The effect of oral administration of zeolite on the energy metabolism and reproductive health of Romanian spotted breed in advanced gestation and post partum period

The dairy cow experiences the most significant impact from negative energy balance during this period, which adversely affects reproductive health. Consequently, most pathologies affect dairy cows during this time frame. Thus, with the primary objective of reducing the incidence of these pathologies on dairy farms, we questioned whether supplemental zeolite administration in cattle feed would affect metabolism and reproductive health. Therefore, we proposed introducing an antepartum and postpartum supplementation of 400 g of zeolite in the basal diet. The control group received only the basal diet without zeolite supplementation. Monitoring the results stemmed from the consideration that reproductive health can only be present based on an unaltered energy metabolism. Hence, we deemed it necessary to analyze several metabolic markers in light of the expected outcomes concerning reproductive health. Cows treated with zeolite exhibited a calving to first service interval 12.78 days earlier than those in the control group. Moreover, the average number of services per conception used for future gestation was 0.44 lower in the zeolite-treated group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the treatment group showed a lower presence of pathogens in the uterus and displayed a more favorable average uterine score. Observations following the completion of the research point towards an improvement in the health of transition dairy cows, opening a new path for dairy farms in terms of preventing postpartum pathologies. Indeed, the benefits from this study primarily impact the animals rather than directly influencing milk production. Therefore, further research is necessary in this regard.

A Pilot Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and 177Lu-PSMA-617 for Oligometastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly used for oligorecurrent prostate cancer (OPC). Despite excellent local control, distant metastasis free survival rates are more modest. We hypothesized SBRT outcomes could be optimized with improved staging imaging and integration of a well-tolerated targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (RLT) for microscopic disease. We report initial results of a prospective, single-institution pilot (NCT05079698) of a novel, PSMA-based theranostic strategy for OPC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Men with castrate sensitive OPC and 1-3 sites of PSMA PET avid disease ("index lesions") and no PSMA non-avid sites were eligible. No androgen deprivation therapy was permitted. Subjects first received 2 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA-617 RLT (7.47±0.14 GBq) spaced 6 weeks apart. In vivo dosimetry was performed during cycle 1. Four weeks post-cycle 2, patients were restaged with 68Ga-PSMA PET for an interim (post-RLT) response assessment. Index lesions were then consolidated with SBRT (9 Gy x 3) irrespective of post-RLT PET response. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as successful completion of protocol-mandated therapy without intercurrent distant failure on post-RLT PET.

RESULTS

Six men were treated with nine total index lesions (5 nodal, 3 osseous, 1 visceral). The study met its primary endpoint; all completed required interventions and no distant progression was seen on interim PSMA PET. Treatment was well tolerated; no grade 3+ toxicities, 2/6 had grade 2 toxicities (transient anemia and hyperbilirubinemia) and 5/6 had grade 1 toxicities. Median baseline lesion-level PSMA SUVmax was 16.8±8.7. Median interim SUVmax was 6.2±2.5 and declined for all but one lesion post-RLT (median -65%). Median SUVmax at 3-mos post-SBRT was 3.3±2.5 and decreased for all evaluable lesions (median -80%). Median baseline PSA was 2.01 ng/mL (range: 0.72-4.56) which declined in 5/6 post-RLT. The 6th patient experienced biochemical rise with interim PET showing only greater avidity in the known index lesion and SBRT was completed per protocol. All 4 evaluable patients with at least one post-SBRT follow-up have improved PSA at last visit (range 5.5-12 mos from cycle 1), and 2/4 have undetectable PSA. Composite dosimetry, correlatives and quality of life studies are forthcoming.

CONCLUSION

Our pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel PSMA anchored theranostic strategy combining SBRT with targeted RLT for OPC. Preliminary data suggests promising outcomes, including the possibility of achieving an undetectable biochemical disease state without hormone therapy.

Model-Based ISO 14971 Risk Management of EEG-Based Medical Devices

Risk management (RM) is a key component of the development of modern medical devices (MD) to achieve acceptable functional safety and pass the regulatory process. The emerging availability of various techniques, languages, and tools that use model-based system engineering (MBSE) promises to facilitate the development and analysis of complex MD. In this paper, we show how to integrate RM principles and activities recommended in ISO 14971 medical standard into an MBSE-driven MD development process. We propose a method and framework capable of modeling essential RM concepts and performing RM and safety analysis in the early stages of the MD development life cycle. The framework extends OMG RAAML (Object Management Group Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language) to the medical domain according to ISO 14971. We illustrate our approach using a case study of the e-Glass system developed for real-time EEG-based subject monitoring with the intended use of stress monitoring.Clinical Relevance-This facilitates the MD certification process by semi-automation of RM based on ISO 14971 and obtaining safe MD by design.

2D speckle tracking: a diagnostic and prognostic tool of paramount importance

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to conduct a review of the literature relevant to cardiac imaging techniques and summarize the use of different non-invasive imaging modalities in the assessment of ventricular size, function, and mechanics. The current review emphasizes the benefits of speckle tracking imaging (STI), highlighting its use in demonstrating myocardial strain. This robust technique is a recent addition to the existing imaging techniques that are used to assess the myocardium. In terms of effectively determining the left ventricle ejection fraction, it is a comparable technique to cardiac magnetic resonance. The use of STI method for image acquisition relies on semiautomatic identification of the border and deformation of the region of interest, and is also independent of the angle of insonation, thus it increases the inter-and intra-observer reproducibility in contrast to the conventional tissue doppler imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were thoroughly searched for the following keywords: 2- dimensional/ two-dimensional/ 2-D, speckle/strain tracking, systolic dysfunction, and heart failure. The studies selected described image acquisition techniques and the application of this imaging modality in various clinical settings. The selected journal articles were perused to provide the best possible analysis of STI.

RESULTS

Our comparative analysis demonstrated that the STI, when compared with the conventional echocardiography, is a more sensitive image acquiring technique for detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Based on the analysis it can be stated that the STI can provide valuable information on both regional and global myocardial function, and it can also quantify cardiac synchronicity and rotation. Additionally, it serves as a better prognostic indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

The change in longitudinal strain can serve as an early marker of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and therefore, monitoring via STI has both diagnostic and prognostic value in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, valvulopathies, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Despite the lack of standardization, the method is also effective in assessing the right ventricle and left atrial function and arterial rigidity.

Deficiency of Vitamin D, a Major Risk Factor for SARS-CoV-2 Severity

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak started in March 2020 with more than 120,552,261 cases at present and having caused over 2,667,248 deaths worldwide at the time this paper was written. The clinical signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection are especially evident in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Patients can be asymptomatic or present mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute lung injury leading to multiorgan failure and death. The study aims to assess the levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)-D) in 20 hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 20 deceased people and to analyze the influence of vitamin D status on the severity of their disease.

METHODS

The present study was conducted on 40 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were divided into two groups: 20 patients admitted to the "Victor Babes" Hospital of Infectious Diseases and 20 postmortem cases autopsied at the Institute of Legal Medicine Timisoara, Romania. During the autopsy, blood and bronchial fluid samples were collected for the laboratory. Automate Viral RNA extraction was performed on the Maxwell 48 RSC Extraction System (Promega, USA) using the Maxwell RSC Viral Total Nucleic Acid Purification kit (Promega, USA). After RNA extraction, the samples were amplified on a 7500 real-time PCR (Applied Biosystems, USA) using the genesig® Real-Time PCR Assay 2G (Primer Design, UK).

RESULTS

The living and deceased patients selected for the research presented decreased vitamin D levels, which are associated with increased levels of D-dimers, C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These patients had a severe form of the SARS-CoV-2 disease, which led to death.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that deficiency of vitamin D in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 presents a major risk factor related to the evolution and severity of the disease.

Microbial contamination of resin composites inside their dispensers: An increased risk of cross-infection?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of microorganisms' contamination inside the dispensing syringes of different types of resin-based composites (RBCs).

METHODS

This study encompassed two sections. First, an anonymous electronic survey was submitted via Google forms to Italian dentists to acquire information about composite handling during clinical procedures. Then, a bench test was performed on nanohybrid RBCs differing in matrix chemistry and fillers [FiltekTM Supreme XTE (3MTM); Venus Pearl (Kulzer GmbH); Admira Fusion x-tra (Voco)] to evaluate the microbial viability on their surfaces with/out photocuring. Uncured RBCs were exposed to standardized inocula of Streptococcus Mutans, Candida Albicans, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, or mixt plaque in an in vitro model reproducing clinical restorative procedures. Half of the RBC specimens were cured after exposure. Microbial viability was assessed using an MTT-based test. Statistical analysis included three-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Among 300 dentists completing the survey, the majority declared to use the spatula to carry the RBCs from the syringe to the dental cavity (50% same spatula; 35% two spatulas). However, 80% of respondents had personal feelings that using one spatula could be a source of cross-contamination. In vitro results using one spatula showed microbial contamination of all RBCs after one hour of storage. The contamination levels depended on the used strain and RBC type (p<0.0001), but photocuring did not reduce contamination (p = 0.2992).

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial species' viability on uncured RBCs and after photocuring shows the existence of a considerable risk of cross-infection. Clinical procedures in Restorative Dentistry need to acknowledge and to reduce such risk during RBCs handling.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dentists must be aware of the possibility of cross-infection during restorative procedures, especially when the same spatula is repeatedly used for placing RBC in the cavity.

Can Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth be modulated by natural compounds?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that frequently induces antibiotic resistance, as it mainly tends to form biofilms. Iron chelation may be an intriguing strategy to contrast bacterial growth. Lactoferrin is a natural compound able to chelate iron. A new multi-component medical device also contains lactoferrin. This study analyzed this compound investigating the in vitro capacity to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a multicomponent medical device (Saflovir), also containing lactoferrin, could inhibit the in vitro growth of P. aeruginosa. This activity could be positively used in the prevention of respiratory nasal infections.

Antibodies fragments as enablers of cardiac troponin (cTn) detection with extended gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (EGFET)

Background

Cardiac troponin is the gold standard biomarker used to rule in or out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients. Highly sensitive and reliable detection mechanisms for this important biomarker are required for advancing the field of early detection in medical applications. Field effect transistor (FET) sensors, specifically functionalised with troponin antibodies, can perform specific detection of cardiac troponin I or T, with high sensitivity and low limit of detection (LoD), in fully scalable and low power operated intelligent sensing systems.

Purpose

To design and realize a new wearable blood or sweat on-chip sensor, able to perform a real-time reliable detection of the cardiac troponin level in a patient suffering of AMI symptoms or during the post-operative phase. The sensor exploits the voltammetric detection of biomarkers, and offers the potential for miniaturization and reduced hospitalization costs.

Methods

Electrical current modulation in field effect transistor-based sensors is used as transducing principle, as a result of the surface potential change following exposure to biological fluids containing different concentrations of antigens. The use of antibodies fragments, properly attached to the sensor surface, enhances the sensitivity. Proof of concept tests involve the detection of fluorescein.

Results

The specific antigen detection by means of an electrical measurement has been proved, with a detection limit of &lt;1 nM (24ng/mL), linear range over one decade and a sensitivity around 70mV/decade. Fluorescein antibodies fragments, commercially purchased, were attached to the gate of an EGFET device; the binding events between fluorescein molecules and the correspondent antibodies modify the electrical conduction properties of the transducer, creating a current shift whose amplitude is univocally related to the antigen concentration. The exploitation of the antibodies fragments allows the antigens to bind closer to the sensing surface, creating a more noticeable electrical perturbation. The device is made of a commercial Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET (MOSFET), whose gate is extended by a platinum electrode for sensing. The metal is then functionalised by attaching covalently antibodies fragments that act as probes for the antigens in the tested biofluids. Laboratory samples were prepared in house, using fluorescein as antigen. Concentrations between 45pM and 1uM have been tested, and the absence of non-specific binding has been successfully proved with bovine serum albumin (BSA), for which any noticeable response has been recorded.

Conclusion

We report an important step towards a real-time and reliable detection of cardiac troponin by means of nano-ISFETs, demonstrating the fluorescein antigens-antibodies specific binding. Further steps consists in correctly achieve a surface functionalisation with cardiac troponin I antibodies, and further enhance the sensor LoD.

Antigens detection with EGFET

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation: ERA-NET, FLAG-ERA CONVERGENCE

Shape Coexistence at Zero Spin in ^{64}Ni Driven by the Monopole Tensor Interaction

The low-spin structure of the semimagic ^{64}Ni nucleus has been considerably expanded: combining four experiments, several 0^{+} and 2^{+} excited states were identified below 4.5 MeV, and their properties established. The Monte Carlo shell model accounts for the results and unveils an unexpectedly complex landscape of coexisting shapes: a prolate 0^{+} excitation is located at a surprisingly high energy (3463 keV), with a collective 2^{+} state 286 keV above it, the first such observation in Ni isotopes. The evolution in excitation energy of the prolate minimum across the neutron N=40 subshell gap highlights the impact of the monopole interaction and its variation in strength with N.

Electrokinetic transport and distribution of antibacterial nanoparticles for endodontic disinfection

AIM

To assess a novel, noninvasive intervention capable of mobilizing charged antibacterial nanoparticles to the apical portions of the root canal system, utilizing the principles of electrokinetics.

METHODS

Experiments were conducted in three stages. Stage-1: A computer model was generated to predict and visualize the electric field and current density distribution generated by the proposed intervention. Stage-2: Transport of chitosan nanoparticles (CSnp) was evaluated qualitatively using a transparent microfluidic model with fluorescent-labelled CSnp. Stage-3: An ex vivo model was utilized to study the antimicrobial efficacy of the proposed treatment against 3-week-old monospecies E. faecalis biofilms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized in this stage to confirm the deposition of CSnp.

RESULTS

The results of the computer simulations predicted an electric field and current density that reach their maxima at the apical constriction of the root canal. Correspondingly, the microfluidic experiments demonstrated rapid, controlled CSnp transport throughout the simulated root canal anatomy with subsequent distribution and deposition in the apical constriction as well as periapical regions. Infected root canals when subjected to the novel treatment method resulted in a mean bacterial reduction of 2.1 log CFU. SEM analysis revealed electrophoretic deposition of chitosan nanoparticles onto the root canal dentine walls in the apical region.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study demonstrate that the combination of cationic antibacterial nanoparticles with a low-intensity electric field results in particle transportation (electrophoresis) and deposition within the root canal. This results in a synergistic antibiofilm efficacy and has the potential to enhance root canal disinfection.

P900 The Heart Model: Automated LVEF calculation in the real world

Background

Heart Model (HM) is a proprietary, model-based algorithm for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a 3D dataset acquired from an apical 4-chamber view by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). There is evidence for superior reproducibility compared to 2D echo methods for LVEF measurement.

Objective

To assess the correlation of LVEF by HM with conventional, 2D LVEF methods.

Methods

All TTEs performed between 04-08/02/2019 by 2 HM-trained sonographers were included. Demographic characteristics, indication for TTE, LVEF by Simpson"s (LVEF_S), by "eyeballing" (LVEF_EB) and by HM (LVEF_HM), were recorded; LVEF for each study was also estimated by eye-balling by an experienced observer unaware of the reported LVEF (LVEF_IND). We compared LVEF by each method, their reciprocal correlations and their correlation with LVEF_HM. Image quality was rated excellent (endocardial border visible for all segments in the 3 apical views), good (&lt; 1 segment was not visible / view), adequate (&lt; 3 segments were not visible) and limited (&lt;4 segments were not visible). Indications for TTE were: assessment of LVEF in 1/3 of the studies, murmurs in 1/5, and other indications in the rest.

Results

We included 74 patients (42 M, mean age (SD) 69.8(13.9), range 18-92 years). Forty-nine (66%) patients were in sinus rhythm, 23 (31%) were in AF, and the rest were in various paced rhythms. Fifty patients (68%) had excellent, good or adequate images. The EFs calculated by different methods are shown in the Table (p &gt; 0.05 for all), an the Bland Altman plot (LVEF_EB vs HM) in the figure. LVEF_HM correlated modestly with the other methods if all studies were included (r = 0.535 LVEF_HM vs. LVEF_EB); the correlation improved if only good-quality studies were included (r = 0.769, p &lt; 0.001 for both). All combinations of LVEF_IND, LVEF_EB and LVEF_S had correlation coefficients &gt;0.93.

Conclusions

The Heart Model algorithm for LVEF measurement correlates well with traditional 2D methods in patients with good endocardial border definition, where its use can potentially improve reproducibility and reduce exam duration.

LVEF by method (good-quality studies) N = 50 Simpson"s Eyeballing HeartModel Independent Mean(%) 48.6 48.9 50.9 48.8 SD(%) 17.8 16.6 14.9 15.7 Median(%) 54.5 52.5 53 50 Range(%) 16-74 17.5-72.5 19-88 15-75 SD - standard deviation Independent - LVEF estimate (eyeballing) by independent observer unaware of reported EFs. LVEF_EB was chosen as it was available inall the reports.

Abstract P900 Figure. Bland Altman Plot (LVEF_EB vs LVEF_HM)

Shape transitions between and within Zr isotopes

The Zirconium isotopes across the N=56,58 neutron sub­shell closures have been of special interest since years, sparked by the near doubly-magic features of 96Zr and the subsequent rapid onset of collectivity with a deformed ground-state structure already in 100Zr. Recent state-of-the-art shell model approaches did not only correctly describe this shape-phase transition in the Zr isotopic chain, but alsothe coexistence of non-collective structures and pronounced collectivity especially in 96,98Zr. Theisotope 98Zr is located on the transition from spherical to deformed ground state structures. We summarize recent experimental work to obtain the B(E2) excitation strengths of the first 2+ state of98Zr, including a new experiment employing the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method following a two-neutron transfer reaction.

Multifaceted Quadruplet of Low-Lying Spin-Zero States in ^{66}Ni: Emergence of Shape Isomerism in Light Nuclei

A search for shape isomers in the ^{66}Ni nucleus was performed, following old suggestions of various mean-field models and recent ones, based on state-of-the-art Monte Carlo shell model (MCSM), all considering ^{66}Ni as the lightest nuclear system with shape isomerism. By employing the two-neutron transfer reaction induced by an ^{18}O beam on a ^{64}Ni target, at the sub-Coulomb barrier energy of 39 MeV, all three lowest-excited 0^{+} states in ^{66}Ni were populated and their γ decay was observed by γ-coincidence technique. The 0^{+} states lifetimes were assessed with the plunger method, yielding for the 0_{2}^{+}, 0_{3}^{+}, and 0_{4}^{+} decay to the 2_{1}^{+} state the B(E2) values of 4.3, 0.1, and 0.2 Weisskopf units (W.u.), respectively. MCSM calculations correctly predict the existence of all three excited 0^{+} states, pointing to the oblate, spherical, and prolate nature of the consecutive excitations. In addition, they account for the hindrance of the E2 decay from the prolate 0_{4}^{+} to the spherical 2_{1}^{+} state, although overestimating its value. This result makes ^{66}Ni a unique nuclear system, apart from ^{236,238}U, in which a retarded γ transition from a 0^{+} deformed state to a spherical configuration is observed, resembling a shape-isomerlike behavior.

Influence of Light-curing Parameters on Biofilm Development and Flexural Strength of a Silorane-based Composite

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in biological and mechanical performances of a silorane-based and a methacrylate-based composite. Another aim was to assess the influence of light-curing time and light-curing intensity on in vitro biofilm formation and flexural strength of the two tested composites.

Methods: Experiment 1: 432 specimens obtained from a silorane-based composite and from a standard methacrylate-based composite were divided into six groups and light-cured for 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, or 80 seconds, using one of two light-curing intensities, 400 mW/cm2 or 800 mW/cm2. At 24 hours, a monospecific Streptococcus mutans biofilm adherent to the surfaces of the samples was obtained. Then, a colorimetric technique (MTT assay) was used to evaluate the adherent viable biomass. Two samples per group were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used to analyze the results (p&lt;0.05). Experiment 2: 192 bar-shaped specimens were obtained and light-cured as in the previous experiment. A three-point bend test using a universal testing machine was performed to obtain flexural strength values. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze the results (p&lt;0.05).

Results: In experiment 1, a highly significant difference (p&lt;0.0001) in biofilm development was shown between silorane-based and methacrylate-based composites. In fact, the silorane-based composite exhibited better biological performance. Significant differences were also found between the two light-curing intensities (p&lt;0.018) and for curing times (p&lt;0.0001): silorane-based composite light-cured for 80 seconds at 800 mW/cm2 light-curing intensity showed the lowest biofilm development. In experiment 2, a significant difference in flexural strength (p&lt;0.0318) was only found between the different composites. Nevertheless, both resin composites showed flexural strength values in accordance with International Organization for Standardization guidelines even after 10 seconds of light-curing time.

Conclusions: Silorane-based composite was less prone to biofilm development compared with a methacrylate-based composite. Acceptable flexural strength values for both composites were obtained after 10 seconds of light-curing time.

DYRK1A kinase inhibitors with emphasis on cancer

Various types of cancers (including gliomas, melanomas, and esophageal, pancreas and non-small-cell lung cancers) display intrinsic resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli, such as conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and/or the activation of a multidrug resistance phenotype, which are major barriers to effective treatment and lead to poor patient prognosis. The DYRK1A kinase is directly implicated in the resistance of cancer cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli and drives several pathways that enhance proliferation, migration, and the reduction of cell death, leading to very aggressive biological behavior in cancer cell populations. The DYRK1A kinase is also implicated in neurological diseases and in neoangiogenic processes. Thus, the DYRK1A kinase is of great interest for both cancer and neuroscience research. During the last decade, numerous compounds that inhibit DYRK1A have been synthesized. The present review discusses the available molecules known to interfere with DYRK1A activity and the implications of DYRK1A in cancer and other diseases and serves as a rational analysis for researchers who aim to improve the anti-DYRK1A activity of currently available compounds.

Characterisation of ferromagnetic rings for Zernike phase plates using the Aharonov-Bohm effect

Holographic measurements on magnetised thin-film cobalt rings have demonstrated both onion and vortex states of magnetisation. For a ring in the vortex state, the difference between phases of electron paths that pass through the ring and those that travel outside it was found to agree very well with Aharonov-Bohm theory within measurement error. Thus the magnetic flux in thin-film rings of ferromagnetic material can provide the phase shift required for phase plates in transmission electron microscopy. When a ring of this type is used as a phase plate, scattered electrons will be intercepted over a radial range similar to the ring width. A cobalt ring of thickness 20 nm can produce a phase difference of π/2 from a width of just under 30 nm, suggesting that the range of radial interception for this type of phase plate can be correspondingly small.

[Pini cembrae coni: histo-anatomical and chemical studies, assessment of antioxidant activity]

This study aimed to identify some histoanatomical features, to evaluate the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of cembran pine female cones.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cross sections, obtained by usual techniques, were examined using a Novex microscope with a Canon A95 digital camera. For chemical and antioxidant assays dried cones were extracted with 80% aqueous methanol. The total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in cone extract were quantified by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity was investigated using different in vitro assays: ABTS radical cation scavenging assay, reducing power assay and ferrous ion chelating ability assay.

RESULTS

The histo-anatomical study of the seed-bearing scale revealed many secretory channels. The cone extract had low contents of total phenolics (48.03 +/- 0.10 mg/g), flavonoids (8.11 +/- 0.27 mg/g) and proanthocyanidins (1.63 +/- 0.03 mg/g). The extract scavenged ABTS radical cation and reduced ferric ions to ferrous ions with EC50 values of 64.6 +/- 0.8 and 118.60 +/- 1.89 microg/ml, respectively being less active than the positive control, quercetin (EC50 = 1.16 +/- 0.05 and 2.58 +/- 0.00 microg/ml, respectively). In ferrous ion chelating ability assay the extract showed a good activity (EC50 = 1.2 +/- 0.0 mg/ml) while quercetin was inactive.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of cone extract to chelate ferrous ions encourages further studies for identification of bioactive constituents and evaluation of their protective effects against ferrous ion-induced oxidative stress.

Multimodality imaging of exuberant mitral annular calcification in a patient presenting with transient ischaemic attack

We report an unusual case of calcification of mitral valve annulus imaged with multiple non-invasive modalities in a patient who suffered a transient ischaemic attack, probably from thrombus overlying the mitral annular calcification. Both this mode of presentation and the imaging features of the annular calcification were relatively unusual, and the images obtained are remarkably clear and diagnostic.

On the corrosion and soiling effects on materials by air pollution in Athens, Greece

Abstract. In the frame of the European project, entitled MULTI-ASSESS, specimens of structural metals, glass, stone and concrete materials were exposed to air pollution at a station, which was installed for this purpose on a building, located in the centre of Athens. The main purpose of this project was to determine the corrosion and soiling effects of air pollution on materials. A set of the specimens was exposed in a position that was sheltered from rain and partly from wind, and another set was exposed in unsheltered positions on the roof of the above said building. In addition, other specimens were exposed at different heights on the same building, in order to investigate for the first time the corrosion and soiling effects on various materials as a function of height. For the determination of these effects, chemical analysis of the specimens was performed and basic parameters as the weight change, the layer thickness and the optical properties were calculated. Finally, the results obtained are discussed and their plausible interpretation is attempted.

Detection of endogenous magnetic nanoparticles with a tunnelling magneto resistance sensor

The magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum sp. has been cultured and the properties of its endogenous magnetic nanoparticles characterized. Electron-microscopic analyses indicate that the endogenous magnetite nanoparticles in Magnetospirillum sp. are coated with a 3-4 nm thick transparent shell, forming a magnetosome. These magnetite nanoparticles had diameters of 50.9+/-13.3 nm, in good agreement with the diameter of 40.6+/-1.2 nm extracted from magnetometry. Each Magnetospirillum sp. bacterium contained chains of 5-25 magnetosomes. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry results indicate that the extrinsic superparamagnetic response of the bacterial solution at room temperature can be attributed to the reversal of the magnetization by physical rotation of the nanoparticles. The intrinsic blocking temperature of a sample of freeze-dried bacteria was estimated to be 282+/-13 K. A tunnelling magneto resistance sensor was used to detect the stray fields of endogenous magnetic nanoparticles in static and quasi-dynamic modes. Based on the tunnelling magneto resistance sensor results, the magnetic moment per bacterium was estimated to be approximately 2.6 x 10(-13) emu. The feasibility of this detection method either as a mass-coverage device or as part of an integrated microfluidic circuit for detection and sorting of magnetosome-containing cells was demonstrated.

Dose-response function for the soiling of silica-soda-lime glass due to dry deposition

Several exposure campaigns of silica-soda-lime window glass have been performed in 30 European sites and 1 in Canada in order to understand, quantify and model the phenomenon of soiling. In this purpose samples were exposed sheltered from the rain. Parallel to exposure, several meteorological parameters and pollution concentrations have been monitored. This paper shows first results on the establishment of a dose-response function for glass soiling. Statistical analyses show that PM(10) is not the only parameter, but also SO(2) and NO(2) atmospheric concentrations seem to be responsible for the optical impairment of glass surfaces, expressed as haze.

Antibacterial activity of some Artemisia species extract

The antimicrobial activities of ethanol, methanol and hexane extracts from Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua and Artemisia vulgaris were studied. Plant extracts were tested against five Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria and one fungal strain. The results indicated that Artemisia annua alcoholic extracts are more effective against tested microorganisms. However, all plants extracts have moderate or no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results confirm the justification of extracts of Artemisia species use in traditional medicine as treatment for microbial infections.