Techno-economic assessment of turning gasification-based waste char into energy: A case study in South-Tyrol.

In the South-Tyrol region (Italy), 46 gasifiers are currently operating and €200,000 are annually paid to dispose of as a waste 1300 tons of char. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in finding alternatives for the valorization of this solid by-product. The aim of this work is to assess the potential of char as energy source and to compare two scenarios.

Determination of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes by a chemiluminescent assay.

A highly rapid chemiluminescent assay for the determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes was developed. The inhibition of the luminescent emission caused by the decrease of generated superoxide anions was measured. The aim of this work was to verify the application of a non amplified luminol SOD luminescent assay (CLM) in erythrocytes starting from an amplified method already used for the determination of XOD activity in milk (CLME).

CYP21 analysis and phenotype/genotype relationship in the screened population of the Italian Emilia-Romagna region.

Objectives: We have genotyped the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency identified from March 1980 to December 1997 through a combined program of neonatal screening and case survey in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). We have also analysed retrospectively the possible advantages of genotypical neonatal classification.

Design: A 'phase A' of screening and clinical monitoring (March 1980-September 1983 and March 1991-December 1997) and a 'phase B' of clinical monitoring only (October 1983-February 1991) were taken into account.

[Results of screening of congenital hypothyroidism and iodine excess in neonatal age].

We evaluated the distribution of TSH levels on dried blood spots (Delfia system-threshold value for recall 20 microU/ml) in 27,282 consecutive samples examined during 1993, in the Emilia-Romagna region. We also evaluated, by questionnaire, the frequency of iodine disinfection in the perinatal period in all centers that do blood spots. We also evaluated the distribution of TSH spot values according to the localization of the center in endemic or not endemic area of the region.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in adults receiving lipid-based home parenteral nutrition.

Background: Infusion of lipid emulsions rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may increase lipid peroxidation, which is counteracted mainly by superoxide dismutase (SOD) (a zinc-, copper-, and manganese-dependent enzyme), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSHPx), and alpha-tocopherol.

Objective: We investigated lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) providing variable amounts of a lipid emulsion rich in PUFAs, and alpha-tocopherol, zinc, copper, and manganese as recommended by the American Medical Association, and no selenium.

Design: Serum malondialdehyde, plasma alpha-tocopherol, selenium, Se-GSHPx, PUFAs, and red blood cell Se-GSHPx and SOD were evaluated in 12 patients and in 25 healthy control subjects.