Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands : reappraisal and update

Although relatively rare, polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is likely the second most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands (MiSG). The diagnosis is mainly based on an incisional biopsy. The optimal treatment comprises wide surgical excision, often with adjuvant radiotherapy. In general, PAC has a good prognosis. Previously, PAC was referred to as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), but the new WHO classification of salivary gland tumours has also included under the PAC subheading, the so-called cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG). This approach raised controversy, predominantly because of possible differences in clinical behaviour. For example, PLGA (PAC, classical variant) only rarely metastasizes, whereas CAMSG often shows metastases to the neck lymph nodes. Given the controversy, this review reappraises the definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, genetics, treatment modalities, and prognosis of PAC of the salivary glands with a particular focus on contrasting differences with CAMSG.Peer reviewe

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Effective 3D Modeling of Heritage Sites

Over the past few years, a remarkable increase has occurred in the demand for 3D models for cultural heritage applications. The techniques employed have evolved from surveying and CAD tools and/or traditional photogrammetry into laser scanning and more automated image-based techniques. However, selecting the most effective technique for a given project is not always obvious. We will discuss each technique and point out its advantages and disadvantages. We will then present our approach, which is an integration of several technologies and is based on the experience we gained over more than a decade for accurately and completely model heritage monuments and sites. It was clear from our experience that using a single technique is not an effective approach. A highly detailed structure or site is best modelled at various levels of detail. Image-based modelling is used for the basic shape and structural elements, and high-precision laser scanning for fine details and sculpted surfaces. To present the site in its proper context, image-based rendering or panorama is used for landscapes and surroundings. We demonstrate our approach on two typical heritage sites in Italy: the Abbey of Pomposa near Ferrara and the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova

Contribution to integrity assessment of an oil pipeline with the useof corrosion models, flow codes and mechanical properties

Pipelines are becoming an increasingly important means to transport large volumes of hydrocarbons over long distances in the Mediterranean region. If well constructed, carefully monitored and properly maintained, pipelines can be a safe and environmentally/economically sound means of transport; however, pipeline integrity is a growing and challenging problem for oil companies since the age of components is increasing and the responsibility and awareness about environmental protection is increasing too. Procedures and practices to monitor pipeline integrity are an important challenge for operators. Internal corrosion is one of the most active and dangerous damage mechanisms. In the frame of a research project the attempt was made to apply well known models in different sections of a long pipeline, with the objective of obtaining, coupled with flow dynamics properties of the transported fluid, a ranking of corrosion risks along the pipe. Other studies have shown that long term effects on mechanical properties of pipeline steel can be observed in presence of internal corrosion. The results of such studies need an effort towards application, to understand their capability of giving a measure of pipeline integrity. The application to the case of Meleiha-El Hamra pipeline (Agiba Pet. Co.,Egypt) - having a length of 166 km and operating since 1985 to transport oil and condensate from different fields - is discussed in this paper. Hydraulic analysis was performed. Fluid velocity and flow regime as a function of pipeline length were obtained. The run was completed with the application of Water Wetting Models. Obtained results were compared with intelligent pig output to verify the reliability of the proposed procedure. Moreover, on a section of the serviced pipeline provided by Agiba, hydrogen embrittlement effects were assessed to verify the ageing of the pipeline steel, and field applicable technologies to characterize on site mechanical properties of the material were evaluated

Palliative Effect of Resveratrol against Nanosized Iron Oxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Steroidogenesis-Related Genes Dysregulation in Testicular Tissue of Adult Male Rats

The nano-sized iron oxide (Fe2O3-NPs) is one of the most used engineered nanomaterials worldwide. This study investigated the efficacy of natural polyphenol resveratrol (RSV) (20 mg/kg b.wt, orally once daily) to alleviate the impaired sperm quality and testicular injury resulting from Fe2O3-NPs exposure (3.5 or 7 mg/kg b.wt, intraperitoneally once a week) for eight weeks. Spermiograms, sexual hormonal levels, oxidative stress indicators, and lipid peroxidation biomarker were assessed. Moreover, the steroidogenesis-related genes mRNA expressions were evaluated. The results showed that RSV substantially rescued Fe2O3-NPs-mediated sperm defects. Additionally, the Fe2O3-NPs-induced depressing effects on sperm motility and viability were markedly counteracted by RSV. Moreover, RSV significantly restored Fe2O3-NPs-induced depletion of testosterone, follicle-stimulated hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testicular antioxidant enzymes but reduced malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, the Fe2O3-NPs-induced downregulation of steroidogenesis-related genes (3 β-HSD, 17 β-HSD, and Nr5A1) was significantly counteracted in the testicular tissue of RSV-treated rats. These findings concluded that RSV could limit the Fe2O3-NPs-induced reduced sperm quality and testicular injury most likely via their antioxidant activity and steroidogenesis-related gene expression modulation