The use of building performance simulation to support architectural design: a case study

Abstract Considering the complex interaction between energy performance, lighting, acoustic and thermal comfort in contemporary design, building performance simulation [BPS] shall play a key role in addressing decision making process and technical choices towards optimized configuration during the whole design phase. The paper reports the outcomes of a case study – performed in the framework of Ma Final Design Lab at the Department of Architecture, University of Bologna – where BPS was adopted from the very beginning as a tool to support the design process from the concept validation to the final architectural configuration to fit with passive house standards

Eosinophilic esophagitis: an Italian experience.

Background: eosinophilic esophagitis is an esophageal disor der characterized by esophageal and/or upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and by dense esophageal eosinophilia associated with a normal gastric and duodenal mucosa. Prevalently reported in children, eosinophilic esophagitis has recently been reported with increased frequency also in adults. Aims: the purpose of this study was to report our experience with eosinophilic esophagitis in Italy, since there are only very few series of such patients in our country. Patients and methods: we retrospectively reviewed the his tological data of consecutive patients with a diagnosis of esophagitis or reflux disease in the period September 2004-September 2008. Eosinophils were counted where they appeared most nu merous in the biopsy, with a cutoff > 15 eosinophils in more than one high-power field as diagnostic of eosinophilic esophagitis. Pa tients were excluded if gastric or duodenal biopsies showed a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate. Results: twenty two patients (14 adults, 8 children, age range 2-59 years) were identified according to the above criteria. The average eosinophil count was 86/ high-power field (range 31150), associated with other pathologic features (eosinophilic microabscesses eosinophil degranulation, basal zone hyperplasia, papillary elongation). The main clinical complaints were dyspha gia, food impaction, and heartburn, and endoscopic findings con sisted of mucosal thickening and inelasticity, longitudinal shearing, rings, and white specks, without difference between adults and children for both clinical and endoscopic variables. Conclusions: eosinophilic esophagitis is not rare in Italy, and displays clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features similar to those described in other countries

Non-syndromic sensorineural prelingual and postlingual hearing loss due to col11a1 gene mutation

This paper aims to present a third world case of Non-Syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL) due to a novel missense variant in COL11A1 gene, defined as DFNA37 non-syndromic hearing loss. The clinical features of a 6-year-old boy affected by a bilateral moderate to severe down-sloping sensorineural hearing loss are presented, as well as the genetic analysis, the latter identifying a heterozygous missense variation in the COL11A1 gene. In addition, in families with autosomal dominant transmission, COL11A1 gene should be considered in the genetic workup of the NSHL with prelingual onset

Assessment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children: an update

OSA is a condition characterised by episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway, associated with blood-gas changes and atypical sleep patterns. Early diagnosis of OSA may reduce the occurrence of systemic complications over time, although the diagnosis of OSA is, unfortunately, often late. The aim of the work is to review the current concepts in evaluation of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with an updated revision of the literature considering risk factors, clinical manifestations, and basic and advanced assessment in the paediatric population. For this narrative review, PubMed, Embase and Cinahl databases were searched for the last 10 years, according to PRISMA criteria/guidelines. Assessment of paediatric OSA remains challenging and paediatric patients should always be carefully evaluated; polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis of paediatric OSA

Pain in head and neck cancer patients: The role of gender

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of gender in the perception and tolerance of pain in head and neck cancer patients. Pain has a multifactorial etiology, characterized by personal experience and emotional impact, location, intensity and quality perception. Gender-related factors may have an impact on the development, perception and tolerance of pain. Gender medicine is an evolving transversal medical field, also focusing on algology and pain management. Methods: Literature review. A systematic electronic search was undertaken using PubMed, Embase and Cinahl databases. A selection of available studies was then performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria (http://www. prisma-statement.org/). Results: There were few studies in the literature examining the role of gender pain manifestation in head and neck cancer patients, including pain perception and tolerance after surgical treatment. However, available data show that (i) several factors can influence pain perception and tolerance among sexes, and that (ii) pain perception in head and neck cancer patients seems to be more prevalent in women, also in the postoperative stage. Conclusion: Gender Medicine is an evolving field; in the future, additional investigations could help us in better understanding the origin, the features and the differences between pain perception and tolerance between sexes, therefore leading us to provide a more specific and tailored pain therapeutic plan, also for head and neck cancer patients. © 2019 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved

Moderate-Severe Hearing Loss in Children: A Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Challenge

Hearing loss in children represents a relevant topic, which needs an increasing attention by clinicians and researchers. Unfortunately, most cases of hearing loss still remain idiopathic (most frequently reported causes are genetic, infectious, toxic). An early diagnosis is crucial, as if not properly recognized, hearing disorders may impact negatively on children development and on quality of life. Literature data show that also children with mild-moderate, or even monolateral, hearing loss may present learning or verbal language disorders, if not adequately managed. The diagnostic work-up of hearing loss in children, which starts with universal neonatal hearing screening at birth, is complex, has to define hearing threshold, and, when possible, its etiology, often by multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, the audiological follow-up of those affected by moderate-severe hearing loss must be tight, as it is necessary to verify constantly: (i) hearing threshold levels, (ii) adequateness of hearing aids fitting, and (iii) language development. This review focuses specifically on the diagnostic work-up and the rehabilitative features of moderate-severe hearing loss in children

Assessment Tools for Use in Patients with Ménière Disease: An Update

A number of electrophysiological tests have been proposed for the initial diagnostic assessment or for the follow-up phase of patients affected by Ménière disease. The most common are: (i) vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs); (ii) electrocochleography (ECochG); and (iii) otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). This paper presents the latest clinical developments with these 3 testing modalities. The PubMed, Embase, and Cinahl databases were searched from 2006 to December 2016. Full-text articles were obtained in cases where the title, abstract, or key words suggested that the study may be eligible for this review. The medical subject heading (MeSH) terms included the following: Ménière, hearing threshold, vestibule, otoacoustic emissions, inner ear, ECochG, VEMPs. There were 368 identified papers, out of which 87 were eligible for inclusion. Overall the data in the literature are still limited and the recommended procedures have not reached an international consensus. From the available data, one can conclude that none of the electrophysiological tests could be considered as pathognomonic, for the diagnosis of Ménière disease: presently, the tests could be mostly used in a supportive role to the clinical diagnosis. Hopefully, in the future, improved technology in electrophysiological testing could contribute to the development of better strategies for the diagnosis of Ménière disease

Patent Foramen Ovale as Possible Cause of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and the related diagnostic workup. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 54-year-old man presented with a unilateral SSNHL episode and vertigo. A severe patent foramen ovale (PFO) that included a complete ear nose and throat, audiological, and neurological examination was discovered during the diagnostic workup. Audiometry, blood, and serological tests were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging and color Doppler echography of the supra-aortic trunks and lower limbs were carried out. Finally, transthoracic followed by transesophageal echocardiography and transcranial Doppler were performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of PFO. Medical therapy with systemic steroid and antiplatelet drugs was administered. CONCLUSIONS: This case showed a small PFO associated with an aneurysmatic interatrial septum. The PFO and paradoxical thromboembolism could be involved in the pathogenesis of SSNHL