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Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry has provided oncology with metallodrugs for cancer treatment, including several promising candidate drugs. In particular, copper(II) coordination compounds with phenanthroline stand out as potential anticancer agents. In this work, we used Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Electron Spin Resonance to investigate the interaction of the copper phenanthroline complexes [Cu(phen)]2+ and [Cu(L-dipeptide)(phenanthroline) (L-dipeptide: L-Ala-Gly and L-Ala-Phe)) with model lipid membranes (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC, and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) sodium salt, DPPG). Our results showed that the complexes interact with the membrane models, fluidizing them. The [Cu(phen)]2+ presented a different localization than the free ligand phen. The dipeptide modulated the localization of the complex in the membrane and the modifications induced in the physicochemical properties of the lipid vesicles. A stronger interaction with DPPG anionic membranes was observed, which mimic membranes with negatively charged surfaces, as found on several tumor cells.

This paper presents an artificial neural network-based graphical user interface, designed to automate finite element model updating using data from operational modal analysis. The approach aims to reduce the uncertainties inherent in both the experimental data and the computational model. A key feature of this method is the application of a discrete wavelet transform-based approach for denoising OMA data. The graphical interface streamlines the FEMU process by employing neural networks to automatically optimize FEM inputs, allowing for real-time adjustments and continuous structural health monitoring under varying environmental and operational conditions. This approach was validated with OMA results, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing model accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the adaptability of this method makes it suitable for a wide range of structural types, and its potential integration with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things further amplifies its relevance.

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Turbogenerator rotors and coil retaining rings (CRRs) are highly loaded components typically subjected to LCF at any machine switch-on and switch-off. The present study aims at LCF characterization of two widely applied steels, 26 NiCrMoV 14 5 (for rotor manufacturing) and 18Mn18Cr (for CRR). Material anisotropy is also considered by performing an extended experimental campaign on specimens machined along different (tangential and radial) directions from trial components. The experimental tests, carried out with the use of a novel testing-constraining device for misalignment auto-compensation and with an original methodology for strain controlling, led to the determination of static, cyclic and fatigue curves for all the investigated cases. The research was completed by sensitivity analyses on the adopted models, thus determining fatigue curve tolerance bands, and by a statistical Analysis of Variance to compare the LCF performance of the different materials along the two considered machining directions. Results showed a significantly better performance of 18Mn18Cr and a weak anisotropy effect, remarkable just at the highest strain values, on a reduced portion of the LCF life range.

ABSTRACT Bacteria of the genus Brucella are responsible for human and animal brucellosis worldwide and comprise the well-characterized, so-called classical species belonging to the core clade, with a host range limited to mammals, and the novel atypical strains mainly considered as non-zoonotic to date, but able to colonize non-traditional hosts such as amphibians. Despite marked phenotypical differences between the two groups, Brucella species display a high degree of genome identity, including genes encoding reductases involved in the denitrification pathway, a respiratory process able to reduce nitrate to nitrogen under anoxic conditions. Brucella spp. have always been considered as strictly aerobic pathogens. Our study, however, describes for the first time that atypical Brucella spp. grow well under anoxia, but in a strictly nitrate-dependent manner, whereas classical species show a heterogeneous behavior. The rate of anaerobic growth of the atypical species Brucella microti was dependent on nitrate concentration, highlighting a more efficient denitrification pathway with rapid consumption of intermediate nitrite, whereas the classical species Brucella suis exhibited lower, nitrate concentration-independent growth coupled with nitrite accumulation. Transcriptional studies performed under anoxic conditions revealed a higher expression of genes participating in the last three denitrification steps in B. microti, as compared to B. suis, which correlates with the rapid and efficient consumption of nitrite in this atypical species and its rapid growth. IMPORTANCE Respiration is a fundamental and complex process that bacteria use to produce energy. Despite aerobic respiration being the most common, some bacteria make use of a mode of respiration in the absence of oxygen, called anaerobic respiration, which can yield advantages in adaptation to various environmental conditions. Denitrification is part of this respiratory process ensuring higher respiratory flexibility under oxygen depletion. Here, we report for the first time the evidence of anaerobic growth of Brucella spp. under denitrifying conditions, which implies that this genus should be reconsidered as facultative anaerobic. Our study further describes that efficient denitrification is not equally found within the Brucella genus, with atypical species showing a greater ability to denitrify, correlated with higher expression of the genes involved, as compared to classical species.

ABSTRACTDesign for Disassembly (DfD) and Augmented Reality (AR) have become promising approaches to improve sustainability, by providing efficient delivery and learning assets. This study combines DfD and AR to deliver a method that helps to streamline maintenance processes and operator training. It focuses on a common part in the process industry that requires frequent maintenance and repair. DfD was applied to the pump’s design to ease disassembly and reduce material waste, energy consumption, and maintenance time. AR was used to provide an interactive guide to improve the operator understanding of its internal parts and assembly/disassembly procedures. The resulting DfD-AR led to a reduction in maintenance time and shows potential to deliver better training. This highlights the potential of DfD and AR to enhance sustainability, learning, and productivity. The resulting disassembly sequence was taken to an AR simulation, helping process designers to better understand the procedure and further optimize the solution with other constraints.

The zoonotic bacteria, Brucella canis, is becoming the leading cause of canine brucellosis in Europe. In dogs, it causes reproductive problems as well as non-specific lameness or discospondilitis. In humans, B. canis can be origin of chronic debilitating conditions characteristic to its genus such as undulant fever, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Although B. canis shows some pathogenic characteristics similar to B. abortus and B. melitensis, it lacks surface O-polysaccharide, like nonzoonotic B. ovis. This review shows that host–B. canis interactions are still poorly understood, with many knowledge and capability gaps, causing relatively poor sensitivity and specificity of existing diagnostic tools. Currently, there is no vaccine for this rough Brucella species. Besides, antimicrobial therapy does not guarantee bacterial elimination, and infection relapses are frequently reported, increasing the risks of antibiotic resistance development. B. canis has been detected in dogs in almost all European countries which increased human exposure, but currently there is no systematic surveillance. Moreover, B. canis caused brucellosis is not included in Animal Health Law, and therefore there is no legal framework to tackle this emerging infectious disease. To map out the diagnostic strategies, identify risks for human infections and propose management scheme for infected pet and kennel dogs, we present current understanding of canine B. canis caused brucellosis, outline major knowledge gaps and propose future steps. To address and highlight challenges veterinary and public health services encounter in Europe, we developed two B. canis infection scenarios: of a single household pet and of a kennel dog in larger group.

Atypical frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (aFTLD-U) is an uncommon cause of frontotemporal dementia characterized by fused in sarcoma-positive inclusions. It is classified as a subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with FUS pathology. Cases with aFTLD-U pathology typically display an early onset of symptoms and severe psychobehavioral changes in the absence of significant aphasia, cognitive-intellectual dysfunction or motor features. This phenotype is regarded as being sufficiently unusual and consistent as to allow antemortem diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. In this report, we describe 2 cases with aFTLD-U pathology that broaden the associated phenotype to include later age of onset, milder behavioral abnormalities and early memory and language impairment.

Background The “drive by wire” mechanism for managing the throttle is not applied to every modern motorcycle, but it is often managed through a steel wire. Here, there is a cam on the throttle control. Its shape allows the throttle opening to be faster or slower and its angle of rotation, required for full opening, to be greater or less. The maximum angle a rider’s wrist can withstand depends on numerous musculoskeletal mobility factors, often limited by falls or surgery. Methods Using a Progrip knob with interchangeable cams allows the customization of a special cam profile, to ensure the best engine response to throttle rotation and ergonomics for the rider. The use of FEA software and lattice structures, allows to realize a lightweight and efficient design, targeted for fabrication with additive manufacturing technologies. Results The cam was manufactured by exploiting MSLA technology. Finally, a dimensional inspection procedure was performed before assembly. The main result is to have obtained a lighter and cheaper component than the original. Conclusions This study has allowed the design of a mechanical component consisting of innovative shape, light weight, and ergonomics. Furthermore, it demonstrates the effectiveness in the use of lattice structures to enable weight optimization of a component while minimizing the increase in its compliance.