Sawmark Analysis of Three Cases of Amputation and a Craniotomy from the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries Hospital Necropolis of Forlì Campus (Forlì, Italy)

The seventeenth-eighteenth century hospital necropolis of Forlì Campus (Forlì, Italy) was discovered during the Forlì Campus building work in 2014. Three cases of limb amputation and a craniotomy are examined using the forensic approach of sawmark analysis in order to understand features of the surgical instruments employed and to gain insight into the position of the surgeon during the cutting actions. With the aid of high definition photographs and moulds, we analyzed the cut surfaces of each sample, also using stereomicroscopy and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). A qualitative and quantitative approach was used in the analysis of the kerf features (e.g. breakaway spur and notch, tooth scratches and hop, exit chipping), and empirical evidence was compared against comparisons coeval surgical essays. We hypothesize that a linear hand-powered push saw and an alternated push saw with a 2mm distance between the teeth were used for amputations. The craniotomy was executed presumably using a linear hand-powered saw with the set of the blade circa 1.3mm wide. Through the application of forensic methods on individuals from archaeological context we describe early cases of surgical practice in a more technical way

Sawmark Analysis of Three Cases of Amputation and a Craniotomy from the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries Hospital Necropolis of Forlì Campus (Forlì, Italy)

The seventeenth-eighteenth century hospital necropolis of Forlì Campus (Forlì, Italy) was discovered during the Forlì Campus building work in 2014. Three cases of limb amputation and a craniotomy are examined using the forensic approach of sawmark analysis in order to understand features of the surgical instruments employed and to gain insight into the position of the surgeon during the cutting actions. With the aid of high definition photographs and moulds, we analyzed the cut surfaces of each sample, also using stereomicroscopy and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). A qualitative and quantitative approach was used in the analysis of the kerf features (e.g. breakaway spur and notch, tooth scratches and hop, exit chipping), and empirical evidence was compared against comparisons coeval surgical essays. We hypothesize that a linear hand-powered push saw and an alternated push saw with a 2mm distance between the teeth were used for amputations. The craniotomy was executed presumably using a linear hand-powered saw with the set of the blade circa 1.3mm wide. Through the application of forensic methods on individuals from archaeological context we describe early cases of surgical practice in a more technical way

Retrospective and observational study to assess the efficacy of citicoline in elderly patients suffering from stupor related to complex geriatric syndrome

A significant percentage of elderly subjects (50%–80%) suffering from sub-acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, with or without moderate or severe cognitive memory decline and with or without associated behavioral and psychological symptoms, shows a complex syndrome. This syndrome is related to the progressive impairment of health conditions and/or stressing events (ie, hospitalization), characterized by confusion and/or stupor, which are consequently difficult to manage and require a great deal of care. Geriatric patients often suffer from multiple chronic illnesses, may take numerous medications daily, exhibit clinical instability, and may experience worsening of medical conditions following cerebral ischemic events and thus have an increased risk of disability and mortality. There are several studies in literature which demonstrate the efficacy of citicoline, thanks to its neuroprotective function, for the recovery and in postischemic cerebral rehabilitation. It has been shown that, even soon after an ischemic stroke, administration of oral citicoline (500–4000 mg/day) improves the general conditions evaluated with the Rankin scale and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale 12. In particular, it has been shown that the CDP-choline improves the cognitive and mental performance in Alzheimer’s dementia and vascular dementia. We have evaluated the administration of citicoline in geriatric patients following a protocol of intravenous study on improvement of individual performances

Ultrasonic Transducers Shaped in Archimedean and Fibonacci Spiral: A Comparison

We developed and investigated a particular geometry of transducers, emulating the shape of bats’ cochlea, to transmit and receive ultrasounds in the air. Their design involved the use of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a piezoelectric material, thanks to its excellent conformability and flexibility. This material offers the primary requirements for sensing devices in applications such as sonar system or energy harvesting technology. The piezo film was folded according to both the Archimedean and Fibonacci spirals, and their performances were investigated in the frequency range from 20 kHz up to more than 80 kHz. The finite element analysis (FEA) of the proposed transducers highlighted the presence of multiple resonance vibrations, proved by the experimental measurements of the equivalent electric impedance and frequency response. Far-field radiation patterns demonstrated, horizontally and vertically, omnidirectional properties both as transmitters and receivers. All was enough to establish the best validity of the spiral shaped transducers for applications based on the bio sonar principle

Development of a Small Cryogen-Free MgB2 Test Coil for SMES Application

MgB2 material operating at moderate field can conveniently be considered for short-term cost-effective implementation of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). Due to the intrinsic performance of this material, moderate field operation and cryogen free cooling in the range 10-20 K need to be considered. For investigating the feasibility of MgB2 based SMES technology a 10 kW - 2 s system is under development. A small MgB2 coil was developed and tested as the first step of this study. The cooling was obtained by means of a cryogen-free test facility based on a two-stages Gifford-McMahon regenerative heat exchanger. A power conditioning system (PCS) was also developed in order to connect the coil with the power grid. The PCS is based on power mosfet components and consists of two parallel dc/dc boost converters and an inverter connected to a common dc bus at 100 V. Continuous operation of the coil at a charge/discharge rate up to 24 kW can be achieved by means of the PCS. Details of the layout of the coil and the thermal connection with the cryocooler are discussed in this paper. Results of cooling test are reported. Possible SMES operation is also discussed

Development of an innovative superconducting magnetic energy storage system

The present work is focused on the demonstration of an innovative approach to a superconducting magnetic energy storage system by means of next generation superconducting wires. The device is thought to be integrated in a more complex biomass plant for green energy production which includes an anaerobic digester and a cogenerator for biogas and electrical energy production. Presented technology allows the storage of the green energy produced with a very high efficiency and with a better power quality respect to traditional counterparts