Radiografia del Myrmedon di Giovanni Pascoli

2016 - 2017This dissertation aims to investigate the most relevant passages of Myrmedon, focusing on the analyse of a not well-known poem of Giovanni Pascoli. Moving from an overview of the theme of memory in Pascoli, linked with the motif of phylogenetic memory, the INTRODUCTION, in five chapters, reconstructs the theoretical assumptions and the artistic purposes of Myrmedon, and separates the interpretation of this poem from the exegesis of Pecudes and Canis (all this poems are part of the Ruralia). The most substantial source of Myrmedon is Virgil’s Georgics (4, 1-115; 149-280); this point has been analyzed in the fourth chapter. Finally, the introduction explains the poem’s greek title and the inscription. This section is followed by TESTO E TRADUZIONE, and then by six chapters dedicated to a close reading of the vv. 1-14 (6 PROTASI); 22-32 (7 I CARUSI SICILIANI); 33-40 (8 LA VISTA DELLE FORMICHE); 225-238 (9 SCHIAVE); 261-290, 65-75 and 223-224 (10 ANCORA SUL LESSICO DEL MYRMEDON); 301-312 (11 NOZZE). These chapters contain a specific introduction about the motives and peculiarities of the sections, and a wide commentary on: formal aspects, biographical notice, and psychological, theoretical, intertextual influences of the poem. The final chapter (ASPETTI STILISTICI E FIGURATIVI DEL MYRMEDON) analyzes some fragments of the poem clearly linked to impressionistic tendencies and to the fin de siècle decorativism (Myrm. 61-64 and 97-99). A particular attention has also been given to phonosymbolic phenomena and to the more expressive and frequent hexametric formulas. [edited by Author]XVI n.s. (XXX ciclo

Policaptil Gel Retard in adult subjects with the metabolic syndrome: Efficacy, safety, and tolerability compared to metformin.

Abstract Background Policaptil Gel Retard® (PGR), is a new macromolecule complex based on polysaccharides slowing the rate of carbohydrate and fat absorption. It proved to significantly reduce body weight, acanthosis nigricans expression, HbA1c levels, and glucose metabolism abnormalities in obese, hyper-insulinemic adolescents. No such data are available for adults. Aim to compare the effects of PGR vs. metformin in adult subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and T2DM on a Low Glycemic Index diet. Subjects and methods This spontaneous clinical, longitudinal, single-blind, randomized study based on a per-protocol analysis enrolled 100 outpatients with MS and T2DM consecutively referring to our clinic for three months, and randomly assigned to either the active treatment (Group A:, 6 tablets/day) or the comparator (Group B: Metformin tablets, 1500–2000 mg/day in two divided doses during the two main meals, to minimize side effects) to be taken 30 min before each main meal in equally divided doses. Serum lipid profile, anthropometry, HOMA-IR index, and tolerability parameters were evaluated before and after a 6-month follow-up period. Results all parameters improved at a similar rate in both groups but for the lipid profile, which got even better in Group A. Group A also experienced less prominent gastrointestinal side effects than its counterpart. Conclusion For the first time, we showed the non-inferiority of PGR compared to metformin in obese adult subjects with the MS and T2DM as for glycemic control and a clear-cut superiority of PGR in terms of both serum lipid-lowering capacity and tolerability

Indagine fitosociologica sulle praterie a Brachypodium Retusum (Pers.) beauv. della Sardegna

The grasslands characterized by the dominance of Brachypodium retusum occurring in Sardinia are examined. These communities, belonging to the Thero-Brachypodion ramosi alliance (Lygeo-Stipetea class), are quite widespread in the Island, where they usually grow on carbonate substrata from the sea level up to 1300 m of altitude. On the basis of several phytosociological relevés, it has been possible to recognize six associations well-differentiated from the floristic, ecological and syndynamic point of view. The autonomy of these associations is also supported by a numerical multivariate analysis based on quantitative data (dendrogram and P.C.A.). The associations surveyed are the following: Dorycnio suffruticosi-Stipetum offneri ass. nova, localized on summit plateaux at an altitude of 700-1200 m (CE Sardinia), Stipo bromoidis-Astragaletum verrucosi ass. nova, very rare and circumscribed to the coastal hills (W Sardinia), Triseto splendentis-Brachypodietum retusi ass. nova, colonizing more or less stabilized screes at 200-900 m of altitude (NE Sardinia), Asphodelo africani-Brachypodietum ramosi Biondi & Mossa 1992 corr., thermo-xerophilous community linked to coastal stands (S Sardinia), Ranunculo graminei-Brachypodietum retusi ass. nova, orophilous community growing on jointed rocky places at an altitude of 1100-1300 m (CE Sardinia), Melico ciliatae-Brachypodietum retusi ass. nova, found on the coastal screes of Figarolo islet (NE Sardinia). Besides, a floristic comparison among the hitherto known associations belonging to this alliance is given

Aluminium foam production control by using a combined fuzzy-genetic algorithm model

Abstract This study deals with the proposal of a combined fuzzy-genetic algorithm model able to describe the inherent uncertainties related to the manufacture of aluminium foams by using the dissolution and sintering process. The combined method allows taking into account both the uncertainty related to the model and the statistical process variability, with the aim of controlling the capability of this material at absorbing compression energy, for different set of process parameters. The use of genetic algorithms allows the optimization of the fuzzy supports in order to take into account most of the experimental data in combination with the smallest uncertainty

Total or near-total thyroidectomy versus subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre in adults

Background Total thyroidectomy (TT) and subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) are worldwide treatment options for multinodular non-toxic goitre in adults. Near TT, defined as a postoperative thyroid remnant less than 1 mL, is supposed to be a similarly effective but safer option than TT. ST has been shown to be marginally safer than TT, but it may leave an undetected thyroid cancer in place. Objectives The objective was to assess the effects of total or near-total thyroidectomy compared to subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, as well as the ICTRP Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search was 18 June 2015 for all databases. No language restrictions were applied. Selection criteria Two review authors independently scanned the abstract, title or both sections of every record retrieved to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre for further assessment. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed studies for risk of bias and evaluated overall study quality utilising the GRADE instrument. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. A random-effects model was used for pooling data. Main results We examined 1430 records, scrutinized 14 full-text publications and included four RCTs. Altogether 1305 participants entered the four trials, 543 participants were randomised to TT and 762 participants to ST. A total of 98% and 97% of participants finished the trials in the TT and ST groups, respectively. Two trials had a duration of follow-up between 12 and 39 months and two trials a follow-up of 5 and 10 years, respectively. Risk of bias across studies was mainly unknown for selection, performance and detection bias. Attrition bias was generally low and reporting bias high for some outcomes. In the short-term postoperative period no deaths were reported for both TT and ST groups. However, longer-term data on all-cause mortality were not reported (1284 participants; 4 trials; moderate quality evidence). Goiter recurrence was lower in the TT group compared to ST. Goiters recurred in 0.2% (1/425) of the TT group compared to 8.4% (53/632) of the ST group (OR 0.05 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.21); P < 0.0001; 1057 participants; 3 trials; moderate quality evidence). Re-intervention due to goitre recurrence was lower in the TT group compared to ST. Re-intervention was necessary in 0.5% (1/191) of TT patients compared to 0.8% (3/379)of ST patients (OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.07 to 6.38); P = 0.72; 570 participants; 1 trial; low quality evidence). The incidence of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was lower for ST compared with TT. Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 0.8% (6/741) of ST patients compared to 0.7% (4/543) of TT patients (OR 1.28, (95% CI 0.38 to 4.36); P = 0.69; 1275 participants; 4 trials; low quality evidence). The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was lower for ST compared with TT. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 0.1% (1/741) of ST patients compared to 0.6% (3/543) of TT patients (OR 3.09 (95% CI 0.45 to 21.36); P = 0.25; 1275 participants: 4 trials; low quality evidence). The incidence of thyroid cancer was lower for ST compared with TT. Thyroid cancer occurred in 6.1% (41/669) of ST patients compared to 7.3% (34/465)of TT patients (OR 1.32 (95% CI 0.81 to 2.15); P = 0.27; 1134 participants; 3 trials; low quality evidence). No data on health-related quality of life or socioeconomic effects were reported in the included studies. Authors' conclusions The body of evidence on TT compared with ST is limited. Goiter recurrence is reduced following TT. The effects on other key outcomes such as re-interventions due to goitre recurrence, adverse events and thyroid cancer incidence are uncertain. New long-term RCTs with additional data such as surgeons level of experience, treatment volume of surgical centres and details on techniques used are needed

Robotic versus laparoscopic approach in colonic resections for cancer and Benign diseases. Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives The aim of this systematic review and meta-Analysis is to compare robotic colectomy (RC) with laparoscopic colectomy (LC) in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve comparative studies of robotic and laparoscopic colectomy. The databases searched were PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2000 to October 2014. The Odds ratio, Risk difference and Mean difference were used as the summary statistics. Results A total of 12 studies, which included a total of 4,148 patients who had undergone robotic or laparoscopic colectomy, were included and analyzed. RC demonstrated a longer operative time (MD 41.52, P<0.00001) and higher cost (MD 2.42, P<0.00001) than did LC. The time to first flatus passage (MD-0.51, P = 0.003) and the length of hospital stay (MD-0.68, P = 0.01) were significantly shorter after RC. Additionally, the intraoperative blood loss (MD-16.82, P<0.00001) was significantly less in RC. There was also a significantly lower incidence of overall postoperative complications (OR 0.74, P = 0.02) and wound infections (RD-0.02, P = 0.03) after RC. No differences in the postoperative ileus, in the anastomotic leak, or in the conversion to open surgery rate and in the number of harvested lymph nodes outcomes were found between the approaches. Conclusions The present meta-Analysis, mainly based on observational studies, suggests that RC is more time-consuming and expensive than laparoscopy but that it results in faster recovery of bowel function, a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and lower rates of both overall postoperative complications and wound infections. Copyright: © 2015 Trastulli et al.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare robotic colectomy (RC) with laparoscopic colectomy (LC) in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve comparative studies of robotic and laparoscopic colectomy. The databases searched were PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2000 to October 2014. The Odds ratio, Risk difference and Mean difference were used as the summary statistics. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies, which included a total of 4,148 patients who had undergone robotic or laparoscopic colectomy, were included and analyzed. RC demonstrated a longer operative time (MD 41.52, P<0.00001) and higher cost (MD 2.42, P<0.00001) than did LC. The time to first flatus passage (MD -0.51, P = 0.003) and the length of hospital stay (MD -0.68, P = 0.01) were significantly shorter after RC. Additionally, the intraoperative blood loss (MD -16.82, P<0.00001) was significantly less in RC. There was also a significantly lower incidence of overall postoperative complications (OR 0.74, P = 0.02) and wound infections (RD -0.02, P = 0.03) after RC. No differences in the postoperative ileus, in the anastomotic leak, or in the conversion to open surgery rate and in the number of harvested lymph nodes outcomes were found between the approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis, mainly based on observational studies, suggests that RC is more time-consuming and expensive than laparoscopy but that it results in faster recovery of bowel function, a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and lower rates of both overall postoperative complications and wound infections

A plant sociological procedure for the ecological design and enhancement of urban green infrastructure

Urban green infrastructure could represent an important mean for environmental mitigation, if designed according to the principles of restoration ecology. Moreover, if suitably executed, managed and sized, they may be assimilated to meta-populations of natural habitats, deserving to be included in the biodiversity monitoring networks. In this chapter, we combined automatised and expert opinion-based procedures in order to select the vascular plant assemblages to populate different microhabitats (differing in terms of light and moisture) co-occurring on an existing green roof in Zurich (Switzerland). Our results lead to identify three main plant species groups, which prove to be the most suitable for the target roof. These guilds belong to mesoxeric perennial grasslands (Festuco-Brometea), nitrophilous ephemeral communities (Stellarietea mediae) and drought-tolerant pioneer species linked to nutrient-poor soils (Koelerio-Corynephoretea). Some ruderal and stress-tolerant species referred to the class Artemisietea vulgaris appear to fit well with local roof characteristics, too. Inspired by plant sociology, this method also considers conservation issues, analysing whether the plants selected through our procedure were characteristic of habitats of conservation interest according to Swiss and European laws and directives. Selecting plant species with different life cycles and life traits may lead to higher plant species richness, which in turn may improve the functional complexity and the ecosystem services provided by green roofs and green infrastructure in general

A case of pulmonary edema: The critical role of lung-heart integrated ultrasound examination.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a common presentation of acute heart failure normally treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), diuretics and nitrates. This therapy is contraindicated in case of cardiac tamponade. We describe a case of pulmonary edema due to cardiac tamponade in which integrated lung-heart ultrasound examination allowed prompt diagnosis and pericardiocentesis before administration of CPAP thus avoiding circulatory collapse

Perioperative care in elderly patients undergoing thyroid surgery

AbstractThe features of western world population are rapidly changing. The increment geriatric population obliges clinicians to implement specific recommendations and guidelines to manage these patients.In the field of thyroid surgery, when indications are represented by benign conditions, surgeons and endocrinologists tent to avoid surgery for the increased perioperative risks in the over 70 year old population.We reviewed our experience in thyroid surgery in geriatric patients within the environment of a “week surgery unit”. This unit was conceived to offer a highly specialized setting for thyroid patients needing short stay after surgery.Results showed that the surgical outcomes were comparable to the ones from third surgery in young patients.The week surgery approach is the best and safest formula to offer to the geriatric population needing thyroid surgery

Incidental diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma following coronavirus OC 43 severe pneumonia

Viral infections are frequent among patients with thoracic malignancies prompted by dysregulation of innate and adaptative immune response. Clinical symptoms and radiological findings of both viral pneumonia and lung adenocarcinoma may overlap resulting in diagnostic and clinical challenges.We present the case of a women admitted to our department presenting with an acute manifestation of coronavirus OC43 pneumonia with underlying undiagnosed lung adenocarcinoma