A study has been carried out on the relationship between the composition, poling condition and piezoelectric properties of thick film layers. Pastes based on lead‐titanate‐zirconate (PZT) powders, with either PbO or a lead‐alumina‐silicate glass frit as binder, were prepared. Microstructure, electrical and mechanical properties were analysed. Processing and poling conditions modify these properties; then a wide latitude of opportunities is offered in the choice of ferroelectric/piezoelectric characteristics of the layers used as sensing elements for sensors. A pressure sensor was realised where a circular diaphragm of alumina supports two piezoelectric layers obtained by screen printing and firing a PZT/PbO‐based ferroelectric paste. The design and the performance characteristics are described.
A reduced level of NOx is associated with a prompt clinical response to PGE-induced labor. Provided we do not know the origin of NOx in the general circulation, these data indicate NOx levels as predictors of the response to PGE-induced delivery at term and support the hypothesis that labor onset is modulated by the endogenous NO activity.
The present study evaluated the FSH and LH episodic discharge in different physiopathological conditions undergoing chronic GnRH-agonist administration. Four girls with true precocious puberty and five postmenopausal women were administered GnRH-agonist (3.73 leuprolide acetate every 4 weeks; Takeda Italia, Rome, Italy) for at least 4 months. Plasma LH and FSH secretory profiles were assessed before and under GnRH-agonist administration (after 21 and 120 days). Pulsatility studies were conducted for 4 h in the girls and for 6 h in postmenopausal women, with blood sampling intervals of 10 min. Pubertal and postmenopausal patients showed the distinct episodic co-secretion of LH and FSH before GnRH-agonist administration; this co-secretion disappeared in both groups after 21 and 120 days of treatment. Moreover, while LH concentrations decreased to almost undetectable levels and LH episodic release disappeared, FSH plasma levels were only partially reduced and FSH episodic secretion was detectable in both groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that long-term GnRH-agonist administration blocked LH but not FSH episodic release. These data enforce the hypothesis that FSH episodic discharge might be dependent not only on hypothalamic GnRH, but also on a GnRH-independent stimulatory pathway.
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