Human Body Posturizer (H.B.P.): new orthosis for improving postural dynamics

Introduction. Posture is the result of many complex processes involving the entire body in relationship with different environmental changes (Penha P.J.,2005). Interaction between the different anatomical districts occurs at different levels and it is influenced by different initial conditions. Alterations in imbalances and associated diseases produce a structural and physiologic reorganization of the anatomical structures to improve postural dynamics (Kasim et al., 2010). Generally, these modifications can be divided into para-mophisms and dis-morphisms of the spine. Currently postural diseases are treated by passive (brace and orthosis) and active (gymnastic) methods according with the severity of imbalance (LeBauer et al., 2008; Ugwonali et al., 2004). Purpose of this study is to validate a new type of orthosis named Human Body Posturizer (H.B.P). It is a modular flexible structure composed of different modules which act on the cervical, thoracic and lumbar traits of the back, and an inferior module which acts on the inferior limbs. Materials and methods. The present study considers a sample of 20 male subjects with age spanning from 19 to 35 years (mean age 23,4 ± 4,3). Subjects underwent 4 weeks of H.B.P. treatment consisting of 30 minutes, two times for week. The sample was analyzed by using the Surfacer System (Diagnostic Support), which permits to capture the external geometry of the back. Each subject was sampled before and after the treatment and differences between pre and post treatment were analyzed trough geometric morphometric approach (Slice 2000). Results. The results of this study showed a reorganization of the bilateral structures of the back after treatment. In particular an increased degree of symmetry was observed both in trunk and lumbar regions of the back. Conclusions. The preliminary results of the present study suggest that the HBP, acts on the spatial organization of the back, rectifying the position of the anatomical components associated to the early postural diseases. Nevertheless these results should be considered as preliminary and need of further researches

European Sustainable Urbanisation through port city Regeneration - Targeted Analysis Final Report

ENSURE (European Sustainable Urbanisation through port city Regeneration) is a targeted analysis aimed at providing better insights into the potential regional impacts of port city regeneration and a better understanding of the appropriate methods and tools. The research involved a comprehensive literature review, a pan-European desktop analysis of port city regeneration in small and medium-sized cities and in-depth case studies in four stakeholder cities, as well as a series of workshops and conferences. The research shows that a main driver for the development of ports in Europe was the industrial revolution and the continued industrial growth until the mid-20th century. Similarly, a retreat from the waterfront became evident during the last part of the century as the deindustrialisation gathered pace, driven by increased global competition, spatial relocation of industry, and technological changes in both industry and transport. Another key aspect was the collapse of socialism in eastern Europe. Many cities in this part of Europe had active ports that became militarised during the Soviet era and later de-militarised as these states transitioned to a new political-economic structure. The desktop research indicated that about a third of small and medium-sized European port cities (48 of 144) show no evidence of regeneration. Some of these cities may be thriving and have no need for regeneration, but there is likely to be a significant latent potential across the European territory

An angio-tomographic approach to the study of the variation of the middle meningeal artery in humans

Introduction. The middle meningeal artery usually enters the endocranial cavity through the foramen spinosum, running within the dura mater and developing a vascular network on the frontal, parietal, and occipital surfaces of the brain. Little information is available on its morphogenesis and variation in human populations or within primates (Falk 1993). Its imprints on the endocranial walls can be recognised on fossil specimens, allowing inferences on the evolution of this vascular system. While extinct human species display a limited reticulation of this vessels, Homo sapiens shows a definite increase of its complexity (Bruner et al., 2005). Current hypotheses on the evolution of a complex meningeal vascularisation in our species include biomechanical protection and thermoregulation of the brain surface (Bruner et al., 2011). Taking into account the limited knowledge on the variation of this arterial network, this study is aimed at quantifying individual differences in the branching patterns, as well as at investigating the spatial relationships between middle meningeal arteries, cerebral arteries, and neurocranial bones. Methods. Angio-tomography and digital anatomy are used to reconstruct in vivo the meningeal vascular system in 37 individuals with age spanning from 20 to 85 years. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the cerebral and meningeal vascular systems have been computed by using Mimics 11.1 (Materialise Software). Variations in basic branching patterns have been described by standard anatomical approaches, as well as by using standard morphometrics. Complexity of the branching pattern has been quantified also by using fractal approaches (Zamir 1999). Results. Anatomical descriptions and metrics are reported for different age classes, sexes, and hemispheres, providing mean values and ranges of distribution accounting for the vascular patterns. Conclusions. Although the middle meningeal network shows a variable and complex geometry, its spatial organization can be quantified in terms of branching patterns and topological relationships with the neurocranial elements. This information allows to test evolutionary hypothesis by quantifying individual or between-groups differences. At the same time this information is helpful in biomedical and neurosurgical context, providing statistical values for the position and distribution of the vessels