Ivabradine: a preliminary observation for a new terapeutic role in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

[No abstract available

Influence of posture and coil position on the safety of a WPT system while recharging a compact EV

In this study, the human exposure to the magnetic field emitted by a wireless power transfer (WPT) system during the static recharging operations of a compact electric vehicle (EV) is evaluated. Specifically, the influence of the posture of realistic anatomical models, both in standing and lying positions, either inside or outside the EV, is considered. Aligned and misaligned coil configurations of the WPT system placed both in the rear and front position of the car floor are considered as well. Compliance with safety standards and guidelines has proven that reference levels are exceeded in the extreme case of a person lying on the floor with a hand close to the WPT coils, whereas the system is always compliant with the basic restrictions, at least for the considered scenarios

Chassis influence on the exposure assessment of a compact ev during wpt recharging operations

In this study, the external magnetic field emitted by a wireless power transfer (WPT) system and the internal electric field induced in human body models during recharging operations of a compact electric vehicle (EV) are evaluated. The magneticfield is calculated with a hybrid scheme coupling the boundary element method with the surface impedance boundary conditions in order to fit the multiscale open-boundary characteristics of the problem. A commercial software is then used to perform numerical dosimetry. Specifically, two realistic anatomical models, both in a driving position and in a standing posture, are considered, and the chassis of the EV is modeled either as a currently employed aluminum alloy and as a futuristic carbon fiber composite panel. Aligned and misaligned coil configurations of the WPT system are considered as well. The analysis of the obtained results shows that the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference levels are exceeded in the driving position, especially for the carbon fiber chassis, whereas the system is compliant with the basic restrictions, at least for the considered scenarios

Fracture Strength and Failure Modes of Endodontically Treated Premolars Restored with Compact and Hollow Composite Posts Subjected to Cyclic Fatigue

Physical and mechanical properties of continuous carbon or glass fiber reinforced endodontic posts are relevant to increase the retention and resistance of the tooth‐restoration system. Hollow posts have been recently designed for delivering the luting cement through the post hole, thus enhancing the post‐dentin interface by reducing the risk of air bubbles formation. Methods: Three type of endodontic posts, a carbon fiber hollow post, a glass fiber hollow post and a compact glass fiber post were investigated. Mechanical properties of these posts were assessed through bending tests. Teeth were subjected to fatigue cycling and the strength of restored teeth was detected through static tests. Failure modes were investigated through optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that composite posts increase the mechanical stability by more than 100% compared to premolars restored with particulate composite. Carbon fiber posts retain the highest strength (1467 N ± 304 N) among the investigated post and core restoration, but an unfavorable type of fracture has been observed, preventing the tooth re‐treatment. Instead, more compliant posts (i.e., glass fiber reinforced composite, providing a strength of 1336 N ± 221 N), show a favorable mode of fracture that allows the re‐treatment of teeth in the case that failure occurs. Glass fiber hollow posts show a good trade‐off between strength and a favorable type of fracture

De Cordoue à Jérusalem : sur une source possible de Zaïre

The main purpose of this article is to reevaluate the role of Shakespearian dramaturgy in Voltaire\u2019s Za\uefre, proposing other possible sources. Verdadera Historia del Rey don Rodrigo (1592), containing the story of Muslim princess Zahra, a text that Voltaire read in a French translation by Leroux, and its importance for Voltaire\u2019s play, will so be analysed

LE DRAMATURGE DISSIDENT. LE THÉÂTRE DE LOUIS LEMERCIER ENTRE LUMIÈRES ET ROMANTISME (SUIVI DE L¿ÉDITION CRITIQUE D¿AGAMEMNON ET PINTO, OU LA JOURNÉE D¿UNE CONSPIRATION)

The dramatic productions of Jean-Fran\ue7ois-Louis N\ue9pomuc\ue8ne Lemercier (1771-1840) reveal a transition between Neoclassicism, Preromanticism and Romanticism. This writer and academician witnessed the political and social upheavals that characterized France from the twilight of the Enlightenment until the July Revolution and thereafter. The span of his life and works amply exceeds the "long Eighteenth Century" that literary historians have extended to 1820 (Claude Pichois). This dissertation includes two main parts: a monographic study of Lemercier\u2019s dramatic production and a critical edition of the playwright\u2019s major works, Agamemnon (1797), one of the most successful tragedies during the \u201cDirectoire\u201d and to 1826; and Pinto, a \u201chistorical comedy\u201d composed between 1798 and 1800, and which was seen as a \u201cromantic\u201d triumph in 1834. Lemercier has often been regarded as the author of one of the last classical tragedies (Agamemnon i.e.); nevertheless, in spite of being, at times, one of Romanticism\u2019s fiercest detractors, he emerges in Nineteenth century criticism \u2013 and above all in Schlegel\u2019s writings \u2013 as one of the most influential pioneers of romantic drama. The intrinsic ambiguity of Lemercier\u2019s dramatic production reveals the uncertainties of this transitional age. This ambiguity thus demands a holistic approach: the context of Lemercier\u2019s literary works will be analyzed from an esthetic, historical and political point of view, emphasizing their intricate relationships with literary and political authorities and censorship issues throughout the period

Finite-Element Analysis of Temperature Increase in Vascularized Biological Tissues Exposed to RF Sources

A new model of numerical dosimetry is proposed for RF exposure. First, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is computed. Then, the heat transfer governed by the bio-heat equation with convection term is numerically solved by a finite-element method (FEM) procedure considering the discrete vascular model of the perfused tissue. By some manipulations of the FEM equations and by generating an adequate FEM mesh, it is possible to solve the thermal convection in the blood vessels considering a one-dimensional domain embedded in the fully three-dimensional domain where only the thermal diffusion is analyzed

Which is the most accurate diagnostic procedure in Tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of bi-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), hysterosonography (HSSG) and hysteroscopy in the detection of endometrial pathology in women treated with tamoxifen (TMX) for breast cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients, affected by breast cancer under treatment with TMX, underwent 2D-3D TVUS, HSSG and hysteroscopy completed by biopsy, after abnormal findings following a routine 2D TVUS examination. Results: 3D-TVUS was more accurate than 2D-TVUS in the detection of atrophic endometrium confirmed by biopsy and in the detection of endometrial polyps. HSSG and hysteroscopy detected atrophic endometrium and endometrial polyps significantly better than ultrasound scan. Endometrial carcinoma was detected in two cases, and in both HSSG and hysteroscopy were 100% diagnostic. Conclusion: In TMX treated breast cancer patients, HSSG and hysteroscopy provide more accurate diagnosis than 2D-3D ultrasound in the detection of treatment related endometrial lesions

TRANSCRIPTION OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL CITRATE CARRIER GENE: ROLE OF SREBP-1, UPREGULATION BY INSULIN AND DOWNREGULATION BY PUFA

In this study we investigated the transcriptional role of the sterol regulatory element (SRE) present in the promoter of the mitochon- drial citrate carrier (CIC). We show that wild-type (but not mutated) CIC SRE cloned in front of the luciferase promoter confers tran- scriptional activation of the gene reporter. We also demonstrate that insulin activates, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) inhibit, the gene reporter activity driven by the CIC promoter containing wild-type (but not mutated) SRE. Finally, both insulin treatment and overexpression of SRE binding protein (SREBP-1) increase the CIC transcript and protein levels, whereas PUFA have an opposite effect. These results show that SRE/SREBP-1 play a role in the transcriptional regulation of CIC by insulin and PUFA

Ceramic Total Knee Arthroplasty: Ready to Go?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established surgical procedure in the late stages of knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, this procedure is associated with a percentage of unsatisfactory results and biomechanical failures, with aseptic loosening being the most common cause of revision. Beside these problems, cutaneous and systemic hypersensitivity reactions to metals have arisen as an increasing concern after joint arthroplasties, even if allergies against implant materials are still a quite rare and not well-known problem. Ceramic composites have been recently used in prosthetic components, showing minimum wear and excellent long-term results in total hip replacement, due to their high resistance to scratching and their better wettability with respect to cobalt-chromium alloy. Furthermore, the biologic response to debris generated from these bearings is less aggressive. Knee joint simulator tests and clinical results demonstrate promising results of TKAs with ceramic components that should led to benefit for the patients