0000000000299350
AUTHOR
Salvatore Musumeci
Elevated plasma total homocysteine in centenarians
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing metabolite of methionine and is an emerging independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that age, gender, renal function and folic acid intake are the main factors influencing total plasma Hcy levels in humans. A unique approach to the science of human longevity is the natural model of centenarians. The objective of this study was to verify whether the previously determined risk factors for atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related diseases change with age and, finally, to establish the vitamin nutritional status role. We studied 54 centenarians (14 males and 40 females) aged between 100-107 years (mean age 102.6+/-1.8…
Helicobacter pylori infection in Burkina Faso: an enigma within an enigma.
Background. In Burkina Faso, in contrast with high rates of Helicobacter pylori infection from an early age, the prevalence of H. pylori-associated diseases (ulcer and gastric cancer) is low. Aims. To look for the prevalence of H. pylori in healthy natives of Burkina Faso, both children and adults. Methods. We studied the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 258 healthy natives of Burkina Faso (70 children aged 6 months–15 years and 188 adults aged 16–65 years), using a serological screening (IgA and IgG H. pylori antibodies). All the studied subjects underwent a questionnaire regarding their life-style, socio-economic status, dietary habits and hygienic sanitary conditions. Data concerning…
Photon scattering as a probe of microviscosity and channel size in gels such as sickle haemoglobin.
The aggregation of sickle-cell haemoglobin (HbS) is one of the most physiologically important and widely studied macromolecular gelation processes. Both the thermodynamics and kinetics of the process are important in determining the pathological consequences of deoxygenation of the red cells (and both must be understood if a rational strategy is to be developed for pharmacological intervention). We describe here a new and versatile technique for the study of the structure and formation of the HbS aggregates, that should be widely applicable to gel systems generally. We use laser autocorrelation spectroscopy to observe the diffusion of monodisperse polystyrene latex spheres in the interstice…
A Phase-Shift Full Bridge Converter for the Energy Management of Electrolyzer Systems
The purpose of this work has been the development of the supplying system for an industrial electrolyzer. The hydrogen generating device is part of a complex system constituted by a supplying photovoltaic plant, the grid and a fuel cell battery. The main aim of this electrical system is the hydrogen storage devoted to the suitable load supplying in order to obtain an optimum load profile in case of domestic consumers. The converter is linked to a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm which enables a converter to extract the maximum power from the photovoltaic plant. The energy is supplied to the electrolyzer or the storage system according to the load profile. A phase-shift control …
Genome search in celiac disease.
SummaryCeliac disease (CD), a malabsorption disorder of the small intestine, results from ingestion of gluten. The HLA risk factors involved in CD are well known but do not explain the entire genetic susceptibility. To determine the localization of other genetic risk factors, a systematic screening of the genome has been undertaken. The typing information of 281 markers on 110 affected sib pairs and their parents was used to test linkage. Systematic linkage analysis was first performed on 39 pairs in which both sibs had a symptomatic form of CD. Replication of the regions of interest was then carried out on 71 pairs in which one sib had a symptomatic form and the other a silent form of CD. …