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3-Step combined technique for correction of involutional lower eyelid entropion: A case series
No full textInvolutional entropion of the lower eyelid is a common condition among the elderly. Numerous surgical techniques have been proposed to address its multifactorial nature, each focusing on different contributing factors. However, no single approach has proven to be superior. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel 3-step combined procedure in treating involutional entropion. Patients were treated using a combination of lateral lid-shortening with removal of a base-down triangle, myectomy of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and excision of a skin strip of the lower eyelid. We conducted a retrospective review of clinical data from patients who underwent this procedure between 2012 and 2023. Patient-reported satisfaction with aesthetic and functional outcomes were evaluated three months postoperatively with a custom 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. A total of 27 patients (30 eyelids) were included in the study, with a median follow-up period of 12 months (range 4–144 months). Minor surgical revision was required in one case for early wound dehiscence. One patient presented undercorrection, but reoperation was not needed. No other complications or recurrences were detected at the latest follow-up. All patients reported satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes three months after surgery. Based on our results, the 3-step combined procedure may represent a valuable addition to the range of surgical techniques for involutional lower eyelid entropion. This approach is associated with a high success rate and stable functional outcomes. Larger studies are warranted to further validate our results
First comparison of subsidence/uplift rates between Copernicus European Ground Motion Service data and long-term MIS 5.5 geological record in Mediterranean regions
No full textThe European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), a component of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, offers a valuable tool for investigating vertical ground motion in coastal regions that are subject to different natural and anthropogenic processes. To conduct effective coastal assessments, it is essential to consider the multiscale interactions of these processes. This review presents a methodology for comparing EGMS Ortho (Level 3) data, based on Sentinel-1, and calibrated with measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and long-term rates based on the markers of the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS 5.5; Late Pleistocene). This study examines the Italian and Greek coasts, encompassing a range of geodynamic settings. In stable crustal segments, such as Sardinia, the EGMS Ortho (Level 3) data roughly align with both GNSS and post-MIS 5.5 rates. However, long-term based observed variations are considerably below the current 1 mm/yr EGMS precision. Conversely, in foreland basins, EGMS maps show higher values than GNSS data, which reflect regional interactions between ongoing tectonics and compaction. Local discrepancies between EGMS and GNSS in industrialized areas are attributable to industrial activities, as evidenced by the EGMS subsidence rates (8 mm/yr) observed in Ravenna, which exceed regional long-term estimates (0.8 mm/yr). In seismically active regions, such as Calabria and Sicily (e.g. the Messina Strait), the data reveals complex short- and long-term interactions linked to the seismic cycle. Conversely, in volcanic areas, like Campi Flegrei, Mt. Etna, Santorini and Nisyros, the EGMS data proves most valuable for highlighting complex volcano-tectonic movements. The findings of this study can be extended to other areas worldwide
Root Distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia for Soil Erosion Mitigation: A FAIR-Compliant Database Approach with NFS-FAIR-DDP
No full textSoil erosion is marked as the most significant, most dangerous, and most widespread type of soil degradation, which is why it appears as a limiting factor in the sustainable use of land and the development of areas, countries, and regions. To avoid huge economic investment for implementing civil engineering works, bio- and eco-engineering techniques have been regarded as one of the most important approaches to combat soil erosion, shallow landslides, and slope instability. Vegetation is vital for preventing soil erosion and shallow landslides, as plant roots stabilize the soil by binding particles together, while the canopy intercepts raindrops, reducing their erosive force. The presence of forests on hillslopes significantly reduces the slopes susceptibility to rainfall triggered shallow landslides. This is due largely to the reinforcement of the hillslope soil by tree roots which increase the shear strength of the soil, and in some instances, anchor the soil mantle to the underlying bedrock by deeply penetrating roots. Hence the aim of this investigation was the investigation of the root distribution of the Black locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.), as well as its root tensile strength. Two investigation sites were explored in North Macedonia, Varvara and Techeni Bair localities, with five trees excavated at the former site and four trees at the latter. Four soil samples were taken from both locations, at two depths (20 and 40 centimeters of depth) and subsequently analyzed. The vertical root distribution results showed double the root frequency both at root distribution per dept (vertical), as well as per distance from stem for the Varvara locality. However, this might be due to the soil and climatic factors as the Techeni Bair locality has a clay-loam soil texture, with less soil moisture, whereas the Varvara locality has a sandy texture and higher amount of soil moisture due to it being five to ten meters away from a river. At the lower depth though, the Techeni Bair locality had higher root frequency, which is due to the afore mentioned environmental conditions and the roots need to go deeper to provide the required nutrients. The carried-out root tensile strength results by pullouts of the roots have not been conclusive and will be further investigated. Of the forty pullout tests carried out though, it was apparent that the soil/root interface and friction were not the same for the two localities, with roots being easier to pullout at the Varvara locality even with higher root diameter, whereas at the Techeni Bair locality the tests itself were much more difficult. All information was initially recorded in a spreadsheet but was later converted into a FAIR compliant database by employing the NFS-FAIR-DDP software which produces an SQLite database along with accompanying documentation.Soil erosion is marked as the most significant, most dangerous, and most widespread type of soil degradation, which is why it appears as a limiting factor in the sustainable use of land and the development of areas, countries, and regions. To avoid huge economic investment for implementing civil engineering works, bio- and eco-engineering techniques have been regarded as one of the most important approaches to combat soil erosion, shallow landslides, and slope instability. Vegetation is vital for preventing soil erosion and shallow landslides, as plant roots stabilize the soil by binding particles together, while the canopy intercepts raindrops, reducing their erosive force. The presence of forests on hillslopes significantly reduces the slopes susceptibility to rainfall triggered shallow landslides. This is due largely to the reinforcement of the hillslope soil by tree roots which increase the shear strength of the soil, and in some instances, anchor the soil mantle to the underlying bedrock by deeply penetrating roots. Hence the aim of this investigation was the investigation of the root distribution of the Black locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.), as well as its root tensile strength. Two investigation sites were explored in North Macedonia, Varvara and Techeni Bair localities, with five trees excavated at the former site and four trees at the latter. Four soil samples were taken from both locations, at two depths (20 and 40 centimeters of depth) and subsequently analyzed. The vertical root distribution results showed double the root frequency both at root distribution per dept (vertical), as well as per distance from stem for the Varvara locality. However, this might be due to the soil and climatic factors as the Techeni Bair locality has a clay-loam soil texture, with less soil moisture, whereas the Varvara locality has a sandy texture and higher amount of soil moisture due to it being five to ten meters away from a river. At the lower depth though, the Techeni Bair locality had higher root frequency, which is due to the afore mentioned environmental conditions and the roots need to go deeper to provide the required nutrients. The carried-out root tensile strength results by pullouts of the roots have not been conclusive and will be further investigated. Of the forty pullout tests carried out though, it was apparent that the soil/root interface and friction were not the same for the two localities, with roots being easier to pullout at the Varvara locality even with higher root diameter, whereas at the Techeni Bair locality the tests itself were much more difficult. All information was initially recorded in a spreadsheet but was later converted into a FAIR compliant database by employing the NFS-FAIR-DDP software which produces an SQLite database along with accompanying documentation
Gio Ponti the Writer
No full textDuring his long and multifaceted career, Gio Ponti was an extraordinarily prolific writer: he authored more than ten books and published over a thousand articles in the magazines he edited (Domus and Stile), as well as in daily newspapers such as Corriere della Sera and Italia—not to mention the countless letters he exchanged with friends and colleagues around the world.
Unlike many other architects, Ponti did not use writing as a means to articulate a critical stance or to present the results of theoretical inquiry. Rather, he sought to communicate, in a simple, clear, and accessible language, the ideas that “urged” his spirit from time to time—ideas intended to stimulate, provoke, and gradually educate his readers.
These reflections do not follow a linear theoretical trajectory but evolve in close relation to his architectural and creative practice, of which they are both reflection and outcome.
This essay therefore aims to reconstruct, through an analysis of the principal thematic nuclei emerging from Ponti’s writings, the ways in which thought, language, and design intertwine and mutually inform one another throughout his career
The Role of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in the Initiation and Progression of Melanoma
No full textHuman endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), as remnants of ancient exogenous retroviruses in the human genome, have received increased attention regarding their pathogenic effects caused by abnormal activation. In normal somatic cells, HERVs are tightly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and are rarely expressed. In cancer cells, likely due to epigenetic dysregulation, HERVs become abnormally activated and are transcribed and expressed. The innate and adaptive immune responses triggered by HERV activation are closely associated with cancer initiation and progression. Melanoma, as a malignant tumor, often exhibits a poor prognosis in advanced-stage patients. HERVs have been found to be expressed in melanoma and linked to its malignant transformation. Here, we review the potential roles HERVs may play in melanoma development. As promising therapeutic targets for melanoma, research on HERVs could facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies
Il machine learning in ambito medico sanitario: il riconoscimento delle immagini e degli spazi
No full textLo sviluppo delle AI (Artificial Intelligence) ha avuto un notevole ampliamento di applicazioni negli ultimi anni. Fin dagli albori della IA, tra il diciannovesimo e il ventesimo secolo, queste forme di intelligenza miravano a simulare comportamenti umani attraverso l’apprendimento autonomo e l’allenamento nel riconoscere eventi e situazioni simili, già affrontate in precedenza, così da attuare protocolli uguali per ottenere uno stesso risultato. Il termine Artificial Intelligence è molto ampio e indica l’abilità di un sistema artificiale di simulare comportamenti e caratteristiche tipicamente umane come il ragionamento, l’ap-prendimento, la pianificazione e la creatività. L’Artificial Intelligence è quella scienza che ricerca il modo di rendere intelligenti macchine e hardware, questa si sta sviluppando per supportare in maniera intel-ligente il lavoro manuale umano, fino a sostituire completamente l’apporto umano nello svolgimento di alcune mansioni. Una delle prime forme di Artificial Intelligence è il machine learning, una forma di intelligenza artificiale che consente alla macchina di svolgere attività senza essere stata programmata per svolgere quelle specifiche operazioni. I campi applicativi sono molteplici dall’ambito manifatturiero a quello dei trasporti o ancora della sicurezza informatica alla sanità. Il contributo intende presentare la ricerca condotta al fine ampliare gli strumenti forniti agli addetti sanitari per lo svolgimento delle attività ospedaliere. È stato indagato in che modo la traduzione delle immagini attraverso il machine learning sta già fornendo supporto ai medici specialisti in termini di supporto alla diagnosi, inoltre si sta indagando come, attraverso il riconoscimento automatico delle immagini e delle forme, sia possibile costruire un supporto alla componente specialistica non medica che opera in ambito sanitario
Monte d’Accoddi e il suo ruolo nella società prenuragica alla luce dei dati stratigrafici di Ercole Contu e delle ricerche recenti
No full textA summary of recent research on Monte d’Accoddi is presented, with new data and reflections, based on the field investigations of Ercole Contu. The monument, which has evoked connections to both the Eastern and Western worlds, remains unique in the Mediterranean, while also being strongly representative of Sardinian prehistory, tracing its developments. Through the study of this extraordinary context, it is possible to reconstruct the ways of transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic and identify the keys to understanding the “Ozieri” society, a protagonist in Sardinia and Mediterranean during the 4th millennium cal. BC
Development of a Digital Application Program Based on an Institutional Algorithm Sustaining the Decisional Process for Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Large and Ptotic Breasts: A Pilot Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction is an established option for selected patients undergoing mastectomy. However, patients with large and ptotic breasts present specific reconstructive challenges, often requiring tailored approaches to minimize complications and optimize aesthetics. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of a mobile application developed to support intraoperative decision-making based on an institutional algorithm for breast reconstruction. It is also important to underline that this pilot study was exploratory in nature and primarily aimed at assessing feasibility and adherence to an app-based decision pathway, rather than comparative efficacy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from October 2023 to December 2024 at the University Hospital of Sassari. Female patients with large and ptotic breasts undergoing immediate implant-based reconstruction were included. A mobile app, developed using MIT App Inventor 2, implemented our institution’s algorithm and guided surgeons through both preoperative and intraoperative decision-making. Surgical options included subpectoral, prepectoral with autologous fascial flaps, or prepectoral with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) reconstruction, depending on flap thickness and fascia integrity. Results: Sixteen patients (21 reconstructed breasts) were included. Surgical planning and execution followed app-generated recommendations in all cases, with no intraoperative deviations. Subpectoral reconstruction was performed in six patients, prepectoral with ADM in eight, and prepectoral with fascial flaps in two. The app was rated positively by all surgeons and facilitated consistent decision-making. Conclusions: The proposed mobile application, described in this pilot study, proved to be a feasible and effective decision-support tool for implant-based breast reconstruction in patients with challenging anatomy. It standardized surgical choices, supported training, and has the potential to enhance reproducibility and safety in complex reconstructive procedures
