Auditory cortical responses in patients with cochlera implants

Currently, the most commonly used electrophysiological tests for cochlear implant evaluation are Averaged Electrical Voltages (AEV), Electrical Advisory Brainstem Responses (EABR) and Neural Response Telemetry (NRT). The present paper focuses on the study of acoustic auditory cortical responses, or slow vertex responses, which are not widely used due to the difficulty in recording, especially in young children. Aims of this study were validation of slow vertex responses and their possible applications in monitoring postimplant results, particularly restoration of hearing and auditory maturation. In practice, the use of tone-bursts, also through hearing aids or cochlear implants, as in slow vertex responses, allows many more frequencies to be investigated and louder intensities to be reached than with other tests based on a click as stimulus. Study design focused on latencies of N1 and P2 slow vertex response peaks in cochlear implants. The study population comprised 45 implant recipients (aged 2 to 70 years), divided into 5 different homogeneous groups according to chronological age, age at onset of deafness, and age at implantation. For each subject, slow vertex responses and free-field auditory responses (PTAS) were recorded for tone-bursts at 500 and 2000 Hz before cochlear implant surgery (using hearing aid amplification) and during scheduled sessions at 3rd and 12th month after implant activation. Results showed that N1 and P2 latencies decreased in all groups starting from 3rd through 12th month after activation. Subjects implanted before school age or at least before age 8 yrs showed the widest latency changes. All subjects showed a reduction in the gap between subjective thresholds (obtained with free field auditory responses) and objective thresholds (obtained with slow vertex responses), obtained in presurgery stage and after cochlear implant. In conclusion, a natural evolution of neurophysiological cortical activities of the auditory pathway, over time, was found especially in young children with prelingual deafness and implanted in preschool age. Cochlear implantation appears to provide hearing restoration, demonstrated by the sharp reduction of the gap between subjective free field auditory responses and slow vertex responses threshold obtained with hearing aids vs. cochlear implant

Metrics for quantifying the circularity of bioplastics: The case of bio-based and biodegradable mulch films

The concept of circularity and its quantification through the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) is well established for traditional plastic products. In this paper a methodological approach for calculating the circularity of bio-based and biodegradable (BB) products is proposed and applied to BB mulch films. BB products are different from traditional products in as much as they are sourced and regenerated (recycled) not through technical cycles but the biological loop. The suggested method is an adaptation of the MCI where two major changes were made: (i) the mass of the bio-based component corresponds to the recycled material in input and (ii) the mass of the bio-based component leaving the system through composting or biodegradation in soil is accounted as recycled. The modified MCI supports the eco-design of innovative BB products and allows for the comparison of their circularity taking into account the biological source and the expected end of life process such as biodegradation. To demonstrate the adaptation, the method has been applied to BB mulch films. Results showed that the MCI of a biodegradable mulch film, characterized by an average bio-based feedstock content of 30% is 0.37 ± 0.04 in a 0–1 scale. For BB mulch film, the amount of bio-based feedstock is the most sensitive factor and controls linearly the value of the MCI

A metallicity study of 1987A-like supernova host galaxies

The origin of the blue supergiant (BSG) progenitor of Supernova (SN) 1987A has long been debated, along with the role that its sub-solar metallicity played. We now have a sample of 1987A-like SNe that arise from the core collapse (CC) of BSGs. The metallicity of the explosion sites of the known BSG SNe is investigated, as well as their association to star-forming regions. Both indirect and direct metallicity measurements of 13 BSG SN host galaxies are presented, and compared to those of other CC SN types. Indirect measurements are based on the known luminosity-metallicity relation and on published metallicity gradients of spiral galaxies. To provide direct estimates based on strong line diagnostics, we obtained spectra of each BSG SN host both at the SN explosion site and at the positions of other HII regions. Continuum-subtracted Ha images allowed us to quantify the association between BSG SNe and star-forming regions. BSG SNe explode either in low-luminosity galaxies or at large distances from the nuclei of luminous hosts. Therefore, their indirectly measured metallicities are typically lower than those of SNe IIP and Ibc. This is confirmed by the direct estimates, which show slightly sub-solar values (12+log(O/H)=8.3-8.4 dex), similar to that of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), where SN 1987A exploded. However, two SNe (1998A and 2004em) were found at near solar metallicity. SNe IIb have a metallicity distribution similar to that of BSG SNe. Finally, the association to star-forming regions is similar among BSG SNe, SNe IIP and IIn. Our results suggest that LMC metal abundances play a role in the formation of some 1987A-like SNe. This would naturally fit in a single star scenario for the progenitors. However, the existence of two events at nearly solar metallicity suggests that also other channels, e.g. binarity, contribute to produce BSG SNe.Comment: 28 pages, 17 figures; accepted for publication (Astronomy and Astrophysics); abstract abridged for arXiv submissio

Stability prediction of early orthopedic treatment in Class III malocclusion: morphologic discriminant analysis

Abstract Background To evaluate morphologic differences between class III malocclusion success and failure treatment subjects in order to identify which variables are more predictive for long-term stability in early orthopedic treatment. In this retrospective study, 31 patients were enrolled from the Department of Orthodontics (Rome Tor Vergata). Inclusion criteria were as follows: white ancestry, class III malocclusion, mixed dentition, cervical stage (CS) 1-2, no pseudo-class III. Pre-treatment radiographic and cast records were collected. Each patient underwent rapid maxillary expansion/facial mask/bite block (RME/FM/BB) orthopedic treatment until correction. At T1 (permanent dentition, CS4), records were recollected. According to treatment stability, relapse group (RG, 19) and success group (SG, 12) were identified. Sagittal and vertical cephalometric and digital cast measurements were performed. Student’s t tests were used for statistically significant differences inter and intra groups. For discriminant analysis, relapse or success status was added to each patient’s T0 data. Results At T0, RG showed larger upper anterior transversal width (p = 0.0266), while at T1 the upper anterior length was shorter than SG (p = 0.0028). Between T1 and T0, both groups showed larger upper anterior and posterior transversal widths. SG had greater upper anterior (p = 0.0066) and posterior (p = 0.449) sagittal length. RG presented larger lower anterior (p = 0.0012) and posterior (p = 0.0002) transversal widths, while there were no differences in SG lower arch. Discriminant analysis provided two predictive variables with an accuracy of 80.6%: upper anterior length and upper posterior length. Conclusion A shorter and wider maxilla could be a predisposing factor for relapse and failure of the early orthopedic treatment of class III malocclusion patients. The absence of mandibular changes could be predictable for treatment success

Stability prediction of early orthopedic treatment in Class III malocclusion: morphologic discriminant analysis

Background To evaluate morphologic differences between class III malocclusion success and failure treatment subjects in order to identify which variables are more predictive for long-term stability in early orthopedic treatment. In this retrospective study, 31 patients were enrolled from the Department of Orthodontics (Rome Tor Vergata). Inclusion criteria were as follows: white ancestry, class III malocclusion, mixed dentition, cervical stage (CS) 1-2, no pseudo-class III. Pre-treatment radiographic and cast records were collected. Each patient underwent rapid maxillary expansion/facial mask/bite block (RME/FM/BB) orthopedic treatment until correction. At T1 (permanent dentition, CS4), records were recollected. According to treatment stability, relapse group (RG, 19) and success group (SG, 12) were identified. Sagittal and vertical cephalometric and digital cast measurements were performed. Student's t tests were used for statistically significant differences inter and intra groups. For discriminant analysis, relapse or success status was added to each patient's T0 data. Results At T0, RG showed larger upper anterior transversal width (p = 0.0266), while at T1 the upper anterior length was shorter than SG (p = 0.0028). Between T1 and T0, both groups showed larger upper anterior and posterior transversal widths. SG had greater upper anterior (p = 0.0066) and posterior (p = 0.449) sagittal length. RG presented larger lower anterior (p = 0.0012) and posterior (p = 0.0002) transversal widths, while there were no differences in SG lower arch. Discriminant analysis provided two predictive variables with an accuracy of 80.6%: upper anterior length and upper posterior length. Conclusion A shorter and wider maxilla could be a predisposing factor for relapse and failure of the early orthopedic treatment of class III malocclusion patients. The absence of mandibular changes could be predictable for treatment success

Synergic use of two-dimensional materials to tailor interfaces in large area perovskite modules

In the field of halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), interface engineering has been conceptualized and exploited as a powerful mean to improve solar cell performance, stability, and scalability. In this regard, here we propose the use of a multi two-dimensional (2D) materials as intra and inter layers in a mesoscopic PSCs. By combining graphene into both compact and mesoporous TiO2, Ti3C2Tx MXenes into the perovskite absorbing layer and functionalized-MoS2 at the interface between perovskite and the hole transporting layer, we boost the efficiency of PSCs (i.e., +10%) compared to the 2D materials-free PSCs. The optimized 2D materials-based structure has been successfully extended from lab-scale cell dimensions to large area module on 121 cm2 substrates (11 x11 cm2) till to 210 cm2 substrates (14.5 x14.5 cm2) with active area efficiency of 17.2% and 14.7%, respectively. The remarkable results are supported by a systematic statistical analysis, testifying the effectiveness of 2D materials interface engineering also on large area devices, extending the 2D materials-perovskite photovoltaic technology to the industrial exploitation

Renin-Angiotensin System on Reproductive Biology

In the female reproductive system, angiotensin II (ANG II) is a potential signaling molecule involved in ovarian follicle development, which acts through two transmembrane receptors. Within the ovarian follicle, there appear to be species differences in the precise pattern of localization of AGTR2 protein and it has an important role in in vitro maturation of oocytes in mammals. The infusion of ANG II induced ovulation in rabbits and the use of ANG II antagonists inhibited ovulation in rabbits, rats, and cattle. In fetal ovaries, AGTR2 protein was detected in ovigerous cords and preantral follicles throughout porcine and bovine gestation. In the oviduct, ANG II is responsible for the orchestration of the transport of gametes. In the male reproductive system, there is considerable evidence for the local synthesis of components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in male reproductive tissues. The roles of RAS in local processes at these sites are still uncertain, although there is evidence for involvement in tubular contractility, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, and fertilization

Quadro citológico vaginal, concentração plasmática de progesterona durante a gestação e medidas fetais em paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766).

Em 27 pacas (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) objetivou-se descrever aos 30, 60 e 90 dias (D) de prenhez diagnosticada por ultrassonografia (US), os tipos celulares do epitélio vaginal em esfregaços vaginais, relatar as condições de abertura da vulva e as características do muco vaginal, determinar a concentração plasmática de progesterona (P4) por radioimunoensaio, e ainda, mensurar por ultrassonografia (US) o diâmetro biparietal (DBP) fetal aos 60 e 90 dias de prenhez. No D30, 40% das amostras exibiram células (com características estrogênicas) superficiais e presença de núcleos nus. Nos D60 e D90, células parabasais, intermediárias, superficiais e naviculares estavam presentes nas mesmas proporções, mas células endocervicais foram descritas em apenas 73,9% e 69% das amostras daqueles dias, respectivamente. No D30 a maior proporção de células naviculares e superficiais diferiu (p < 0,05) em relação aos outros tipos celulares presentes. O muco vaginal apresentou-se cristalino e fluido em 100% e em 70% das fêmeas nos D30 e D60, respectivamente. Observou-se o vestíbulo vaginal aberto em torno de 50% das fêmeas em todos os dias de exames. Valores mínimos detectáveis de P4 foram obtidos em 72% e em 83% das fêmeas, enquanto que as médias das medidas dos DBP foram 1,25 cm (± 0,16) e 2,34 cm (± 0,25) nos D60 e D90, respectivamente. O quadro citológico vaginal nos D30, D60 e D90 e o DBP fornecem elementos que contribuem para diagnóstico de gestação em pacas. A concentração de P4 demonstra a necessidade de maiores estudos da endocrinologia da gestação em pacas

Lethal effect of high concentrations of Parecoxib and Flunixin meglumine on the in vitro culture of bovine embryos

Abstract Since cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been pointed out as potential treatments to increase pregnancy rates after embryo transfer, the present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of flunixin meglumine (FM) and parecoxib (P), a COX-1 and 2 or COX-2 specific inhibitor, respectively, on the development of bovine embryos until the hatched blastocyst stage. In vitro produced bovine embryos were cultured in media with different concentrations of FM (0.14; 1.4; 14; 140 or 1400 µg/ml) or P (0.09; 0.9; 9; 90 or 900 µg/ml) and the production rates were evaluated. Concentrations of FM ≤14 µg/ml and P ≤90 µg/ml did not impair embryo development, although compiled data from non-lethal FM concentrations (≤14 µg/ml) indicated a toxic effect enough to decrease the hatching rate of blastocysts. Concentrations of FM at 140 and 1400 µg/ml and P at 900 µg/ml were lethal as no cleavage was detected on presumptive zygotes

Accesso alla tecnologia. Access To Technologies (H.E.A.R.I.N.G. package of interventions, WHO 2021)

In Italia, lo Stato interviene con il Servizio Sanitario per l’assegnazione, agli aventi diritto, della tecnologia audiologica. La materia è regolata da una normativa specifica, spesso completata da provvedimenti regionali. Si ricorda che una normativa particolare è prevista per gli invalidi del lavoro ai quali, in caso di ipoacusia professionale, le prestazioni sono fornite dall’INAIL con procedure dedicate. Per i non aventi diritto la prescrizione medica è sempre necessaria, ma rispetto alle forniture pubbliche, non sono previste ulteriori valutazioni obbligatorie di controllo. Per le forniture pubbliche agli invalidi civili, i provvedimenti di interesse nazionale sono riportati nei Nomenclatori Tariffari del 1990 e del 1999 e nel provvedimento ad hoc sugli impianti cocleari del 2007. Oggi tutta la normativa ambulatoriale è stata sostituita dai LEA del 2017 (D.P.C.M 12 gennaio 2017) approvati, ma non ancora operativi, e che riuniscono tutti i principali argomenti in un unico documento eccetto le forniture chirurgiche. Distingueremo pertanto i LEA ambulatoriali, dai LEA chirurgici regolati da DRG. È importante sottolineare che l’atto legislativo dei LEA prevede il suo aggiornamento annuale da parte delle Societa Scientifiche, facoltà che, fino ad ora, non è mai stata esercitata