Analisi della struttura spaziale e pianificazione del paesaggio agro-forestale: prospettive d’integrazione

L’ecologia del paesaggio offre un ampio spettro di tecniche d’analisi applicabili a cartografie di uso e copertura del suolo per derivare informazioni quantitative su una varietà di aspetti della configurazione spaziale del mosaico paesistico; tra gli altri, misure relative alla estensione, forma, e livello di frammentazione spaziale delle superfici forestali (o di altre categorie di habitat naturali e seminaturali) sono ritenute utili a rispondere a requisiti informativi tipicamente formulati nel contesto di politiche di conservazione della biodiversità. Analisi della struttura del paesaggio possono anche supportare l’individuazione di ambiti territoriali omogenei per valore paesaggistico da individuare nel piano paesaggistico regionale, rispetto ai quali pianificare obiettivi di qualità paesaggistica e prescrizioni per la tutela e l'uso del territorio (vd. D. Lgs. 42/2004, Codice Urbani). Le metodologie di analisi e il monitoraggio della struttura spaziale del paesaggio agro-forestale sono ormai numerose e consolidate; tuttavia, solo di recente i risultati di questi studi hanno cominciato a supportare e orientare politiche di pianificazione del territorio per la formulazione di strategie di sviluppo territoriale differenziate in rapporto alle esigenze di conservazione degli habitat e della biodiversità e di salvaguardia del paesaggio calibrate in base alle specificità dei singoli territori. In particolare, il tema delle reti ecologiche, è divenuto oggetto specifico di pianificazione all’interno degli strumenti di area vasta. In questa prospettiva il presente contributo intende delineare alcune riflessioni su come raccordare le conoscenze dell’ecologia del paesaggio alla formulazione di obiettivi di salvaguardia e valorizzazione del paesaggio, tenendo conto della configurazione attuale del sistema delle pianificazioni aventi competenza in materia di governo del paesaggio. Focalizzando l’attenzione su le problematiche di governo del paesaggio più tipiche del paesaggio agro-forestale, vengono inoltre prospettate alcune considerazioni sul possibile ruolo della gestione forestale come strumento d’attuazione delle previsioni inerenti la tutela e la riqualificazione del paesaggio espresse dagli strumenti di pianificazione di area vasta

In Vitro Repair of Fractured Fiber-Reinforced Cusp-Replacing Composite Restorations

Objective. To assess fracture resistance and failure mode of repaired fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) cusp-replacing restorations. Methods. Sixteen extracted human premolars with fractured cusp-replacing woven (Group (A)) or unidirectional (Group (B)) FRC restorations from a previous loading experiment were repaired with resin composite and loaded to fracture. Results. Differences in fracture loads between groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.34). Fracture loads of repaired specimens were significantly lower than those of original specimens (P = 0.02 for Group (A) and P < 0.001 for Group (B)). Majority of specimens showed failure along the repaired surface. In Group (B) 89% of specimens showed intact tooth substrate after restoration fracture, while this was 28% in Group (A) (P = 0.04). Conclusion. Fractured cusp-replacing FRC restorations that are repaired with resin composite show about half of fracture resistance of original restorations. Mode of failure with a base of unidirectional fibers is predominantly adhesive

Brief report Restored flexor carpi ulnaris function after mere tenotomy explains the recurrence of spastic wrist deformity

Abstract Objective. To prove that fibrous restoration of the continuity of a cut tendon may cause recurrence of flexion deformity of the wrist after mere tenotomy of the spastic flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Background. Mere tenotomy of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon is insufficient to prevent recurrence of acquired spastic flexion deformity of the wrist. Subsequent restoration of the continuity of the tendon by fibrous interposition may result in the recurrence. We examined whether a previously tenotomised muscle is strong enough to cause the deformity. Methods. Active and passive force-length characteristics of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle were measured intraoperatively in a patient with recurrent spastic flexion wrist deformity. The observed characteristics were compared with the average in vivo forcelength characteristics of 14 spastic flexor carpi ulnaris muscles that had not previously been operated. Results. The previously tenotomised flexor carpi ulnaris muscle was able to maximally exert 110 N force. Its active force-length curve and passive force at maximal extension were similar to those of non-operated spastic flexor carpi ulnaris muscles. Conclusions. A previously tenotomised flexor carpi ulnaris muscle is strong enough to cause recurrence of spastic flexion deformity of the wrist in case functional fibrous restoration of the tendon occurs after mere tenotomy. Relevance The surgical routine of mere tenotomy should probably be modified by including the dissection of the distal muscle belly and the excision of a segment of the tendon to avoid its restoration

Occlusion and Temporomandibular Function among Subjects with Mandibular Distal Extension Removable Partial Dentures

Objective. To quantify effects on occlusion and temporomandibular function of mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures in shortened dental arches. Methods. Subjects wearing mandibular extension removable partial dentures (n = 25) were compared with subjects with shortened dental arches without extension (n = 74) and with subjects who had worn a mandibular extension removable partial denture in the past (n = 19). Subjects with complete dentitions (n = 72) were controls. Data were collected at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-year observations. Results. Occlusal activity in terms of reported awareness of bruxism and occlusal tooth wear of lower anterior teeth did not differ significantly between the groups. In contrast, occlusal tooth wear of premolars in shortened dental arches with or without extension dentures was significantly higher than in the controls. Differences amongst groups with respect to signs and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders were not found. Occlusal support of the dentures did not influence anterior spatial relationship. Occlusal contacts of the denture teeth decreased from 70% for second premolars via 50% for first molars, to 30% for second molars. Conclusions. Mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures in moderate shortened dental arches had no effects on occlusion and temporomandibular function

A microcosting study of the surgical correction of upper extremity deformity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

_Objective:_ Determine healthcare costs of upper-extremity surgical correction in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). _Method:_ This cohort study included 39 children with spastic CP who had surgery for their upper extremity at a Dutch hospital. A retrospective cost analysis was performed including both hospital and rehabilitation costs. Hospital costs were determined using microcosting methodology. Rehabilitation costs were estimated using reference prices. _Results:_ Hospital costs averaged €6813 per child. Labor (50%), overheads (29%), and medical aids (15%) were important cost drivers. Rehabilitation costs were estimated at €3599 per child. _Conclusions:_ Surgery of the upper extremity is an important contributor to the healthcare costs of children with CP. Our study shows that labor is the most important cost driver for hospital costs, owing to the multidisciplinary approach and patient-specific treatment plan. A remarkable finding was the substantial amount of rehabilitation costs

Connective tissue degeneration: Mechanisms of palmar fascia degeneration (Dupuytren’s disease)

Dupuytren’s disease is a connective tissue disorder of the hand causing excessive palmar fascial fibrosis with associated finger contracture and disability. The aetiology of the disease is heterogeneous, with both genetic and environmental components. The connective tissue is abnormally infiltrated by myofibroblasts that deposit collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. We describe the clinical profile of Dupuytren’s disease along with current therapeutic schemes. Recent findings on molecular and cellular parameters that are dysregulated in Dupuytren’s disease, which may contribute to the onset of the disease, and the role of resident inflammation promoting fibrosis, are highlighted. We review recent literature focusing on non-myofibroblast cell types (stem cell-like cells), their pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic role that may account for abnormal wound healing response

Effects of knee joint angle on global and local strains within human triceps surae muscle: MRI analysis indicating in vivo myofascial force transmission between synergistic muscles

Purpose Mechanical interactions between muscles have been shown for in situ conditions. In vivo data for humans is unavailable. Global and local length changes of calf muscles were studied to test the hypothesis that local strains may occur also within muscle for which global strain equals zero. Methods For determination of globally induced strain in m. gastrocnemius in dissected human cadavers several knee joint angles were imposed, while keeping ankle joint angle constant and measuring its muscle-tendon complex length changes. In vivo local strains in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were calculated using MRI techniques in healthy human volunteers comparing images taken at static knee angles of 173° and 150°. Results Imposed global strains on gastrocnemius were much smaller than local strains. High distributions of strains were encountered, e.g. overall lengthened muscle contains locally lengthened, as well as shortened areas within it. Substantial strains were not limited to gastrocnemius, but were found also in synergistic soleus muscle, despite the latter muscle-tendon complex length remaining isometric (constant ankle angle: i.e. global strain = 0), as it does not cross the knee. Based on results of animal experiments this effect is ascribed to myofascial connections between these synergistic muscles. The most likely pathway is the neurovascular tract within the anterior crural compartment (i.e. the collagen reinforcements of blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves). However, direct intermuscular transmission of force may also occur via the perimysium shared between the two muscles. Conclusions Global strains imposed on muscle (joint movement) are not good estimators of in vivo local strains within it: differing in magnitude, as well as direction of length change. Substantial mechanical interaction occurs between calf muscles, which is mediated by myofascial force transmission between these synergistic muscles. This confirms conclusions of previous in situ studies in experimental animals and human patients, for in vivo conditions in healthy human subjects. © 2011 Springer-Verlag

Contemporary operative caries management:consensus recommendations on minimally invasive caries removal

The International Caries Consensus Collaboration (ICCC) presented recommendations on terminology, on carious tissue removal and on managing cavitated carious lesions. It identified 'dental caries' as the name of the disease that dentists should manage, and the importance of controlling the activity of existing cavitated lesions to preserve hard tissues, maintain pulp sensibility and retain functional teeth in the long term. The ICCC recommended the level of hardness (soft, leathery, firm, and hard dentine) as the criterion for determining the clinical consequences of the disease and defined new strategies for carious tissue removal: 1) Selective removal of carious tissue - including selective removal to soft dentine and selective removal to firm dentine; 2) stepwise removal - including stage 1, selective removal to soft dentine, and stage 2, selective removal to firm dentine 6 to 12 months later; and 3) non-selective removal to hard dentine - formerly known as complete caries removal (a traditional approach no longer recommended). Adoption of these terms will facilitate improved understanding and communication among researchers, within dental educators and the wider clinical dentistry community. Controlling the disease in cavitated carious lesions should be attempted using methods which are aimed at biofilm removal or control first. Only when cavitated carious dentine lesions are either non-cleansable or can no longer be sealed, are restorative interventions indicated. Carious tissue is removed purely to create conditions for long-lasting restorations. Bacterially contaminated or demineralised tissues close to the pulp do not need to be removed. The evidence and, therefore these recommendations, supports minimally invasive carious lesion management, delaying entry to, and slowing down, the destructive restorative cycle by preserving tooth tissue, maintaining pulp sensibility and retaining the functional tooth-restoration complex long-term

Neuronal Conduction of Excitation without Action Potentials Based on Ceramide Production

International audienceBACKGROUND: Action potentials are the classic mechanism by which neurons convey a state of excitation throughout their length, leading, after synaptic transmission, to the activation of other neurons and consequently to network functioning. Using an in vitro integrated model, we found previously that peripheral networks in the autonomic nervous system can organise an unconventional regulatory reflex of the digestive tract motility without action potentials. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this report, we used combined neuropharmacological and biochemical approaches to elucidate some steps of the mechanism that conveys excitation along the nerves fibres without action potentials. This mechanism requires the production of ceramide in membrane lipid rafts, which triggers in the cytoplasm an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, followed by activation of a neuronal nitric oxide synthase leading to local production of nitric oxide, and then to guanosine cyclic monophosphate. This sequence of second messengers is activated in cascade from rafts to rafts to ensure conduction of the excitation along the nerve fibres. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that second messengers are involved in neuronal conduction of excitation without action potentials. This mechanism represents the first evidence-to our knowledge-that excitation is carried along nerves independently of electrical signals. This unexpected ceramide-based conduction of excitation without action potentials along the autonomic nerve fibres opens up new prospects in our understanding of neuronal functioning