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YAG LASER-ASSISTED FRAGMENTATION OF DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANTS IN THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER
No full textPurpose: To report efficacy on the use of neodymium Yag laser in fragmenting dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex, Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA) migrated in the anterior chamber (AC). Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series of 10 patients treated with Nd:Yag laser after spontaneous migration of dexamethasone implant into the AC. Results: The Nd:Yag laser successfully fragmented the migrated implants in all cases without severe complications. No patient exhibited corneal edema at 4 months posttreatment. Visual acuity remained stable or improved in four patients, while one patient had minimal transient visual deterioration due to preexisting retinal conditions. In all patients, resolution of previous macular edema was detected. Conclusion: Spontaneous migration of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant into the anterior chamber can occur in patients with aphakia, prior pars plana vitrectomy, or compromised capsular support. Timely intervention using Nd:Yag laser can effectively fragment the dexamethasone implant, mitigating the risk of corneal endothelial damage and preserving visual function. In this cohort Nd:Yag laser seemed a safe and effective treatment option for managing anterior chamber migration of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant, avoiding the need for more invasive surgical techniques or temporary noninvasive techniques
Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression, Protein Synthesis, and Epigenetic Modifications in Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2 Under Iron Limitation
No full textThis study aimed to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms enabling Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2, a hydrocarbonoclastic marine bacterium, to thrive under iron-limited conditions. Using SMRT PacBio whole-genome sequencing, Illumina total RNA sequencing, and proteomics analysis, we examined the strain's response to iron-rich and iron-depleted media. Despite minimal impact on growth, significant changes in gene expression were observed when using n-tetradecane or acetate under iron limitation. Iron scarcity, depending on the carbon source, affects energy metabolism, membrane transport, lipid metabolism, stress-adaptive responses, and siderophore synthesis. We identified several methyltransferases (MTases) in the studied genome, including RS14230, which is a part of a fully functional restriction-modification (RM) system causing bipartite cytosine methylation and DNA cleavage at AgGCcT sites. Another MTase, RS09425, controls bipartite adenine methylation at GaTNNNNNGtGG motifs; however, no restriction activity at these motifs has been detected. Many epigenetically modified nucleotides lacked canonical motifs, possibly due to MTase byproducts. Notably, non-canonical modifications were statistically associated with transcriptional start sites and gene regulation, suggesting an indirect role in transcription via DNA conformation changes and its accessibility to MTases near actively transcribed genes
The stochastic differential calculus for systems with non-Gaussian delta-correlated parametric loads
No full textIn the present work, an approach of differential calculus with parametric delta-correlated loads is presented again, after its first publication in 1993. Moreover, a brief review of the papers in literature, that had treated and used the Non-Gaussian Stochastic Differential Calculus (NGSDC), that can be considered as the generalization of what happens in the case of Gaussian white noise parametric actions. In the Gaussian case, two different stochastic differential approaches are in the literature, the Ito stochastic differential calculus (ISDC) and the Stratonovich one (SSDC). In the case of parametric external actions, they give different results and some correction terms, the so-called Wong-Zakai ones, must be considered for making uniform the results, representing the conversion adding terms in the transformation from ISDC to SSDC. When parametric actions are non-normal delta-correlated processes, the NGSDC has to be applied. It gives different results respect to both ISDC and SSDC. In any case, if the NGSDC is interpretated as made in the Di Paola-Falsone method (DFM), the expression of the correction terms to be used, in the conversion from ISDC to NGSDC, are expressed in terms of an infinite series that must be truncated after a certain order. It is shown that, if the closure order is two, the expression of these new correction terms coincides with the Wong-Zakai ones
L'etica della complessità
No full textIl lavoro ricostruisce il cambiamento etico nel passaggio dal paradigma scientifico "classico", di dominio della natura, a quello della complessità, capace di produrre una scienza che sia anche eco-etic
Sudden death due to excited delirium syndrome: from pathophysiology to postmortem assessment: case reports
No full textExcited Delirium Syndrome is a rare disease which can be re-sponsible for sudden/unexpected death. ExDS-related death frequently occur during or immediately after a physical effort, typically a scuffle with law enforcement workers. Its incidence is underestimated, and the pathophysiological mechanism is yet unclear. It is suggested the occurrence of factors acting as trigger of the syndrome such as abuse substance (i.e. cocaine) assumption and psychiatric illness. Moreover, other conditions that can determine the sudden death are hyperthermia and lactic acidosis. Here, two forensic cases of ExDS involving male subjects, respectively of 42 and 34 years, were described. In the first case the use of drugs was documented, in the second one a psychiatric illness was diagnosed. In both cases, after scuffling with police, the men suddenly died. The cases have been discussed on the basis of the main literature evidence on the disease pathophysiology, "clinical" manifestation, trigger factors and post-mortem findings. The reported cases and the evidence of the literature highlighted that ExDS forensic analyses requires applying multiple diagnostic investigations aimed at ascertaining both the presence of trigger factors and the cardiac catecholaminergic hyperstimulation. Thus, the forensic pathologist can improve the knowledge on this disease, helping the law enforcement office and healthcare practitioners to prevent and manage these medical emergencies
From wine to circular vines via bcorp certification: an exploratory analysis of Italian SMEs
No full textThis study aims to explore how Benefit Corporation (BCorp) certification can guide low-tech hybrid-purpose SMEs in embodying Circular Economy principles. It addresses the following research question: is BCorp certification an appropriate tool for facilitating the integration of Circular Economy principles at the core of SMEs, leading to a better balance between social and economic purposes?. To address the aforementioned research question, this research employs a comparative multiple analysis approach focused on six Italian wine BCorps. This qualitative approach allows for an in-depth exploration of entrepreneurial and circular transformative paths of selected companies, boosted by the requirements of the certification scheme. The findings highlight the practices and initiatives that influence and guide the potential circularity of the selected companies, by assessing the efficacy of BCorp certification in facilitating the integration of Circular Economy principles. The exploratory nature of this study is also its main limitation, restricting the generalizability of results. The findings are also heavily context-dependent, requiring further investigation in other industries and countries. However, these limitations do provide a platform for future research. The present study does also offer some practical implications. Managers of hybrid-purpose organizations could benefit from a categorization of practices and initiatives that allow BCorps to pursue a dual profit-purpose goal with Circular Economy principles while fostering the effective implementation of business models for Circular Economy
Exploring the chemical constituents and biological activities of leaf and twig extracts of two Amygdalus species from Turkey's flora: cell-free, in vitro and molecular docking approaches
No full textWild species of the subgenus Amygdalus (genus Prunus and family Rosaceae) have been insufficiently studied with regard to their chemical components and their pharmacological potential. The present study aimed at the investigation of the chemical composition of leaves and twigs of A. orientalis Mill. and A. zielinskii Browicz, thus assessing the antioxidant and enzyme inhibiting potential, as well as to define the safety profile. Our results showed that extracts were rich in phenolics, and liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) analysis allowed the identification of phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, proanthocyanins, amino acids, fatty acids and derivatives. The assessment of the antioxidant potential demonstrated that the ethyl acetate extract of A. zielinskii twigs recorded the highest anti-ABTS (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (1298.10 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g), total antioxidant (4.98 mmol TE/g), Cu++(1211.47 mg TE/g) and Fe+++ (907.86 mg TE/g) reducing properties. In addition, it also had the highest anti-DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity (560.17 mg TE/g), together with its methanolic extract and that of A. orientalis twigs, whereas the best chelation power was exerted by the ethyl acetate extract of A. orientalis leaves (31.10 mg EDTAE/g). Regarding enzyme inhibition, methanolic extracts of the leaves and twigs of both species displayed the highest α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity, while ethyl acetate extracts of A. orientalis twigs and leaves revealed the best butyrylcholinesterase (2.35 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g) inhibitory activity. Docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities of compounds like rutin, kaempferol derivatives, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside with the abovementioned enzymes, supporting the consistent inhibitory potential. Moreover, we investigated the potential cytotoxicity of these extracts in different human cell lines, thus proving their safety. These results highlight the potential of the two Amygdalus species as a new source of bioactive molecules for the development of health-promoting applications
Assessment of Food Hygiene Non-Compliance and Control Measures: A Three-Year Inspection Analysis in a Local Health Authority in Southern Italy
No full textBackground and Aim: Food hygiene is fundamental to public health, ensuring safe and nutritious food free from contaminants, and is vital for economic development and sustainability. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system is a crucial tool for managing risks in food production. Despite global recognition of food safety's importance, significant disparities exist, especially in Southern Italy, where diverse food production, tourism, and economic factors pose challenges to enforcing hygiene standards. This study evaluates non-compliance with food hygiene regulations within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Calabria, Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. Materials and Methods Authorized by the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (FHNS) of the LHA, the study covers January 2022 to December 2024, analyzing 579 enterprises with 1469 production activities. Inspections followed EC Regulation No. 852/2004, verifying the correct application of procedures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, including the operator's monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs), and adherence to Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs). Non-compliances were classified by severity, and corrective and punitive actions were applied. Data were analyzed annually and across the full period using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to assess trends. Results: Inspection coverage increased markedly from 29.8% of production activities in 2022 to 62.5% in 2023, sustaining 62.0% in early 2024, exceeding the growth of new activities. Inspections were mainly triggered by RASFF alerts (22.4%), routine controls (20.0%), and verification of previous prescriptions (14.3%). The most frequent corrective measures were long-term prescriptions (28.6%), violation reports (22.9%), and short-term prescriptions (20.0%). Enterprises averaged 4.61 production activities, highlighting operational complexity. Conclusions: This study provides a granular analysis of food hygiene non-compliance within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. While official control data may be publicly available in some contexts, our research offers a unique, in-depth view of inspection triggers, non-compliance patterns, and corrective measures, which is crucial for understanding specific regional challenges. The analysis reveals that the prevalence of long-term prescriptions and reliance on RASFF alerts indicate systemic challenges requiring sustained interventions
La santé publique en Tunisie: héritages et transitions du XIXe au XXe siècle
No full textL'articolo esamina le eredità lasciate nella Reggenza di Tunisi in campo sanitario dal periodo precoloniale a quello coloniale e, successivamente, dal periodo coloniale al periodo postcoloniale o indipendente. Vengono messi in luce i fattori di transizione che si verificano nel corso del lungo periodo che va dal XIX al XX secolo, i problemi riscontrati e i risultati raggiunti
Can artificial intelligence improve the diagnosis and prognosis of disorders of consciousness? A scoping review
No full textBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) models, can aid clinicians in the diagnostic process and/or in the prognosis of critically medical conditions, as for patients with a disorder of consciousness (DoC), in which both aspects are particularly challenging. DoC is a category of neurological impairments that are mainly caused by severe acquired brain injury, like ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes or traumatic injuries. The aim of this scoping review is to map the literature on the role of ML and DL in the field of diagnosis and prognosis of DoCs. Materials and methods: A scoping search, started from 3rd October 2024, was conducted for all peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2024, using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Results: We found a total of 49,417 articles. After duplicate removal and title/abstract screening, 613 articles met the inclusion criteria, but 592 articles were excluded after full-text review. Therefore, only 21 studies involving DoC subjects were included in the review synthesis. Conclusion: Advancing AI in the field of DoC requires standardized data protocols and consideration of demographic variations. AI could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and differentiation between states like unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). Additionally, AI-based applications personalize rehabilitation by identifying key recovery factors, optimizing patient outcomes