Redefine the Anterior Limit of the Dentition in Case of Functional Genioplasty: A Clinical Protocol

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the indications for “functional” genioplasty, as described by J. Delaire, and to analyze the implications of this surgical procedure on the choices the orthodontist must make regarding orthodontic treatment (extractions, anchorage, mechanics, etc.). In fact, this surgery modifies the position of the pogonion, the inferior reference point of the Apogonion line, which is fundamental for a correct calculation of spaces. Introduction: “Functional” genioplasty was first described by J. Delaire in 1983. This surgical procedure is indicated for individuals with Class II highangle malocclusion. The purpose of this procedure is not only to improve the aesthetics of patients with long, retruded chins, but also to promote labial competence by reducing the lower facial height. “Functional” genioplasty modifies both the labio-lingual neuromuscular balance and skeletal structure and, with it, some important cephalometric points and planes: Menton, Gnathion and pogonion, mandibular plane, facial axis, facial plane and A-Pogonion line. The orthodontist should carefully analyze these changes when evaluating treatment planning, especially when extractions are indicated and a new A-Pogonion line is to be drawn in the V.T.O (Visual Treatment Objectives). Materials and methods: The possibility of correcting a long, retruded chin by functional genioplasty and the reliability of cephalometric reevaluation with the described method are presented on a typical clinical case treated. The authors suggest specific timing for the orthodontic and surgical approach to high-angle Class II patients to achieve the best results. Results: The patient should undergo genioplasty as soon as the lower canines are erupted. Then it is important to wait 12–18 months to allow the improved labial competence to have an effect on the front dentition. Only at this point will it be possible to calculate orthodontic movements according to the new A-Pogonion line. Conclusions: “Functional” genioplasty is a low-impact, low-risk, and welltolerated surgical procedure. It corrects both neuromuscular and skeletal abnor- malities. However, the orthodontist must carefully consider these changes be- cause of the new orientation of the A-pogonion line

Teatro e performance nella novella del Rinascimento

Consuetudini associative e conviviali tra la piazza, l’accademia, il contado e la corte costituirono per lungo tempo i contesti per l’esercizio della recitazione: recitazione occasionale, estemporanea, di testi scritti, improvvisati o ricordati, che vengono a comporre un repertorio recitativo vario in un momento in cui il concetto di commedia non aveva ancora assunto i contorni ben definiti conferitigli dalla precettistica classica, né tanto meno aveva proposto le sue prime messinscene. Le tracce di questa tradizione, affidata alle prestazioni di canterini, abili favellatori e narratori, ma anche dei letterati che recitano, rimangono oggi costrette nelle scritture che ce l’hanno tramandate: testi dei cantari, di egloghe, di frottole e di novelle che, tuttavia, se interrogati in controluce possono ancora rivelare i segreti delle loro tecniche espressive e narrative (ma non solo). Il testo letterario e nello specifico la novella diventa, così, il tramite per identificare i “processi creativi” che pertengono non solo all’universo della scrittura ma anche a quello della recitazione e della costruzione drammaturgica, e che consente pertanto di evidenziare l’apporto specifico di novellatori e dicitori (dentro e fuori la finzione letteraria) alla costruzione di componimenti drammatici. Partendo da questa prospettiva la matrice già spesso riconosciuta alla novella come genere definito di volta in volta fortemente “teatrale” o “teatrabile” etc. acquista una nuova valenza. Questo vale sia per le grandi opere (si diceva, come il Decameron del Boccaccio) che per le prove varie e disomogenee ascrivibile al genere novellistico, che questo saggio mira a investigare a partire da un caso specifico, unico e esemplare al tempo stesso, trascurato e esaltato a più riprese dalla critica letteraria e teatrale, quale fu/furono la Catinia di Sicco Polenton e il suo volgarizzamento

A comparison of European surveillance programs for campylobacter in broilers

Campylobacter is an important foodborne pathogen as it is associated with significant disease burden across Europe. Among various sources, Campylobacter infections in humans are often related to the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or improper handling of poultry meat. Many European countries have implemented measures to reduce human exposure to Campylobacter from broiler meat. In this paper, surveillance programs implemented in some European countries is summarized. Our findings reveal that many European countries test neck skin samples for Campylobacter as per the Process Hygiene Criterion (PHC) set by the European Regulation. Variations to the legal plan are seen in some countries, as in Norway and Iceland, where weekly sampling is performed during infection peak periods only, or in Iceland, where the Campylobacter limit is set at 500 CFU/g instead of 1000 CFU/g. Furthermore, northern European countries have implemented national Campylobacter surveillance plans. Denmark tests cloaca and leg skin samples at the slaughterhouses and meat samples at the retail, while Finland, Norway, and Sweden test caeca at slaughterhouses. In contrast, Iceland tests feces on farms. Iceland and Norway test flocks close to the slaughter date and when a farm tests positive, competent authority implement measures such as logistic slaughter, heat treatment or freeze the meat from these flocks. In Iceland, frozen meat is further processed prior to being put on the market. While the incidence of campylobacteriosis has declined in all European countries except France since the introduction of PHC in 2018, it is uncertain whether this decrease is due to prevalence reduction or underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future investigations with more comprehensive data, devoid of potential confounding factors, are necessary to validate this potential trend. However, it is evident that the implementation of national action plans can be successful in reducing the incidence of human campylobacteriosis, as demonstrated by Iceland

Gold(III) complexes with thiosemicarbazone ligands: insights into their cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells

Cancer continues to pose a global threat, underscoring the urgent need for more effective and safer treatment options. Gold-based compounds have recently emerged as promising candidates due to their diverse range of biological activities. In this study, three gold(III) complexes derived from thiosemicarbazone ligands have been synthesized, fully characterized, including their X-ray crystal structures. We conducted initial mode-of-action studies on DNA and BSA, followed by a comprehensive investigation into the cytotoxic effects of these novel gold(III) complexes on lung cancer cells (A549, H2052, and H28). The results demonstrated a concentrationdependent cytotoxic response, with H28 cells exhibiting the highest sensitivity to the treatment. Furthermore, the analysis of the cell cycle revealed that these compounds induce cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis as a response to treatment. We also observed distinct morphological changes and increased oxidative stress, contributing significantly to cell death. Notably, these complexes exhibited the ability to suppress interleukin-6 production in mesothelioma cell lines, and this highlights their anti-inflammatory potential. To gain an initial understanding of cytotoxicity on healthy cells, hemolysis tests were conducted against human blood cells, with no evidence of hemolysis. Furthermore, a toxicity assessment through the in vivo Galleria mellonella model underscored the absence of detectable toxicity. These findings prove that these complexes are promising novel therapeutic agents for lung cance

Smart Selective Antennas System (SSAS): Improving 4G LTE Connectivity for UAVs Using Directive Selective Antennas

In this paper, the prototypical deployment of a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas system, denoted as Smart Selective Antennas System (SSAS), aiming at mitigating inter-cell interference effects of cellular networks for in-flight Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), is discussed. In detail, the proposed SSAS is beneficial to increase the communication reliability over existing cellular networks, especially with regard to complex Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones’ missions and applications. Its deployment is motivated as existing 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular networks (as well as 5G networks) are mainly designed and optimized for terrestrial utilization, thus not taking into account interference effects on flying connected devices. The prototypical implementation of the SSAS has been expedient to conduct multiple experimental flights with a drone at different altitudes, collecting performance results and validating the proposed SSAS as a viable solution for inter-cell interference mitigation

Towards computer-aided hygienic design: Definition of a knowledge-based system for food processing equipment

Hygienic design requires the definition of rules allowing the correct development of food processing systems. The knowledge collection in this field would certainly help designers and engineers in developing hygienic-compliant systems. This paper aims to provide a knowledge-based (KB) system for gathering hygienic design guidelines for the design of food processing machinery and equipment. The KB system is based on a specific ontology that has been used to collect 78 hygienic design rules from different sources. The rules repository can be considered a backbone for the subsequent development of a CAD-based tool for an automatic search and detection of non-compliant design features. Starting with a CAD model, the KB system was used to check the compliance of a fish stick production machinery. Results highlight how the adoption of the KB system in the early design phase would anticipate hygienic design issues avoiding several design reviews

Data Integration in a Smart City: A Real Case

The introduction and continuous integration of Internet of Things (IoT)-oriented technologies in urban environments leads to enhanced solutions in several domains (such as mobility, health, energy management, environmental monitoring, etc.), thus making a city "smart" and ultimately benefiting the everyday life of its citizens. As IoT systems are widely known to be producers of (often a very large amount of) heterogeneous data, in this chapter we discuss a modular and scalable approach to handle IoT-based data collection and management in a real smart city case, namely, that of the city of Parma, Italy. The proposed IoT infrastructure, the core component of which is a logical processing entity, acting as middleware and denoted as "city2i®," in charge of “digesting” the heterogeneous information generated by multiple data sources, allows the municipality to monitor the city status (from multiple perspectives) and to highlight "hidden" correlations among collected data

Experimental and Analytical Study of a Welded Steel Wire Mesh for Anti-Falling Debris Protection System

Prevention and safety of protection systems against debris falling from ceilings are gathering increasing interest in the engineering community. The design of an adequate protection system can prevent severe damage and human losses. In this paper, the use of welded steel wire meshes as system against debris falling from ceiling, in retrofitting and repairing interventions, is investigated. The behaviour of galvanized steel wire meshes as system against debris falling is experimentally and analytically analysed in the case of diaphragms realised with concrete joists and interposed bricks, which represent a typical solution for existing reinforced concrete or masonry buildings, for both public and residential use. Firstly, the main outcomes of an experi mental test carried out at the University of Parma are described. Secondly, a simplified analytical method is presented to evaluate the resistance of such a ceiling protection system subjected to uniformly distributed load. Finally, the suitability of the analytical method for design and verification purposes is demonstrate

Chemico-Physical Properties of Some 1,1′-Bis-alkyl-2,2′-hexane-1,6-diyl-bispyridinium Chlorides Hydrogenated and Partially Fluorinated for Gene Delivery

The development of very efficient and safe non-viral vectors, constituted mainly by cationic lipids bearing multiple charges, is a landmark for in vivo gene-based medicine. To understand the effect of the hydrophobic chain’s length, we here report the synthesis, and the chemico-physical and biological characterization, of a new term of the homologous series of hydrogenated gemini bispyridinium surfactants, the 1,10 -bis-dodecyl-2,20 -hexane-1,6-diyl-bispyridinium chloride (GP12_6). Moreover, we have collected and compared the thermodynamic micellization parameters (cmc, changes in enthalpy, free energy, and entropy of micellization) obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments for hydrogenated surfactants GP12_6 and GP16_6, and for the partially fluorinated ones, FGPn (where n is the spacer length). The data obtained for GP12_6 by EMSA, MTT, transient transfection assays, and AFM imaging show that in this class of compounds, the gene delivery ability strictly depends on the spacer length but barely on the hydrophobic tail length. CD spectra have been shown to be a useful tool to verify the formation of lipoplexes due to the presence of a “tail” in the 288–320 nm region attributed to a chiroptical feature named ψ-phase. Ellipsometric measurements suggest that FGP6 and FGP8 (showing a very interesting gene delivery activity, when formulated with DOPE) act in a very similar way, and dissimilar from FGP4, exactly as in the case of transfection, and confirm the hypothesis suggested by previously obtained thermodynamic data about the requirement of a proper length of the spacer to allow the molecule to form a sort of molecular tong able to intercalate DN