Improving the Protectiveness of 3-Mercaptopropyl-Trimethoxysilane Coatings on Bronze by Addition of Oxidic Nano- and Microparticles

The protectiveness of coatings based on 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane (PropS-SH) applied on bronze artworks was enhanced by investigating and tuning a variety of factors. In particular, the coating performances were optimized by proper additive choice among oxide nanoparticles (CeO2, La2O3, TiO2) and microparticles (fly ash (FA)), and by varying the aging time of the nanoparticle suspensions before coating application and the RT curing time of the coatings. Moreover, the possibility of conservation of the silane solution under refrigerated conditions was assessed. The aggressive environment was a tenfold concentrated synthetic acid rain (AR × 10). The techniques adopted comprised electrochemical tests (polarization curve recording and EIS tests) and SEM-Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) observations. In the case of FA microparticles, never used before as additives in silane coatings, further tests were performed in FA suspensions in AR × 10 to clarify the contribution of these particles to PropS-SH coating protectiveness. The tests included pH measurements, elemental chemical analyses, and electrochemical tests on bare bronze. Improved performances of PropS-SH coatings were achieved by La2O3, CeO2, and FA addition, with La2O3 affording the best results during 20 days of immersion. The positive influence of FA was connected to its alkaline character and to the release of soluble silicates

Critical Upper Limb Ischemia Due to Brachial Tourniquet in Misdiagnosed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome after Carpal Tunnel Decompression: A Case Report

We present the case of a 68-year-old woman, referred to our department for critical upper limb ischemia, which had occurred a few days after homolateral surgical ligamentotomy for carpal tunnel syndrome, diagnosed and confirmed by electromyography, and performed with a brachial tourniquet. The patient was later admitted for subsequent progressive necrosis of the first three fingers of the left hand, accompanied by signs of upper limb ischemia. An accessory cervical rib was identified, completely obliterating the subclavian artery distally at the origin of the suprascapular artery. A complete humeral artery occlusion was also found at the middle third of the humerus. The accessory rib was resected and the subclavian artery recanalized. A few days later, necrosis of the distal third of the first two fingers appeared and surgical resection was performed. Despite this chronic condition, the acute occlusion of collateral circles was probably induced by the brachial tourniquet. This represents a rare event, never previously reported in the literature: a case of critical upper limb ischemia due to a brachial tourniquet in a patient with misdiagnosed thoracic outlet syndrome. Until specific electrophysiological criteria for this syndrome can be found, attention should focus on history and clinical examination in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome

Environment load of EFTE cushions and future ways for their self-sufficient performances

p. 754-766Monticelli, C.; Campioli, A.; Zanelli, A. (2009). Environment load of EFTE cushions and future ways for their self-sufficient performances. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/673

On the use of hyperbranched aramids as support of Pt nanoparticles

AbstractA hyperbranched (HB) aromatic polyamide (aramid) synthesized from A2 (p-phenylenediamine) + B3 (trimesic acid) reactants has been used as Pt nanoparticle support. TEM measurements verified the possibility to obtain a high metallic dispersion (MD) using H2PtCl6 as metal precursor. The amount of Pt retained by the polymer support turned out to be lower than the Pd loading deposited on the same HB aramid from a different metal precursor, i.e. PdCl2, under the same exchange and reduction conditions, namely by the procedure reported in a previous paper of ours [1]. Moreover, Pt nanoparticle diameters have been found to depend on the reducing agent used. As compared to bubbling H2, NaBH4 allowed obtaining of metal particles characterized by smaller dimensions

The profunda artery perforators: Anatomical study and radiological findings using computed tomography angiography in patients undergoing PAP flap breast reconstruction

Background: The popularity of the profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap is increasing; however, knowledge concerning the standardization of radiological findings and their clinical implications is limited. We evaluated the radiological architecture of posterior thigh perforators using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) to identify landmarks to facilitate flap dissection. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 35 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with a PAP flap. The preoperative CTA scans were analyzed, and the perforator characteristics were evaluated. The perforators were mapped using a Cartesian coordinate system. Data were normalized by anatomical landmarks and overlapped. Perioperative and postoperative results were analyzed. Radiological and intraoperative were compared. Results: Two CTA scans were excluded; 66 thighs were examined. The mean perforator number was 3.2. The mean diameter of chosen perforators was 2.7 mm (DS ± 0.6 mm) at the origin, 2.2 mm (DS ± 0.4 mm) at the adductor space midpoint, and 1.7 mm (DS ± 0.3 mm) at the deep fascia. The mean adipose tissue thickness was 3.35 cm (DS ± 0.94) at the deep fascia and 3.59 cm (DS ± 1.19) at the adductor space midpoint. Intraoperatively, the perforator was located 3.22 cm (DS ± 0.87) from the posterior border of the gracilis muscle and 8.98 cm (DS ± 1.44) from the inferior gluteal crease. A radiological area located 9.33 cm (DS ± 4.81) from the y-axis and 7.48 cm (DS ± 1.88) from the x-axis was identified. Conclusions: CTA using the volume-rendering technique is a valuable method to study in vivo the radiological anatomy of the posterior thigh perforators

Unfolding the interaction between microplastics and (trace) elements in water: A critical review

Plastic and microplastic pollution is an environmental and societal concern. The interaction of plastic with organic chemicals in the environment has attracted scientific interest. New evidences have highlighted an unexpectedly high affinity of environmental plastics also for metal ions. The degree and typology of plastic ageing (including from mechanical, UV and biological degradations) appear as a pivotal factor determining such an interaction. These earlier evidences recently opened a new research avenue in the plastic pollution area. This review is the first to organize and critically discuss knowledge developed so far. Results from field and laboratory studies of metal accumulation on plastic are presented and the environmental factors most likely to control such an interaction are discussed. On the light of this knowledge, a generalist conceptual model useful for building hypotheses on the mechanisms at stake and directing future studies was elaborated and presented here. Furthermore, all available data on the thermodynamics of the plastic-metal interaction obtained from laboratory experiments are inventoried and discussed here, highlighting methodological and technical challenges that can potentially affect cross-comparability of data and their relevance for environmental settings. Finally, insights and recommendations on experimental approaches and analytical techniques that can help overtaking current limitations and knowledge gaps are proposed

Gender-specific Anatomical Distribution of Internal Pudendal Artery Perforator: A Radiographic Study for Perineal Reconstruction

Background: Cancer, trauma, infection, or radiation can cause perineal defects. Fasciocutaneous flaps based on perforator vessels (PV) from the internal pudendal artery (IPA) provide an ideal reconstructive option for moderate defects. We hypothesized that, due to gender differences in the pelvic-perineal region, the anatomical distribution of PV differs between genders. Methods: Computed tomography angiographies from male and female patients without pelvic-perineal pathologies were retrospectively analyzed to study the vascular anatomy of the IPA. The number, size, type, and distribution of PV were recorded and compared between genders. Four anatomical regions were defined to describe the distribution of PV on each perineal side: anterior (A), anterior-central (AC), central-posterior (CP), and posterior (P). Results: A total of 63 computed tomography angiographies were analyzed (men, 31; women, 32). Each IPA provides 2 +/- 1 PV and 5 +/- 2 terminal (cutaneous) branches: in both genders, 85% of PV are septocutaneous (15% musculocutaneous). In women, 70.5% of PV are located in AC, 28.2% in CP, 1.2% in A, and 0% in P: average diameter of the PV is 2.4 +/- 0.3 mm. In men, 53.7% of PV are located in CP, 43.1% in AC, 3.3% in A, and 0% in P: average diameter of the PV is 2.8 +/- 0.5 mm. Gender-specific differences in anatomical distribution of PV are significant (P \u3c 0.001). Conclusions: Number, size, and type of terminal branches of PV of the IPA are consistent between genders, but their distribution is different, with women having an anterior predominance. Knowledge of gender-specific anatomy can guide preoperative planning and intraoperative dissection in flap-based perineal reconstruction

Selection of the optimal extraction protocol to investigate the interaction between trace elements and environmental plastic

The interaction between environmental plastic and trace elements is an issue of concern. Understanding their interaction mechanisms is key to evaluate the potential threats for the environment. To this regard, consolidating confidence in extraction protocols can help in understanding the amount of different species present on plastic surface, as well as the potential mobility of trace elements present inside the plastic matrix (e.g., additives). Here we tested the efficacy of different reagents to mimic the elemental phases bonded to meso- and microplastic in the environment, in relation to the grade of ageing and the polymer composition. Results showed that a relatively high portion of trace elements is bonded in a weak phase and that other phases abundant in other matrices (e.g., oxides and bonded to organic matter) are only present to a limited degree in the plastic samples. The comparison of different sample types highlighted the important role of plastic ageing in governing interactions with trace elements, while the polymer composition has a limited influence on this process. Finally, the future steps toward a tailored extraction scheme for environmental plastic are proposed.publishedVersio

novel textile based solutions of emergency shelters case studies and field tests of s p eedkits project

The design of the first aid and reconstruction kits in major disaster scenarios highlights a new frontier for Technology of Architecture and Lightweight construction expertise, combining the traditional vocation of component design with innovative research on technical textiles. After an overview of S(P)EEDKITS—a project which received funding from the EU FP7—the essay focuses on research activities conducted by the ABC Department at Politecnico di Milano on the sustainable design applied to textile-based shelters. The essay also presents the results of two field tests conducted in Burkina Faso (2013–2014) and in Senegal (2015–on going), evaluating the environmental performances of shelters developed by the authors. The research was conducted in collaboration with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Netherlands Red Cross, the Medecins sans Frontieres (Operational centre of Amsterdam),—Operational centre of Amsterdam, Sioen Industries NV, Ferrino SpA, and with researchers of Vrije Universiteit of Brussel and Eindhoven Technische Universiteit