Treatment of Pyonephritis Complicated by Septic Shock Using Extracorporeal Device Polymyxin B-Hemoperfusion

Direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-DHP) is an established treatment method for septic shock caused by Gram-negative infections. We report one instance in which PMX-DHP therapy has been used successfully in a 33-year-old woman with septic shock from urosepsis. Although there is lack of recommendations in latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, evidence of PMX-DHP efficacy in this subset of patients is growing

Palatal shield technique: a novel approach for improved donor site healing in mucogingival procedures - report of two cases

Objective: Mucogingival surgery involving tissue grafts is commonly employed for cosmetic procedures like root coverage, and is increasingly applied in implant therapy to modulate peri-implant soft tissues and enhance implant survival. These procedures involve harvesting autologous connective or epithelial connective tissue, often from the palate or tuber maxillae. However, this can cause patient morbidity due to postoperative pain. Substitute materials, including animal-derived and xenografts, have been developed but lack qualities of autologous grafts. Method and materials: To address postoperative discomfort, a novel technique, named “palatal shield,” using composite resin stabilized on adjacent teeth's palatal surface is proposed as an aid to donor site healing after mucogingival procedures. Two cases are reported where this technique was successfully applied. The first case involves a 53-year-old woman undergoing free gingival graft surgery for peri-implant treatment. The second case features a 58-year-old man receiving subepithelial connective tissue graft surgery for root sensitivity. Results: Ten days post surgery, both patients reported excellent postoperative comfort. The technique's effectiveness is highlighted in these cases, demonstrating its applicability in various surgical cases involving free gingival graft or connective tissue graft harvesting. Conclusion: The proposed “palatal shield” technique offers several advantages, including enhanced patient comfort, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising addition to mucogingival surgical procedures

The Value of Water: an Opportunity for the Eco-Social Regeneration of Mediterranean Metropolitan Areas

The quantitative limitation policies, adopted for environmental, ecological and socio-economic aims, in the Mediterranean metropolitan areas, do not seem to have had the desired effect. In fact, the coercive restraining approach of the metropolitan public Authorities which have tried to impose ecological and cultural objectives collide with the expectations and concrete needs of the citizen. In this way, there is among the stakeholders the distorted perception for which the public and the private interests seem naturally contrasting elements such that the protection of one must necessarily result in the mortification of the other. On the contrary, the Mediterranean Water Sensitive Urban Planning research Project has assessed the hypothesis that the key to the effectiveness of the strategies aimed at ecology, safety and environment, both because of the evident multiscalarity and the potential multi-functionality of the issues and solutions, is in the ability to make the necessary actions consistent with the legitimate aspirations of the various stakeholders, especially when the low available financial resources impose stringent limits on public spending

Post-fire resprouting of shrubby species in Mediterranean maquis

The vegetative resprouting of mediterranean maquis shrubby species was examined eight years after fire. Post-fire regeneration occurs through the resprouting of stumps. All species (Quercus ilex L., Phillyrea latifolia L., Arbutus unedo L., Erica arborea L., Pistacia lentiscus L.) show a rapid growth in the first years after fire, and a decrease already from 4th-5th year. All the species survived the fire and reconstituted a community similar to that unburned in a relatively short time span