Endothelial Cell Dysfunction in HIV-1 Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promotes a generalized immune activation that alters the physiology of cells that are not sensitive to viral infection. Endothelial cells (ECs) display heavy dysfunctions in HIV-1-seropositive (HIV+) patients that persist even in patients under successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). In vivo studies failed to demonstrate the presence of replicating virus in ECs suggesting that a direct role of the virus in vascular dysfunction is unlikely. This finding paves the way to the hypothesis of a key role of molecules released in the microenvironment by HIV-1-infected cells in sustaining aberrant EC function. Here we review the current understanding regarding the contribution of HIV-1 infection to vascular dysfunction. In particular, we argue that different HIV-1 proteins may play a key role in driving and sustaining inflammation and EC dysregulation, thus underlining the need to target them for therapeutic benefit

Effect of airborne particle abrasion on microtensile bond strength of total-etch adhesives to human dentin

Aim of this study was to investigate a specific airborne particle abrasion pretreatment on dentin and its effects on microtensile bond strengths of four commercial total-etch adhesives. Midcoronal occlusal dentin of extracted human molars was used. Teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to the adhesive system used: OptiBond FL (FL), OptiBond Solo Plus (SO), Prime & Bond (PB), and Riva Bond LC (RB). Specimens from each group were further divided into two subgroups: control specimens were treated with adhesive procedures; abraded specimens were pretreated with airborne particle abrasion using 50 mu m Al2O3 before adhesion. After bonding procedures, composite crowns were incrementally built up. Specimens were sectioned perpendicular to adhesive interface to producemultiple beams, which were tested under tension until failure. Data were statistically analysed. Failure mode analysis was performed. Overall comparison showed significant increase in bond strength (p < 0.001) between abraded and no-abraded specimens, independently of brand. Intrabrand comparison showed statistical increase when abraded specimens were tested compared to no-abraded ones, with the exception of PB that did not show such difference. Distribution of failure mode was relatively uniform among all subgroups. Surface treatment by airborne particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles can increase the bond strength of total-etch adhesive

Il rischio nella società della globalizzazione

Il processo di globalizzazione, che definisce e caratterizza la societ&agrave; postmoderna, ha comportato una crescita delle condizioni di rischio per la collettivit&agrave;; rischi che si sono globalizzati, dando luogo ad effetti meno facilmente identificabili, ma pi&ugrave; gravi e di conseguenza pi&ugrave; inquietanti e difficili da affrontare. Ne consegue che l&rsquo;uomo della tarda modernit&agrave; vive continuamente in uno stato di paura costante ma contenuta, una sorta di &ldquo;angoscia da disastro&rdquo; derivante dai mutamenti della natura dei rischi, una paura vaga che non ha un oggetto determinato ed &egrave; vissuta come attesa dolorosa per una minaccia tanto pi&ugrave; temibile quanto non chiaramente identificabile. Si propaga, cos&igrave;, nell&rsquo;opinione pubblica un generale senso di allarme, un profondo e continuo disagio morale dove diffusa e costante &egrave; l&rsquo;insicurezza e, reali o immaginarie, si intensificano le paure. Sulla base di queste premesse, l&rsquo;autrice richiama le prospettive e gli approcci principali che sono stati elaborati in materia, interrogandosi sulle implicazioni del rischio per la vita sociale.The process of globalization that defines and characterizes post-modern society has brought about a growth in risk factors for the community in general. On becoming globalized, these risks have given rise to effects that are not easily identified but are more serious, and consequently more disturbing and more difficult to deal with. As a result, post-modern man lives in a permanent but contained state of fear, a kind of &ldquo;disaster anxiety&rdquo; resulting from the changes in the nature of risk. It is a vague fear with no specific object that is lived as an anguished awaiting for a threat that is all the more fearful for being less clearly identified. In this way, a general sense of alarm spreads throughout public opinion; a profound and continuous moral unease where the sense of insecurity is widespread and constant and where the fears, be they real or imaginary, are intensified. On the basis of these premises the author analyzes the perspectives and the main approaches that have been used in the study of this phenomenon, examining the implications of risk in a modern society

THE ITALIAN NETWORK FOR EARLY DETECTION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND NATIONAL POLICIES

Background: Well-structured monitoring system is crucial to identify interventions for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD). Subjects and methods: The NIDA Network enrolled more than 760 at risk for NDD and typically developing infants to detect early signs of NDD. Results: The NIDA Network was born in some Italian regions to engage clinical centers in a research project. It is increasingly turning out to be a national monitoring project well integrated in the Italian National Health System policies. Conclusions: The NIDA Network activities are finalized at diagnosis and interventions to improve quality of life of children with NDD and their families