Modelling of a Debris Flow Event in the Enna Area for Hazard Assessment

Abstract In the paper a modelling of a real debris flow in the Enna area in the south of Italy is described. Starting from the study of the geological framework and the historical background for landslides of the Enna district, the research has focused on the causes triggering the landslides. In order to study the performance of debris flow, the real case of 1 st -2 nd February 2014 which affected Enna city has been modeled. The event caused damage to private buildings and above all the interruption of the main infrastructure connecting Enna city at the motorway, due to the material on the road. The modelling of the real debris flow using a mono-phase model (FLO-2D) was carried out in order to investigate the global dynamic of the event. The study allows to acquire a better knowledge of the hydraulic parameters that can be used in other modelling events for areas with a similar soil composition in order to assess the most appropriate mitigation works, reducing damage to structures and infrastructures

Multidisciplinary approach in the removal of post-trauma foreign bodies in the head and neck district: Cases report and review of literature

Introduction: The management of foreign bodies (FBs) penetrating the head and neck district is a condition rare but at risk for the patient’s life because this district is particularly rich in vital structures. Therefore, their management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Materials and methods: In this study we retrospectively examine two emblematic cases among 183 that occurred in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2017. Results: There were 183 cases of FBs of the head and neck district submitted to extraction with a range of age of between 18 months old and 79 years old. Of 183 patients, 112 were children, 60 were adults. The incidence was prevalent among children, with 112 cases against 60 cases in adults (including 11 post-dental care cases). Only 2 remaining cases described are characterized by the involvement of several districts Conclusion: Both cases evidenced like as a multidisciplinary approach is important to minimize potential complications and sequelae

MALIGNANT EXTERNAL OTITIS. A CASE SERIES FROM AN ITALIAN TERTIARY-CARE HOSPITAL

Objectives: Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an. aggressive and potentially fatal disease that affects the external. auditory canal (EAC) it occurs almost exclusively in elderly, diabetic patients or immune compromised ones. The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a consecutive series of patients affected by malignant external otitis (MEO) and to conceive a flow-chart for its management. Material and methods: Adult patients diagnosed with and treated for MEO at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy between 2003 and 2013 were identified. Charts were reviewed for history, clinical presentation, laboratory data treatment, and outcomes. Results: Data of 11 patients were analyzed. Patients' mean age was 67.6 years; and ten were males. All but one suffered from diabetes and one was HIV infected. Average time of arrival at our department from onset of symptoms was 123 weeks. Intravenous antibiotics were administered in seven cases whereas exclusively oral antibiotics were given to four patients. Local antibiotic therapy was associated to systemic administration in seven cases. Four patients underwent surgical treatment. The median duration of antibiotic treatment was 12.4 weeks. Ten patients experienced a complete recovery even if in one of these residual facial palsy Was reported; one patient died Of a skull base Osteomyelitis with Multiple nerve involvement. A flow-chart which could guide physicians in the management of MEO is proposed. Conclusions. Malignant external otitis still remains today a very challenging issue Randomized clinical trials are needed to better clarify which Medical and surgical treatment could be the gold standard. A consensus diagnostic flow diagram could help in the management of this pathology

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) involvement in zoonotic diseases: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Zoonoses are infections transmitted from animal to man, either directly (through direct contact or contact with animal products) or indirectly (through an intermediate vector, such as an arthropod). The causative agents include bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi. The purpose of this review is to make an accurate examination of all zoonotic diseases that can be responsible of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) involvement. METHODOLOGY: A PubMed search was performed combining the terms (otorhinolaryngology OR rhinology OR laryngology OR otology OR mastoiditis OR otitis OR sinusitis OR laryngitis OR rhinitis OR pharyngitis OR epiglottitis OR dysphonia OR ear OR larynx OR nose OR pharynx) with each one of the etiological agents of zoonoses for the period between January 1997 and August 2012 without language restrictions. RESULTS: A total of 164 articles were selected and examined. Larynx was the most commonly involved ENT organ, followed by oral cavity, pharynx, and neck. Bacteria were the most representative microorganisms involved. Nose and major salivary glands were affected most frequently by protozoa; paranasal sinus, oral cavity, ear, neck, nerves and upper airway by bacteria; and larynx by fungi. CONCLUSIONS: ENT symptoms and signs may be present in many zoonotic diseases, some of which are also present in industrialized countries. Most zoonotic diseases are not commonly encountered by ENT specialists. Appreciation of the possible occurrence of these diseases is important for a correct microbiological approach, which often requires special culture media and diagnostic techniques

Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) and Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) in the Early Identification of Italian Teachers with Voice Disorders

Introduction The current Italian law does not include any guidance regarding voice education, prevention of voice disorders and screening in subjects with high vocal loading such as teachers. Objectives We aimed to check the correlation between the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) with the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) for the evaluation of Italian teachers. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the frequency and intensity of discomfort symptoms in teachers with disabilities comparing vocal tract discomfort symptoms in teachers with high risk (HRVD) and low risk (LRVD) of vocal disorders according to the VoiSS cutoff (> 15.5). Methods We analyzed 160 Italian teachers (111 women and 49 men) that completed the VTDS and VoiSS at vocal evaluation. The Spearman correlation test was applied to all variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the average number of discomfort symptoms among HRVD and LRVD teachers. Results A moderate positive correlation was observed between the average number, frequency, and intensity of discomfort symptom and the total score, physical domain score, and limitation domain score of the VoiSS. Only the emotional domain score of the VoiSS showed a weak positive correlation ( p < 0.001). Teachers considered in the HRVD group according to the VoiSS score had a higher number, frequency, and intensity of vocal tract discomfort symptoms. Conclusion There is correlation between the VTDS and VoiSS scales. Like the VoiSS, the VTDS is a questionnaire that detects HRVD teachers. Therefore, the results suggest that both questionnaires could be useful for a preventive voice program for Italian teacher

Linear stapler closure of the pharynx in laryngectomy: our experience (endoscopic closed technique)

n/

Prevention of Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: The Role of Combined Supplementation with Vitamin D and Antioxidants

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) usually has a favorable course, although it is possible to observe BPPV with a high recurrence rate. Previous studies suggested that vitamin D deficiency might affect BPPV recurrences, and oxidative stress might play a complementary role in BPPV pathogenesis. This multicentric trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral nutritional supplementation with a compound of alpha-lipoic acid, Carnosine, and Zinc (LICA (R) (Difass International, Coriano (RN), Italy)), vitamins of group B and vitamin D in preventing BPPV recurrences. A total of 128 patients with high recurrence-BPPV were randomized in three arms: Arm 1 consisted of subjects with "insufficient" or "deficient" vitamin D blood levels, treated with daily oral supplementation of LICA (R), vitamins of group B and vitamin D3 (800 UI), Arm 2 included BPPV subjects with "sufficient" vitamin D who did not receive any nutritional support, and Arm 3 included subjects with a "sufficient" serum concentration of vitamin D who received supplementation with a compound of LICA (R) and Curcumin. After six months of follow-up, a significant reduction of BPPV relapses compared to the baseline was found only in Arm 1 (-2.32, 95% CI: 3.41-1.62, p-value &lt; 0.0001). Study results suggested that oral nutritional supplementation with vitamin D3 plus antioxidants can prevent relapses in patients suffering from high recurrence-BPPV

Concert extraordinari pro Mèxic

Programa del concert extraordinari pro Mèxic que va tenir lloc el 5 de gener de 1986 al Gran Teatre del Liceu. S'hi van interpretar fragments de "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" de R. Wagner, "La Sonnambula" de V. Bellini, "Nabucco", "Otello", "Rigoletto", "Macbeth", "Luisa Miller" i "Simon Boccanegra" de G. Verdi, "Manon Lescaut", "Turandot" i "La Bohème" de G. Puccini, "Andrea Chénier" d'U. Giordano, i "L'ultima canzone" i "Non t'amo più" de F. P. Tosti. Hi van participar E. Lloris, P. Domingo, F. Furlanetto, G. Di Stefano, A. Kraus, J. Pons, J. Ruiz, T. Zylis-Gara i M. FreniOrquestra del Gran Teatre del Liceu dirigida per Placido Domingo, Romano Gandolfi, Antoni Ros-Marbà i Maximiliano Valdé

Can mHealth Technology Help Mitigate the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

n/