Parameters measurement of coronary blood flow velocity using a fast wavelet transform based algorithm

Abstract: An algorithm based on fast wavelet transform has been developed for detecting diastolic and systolic coronary blood flow velocity signals characteristic patterns. The fast wavelet transform is used as a denoising tool to distinguish coronary blood flow waves from major noise, artifacts and baseline drift. Start-end diastolic-systolic fiducial points have been automatically detected to measure coronary blood flow velocity characteristic parameters. Feasibilty of scientific and clinical investigation assessment of coronary artery disease is presented through phasic coronary blood flow beat-to-beat analysis

Cartografia geobotanica del Dipartimento di Botanica ed Ecologia di Camerino

Presentazione delle tipologie di cartografia tematica geobotanica della "scuola" camerinese

Immediate Nipple Reconstruction in Skin-sparing Mastectomy with A Modified Wise-pattern Design

Summary:. This article discusses a novel approach to immediate nipple reconstruction during skin-sparing mastectomy with Wise-pattern design, a common procedure in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Traditionally, nipple reconstruction is performed as a second procedure, incurring additional costs and potential complications. This novel technique involves a simple modification to the Wise-pattern flap during the initial mastectomy, allowing for one-step reconstruction. The procedure includes preoperative markings of the Wise-pattern design, with a U-shaped flap added at the top angle to create the nipple position. This U-shaped flap, containing both skin and subcutaneous tissue, is then folded over itself and sutured, resulting in an inverted T-shaped incision with the reconstructed nipple at the apex. This article emphasizes the avoidance of a secondary operation for nipple reconstruction, avoiding additional costs and potential complications associated with flap loss, especially in postradiation patients. The technique was applied to five consecutive cases, with patient satisfaction reported as very high. Follow-up at 6 months showed no venous congestion or flap loss, and in patients without adjuvant radiation, the reconstructed nipple maintained almost all its initial postoperative height. Minor loss of nipple protrusion over time was comparable to traditional nipple reconstruction (eg, skate flap), and the construction of the new nipple required only an average of 10 extra minutes. Although larger-scale studies are needed for a comprehensive evaluation, the preliminary results suggest promising outcomes and encourage larger-scale safety and outcomes studies of this technique in Wise-pattern skin-sparing reconstructions

External quality assessment of SARS-CoV-2 serology in European expert laboratories, April 2021

Background: Countries worldwide are focusing to mitigate the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by employing public health measures. Laboratories have a key role in the control of SARS- CoV-2 transmission. Serology for SARS-CoV-2 is of critical importance to support diagnosis, define the epidemiological framework and evaluate immune responses to natural infection and vaccine administration. Aim: The aim of this study was the assessment of the actual capability among laboratories involved in sero-epidemiological studies on COVID-19 in EU/EEA and EU enlargement countries to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through an external quality assessment ( EQA) based on proficiency testing. Methods: The EQA panels were composed of eight different, pooled human serum samples (all collected in 2020 before the vaccine roll-out), addressing sensitivity and specificity of detection. The panels and two EU human SARS- CoV-2 serological standards were sent to 56 laboratories in 30 countries. Results: The overall performance of laboratories within this EQA indicated a robust ability to establish past SARS-CoV-2 infections via detection of anti-SARS- CoV-2 antibodies, with 53 of 55 laboratories using at least one test that characterised all EQA samples correctly. IgM-specific test methods provided most incorrect sample characterisations (24/208), while test methods detecting total immunoglobulin (0/119) and neutralising antibodies (2/230) performed the best. The semiquantitative assays used by the EQA participants also showed a robust performance in relation to the standards. Conclusion: Our EQA showed a high capability across European reference laboratories for reliable diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses. Serological tests that provide robust and reliable detection of anti SARS- CoV-2 antibodies are available.Molecular basis of virus replication, viral pathogenesis and antiviral strategie