COVID-19 pandemic: an update on the reaction attitude of the spine societies and their members worldwide

BACKGROUND All surgical specialties have been influenced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and substantial changes have been determined in medical assistance, especially in elective surgery. Several spine societies have published recommendations to provide optimal care during this unique situation. AIM To discuss the recommendations by many spine societies for the management of spinal diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The present study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A review of the MEDLINE database (PubMed – National Library of Medicine), Google, and Google Scholar was performed from March 2020 to date for articles published in the English Language. RESULTS Spine associations and societies worldwide were divided into three groups: Continental, specialty and country-based societies. A total of 27 spine associations were included in this review. There were eight major continental associations, but only one-third of these had published guidelines and recommendations on this topic. On the other hand, the specialty-based societies have not addressed the topic, except in two cases. CONCLUSION The national spine societies showed the deepest concern on this topic with several publications in scientific journals influenced by the local epidemiological severity. Contrarily, continental and specialty-based societies showed less interest in this topic

Tetris Genioplasty: A New Paradigm for Chin Asymmetries Correction

The chin plays a crucial role as a fundamental structural component that contributes to the overall aesthetics and harmony of the face. Recognizing its central position, medical science has seen the evolution of numerous surgical techniques over the years, all aimed at correcting the range of structural irregularities that can affect the chin. In this contribution, the authors introduce an innovative osteotomy technique, aimed at cases of chin asymmetry in which the skeletal median diverges from the dental median. This technique, called “Tetris genioplasty”, involves performing the classic rectangular osteotomy, but includes an additional vertical osteotomy in order to obtain two distinct segments. Finally, these segments are translocated and repositioned to obtain a realignment between the skeletal median and the dental median. The results were entirely satisfactory for the patients, aligning perfectly with the expected appearance after the operation. Furthermore, no complications were reported, proving the success and safety of the procedure. The Tetris genioplasty aligns itself with this progressive trend by offering a minimally invasive method that nevertheless is able to achieve excellent results with a high impact on the patient’s quality of life, presenting a promising path in the pursuit of optimal aesthetic results with minimized patient morbidity and greater overall safety

Immunofluorescence evaluation of Myf5 and MyoD in masseter muscle of unilateral posterior crossbite patients

A unilateral posterior crossbite is a malocclusion where the low activity of the affected masseter muscle is compensated by the contralateral muscle hypertrophy. It is still unknown if, in the same condition, myogenesis with new fibre formation takes place. Aim: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of myogenesis markers, such as Myf5 and MyoD, in masseter muscles of unilateral posterior crossbite patients. Materials and methods: biopsies from fifteen surgical patients with unilateral posterior crossbites have been analysed by immunofluorescence reactions. The results show the expression of Myf5 and MyoD in the contralateral muscle but not in the ipsilateral one. Moreover, statistical analysis shows the higher number of satellite cells in the contralateral side if compared to the ipsilateral one. Conclusions: these results suggest that in contralateral muscle, hyperplastic events take place, as well as hypertrophy

Searching for a Longevity Food, We Bump into Hericium erinaceus Primordium Rich in Ergothioneine: The “Longevity Vitamin” Improves Locomotor Performances during Aging

Phenotypic frailty is characterized by a progressive decline in physical functioning. During ageing, morphological and functional alterations involve the brain, and chief theories involve ox-idative stress, free radical accumulation, and reduced antioxidant defenses as the most implicated mechanisms. From boosting the immune system to fighting senescence, medicinal mushrooms have been found to have a number of health and longevity benefits. Among them, Hericium erinaceus (He) has been demonstrated to display a variety of physiological effects, including anti-aging properties. Thus, He represents an attractive natural source for developing novel medicines and functional foods, based on the identification of its active ingredients and metabolites. Particularly, H. erinaceus primordium (He2) extract contains a high amount of Ergothioneine (ERGO), the longevity vitamin. Herein, we revealed the preventive effect of ERGO-rich He2 extract in a preclinical model, focusing on locomotor decline during ageing monitored through spontaneous behavioral test. This effect was accompanied by a significant decrease in some oxidative stress markers (NOS2, COX2) paralleled by an increase in P53, showed in cerebellar cortex cells and fibres by immunohistochemistry. In summary, we demonstrated the neuro-protective and preventive effects of He2 extract during aging, probably due to its peculiarly high ERGO content

Integrated plan for the sustainable management of the Lagoon of Marano and Grado

The Lagoon of Marano and Grado has been experiencing some remarkable environmental impacts, which have affected the high-value natural ecosystem and consequently influenced relevant socio-economic aspects. One of the main problems relates to the diffuse contamination of soil and groundwater in the mainland, as well as sediments in rivers and in the lagoon itself. The need to ensure safe navigation conditions in the lagoon and in the Corno River serving Porto Nogaro harbour is another critical emergency. Other environmental issues of concern are: loss of morphological diversity, watershed basins’ pollution loads and protection of lagoon habitats. Due to the emergency situation, a Special Commissioner has been appointed by the national government to proceed with the resolution of the most critical problems. A specific “Operational Plan of interventions” was therefore elaborated in 2009. Approaching problems and solutions in an integrated way, the Plan represents one of the tools for the sustainable development of the lagoon. It strongly supports the adoption of adaptive management, foreseeing the periodical updating and improvement of objectives, strategies and interventions. The Plan also identifies the need for coordination among institutions and involvement of stakeholders as key elements for the implementation of adaptive management