University of Udine
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Correction to: ESICM consensus-based recommendations for the management of very old patients in intensive care (Intensive Care Medicine, (2025), 51, 2, (287-301), 10.1007/s00134-025-07794-4)
No full textWhen this article was first published, part of the first paragraph was italicized by mistake in the PDF version of the article. Also, the affiliations did contain information about the ESICM sections and groups that were not related to these affiliations. For clarity the acknowledgement section now displays the list of members of ESICM Sections and Groups who contributed to the article. Furthermore, Tables 2 and 4 suffered a typeset error which hinders comprehension. They have now been updated with a clear divide between consensus statements and checklist items. Authors are not responsible of these errors introduced during the publishing process. The original article has been updated
High doses of polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the microbial community and nutrient status of vineyard soils
Get PDFThe escalating use of plastic materials in viticulture causes release of microplastics (MPs) into vineyard soils. This study examines the impact on soil health of polypropylene (PP) raffia and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube strings, commonly mulched into the topsoil after use. A 120-d incubation experiment was conducted with soils exposed to high doses (10 g/kg) of microplastics (MPs) from standard, new and used strings. The study investigated alterations in the microbial community, bioavailability of macronutrients (NH4+ and NO3−, P, K, Ca, Mg), and bioavailability of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg). The presence of MPs significantly stressed the soil microbial community, reducing microbial biomass by 30% after 30 d, with the exception of PVC in acid soil, which caused an unexpected increase of about 60%. The metabolic quotient (qCO2) doubled in MP-polluted soils, with PVC exerting a more pronounced effect than PP. Basal respiration increased by 25% relative to the acid control soil. PVC MPs raised soil pH from 6.2 to 7.2 and firmly reduced the bioavailability of micronutrients, particularly in acidic soils, and led to a 98% reduction in nitrate (NO3−). The availability of NH4+, P, K, Mg decreased by 10% and Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn by 30%. However, Ca availability increased by 30%, despite shifting from the acid-soluble fraction to soil organic matter and crystalline minerals. Calcareous soil was generally more resilient to changes than the acid soil. These findings underscore the urgent need to investigate the long-term effects of MPs from viticulture on soil properties and health. (Figure presented.
Review of rules of mixture for effective elastic properties in fibrous and particulate composite materials
Get PDFMicromechanics based models have been playing an important role in predicting the effective elastic properties of particulate and fibrous linearly elastic composite materials. This paper reviews the simplest most widely-used class of micromechanics models, the so-called rules of mixture, and aims to clarify various misconceptions in their applicability by providing concise derivations from both the mechanics-of-materials and continuum-mechanics approaches. The paper critically reviews the areas in which these analytical models can yield good predictions of effective elastic properties and various historical interventions when properties are underestimated. Besides, it illustrates a generalized framework able to justify their assumptions as lower and upper bounds for elastic properties, though of modest practical application when compared to more refined theories. Eventually, the position of these models with respect to classic assumptions of dilute dispersion is investigated and emphasized with reference to experimental data
Virtual commissioning of a mechatronic plant for insulating material processing: A company application towards Digital Twin
Get PDFIn the era of digitalization, the practice to represent physical entities in the virtual world from a visual but also modelling point of view constitutes a significant enrichment for the related scientific research. Among leading technologies, virtual commissioning offers the chance to test, verify and validate the control system of a machine or, more generally, of a mechatronic system before the real start-up. Renowned benefits of virtual commissioning are the elimination of errors in a early design phase, as well as the risk reduction on the real start-up and the possibility to test real-case scenarios without any cost and in short time. Based on the development of the Digital Model of the machine or system in exam, virtual commissioning is hence often associated to the creation of Digital Twins, too. This work explores potentialities and limitations in the evolution of a virtually commissioned mechatronic plant into a Digital Twin. A physics-based 3D simulation software has been utilized for the creation of the kinematic model of the plant in exam. Outcomes of the study are twofold: the model is exploited to provide an example of a successful application of virtual commissioning; considerations regarding the evolution of the model into a complete Digital Twin are also drawn
Endplate Lesions of the Lumbar Spine: Biochemistry and Genetics
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Endplate lesions of the lumbar spine are often asymptomatic and frequently observed incidentally by radiological assessment. Variants in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and an increase in some biochemical markers related to the osteo-cartilaginous metabolism were found in patients with endplate lesions. The aim of this study was to identify biochemical and genetic markers putatively associated with the presence of endplate lesions of the lumbar spine. Methods: Quantification of circulating bone remodeling proteins was obtained from 10 patients with endplate lesions and compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on patient genomic DNA using the Novaseq 6000 platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA), obtaining a median read depth of 117×–200×, with ≥98% of regions covering at least 20×. The sequencing product was aligned to the reference genome (GRCh38.p13-hg38) and analyzed with Geneyx software. Results: We observed modifications in the levels of circulating proteins involved in bone remodeling and angiogenesis. We identified variants of interest in aggrecan (ACAN), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4 (CYP3A4), GLI family zinc finger 2 (GLI2), heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), and mesoderm posterior bHLH transcription factor 2 (MESP2). VDR polymorphism (rs2228570) was present in nine patients, with the homozygotic ones having more severe endplate lesions and higher levels of the analyzed circulating markers in comparison with heterozygotic patients. Conclusions: These data represent interesting evidence of genetic variants, particularly in VDR, and altered levels of circulating markers of bone remodeling associated with endplate lesions, which should be confirmed in a larger population. The hypothesis suggested by our results is that the endplate lesions could be the consequence of an altered ossification mechanism at the vertebral level
Resolving the fundamentals of the J-integral concept by multi-method in situ nanoscale stress-strain mapping
Get PDFThe integrity of structural materials is oftentimes defined by their resistance against catastrophic failure through dissipative plastic processes at the crack tip, commonly quantified by the J-integral concept. However, to date the experimental stress and strain fields necessary to quantify the J-integral associated with local crack propagation in its original integral form were inaccessible. Here, we present a multi-method nanoscale strain- and stress-mapping surrounding a growing crack tip in two identical miniaturized fracture specimens made from a nanocrystalline FeCrMnNiCo high-entropy alloy. The respective samples were tested in situ in a scanning electron microscope and a synchrotron X-ray nanodiffraction setup, with detailed analyzes of loading states during elastic loading, crack tip blunting and general yielding, corroborated by a detailed elastic-plastic finite element model. This complementary in situ methodology uniquely enabled a detailed quantification of the J-integral along different integration paths from experimental nanoscale stress and strain fields. We find that conventional linear-elastic and elastic-plastic models, typically used to interpret fracture phenomena, have limited applicability at micron to nanoscale distances from propagating cracks. This for the first time unravels a limit to the path-independence of the J-integral, which has significant implications in the development and assessment of modern damage-tolerant materials and microstructures
AIDME: A Scalable, Interpretable Framework for AI-Aided Scoping Reviews
Get PDFScientific publishing is expanding rapidly across disciplines, making it increasingly difficult for researchers to organize, filter, and synthesize the literature. Systematic reviews address this challenge through structured analysis, but the early stages, particularly the screening phase, can become overwhelming when faced with thousands of records. Scoping reviews are often used as a preparatory step to explore and structure the literature before applying stricter protocols such as the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. In this work, we introduce AIDME (AI-Aided Document Mapping and Evaluation), a general-purpose framework that leverages Large Language Models (LLMs), topic modeling, thematic labeling, and citation network analysis to support the creation of scoping reviews in research areas with high publication volume. AIDME enables scalable filtering, clustering, labeling, and prioritization of publications while preserving human oversight. We evaluate the proposed framework through a case study on methods for assessing truthfulness in fact-checking, a fast-evolving field characterized by inconsistent terminology and fragmented methodologies. Our results show that AIDME reduces manual effort and produces structured outputs that facilitate subsequent PRISMA-compliant systematic reviews
Thumb tip reconstruction for apical substance loss using a bipedunculated homodigital V-Y advancement FLAP: OUR experiences
No full textIntroduction: The thumb plays a crucial role in hand biomechanics, particularly in fine and forceful grips. Due to its functional importance, trauma involving the thumb is frequent. In cases of pulp tissue loss, Moberg's 1964 principles for functional thumb reconstruction remain a cornerstone in hand surgery. Among the available techniques, the bipedunculated V-Y advancement flap, described by D. Elliot in 1993, offers a reliable solution for preserving length, restoring sensation, ensuring grip stability, and maintaining an aesthetically acceptable outcome. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 cases of thumb tip reconstruction using the bipedunculated V-Y advancement flap for apical substance loss ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 cm in length. Patients had a mean follow-up of two and five years. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Pinch Test, Weber and Semmens Test, Vancouver Scar Scale, QuickDASH questionnaire and Fingertip Injury Outcome Score. Results: Our statistical analysis confirms the reliability and versatility of this flap. No major or minor complications were recorded. The flap effectively addressed transverse and oblique defects up to 1.5 cm, providing excellent functional and cosmetic results. Conclusions: This study validates the bipedunculated V-Y advancement flap as an effective technique for thumb tip reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of adhering to fundamental principles of digital reconstruction. The procedure ensures excellent functional outcomes and high patient satisfaction
Mortality of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in intensive care units: a post-hoc analysis of an international multicenter study by ESGCIP and EFISG
Get PDFBackground: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening disease. In the intensive care unit (ICU), PJP is most frequently observed among patients with several conditions not related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: The primary objective of the present post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, multinational, retrospective study was to assess factors impacting prognosis in ICU patients with PJP through univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 107 patients were included; 28 had proven PJP (26.2%), and 79 had presumptive PJP (73.8%). The overall 30-day mortality was 52.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.1–62.2). In the multivariable analysis, metastatic solid tumor (hazard ratio [HR] 3.49; 95% CI 1.71–7.13, p < 0.001) and chronic liver disease (HR 2.44; 95% CI 1.03–5.80, p = 0.044) showed an independent association with 30-day mortality. The direction of effect remained consistent when center was added to the multivariable model as random effect. Conclusion: PJP mortality remains high in ICU patients. Conditions other than HIV infection are emerging not only as non-classical risk factors for PJP development, but also as important mortality predictors. A better understanding of the reasons underlying this evolving landscape could be crucial to improve PJP management and survival
NTRK3-rearranged spindle cell neoplasm of the skin: diagnostic pitfalls of an emerging entity, a case report
No full textNeurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase-rearranged spindle cell neoplasms (NTRK-RSCNs) are an emerging category of rare soft tissue tumors recently recognized by the World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours. NTRK-RSCNs mostly affect the superficial soft tissues of the extremities and trunk, and they can occur across a broad age range. These tumors exhibit a wide morphologic spectrum, often mimicking other mesenchymal tumors. Recognition of NTRK-RSCNs is crucial for targeted therapy in selected cases, given the recent approval of kinase inhibitors. We describe the case of a 55-year-old male with an NTRK-RSCN located on the arm, harboring the novel fusion partner PPFIBP1::NTRK3, while providing additional clinical and morphological characteristics of this rare entity