REPERTI BRONZEI DAL NURAGHE BENEZZIDDO, AIDOMAGGIORE (ORISTANO)

The nuraghe Benezziddo is a tholos shaped structure with a niche on the right and a staircase on the left of the entrance. It leads to a main chamber in which there are three niches laid out as cross. The monument is surrounded by evident traces of a village. I n a recent survey at Benezziddo nuraghe a set of metal objects, mostly bronze ones, has been recovered. We do not know the original context, because the findings were gathered in the loose soil of an abusive excavation in front of nuraghe. The complex consists of 31 items for a total weight of 1742 grams, and can be dated in Nuragic, Roman and Middle Ages.A fragment of planoconvex ingot, a fragment of oxhide ingot, a fragment of a axe of large size and a fragment of a votive sword stand out among the Nuragic age findings. The heterogeneity of findings and the discovery place suggests that these objects had been deliberately buried in an easily detectable but finally they could not be recovered, for unspecified reasons.El nuraghe Benezziddo es una estructura a tholos con un nicho a la derecha y una escalera a la izquierda de la entrada. Ésta conduce a una cámara con tres nichos dispuestos en cruz. El monumento está circundado por trazas evidentes de un poblado. En una reciente visita al nuraghe se ha recuperado un conjunto de elementos metálicos, principalmente de bronce. No conocemos su contexto original, porque los hallazgos estaban dispuestos en el suelo alterado de una excavación abusiva delante del nuraghe. El complejo consta de 31 elementos para un peso total de 1742 gramos, y puede situarse cronológicamente en época nurágia, romana y medieval. Entre los hallazgos nurágicos destacan un fragmento de lingote plano-convexo, un fragmento de un hacha de grandes dimensiones y un fragmento de espada votiva. La heterogeneidad de los hallazgos y el lugar en que fueron descubiertos sugiere que estos objetos fueron enterrados deliberadamente en un lugar accesible del que sin embargo nunca se pudieron recuperar por causas desconocidas.In occasione di una recente ricognizione presso il nuraghe Benezziddo si è recuperato un gruppo di oggetti metallici, prevalentemente bronzei. Non se ne conosce l’originario contesto, in quanto i reperti sono stati raccolti nella terra smossa di uno scavo abusivo davanti all’ingresso del nuraghe. I l complesso è costituito da 31 reperti per un peso totale di 1742 grammi, ascrivibili cronologicamente all’età nuragica, romana e altomedievale. Tra i reperti attribuibili ad epoca nuragica, spiccano un frammento di panella in rame, un frammento di lingotto ox-hide, un frammento di ascia a margini rialzati e un frammento di spada votiva. L’eterogeneità dei reperti e il luogo di rinvenimento suggeriscono che questi oggetti - forse nemmeno tutti provenienti dal complesso archeologico in esame - siano stati interrati di proposito in un punto facilmente rintracciabile e infine sfuggiti per motivi imprecisati al recupero da parte degli stessi cercatori

I Pressoi litici fra classificazione tipologica e indagine sperimentale

The stone presses constitute a fundamental element of the production process and they are of significant interest due to their historical and archaeological value. Those artifacts, being considered less valuable than others, have enjoyed relative anonymity on the Island. Furthermore, those we are in possession of are of doubtful and mysterious origin and it is difficult to interpret their typology and age. The aim of this research project is to clarify the topic through the establishment of a stone presses’ sample organised by type and function. This is to be achieved by employing experimental archaeology, etnoarchaeology and the multi-disciplinary archaeology of line production as approached by the "Archeologia dei Paesaggi". Of those artifacts concerned with the production of wine, the millstones, 103 fixed rural wineries have been found: 12 within the Guilcer area and 91 within the Barigadu area. This is in addition to 53 movable containers connected to at least other 30 wineries. The results of this research also considerably expand the knowledge and understanding of the methods of oil production in the ancient times. The existence of methods for oil productions can be proved by the presence of the so called arae. Those are basis made of stone necessary to operate lever presses. The discovery of over 50 arae indicates a high production for the local market. Having analysed the evidence discovered, it is appropriate to assume that production was widespread in those areas for a long period of time, namely from the Nuragic period to the late Middle Ages

TRANCIANTE TRASVERSO, CUI PRODEST?

En este estudio preliminar se quiere discutir desde un punto de vista mecánico (cualitativo y cuantitativo) la relación forma – función del denominado “tranciante trasverso”, microlito trapezoidal utilizado como punta de flecha desde el Mesolítico Tardío al Neolítico Antiguo en toda Europa y el norte de África. Diversas publicaciones se ocupan de este elemento como punta de flecha simplemente, sin pretender profundizar en la interpretación funcional. El estudio experimental demuestra, por el contrario, cómo su forma determina características balísticas terminales particulares y, como consecuencia, restringe su ámbito de utilización a un uso come componente de proyectiles dedicados a la caza menor. Al mismo tiempo su probado uso como componente de proyectiles en los enfrentamientos armados durante el Predinástico egipcio abre escenarios diversos e interesantes para justificar su uso en condiciones tácticas particulares.In questo studio preliminare si vuole discutere da un punto di vista meccanico (qualitativo e quantitativo) il rapporto forma – funzione del cosiddetto “tranciante trasverso”, microlito trapezoidale utilizzato come armatura di freccia dal tardo Mesolitico al Neolitico antico in tutta Europa e Nordafrica. Svariate pubblicazioni trattano di questo elemento come punta di freccia tout court, senza porsi il problema di approfondirne l’interpretazione funzionale. Lo studio sperimentale dimostra invece come la sua forma ne determini particolari caratteristiche balistiche terminali e di conseguenza ne restringa il campo di utilizzo come componente di proiettile, dedicato prevalentemente alla piccola selvaggina. Nello stesso tempo il suo documentato utilizzo come componente di proiettile per gli scontri armati nell’Egitto predinastico apre scenari diversi e interessanti in grado di giustificarne l’uso in particolari condizioni tattiche

L’INDUSTRIA DEI TAGLIENTI DI MONTE S. VITTORIA (NEONELI, SARDEGNA)

During the analyses of the lithic industry found at the site of St. Victoria, located within the natural oasis of Assa, in the territory of Neoneli (Or), authors have been examined so far 357 instruments and 51 arrowheads. The latter, more fragmented and therefore not reusable, studied both from a functional and experimental point of view, have revealed traces of diagnostic impact. Except for leaf-shaped manufacts, the remaining specimens are characterized by the absence of retouch in the classic sense of the word. This complex material is therefore characterized by rapid and opportunistic production of manufacts with sharp edges (chips), not revived later with minute detachment (retouching). The function of these artefacts, which were analyzed by dimensions and cutting angles, may have been for butchering game. On this basis, in this work, the factors which led to excluding other possible uses for them are examinated. The geographical location of the settlement, situated in dominant position, together with the data generated during the above-mentioned analysis, let us to consider this site as a place where, in addition to observe the game and its movements, butchering subsequent to hunting was made.En el curso de los estudios sobre la industria lítica recuperada en el yacimiento  de S. Vittoria, localizado  al interior  de la reserva  natural  de Assai,  en el territorio  de Neoneli  (Oristano), se han  examinado  hasta  ahora  357 instrumentos  y 51 puntas  de flecha.  Estas  últimas,  fragmentarias  y  por  ello  no  reutilizables,  estudiadas  sea  del  punto  de  vista  funcional  sea  del punto de vista  experimental,  han  revelado  trazas  que indican  impactos.  a excepción  de los foliáceos, los restantes hallazgos se caracterizan por la ausencia de retoque en el sentido clásico del término. Tal complejo material resulta por ello característico de la producción rápida y opurtunística de artefactos con bordes cortantes (lascas), no reavivados sucesivamente  con  extracciones  concretas  (retoque).  La  función  de  estos  elementos,  de  los  que  se han  analizado  las  dimensiones  y  los  ángulos  de  corte,  podría  haber  sido  la  de  utensilios dedicados  al  desmembramiento   de  las  piezas  cazadas.  Basándonos  en  esto,  en  el  presente artículo se analizan sobre todo los elementos para los que se ha podido excluir cualquier otro tipo de utilización. La ubicación geográfica del asentamiento, situado en una posición dominante, junto con los datos obtenidos de los análisis citados, sugieren considerar este yacimiento  como  un  lugar  en  el que,  además  de  observar  los  animales  salvajes  y sus  desplazamientos,  se efectuaban  las operaciones  de  carnicería  sucesivas a la actividad  cazadora practicada  en sus inmediaciones.Nel corso degli studi sull’industria litica rinvenuta nel sito di S. Vittoria, individuato all’interno dell’Oasi naturalistica di Assai, nel territorio di Neoneli (Or), sono stati esaminati finora 357 strumenti e 51 cuspidi. Queste ultime, frammentarie e perciò non più riutilizzabili, studiate sia da un punto di vista funzionale che sperimentale, hanno rivelato tracce diagnostiche di impatto. Ad eccezione dei foliati, i restanti reperti si caratterizzano per l’assenza di ritocco nel senso classico del termine. Tale complesso materiale risulta perciò contraddistinto dalla produzione rapida e opportunistica di manufatti a margini taglienti (schegge), non ravvivati successivamente con stacchi minuti (ritocco). La funzione di questi reperti, di cui sono state analizzate dimensioni e angoli di taglio, potrebbe essere stata quella di utensili atti al depezzamento della selvaggina. Sulla base di ciò, nel presente lavoro si verificano soprattutto gli elementi che hanno portato ad escludere per essi altri possibili utilizzi. La collocazione geografica dell’insediamento, situato in posizione dominante, unitamente ai dati scaturiti dalle sopraccitate analisi, suggeriscono di considerare questo sito come un luogo in cui, oltre ad osservare la selvaggina ed i suoi spostamenti, venivano effettuate le operazioni di macellazione successive all’attività venatoria praticata nel territorio

Safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals in transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality among thalassemic patients. New treatments based on direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective and well-tolerated by patients; nonetheless, they have not been studied in thalassemic populations. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of these treatments in a cohort of Sardinian thalassemic patients with chronic HCV infection. Methods: We consecutively recruited thalassemic patients with HCV infection, who were eligible for DAA therapy at 3 liver units. Different drug combinations, depending on HCV genotype and hepatic disease severity, were used according to the current guidelines. Sustained virological response was assessed at 12 weeks posttreatment. Data regarding the side effects and transfusion requirements were also collected. Results: We recruited 49 patients, including 29 males (59.2%), with the mean age of 43 years (genotype 1, 55.1%). Twenty-one (42.9%) patients had a history of interferon-based treatment. Cirrhosis was detected in 28 (57.1%) patients; only 1 patient had ascites and hypoalbuminemia (Child-Pugh B7). On the other hand, 35 (71.4%) patients received a sofosbuvir-based regimen. Ribavirin treatment was reported in 26 (53.1%) cases. All the patients were followed-up for at least 12 weeks after therapy, and sustained virological response was observed in 98% of the patients. No treatment discontinuation was required due to adverse events. The most common side effects included fatigue (24.5%), headache (10.2%), and anaemia (77%), requiring further blood transfusion in patients receiving ribavirin. Conclusions: This prospective study showed that DAAs are safe and effective agents in thalassemic patients with advanced liver fibrosis, regardless of previous antiviral treatment responses

Heritability of Cardiovascular and Personality Traits in 6,148 Sardinians

In family studies, phenotypic similarities between relatives yield information on the overall contribution of genes to trait variation. Large samples are important for these family studies, especially when comparing heritability between subgroups such as young and old, or males and females. We recruited a cohort of 6,148 participants, aged 14–102 y, from four clustered towns in Sardinia. The cohort includes 34,469 relative pairs. To extract genetic information, we implemented software for variance components heritability analysis, designed to handle large pedigrees, analyze multiple traits simultaneously, and model heterogeneity. Here, we report heritability analyses for 98 quantitative traits, focusing on facets of personality and cardiovascular function. We also summarize results of bivariate analyses for all pairs of traits and of heterogeneity analyses for each trait. We found a significant genetic component for every trait. On average, genetic effects explained 40% of the variance for 38 blood tests, 51% for five anthropometric measures, 25% for 20 measures of cardiovascular function, and 19% for 35 personality traits. Four traits showed significant evidence for an X-linked component. Bivariate analyses suggested overlapping genetic determinants for many traits, including multiple personality facets and several traits related to the metabolic syndrome; but we found no evidence for shared genetic determinants that might underlie the reported association of some personality traits and cardiovascular risk factors. Models allowing for heterogeneity suggested that, in this cohort, the genetic variance was typically larger in females and in younger individuals, but interesting exceptions were observed. For example, narrow heritability of blood pressure was approximately 26% in individuals more than 42 y old, but only approximately 8% in younger individuals. Despite the heterogeneity in effect sizes, the same loci appear to contribute to variance in young and old, and in males and females. In summary, we find significant evidence for heritability of many medically important traits, including cardiovascular function and personality. Evidence for heterogeneity by age and sex suggests that models allowing for these differences will be important in mapping quantitative traits

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice

Pitfalls in assessing stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) in breast cancer

Abstract: Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are important prognostic and predictive biomarkers in triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer. Incorporating sTILs into clinical practice necessitates reproducible assessment. Previously developed standardized scoring guidelines have been widely embraced by the clinical and research communities. We evaluated sources of variability in sTIL assessment by pathologists in three previous sTIL ring studies. We identify common challenges and evaluate impact of discrepancies on outcome estimates in early TNBC using a newly-developed prognostic tool. Discordant sTIL assessment is driven by heterogeneity in lymphocyte distribution. Additional factors include: technical slide-related issues; scoring outside the tumor boundary; tumors with minimal assessable stroma; including lymphocytes associated with other structures; and including other inflammatory cells. Small variations in sTIL assessment modestly alter risk estimation in early TNBC but have the potential to affect treatment selection if cutpoints are employed. Scoring and averaging multiple areas, as well as use of reference images, improve consistency of sTIL evaluation. Moreover, to assist in avoiding the pitfalls identified in this analysis, we developed an educational resource available at www.tilsinbreastcancer.org/pitfalls

Application of a risk-management framework for integration of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in clinical trials

Funder: Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/100001006Abstract: Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are a potential predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To incorporate sTILs into clinical trials and diagnostics, reliable assessment is essential. In this review, we propose a new concept, namely the implementation of a risk-management framework that enables the use of sTILs as a stratification factor in clinical trials. We present the design of a biomarker risk-mitigation workflow that can be applied to any biomarker incorporation in clinical trials. We demonstrate the implementation of this concept using sTILs as an integral biomarker in a single-center phase II immunotherapy trial for metastatic TNBC (TONIC trial, NCT02499367), using this workflow to mitigate risks of suboptimal inclusion of sTILs in this specific trial. In this review, we demonstrate that a web-based scoring platform can mitigate potential risk factors when including sTILs in clinical trials, and we argue that this framework can be applied for any future biomarker-driven clinical trial setting