Combining Alginate/PVPI-Based Film with Frequency Rhythmic Electrical Modulation System (FREMS) Technology as an Advanced Strategy for Diabetic Wounds.

Diabetes is rising as one of the most diffused diseases of the century with the related urgent necessity to face its systemic and local effects on the patients, such as cardiovascular problems, degeneration of limbs, and dysfunction of the wound healing process. The diffusion of leg ulcers has been estimated to be 1.51 for 1000 population, and these non-resolved wounds can produce several social, economic, and mental health issues in diabetic patients.

Highly Magneto-Responsive Elastomeric Films Created by a Two-Step Fabrication Process.

An innovative method for the preparation of elastomeric magnetic films with increased magneto-responsivity is presented. Polymeric films containing aligned magnetic microchains throughout their thickness are formed upon the magnetophoretic transport and assembly of microparticles during polymer curing. The obtained films are subsequently magnetized at a high magnetic field of 3 T directed parallel to the orientation of the microchains.

Quest for an open MRI scanner.

A study of the motor cortex during the programming, execution and mental representation of voluntary movement is of great relevance; its evaluation in conditions close to reality is necessary, given the close integration of the visuomotor, sensory feedback and proprioceptive systems, as of yet, a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scanner allowing a human subject to maintain erect stance, observe the surroundings and conserve limb freedom is still a dream. The need for high field suggests a solenoid magnet geometry that forces an unnatural posture that affects the results, particularly when the motor cortex is investigated. In contrast in a motor functional study, the scanner should allow the subject to sit or stand, with unobstructed sight and unimpeded movement.

A dedicated MRI apparatus for medical and industrial applications.

So far, one of the major obstacles to the development of special purpose MRI imaging apparatus has been the lack of a magnetic technology that could cater to the need for a light, compact and efficient magnet, capable of providing the required field uniformity at a reasonable cost. Today, recent advances in magnet design permit attaining, with the use solely of ferrite, low-cost, small-scale scanners, which can open up new areas of application of MRI, in both medical and industrial fields. A novel apparatus (ARTOSCAN) is described and some examples of applications in different fields are shown.

Special-purpose MRI equipment for medical and industrial applications.

A brief survey of the permanent magnet design techniques that are made possible by the availability of modern magnetic materials is followed by experimental results and some consideration of their practical applicability to the realization of MRI magnets.