Integrated process of images and acceleration measurements for damage detection

The use of mobile robots and UAV to catch unthinkable images together with on-site global automated acceleration measurements easy achievable by wireless sensors, able of remote data transfer, have strongly enhanced the capability of defect and damage evaluation in bridges. A sequential procedure is, here, proposed for damage monitoring and bridge condition assessment based on both: digital image processing for survey and defect evaluation and structural identification based on acceleration measurements. A steel bridge has been simultaneously inspected by UAV to acquire images using visible light, or infrared radiation, and monitored through a wireless sensor network (WSN) measuring structural vibrations. First, image processing has been used to construct a geometrical model and to quantify corrosion extension. Then, the consistent structural model has been updated based on the modal quantities identified using the acceleration measurements acquired by the deployed WSN. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd

Fatigue Damage Identification by a Global-Local Integrated Procedure for Truss-Like Steel Bridges

Civil steel structures and infrastructures, such as truss railway bridges, are often subject to potential damage, mainly due to fatigue phenomena and corrosion. Terefore, damage detection algorithms should be designed and appropriately implemented to increase their structural health. Today, the vast amount of information provided by data processing techniques and measurements coming from a monitoring system constitutes a possible tool for damage identifcation in terms of both detection and description. For this reason, the research activity aims to develop a methodology for a preliminary description of the damage in steel railway bridges induced by fatigue phenomena. Te proposed approach is developed through an integration of global and local pro cedures. At the global scale, vibration-based procedures will be applied to improve a forecast numerical model and, subsequently, to identify the zones most involved in fatigue problems. At the local scale, careful and refned local identifcation will be pursued via image processing techniques whose evidence will be analyzed and described through nonlinear numerical models. A case study of a historical railway bridge in Spain will illustrate the methodology’s performance, potentiality, and critical issue

Dynamic titanium prosthesis based on 3D-printed replica for chest wall resection and reconstruction

3D-printing technologies can assist the surgical planning and prosthesis engineering for the management of extended chest wall resection. Different types of prosthesis have been utilized over time, but some concerns remain about their impact on the respiratory function. Here we present a new kind of 3D-printed titanium prosthesis designed to be either strong and flexible. The prosthesis was created on a 1:1 3D-printed anatomic replica of the chest, used to delineate surgical margins and to define the reconstructive requirements

Characterization of a new variant DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase unable to methylate double stranded DNA isolated from the marine annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus

AbstractThe enzyme S-adenosylmethionine-DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase has been identified, first time for invertebrates, in embryos of the marine polychaete annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus. The molecule has been isolated from embryos at 15 h of development. It is a single peptide of about 200 kDa molecular weight, cross-reacting with antibodies against sea urchin DNA methyltransferase. The enzymatic properties of the molecule are similar to those of Dnmt1 methyltransferases isolated from other organisms, but with the peculiarity to be unable to make ‘de novo’ methylation on double stranded DNA

Synthesis and Biological Characterization of the New Glycolipid Lactose Undecylenate (URB1418)

As a follow-up to our previous studies on glycolipid surfactants, a new molecule, that is lactose 6'-O-undecylenate (URB1418), was investigated. To this end, a practical synthesis and studies aimed at exploring its specific properties were carried out. URB1418 showed antifungal activities against Trichophyton rubrum F2 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC 512 μg/mL) and no significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At the same time, it presented anti-inflammatory properties, as documented by the dose-dependent reduction in LPS-induced NO release in RAW 264.7 cells, while a low antioxidant capacity in the range of concentrations tested (EC50 > 200 µM) was also observed. Moreover, URB1418 offers the advantage of being more stable than the reference polyunsaturated lactose esters and of being synthesized using a "green" procedure, involving an enzymatic method, high yield and low manufacturing cost. For all these reasons and the absence of toxicity (HaCaT cells), the new glycolipid presented herein could be considered an interesting compound for applications in various fields

THE CLINICAL AND FORENSIC ROLE OF CITOLOGY IN PTA AND PT1 BLADDER CANCER MONITORING. CASE STUDY REVISION FOR THE PERIOD 2008 – 2017.

Introduction: The Authors describe the results of a retrospective study that analyzes importance of a proper bladder cancer monitoring, comparing the use of the different methods available, both in terms of diagnostic delay and in terms of legal medical repercussions. Materials and methods: Using the database of the Pathological Anatomy Department of the Modena Polyclinic, we have isolated a series of 238 patients with histological diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma in pTa and pT1 stages with an observational minimum time interval after first diagnosis of at least 5 years. The observational statistical analysis of the data stored was made through a statistical software (SPSS report 11.00 USA). Results: The results of the present study show how cytological screening, performed constantly with urine tests during early-stage monitoring of bladder tumors, can be a valid tool for the timely diagnosis of tumor stage evolution. Indeed positivity of the cytological examination can direct to a rapid diagnostic and therapeutic re-planning. Conclusion: It would be desirable to standardize the best screening strategies about bladder cancer. With a correct standardization, a valid reference could be obtained both from a clinical point of view, and for a correct legal medical evaluation in term of diagnostic delay and, consequently, reduction in the chance of survival

Concomitant Intubation with Minimal Cuffed Tube and Rigid Bronchoscopy for Severe Tracheo-Carinal Obstruction

Background: Our aim was to report on the use of an innovative technique for airway management utilizing a small diameter, short-cuffed, long orotracheal tube for assisting operative rigid bronchoscopy in critical airway obstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 36 patients with life-threatening critical airway stenosis submitted for rigid bronchoscopy between January 2008 and July 2021. The supporting ventilatory tube, part of the Translaryngeal Tracheostomy KIT (Fantoni method), was utilized in tandem with the rigid bronchoscope during endoscopic airway reopening. Results: Indications for collateral intubation were either tumors of the trachea with near-total airway obstruction (13), or tumors of the main carina with total obstruction of one main bronchus and possible contralateral involvement (23). Preliminary dilation was necessary before tube placement in only 2/13 patients with tracheal-obstructing tumors (15.4%). No postoperative complications were reported. There was one case of an intraoperative cuff tear, with no further technical problems. Conclusions: In our experience, this innovative method proved to be safe, allowing for continuous airway control. It enabled anesthesia inhalation, use of neuromuscular blockage and reliable end-tidal CO2 monitoring, along with protection of the distal airway from blood flooding. The shorter time of the procedure was due to the lack of need for pauses to ventilate the patient

Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs) and Their Biological, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Issues: A Scoping Review

Botulinum toxins or neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent neurotoxins known, and are currently extensively studied, not only for their potential lethality, but also for their possible therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Currently, seven types of antigenically distinct toxins are known and characterized, produced by a rod‐shaped bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Human poisoning by botulism (presenting with severe neuromuscular paralytic disease) is usually caused by toxins A, B, E, and F type. Poisoning from contaminated food preparations is the most common cause of noniatrogenic botulism. The spores are highly resistant to heat but are easily destroyed at 80 °C for thirty minutes. Type A and B toxins are resistant to digestion by the enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. After their entry, BoNTs irreversibly bind to cholinergic nerve endings and block the release of acetylcholine from the synapses. In contrast, in wound botulism, the neurotoxin is instead product by the growth of C.botulium in infected tissues. The contamination by BoNT inhalation does not occur by a natural route but it is certainly the most dangerous. It can be caused by the dispersion of the botulinum toxin in the atmosphere in the form of an aerosol and therefore can be deliberately used for bioterrorist purposes (e.g., during CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) unconventional events). In addition, BoNTs are currently used to treat a variety of diseases or alleviate their symptoms, such as the onabotulinumtoxinA for migraine attacks and for cosmetic use. Indeed, this paper aims to report on updated knowledge of BoNTs, both their toxicological mechanisms and their pharmacological action

Longevity of Replaced ICD/CRT-D

Longevity of Replaced ICD/CRT-D Introduction The longevity of defibrillators (ICD) is extremely important from both a clinical and economic perspective. We studied the reasons for device replacement, the longevity of removed ICD, and the existence of possible factors associated with shorter service life. Methods and Results Consecutive patients who underwent ICD replacement from March 2013 to May 2015 in 36 Italian centers were included in this analysis. Data on replaced devices were collected. A total of 953 patients were included in this analysis. In 813 (85%) patients the reason for replacement was battery depletion, while 88 (9%) devices were removed for clinical reasons and the remaining 52 because of system failure (i.e., lead or ICD generator failure or a safety advisory indication). The median service life was 5.9 years (25th–75th percentile, 4.9–6.9) for single- and dual-chamber ICD and 4.9 years (25th–75th percentile, 4.0–5.7) for CRT-D. On multivariate analysis, the factors CRT-D device, SC/DC ICD generator from Biotronik, percentage of ventricular pacing, and the occurrence of a system failure were positively associated with a replacement procedure. By contrast, the device from Boston Scientific was an independent protective factor against replacement. Considerable differences were seen in battery duration in both ICD and CRT-D. Specifically, Biotronik devices showed the shortest longevity among ICD and Boston Scientific showed the longest longevity among CRT-D (log-rank test, P < 0.001 for pairwise comparisons). Conclusion Several factors were associated with shorter service life of ICD devices: CRT-D, occurrence of system failure and percentage of ventricular pacing. Our results confirmed significant differences among manufacturers