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The characterisation of the studied columbian red palm oil (fatty acid composition, regiodistribution, solid content…) makes it a potential oil of speciality which may be passed for the tropical equivalent of olive oil.

Background: The Italian external quality assessment scheme in classical cytogenetics was started in 2001 as an activity funded by the National Health System and coordinated by the Italian Public Institute of Health. Objectives: The aim of our work is to present data from the first 4 years of activity, 2001–2004. Methods: Italian cytogenetics public laboratories were enrolled on a voluntary basis, and this nationwide program covered prenatal, postnatal and oncological diagnosis. The scheme is annual and retrospective; a panel of experts reviewed the quality of images and reports in order to assess technical, analytical and interpretative performance. Results: Over the 4-year period, the number of participating laboratories increased: from 36 in 2001, 46 in 2002, 49 in 2003 to 51 in 2004. The overall technical performance was satisfactory. Inadequacy or lack of information in reporting was the most frequent analytical inaccuracy identified in all parts of the scheme. However, the percentage of complete reports increased significantly during the period: by 36% in postnatal diagnosis between 2001 and 2004 (p < 0.001) and by 42% in oncological diagnosis between 2002 and 2004 (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our experience reveals that participation in external quality assessment programs has significant advantages, helping to standardize and to assure quality in cytogenetic testing. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentadesma butter is still traditionally extracted starting from pretreated almonds by traditional techniques of heating. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the almonds post-harvest pretreatments on the physicochemical characteristics, the extraction yield and the quality of the Pentadesma butter. In addition, the effect of the various unit operations of the extraction technology on the quality of the extracted butter from pretreated almonds was studied. According to the same traditional process of extraction, two various butters of Pentadesma were extracted starting from almonds differing only by the post-harvest pretreatment applied (roasting or boiling). The color, the aspect and the breaking strength of the almonds were different. The butter extraction yield varied according to the pretreatment applied. The best yields (33.5 ± 4.1%) were obtained from boiled almonds, but their transformation was more difficult than that of roasted. The analysis of the samples at different stages of the transformation allowed the appreciation of the effect of the almonds pretreatments on the acidity and the peroxide value variations at each unit operation of the butter extraction. The fatty acid composition and the tocopherol content of the two extracted butters varied with the almonds pretreatments. The roasted almonds provided a richer butter in stearic acid, a and d-tocopherols and less rich in oleic acid than that provided by the boiled almonds. The pretreatments allowed a total loss of the contained linolenic acid, b and dtocopherols in the butters and decreased the oleic acid and a- tocopherol contents. The physico-chemical characteristics of the Pentadesma butter varied according to the almonds pretreatments. Thus, it would be interesting to make a reasoned choice of the most suitable post-harvest pretreatment in order to obtain a butter with a good quality and an acceptable extraction yield.

Oils extracted from three exotic fruits, guava, kiwi and passion fruit were analyzed to evaluate the possible commercial interest for these waste materials from fruit juices industry. Results showed interesting fatty acids compositions with high amounts of essential fatty acids such as 62.3% alpha linolenic acid for kiwi seed oil, and respectively 73.4% and 77.0% for omega 6 linoleic acid in passion fruit and guava seed oils. Fatty acids regiodistribution, sterols and tocopherols contents were also analyzed to try to establish the potential nutritional interest of such oils.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects about 10% of women, and it is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Associated symptoms are dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. The diagnosis of endometriosis can be challenging due to various clinical and imaging presentations. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis, but it is an invasive procedure. The literature has increasingly promoted a switch to less invasive imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The latter, also in relation to the latest technological advances, allows a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the pelvis and it can also identify sites of endometriosis that escape laparoscopic evaluation. Furthermore, MRI has been found to be more accurate than other imaging techniques in relation to its improved sensitivity and specificity in identifying disease sites, also due to the role of new emerging sequences. This article aims to review the current role of advanced MRI applications in the assessment of endometriosis.

This paper shares an experimental dataset of lithium-ion battery parallel-connected modules. The campaign, conducted at the Stanford Energy Control Laboratory, employs a comprehensive full factorial Design of Experiment methodology on ladder-configured parallel strings. A total of 54 test conditions were investigated under various operating temperatures, cell-to-cell interconnection resistance, cell chemistry, and aging levels. The module-level testing procedure involved Constant Current Constant Voltage (CC-CV) charging and Constant Current (CC) discharge. Beyond monitoring total module current and voltage, Hall sensors and thermocouples were employed to measure the signals from each individual cell to quantify both current and temperature distribution within each tested module configuration. Additionally, the dataset contains cell characterization data for every cell (i.e. NCA Samsung INR21700-50E and NMC LG-Chem INR21700-M50T) used in the module-level experiments. This dataset provides valuable resources for developing battery physics-based, empirical, and data-driven models at single cell and module level. Ultimately, it contributes to advance our understanding of how cell-to-cell heterogeneity propagates within the module and how that affects the overall system performance., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Background: Italian External Quality Assessment (IEQA) Program in Cytogenetics, established in 2001 by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), covers both Constitutional and Oncohaematological diagnosis. In 2013, performance criteria were defined and adopted. In this paper, we present the data from the first 4 years of activity (2013-2016) following the introduction of performance criteria., Methods: The enrollment is voluntary, fee-based and open to both public and private Italian laboratories. The scheme is annual and retrospective; a national panel of experts assess technical, analytical and interpretative performance., Results: Overall, 95 distinct Italian laboratories participated in different Cytogenetics IEQA schemes over the 2013-2016 years and most of the laboratories took part in Constitutional diagnosis. General hospitals and local health centers represented 40% of the total participants and the percentage of laboratories from Northern Regions was more than 45% of total participants throughout the 4-year period. As regards the performance evaluation, on average, 11, 9 and 23% of participants were marked as poor performers in Prenatal, Postnatal and Oncohaematological schemes, respectively. With regard to critical errors, ISCN nomenclature in Prenatal and Postnatal schemes, and interpretation in Oncohaematological diagnosis, were identified as main issues. On the other hand, karyotype errors and inadequate analysis decreased strongly, over the 4 years, in Constitutional and Oncohaematological diagnosis, respectively., Conclusions: Our data show that the introduction of poor performance encourages laboratories to address critical issues, and the IEQA participation helps to improve quality in cytogenetic testing.

Experiments were conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the bioefficacy of essential and vegetable oils of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides (Rutaceae) against Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The chemical composition of the essential oil and the fatty acid composition of the vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Z. xanthoxyloides were determined. The insecticidal activities of these oils and the associated aromatized clay powder were evaluated against A. obtectus. Both oils were strongly repellent (100% repellency at 0.501 μl/cm² essential oil and 3.144 μl/cm² vegetable oil) and highly toxic (LC₅₀ = 0.118 μl/cm² for essential oil) to this beetle after contact on filter paper. The vapors of the essential oil were highly toxic to adult insects (LC₅₀ = 0.044 μl/cm³), and the aromatized powder made from clay and essential oil was more toxic (LD₅₀ = 0.137 μl/g) than the essential oil alone (LD₅₀ = 0.193 μl/g) after 2 days of exposure on a common bean. Both oils greatly reduced the F₁ insect production and bean weight loss and did not adversely affect the bean seed viability. In general, the results obtained indicate that these plant oils can be used for control of A. obtectus in stored beans.

The Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is a major tree species in African agroforestry systems. Butter extracted from its nuts offers an opportunity for sustainable development in Sudanian countries and an attractive potential for the food and cosmetics industries. The purpose of this study was to develop near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations to characterize Shea nut fat profiles. Powders prepared from nuts collected from 624 trees in five African countries (Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Uganda) were analyzed for moisture content, fat content using solvent extraction, and fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography. Results confirmed the differences between East and West African Shea nut fat composition: eastern nuts had significantly higher fat and oleic acid contents. Near infrared reflectance spectra were recorded for each sample. Ten percent of the samples were randomly selected for validation and the remaining samples used for calibration. For each constituent, calibration equations were developed using modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression. The equation performances were evaluated using the ratio performance to deviation (RPD(p)) and R(p)(2) parameters, obtained by comparison of the validation set NIR predictions and corresponding laboratory values. Moisture (RPD(p) = 4.45; R(p)(2) = 0.95) and fat (RPD(p) = 5.6; R(p)(2) = 0.97) calibrations enabled accurate determination of these traits. NIR models for stearic (RPD(p) = 6.26; R(p)(2) = 0.98) and oleic (RPD(p) = 7.91; R(p)(2) = 0.99) acids were highly efficient and enabled sharp characterization of these two major Shea butter fatty acids. This study demonstrated the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy for high-throughput phenotyping of Shea nuts.

Purpose: We evaluated the experiences of 19 Italian laboratories concerning 241 small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) with the aim of answering questions arising from their origin from any chromosome, their variable size and genetic content, and their impact on the carrier's phenotype., Methods: Conventional protocols were used to set up the cultures and chromosome preparations. Both commercial and homemade probes were used for the fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses., Results: A total of 113 of the 241 sSMCs were detected antenatally, and 128 were detected postnatally. There were 52 inherited and 172 de novo cases. Abnormal phenotype was present in 137 cases (57%), 38 of which were antenatally diagnosed. A mosaic condition was observed in 87 cases (36%). In terms of morphology, monocentric and dicentric bisatellited marker chromosomes were the most common, followed by monocentric rings and short-arm isochromosomes. The chromosomes generating the sSMCs were acrocentric in 132 cases (69%) and non-acrocentric chromosomes in 60 cases (31%); a neocentromere was hypothesized in three cases involving chromosomes 6, 8, and 15., Conclusion: The presented and published data still do not allow any definite conclusions to be drawn concerning karyotype-phenotype correlations. Only concerted efforts to characterize molecularly the sSMCs associated or not with a clinical phenotype can yield results suitable for addressing karyotype-phenotype correlations in support of genetic counseling.

Dexketoprofene (De) NSAID was studied as a selective COX-1 inhibitor in comparison with Ketorolac (Ke), a mainly COX-1 inhibitor. De and Ke were administered to different groups of animals in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., 3-15 and 25 mgs/kg. The gastrointestinal mucosa damage was macroscopically and microscopically quantified at 24 hs, as well as leukocyte infiltration (LI) and neosinophilia. Similarly, Indomethacin (Indo) damage (COX-1-COX-2), with 25 mgs/kg. Dose was compared. On the other hand, De and Ke at inhibitory selective COX-1 dose (3 mg/kg) plus Celecoxib, selective COX-2 inhibitor, yielding no gastrointestinal damage, with decreased LI and without neutrophilia, the same as Ke (n.s.). Similarly De at higher dose (2.5 mgs/kg), produced minimal gastrointestinal lesions, showing a preferential COX-1 inhibitor behavior. Ke and Indo produced important gastrointestinal necrotic and erosive lesions with remarkable LI and neutrophilia (p < 0.001). On the other hand, COX-1 De dose plus Celecoxib produced evident gastrointestinal lesions, increased LI and neutrophilia, the same as Indo, pointing out that the gastrointestinal damage is due to COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition.

In 5 random groups of Wistar rats (n = 15 for each group), ulcerogenic doses of NSAIDs COX-1-COX-2 inhibitors such as indomethacin were compared with Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor); the production of antrum gastric ulcers and bowel and colon necrotic areas was studied. Celecoxib was given each 12 hs orally and subcutaneously during 5 days and gastrointestinal lesions were not found; in contrast, Celecoxib given after indomethacin aggravated antrum gastric ulcers (p < 0.001); intestinal massive necrosis and death were observed in all the rats. We conclude that Celecoxib does not induce gastrointestinal lesions in healthy mucosa; in contrast, Celecoxib amplifies the gastrointestinal lesions induced by indomethacin.

Unlabelled: Five experimental models were carried out in different groups of Wistar rats (n = 15) in order to study selective (cyclo-oxygenase) COX-2 non-steroid antiinflammatory inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, as follows: 1) Dose-dependent oral celecoxib and rofecoxib for 5 days, and 24 hours after oral indomethacin. 2) Same as 1, but subcutaneously. 3) Gastric ulcer induced by means of glacial acetic acid. 4) Duodenal ulcer induced by means of cysteamine. 5) Stress due to being kept under restraint and immersion in water at 15 degrees C for 6 hours. Celecoxib and rofecoxib, either orally or subcutaneously, did not produce necrotic injuries in healthy gastrointestinal mucosa (0%), showing normal histology. On the other hand, the injuries previously induced by indomethacin worsened (90%, p < 0.001). Total necrosis of small intestine as well as increased ulcer and perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid and cysteamine were observed. There was also worsening of gastric necrotic area with stress (60-90%, p < 0.05). Celecoxib and rofecoxib showed neutrophilia (5,000/mm3) similar to that presented by indomethacin, but there was no leukocyte infiltration in the gastric mucosa; thus we can consider it a COX-2 selective NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)., Conclusion: Dose-dependent administration of celecoxib and rofecoxib as COX-2 inhibitors and non-COX-1 inhibitors, respectively, did not produce toxic injuries on healthy gastrointestinal mucosa, thus providing a broad therapeutic spectre. On the other hand, when administered in presence of altered gastrointestinal mucosa, they worsened and complicated gastric ulcers, and also induced necrosis in the small intestine, thereby restricting their clinical use.

We have characterized the interaction between apolipoprotein E (apoE) and amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) in the soluble fraction of the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and control subjects. Western blot analysis with specific antibodies identified in both groups a complex composed of the full-length apoE and Abeta peptides ending at residues 40 and 42. The apoE-Abeta soluble aggregate is less stable in AD brains than in controls, when treated with the anionic detergent SDS. The complex is present in significantly higher quantity in control than in AD brains, whereas in the insoluble fraction an inverse correlation has previously been reported. Moreover, in the AD subjects the Abeta bound to apoE is more sensitive to protease digestion than is the unbound Abeta. Taken together, our results indicate that in normal brains apoE efficiently binds and sequesters Abeta, preventing its aggregation. In AD, the impaired apoE-Abeta binding leads to the critical accumulation of Abeta, facilitating plaque formation.

In Down's syndrome, the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 is associated with premature aging and progressive mental retardation sharing the pathological features of Alzheimer disease. Early cortical dysgenesis and late neuronal degeneration are probably caused by an overproduction of amyloid beta-peptide, followed by an increased cellular oxidation. Interestingly, chromosome 21 codes for superoxide-dismutase and amyloid beta precursor resulting, in Down's syndrome, in an overflow of these gene products and metabolites. We studied Down's fetal brain cortex to evaluate the presence and amount of lipid and protein oxidation markers; moreover, we quantified two forms of glycation end products that are known to be involved in the process of cellular oxidation. All these parameters are significantly increased in Down's fetal brains in comparison to controls, providing the evidence that accelerated brain glycoxidation occurs very early in the life of Down's syndrome subjects.

Non isotopic in situ hybridization with alpha-satellite DNA probes in the cytogenetic diagnosis. Standard banding cytogenetic techniques do not always allow to define the structure and the origin of chromosome rearrangements involving the centromere region. Non-isotopic in situ hybridization of alphoid sequences has allowed to determine the origin of the centromeres in the metaphases of 5 patients referred to us for: 2 structural rearrangements involving chromosome 21, 2 structural rearrangements involving chromosome Y and 1 reciprocal translocation involving on chromosome 20 and one chromosome 15.