performed by the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, a major mediator of leptin receptor transduction pathway in the brain, in the beneficial effects of the hormone. Our data demonstrate that systemic acute administration of leptin produces neuroprotection in rats subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), as revealed by a significant reduction of the brain infarct volume and neurological deficit up to 7 days after the induction of ischemia. By combining a subcellular fractionation approach with immunohistofluorescence, we observe that neuroprotection is associated with a cell type-specific modulation of STAT3 phosphorylation in the ischemic cortex. The early enhancement of nuclear phospho-STAT3 induced by leptin in the astrocytes of the ischemic penumbra may contribute to a beneficial effect of these cells on the evolution of tissue damage. In addition, the elevation of phospho-STAT3 induced by leptin in the neurons after 24 h MCAo is associated with an increased expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 in the cortex, suggesting its possible involvement to the neuroprotection produced by the adipokine.