Do we still need animals? Surveying the role of animal-free models in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research

The use of animals in neuroscience and biomedical research remains controversial. Policy is built around the “3R” principle of “Refining, Reducing and Replacing” animal experiments, and across the globe, different initiatives stimulate the use of animal-free methods. Based on an extensive literature screen to map the development and adoption of animal-free methods in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease research, we find that at least two in three examined studies rely on animals or on animal-derived models. Among the animal-free studies, the relative contribution of innovative models that may replace animal experiments is limited. We argue that the distinction between animal research and alternative models presents a false dichotomy, as the role and scientific value of both animal and animal-free approaches are intertwined. Calls to halt all animal experiments appear premature, as insufficient non-animal-based alternatives are available and their development lags behind. In light of this, we highlight the need for objective, unprejudiced monitoring, and more robust performance indicators of animal-free approaches

Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Italian university students regarding contraceptive methods and STDs (1998–2008): a cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in opinions and behaviors of university students about sexual attitudes, use and effectiveness of contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Subjects and methods: The study was carried out through three surveys in 1998, 2003 and 2008. A self-completion questionnaire, divided into three major sections, was administered. The groups were analyzed with the Chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression analysis; the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Contraceptive methods were not used by 12.0, 12.5, and 16.2 % of the sample in 1998, in 2003 and 2008 respectively. The condom was the most common method used by responders, followed by the pill; both methods of birth control are also considered the most effective. In 2008, students demonstrated to have a good knowledge about STDs transmission through sexual intercourse and contraceptive use was higher among responders with multiple partners (p = 0.028), lower in smokers (p= 0.003) and female gender (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity to activate programs on sex education, on the use of contraceptives and STD prevention. Peer education should also be considered. © 2012 Springer-Verlag

One-Dimensional ZnO/Gold Junction for Simultaneous and Versatile Multisensing Measurements

The sensing capabilities of zinc oxide nano/micro-structures have been widely investigated and these structures are frequently used in the fabrication of cutting-edge sensors. However, to date, little attention has been paid to the multi-sensing abilities of this material. In this work, we present an efficient multisensor based on a single zinc oxide microwire/gold junction. The device is able to detect in real time three different stimuli, UV-VIS light, temperature and pH variations. This is thanks to three properties of zinc oxide its photoconductive response, pyroelectricity and surface functionalization with amino-propyl groups, respectively. The three stimuli can be detected either simultaneously or in a sequence/random order. A specific mathematical tool was also developed, together with a design of experiments (DoE), to predict the performances of the sensor. Our micro-device allows reliable and versatile real-time measurements of UV-VIS light, temperature and pH variations. Therefore, it shows great potential for use in the field of sensing for living cell cultures

From shunt to recovery: A multidisciplinary approach to hydrocephalus treatment in severe acquired brain injury rehabilitation

Background: Hydrocephalus among Severe Acquired Brain Injury (SABI) patients remains overlooked during rehabilitation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of traumatic and non-traumatic SABI patients with hydrocephalus, consecutively admitted over 9 years in a tertiary referral specialized rehabilitation hospital. Patients were treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt before or during inpatient rehabilitation and assessed using the Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale and Disability Rating Scale. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of post-surgical complications. Linear regression models were used to investigate predictors of hospital length of stay (LOS), disability, and cognitive function. Results: Of the 82 patients, 15 had post-surgical complications and 16 underwent cranioplasty. Shunt placement complication risk was higher when fixed vs. when programmable pressure valves were used. A total of 56.3% achieved functional improvement at discharge and 88.7% improved in cognitive function; of the 82 patients, 56% were discharged home. In multiple regression analyses, higher disability at discharge was related to cranioplasty and longer LOS, while poorer cognitive function was associated with cranioplasty. Increase in LOS was associated with increasing time to shunt and decreasing age. Conclusions: A significant improvement in cognitive and functional outcomes can be achieved. Cranioplasty increased LOS, and fixed pressure valves were related to poorer outcomes

Comparison of the performance of hydraulic lime- and clay-based grouts in the repair of rammed earth

Earth constructions constitute an important part of the built heritage and are spread worldwide. Rammed earth is among the most used earth construction techniques, though it exhibits a high seismic vulnerability. Nevertheless, the structural behaviour of rammed earth structures is still insufficiently comprehended. Thus, the preservation of this built heritage requires exhaustive characterisation of its mechanical and structural behaviours, as well as the development and validation of adequate intervention solutions. In this context, this paper presents an experimental program aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of grout injection to repair cracks and at further characterising the in-plane shear behaviour of rammed earth walls. The experimental program included the testing of rammed earth wallets under diagonal compression, which were subsequently repaired with injection of a clay-based or a hydraulic lime-based grout, and retested. Furthermore, sonic tests were conducted on the wallets before the destructive tests. The obtained results allowed to highlight that both grouts led to similar repairing performances, though the interlocking contribution promoted by the coarse particles of the rammed earth to the shear behaviour was found to be irrecoverable.Programa Operacional Temático Factores de Competitividade (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007633

Validation of a questionnaire for young women to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards cervical screening and vaccination against HPV in Italy

Background: Despite knowledge about HPV may be an important determinant for vaccine acceptance and uptake, only few studies have assessed HPV-related knowledge in young females. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, in Italian women ≥18 years old, as a tool to examine knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards screening and vaccination against HPV and reliable source of information. Methods: The questionnaire was administered to 30 girls in anonymous, voluntary and self -administered form with close-ended type of questions, except for the socio-demographic characteristics. It was composed in 3 sections for a total of 69 items. Participation in the study was entirely voluntary and anonymous. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequencies, percentages, and frequency table for categorical variables. Reliability analysis was tested and content validity was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha to check internal consistency and avoid misinterpretation of the results. The study was conducted in 4 Italian cities: Ferrara, Rome, Cassino and Palermo, to represent the different Italian geographical areas and knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards screening and vaccination against HPV and reliable source of information. Data were collected in October 2010. Statistical analysis was performed with the statistical software for Windows SPSS, version 19.0. Results: The highest value of Cronbach's alpha resulted on 24 items (alpha= 0,774); the addition of other items, one at a time, decreased the value. Cronbach's alpha on all the 3 sections together resulted in a value of 0, 059. Young women generally knew that HPV can cause cervical cancer (93.3%) and genital warts (16.7%) and 76.7% of them recognized Pap-test as a screening tool. The main sources of information about HPV vaccination are represented by magazines / books (33.3%), TV (26.7%), and gynecologists (23.3%). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that a short version of the questionnaire has very good reliability properties in the study and this needs to be taken into account for future studies