186,248 research outputs found
Landslide prevention monitoring and mitigation in Umbria Region of Central Italy: case histories.
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Allometric and trophic effects on shell morphology of Pomacea canaliculata (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae) from a geometric morphometrics viewpoint
No full textPomacea canaliculata, an invasive apple snail native to South America, is a serious pest of aquatic crops in several parts of the world. The origin of inter-population variation in shell shape is thought to be both genetic and environmental but the reaction norms to specific environmental factors are still poorly understood. Our aims were to analyze the existence of direct and indirect (allometric) effects of food availability (FA) on the shape of young adults of P. canaliculata. Full sibling hatchlings were reared under different levels of FA. Nine landmarks and 10 semi-landmarks were determined on photographs ofmature shells and analyzed using geometricmorphometrics. In both sexes significant allometry was found: a decrease in the spire height in both sexes, and an increase of the aperture size in males and of the last whorl in females. When this allometric component was removed a relationship between size-corrected shape and FA was found only in females, which were more globose and had a larger aperture when grown under high FA. This effect may be explained by the faster growth of the reproductive organs and the thinner shells of the best fed females.Fil: Tamburi, Nicolas Eduardo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Tamburi, Nicolas Eduardo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca; Argentin
Management decisions of an Academic Radiology Department during COVID-19 pandemic: the important support of a business analytics software
No full textObjectives: To analyze the response in the management of both radiological emergencies and continuity of care in oncologic/fragile patients of a radiology department of Sant’Andrea Academic Hospital in Rome supported by a dedicated business analytics software during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Imaging volumes and workflows for 2019 and 2020 were analyzed. Information was collected from the hospital data warehouse and evaluated using a business analytics software, aggregated both per week and per quarter, stratified by patient service location (emergency department, inpatients, outpatients) and imaging modality. For emergency radiology subunit, radiologist workload, machine workload, and turnaround times (TATs) were also analyzed. Results: Total imaging volume in 2020 decreased by 21.5% compared to that in 2019 (p <.001); CT in outpatients increased by 11.7% (p <.005). Median global TAT and median code-blue global TAT were not statistically significantly different between 2019 and 2020 and between the first and the second pandemic waves in 2020 (all p >.09). Radiologist workload decreased by 24.7% (p <.001) during the first pandemic wave in 2020 compared with the same weeks of 2019 and showed no statistically significant difference during the second pandemic wave, compared with the same weeks of 2019 (p = 0.19). Conclusions: Despite the reduction of total imaging volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, management decisions supported by a dedicated business analytics software allowed to increase the number of CT in fragile/oncologic outpatients without significantly affecting emergency radiology TATs, and emergency radiologist workload. Key Points: • During the COVID-19 pandemic, management decisions supported by business analytics software guaranteed efficiency of emergency and preservation of fragile/oncologic patient continuity of care. • Real-time data monitoring using business analytics software is essential for appropriate management decisions in a department of radiology. • Business analytics should be gradually introduced in all healthcare institutions to identify strong and weak points in workflow taking correct decisions
Combination of fractional CO2Laser and rhodamine-intense pulsed light in facial rejuvenation. a randomized controlled trial
No full textObjective: This randomized controlled trial aims to verify the efficacy of a combined fractional CO2 laser and rhodamine-intense pulsed-light (r-IPL) protocol in the photoaging therapy. Background: Skin aging is related to multiple environmental and genetic factors that give rise to different manifestations. In recent years many techniques have been proposed for the rejuvenation of the skin of the face such as ablative and nonablative procedures. Combination of laser or light sources with different wavelengths represents a safe and effective treatment method. r-IPL is a new pulsed-light technique capable to generate wavelengths varying from 550 to 650 nm proposed in nonablative photorejuvenation with a good efficacy and safety profile. Methods: Twenty-two patients (skin phototypes II-III, aged 46-67 years) were randomly allocated into two groups: group A was treated only with a therapeutic standard dose of the fractional CO2 laser, whereas group B was treated with a combined therapy of r-IPL and fractional CO2 laser. All patients were treated up to three times at a 2-month interval. Efficacy of the procedures was assessed thanks to the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Severity Scale (scores 1-9) before treatment and at a 4-month follow-up from the last treatment. Results: Patients treated with the combination of r-IPL and fractional CO2 laser showed better results in terms of wrinkle reduction according to the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Severity score (2.82 ± 0.87 vs. 3.09 ± 1.14), with a statistically significant reduction in healing times (7.82 ± 0.75 vs. 13.82 ± 1.94 days, p ≤ 0.001) and duration of post-treatment erythema (3.55 ± 0.93 vs. 8.18 ± 1.47 days, p ≤ 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher after combined fractional CO2 laser and r-IPL treatment. Conclusions: Our data suggest that combined use of fractional CO2 laser and r-IPL may lead to excellent results in terms of skin rejuvenation with a simple post-treatment management and an optimal tolerability
A New 675nm laser device in the treatment of melasma. results of a prospective observational study
No full textObjective: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new 675 nm laser source system on melasma. Background: Melasma is an acquired circumscribed hyperpigmented disorder that has a negative impact on patients' life quality. Different treatments are currently available. This study evaluates this new 675 nm laser source system, on melasma with the use of established parameters that guarantee minimum pain, the absence of side effects, and simplifying posttreatment management. Materials and methods: A total of 25 subjects (all women, 21-50 years old), with facial melasma and Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, were treated with three sessions of a new 675 nm laser system. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated using Melasma Severity Index (MSI) score before and 3 months after the last session. The appearance of side effects has also been monitored to evaluate safety. A preclinical study was executed to evaluate laser effectiveness on sheep skin. Results: All 25 subjects treated with the 675nm laser had significant improvement in melasma according to MSI score (mean baseline MSI 26.4-19.2; mean 3-month follow-up MSI 17.3-15, p: 0.003). Histology in preclinical study showed selective damage of melanin-rich areas. No side effects have been observed except some minor erythematous reactions in two patients. Conclusions: Due to its high affinity with melanin, and its minimal interaction with the vascular component, novel 675nm laser may be considered promising when treating benign pigmented lesions with a low risk of side effects and simple posttreatment management
Author-wise bibliometric analysis based on entropy.
No full textAuthor-wise bibliometric analysis based on entropy.</p
Picosecond q-switched 1064/532 nm laser in tattoo removal. our single center experience
No full textBackground: Tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular, and Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard in the treatment of this condition. In this study, we report our experience with a new Q-switched picosecond laser device, evaluating its effectiveness and safety. Methods: A total of 34 patients asking for tattoo removal were consecutively enrolled in this open study. The clinicians decided on operating settings based on the Fitzpatrick phototype, the type of tattoo, and the tattoo location. A maximum of seven sessions, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between each session, were performed. At the six month follow-up visit following the last treatment session, patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale and two dermatologists evaluated the aesthetic outcome based on pictures taken before and after treatment. Results: A total of 34 patients were included and analyzed: 17 females (50%) and 17 males (50%). The mean patient age was 43.6 ± 11 years. Participants’ Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from II to IV. The mean number of treatment sessions performed was 3.3 ± 2.0 per patient. Over 40% of patients showed complete removal of the tattoo, with most of the patients indicating satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for tattoo removal. Picosecond pulses seem to guarantee fewer sessions and excellent results when compared to other laser systems in tattoo removal
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