Cu-based thin rolled foils: relationship among alloy composition, micromechanical and antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2.

The healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and pandemics caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and new-generation pathogens threaten the whole world community. Cu and its alloys have been attracting widespread interest as anti-contamination materials due to the rapid inactivation of MDR-superbugs and viruses. Applying thin Cu-based foils on pre-existing surfaces in hygiene-sensitive areas represents a quick, simple, cost-effective self-sanitising practice. However, the influence of chemical composition and microstructure should be deeply investigated when evaluating the antimicrobial capability and durability of Cu-based materials. The effect of composition on micromechanical and antiviral properties was investigated by comparing Cu15Zn and Cu18Ni20Zn (foil thickness from 13 to 27 µm) with Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu. The influence of recrystallisation annealing of PHC Cu was also investigated. Microstructural characterisation was carried out by optical (OM) and scanning electron (FEG-SEM) microscopy, Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron-Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). The micromechanical behaviour was assessed by microhardness, microscale abrasion and scratch tests. Cu-based foils were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 for different time points in quasi-dry conditions (artificial sweat solution), evaluating their antiviral capability by quantitative Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Surface morphology, contact angle measurements and Cu release were measured. All Cu-based surfaces completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in 10 min: pure Cu was the best option regarding antiviral efficiency, while Cu15Zn showed the best trade-off between micromechanical and antiviral properties.

Pervasive refusal syndrome or anorexia nervosa: a case report with a successful behavioural treatment.

PURPOSE: Pervasive refusal syndrome (PRS) is a rare psychiatric disease that affects children. It was first described by Lask in 1991 (Arch Dis Child 66:866-869, 1991). Recently, Otasowie and Collaborators reported a systematic review about PRS. Despite this, PRS has not yet been classified in DSM-5 and ICD-11 and the lack of evidence-based treatment makes this syndrome a real challenge for clinicians. The aim of this paper is to present our experience through the description of a case report and its treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: The case reported is a girl aged 11 years that fits the clinical picture described in the literature of PRS. In previous reports, behavioural treatment was not used or appreciated; our case adds new knowledge regarding the PRS diagnosis and the successful behavioural treatment during hospitalization, which we describe in all its phases. CONCLUSION: PRS is a rare, life-threatening syndrome; it would be extremely important to have an official and evidence-based treatment guide. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, case report.

The refusal of food in childhood: From our clinical experience to an evaluation of recent diagnostic classifications.

The aim of this study, which was carried out because of the importance of eating disorders (EDs) acquired by the young and the need to organise resources and interventions for patients and their families, was to quantify the increased incidence of EDs arising early in life in order to identify the nosographic classification that best reflects the complexity of the symptoms. Between 2003 and 2008, we assessed 128 subjects aged less than 14 years and observed a constant increase in ED-related problems. Our analysis shows the importance of representative classification criteria suitable for young patients in order to improve diagnosis and therapeutic planning. The need for a specific classification for early childhood is underlined by the fact that comorbidities and overlapping patterns often complicate adequate assessment.

Digital and palmar dermatoglyphics and the population structure of the Upper Bologna Apennine.

Analysis of digital and palmar dermatoglyphics in an Italian mountain population was carried out. Dermatoglyphic variability was particularly investigated in samples from four different valleys. Microgeographical differences in qualitative and quantitative traits among valleys were found. The relationship between degree of endogamy and dermatoglyphic differences is discussed. The biological repercussion of isolation in the history of this Apennine population is also pointed out by means of comparisons with a nearby plains population characterized by low inbreeding.

Polymorphism of properdin factor B (Bf) in some Italian populations.

In order to contribute to the definition of a map of the distribution of Bf polymorphism in Italy, we typed numerous population samples (for a total of 2033 individuals) from several regions of Italy: provinces of Bologna, Potenza and Matera, middle Sangro valley (Chieti) and northern, central and southern Sardinia. A new method was used which consisted of cellulose acetate electrophoresis followed by immunofixation and staining with Coomassie blue. The results obtained highlight marked differences in the distribution of Bf phenotypes and allele frequencies in Italy. To be noted in particular are the relatively high incidence of the Bf*S allele and the low incidence of Bf*F in Potenza and the significantly different pattern of the Sardinian samples compared to those from mainland Italy. This may be due to the low incidence in Sardinia of the Bf*S allele and above all to the exceptionally high frequency of the Bf*F1 variant.

Food habits and dental disease in an iron-age population.

Tooth diseases and wear record valuable information on diet and methods of food preparation in past human populations. In this paper the teeth of an Iron-Age population (Monte Bibele, Bologna) are analyzed to reconstruct their nutritional situation. The analysis of caries frequency and distribution indicates a level of carbohydrate consumption which is consistent with an agricultural way of life. The presence of calculus indicates that proteins were present in the diet of the Monte Bibele population. The frequency of antemortem tooth loss and of dental abscesses is in harmony with the results of the analysis of caries and calculus. The examination of dental wear suggests the presence of a substantial vegetable component in the diet. From the analysis of the dental characteristics one can conclude that the population of Monte Bibele had a prevalent agricultural economy. The presence of some diachronic variations in the distribution of the examined characters suggest changes in the diet in the course of time.

Research on the distribution of properdin factor B in Sardinia.

This study examines the distribution of properdin factor B by means of electrophoresis on cellulose acetate in a sample of 780 individuals from seven historical/geographical areas of Sardinia: Nurra, Goceano, Nuorese, Arborea, Sarcidano, Ogliastra, Campidano di Cagliari. The gene frequencies obtained for the total sample are BF*S = 0.595, BF*F = 0.227, BF*S1 = 0.012, BF*F1 = 0.166. Division of the total sample into subsamples has highlighted some noticeable differences both among the historical/geographical areas considered and with mainland Italy. In Sardinia relatively low frequencies of the allele BF*S are accompanied by exceptionally high incidences of the variant allele BF*F1, which reaches a maximum in the Goceano area (0.2143).

Discontinuous traits of the skull: variations on sex, age, laterality.

This paper discusses some problems relating to the study and the utilization of discontinuous traits in anthropology. The importance of sex, age and laterality in the manifestation of these traits is discussed on the basis of investigations on a numerous skeletal sample of Siena (Tuscany, Italy) and on data from literature. It is pointed out that sides and sexes should be considered separately. The age of adult subjects seems to be insignificant as the incidence of these traits is concerned.