Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Reactions for ISRU and ISFR Applications

In the framework of ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) and ISFR (In-Situ Fabrication and Repair) applications, a novel recently patented process based on the occurrence of Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis (SHS) reactions potentially exploitable for the in-situ fabrication of construction materials in Lunar and Martian environments is described in this work. Specifically, the SHS process involves thermite reactions type between Lunar or Martian regolith simulants and aluminum as reducing agent. To overcome the fact that the original content of ilmenite (FeTiO3) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) on Moon and Mars soils, respectively, is not enough to make the SHS process possible, suitable amounts of these species have to be added to the starting mixtures. The dependence of the most important processing parameters, particularly the composition of the starting mixture, evacuation level, and gravity conditions, on SHS process behaviour and product characteristics is specifically examined for the case of Lunar regolith. All the obtained findings allows us to conclude that the optimized results obtained under terrestrial conditions are valid for in-situ applications in Lunar environment. In particular, parabolic flight experiments evidenced that neither SHS process dynamics nor product characteristics are significantly influenced in both Lunar and Martian systems when passing from Earth to low gravity conditions. Finally, the complete scheme involving all stages required for the fabrication of physical assets to be used as protection against solar rays, solar wind and meteoroids, etc., is reported.</p

Oral microbiota, health, and cancer: the dual face of the same coin in the field of the host-microbe interactome

In recent years, within the extensive research regarding human microbiota and chronic diseases, new medical and laboratory technologies have played a crucial role in understanding more complex biological pathways between human cells and microbes. On the other hand, molecular and cellular diversity and their involvement in health responses to changing host conditions have only recently been understood, through the development of brand-new laboratory tools based on ‘omics approaches. The continuous insertion of already conceptualized, new experimental large datasets and raw data onto bibliographic platforms means that they are now accessible for subsequent elaboration by other researchers. This aspect has allowed the creation of an interactive mesh of proteins, genes, and small molecules, usually called, interactome or interactomics

Whitening with 980 nm diode laser in a dyschromic devitalized tooth with aesthetic value: long-term success

In our society, the progress of aesthetic standards has led to increasing demands from patients to have white and healthy teeth as an index of beauty and health. The main advantages of the laser bleaching technique include greater safety and control, as well as the prevention of tissue damage, the reduction of application times and greater patient satisfaction. Numerous studies in the literature underline that bleaching with diode laser is a safe. The purpose of this in vivo study was to assess the whitening effect of the 980 nm diode laser in combination with the whitening gel, containing hydrogen peroxide, in the discoloration treatment of a dental element undergone to endodontic therap

CORRELATION BETWEEN CHRONIC MUCOSAL TRAUMA AND ORAL CANCER: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract – Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity representing the 90% of all oral malignancies that affect oral cavity. Primary risk factors associated with oral cancer are alcohol and tobacco consumption. However, other emerging risk factors have been proposed in Literature, including chronic trauma of the oral mucosa related to dental prostheses and incongruous restorations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the literature on the correlation between oral carcinoma and chronic irritative trauma, with the help of a case report and with focus on clinical features and differential diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A literature search on MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Wiley InterScience was performed, using the following words: Oral Cancer, chronic Trauma and Denture Trauma in various combinations. Results: The review produced 1356 results, but only 8 articles met the inclusion criteria and were involved in the review. No association has been proven between chronic mucosal trauma and oral cancer. Carcinoma has been shown to develop more frequently in trauma regions, particularly in the tongue. As for the data on the gender and age of affected patients, it emerges that most of the greatest incidence occurs around the sixth and seventh decade of life and men are more affected than women. Conclusions: Due to the heterogeneity of the different studies and the strong presence of other factors such as smoking and alcohol, the role of trauma in carcinogenesis is unclear. Further molecular, epidemiological and case-control studies are needed to define this correlation. It is advisable to carry out more restricted checks in patients at risk with dental prostheses

Effects of Different Types of Chronic Training on Bioenergetic Profile and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in LHCN-M2 Human Myoblast Cells

Human skeletal muscle contains three different types of fibers, each with a different metabolism. Exercise differently contributes to differentiation and metabolism in human myoblast cells. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of different types of chronic training on the human LHCN-M2 myoblast cell bioenergetic profile during differentiation in real time and on the ROS overproduction consequent to H2O2 injury. We demonstrated that exercise differently affects the myoblast bioenergetics: aerobic exercise induced the most efficient glycolytic and oxidative capacity and proton leak reduction compared to untrained or anaerobic trained sera-treated cells. Similarly, ROS overproduction after H2O2 stress was lower in cells treated with differently trained sera compared to untrained sera, indicating a cytoprotective effect of training on the reduction of oxidative stress, and thus the promotion of longevity. In conclusion, for the first time, this study has provided knowledge regarding the modifications induced by different types of chronic training on human myoblast cell bioenergetics during the differentiation process in real time, and on ROS overproduction due to stress, with positive implications in terms of longevity

Sleep/wake rhythm modifications in the Italian population during SARS-CoV2 pandemic: a web-based cross-sectional survey.

Abstract. – OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate in a representative sample of the Italian population whether the SARS-CoV2 pandemic and the subsequent home isolation had repercussion on the daily sleep/wake cycling and habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional survey consisted of various multiple-choice questions concerning demographic characteristics, sleep habits, and sleep-related problems was broadcast through mainstream social-media. Individuals were randomly allowed to participate from April 29th to May 17th, namely 50 days after the lockdown imposition and the day before its abrogation. RESULTS: 58.84% of respondents experienced a change in their sleep habits. 71% of those whose sleep changed showed a delayed sleep pattern. Overall, a two-fold risk of delayed sleep pattern without any change in total sleep time emerged during the investigation period. Females emerged almost 2 times more likely to modify their sleep habits than males. Youths were also more likely to experience modifications than old people, who conversely appeared protected. A significant improvement in daytime sleepiness occurred during the home isolation which additionally correlated with delayed bedtime and less sleep time. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of change in sleep habits, especially among youths and females, occurred in Italian population during the home isolation to limit the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Moreover, self-reported daytime sleepiness decreased in severity

Remarks on ISRU and ISFR Technologies for Manned Missions on Moon and Mars

Space colonization and exploitation of extra-terrestrial natural resources could help humanity in facing various Earth problems. In this regard, production of energy and materials starting from Moon and Mars natural resources as well as the transportation of humans in space could be considered the long term remedy to issues such as overpopulation, depletion of fossil fuels, climate change as well as reduction of available natural resources. Along theses lines, two recently filed patents related to use of novel technologies for the in situ exploitation of natural resources available on Moon and Mars have been developed

Geomorphological map of the Tremiti Islands (Puglia, Southern Adriatic Sea, Italy), scale 1:15,000

This paper describes the Geomorphological map of the Tremiti Islands (Puglia, Southern Adriatic Sea, Italy), scale 1:15,000. The Tremiti Islands, located north of Gargano promontory's coast, are part of a complex geological area within the Adriatic basin, facing the junction between the central and southern Apennines. This area is well known for Neogenic-Quaternary stratigraphic, tectonic and seismologic aspects and is crucial for the definition of Late Quaternary Adriatic basin evolution. The map is the result of a geomorphological study carried out on the islands and the inner continental shelf around them. This study incorporates: (1) field recognition of Quaternary continental deposits and geomorphological mapping, supported by radiometric dating, focused on the morpho-lithostratigraphic correlation of deposits among the different islands and the recognition of landforms that controlled landscape evolution; (2) bathymetric analysis; (3) geomorphological analysis of data from a side scan sonar survey, ..

Oral lichen planus trismus treated with a radiofrequency device: a new instrument in the treatment of oral potentially malignant disorders?

Objective: To report 2 cases of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), with involvement of the cheeks, with reduced mouth opening, successfully treated with a single radiofrequency session. Cases Presentation: A 55-year-old and 56-year-old female patients with OLP and trismus were treated with a handpiece that works with a frequency comprised between 500 kHz and 1 MHz. Parameters used were: first case – biostimulation with application of monopolar capacitive technique software muscle hypotonia, at the power of 29%, for 10 minutes; biostimulation with bipolar resistive technique software contractures power 20%, 10 minutes. Second case –biostimulation with application of monopolar capacitive technique software muscle hypotonia, at the power of 17%, for 10 minutes; biostimulation with bipolar resistive technique software contractures power 20%, 10 minutes. Results: Patients increased the mouth opening respectively of 6 mm and 8 mm and pain disappeared. Conclusions: The use of radiofrequency in the treatment of trismus associated with potentially malignant diseases could be a safe and effective tool, although further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data