An experimental study on micro-milling of a medical grade Co-Cr-Mo alloy produced by selective laser melting

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloys are very promising materials, in particular, in the biomedical field where their unique properties of biocompatibility and wear resistance can be exploited for surgery applications, prostheses, and many other medical devices. While Additive Manufacturing is a key technology in this field, micro-milling can be used for the creation of micro-scale details on the printed parts, not obtainable with Additive Manufacturing techniques. In particular, there is a lack of scientific research in the field of the fundamental material removal mechanisms involving micro-milling of Co-Cr-Mo alloys. Therefore, this paper presents a micro-milling characterization of Co-Cr-Mo samples produced by Additive Manufacturing with the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technique. In particular, microchannels with different depths were made in order to evaluate the material behavior, including the chip formation mechanism, in micro-milling. In addition, the resulting surface roughness (Ra and Sa) and hardness were analyzed. Finally, the cutting forces were acquired and analyzed in order to ascertain the minimum uncut chip thickness for the material. The results of the characterization studies can be used as a basis for the identification of a machining window for micro-milling of biomedical grade cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloys

Assessing the impact of waves and platform dynamics on floating wind-turbine energy production

Waves have the potential to increase the power output of a floating wind turbine by forcing its rotor to move against the wind. Starting from this observation, we use four multi-physics models of increasing complexity to investigate the role of waves and platform movements in the energy conversion process of four floating wind turbines of 5–15 MW in the Mediterranean Sea. Progressively adding realism to our simulations, we show that large along-wind rotor movements are needed to increase the power output of a floating wind turbine; however, these are prevented by the current technology of spar and semi-submersible platforms. Wind turbulence is the main cause of power fluctuations for the four floating wind turbines we examined and is preponderant over the effect of platform motions due to waves. In a realistic met-ocean environment, the power curve of the floating wind turbines we studied is lower than that obtained with a fixed foundation, with reductions in the annual energy production of 1.5 %–2.5 %. The lower energy production is mainly ascribed to the platform mean tilt, which reduces the rotor's effective area.</p

Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and HIV among people living with HIV. Should we be concerned?

Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41-59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM (p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs' awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality

USING VIRTUAL OR AUGMENTED REALITY for the TIME-BASED STUDY of COMPLEX UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS

International audienceCultural Heritage (CH) resources are partial, heterogeneous, discontinuous, and subject to ongoing updates and revisions. The use of semantic web technologies associated with 3D graphical tools is proposed to improve access, exploration, exploitation and enrichment of these CH data in a standardized and more structured form. This article presents the monitoring work developed for more than ten years on the excavation of the Xlendi site. Around an exceptional shipwreck, the oldest from the Archaic period in the Western Mediterranean, we have set up a unique excavation at a depth of 110m assisted by a rigorous and continuous photogrammetry campaign. All the collected results are modelled by an ontology and visualized with virtual and augmented reality tools that allow a bidirectional link between the proposed graphical representations and the non-graphical archaeological data. It is also important to highlight the development of an innovative 3D mobile app that lets users study and understand the site as well as experience sensations close to those of a diver visiting the site

Perspectives on climate action and the changing burden of infectious diseases among young Italian doctors and students: a national survey

Background The eco-climatic crisis has been defined by the World Health Organization as the "single biggest health threat facing humanity," influencing both the emergence of zoonoses and the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The aim of this survey was to explore knowledge, eco-anxiety and attitudes toward the ecological and climate crisis among young Italian doctors and medical students.Methods A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023, by administering an anonymous questionnaire to Italian doctors and students of medicine. Endpoint of the study was a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) score on ecological and climate crisis (0-20 points). Association between variables and KAP score was assessed by Kruskal-Wallis' or Spearman's test, as appropriate, and significant variables were included into ordinal regression model and reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results Both KAP and eco-anxiety scores showed acceptable levels of consistency with Cronbach's alpha. A total of 605 medical doctors and students living in 19 Italian regions were included in the study. Median age [Q1-Q3] was 27.6 [24.1-31.3] and females were 352 (58.2%). Despite showing good attitudes toward climate action, knowledge gap were found, with 42.5% (n = 257) of the respondents not knowing the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreements and 45.5% (n = 275) believing that climate change is caused by sunspots. Fears suggestive for eco-anxiety were common. At multivariable ordinal regression, high levels of eco-anxiety (aOR 1.29, p = 0.001) and low trust in government action (aOR 1.96, p = 0.003) were associated with a higher KAP score. Only one Italian medical school offered an educational module on climate change.Conclusion Young Italian doctors and medical students are concerned about the climate crisis but show poor knowledge of these topics. The Italian academic system should urgently respond to this need

Viabilidade técnica e econômica da produção de microalgas em sistema semiaberto para uso agropecuário.

A presente publicação é resultado de vários anos de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação na área de produção de biomassa de microalgas em sistemas controlados para uso agropecuário. Este resultado faz parte das ações do projeto da Embrapa “Desenvolvimento de sistemas de produção de microalgas para viabilização do uso da biomassa algal em biorrefinarias de produção de fertilizantes agrícolas, ração para peixes e biogás - AlgaTec” (20.18.03.032.00.00), desenvolvido entre os anos de 2018 e 2024. A biomassa de microalgas possui potencial de ser um recurso-chave na economia circular, servindo de matéria-prima para diversos produtos e atendendo as demandas de várias indústrias, com destaque para insumos alimentares ricos em proteínas, carboidratos, lipídeos e outros compostos de interesse agropecuário, como fertilizantes. Assim, os resultados apresentados contribuem para a melhoria dos indicadores da Meta 2.4 do ODS 2 (Fome Zero e Agricultura Sustentável). Essa meta busca, até 2030, garantir sistemas sustentáveis de produção de alimentos e implementar práticas agrícolas resilientes, que aumentem a produtividade e a produção. Além disso, visa preservar os ecossistemas, fortalecer a adaptação às mudanças climáticas, condições meteorológicas extremas, secas, inundações e outros desastres, ao mesmo tempo em que melhora progressivamente a qualidade da terra e do solo

What Is the Efficacy of Sotrovimab in Reducing Disease Progression and Death in People with COVID-19 during the Omicron Era? Answers from a Real-Life Study

(1) Introduction: Since May 2021, sotrovimab has been available in Italy for early treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to prevent disease progression. However, some in vitro studies have questioned its efficacy on Omicron variants. Therefore, we aim to further investigate the efficacy of sotrovimab in real-life settings. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective study collecting medical records of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection evaluated in the infectious diseases units of Sassari, Foggia, and Bari, Italy. We included people with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with sotrovimab and people who did not receive any treatment in 2022. The primary study outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of sotrovimab in reducing disease progression (defined as the necessity of starting oxygen supplementation) and COVID-19-related death. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the safety of sotrovimab. (3) Results: We included 689 people; of them, 341 were treated with sotrovimab, while 348 did not receive any treatment. Overall, we registered 161 (23.4%) disease progressions and 65 (9.4%) deaths, with a significant difference between treated and not-treated people (p &lt; 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression, increasing age [OR for ten years increasing age 1.23 (95%CI 1.04-1.45)] was associated with a higher risk of disease progression. In addition, cardiovascular disease [OR 1.69 (1.01-2.80), fever [OR 3.88 (95%CI 2.35-6.38)], and dyspnea [OR 7.24 (95%CI 4.17-12.58)] were associated with an increased risk of disease progression. In contrast, vaccination [OR 0.21 (95%CI 0.12-0.37)] and sotrovimab administration [OR 0.05 (95%CI 0.02-0.11)] were associated with a lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Regarding mortality, people with older age [OR for ten years increasing age 1.36 (95%CI 1.09-1.69)] had a higher risk of death. In addition, in the multivariate analysis, cardiovascular disease lost statistical significance, while people on chemotherapy for haematological cancer [OR 4.07 (95%CI 1.45-11.4)] and those with dyspnea at diagnosis [OR 3.63 (95%CI 2.02-6.50)] had an increased risk of death. In contrast, vaccination [OR 0.37 (95%CI 0.20-0.68)] and sotrovimab treatment [OR 0.16 (95%CI 0.06-0.42)] were associated with lower risk. Only two adverse events were reported; one person complained of diarrhoea a few hours after sotrovimab administration, and one had an allergic reaction with cutaneous rash and itching. (4) Conclusions: Our study showed that sotrovimab treatment was associated with a reduction of the risk of disease progression and death in SARS-CoV-2-infected people, 70% of whom were over 65 years and a with high vaccination rate, with excellent safety. Therefore, our results reinforce the evidence about the efficacy and safety of sotrovimab during the Omicron era in a real-world setting

MicroRNA-21/PDCD4 proapoptotic signaling from circulating CD34+ cells to vascular endothelial cells:a potential contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia

Dataset related to the article with title: MicroRNA-21/PDCD4 proapoptotic signaling from circulating CD34+ cells to vascular endothelial cells: a potential contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia By:Gaia Spinetti1, Elena Sangalli1, Elena Tagliabue1, Davide Maselli1, Ornella Colpani1, David Ferland-McCollough2, Franco Carnelli1, Patrizia Orlando1, Agostino Paccagnella3, Anna Furlan3, Piero Maria Stefani3, Luisa Sambado3, Maria Sambataro3, and Paolo Madeddu2. 1IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy; 2University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, 3Ca Foncello Hospital, Treviso, Italy. Diabetes Care. 2020 Jul;43(7):1520-1529. doi: 10.2337/dc19-2227. Epub 2020 May 1. Abstract Objective. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), migration of circulating CD34+ cells predicted cardiovascular mortality at 18 months post-revascularization. This study aimed to provide long-term validation and mechanistic understanding of the biomarker. Research Design and Methods. The association between CD34+ cell migration and cardiovascular mortality was reassessed at 6 years post-revascularization. In a new series of T2D-CLI and control subjects, immuno-sorted bone marrow (BM)-CD34+ cells were profiled for microRNA expression and assessed for apoptosis and angiogenesis activity. The differentially regulated microRNA-21, and its pro-apoptotic target PDCD4, were titrated to verify their contribution in transferring damaging signals from CD34+ cells to endothelial cells. Results. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed CD34+ cell migration forecasts long-term cardiovascular mortality. CD34+ cells from T2D-CLI patients were more apoptotic and less proangiogenic than controls and featured microRNA-21 downregulation, modulation of several long non-coding RNAs acting as microRNA-21 sponges, and upregulation of the microRNA-21 proapoptotic target PDCD4. Silencing miR-21 in control CD34+ cells phenocopied the T2D-CLI cell behavior. In coculture, T2D-CLI CD34+ cells imprinted naïve endothelial cells, increasing apoptosis, reducing network formation, and modulating the TUG1 sponge/microRNA-21/PDCD4 axis. Silencing PDCD4 or scavenging ROS protected endothelial cells from the negative influence of T2D-CLI CD34+ cells Conclusions. Migration of CD34+ cells predicts long-term cardiovascular mortality in T2D-CLI patients. An altered paracrine signalling conveys anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic features from CD34+ cells to the endothelium. This damaging interaction may increase the risk for life-threatening complications

Impact of common cardio-metabolic risk factors on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: an individual-level pooled analysis of 31 cohort studies

Background: Estimates of the burden of cardio-metabolic risk factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) rely on relative risks (RRs) from non-LAC countries. Whether these RRs apply to LAC remains un- known. Methods: We pooled LAC cohorts. We estimated RRs per unit of exposure to body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL cholesterol on fatal (31 cohorts, n = 168,287) and non-fatal (13 cohorts, n = 27,554) cardiovascular diseases, adjusting for regression dilution bias. We used these RRs and national data on mean risk factor levels to estimate the number of cardiovascular deaths attributable to non-optimal levels of each risk factor. Results: Our RRs for SBP, FPG and TC were like those observed in cohorts conducted in high-income countries; however, for BMI, our RRs were consistently smaller in people below 75 years of age. Across risk factors, we observed smaller RRs among older ages. Non-optimal SBP was responsible for the largest number of attributable cardiovascular deaths ranging from 38 per 10 0,0 0 0 women and 54 men in Peru, to 261 (Dominica, women) and 282 (Guyana, men). For non-HDL cholesterol, the lowest attributable rate was for women in Peru (21) and men in Guatemala (25), and the largest in men (158) and women (142) from Guyana. Interpretation: RRs for BMI from studies conducted in high-income countries may overestimate disease burden metrics in LAC; conversely, RRs for SBP, FPG and TC from LAC cohorts are similar to those esti- mated from cohorts in high-income countries

Association between global leukocyte DNA methylation and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Genetic studies to date have not provided satisfactory evidence regarding risk polymorphisms for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conversely, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, seem to influence the risk of CVD and related conditions. Because postmenopausal women experience an increase in CVD, we set out to determine whether global DNA methylation was associated with cardiovascular risk in this population. METHODS: In this cross sectional study carried out in a university hospital, 90 postmenopausal women without prior CVD diagnosis (55.5 ± 4.9 years, 5.8 [3.0–10.0] years since menopause) were enrolled. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and global DNA methylation levels were obtained with an ELISA kit. Cardiovascular risk was estimated by the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (10-year risk) (FRS). Clinical and laboratory variables were assessed. Patients were stratified into two CVD risk groups: low (FRS: <10 %, n = 69) and intermediate/high risk (FRS ≥10 %, n = 21). RESULTS: Age, time since menopause, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-c levels were higher in FRS ≥10 % group vs. FRS <10 % group. BMI, triglycerides, HDL-c, HOMA-IR, glucose and hsC-reactive protein levels were similar in the two groups. Global DNA methylation (% 5mC) in the overall sample was 26.5 % (23.6–36.9). The FRS ≥10 % group presented lower global methylation levels compared with the FRS <10 % group: 23.9 % (20.6–29.1) vs. 28.8 % (24.3–39.6), p = 0.02. This analysis remained significant even after adjustment for time since menopause (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that lower global DNA methylation is associated with higher cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women