Benchmarking of Coatings for Cathode Active Materials in Solid-State Batteries Using Surface Analysis and Reference Electrodes

Fast and reliable evaluation of degradation and performance of cathode active materials (CAMs) for solid-state batteries (SSBs) is crucial to help better understand these systems and enable the synthesis of well-performing CAMs. However, there is a lack of well-thought-out procedures to reliably evaluate CAMs in SSBs. Current approaches often rely on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the evaluation of degradation. Unfortunately, XPS sensitivity is not very high, and minor but relevant degradation products may not be detected and distinguished. Furthermore, degradation caused by the current collector (CC) itself is usually not distinguished from CAM-induced degradation. This study uses a modified CC, which allows us to separate electrochemical degradation caused by the CC from degradation at the CAM itself. Using this CC, we present an approach using time-of-flight secondary ions mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) that offers high sensitivity and reliability. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to differentiate secondary ions as well as identify those mass fragments that correlate with degradation products. This approach also enables distinguishing between different pathways of degradation. To evaluate the kinetic performance of the samples, three-electrode rate tests are performed. Electrochemical characterization evaluates the kinetic performance of the samples under investigation. The samples are finally rated with a score that allows a reliable comparison between the different materials and offers a complete picture of the materials' characteristics in terms of electrochemical performance and degradation.

Identification of Lithium Compounds on Surfaces of Lithium Metal Anode with Machine-Learning-Assisted Analysis of ToF-SIMS Spectra

Detailed knowledge about contamination and passivation compounds on the surface of lithium metal anodes (LMAs) is essential to enable their use in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), a highly surface-sensitive technique, can be used to reliably characterize the surface status of LMAs. However, as ToF-SIMS data are usually highly complex, manual data analysis can be difficult and time-consuming. In this study, machine learning techniques, especially logistic regression (LR), are used to identify the characteristic secondary ions of 5 different pure lithium compounds. Furthermore, these models are applied to the mixture and LMA samples to enable identification of their compositions based on the measured ToF-SIMS spectra. This machine-learning-based analysis approach shows good performance in identifying characteristic ions of the analyzed compounds that fit well with their chemical nature. Moreover, satisfying accuracy in identifying the compositions of unseen new samples is achieved. In addition, the scope and limitations of such a strategy in practical applications are discussed. This work presents a robust analytical method that can assist researchers in simplifying the analysis of the studied lithium compound samples, offering the potential for broader applications in other material systems.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Battery Research: Hype or Reality?

This is a critical review of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods applied to battery research. It aims at providing a comprehensive, authoritative, and critical, yet easily understandable, review of general interest to the battery community. It addresses the concepts, approaches, tools, outcomes, and challenges of using AI/ML as an accelerator for the design and optimization of the next generation of batteries—a current hot topic. It intends to create both accessibility of these tools to the chemistry and electrochemical energy sciences communities and completeness in terms of the different battery R&D aspects covered.

Electrochemical assessments of droplet contents in microfluidic channels. Application to the titration of heterogeneous droplets

Series of aqueous droplets containing redox species were generated on-demand in a microfluidic channel and detected downstream by an electrochemical cell. Depending on the cell geometry, amperometric detections were performed to simultaneously determine the velocity, volume and content of circulating droplets in oil. Volumes and velocities were estimated from specific transition times on the chronoamperometric responses, while charge were evaluated from current integration. The results showed that the total charge within droplets was controlled by the geometry of the electrochemical cell and droplet velocity, leading to accurate determinations of droplet content under specific operating conditions. An active merging of droplets with titrating solutions was tested for analytical purposes. The results demonstrated that even if the mixing was not complete during detection, the assessment of droplet content was still valid. The performance of electrochemical detection was thus evidenced to determine the content of heterogeneous droplets. This property is pertinent since the design of sophisticated circuits is no longer required to fully homogenize the droplet content before characterization, opening broader perspectives in droplet-based microfluidics.

Effects of various sample pretreatment procedures on ethyl glucuronide quantification in hair samples: Comparison of positivity rates and appraisal of cut-off values

The quantification of ethylglucuronide (EtG) in hair is nowadays recognized as the approach with the highest diagnostic performance to evaluate harmful drinking. A widely accepted cut-off of 30pg/mg has been selected after several accurate compared studies. While most of the studies that were used to establish the appropriate cut-off value prescribed to cut hair into small segments before their extraction, hair milling has subsequently been identified as the most efficient pretreatment procedure and was therefore recommended in the last Consensus document issued by the Society of Hair Testing. In this study, we initially compared the results obtained with the two sample preparations, namely cutting and milling, both being applied to the same specimens (n=781). Among these, 205 samples produced measurable EtG values with both methods, with differences ranging from -41.7% up to +415% (the mean increase in EtG concentration, switching from cutting to milling, was +62.1% and the median was +42.3%). Among the aforementioned 205 samples, 29 specimens (3.7% of the total 781 samples) produced significantly different outcome, being classified as negative (i.e., below 30pg/mg) if the cutting procedure is used, but largely positive (above 40pg/mg) when milling is used. Subsequently, the positivity rates obtained on a large population dataset (>27,000 samples) with the two procedures, were retrospectively compared using variable cut-offs values. The percentage of head hair samples with EtG concentration exceeding 30pg/mg upon application of the milling procedure shows a 45% increase (from 10.9% to 15.8%) with respect to cutting procedure, whereas the fraction of hair samples with EtG exceeding 40pg/mg (10.5%) overlaps the percentage of positive samples obtained after cutting pretreatment and applying a cut-off of 30pg/mg. On the basis of these results, it would be worth considering the application of cut-off values linked with the pretreatment procedure, taking into account the results of forthcoming inter-laboratory calibrations.

Characterisation of CIME, an experimental chamber for simulating interactions between materials of the cultural heritage and the environment

An approach consisting in combining in situ and laboratory experiments is often favoured for investigating the mechanisms involved in the weathering of the materials of the cultural heritage. However, the realistic simulation in the laboratory of the environmental conditions ruling the interactions of atmospheric compounds with materials is a very complex task. The aim of this work is to characterise CIME, a new chamber specially built to simulate the interactions between materials of the cultural heritage and the environment. The originality of this instrument is that beside the usual climatic parameters (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation) and gaseous pollutants, it also allows the controlled injection of different types of particulate matter such as terrigenous, marine and anthropogenic. Therefore, varied realistic atmospheric environments (marine or urban) can be easily simulated within CIME. In addition to the technical description of CIME, this paper shows the first results obtained by the impact of gaseous pollutants on non-durable glass, bronze and limestone. The first experiments for the deposition of different particles (calcite, clays, soot and halite) are also presented.

Histopathology of thalassemic heart disease: an endomyocardial biopsy study

Right ventricle endomyocardial biopsies were obtained from 13 thalassemic patients. Clinical profiles were investigated, and serum ferritin tests were assessed using diagnostic kits. Histochemical iron detection (Perls method) and immunohistochemical stain for ferritin were performed in the endomyocardial samples. Histologic iron overload was observed in eight patients, and variable iron deposits were recognized by a semiquantitative method. There was a statistically evident correlation between serum ferritin and myocardial iron storage. Marked iron deposition was associated with higher immunohistologic ferritin concentration. Iron-negative tissue samples showed bland immunohistochemical positivity. Myocardial interstitial fibrosis was observed in 12 cases; diffuse perimyocytic or perivascular fibrosis and endocardium thickening were the main histologic patterns identified. One biopsy was characterized by marked fibrolipomatous infiltration. Myocyte hypertrophy, myocytolysis, and severe capillary congestion also were observed.

Physico-chemical characterisation of glass soiling in rural, urban and industrial environments

Glass materials are broadly used in the built environment (windows, facades, roofs, museum showcases, and solar panels) due to their optical (transparency) and thermal properties. Their interaction with the multiphase atmospheric medium results in a more or less pronounced transparency loss called soiling. This phenomenon leads to a loss of amenity of artefacts; consequently, high cleaning costs have to be supported by public and private entities. Complete understanding of the nature of surface deposit appears thus extremely important for addressing strategies to control it. The present research is based on the sheltered exposure, in different environments, of durable glass panels during 1 year. At these different locations, airborne pollutant concentrations have also been monitored. Three environments have been investigated: rural (R), urban (U) and industrial (I). Results show that the mass of the deposit and the optical impairment of the glass (haze) are too spread to allow discriminating between different environments. However, the analyses of soluble species and particulate organic matter allow identifying factors responsible for soiling and highlighted the reactivity of deposit to relative humidity which favours post-deposit evolution.

Isolation and culture of pig tonsil lymphocytes

Tonsils are secondary lymphoid organs that play an important role in host defense. The aim of our study was to develop reliable procedures for isolation and culture of pig tonsil cells, and to validate their possible use in functional immunoassays. Using our isolation procedure, we recovered on average 238.7 ± 107.1 × 10(6) cells per tonsil couple with a mean vitality of 89.8 ± 2.7%. These values significantly decreased 8 months after freezing at -80°C along with the subsequent spontaneous release of both IgA and IgG in culture. These results suggest to use pig tonsil cells within 2 months from thawing to maintain suitable conditions in terms of recovery, vitality and release of antibody in vitro. Tonsil mononuclear cells also showed the ability to secrete antimicrobial peptides and to respond in vitro to immunological stimuli. On the whole, our study has defined operating conditions for tonsil processing, control of bacterial contaminations, time limits of storage at -80°C, as well as for evaluating polyclonal Ig production in vitro. Such procedures are likely to be of some importance in studies on regional immunity and in the development of large animal models for biomedical sciences.

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.

Modeling of soiling based on silica-soda-lime glass exposure at six European sites

Samples of silica-soda-lime float glass, a material selected as a pertinent soiling sensor, were exposed for up to 28 months at four urban sites (Athens, Krakow, London and Prague) and at a semi-urban one (Monte Libretti, near Rome), sheltered from rain. This exhaustive experience permitted to complete and to test the generalisation ability of the results previously obtained on the same material, exposed according to the same protocol, during 24 months, at a single site (Paris). The model previously fitted for the Paris experiment, the Hill equation, could be successfully generalised for four other sites of exposure (Athens, Krakow, Prague and Rome). The analytical form of this model was interpreted in terms of a physical description of the soiling phenomenon. Some of the model coefficients were different from one site to another, depending on the specific environment of exposure (air pollution levels, meteorological factors), while the other ones were rather equivalent. The analysis of the model coefficients, on the one hand, led to an estimation of the period after which soiling is close to its saturation level, and on the other hand, it will permit to correlate these coefficients to the environmental factors, in order to select the most appropriate ones for building dose-response functions for soiling, with broad geographical application.

Altered osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio and low bone mineral density in celiac patients on long-term treatment with gluten-free diet

Skeletal demineralization and mineral metabolism derangement are well-recognized features of untreated celiac disease (CD). Although treatment with a gluten-free diet appears to prevent bone loss while correcting skeletal demineralization in childhood, there is evidence that bone mineral density does not return to normal in celiacs diagnosed in adulthood. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, and ligand of receptor activator of NFkB (RANKL) are involved in the process of bone turnover and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. We measured OPG, RANKL, bone mineral density (BMD), and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 32 adult female premenopausal celiac patients on a gluten-free diet, and thirty age-matched healthy women. We correlated the OPG/RANKL ratio with the severity of bone loss. Celiac patients had a mean BMD lower than controls in lumbar spine and in the femoral neck. Serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP, marker of bone formation), and urinary excretion of telopeptides of type I collagen (a marker of bone resorption) were significantly higher than in controls. Serum OPG and RANKL levels were significantly higher in CD patients than in controls, while the OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in CD patients than in controls and was positively correlated with BMD at the spine. The role of elevated OPG in CD patients is unclear, but it might represent a compensatory mechanism against other factors that promote bone damage. Further studies are required to assess a possible therapeutic potential of osteoprotegerin in optimally treated celiacs with persistent osteopenia.

Thalassaemic men affected by erectile dysfunction treated with transurethral alprostadil: case report

The aim of this controlled clinical study, performed in a specialized institutional unit for thalassaemic men, was to consider the possibility of restoring erection in beta-thalassaemic patients with erectile dysfunction by administering E(1) prostaglandins (alprostadil) transurethrally. Four patients affected by beta-thalassaemia, aged between 32 and 52 years, and having an erectile dysfunction were included in the study. Each patient was given 500 microg alprostadil in the distal urethra. Response was evaluated by the erection assessment scale. The main outcome measures were: (i) the clinical study; (ii) FSH, LH, total and free testosterone plasma concentrations; and (iii) basal and dynamic Doppler sonography of cavernous arteries. The treatment produced a response of 3-4 on the erection assessment scale. Average minimum response time was 20 min, while average maximum response time was about 60 min. There was no evidence of significant side effects. Our hypothesis is that the delayed reaction was due to organ damage induced by iron load, causing a reduction or absence of elasticity in the interstitial tissue of the corpora cavernosa. Thus, we believe that treatment with alprostadil can be considered an effective, non-invasive therapy for thalassaemic patients with erectile dysfunction.

Molecular basis of alpha-thalassemia in Sicily

To evaluate the allelic frequency and genetic diversity of alpha-thalassemia defects in Sicily, both epidemiological and patient-oriented studies were carried out. For the epidemiological study, phenotypic data were collected on more than 1000 Sicilian individuals. Among them, 427 were explored at the molecular level for nine alpha-thalassemic variants known to be common in the Mediterranean region. Our data reveal an allele frequency of 4.1% for alpha(+)-thalassemia matching that of beta-thalassemia in this region. The presence of alpha0-thalassemia (--MEDI and --CAL) was observed only in the group of referred patients. Newly acquired nucleotide sequence data on the deletional breakpoint of --CAL allowed us to design a simple PCR-based procedure for exploring this allele. The data also provide additional information concerning the genetic mechanisms involved in such large deletions.

Laboratory evaluation of a new delivery system to improve patient compliance with chelation therapy

As thalassaemia patients live longer, compliance with chelation therapy becomes more and more of a problem. Teenagers rebel against the continual need for treatment, and young adults with jobs, active social lives and families, find it hard to find the time to prepare and deliver their treatments. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, we evaluated a non-electronic, disposable pump (Infusor 5 ml/h, Baxter Healthcare) to determine its suitability for high dose desferrioxamine (DFO) infusions. We wanted an infusion time of 12 h to support overnight delivery in the patient's home. Because of DFOs viscosity, infusion times vary at different concentrations. We found the optimal prescription for total delivery within 12 h to be a dose of 70 mg/kg x patient's body weight diluted in constant volume of 40 ml of water for injection. Our tests were carried out in vitro and the results show that the 5 ml/h Infusor may be used to deliver high dose DFO chelation therapy within 12 h. The variability of the flow rate, dependent on the concentration of the solution, and the absence of a warning system, are more than compensated for by the simplicity of the pump.

High-dose intravenous desferrioxamine (DFO) delivery in four thalassemic patients allergic to subcutaneous DFO administration

To test the hypothesis that allergy to desferrioxamine is not an immunologic mechanism, but arises from a local effect on the dermal mast cell, we have treated four patients who were not receiving chelation therapy because of hypersensitivity to standard subcutaneous (SC) therapy, with high-dose desferrioxamine (DFO) by the intravenous (IV) route. Three patients had central venous access ports implanted on the anterior chest wall. The fourth patient had the therapy delivered by the peripheral vein route. All patients had the drug delivered via an elastomeric infusor. Intravenous therapy was successful for all patients. During one year of therapy no local or systemic allergic manifestations were noted. In addition, no impairment of hearing or vision or any catheter complications were reported. A very high level of patient compliance to the therapy resulted in dramatically decreased iron stores and ferritin levels (2,759 ng/ml to 717.5 ng/ml) and a significant improvement in the clinical status of all patients. The absence of allergic episodes in this patient group after 1 year of i.v. therapy would strongly support the hypothesis that SC DFO allergy is related to a direct effect on dermal mast cells and is not an immunological reaction. This study suggests that patients with severe allergy to SC DFO can therefore safely receive their chelation therapy via the i.v. route.

Cardiac iron overload in thalassemic patients: an endomyocardial biopsy study

Secondary heart failure induced by organ siderosis is the main cause of death in patients affected by thalassemia major. At present it cannot be predicted whether heart siderosis is correlated with iron overload and little is known about the real cardiac histological pattern of post transfusional hemochromatosis in patients with thalassemia major and intermedia. The study aim was to evaluate cardiac iron overload by non invasive and invasive techniques. Fifteen thalassemic patients were investigated and endomyocardial biopsy performed in ten revealed different grades of endomyocardial iron overload with histochemical positivity. Non invasive techniques are not able to furnish an exact picture of the cardiac hemochromatosis. There was a significant correlation between serum ferritin and myocardial iron grade. Patients with elevated ferritin levels and poor compliance to chelating therapy are at high risk of severe heart hemochromatosis. It was seen that endomyocardial biopsy is a useful tool in studying myocardial iron.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy with 99mTc-225.28S-F(ab')2 in cutaneous and ocular melanomas: cases of particular clinical interest

In the attempt to contribute to a correct and early diagnosis of melanoma, this paper critically evaluates, in 40 patients with cutaneous localization and 20 with ocular localization, the results of immunoscintigraphy with 99mTc-225.28S-F(ab')2 and the clinical, instrumental and biopsy findings. While the cutaneous melanoma group is mainly composed of patients subjected to surgical exeresis of the lesion before radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS), the ocular melanoma group is composed of patients with the primary lesion in situ or previously treated with contact radiotherapy. In the cutaneous melanoma group 5 cases presented falsely positive immunoscintigraphic findings, and only 2 falsely negative. In the ocular melanomas, the percentage of false negatives was higher (n = 7). This is probably attributable to the antigenic expressivity, higher in the metastases than in the primary melanomas. The cases of particular interest are discussed in relation to the clinical picture, to the instrumental examinations and to the histological findings. The work made it possible to contribute to a more correct interpretation of the RIS findings in the staging and follow-up of cutaneous and ocular melanomas.

Presence of an African beta-globin gene cluster haplotype in normal chromosomes in Sicily

African admixture in Sicily has been long suspected because of the presence of the sickle gene. Nevertheless, the degree of African admixture cannot be derived from the study of HbS frequency, since this gene was most likely expanded by the selective pressure of malaria, for a long time endemic to the region. We have examined 142 individuals from the Sicilian town of Butera (12% sickle trait) to search for other markers of the globin gene cluster less likely to be selected for by malaria. The TaqI polymorphism in the intervening sequences between the two gamma genes is informative. We have found only two instances of this African marker (TaqI(-)) among 267 normal chromosomes, demonstrating that the admixture occurred at a much lower level than previously thought.

Genetic epidemiology of beta-thalassemia in Sicily: do sequences 5' to the G gamma gene and 5' to the beta gene interact to enhance HbF expression in beta-thalassemia?

The present epidemiological study of the molecular characteristics of beta-thalassemia in Sicily was prompted by the disparate phenotypic expression (in clinical status and absolute HbF level) observed in two beta-thalassemic homozygotes who were also homozygous for the beta-like globin gene cluster haplotype III. We suspected that polymorphisms within haplotype III could be the cause for the discrepancy. Based on the association of particular conformations of the (AT)xT(y) motif (-540 5' to the beta gene) with milder forms of thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, 38 homozygous beta-thalassemia patients were studied to define their haplotypes, the -158 site 5' to the G gamma gene (linked to haplotype III) and the structure of the (AT)xT(y) motif. We found that the patient who was phenotypically mild and homozygous for beta-thalassemia, haplotype III, and the -158 C----T mutation was homozygous for the rare (AT)9T5 motif. In contrast, the patient homozygous for beta-thalassemia, haplotype III, and the -158 mutation, but exhibiting a severe clinical course, was homozygous for the (AT)7T7 configuration. Others have suggested that (AT)9T5 is a negative regulatory protein binding sequence, and it is a silent carrier state for beta-thalassemia. The usual configuration (AT)7T7, has considerably less affinity for regulatory protein binding, and it is the most common configuration in Sicilian beta-thalassemics (67 of the 78 chromosomes studied). Within the 38 patients studied, seven were informative because they had various combinations of the (AT)9T5 and (AT)7T7 motif, and the -158 C----T mutation. The results in these patients suggest that only the co-presence of the (AT)9T5 configuration and a C----T change at -158 5' to the G gamma gene is associated with high HbF expression and a mild clinical phenotype. We postulate that these two regions of the beta-like globin gene cluster interact, when endowed with the proper sequences, to enhance the expression of HbF secondary to anemia.

Prevalence of markers for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, human T-lymphotropic virus type I, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis B and C virus in multiply transfused thalassemia patients. The French Study Group On Thalassaemia

The prevalence of markers for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2), human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was evaluated in a population of 305 multiply transfused thalassemia patients in Belgium, France, and Italy (Sicily). No patients were found positive for HIV-2 antibodies. Two French patients were seropositive for HIV-1, having been infected before systematic blood screening. Antibodies to HTLV-I were found in two Sicilian patients. A positive anti-HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was found in one-third of the patients and a positive CMV IgG test in two-thirds. Twenty-two percent of the patients in the three countries were uninfected by HBV and were not vaccinated. With the exception of HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, and anti-hepatitis B surface antigen assays, all markers were encountered more frequently in Sicilian patients than in French or Belgian patients. This study emphasizes the need to improve HBV vaccination coverage in the three countries. At present, data indicate that the introduction of routine screening for HTLV-I should be considered, particularly in Sicily.

HCV and HBV infection among multitransfused thalassemics from eastern Sicily

Serum specimens from 152 Sicilian multitransfused thalassemic subjects were tested for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti- HCV) and for HBV markers by enzyme linked immunoassay and with reference to anti-HCV, confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay. A high rate (47%) of subjects was anti-HCV positive. HBsAg was found in 8% of patients and 55% had anti-HBs or anti-HBc antibodies or both. Contrary to HBV infection, anti-HCV seropositivity was related to the number of transfused units. The highest anti-HCV prevalence was observed between 16 and 20 years; 100% of persons older than 50 years had at least one marker of HBV infection. In conclusion, HCV and HBV are widespread among multitransfused thalassemic. Probably in our area, particularly during the pre-HBsAg screening era, several multitransfused patients were infected by HBV more readily than by HCV.

Nucleotide variations in the 3' A gamma enhancer region are linked to beta-gene cluster haplotypes and are unrelated to fetal hemoglobin expression

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of a nondeletion form of Sicilian beta o hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobinemia (HPFH) (mutation in IVS2 nt1 position) homozygous for haplotype III revealed the presence of four sequence variations: C----T at -158 5' to G gamma, T----C at +2285, C----A at +2476, and A----G at +2676, all 3' to A gamma. The latter three variations in the putative A gamma enhancer are identical to those observed in the case of Seattle HPFH. However, a severe beta o-thalassemia case from Algeria (mutation in IVS1 nt1 position), also homozygous for haplotype III, revealed the same nucleotide variation, albeit an inefficient HbF production. We conclude that the variations in the A gamma enhancer element do not play a role in the regulation of HbF production. To assess both the linkage of these sites with the beta-cluster haplotype and the extent of the polymorphism, we examined several black and Mediterranean chromosomes, by PCR amplification followed by both EspI digestion and oligonucleotide hybridization. Our data indicate that these sequence variations in the enhancer element are absent in Mediterranean haplotypes I, V, and VII but are consistently associated with Mediterranean haplotypes II, III, and IX, as well as with the black beta c-associated haplotype. The common feature of all the latter haplotypes is the presence of a polymorphic PvuII site between A gamma and psi beta, which is thus in linkage disequilibrium with the variations in the A gamma enhancer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Beta S gene in Sicily is in linkage disequilibrium with the Benin haplotype: implications for gene flow

Hemoglobin beta-like gene cluster haplotypes defined by restriction enzyme polymorphic sites are useful in determining the origin of the beta S gene found in several human populations. We present here evidence that the beta S gene found among Sicilians is associated with the same haplotype observed among sickle cell anemia patients from Central West Africa. In addition, this haplotype is either nonexistent or very rare among normal Sicilian individuals. We conclude that the beta S gene was introduced to Sicily from North Africa and that the gene flow originated in Central West Africa and traveled north through historically well-defined trans-Saharan commercial routes.

Relationship of Type A behavior pattern in smokers to carbon monoxide exposure and smoking topography

Stress-related physiological factors have been proposed to mediate the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, collateral behavioral factors, such as the exaggerated consummatory response patterns of Type As, may also be involved. Study 1 examined this hypothesis by comparing exposure to cigarette smoke in 42 graduate and undergraduate student smokers assessed for the TABP. After controlling for smoking rate and Federal Trade Commission cigarette carbon monoxide yield, Type As' alveolar carbon monoxide (COa) levels were higher than Type Bs', and Jenkins Activity Survey scores were correlated with COa. To determine the source of this difference, we measured smoking topography in 10 Type As and 10 Type Bs in Study 2. Type As and Type Bs did not differ in number of puffs taken or puff volume, but Type As' inhalation duration was 70% longer than Type Bs'. These results suggest that consummatory behaviors of Type As may help account for the Type A-CHD relationship for smokers. Due to increased smoke exposure, Type A smokers may also be at greater risk for cancer and lung disease than Type B smokers.

Heterogeneity of haplotypes among patients with severe Cooley disease in Eastern Sicily

There is a large variation of clinical severity among thalassemic patients in Sicily. A heterogeneous molecular basis has already been demonstrated among the patients presenting with thalassemia intermedia. The same approach, based mostly on linked haplotypes of the beta gene cluster polymorphisms and in some cases on the demonstration of the molecular defect itself, was used to investigate 55 patients presenting with severe Cooley anemia, all maintained under permanent transfusion regimen. A large heterogeneity was demonstrated in the observed haplotypes, and only a limited overlap with those already found in thalassemia intermedia. It has been noted that many of the patients are compound heterozygotes, the various observed associations making the antenatal diagnosis at the DNA level difficult in the near future.

A leftward deletional alpha+ thalassemia found in East Sicily in conjunction with heterozygous beta-thalassemia

Two types of alpha+ thalassemia (-alpha l) have been described, respectively termed leftward and rightward, which correspond to nonhomologous crossing-over in different homology zones X and Z within the alpha-globin gene cluster. Up to now the leftward type has been described only in Asiatic populations, whereas the rightward type is universally distributed. We report here a first case of leftward deletion observed in a Sicilian male. This raises the question of an identical or not crossing-over event.

T-subset abnormalities in thalassaemia intermedia: possible evidence for a thymus functional deficiency

Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets, evaluated by means of a series of monoclonal antibodies, were assessed in 14 patients affected by thalassaemia intermedia, 7 of them previously splenectomized. A significant reduction of T+4 cells ('helper' T cells) was found in almost all patients, whereas T+8 cells ('suppressor/cytotoxic') showed a marked increase only in splenectomized subjects. Together with these quantitative T-subset abnormalities, which seemed to be partly affected by either splenectomy or high serum iron levels, an unusual circulating T-cell subpopulation labelled by T6 monoclonal antibody was detected in all patients. Complete disappearance of T+6 cells ('thymocyte-like' T lymphocytes) and normalization of the T4/T8 ratio was observed after 'in vitro' incubation of patient's lymphocytes with a crude thymus extract (Thymostimulin). This would suggest the presence of a so far unreported thymus-dependent defect of T-lymphocyte phenotypic maturation occurring in thalassaemia intermedia.

'Mu' heavy chain type 'non-excretory' myeloma

An unusual case of 'non-excretory' myeloma is described in which, using immunofluorescence, only 'mu' heavy chains were detected in almost all bone marrow plasma-cell cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic light chains were completely lacking, and neither monoclonal whole immunoglobulin (Ig) nor free heavy nor light chains were detected in serum and urine, although the clinical and morphological features showed the classical pattern of myeloma. The possible mechanism which could play a role in the disturbance of the Ig-chain secretion observed in this case is discussed.

[Use of a particular cellulose acetate supporting agent in the electrophoretic evaluation of human hemoglobin]

576 subjects of whom 450 with hereditary anaemia and 116 normal are studied to establish the haemoglobin pattern. The assay is carried out using the standard cellulose acetate and an particular cellulose acetate medium cellogel RS "Wedge". The results show that cellogel RS in comporation with standard medium permits either an better resolution of the hemoglobin bands or a better detection of the pathologic bands.

[Bidimensional electrophoresis of factor VIII antigen on cellulose acetate]

It is described two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis using cellulose acetate as supporting medium compared with agarose gel method. The results show that the determination of the FVIIIR: Ag on cellulose acetate is a technique more simple and rapid than agarose gel method and many free from the technical failure.

[Use of a particular cellulose acetate supporting agent in the electrophoretic evaluation of urinary proteins]

It is compared an electrophoretic study between unconcentrated and concentrated urine samples on cellulose acetate and immunoelectrophoresis. The study shows that the findings carried out on cellulose acetate are overlapped with the immunochemical methods therefore the cellulose acetate may be preferred an useful medium on the electrophoretic assay of the unconcentrated urinary proteins without concentration.

Evidence of Abnormal Factor VIII Related Protein in Diabetes Mellitus

Biochemical and functional properties of Factor VIII related protein (VIII:RP) have been studied in the plasma from two groups of diabetic patients with or without vascular complications compared to normal subjects.

The Factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:AG) was performed by Laurell’s electroimmunoassay (LA) and electrophoretic mobility (EM) by two dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis (2 DCIE). Biophysical properties were evaluated by cryoprecipitation and concanavalin A (Con A) treatment at different concentrations. Biological functions were determined using the ristocetin cofactor (RiCoF) assay on fixed-washed platelets and procoagulant activity (FVIII : C).

In diabetic patients, particularly in the ones at higher thrombogenic risk, the evaluation of VI I I :C/VIII R:AG and VIIl:vWF/VI I I R:AG ratios showed a significant(P<0.00Decreased VIII R:AG with a higher co-ristocetin activity than the procoagulant one. Furthermore, biophysical and bio chemical modifications of diabetic Factor VII IR:AG, mainly a lower EM on 2 DC I E, were found. These results suggest that the Factor VI I IR:AG abnormality, detectable in diabetic plasma, can be related with an abnormal glycoprotein biosynthesis.

Evidence of Abnormal Factor: VIII Related Protein in Diabetes Mellitus

Biochemical and functional properties of Factor VIII related protein (VIII:RP) have been studied in the plasma from two groups of diabetic patients with or without vascular complications compared to normal subjects.

The Factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:AG) was performed by Laurell’s electroimmunoassay (LA) and electrophoretic mobility (EM) by two dimensional crossed Immunoelectrophoresis (2 DC IE). Biophysical properties were evaluated by cryoprecipitation and concanavalin A (Con A) treatment at different concentrations. Biological functions were determined using the ristocetin cofactor (RiCoF ) assay on fixed-washed platelets and procongulant activity (F VIII:C).

In diabetic patients, particularly in the ones at higher thrombogenic risk, the evaluation of VIII:C/VIIIR; AG and VIII:vWF/VIIIR;AG ratios showed a significant (P<0.001) increased VIIIR:AG with a higher co-ristocelin activity than the procoagulant one. Furthermore, biophysical and bio chemical modifications of diabetic Factor VIIIR;AG, mainly a lower EM on 2 DCIE, were found. These results suggest that the Factor VIIIR:AG abnormality, detectable in diabetic plasma, can be related with an abnormal glycoprotein biosynthesis.

Relationship of type A behavior pattern in smokers to carbon monoxide exposure and smoking topography

Stress-related physiological factors have been proposed to mediate the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, collateral behavioral factors, such as the exaggerated consummatory response patterns of Type As, may also be involved. Study 1 examined this hypothesis by comparing exposure to cigarette smoke in 42 graduate and undergraduate student smokers assessed for the TABP. After controlling for smoking rate and Federal Trade Commission cigarette carbon monoxide yield, Type As' alveolar carbon monoxide (COa) levels were higher than Type Bs', and Jenkins Activity Survey scores were correlated with COa. To determine the source of this difference, we measured smoking topography in 10 Type As and 10 Type Bs in Study 2. Type As and Type Bs did not differ in number of puffs taken or puff volume, but Type As' inhalation duration was 70% longer than Type Bs'. These results suggest that consummatory behaviors of Type As may help account for the Type A-CHD relationship for smokers. Due to increased smoke exposure, Type A smokers may also be at greater risk for cancer and lung disease than Type B smokers.