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Deep learning approaches for the detection of scar presence from cine cardiac magnetic resonance adding derived parametric images
No full textThis work proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN) that utilizes different combinations of parametric images computed from cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images, to classify each slice for possible myocardial scar tissue presence. The CNN performance comparison in respect to expert interpretation of CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images, used as ground truth (GT), was conducted on 206 patients (158 scar, 48 control) from Centro Cardiologico Monzino (Milan, Italy) at both slice- and patient-levels. Left ventricle dynamic features were extracted in non-enhanced cine images using parametric images based on both Fourier and monogenic signal analyses. The CNN, fed with cine images and Fourier-based parametric images, achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.86 (accuracy 0.79, F1 0.81, sensitivity 0.9, specificity 0.65, and negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive values 0.83 and 0.77, respectively), for individual slice classification. Remarkably, it exhibited 1.0 prediction accuracy (F1 0.98, sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.9, NPV 1.0, and PPV 0.97) in patient classification as a control or pathologic. The proposed approach represents a first step towards scar detection in contrast-free CMR images. Patient-level results suggest its preliminary potential as a screening tool to guide decisions regarding LGE-CMR prescription, particularly in cases where indication is uncertain
Il potere della luce. La lampada e le forme microsociologiche del dominio
No full textThis article explores the sociological significance of everyday objects through a microsociological analysis of the lamp. While traditional sociology has often neglected material culture, dismissing objects as mere fetishes of mass society, this study reclaims their active role in shaping social life. Drawing on Simmel's notion of culture and style, as well as theories by Gehlen, Simondon, Baudrillard, and Latour, the lamp is examined not only as a technical device but as a symbolic and aesthetic mediator of social relations. Focusing on the domestic sphere, the analysis traces how lighting structures interaction, produces atmospheres, and participates in the microphysics of power. Particular attention is given to the lampshade as a device of modulation—both functional and ornamental—that configures proximity, visibility, and distinction. Ultimately, the lamp emerges as an infrastructure of experience that shapes the social through light, material presence, and symbolic excess
Prefaziione a Pino Privitera, Viaggio nella storia di Milazzo
No full textStoria della citta di Milazzo (ME) in età moderna e contemporane
Using Artificial Neural Network Models (ANNs) to Identify Patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) and Alzheimer Dementia (AD): Clinical Psychological Features and Differential Diagnosis
No full textBackground and Objectives: Patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) present similar symptoms as other diseases, such as dementia (AD). However, while dementia is not reversible, INPH dementia can be treated through neurosurgery. This study aims to assess the Rorschach method as a valid tool to identify INPH patients. Materials and Methods: The perception characteristics of a small sample of patients (n = 19) were observed through the Rorschach Inblok test. Artificial neural network (ANN) models allowed us to analyze the correlations between patients’ cognitive functions and perception characteristics. Results: The results obtained revealed significant insights about the independent traits in patients’ patterns of response with INPH and AD. In performing the test, patients with INPH and AD concentrated more on the cards displayed and what they perceived, while other patients concentrated on reactions related to the image proposed. Conclusions: The Rorschach test is a valid predictor tool to identify INPH patients who could successfully be treated with neurosurgery. Hence, this methodology has potential in differential diagnosis applied to a clinical context
Uterine atony and postpartum haemorrhage: predisposing genetic factors and postmortem findings
No full textUterine atony (UA) represents a serious medical condition characterized by ineffective contraction of the uterine muscle after placenta delivery and is responsible for up to 80% of postpartum hemorrhages (PPH) worldwide. UA onset prediction before delivery is still an ongoing challenge, even if many risk factors for UA onset have been identified almost 50% of atonic PPH occur in women without identifiable antepartum risks, making high vigilance during labor essential for all the healthcare providers involved in labor assistance. To prevent the onset of UA in high-risk women, prophylactic measures such as active management of third stage of labor, presence of intravenous access during labor, and presence of cross-matched blood available are recommended. If UA occurs, a conservative management based on uterotonic drugs, tranexamic acid and intrauterine tamponade should be preferred while surgical methods such as arteries ligation or hysterectomy should be considered as a last resort. Finally, the influence of genetic factors on predisposing to the onset, severity, and variable responses to treatment of this pathology was analyzed. Among these genetic factors, it has been observed that mutations affecting the genes encoding for the oxytocin receptor (OXTRs), but also for "uterine contraction-associated proteins" (CAPs) such as connexin43, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), Gap junction protein alpha 1 (Gja1) and COX-2 - determining an abnormal response to hypoxia - may be responsible for the development of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony (UA)
Full-colors by luminescence induced by UV excitation in carbon dots synthesized by graphite laser ablation and oxidation in liquids
No full textA Graphite laser ablation in biocompatible phosphate buffer solution (PBS) has been produced at different laser fluences, synthesizing carbon dots (CDs) with tunable photoluminescence (PL). The used laser has been a repetitive ns pulsed Nd:YAG operating at 1064 nm. By exciting with a single-wavelength UV light at 365 nm, CDs emit stable luminescence in gradient colors, from blue to red. The plasma generated by the laser at the carbon-liquid interface was investigated, with the objective of giving more information on the type of CDs synthesized and on their optical properties. Optical spectroscopy was employed to analyze the CDs PL between 250 nm and 800 nm. The dispersions were submitted to UV–Vis transmittance and absorbance spectroscopies. The CDs deposition on a silicon substrate, after drying, has been analyzed with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Results indicated that the emission band depends on the laser fluence and the different oxidation processes induced in the PBS solution. The quantum yield (QY) has been evaluated in the order of 15% using a neutral pH solution and about 30% using an acidic pH solution. The observed luminescence band emission shift, from about 400 nm to about 670 nm, due to a reduction of the laser fluence, has been ascribed to a gradual reduction in the CDs band gaps with the increasing incorporation of oxygen species into their surface structures. Due to the high biocompatibility, stability, low cytotoxicity, and excellent PL properties, these CDs could be used in bio-medicine and in other fields, as will be presented and discussed
Low-Frequency Noise Characterization of BEOL Metal-Insulator-Metal Capacitors
No full textDielectrics are fundamental building blocks in both analog and digital electronic devices, serving various purposes, including insulating metal lines and interconnect levels in the back-end-of-line (BEOL). In this article, we investigate the leakage and low-frequency noise (LFN) properties of three different types of dielectrics, from the low-k organo-silicate glass (OSG3.0) and silica (SiO2) to the high-k alumina (Al2O3). Test structures are large area (up to 200 × 200 μm2) metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors, with TiN or TaNTa electrodes, that mimic well the BEOL architecture. In particular, to the best of our knowledge, no LFN study has been reported for OSGs, which are the most used class of dielectrics in the BEOL. From a physical side, current-voltage (I-V) characterization reveals that in all three dielectrics, the conduction is bulk dominated and assisted by traps, rather than limited by electrode injection. LFN measurements (LFNMs) show a typical 1/f current power spectral density (PSD) (SI) for all three dielectrics with a strongly bias-dependent gate noise parameter (GNP) ∝ SI/I2 (I being the dc current), suggesting a highly nonuniform energy trap distribution, especially for Al2O3 devices. SiO2-based capacitors demonstrated the lowest leakage at equivalent fields and superior noise performance at comparable leakage currents. Al2O3 devices exhibited the highest leakage, while OSG3.0 samples showed the poorest noise characteristics, marked by pronounced electrical instability and nonstationary random telegraph signal (RTS) events
Multidisciplinary and home-based management in neonatal unilateral foot drop: a case report
No full textBackground: Foot drop in newborns is a rare condition with limited cases reported in the literature. It can result from various aetiologies including
neurological, muscular, anatomical, or mechanical factors. Diagnosis can be challenging as identifying the underlying cause is essential for determining the appropriate course of management. Case presentation: We present the case of a newborn with unilateral foot drop highlighting the diagnostic approach and clinical progression. Clinical evaluation and instrumental examinations, including electromyography and nerve conduction studies, showed isolated external popliteal of the sciatic nerve dysfunction. There were no associated spinal cord or musculoskeletal abnormalities. A prolonged and complicated delivery, with sustained intrauterine limb malposition and nerve compression, was identified as the likely cause, leading to transient ischemia and peripheral nerve impairment. Despite the initial weakness and inability to dorsiflex the foot, no surgical or pharmacological intervention was required. Supportive care and close clinical monitoring were adopted besides the active involvement of parents in foot positioning and mobilization. Over the following months, gradual neurological recovery was observed, culminating in the complete resolution of symptoms by the fifth month of life. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of recognizing transient peroneal nerve palsy as a potential cause of neonatal foot drop. It also highlights the role of conservative management and expectant observation in cases where spontaneous recovery is likely, avoiding
unnecessary interventions
State of the art of CT myocardial perfusion
No full textCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a powerful tool to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD). In the last decade, myocardial perfusion CT (CTP) technique has been developed for the evaluation of myocardial ischemia, thereby increasing positive predictive value for diagnosis of obstructive CAD. A diagnostic strategy combining CCTA and perfusion acquisitions provides both anatomical coronary evaluation and functional evaluation of the stenosis, increasing the specificity and the positive predictive value of cardiac CT. This could improve risk stratification and guide revascularization procedures, reducing unnecessary diagnostic procedures in invasive coronary angiography. Two different acquisitions protocol have been developed for CTP. Static CTP allows a qualitative or semiquantitative evaluation of myocardial perfusion using a single scan during the first pass of iodinated contrast material in the myocardium. Dynamic CTP is capable of a quantitative evaluation of perfusion through multiple acquisitions, providing direct measure of the myocardial blood flow. For both, CTP acquisition hyperemia is reached using stressor agents such as adenosine or regadenoson. CTP in addition to CCTA acquisition shows good diagnostic accuracy compared to invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). Furthermore, the evaluation of late iodine enhancement (LIE) could be performed allowing the detection of myocardial infarction
Phenolic characterization, antioxidant properties, and brine shrimp toxicity of different aerial part extracts of Thymbra capitata Cav. (Lamiaceae) wild from Sicily (Italy)
No full textThymbra capitata (Lamiaceae) is a Mediterranean plant used in folk medicine and in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. This work was designed to establish a suitable method to obtain phenolic-rich extracts from the aerial parts of T. capitata growing wild in Sicily (Italy). For this purpose, extractions with 70% ethanol at room temperature (Tc-1) and at 50 °C in an ultrasonic bath (Tc-2), Soxhlet with 96% ethanol (Tc-3), and decoction (Tc-4) were performed. The antioxidant properties were investigated by in vitro methods. Tc-2 extract showed the best activity, displaying strong radical scavenging properties in the DPPH test (IC50 = 0.227 ± 0.001 mg/mL), moderate reducing power (ASE/mL = 4.630 ± 0.098), and good Fe2+ chelating ability (IC50 = 0.653 ± 0.012 mg/mL). Furthermore, the protective effect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress was evaluated on the human microglia clone 3 (HMC3) cell line, resulting Tc-3 extract the most active. Phenolic compounds were determined spectrophotometrically and characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS. The highest phenolic content was found in Tc-3 extract, followed by Tc-2 (141.344 ± 0.644 and 117.092 ± 0.224 mgGAE/g extract). Notably, the Artemia salina lethality bioassay showed lack of toxicity for Tc-2, as well as for Tc-4; contrarily, Tc-1 and Tc-3 extracts showed low and medium toxicity, respectively