A Study on Energy Efficiency in Edge-assisted VR Applications with Meta Quest 2 for Disaster Management

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that has the potential to innovate whole sectors as well as the way we interact with digital environments. AR and VR devices are a perfect way to gain knowledge, information, and to practice operation plans during, before, and after a disaster took place, exploiting their capabilities. VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2 allow to perform rendering of applications locally or exploit the offloading to a Server in the cloud, and, in a disaster management scenario, the energy consumption of the device is a fundamental knowledge in order to make rational choices on which of the two types of rendering to perform. In this paper, we investigate the energy efficiency of the Meta Quest 2 in both of the two rendering approaches performing tests based on a benchmark application developed in Unreal Engine. From the results of our experiments, we found that remote rendering, performed via AirLink, allowed us to obtain higher FPS and overall quality, as well as keep the device GPU and CPU usage at lower values than with the local rendering paradigm. However, from the energy efficiency perspective, test results showed that besides the lighter CPU and GPU work using the remote rendering approach, the energy consumption, in the overall execution, exceeds the one using the local rendering paradigm, because of the network communication with the server

Risultati clinico-strumentali del trattamento dell'artrosi trapezio-metacarpale mediante artroplastica di interposizone

Introduzione: La rizoartrosi (artrosi trapezio-metacarpale) rappresenta il 10% delle localizzazioni artrosiche di tutto il corpo. L’ artroplastica di interposizione secondo Robinson prevede l’esecuzione di trapeziectomia ed innesto tendineo con emi Abduttore Lungo del Pollice (APL) inserito nel gap creato dalla trapeziectomia. Lo scopo dello studio è quello di valutare i risultati clinici e strumentali dell’artroplastica di interposizione ad un follow-up di medio-lungo termine valutando mediante studio RMN l’evoluzione del innesto, ed una sua eventuale associazione con gli risultati clinici. Materiali e Metodi: Da Luglio 2006 a Maggio 2012, sono stati trattati chirurgicamente 75 pazienti affetti da rizoartrosi.64 pazienti rientravano nei criteri di inclusione dello studio. La valutazione clinica è stata effettuata mediante Grind test, Kapandji test, DASH score, VAS score, valutazione della ROM in abduzione radiale, e soddisfazione soggettiva del paziente. L’esame strumentale è stato effettuato mediante RX in antero-posteriore e laterale, sono state inoltre analizzate sequenze T1-, T2-, STIR-, Spin Echo e Gradient Echo-MRI alla RMN. Risultati: 44 pazienti (68.75%) sono risultati pienamente soddisfatti, 16 pazienti (25%) hanno riportato grande beneficio e hanno ripreso tutte le attività quotidiane con limitazione minima. Solo 4 pazienti (6.25%) non sono stati soddisfatti dell’intervento. La distanza scafo-metacarpale (SMD) valutata radiograficamente nel 1 mese post operatorio ha mostrato un valore medio di 6.6±1.7SD mm. All’ultimo follow-up il valore medio (SMD) è risultato essere di 4.3±1.2SD mm, con una migrazione prossimale media di 2.3±0.9SD mm. La valutazione con RMN ha mostrato nel 100% dei pazienti la presenza di tessuto fibroso residuo nello spazio tra la base del primo metacarpo e lo scafoide. Nel 37.5% dei pazienti è stata osservata la presenza di edema osseo subcondrale. Il 50% dei pazienti mostravano sinovite reattiva alla RMN. Discussione/Conclusioni: L’artroplastica di interposizione è un trattamento sicuro e validato per il trattamento dei pazienti affetti da rizoartrosi di stadio III-IV secondo Eaton-Littler che garantisce buoni risultati clinici ed il ritorno alle normali attività di vita quotidiana. La quantità di tessuto fibroso residuo interposto dopo la trapeziectomia sembra essere correlate a migliori risultati clinico / radiografici e maggiore soddisfazione da parte dei pazienti

MaTESe: Machine Translation Evaluation as a Sequence Tagging Problem

Starting from last year, WMT human evaluation has been performed within the Multidimensional Quality Metrics (MQM) framework, where human annotators are asked to identify error spans in translations, alongside an error category and a severity. In this paper, we describe our submission to the WMT 2022 Metrics Shared Task, where we propose using the same paradigm for automatic evaluation: we present the MATESE metrics, which reframe machine translation evaluation as a sequence tagging problem. Our submission also includes a reference-free metric, denominated MATESE-QE. Despite the paucity of the openly available MQM data, our metrics obtain promising results, showing high levels of correlation with human judgements, while also enabling an evaluation that is interpretable. Moreover, MATESE-QE can also be employed in settings where it is infeasible to curate reference translations manually

Investigations of some parameters of natural immunity in meat turkeys reared outdoors

The progression of some parameters of natural immunity in meat turkey reared outdoors was investigated. The levels of the haemolytic complement were lower than those obtained in commercial turkeys and in turkeys reared in a controlled environment during one of our previous investigations. The weather conditions could have influenced the trend of the haemolytic complement in turkeys selected for high meat production and kept outside, underlining the possible importance of the rearing system

Hybrid coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular reconstruction in chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations yields good functional and radiographic results

Purpose Optimal treatment of chronic unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations (stage 3-5 according the Rockwood classification) is still debated. Anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction is a reliable option in terms of two-dimensional radiographic reduction, clinical outcomes, and return to sports, but there remain concerns regarding anterior-posterior stability of the AC joint with CC ligament reconstruction alone. The aim of the present study was to describe the mid-term results of a new hybrid technique with CC and AC ligament reconstruction for chronic AC joint dislocations. Methods Twenty-two patients surgically treated for chronic AC joint dislocations (grade 3 to 5) were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were assessed before surgery and at final follow-up with the Constant-Murley score (CMS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. The CC vertical distance (CCD) and the CCD ratio (affected side compared to unaffected side) were measured on Zanca radiographs preoperatively, at 6 months postop and at final follow-up. The same surgical technique consisting in a primary fixation with a suspensory system, coracoclavicular ligaments reconstruction with a double loop of autologous gracilis and acromioclavicular ligaments reconstruction with autologous coracoacromial ligament was performed in all cases. Results Twenty-two shoulders in 22 patients (19 males and 3 females) were evaluated with a mean age of 34.4 +/- 9 years at the time of surgery. The mean interval between the injury and surgery was 53.4 +/- 36.7 days. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 49.9 +/- 11.8 months. According to the Rockwood classification, there were 5 (22.6%) type-III and 17 (77.2%) type-V dislocations. Mean preoperative ASES and CMS were 54.4 +/- 7.6 and 64.6 +/- 7.2, respectively. They improved to 91.8 +/- 2.3 (p = 0.0001) and 95.2 +/- 3.1 (p = 0.0001), respectively at final FU. The mean preoperative CCD was 22.4 +/- 3.2 mm while the mean CCD ratio was 2.1 +/- 0.1. At final FU, the mean CCD was 11.9 +/- 1.4 mm (p = 0.002) and the mean CCD ratio was 1.1 +/- 0.1 (p = 0.009). No recurrence of instability was observed. One patient developed a local infection and four patients referred some shoulder discomfort. Heterotopic ossifications were observed in three patients. Conclusions The optimal treatment of chronic high-grade AC joint dislocations requires superior-inferior and anterior-posterior stability to ensure good clinical outcomes and return to overhead activities or sports. The present hybrid technique of AC and CC ligaments reconstruction showed good clinical and radiographic results and is a reliable an alternative to other reported techniques

Clinical Outcomes and Joint Stability after Lateralized Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with and without Subscapularis Repair: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Subscapularis tendon repair in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for dislocation, and its role continues to be debated. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of the primary lateralized RSAs with and without subscapularis repair in terms of range of motion, clinical outcomes, dislocations, and complications rate. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database was carried up to December 2020. A data extraction form was developed to collect select data from the included studies. The methodological quality was assessed using a Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) score. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager (Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration). Results: A total of four comparative studies involving 978 patients were included. In the pooled analysis, the reinsertion of the subscapularis yielded better functional outcomes in terms of the constant (P < 0.00001) and ASES (P = 0.002) scores. The forward elevation, external rotation at 0°, internal rotation, and dislocation rates were comparable between the two groups (P = n.s.), while statistically increased abduction was observed in those patients who did not have their subscapularis repaired (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: The results of the present findings suggest that it seems reasonable to reinsert the subscapularis whenever it is present, in good tissue conditions, and with no evidence of fatty degeneration of its muscle belly. Level of evidence: Level III meta-analysi

Technique for supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the gold standard for large kidney stones. Supine approach has proved to be safe and effective. Herein we present an educational video about our stepwise technique of supine PCNL in a safe way

A Case Report of Pediatric Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis and Radiologically Isolated Syndrome

Introduction: tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disease with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS characterized by symptomatic episodes that occur months or years apart and affect different anatomic locations. In the absence of symptomatic episodes, radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) could be diagnosed. Here, we report the case of a 10-year-old boy followed-up for TSC and diagnosed with RIS after a routine neuroimaging assessment. Case description: The patient was diagnosed with TSC after seizure onset at the age of 4 years. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple asymptomatic demyelinating lesions. Brain and spinal cord MRI was performed after 2 months and showed additional lesions in the right frontal white matter and left cerebral peduncle, the latter with contrast enhancement. Therefore, he received a diagnosis of RIS. Visual evoked potentials were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed oligoclonal bands. The search for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG antibodies was negative. He was treated with interferon beta-1a. Six months later, follow-up MRI revealed no new demyelinating lesions and resolution of contrast enhancement. Conclusion: to the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported patient presenting a co-occurrence of TSC and demyelinating disease. Although we cannot state if the described comorbidity is casual or not, some clinical and preclinical data suggest that the mTOR complex might be the link between TSC and demyelinating disease

Revealing the Therapeutic Potential of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Counteracting Paralysis and Neuropathic Pain in Spinally Injured Mice

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a major therapeutic agent that has been proven to be a successful treatment for different neurological disorders, with emerging novel therapeutic indications each year. BoNT/A exerts its action by blocking SNARE complex formation and vesicle release through the specific cleavage of SNAP-25 protein; the toxin is able to block the release of pro-inflammatory molecules for months after its administration. Here we demonstrate the extraordinary capacity of BoNT/A to neutralize the complete paralysis and pain insensitivity induced in a murine model of severe spinal cord injury (SCI). We show that the toxin, spinally administered within one hour from spinal trauma, exerts a long-lasting proteolytic action, up to 60 days after its administration, and induces a complete recovery of muscle and motor function. BoNT/A modulates SCI-induced neuroglia hyperreactivity, facilitating axonal restoration, and preventing secondary cells death and damage. Moreover, we demonstrate that BoNT/A affects SCI-induced neuropathic pain after moderate spinal contusion, confirming its anti-nociceptive action in this kind of pain, as well. Our results provide the intriguing and real possibility to identify in BoNT/A a therapeutic tool in counteracting SCI-induced detrimental effects. Because of the well-documented BoNT/A pharmacology, safety, and toxicity, these findings strongly encourage clinical translation

Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale infections and their association with common red blood cell polymorphisms in a highly endemic area of Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae infections are scarcely studied in sub-Saharan Africa, where the Plasmodium falciparum species predominates. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of P. ovale and P. malariae infections and their relationship with common red blood cell polymorphisms in a cohort of 509 individuals from Uganda. METHODS: Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in individuals of 1-10 and >20 y of age from the Apac district at baseline and 6 and 16 weeks after drug treatment. Malaria infections were assessed by polymerase chain reaction and genotyping was performed for the sickle-cell allele, α-thalassaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. RESULTS: At baseline, the prevalence of infection was 7.5%, 12.6% and 57.4% for P. ovale, P. malariae and P. falciparum species, respectively. Co-infections were present in 14.1% of individuals, all including P. falciparum parasites. In children 1-5 y of age, the prevalence of P. ovale mono-infections increased significantly from 1.7% to 7.3% over time (p=0.004) while the prevalence of P. malariae and P. falciparum infections declined significantly during this study. After adjusting for confounding and multiple testing, only α-thalassaemia had a statistically significant increase in the odds of P. falciparum infections (odds ratio 1.93 [95% confidence interval 1.26 to 2.94]). CONCLUSIONS: Common red blood cell polymorphisms do not show strong effects on mild Plasmodium infections in this Ugandan population. To understand the extent of this result, similar studies should be carried out in other populations using larger cohorts