L'informazione allo "stato naturale"

By examining the evolution of visual communication from ancient cave paintings to modern virtual reality, this article highlights the potential of virtual technologies in creating three-dimensional and spatialized information that is more accessible to our brains and bodies. The text discusses various examples of immersive experiences, from virtual exhibitions to innovative applications in archaeology and the arts. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the connection between technology and beauty, concluding that a demystified vision of the metaverse can complement reality by offering unique experiences and powerful tools for collaboration and interaction

L'informazione allo "stato naturale"

By examining the evolution of visual communication from ancient cave paintings to modern virtual reality, this article highlights the potential of virtual technologies in creating three-dimensional and spatialized information that is more accessible to our brains and bodies. The text discusses various examples of immersive experiences, from virtual exhibitions to innovative applications in archaeology and the arts. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the connection between technology and beauty, concluding that a demystified vision of the metaverse can complement reality by offering unique experiences and powerful tools for collaboration and interaction

L'informazione allo "stato naturale"

By examining the evolution of visual communication from ancient cave paintings to modern virtual reality, this article highlights the potential of virtual technologies in creating three-dimensional and spatialized information that is more accessible to our brains and bodies. The text discusses various examples of immersive experiences, from virtual exhibitions to innovative applications in archaeology and the arts. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the connection between technology and beauty, concluding that a demystified vision of the metaverse can complement reality by offering unique experiences and powerful tools for collaboration and interaction

Usefulness of the blood chemistry screening associated with DXA imaging in a case of secondary osteoporosis in a young adult

Multiple myeloma is rare in young patients and may be undiagnosed or characterized by a significant delay in diagnosis. We report the association of stage I myeloma (according to Durie-Salmon classification) and osteoporosis in a 37-year-old male patient complaining of worsening pain in the spine. Pain attacks resulted in increases in blood pressure with hypertensive episodes. The investigations (on the basis of an unclear radiological picture and the presence of hypertensive state) led to the diagnosis of low grade osteoporosis. Since the young subject was symptomatic at the diagnosis, we continued evaluations on the basis of imaging data (DXA) and laboratory tests, revealing the presence of multiple myeloma. Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic implications of this clinical case are discussed

Cardiac Hypertrophy: from Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Heart Failure Development

Cardiac hypertrophy develops in response to increased workload to reduce ventricular wall stress and maintain function and efficiency. Pathological hypertrophy can be adaptive at the beginning. However, if the stimulus persists, it may progress to ventricular chamber dilatation, contractile dysfunction, and heart failure, resulting in poorer outcome and increased social burden. The main pathophysiological mechanisms of pathological hypertrophy are cell death, fibrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of Ca2+-handling proteins, metabolic changes, fetal gene expression reactivation, impaired protein and mitochondrial quality control, altered sarcomere structure, and inadequate angiogenesis. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which cardiac pathological hypertrophy mainly develop due to insulin resistance and subsequent hyperglycaemia, associated with altered fatty acid metabolism, altered calcium homeostasis and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathological hypertrophy development and progression, which can be applied in the development of future novel therapeutic strategies in both reversal and prevention

Efficacy and durability of multifactorial intervention on mortality and MACEs:a randomized clinical trial in type-2 diabetic kidney disease

Background: Multiple modifiable risk factors for late complications in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), including hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia, increase the risk of a poor outcome. DKD is associated with a very high cardiovascular risk, which requires simultaneous treatment of these risk factors by implementing an intensified multifactorial treatment approach. However, the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention on major fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular events (MACEs) in DKD patients has been poorly investigated. Methods: Nephropathy in Diabetes type 2 (NID-2) study is a multicentre, cluster-randomized, open-label clinical trial enrolling 395 DKD patients with albuminuria, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and negative history of CV events in 14 Italian diabetology clinics. Centres were randomly assigned to either Standard-of-Care (SoC) (n = 188) or multifactorial intensive therapy (MT, n = 207) of main cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure 40/50 mg/dL for men/women and < 175 mg/dL, respectively). Primary endpoint was MACEs occurrence by end of follow-up phase. Secondary endpoints included single components of primary endpoint and all-cause death. Results: At the end of intervention period (median 3.84 and 3.40 years in MT and SoC group, respectively), targets achievement was significantly higher in MT. During 13.0 years (IQR 12.4–13.3) of follow-up, 262 MACEs were recorded (116 in MT vs. 146 in SoC). The adjusted Cox shared-frailty model demonstrated 53% lower risk of MACEs in MT arm (adjusted HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.30–0.74, P = 0.001). Similarly, all-cause death risk was 47% lower (adjusted HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.29–0.93, P = 0.027). Conclusion: MT induces a remarkable benefit on the risk of MACEs and mortality in high-risk DKD patients. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00535925. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0053592

Probability of Detection for Penetrant Testing in Industrial Environment

Abstract Introduced at the end of 60&apos;s by NASA, Probability of Detection (PoD) is becoming more and more one of the main approach in order to assess, quantitatively, the general detection capabilities of a Non Destructive Inspection process. In spite of its importance, PoD can be elaborated in a variety of ways and can lead to some misinterpretations. Alenia Aeronautica assessed a specific approach for liquid penetrant inspection that is strictly connected to the estimation of the inspection sensitivity and it can be aimed at various targets, such as: inspection procedure validation, evaluation of personnel proficiency, comparative analysis of penetrant inspection processing materials, equipment and procedures, and evaluation of automated inspection systems. To this purpose, PoD is conceived as the probability, at a fixed confidence level, to detect a discontinuity belonging to a predefined class. Experimental PoD curves are obtained by processing metallic samples with defects generated and developed under controlled conditions

Advances in Pharmacological Approaches for Managing Hypercholesterolemia: A Comprehensive Overview of Novel Treatments

Hypercholesterolemia plays a crucial role in the formation of lipid plaques, particularly with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, which are linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Controlling blood cholesterol values, specifically reducing LDL-C, is widely recognized as a key modifiable risk factor for decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. Historically, statins, by inhibiting the enzyme β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG)-CoA reductase, have been among the most effective drugs. However, newer non-statin agents have since been introduced into hypercholesterolemia therapy, providing a viable alternative with a favorable cost–benefit ratio. This paper aims to delve into the latest therapies, shedding light on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits