Semi-Automatic Knowledge Augmentation: Methods and Tools

Text mining techniques are being adopted in many different fields to face the problem of extracting meaningful information hidden in unstructured data. Hybrid processes (human-machine) of knowledge extraction are usually the best solution for companies to achieve great results and to ensure the conformity of the output of the knowledge extraction process. Anyway, state-of-art literature on Natural Language Processing (NLP) lacks in process management studies. In particular, researchers have not yet studied the best way to integrate NLP outputs with human activities. To our best knowledge, the present thesis is a first step in the desired direction. This work aims to investigate the techniques used for the development of Knowledge Base to be used in Text Mining applications and to develop a semi-automatic procedure for Knowledge Augmentation. After an overview on the state-of-art, different techniques of knowledge extraction are applied to four case studies: 1. A completely human-based approach; 2. An automatic keyword extraction approach based on the TF-IDF plus a manual review of the results; 3. POS-tagging based keyword extraction plus a manual review of the results; 4. Hybrid approach that uses regular expressions and an advanced deep-learning method (word embeddings) to extract keywords from documents. Statistical filters are then used to select meaningful words. The amount of human intervention decreases from the first to the last case study

A rare case of siliconomas resulting from free silicone injections in breast tissue

: One of the most common complications of free silicone injection at multiple sites is its leakage and more rarely its migration through the lymphatic system with a resulting local inflammatory reaction of granulomatous type, known as "siliconoma". This report describes the case of a young woman who came to our attention for bilateral mastodynia and palpable tumefactions in breast and gluteal region, a few years after percutaneous injections of free liquid silicone for breast augmentation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Autism Spectrum Disorders: clinical and neuroradiological phenotypes

Background and aim: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that can severely compromise social and cognitive functions in childhood. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) currently represents the gold standard as an in vivo and non-invasive study of the human brain morphology. This work aims to search for possible links between clinical phenotypes and radiological anomalies that may be relevant and pathognomonic in the subsequent diagnosis of ASDs. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which 132 patients (112 males and 20 females) with neurodevelopment disorders, including ASDs, were enrolled. The population study was divided into three groups considering their own pathological diagnosis. All patients included in this population underwent genetic screening and one or multiple 1.5T MRI scans were performed to evaluate potential anomalies of the corpus callosum, periventricular white matter, ventricular space, cerebellum, subarachnoid space and thalamus. Results: Univariate analysis showed that the presence of MRI brain abnormalities was a significant variable in predicting the presence of ASDs.  Increased ventricular volume was one of the most replicated findings in ASDs patients since it was reported to be statistically significant both in uni- and multivariate analysis, resulting even as a potentially predictive factor of diagnosis. Conclusions: This study can represent a starting point for the research of new radiological evidence that might be important to early diagnose ASDs and for making a differential diagnosis with all those conditions that mimic autistic traits, but which are not clinically connected to the spectrum disorder itself

Characterization of Small Micro-and Nanoparticles in Antarctic Snow by Electron Microscopy and Raman Micro-Spectroscopy

The impact of the anthropic activities in Antarctica is a concerning issue. According to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, attention has to be paid to the next-generation contaminants deriving from both long-range atmospheric transport and local sources. In this study, the capabilities of transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy were exploited to evaluate the size, morphology, and chemical composition of small micro- and nanoparticles, as well as their aggregates, in surface snow samples collected during the 2020–2021 austral summer in the coastal area of Victoria Land near the Mario Zucchelli research station. The presence of biological particles, mineral dust, sea salts, and small carbonaceous and plastic micro- and nanoparticles was assessed. Sulfate, carbonate, and nitrate minerals were detected in all the samples, whereas polyethylene, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl-acetate), and different kinds of carbonaceous materials were predominantly identified in the samples closest to the research base. The presence of small micro- and nanoparticles containing heavy metals and plastic polymers in samples collected in the areas surrounding the Italian research base highlights the impact of anthropogenic activities on the polar environment, suggesting the need for continuous monitoring to evaluate possible threats to the delicate Antarctic ecosystem

CT-guided ozone mixture injection in treatment of symptomatic lumbar facet synovial cysts

Background and aim: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, in terms of safety and efficacy, of a new treatment method for symptomatic lumbar facet synovial cysts (LFSC), based on ozone injection inside the cyst. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and imaging studies of 77 patients who underwent CT-guided ozone treatment of symptomatic facet joint synovial cysts in our department over a 5-year span. Clinical outcome was assessed with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) evaluations, obtained prior to the intervention and at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months follow-up. Follow-up MRI imaging at 6 and 12 months were obtained and confronted with the pre-procedural MRI to analyse cyst modification after the intervention. Results: Ozone administration was technically successful in 100% of procedures; no immediate complications occurred. At 1 month evaluation, 92% of the patients referred partial or complete symptomatic response; 86% of patients at 3 months and 84% at 6 months confirmed symptoms improvement; final assessment, at 12 months after intervention, outlined overall significant clinical improvement in 81% of patients. During the 12 months of follow-up only 3 patients had a relapse of the cyst (at 6 months) that were retreated with a 100% success. Conclusions: CT-guided ozone therapy for symptomatic LFSC is a safe and innovative treatment option, with good clinical results at 12 months follow-up in a significative percentage of patients, thus reducing the need for invasive surgical interventions