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The interfaces between medical implants and living tissues are of great complexity because of the simultaneous occurrence of a wide variety of phenomena. The engineering of implant surfaces represents a crucial challenge in material science, but the further improvement of implant properties remains a critical task. It can be achieved through several processes. Among them, the production of specialized coatings based on carbon-based materials stands very promising. The use of carbon coatings allows one to simultaneously fine-tune tribological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Here, we review applications of nanostructured carbon coatings (nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-related materials) for the improvement of the overall properties of medical implants. We are focusing on biological interactions, improved corrosion resistance, and overall mechanical properties, trying to provide a complete overview within the field.

Abstract Due to the increasing importance of exposome in environmental epidemiology, feasibility and usefulness of an Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) using Open Data was evaluated. The EDMS includes data from 10 European cities (Celje (Slovenia), Łódź (Poland), Manchester (UK), Palermo (Italy), Paris (France), Porto (Portugal), Regensburg (Germany), Reus (Spain), Rijeka (Croatia), Thessaloniki (Greece)) about external non-specific and specific exposome factors at the city or country level (2017–2020). Findings showed that the highest values of life expectancy were in Reus females (86 years) and Palermo males (81 years). UK had the highest obesity rate (28%), Croatia the highest prescribed drug consumption (62%), Greece and Portugal the highest smoking rates (37%, 42%) and daily alcohol consumption (21%), respectively. The most polluted cities were Thessaloniki for PM10 (38 µg/m3), Łódź for PM2.5 (25 µg/m3), Porto for NO2 (62 µg/m3) and Rijeka for O3 (92 µg/m3). Thessaloniki had the highest grey space (98%) and Łódź the highest cumulative amount of pollen (39,041 p/m3). The highest daily noise levels ≥ 55 dB was in Reus (81% to traffic) and Regensburg (21% to railway). In drinking water, arsenic had the highest value in Thessaloniki (6.4 µg/L), boron in Celje (24 mg/L) and lead in Paris (46.7 µg/L). Portugal and Greece showed the highest pesticide residues in food (7%). In conclusion, utilizing open-access databases enables the translation of research findings into actionable strategies for public health interventions.

Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that grow rapidly in an aquatic medium, showing the capacity of accumulations of biocompounds subsequently converted into value-added biocompounds. The cyanobacterium Spirulina maxima can produce pigments besides accumulating significant amounts of carbohydrates and proteins. An alternative to reducing biomass production costs at an industrial scale is the use of landfill leachate in the growing medium, as well as the mitigation of this pollutant. The objective of this work was to cultivate Spirulina maxima in a medium supplemented with leachate, using the design of experiments to evaluate the effects of leachate concentration (% v/v), light source, and light intensity in an airlift photobioreactor, analyzing them as a response to the productivity of biomass, phycocyanin, carbohydrates, and biochar. The highest values of productivity (mg L−1d−1) were 97.44 ± 3.20, 12.82 ± 0.38, 6.19 ± 1.54, and 34.79 ± 3.62 for biomass, carbohydrates, phycocyanin, and biochar, respectively, adjusted for experiment 2 with the factors of leachate concentration (5.0% v/v), light source (tubular LED), and luminosity (54 µmol m−2 s−1), respectively. The use of leachate as a substitute for macronutrients in Zarrouk’s medium for the cultivation of Spirulina maxima is a viable alternative in the production of biocompounds as long as it is used at an appropriate level.

Introduction Traffic-related air and noise pollution are important public health issues. The aim of this study was to estimate their effects on allergic/respiratory outcomes in adult and elderly subjects.Materials and methods Six hundred and forty-five subjects living in Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) were investigated through a questionnaire on allergic/respiratory symptoms and diseases. Traffic-related air pollution and noise exposures were assessed at residential address by questionnaire, modelled annual mean NO2 concentrations (1 km and 200 m resolution), and noise level over a 24-h period (Lden). Exposure effects were assessed through logistic regression models stratified by age group (18–64 years, ≥65 years), and adjusted for sex, educational level, occupational exposure, and smoking habits.Results 63.6% of the subjects reported traffic exposure near home. Mean exposure levels were: 28.24 (±3.26 SD) and 27.23 (±3.16 SD) µg/m3 for NO2 at 200 m and 1 km of resolution, respectively; 57.79 dB(A) (±6.12 SD) for Lden. Exposure to vehicular traffic (by questionnaire) and to high noise levels [Lden ≥ 60 dB(A)] were significantly associated with higher odds of allergic rhinitis (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.09–3.70, and OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.18–3.36, respectively) and borderline with rhino-conjunctivitis (OR 2.20, 95%CI 0.95–5.10, and OR 1.76, 95%CI 0.91–3.42, respectively) only in the elderly. No significant result emerged for NO2.Conclusions Our findings highlighted the need to better assess the effect of traffic-related exposure in the elderly, considering the increasing trend in the future global population’s ageing.

Desde el siglo pasado, los ecosistemas acuáticos de Tierra del Fuego se encuentran bajo el impacto de la introducción de especies exóticas. Entre ellas se destacan el castor norteamericano —Castor canadensis— y los salmónidos por su dispersión y abundancia. Este estudio se enmarca en el proyecto Fortalecimiento de la Gobernanza para la Protección de la Biodiversidad Mediante la Formulación e Implementación de la Estrategia Nacional Sobre Especies Exóticas Invasoras, para la erradicación de C. canadensis de la Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (IGTdF). El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de remover castoreras sobre diferentes aspectos de la ictiofauna de la IGTdF. Se realizaron muestreos ictiológicos antes y después de la remoción de las castoreras en seis sitios distribuidos a lo largo de la isla. Se capturaron tres especies de salmónidos (Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss y Salvelinus fontinalis) y se observó un aumento promedio de 43% en su abundancia, cambios en su dieta y diferencias en su densidad energética (mayor o menor dependiendo de la especie) luego de remover las castoreras. No se registraron especies nativas de peces ni antes ni después de la remoción. Los resultados sugieren que las castoreras tienen un impacto positivo en las poblaciones de salmónidos.

The production of multipurpose sustainable fillers is a matter of great interest, and biochar can play a pivotal role. Biochar is a biomass-derived carbon source that can act as a versatile platform for the engineering of fillers as neat or functionalized materials. In this work, we investigate the utilization of 800 °C annealed Miscanthus-derived biochar as a filler for the production of epoxy composites with promising mechanical and electrical properties. We also used it in the production of an iron-rich hybrid filler in order to fine-tune the surface and bulk properties. Our main findings reveal that hybrid composites containing 20 wt.% biochar exhibit a 27% increase in Young’s modulus (YM), reaching 1.4 ± 0.1 GPa, while the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) peaks at 30.3 ± 1.8 Mpa with 10 wt.% filler, a 27% improvement over pure epoxy. However, higher filler loadings (20 wt.%) result in decreased UTS and maximum elongation. The optimal toughness of 0.58 ± 0.14 MJ/m³ is observed at 5 wt.% filler content. For organic composites, YM sees a notable increase of 90%, reaching 2.1 ± 0.1 Gpa at 20 wt.%, and UTS improves by 32% with the same filler content. Flexural tests indicate an enhanced elastic modulus but reduced maximum elongation as filler content rises. Electromagnetic evaluations show that hybrid fillers maintain a primarily dielectric behavior with a negligible impact on permittivity, while biochar–epoxy composites exhibit increased conductivity at higher filler loadings, suitable for high-frequency applications. In light of these results, biochar-based fillers demonstrate significant potential for enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy composites.

Community college (CC) students interested in medical school may lack the resources to be successful. CC students represent diverse backgrounds and often more closely reflect underserved populations' demographics than traditional University students. Yet, there is a negative association between attending a CC and being accepted into a medical school. Increasing mentorship opportunities for CC students may improve their pathway to medical school. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine established a partnership with a community college to pair medical student mentors with CC student mentees. Ten mentorship pairings were then surveyed over a one-year period. CC students showed increased interest in healthcare after mentorship. Additionally, the mentors who had attended a CC previously reported more mentorship at their CC would have been beneficial. This program demonstrated that enhancing mentorship for CC students is a practical way to help improve their pathway to the healthcare workforce.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of complex multi-domain proteins are now identified as a trend topic by the scientific community. NMR constitutes a unique investigation tool to access atom resolved information on their structural and dynamic properties, in isolation or upon interaction with potential partners (metal ions, small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, membrane mimetics etc.). Their high flexibility and disorder, in contrast to more compact structures of globular protein domains, has a strong impact on NMR observables and NMR experiments should be tailored for their investigation. In this context, 13C direct detection NMR has become a very useful tool to contribute to IDPs/IDRs characterization at atomic resolution. 2D CON spectra can now be collected in parallel to 2D HN ones, and reveal information, which in some cases is not accessible through 2D HN spectra only, particularly when studying proteins in experimental conditions approaching physiological pH and temperature. The 2D HN/CON spectra are thus becoming a sort of identity card of an IDP/IDR in solution. Their simultaneous acquisition through multiple receiver NMR experiments is particularly useful to investigate the properties of highly flexible intrinsically disordered regions within complex multi-domain proteins, rather than in isolation as often performed to reduce the complexity of the system, an interesting perspective in the field.

The impact of assimilating GNSS-ZTD (global navigation satellite system–zenith total delay) on the precipitable water vapor and precipitation forecast over Italy is studied for the month of October 2019, which was characterized by several moderate to intense precipitation events, especially over northwestern Italy. The WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model, version 4.1.3, is used with its 3D-Var data assimilation system to assimilate ZTD observations from 388 GNSS receivers distributed over the country. The dataset was built collecting data from all the major national and regional GNSS permanent networks, achieving dense coverage over the whole area. The water vapor forecast is verified for the forecast hours of 1–6 h after the last data assimilation time. Results show that WRF underestimates the atmospheric water vapor content for the period, and GNSS-ZTD data assimilation improves this underestimation. The precipitation forecast is verified in the phases of 0–3 and 3–6 h after the last data assimilation time using more than 3000 rain gauges spread over Italy. The application of GNSS-ZTD data assimilation to a case study improved the precipitation forecast by increasing the rainfall maximum and by better focusing the precipitation pattern over northeastern Italy, with the main drawback being the prediction of false alarms. Considering the study over the whole period, GNSS-ZTD data assimilation had a positive impact on rainfall forecast, with an improvement in the performance up to 6 h and with statistically significant results for moderate to intense rainfall thresholds (25–30 mm (3 h)−1).

The activation of members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family (including ErbB) triggers pathways that have significant effects on cellular processes and have profound consequences both in physiological and pathological conditions. Within the nervous system, the neuregulin (NRG)/ErbB3 signaling plays a crucial role in promoting the formation and maturation of excitatory synapses. Noteworthy is ErbB3, which is actively involved in the process of cerebellar lamination and myelination. All members of the ErbB-family, in particular ErbB3, have been observed within the nuclei of various cell types, including both full-length receptors and alternative variants. One of these variants was detected in Schwann cells and in glioblastoma primary cells where it showed a neuregulin-dependent expression. It binds to promoters’ chromatin associated with genes, like ezrin, involved in the formation of Ranvier’s node. Its nucleolar localization suggests that it may play a role in ribosome biogenesis and in cell proliferation. The regulation of ErbB3 expression is a complex and dynamic process that can be influenced by different factors, including miRNAs. This mechanism appears to play a significant role in glioblastoma and is often associated with a poor prognosis. Altogether, the targeting of ErbB3 has emerged as an active area of research in glioblastoma treatment. These findings highlight the underappreciated role of ErbB3 as a significant receptor that can potentially play a pivotal role in diverse pathologies, implying the existence of a shared and intricate mechanism that warrants further investigation.

Human contact through physical touch is a core element in social bonding, which facilitates psychosocial well-being. Touch avoidance is an individual disposition that may prevent individuals from engaging in or benefiting from physical touch. The present study recruited 450 Italian participants (51.1% female) with a mean age of 32.2 ± 13.5 to complete a battery of demographic questionnaires and the Touch Avoidance Questionnaire (TAQ). Individuals who were single and reporting same-sex attraction avoided touch with family more often than their coupled counterparts or those reporting opposite-sex attraction. Moreover, males reporting same-sex attraction avoided touch with a potential partner more frequently. When comparing sex differences, women reported greater touch avoidance with opposite-sex friends more frequently, while males avoided touch with same-sex friends more frequently. Individuals reporting opposite-sex attraction reported greater touch amongst same-sex friends. Single males avoided touch with same-sex friends more frequently than those in a relationship. Overall, this contribution reflects the individual differences related to social touch avoidance with respect to sex, relationship status, and sexual orientation in an Italian sample.

Abstract Objective: This study assessed maternal mortality (MM) and related factors in a large-sized municipality in the Southeastern region of Brazil (Campinas, São Paulo) during the period 2000-2015. Methods: This study consisted of two phases: 1. An analytical nested case-control phase that assessed the impact of individual and contextual variables on MM; and 2. an ecological phase designed to contextualize maternal deaths by means of spatial analysis. The case group consisted of all maternal deaths (n = 87) and the control group consisted of 348 women who gave birth during the same period. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, association, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) tests at p < 0.05 as well as spatial analysis. Results: Maternal Mortality Ratio was 37 deaths per 100.000 live births. Deaths were dispersed throughout the urban territory and no formation of cluster was observed. MLR showed that pregnant women aged > 35 years old (OR = 2.63) or those with cesarean delivery (OR = 2.51) were more prone to maternal death. Conclusion: Maternal deaths were distributed dispersedly among the different socioeconomic levels and more prone to occur among older women or those undergoing cesarean deliveries.

Background and objectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to provide a scale to assess different aspects of the will based on Roberto Assagioli's theory.Methods and resultsThe scale development followed three steps. Step 1 focused on operationalizing the construct and developing the items. It was carried out through several phases of item generation and refinement, resulting in a pool of 38 items. At Step 2 we tested the psychometric properties of the initial 38-item scale with the goal of excluding the items that weakened the structural validity and reliability of the scale. Descriptive, internal consistency, and exploratory factor analyses statistics were computed on a large sample (Sample 1: N = 587; age: M = 21.55, SD = 4.14, 66% female) and they led to a five-dimension model (Strong, Skillful, Good toward Self and Other, and Transpersonal Will) and the exclusion of 15 items. Analyses conducted at Step 3 on a different sample (Sample 2: N = 683; age: M = 34.09, SD = 16.27, 54% female) allowed for further refinement of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the resulting 19-item scale showed a good fit for the five-factor model (χ2 (142) = 507.63, p< .001, TLI = .91; CFI = .93; RMSEA = .06 [90%CI: .06‒.07]), and evidence of its invariance across genders and ages was provided. Reliability indices (internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficients) were adequate (ranging from .66 to .83) and correlations with measures of related constructs supported the external validity of the scale.ConclusionThis study provides researchers, therapists, and counselors with an efficient measurement tool to assess Assagioli's construct of will.

In order to deepen the understanding of the role of transition metal oxides in electron transfer at the electrochemical interface, the performance of Zn x Ni1−x Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) nanomaterials in electrochemical sensing is studied. Nanomaterials are synthesized by simple autocombustion synthesis procedure. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy characterization shows that the particles have a size between 30 and 70 nm with an average crystallite size between 24 and 35 nm. The bandgap energies of the nanomaterials, as estimated by UV–vis experiments, are in the 2.32–2.56 eV range. The valence band maximum is evaluated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the position of the conduction band minimum is estimated. The ZnFe2O4 sensor has the best performances: highest rate constant (13.1 ± 2.8 ms−1), lowest peak‐to‐peak separation (386 ± 2 mV), and highest sensitivity (37.75 ± 0.17 μA mM−1). Its limit of detection (7.94 ± 0.04 μM) is second best, and its sensitivity is more than twice the sensitivity of the bare sensor (16.7 ± 0.9 μA mM−1). Nanomaterials energy bands mapping with the experimental redox potentials is performed to predict the electron transfer at the electrochemical interface, and the importance of surface states/defects is highlighted in the electron transfer mechanism.

Background and aim of the work: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the quality of people’s social life, strongly impacting family dynamics, too, not only in the harshest periods of the pandemic but also afterwards. Pandemic-related measures led to a ‘stay-at-home’ approach that increased the mental and physical burdens of family caregivers, irrespective of whether they were living together with the person they were caring for or not. In this paper, we provide an overview of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on family relationships and dynamics, as well as on family caregivers’ mental burden, and outline how this developed. Methods: We collected relevant info by searching the PubMed/Medline database with appropriate keywords. The search was performed up to 28 February 2023. This paper is reported in line with PRISMA guidance. Results: Given the recent onset of the issue, the number of relevant papers was limited. However, the additional burden that the pandemic has caused worldwide to informal caregivers clearly emerges. Conclusions: The worldwide impact of the pandemic on informal caregiving is assessed, and recommendations on how the issue can be handled are briefly sketched, too.