Il teatro romano di Thignica. Indagini preliminari e prime ipotesi ricostruttive

In occasione della campagna di scavo archeologico presso l’antica Thignica (ottobre 2024), si sono svolte le indagini preliminari presso il teatro romano della città. L’opportunità ha rappresentato una prima presa di contatto con l’edificio e la definizione di alcune tematiche utili alla sua ricostruzione. A partire dal recupero e dall’analisi della documentazione relativa alle precedenti attività di ricerca, il contributo propone alcuni temi ritenuti essenziali per la comprensione dei principi costruttivi dell’edificio e della distribuzione del suo spazio interno

Detecting the footprint of selection on the genome of Girgentana goat, a popular ancient breed

Girgentana goats are an ancient breed with distinctive morphological, adaptive, and production traits, making this population an interesting model for studying the genetic architecture underlying these traits. These special features result from natural and human-mediated selection. In this study, we aimed to detect potential signatures of selection in the Girgentana genome by combining the following statistical methods: the integrated haplotype score (iHS), the standardised log-ratio of the integrated site-specific extended haplotype homozygosity test between pairs of populations (Rsb), the runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands and the population differentiation index (FST). A composite dataset of 206 Girgentana and 334 animals from 13 goat populations across Northern and Southern Italy was analysed. All animals were genotyped using an Illumina Goat medium-density BeadChip. Multidimensional scaling and neighbour-joining analyses revealed a clear separation of the three major clades, coinciding with Girgentana, Northern, and Southern Italian goats. Twelve regions putatively under selection were detected using iHS and Rsb, whereas 16 hotspot regions were identified using FST and ROH. Notably, a candidate region on chromosome 01 was consistently identified in all four tests. This region, along with other candidate regions, includes several genes associated with adaptive immunity, reproduction, and body size traits. The Girgentana breed showed signals of ongoing selection in a region of chromosome 6 encompassing several milk quality genes, such as caseins (CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3). Our study provides a glimpse into the genomic regions harbouring genes that presumably affect the desired features of Girgentana. This highlights the importance of ancient breeds in providing essential genetic traits for adapting livestock to increasing climate change challenges

Assessing frailty in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A comparison between the patient-reported frailty phenotype and the International Myeloma Working Group frailty index

Introduction: The International Myeloma Working Group Frailty Index (IMWG FI) is one of the most used frailty assessment tools in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). A patient-centered frailty tool based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has been recently proposed for patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM): the Patient-Reported Frailty Phenotype (PRFP). This cross-sectional analysis aimed to replicate the PRFP within a real-world setting and to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profiles based on this new patient-centered frailty classification. Materials and Methods: This analysis was based on baseline data from a multi-center prospective observational study that included adult patients with RRMM. Frailty was assessed using the IMWG FI, and HRQoL was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and its myeloma module (QLQ-MY20). For this analysis, the PRFP was also calculated, and Cohen's kappa was computed to examine the agreement between the two frailty assessment approaches. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate the HRQoL profiles of patients classified as frail, pre-frail, and fit. Results: Five hundred eleven patients were enrolled. The median age was 69.8 years, and 44 % were female. According to IMWG FI and PRFP, 24.5 % and 25.1 % of patients were classified as frail, with a weighted Cohen's kappa of 0.27, indicating fair agreement. Frail patients, as classified by the PRFP, reported higher treatment side effects, disease symptoms, and worse future perspectives and body image compared to pre-frail and fit patients. Discussion: Current findings suggest that the PRFP may be a valuable tool to assess frailty in patients with RRMM. However, further prospective studies are needed to better understand the value of PROs in a more accurate assessment of frailty in the RRMM setting. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0319052

3-Step Combined Technique for Correction of Involutional Lower Eyelid Ectropion: A Case Series

Background: Involutional lower eyelid ectropion is a common disorder of the elderly population. Several surgical approaches have been described in the literature to address the multifactorial nature of this condition, each targeting different factors contributing to its development. Nevertheless, no single procedure has proven to be superior to the others. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new 3-step combined technique in treating involutional ectropion. Methods: The surgical technique consists of a combination of lateral lid-shortening with removal of a base-up triangle (modified Bick procedure), lower eyelid skin release, and transposition of a laterally based myocutaneous flap from the upper eyelid. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients treated with this procedure at our institution between 2012 and 2023 was performed. Self-reported patient satisfaction with functional and esthetic outcomes was evaluated three months after surgery. Results: A total of thirty-six patients (forty-five eyelids) were included in the study, with a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range 3–144). Minor surgical revision was performed in one case for early wound dehiscence following premature stitches removal. The overall success rate was 93.2%, with one case of undercorrection and two cases of recurrence recorded at three years postoperatively. No additional complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The 3-step combined procedure demonstrated high efficacy and safety, offering excellent functional and esthetic outcomes. This approach provides a reliable solution for treating involutional ectropion, making it a valuable addition to the surgical options for this condition

Un ritratto di Commodo nelle collezioni del Castello del Buonconsiglio (Trento)

Presented here is a portrait of Commodus preserved in Trento in the Buonconsiglio Castle. Considered a portrait of Marcus Aurelius or of an "ideal emperor" . Here is proposed the identification of the head with that of the Roman emperor Commodus Until now (a part a short note by Klaus Fittschen) this portrait has never been studied in detail. Here it is explained how it ended up in the collections of the Buonconsiglio Castle

Polypharmacy and Malnutrition: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in a Geriatric Population and Implications for Preventive Strategies

Purpose: Polypharmacy (PP) and malnutrition are two conditions that frequently occur in older patient groups. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between nutrition and PP in a cohort of older outpatients from Northern Sardinia, Italy. Methods: A database of 619 outpatients undergoing a specific drug therapy during the examination was analyzed. A multivariable analysis was performed using a logistic regression model, in which a dichotomized MNA score was the dependent variable, according to several covariates. Results: Exposure to ≥ five drugs was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition among males and females, as well as a higher risk of overt malnutrition among males and females compared to those exposed to four or fewer drugs. In addition, depression significantly increased the risk of malnutrition in both sexes, whereas cognitive status and comorbidity did not. Moreover, the effect of PP on nutritional status was statistically significant only for the global component of the MNA score. Conclusions: The present study detected a significant association between PP and an increased risk of malnutrition. Depressed mood was an additional independent predictor, whereas cognitive status and comorbidity did not reveal a significant association

Introduction

Ce volume naît de la richesse des discussions et des échanges qui ont eu lieu lors de la journée d’étude intitulée « Bruit de fond ou valeur ajoutée ? Gérer le bruit lors des traitements informatiques des corpus linguistiques », qui s’est tenue à Grenoble le 28 avril 2023. Cet événement, organisé conjointement par l’Université Grenoble Alpes et l’Université Sapienza de Rome, a vu la collaboration des laboratoires LIDILEM (Univ. Grenoble Alpes) et ECP (Univ. Lumière Lyon 2) ainsi que de leurs jeunes chercheurs et doctorants. Cette dynamique fédérative a permis de réunir différentes générations de chercheurs et une pluralité de visions et compétences dans le domaine de la linguistique de corpus et du traitement automatique du langage (TAL). Les contenus de la présente publication sont donc le fruit d’un moment de rencontre scientifique qui a débouché sur une réflexion vaste et ouverte que nous détaillons dans les paragraphes qui suivent

Effects of a Monophasic Hormonal Contraceptive With Norgestimate+Ethinyl Estradiol on Menstrual Bleeding: Protocol and Design of a Multicenter, Prospective, Open-Label, Noncomparative Study in Italy

Background: Norgestimate (NGM) is a progestin with negligible androgenic activity that is available in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) as a monophasic combined oral contraceptive (COC). It has been more than 30 years since a clinical study evaluated the effects of monophasic NGM/EE on menstrual cycle characteristics in healthy women, and in the interim, there has been growing recognition that clinical trials of contraceptives should evaluate a wide range of potential positive and negative impacts for users. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate menstrual cycle control during the use of a monophasic COC formulation containing NGM 0.25 mg and EE 0.035 mg (Effimia; Italfarmaco SpA), using established methodologies as well as patient-reported outcomes. Methods: This is a prospective observational study being undertaken in a target population of 228 healthy Italian women aged 18-35 years who are starting oral contraception for the first time or switching from another COC. The participants are asked to complete a diary for 6 cycles recording information about their menstrual cycles (frequency, duration, regularity, estimated flow volume, and breakthrough bleeding), any unscheduled bleeding, and an evaluation of dysmenorrhea, using a 100-mm visual analog scale from 0=no pain to 100=very severe pain, and any adverse events. Compliance is assessed after 3 and 6 months via returned medication. The primary end point is the change from baseline in the rate of intermenstrual bleeding during the sixth cycle. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, acne will also be assessed using the Global Acne Grading Scale, and participants will complete a Profile of Mood State to assess premenstrual syndrome and the Female Sexual Function Index to evaluate the quality of their sex life. A subgroup of 28 participants at 1 site (Genoa) is also providing a blood sample for the assessment of metabolic, endocrine, and coagulation parameters. Results: Study enrollment began in July 2023 and is expected to be complete by December 2024. Data analysis is expected to be complete by October 2025. Conclusions: This study into the effects of monophasic NGM/EE 0.25/0.035 mg on menstrual characteristics in healthy Italian women will provide up-to-date data on these effects and includes assessments of a range of other parameters, such as acne severity and patient-reported outcomes, in line with recent international consensus recommendations. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06067256; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06067256 and EudraCT 2021-003027-15; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2021-003027-15/IT. International registered report identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/63683