Faster coercion-resistant e-voting by encrypted sorting

Coercion-resistance is one of the most challenging security properties to achieve when designing an e-voting protocol. The JCJ voting scheme, proposed in 2005 by Juels, Catalano and Jakobsson, is one of the first voting systems where coercion-resistance was rigorously defined and achieved, making JCJ the benchmark for coercion-resistant protocols. Recently, the coercion-resistance definition proposed in JCJ has been disputed and improved by Cortier, Gaudry, and Yang. They identified a major problem, related to leakage of the number of discarded votes by revoting; and proposed CHide, a new protocol that solves the issue and satisfies a stronger security notion. In this work we present an improved version of CHide, with complexity $O(n\log n)$ instead of $O(n^2)$ in the number $n$ of received ballots, that relies on sorting encrypted ballots to make the tallying phase faster. The asymptotic complexity of our protocol is competitive with other state-of-the-art coercion-resistant voting protocols satisfying the stronger notion for coercion resistance

Effects of oral citicoline in perimetric glaucoma defects

Abstract: Purpose: to study the neuroprotective effect of oral citicoline (CT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: this study recruits 110 patients with stage IV POAG and well-controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). Enrollees were randomly allocated in two groups: therapy group (TG) or control group (CG). Subjects in TG were treated with citicoline 500 mg / die for 4 months. The treatment period was followed by a wash-out phase of 2 months. At the end of the washout phase, subjects in TG resumed CT in the same fashion. Both groups were treated with pressurelowering medications. Each subject was evaluated with standard automated perimetry (SAP) at baseline, and then again 12, 24, and 36 months after enrollment. Results: TG showed a statistically significant improvement in MD values at 12 months (∆ = 21%) and T24 (∆ = 35%), and gradual improvements of the stage, up to the 3rd stage with localized defects after 36 months of therapy. Conversely, in CG, both the MD and PSD indices continued to deteriorate throughout the duration of the study. Conclusion: long-term daily treatment with citicoline might have a neuroprotective effect. Patients treated with oral citicoline showed an improvement in perimetric indices. Additional studies with larger samples and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these results

Optical coherence tomography of retinal and choroidal layers in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia treated with lipoprotein apheresis

PURPOSE: Detect and quantify morpho-functional alterations of the retina and choroid in patients affected by familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) treated with lipoprotein apheresis (LA) using optic coherence tomography (OCT) and optic coherence tomography-angriography (OCTA). DESIGN: Observational study. SUBJECTS: To be diagnosed: A group of 20 patients (40 eyes) being clinically and genetically diagnosed as FH and under treatment (FH-Group)", for at least 2 years, was compared to a control group of 20 healthy subjects (40 eyes), with a normal lipid profile and no ocular disease (CT-Group). METHODS: Participants were studied with the slit lamp, binocular indirect fundoscopy, OCT and OCTA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best corrected visual acuity (BVCA), spherical equivalent (SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CHT), retinal nerve fiber layer in four quadrants (RNFL (Superior = Sup; Inferior = Inf; Nasal = Nas Temporal = Temp), and the mean value across the four quadrants (RNFL G), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vascular density (VD). RESULTS: FH subjects had smaller RNFL superiorly (108 ± 19,38 μm OD/111 ± 16,56 μm OS FH-Group vs 127 ± 7,42 μm OD/129 ± 14,64 μm OS CT-Group; P < 0,001 for both OD and OS) and inferiorly (108 ± 23,58 μm OD/115 ± 17,33 μm OS FH-Group vs 128 ± 18,15 μm OD/133 ± 17,38 μm OS CT-Group; P = 0,002 OD; P = 0,001 OS). G RNFL was consequently smaller (93 ± 12,94 μm OD/94 ± 10,49 μm OS FH-Group vs 101 ± 9,01 μm OD/101 ± 10,20 μm OS CT-Group; P = 0,03 OD; P = 0,02 OS). FH subjects had a larger FAZ (0,31 ± 0,08 mm2 OD/0,33 ± 0,10 mm2 in OS FH-Group vs 0,21 ± 0,05 mm2 OD/0,21 ± 0,07 mm2 OS CT-Group; P < 0,001 OD; P = 0,002 OS). CONCLUSIONS: Early signs of retinal vessel damage in FH patients can be detected and quantified with OCT and OCTA

Impact of cardiovascular risk factors on incidence and severity of retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is a thrombotic process affecting retinal veins. The purpose of this research is to study demographic characteristics and prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities among subjects affected by RVO. In addition, authors explore the role of each variable in determining occlusion type and severity. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study recruiting subjects affected by RVO and secondary macular edema. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing macular edema, recent ocular surgery (<6 months), pregnancy, diagnosis other than RVO, diabetes mellitus type I, any systemic pathology that significantly reduced life expectancy. Each participant was studied through a comprehensive medical history, cardiovascular assessment, blood testing, ocular exam, and macular OCT imaging. RESULTS: A total of 145 eyes, 145 participants, thereof 80 males (55%) and 65 females. (45%) Mean age: 62.5 ± 14.3 SD. 61 eyes (42%) were affected by CRVO and 84 eyes (58%) by BRVO. No statistically significant differences were noted between genders. Hypertension was very prevalent (63%). Dyslipidemia was more associated with BRVO (p = 0.044). Subjects with hypertension had a mean central macular thickness (CMT) of 643 µm against a mean of 489 µm of those without hypertension. (p < 0.05). No other variable was associated with macular edema severity. CONCLUSIONS: Older age and hypertension are strong risk factors for RVO. Dyslipidemia was strongly associated with BRVO. (p=0.044) Hypertension was not only associated with RVO incidence, but also with its severity. In fact, hypertensive subjects had significantly worse macular edema

Patologie oculari e raggi ultravioletti

Il Trattato Italiano di Medicina d'Ambiente, edito dalla Società Editrice Universo di Roma, trova le sue ragioni scientifiche nella transizione ambientale e nella tutela sanitaria delle nostre Comunità cittadine, a latere della Medicina del Lavoro e Medicina Preventiva dei Lavoratori. Nel momento in cui le Istituzioni Europee e Italiane affrontano la fase della transizione ecologico-energetica con la legge Europea sull'Energia, Cinquanta Capitoli, dispiegati su circa 1000 pagine, sviluppano la classificazione degli inquinanti dell'aria urbana, del suolo e delle acque, le patologie che ne derivano, le problematiche legate alla nuova urbanistica delle grandi e piccole città, la fenomenologia in evoluzione del trasporto e del traffico ed infine la legislazione in materia di protezione ambientale delle comunità e dei luoghi di lavoro. Nella fase delicatissima in cui ci troviamo - ove la pandemia ha trovato pabulum perfetto per propagarsi, questo Trattato dedicato agli studenti universitari delle Facoltà di Medicina, Giurisprudenza e Architettura si dispiega nella ricerca di sintesi tra Salute e Ambiente del mondo urbanizzato senza trascurare la tutela della salute nelle Comunità Sensibili (detenuti e migranti). L'Opera segna il primato della formazione scientifica interdisciplinare sulla comune informazione. Non offre soltanto la trattazione sistematica delle patologie da ambiente ma indica la road-map per la prevenzione della salute collettiva. Traccia le possibili soluzioni urbanistiche e i meccanismi, anche multilivello, di individuazione del danno e delle sanzioni giudiziarie. Il Trattato si avvale dell'apporto interdisciplinare che vede coinvolti 8 Atenei Italiani, Enti istituzionali quali l'ISPRA e l'ACoS di Roma Capitale e giuristi di vaglia.L’occhio umano è, per sua natura, continuamente esposto alla luce e, di conseguenza, non sorprende che i tessuti oculari, più ancora della cute, siano particolarmente suscettibili agli effetti dei raggi ultravioletti (UVR). Oggi l’esposizione ai raggi UV sembra essere in aumento: infatti tutta una serie di cambiamenti i climatici globali e, soprattutto, l’impoverimento dell’ozono, un gas presente negli strati più esterni dell’atmosfera e che rappresenta la prima linea di difesa contro le radiazioni elettromagnetiche, causano un incremento dei livelli di radiazioni che raggiungono la superficie terrestre. Quando ci si cimenta nello studio di qualsiasi effetto fotobiologico, nello specifico luce e colore, occorre tenere conto di una serie di grandezze radiometriche: ad esempio l’energia radiante (radiant energy) espressa in joule (J) e comunemente indicata Qe, consiste nell’energia che è trasportata da un qualunque campo di radiazione elettromagnetica, l’irradianza (irradiance), Ee, esprime il flusso radiante incidente su una determinata superficie e la sua unità di misura nel Sistema Internazionale è il watt al metro quadrato (W/m2), mentre l’esposizione radiante (radiant exposure) si riferisce alla dose a cui viene esposta una determinata superficie e l’unità di misura è il Joule al metro quadrato (J/m2). (Sliney How light reaches the eye and its components)19. È ormai noto che un’esposizione acuta ad alte dosi di UVR è in grado di causare foto-cheratiti e foto-congiuntiviti, mentre un’esposizione cronica e duratura nel tempo a basse dosi di UVR sembra essere maggiormente correlata all’insorgenza di pterigio, cataratta e carcinomi a cellule squamose sia della cornea sia della congiuntiva. Verranno pertanto analizzate una ad una le diverse strutture oculari coinvolte e le conseguenti patologie foto-indotte, valutandone il quadro clinico, la diagnosi e, laddove esistente, la terapia appropriata

Intraocular hypertension due to repeated injections of intravitreal dexamethasone for macular edema: a 3-year observational study

Purpose: Purpose: a commonly recognized complication of intravitreal steroids is secondary ocular hypertension (OHT). The aim of this retrospective study is to further characterize the effects of sustained-release intravitreal dexamethasone implants (SIDIs) on intraocular pressure (IOP). Specifically, we describe time course, incidence, and pharmacological management of OHT in eyes receiving repeated injections. Methods: Methods: this study included 78 eyes (78 patients) and 154 SIDIs injections over 3 years. Mean age: 67±13.4 SD, 48 males (62%) and 30 females (38%). SIDIs contained 0.7 mg of dexamethasone. Goldmann tonometry was performed at baseline (T0, before the injection) and at 1 week (T1w), 1 month (T1m), 3 months (T3m), and 6 months (T6m) after each intravitreal injection (INJ). Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test. Inclusion criteria: macular edema secondary to retina

Meta-analysis on the utility of radiotherapy for the treatment of Ocular Melanoma

Introduction. Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in the adult population. It can affect any part of the uveal tract: the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Historically, enucleation has been the mainstay of treatment for primary melanoma. In the last decade, however, radiotherapy has acquired an increasingly important role and has now become our first-line modality. However, it is still widely debated what is the most effective radiotherapy technique for this tumor. Purpose to perform a literature review on the utility of radiotherapy for primary ocular melanoma and determine the most effective radiotherapy technique. Materials and Methods. We included all systematic and narrative reviews on the topic, published between September 2007 and November 2017 on PubMed and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility criteria for each article using the PRISMA checklist. The methodological quality of narrative and systematic reviews was evaluated with the INSA and AMSTAR checklists, respectively. Results. Our study analyzed a total of 23 studies, including 18 narrative reviews and 5 systematic reviews. Radiotherapy with Brachytherapy, Proton Therapy, SRS/SRT with gamma knife and cyber knife, are the most common choices for the treatment of primary ocular melanoma. These techniques allow for excellent lesion spread control, eye, and vision conservation, and improve overall patients’ quality of life. Among the narrative reviews, the highest INSA score was 5/7, the lowest 2/7, the mean was 3.83/7 and median was 4/7. Among the systematic reviews, the highest AMSTAR score was 9/12, the lowest 4/12, the mean 5.6/7 and median 4/7. Conclusion. The number of studies available on this topic is scarce. Among those published, the methodological quality is modest, as assessed with the INSA and AMSTAR checklists. As a result, we are not able to determine what the most effective radiotherapy technique is

Work-related stress risk and preventive measures of mental disorders in the medical environment: an umbrella review

OBJECTIVE: Work-related stress (WRS) is widespread among medical doctors. WRS not only affects the physician’s mental and physical well-being, but also patient care quality and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the current preventive measures against mental disorders, work-related stress, and burnout among physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presentation of this systematic review is in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed with specific rating tools: INSA, Newcastle Ottawa Scale, JADAD scale, and AMSTAR. English publications only were selected. No restrictions applied for publication type. Reviewers excluded articles not concerning the following topics: WRS prevention, WRS risk factors and mental disorders among physicians. Reviewers also excluded findings of less academic significance, editorial articles, individual contributions, purely descriptive studies published in scientific conferences. RESULTS: Online search returned 4748 references on the following databases: PubMed (1638), Scopus (3108) and Cochrane Library (2). 36 studies were included in this review (thereof, 13 reviews and 23 original articles). Narrative reviews were rated on the INSA scale. The mean, median, and modal rating was 6. This indicates an intermediate-high quality of these studies. Systematic reviews were rated on the AMSTAR scale. The mean and median rating was 9, and the modal rating was 8. This indicates a high quality of these studies. The scores assigned to the original articles have a mean, median, and modal rating of 7. This also indicates an intermediate-high quality of these studies. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related stress and mental disorders seem to be widespread among medical practitioners. It is already a priority to adopt preventive measures against these phenomena. However, there is still no consensus on what the most effective measures are. Additional research is needed to formulate evidence-based recommendations

Work-related stress and cortisol levels: is there an association? Results of an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic exposure to work-related stress (WRS) stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to increase glucocorticoid secretion, including cortisol, and these hormones can be measured both in serum and urine. The Health Safety Executive Toolkit (HSE) questionnaire is used to assess WRS risk objectively. The scope of our study is to investigate whether serum or urinary cortisol levels could be used as alternative objective indicators of WRS, specifically in those subjects who are chronically exposed to it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 130 patients (75 males and 55 females, mean age 47.7 ± 11.3 years) were evaluated at a specialized Centre for Secondary Hypertension, where both their serum (8 AM) and 24-hours urinary cortisol were measured and they were asked to complete two questionnaires: one questionnaire to collect data about their socio-demographic and job characteristics, and the HSE questionnaire to evaluate WRS. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis showed an association of urinary cortisol with several variables: tobacco smoke (β = 69.6; p = 0.003); female gender (β = -37.3; p = 0.041); exposure to physical risks (β = 51.8; p = 0.032); control score (β = -22.7; p = 0.039); role score (β= 39.3; p = 0.020). Age was the only variable associated with serum cortisol levels (β = -3.6; p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary cortisol levels, but not serum levels, are associated with variables linked to WRS (score control and role) and to socio-demographic variables, namely gender and tobacco smoke. Thus, urinary cortisol can be considered a useful and non-invasive biological indicator to quantify WRS