The opus tessellatum of the St. Nicola’s Basilica (Bari, Italy): floor digital survey and marble tesserae characterization

The marble floor of the presbytery of St. Nicola’s basilica (Bari, Italy) is one of the few survivor evidences of this mosaic type of Byzantine period in the Apulia region. In virtue of the significant variability of employed stones, it could be considered as an interesting atlas for the field researches, in order to characterize the materials and to define their provenance. A multidisciplinary approach, including architecture, archaeology, petrography and art history expertise, together with the photogrammetric method, produced very useful results to disclose, preserve and valorise the ancient and the more recent marbles used in its tesserae and its artistic technique and to highlight the relationship between these last with the basilica historical events

Alexithymia. a facet of uncontrolled hypertension

Introduction: Proper control of blood pressure reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in hypertensive people. However, this control remains mostly unsatisfactory. Although alexithymia has been associated with essential hypertension, no study has analysed the relationship between alexithymia and blood pressure control in drug-treated hypertension. This research aimed to analyse the presence and the characteristics of this relationship, considering both the pharmacological treatment and the achievement of adequate maintenance of blood pressure in a physiological range. Method: One thousand two hundred and forty-one people participated in the study. Eight hundred and ten were hypertensive patients, and four hundred and thirty-one were normotensive people. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 was used to assess alexithymia. Results: Results show that hypertensive people are more alexithymic than normotensive people. According to the presence of pharmacological treatment, treated hypertensive patients are more alexithymic than normotensive and not treated hypertensive patients. Considering the blood pressure control associated with the drug-therapy, people with uncontrolled hypertension are more alexithymic than normotensive and untreated hypertensive people. Conclusions: These findings confirm a relationship between alexithymia and essential arterial hypertension, but they also highlight that alexithymia appears to be associated with higher severity of hypertension. Alexithymia could be a facet of uncontrolled hypertension

Can Attention Deficits Predict a Genotype? Isolate Attention Difficulties in a Boy with Klinefelter Syndrome Effectively Treated with Methylphenidate

This paper describes a 17-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (XXY) at the age of 16 years. Although cognitive level was absolutely normal, he showed attentional difficulties that negatively affected school adjustment. He was successfully treated with methylphenidate. A significant improvement was observed in the ADHD Rating Scale IV and in the inattention subscale score of the Conners Scales. The CGI-S score improved from 3 to 1, and the CGI-I score at the end point was 1 (very much improved). Also attention measures, particularly forward and backward digit span, improved with MPH treatment. Given the widely variable and often aspecific features, KS may run undiagnosed in a large majority of affected patients. A close attention to the cognitive phenotype may favour a correct diagnosis, and a timely treatment

Camminare per significare. Riflessioni progettuali sugli incontri nello spazio

Walking is a crucial aspect. It is a cognitive act acquired exclusively through direct experience. The movement of the subject across space deeply affects the project. What role can the act of walking play in the construction of a meaning? This question seeks answers in a central case study: the Filopappo's route, designed by Pikionis, with a close reading of the path made up of encounters and pauses. Starting from observations on spatial sequences, the essay focuses on each step of the design process in which architectural elements shape the time of the experience and provide purpose: suggesting possibilities, inviting to rest or contemplate. Offering not only a formal structure but also a spatial punctuation provided by breaking points. Overcoming the simple geometric aspect, we analyze the perceptive aspects of the environment that predispose the subject and tune it with the atmosphere of the space

Evolução histórica do conceito de família : uma análise da (in)constitucionalidade do regime sucessório do artigo 1.790 do Código Civil de 2002

O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar como a evolução histórica do conceito de família e de união estável perpassa a inconstitucionalidade do sistema sucessório introduzido pelo Art. 1.790 do Código Civil de 2002, declarada pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal no julgamento do Recurso Extraordinário 646.721/RS. Através da análise documental de leis, doutrinas e jurisprudências busca-se traçar as principais linhas da constituição da família e da união estável. Em seguida, a pesquisa examina as características da união estável, abrangendo seus elementos essenciais, formalidades e efeitos sucessórios. Por fim, a partir do voto do Min. Roberto Barroso no Recurso Extraordinário 646.721/RS, analisa-se especificamente os argumentos que afirmam a inconstitucionalidade do referido Art. 1.790, responsável por estabelecer tratamentos diferenciados entre cônjuges e companheiros. Dentre as conclusões, vê-se que a afetividade, como elemento essencial à caracterização das entidades familiares, demarca uma nova concepção no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, através da Constituição Federal de 1988, a qual equipara o status de entidade familiar entre união estável e casamento, tendo em vista a efetivação dos Princípios da Igualdade e da Garantia da Dignidade Humana de seus membros.The aim of this work is to analyze how the historical evolution of the concept of family and stable union (cohabitation/civil partnership) permeates the unconstitutionality of the succession system introduced by Art. 1790 of the Civil Code of 2002, declared by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) in the judgment of Extraordinary Appeal 646.721/RS. Through the documentary analysis of laws, doctrines and jurisprudences, it seeks to outline the main points of the family constitution and of the stable union. Next, the research examines the characteristics of the stable union, covering its essential elements, formalities and succession effects. Finally, it analyzes, through the vote of Min. Roberto Barroso in Extraordinary Appeal 646.721/RS, the arguments that affirm the unconstitutionality of Art. 1790, responsible for establishing differentiated treatments between spouses and partners. Among the conclusions, it is seen that affectivity, as an essential element to the characterization of family entities, demarcates a new conception in the Brazilian legal system, through the Federal Constitution of 1988, which equates the status of family entities between stable unions and marriages, in view of the implementation of the Principles of Equality and Human Dignity

Surgical Excision of Orbital Progressive Granular Cell Tumour

Granular cell tumour (GCT) is mostly benign lesion first described by Abrikossoff and named after him. Most cases are reported in the head and neck area, where the tongue is the most common site. Here we review previous cases in the literature for GCT in the orbit and present a new case. A 49-year-old male presented with apparent exophthalmos. Examination of the patient revealed the presence of a mass in the bottom side of the orbit. A substantial progress was noted after two months from the initial examination using computed tomography (CT) scan. An orbital mass was extracted and histological analysis showed signs typical for GCT. Immunohistochemistry was positive for S-100; the biopsy showed no mitotic or necrotic areas. Proptosis was resolved after surgery and a six-year follow-up CT scan was performed. We conclude that rapid progress of the tumour does not necessarily suggest malignancy

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. as a source of health promoting products: metabolomic profile, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities

The methanolic extract of the stem bark of a wild species of jujube, Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., growing in Sicily, was chemically and biologically investigated. The chemical profile was defined by UHPLC-HR-ESI-Orbitrap/MS analysis whereas antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were investigated by in vitro assays. The extract showed a high total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC = 271.65 GAE/g and TFC = 188.11 RE/g extract). Metabolomic analysis revealed a rich phytocomplex characterized by phenols, cyclopeptide alkaloids, and triterpenoid saponins, some of which here detected for the first time. The mushroom tyrosinase inhibition assay displayed that the methanolic extract efficiently inhibits the monophenolase and diphenolase activity. Furthermore, the extract showed a strong ability to scavenge DPPH, a good Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power, in addition to a Fe2+ chelating activity. Taken together, these results suggest possible novel applications of wild jujube stem bark as a source of potential skin-care agents with several uses in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries

Predictive analysis of maxillary canine impaction through sella turcica bridging, ponticulus posticus calcification, and lateral incisor anomalies: a retrospective observational study

Maxillary canine impaction is an increasing dental anomaly and is often related to other dento-skeletal anomalies. The aim of this work is to support the clinician in evaluating the relationship between a displaced maxillary canine and clinical (the features of lateral incisors)/skeletal (ponticulus posticus and sella turcica bridging) anomalies through orthopanoramic radiographs, lateral cephalograms, and plaster casts to identify the parameters that best predict maxillary canine impaction. A retrospective observational study was carried out on the analysis of the medical records, radiographic findings (panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms), and plaster casts of 203 orthodontic patients divided into a case group, with at least one impacted maxillary canine, and a control group, without an impaction. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. A statistically significant association was found between the impaction of the maxillary canine and the female sex, the bridging of the sella turcica, the ponticulus posticus calcification, and the anomaly of the lateral incisor; a logistic regression revealed that these significant variables were found to be positive predictors of impacted maxillary canines, particularly in reference to the impaction in the palatal area. Finding one of these clinical and radiographic elements can represent a predictive sign of the possible impaction of the maxillary canine

A Iniciativa da Nova Rota da Seda e seu Impacto na Conectividade da América Latina: Um Estudo de Caso do Chile e do Peru

Since its launch in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has boosted investments in large infrastructure projects that promote new trade and investment flows between China and the countries receiving its capital. This article aims to analyze how the BRI has produced, specifically, greater regional and global connectivity from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) — a region that is an important link in the initiative and that, until July 2022, had 21 participating countries. In order to do so, the authors empirically examined the experience of two countries that acceded to the initiative, Chile and Peru, in order to understand whether Chinese investments have impacted their connectivity to neighboring countries and other global regions, starting from the understanding of the concept of connectivity as a three-pronged phenomenon that encompasses investment, trade and legal regulation dynamics. The article concludes that there is an increase in regional connectivity of the participating countries in the region via greater regional and global trade flows with China. However, such results cannot be attributed to the official adhesion of countries in the initiative, especially when it comes to connectivity in legal aspects and physical infrastructure.Desde su puesta en marcha en 2013, la iniciativa de la Nueva Ruta de la Seda (NRS) ha impulsado inversiones en grandes proyectos de infraestructura que promueven nuevos flujos comerciales y de inversión entre China y los países receptores de capital chino. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar cómo la política de la NRS ha producido, específicamente, una mayor conectividad regional y global desde América Latina y el Caribe (ALC), región que es un eslabón importante en la iniciativa y que, hasta julio de 2022, contaba con 21 países participantes. Para ello, los autores examinaron empíricamente la experiencia de dos países que accedieron a la política, Chile y Perú, con el fin de comprender cómo las inversiones chinas han impactado su conectividad con los países vecinos y otras regiones globales, a partir de la comprensión del concepto de la conectividad como un fenómeno triple que abarca la dinámica de la inversión, el comercio y la regulación legal. El artículo concluye que existe un aumento en la conectividad regional de los países participantes en la región a través de mayores flujos comerciales regionales y globales con China. Sin embargo, tales resultados no pueden atribuirse a la entrada oficial de países en la iniciativa, especialmente cuando se trata de conectividad en los aspectos legales y de infraestructura física.Desde o seu lançamento, em 2013, a iniciativa da Nova Rota da Seda (NRS) tem impulsionado investimentos em grandes projetos de infraestrutura que promovem novos fluxos comerciais e de investimentos entre a China e os países receptores do capital chinês. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar de que maneira a política da NRS tem produzido, concretamente, maior conectividade regional e global na América Latina e Caribe (ALC) — região que constitui importante elo da iniciativa e que, até julho de 2022, contava com 21 países partícipes. Para tanto, os autores examinaram empiricamente a experiência de dois países que acederam à política, Chile e Peru, a fim de compreender de que maneira os investimentos chineses têm impactado a sua conectividade com países vizinhos e outras regiões globais, partindo-se da compreensão do conceito de conectividade como um fenômeno trifacetado que engloba dinâmicas de investimentos, comércio e regulação jurídica. O artigo conclui que há na ALC um aumento da conectividade regional dos países partícipes via maiores fluxos comerciais regionais, globais e com a China. Contudo, não se pode atribuir à entrada oficial dos países na iniciativa tais resultados, especialmente em se tratando da conectividade nos aspectos jurídicos e de infraestrutura física