Human centred manufacturing: methodology for ergonomic previsional evaluation of manual assembly operations

The challenge of flexibility and productivity for manufacturing operations needs a new concept based on “human-centered manufacturing process”. This concept must consider basically the ergonomics of workplaces and workload balancing. The application of this concept is achievable through the detailed knowledge of the interaction between human and workplace, in particular as far as the mechanical load (or work load) arising from product design and from manufacturing process definition (included tools and equipment). The measurement of workload then is a fundamental for new (and existing) workplaces. In this paper is described the methodology that considers the procedure and instruments for measuring ergonomic parameters and the use of EAWS method to assess the ergonomic risk level of the workplace summarized by a score. EAWS considers postural aspects and dynamics of work activity. Design or modification of the workplace can be defined on base of the results obtained by the methodology application

Clinical, epidemiological and virological features of acute hepatitis B in Italy

Purpose To evaluate the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, basal core promoter (BCP)/precore (PC) and S gene mutations with the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of acute hepatitis B (AHB) in Italy. Methods During July 2005–January 2007, 103 symptomatic AHB patients were enrolled and prospectively followed up at 15 national hospitals. HBV genotypes, BCP/ PC and S gene variants were determined by nested-PCR and direct sequence analysis. Results Genotype D, A and F were detected in 49, 45 and 6 % of patients, respectively. BCP, PC, and BCP plus PC variants were found in 3.1, 11.3 and 7.2 % of patients, respectively. At enrollment, 68.3 % of patients were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 31.7 % HBeAg-negative. BCP/PC mutations were more common in HBeAg-negative than in HBeAg-positive patients (p < 0.0001). Compared to genotype D patients, those harboring non-D genotypes were more frequently males (p = 0.023), HBeAg-positive (p < 0.001), had higher bilirubin (p = 0.014) and viremia (p = 0.034) levels and less frequently carried BCP/PC mutations (p < 0.001). Non-D genotype patients more often were from Central Italy (p = 0.001) and reported risky sexual exposure (p = 0.021). Two patients had received vaccination before AHB: one harbored genotype F; the other showed a S gene mutation. Four patients developed fulminant AHB; mutations were found in 2 of 3 patients who underwent BCP/ PC sequencing. After a 6-month follow-up, only 2 (2.8 %) patients developed persistent infection. Conclusion AHB by non-D genotypes is increasing in Italy and is associated with risky sexual exposure. The ability of some genotypes to cause persistent and/or severe infection in Italy warrants larger studies for clarificatio

Gender influence on professional satisfaction and gender issue perception among young oncologists. A survey of the Young Oncologists Working Group of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM)

Background: The professional gender gap is increasingly recognised in oncology. We explored gender issues perception and gender influence on professional satisfaction/gratification among young Italian oncologists. Methods: Italian oncologists aged 6440 years and members of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology were invited to participate in an online survey addressing workload/burnout, satisfaction in professional abilities and relations, relevant factors for professional gratification, and gender barriers. \u3c72 test for general association or \u3c72 test for trend was used to analyse the data. Results: 201 young oncologists participated in the survey: 67% female, 71% aged 30-40 years, 41% still in training and 82% without children. Women and men were equally poorly satisfied by the relations with people occupying superior hierarchical positions. There was heterogeneity between women and men in current (p=0.011) and expected future (p=0.007) satisfaction in professional abilities: women were more satisfied by current empathy and relations with colleagues and were more confident in their future managerial and team leader skills. The most important elements for professional gratification indicated by all participants were, in general, work-life balance (36%) and intellectual stimulation/research (32%); specifically for women, work-life balance (48%) and intellectual stimulation/research (20%); and specifically for men, career (29%) and social prestige/recognition (26%). Heterogeneity within the same gender emerged. For example, the elements indicated by men as the most important were intellectual stimulation/research (39%) and work-life balance (21%) in general, versus social prestige/recognition (24%) and career (24%), respectively, specifically for men (p<0.0001). More women versus men perceived gender issue as an actual problem (60% vs 38%, p=0.03); men underestimated gender barriers to women's career (p=0.011). Conclusions: Satisfaction in professional abilities varied by gender. Work-life balance is important for both women and men. Stereotypes about gender issues may be present. Gender issue is an actual problem for young oncologists, mostly perceived by women

Spray-dried microspheres based on methylpyrrolidinone chitosan: <i>in-vitro</i> and <i>ex-vivo</i> studies

The purpose of this work was the preparation and the study of methypyrrolidinone chitosan spray-dried microspheres for the intranasal release of metoclopramide hydrochloride (Met). Chitosan (CH) microparticles were prepared as comparison

Spray-dried microspheres based on methylpyrrolidinone chitosan:in-vitroandex-vivostudies

The purpose of this work was the preparation and the study of methypyrrolidinone chitosan spray-dried microspheres for the intranasal release of metoclopramide hydrochloride (Met). Chitosan (CH) microparticles were prepared as comparison

Modern biotechnological approaches toward sustainable viticulture

Conventional breeding does not allow the introgression of single traits without compromising the genetic background that characterize an elite cultivar. The exploitation of the new molecular techniques known as genome editing and cisgenesis make possible to modify or transfer single genes preserving all the characteristics selected with difficulty by breeders over a long-time span. To date, 27 QTLs have been associated with downy mildew disease resistance (Rpv1-Rpv27) and many of these have been employed in breeding programs for the introgression in genotypes of interest. Just in case of Rpv1 and Rpv3, however, the underlying genes have been identified and characterized. In both cases nucleotide-binding leucine rich repeat (NB-LRR) genes are present, codifying for receptors that act as cytoplasmic pathogen sensors, triggering a signal transduction pathway for cell-death mediated defense at the infection site. One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional genetic engineered plants is represented by the presence of transgenes (often selection markers), usually perceived as unsafe by consumers. The cisgenic approach aims at circumventing this problem avoiding the presence of exogenous DNA, introducing only the desired trait by using native genes from Vitis species, interfertile with V. vinifera. Adopting this strategy, the already characterized resistance genes RPV3 and/or RPV1 will be introduced in some elite Vitis vinifera varieties, highly appreciated by the wine industry. The outcomes will reduce the agrochemicals needs and the risks associated with their use, increasing the profitability of the vineyard and consumers\u2019 appreciation. Flower tissues of Glera, Sangiovese and Pinot Nero have been collected from field and fruit cuttings grown plants and from fruiting cuttings and used as explants for the induction of somatic embryos. PCR products of candidate genes, including native promoter and terminator, will be cloned in a suitable vector and transformed into competent E.coli. The gene sequences will be then isolated by PCR and cloned into a binary vector engineered with an inducible excision system. Transient expression assays will be used to evaluate the efficacy of the candidate genes into the different genetic backgrounds of the selected cultivars. The gene construct will be used for the transformation of grapevine embryogenic calli through A. tumefaciens infection. Infected calli will be transferred on selective media for the induction and germination of somatic embryos . Regenerated plantlets will hence be checked for the presence and expression of candidate genes. For the removal of exogenous sequences, chemical or thermal induction of the excision system will be used. Absence of Agrobacterium and backbone sequences will also be checked by PCR on transformants. Resistance and susceptibility to downy mildew will be tested on available material of interest by leaf disc bioassay or whole leaves inoculation of in-vitro and/or acclimatisedacclimatized plantlets

trabecular bone score tbs and bone metabolism in patients affected with type 1 neurofibromatosis nf1

In patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and low levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD) have been reported. Recently, the trabecular bone score (TBS) measurement has been proposed as index of bone microarchitecture and fracture risk. In 74 NF1 patients (48 females, 26 males, age 41 ± 12), we measured TBS and investigated clinical stage, lifestyle, vitamin D, serum bone turnover markers, vertebral and femoral BMD. A homogenous cohort of 61 healthy subjects was used as control group. TBS was lower in NF1 patients (1.266 ± 0.113 vs. 1.346 ± 0.105) without differences between sexes. No correlations with 25OHD, low exercise, low calcium intake, reduced sun exposure, and number of skin neurofibromas were observed. As expected, hypovitaminosis D was common (98.6%), as well as BMD reduction in hip and spine sites: In NF1 patients, bone texture evaluated by TBS was low in both sexes without any correlation with clinical or metabolic parameters, suggesting a direct role of the fibromin mutation

A multidisciplinary study using in vivo tumor models and microfluidic cell-on-chip approach to explore the cross-talk between cancer and immune cells

A full elucidation of events occurring inside the cancer microenvironment is fundamental for the optimization of more effective therapies. In the present study, the cross-talk between cancer and immune cells was examined by employing mice deficient (KO) in interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-8, a transcription factor essential for induction of competent immune responses. The in vivo results showed that IRF-8 KO mice were highly permissive to B16.F10 melanoma growth and metastasis due to failure of their immune cells to exert proper immunosurveillance. These events were found to be dependent on soluble factors released by cells of the immune system capable of shaping the malignant phenotype of melanoma cells. An on-chip model was then generated to further explore the reciprocal interactions between the B16.F10 and immune cells. B16.F10 and immune cells were co-cultured in a microfluidic device composed of three culturing chambers suitably inter-connected by an array of microchannels; mutual interactions were then followed using time-lapse microscopy. It was observed that WT immune cells migrated through the microchannels towards the B16.F10 cells, establishing tight interactions that in turn limited tumor spread. In contrast, IRF-8 KO immune cells poorly interacted with the melanoma cells, resulting in a more invasive behavior of the B16.F10 cells. These results suggest that IRF-8 expression plays a key role in the cross-talk between melanoma and immune cells, and under-score the value of cell-on-chip approaches as useful in vitro tools to reconstruct complex in vivo microenvironments on a microscale level to explore cell interactions such as those occurring within a cancer immunoenvironment

Adaptive Hyperactivity and Biomarker Exploration: Insights from Elders in the Blue Zone of Sardinia

Background/Objectives: Adaptive hyperactivity characterized by increased activity levels and novelty-seeking traits without mood disorders is prevalent among older adults in Sardinia’s “blue zone,” an area with high longevity. This study aims to evaluate the adaptive nature of hyperactivity concerning quality of life, social rhythms, and mood symptoms in individuals from this region, particularly among elderly adults over 80. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included adults and older adults over 80 from Sardinia’s blue zone. This study included a sample of patients followed at the Center for Consultation Psychiatry and Psychosomatics for Bipolar Disorder of the University Hospital of Cagliari and a homogeneous comparison sample of patients without psychiatric pathologies, referred to the Dermatology Clinic of the same hospital, for a period of 6 months, from February to August 2024. The general sample, divided into two parts—cases, represented by patients with psychiatric pathology, and controls, patients without psychiatric pathology—was divided in turn into three sub-groups: “adults” (18–64 years), young elders (65–79), and old elders (over 80 years). The participants underwent psychiatric interviews and completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), SF-12, and Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). Data were compared with national and regional normative data. Results: Older adults in the blue zone demonstrated higher MDQ positivity (22.58%) compared to the national averages (0.87%), without corresponding increases in dysregulated rhythms, depressive symptoms, or reduced quality of life. Younger old persons (65–79 years) showed increased rhythm dysregulation (BSRS score: 20.64 ± 7.02) compared to adults (17.40 ± 6.09, p = 0.040), but this trend was not observed in the oldest group (80+ years). No significant differences were found in the CH3SH and (CH3)2S levels between groups. Conclusions: The hyperactivity observed in older adults from Sardinia’s blue zone appears adaptive and not linked to social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, or a diminished quality of life, suggesting resilience factors which may contribute to longevity. These findings support the potential classification of such hyperactivity as beneficial rather than pathological, warranting further research into biomarkers and psychoeducational interventions to prevent the onset of bipolar disorders in predisposed individuals