Qualitative and quantitative analysis of doctor-patient interactions during andrological consultations

Although a trustworthy connection between doctor and patient is crucial in clinical practice, it could be hindered by different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Moreover, an effective doctor-patient interaction could be even more challenging in andrological fields, in which psychological and social components are predominant

Correlations between Molecular Alterations, Histopathological Characteristics, and Poor Prognosis in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a severe malignancy with increasing incidence, poorly understood pathogenesis, and low survival rates. We sequenced 164 EAC samples of naïve patients (without chemo-radiotherapy) with high coverage using next-generation sequencing technologies. A total of 337 variants were identified across the whole cohort, with TP53 as the most frequently altered gene (67.27%). Missense mutations in TP53 correlated with worse cancer-specific survival (log-rank p = 0.001). In seven cases, we found disruptive mutations in HNF1alpha associated with other gene alterations. Moreover, we detected gene fusions through massive parallel sequencing of RNA, indicating that it is not a rare event in EAC. In conclusion, we report that a specific type of TP53 mutation (missense changes) negatively affected cancer-specific survival in EAC. HNF1alpha was identified as a new EAC-mutated gen

The importance of a taste. A comparative study on wild food plant consumption in twenty-one local communities in Italy

A comparative food ethnobotanical study was carried out in twenty-one local communities in Italy, fourteen of which were located in Northern Italy, one in Central Italy, one in Sardinia, and four in Southern Italy. 549 informants were asked to name and describe food uses of wild botanicals they currently gather and consume. Data showed that gathering, processing and consuming wild food plants are still important activities in all the selected areas. A few botanicals were quoted and cited in multiple areas, demonstrating that there are ethnobotanical contact points among the various Italian regions (Asparagus acutifolius, Reichardia picroides, Cichorium intybus, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, Silene vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Sonchus and Valerianella spp.). One taxon (Borago officinalis) in particular was found to be among the most quoted taxa in both the Southern and the Northern Italian sites

A machine-learning based bio-psycho-social model for the prediction of non-obstructive and obstructive coronary artery disease

Background: Mechanisms of myocardial ischemia in obstructive and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and the interplay between clinical, functional, biological and psycho-social features, are still far to be fully elucidated. Objectives: To develop a machine-learning (ML) model for the supervised prediction of obstructive versus non-obstructive CAD. Methods: From the EVA study, we analysed adults hospitalized for IHD undergoing conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Non-obstructive CAD was defined by a stenosis < 50% in one or more vessels. Baseline clinical and psycho-socio-cultural characteristics were used for computing a Rockwood and Mitnitski frailty index, and a gender score according to GENESIS-PRAXY methodology. Serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines was measured with a multiplex flow cytometry assay. Through an XGBoost classifier combined with an explainable artificial intelligence tool (SHAP), we identified the most influential features in discriminating obstructive versus non-obstructive CAD. Results: Among the overall EVA cohort (n = 509), 311 individuals (mean age 67 ± 11 years, 38% females; 67% obstructive CAD) with complete data were analysed. The ML-based model (83% accuracy and 87% precision) showed that while obstructive CAD was associated with higher frailty index, older age and a cytokine signature characterized by IL-1β, IL-12p70 and IL-33, non-obstructive CAD was associated with a higher gender score (i.e., social characteristics traditionally ascribed to women) and with a cytokine signature characterized by IL-18, IL-8, IL-23. Conclusions: Integrating clinical, biological, and psycho-social features, we have optimized a sex- and gender-unbiased model that discriminates obstructive and non-obstructive CAD. Further mechanistic studies will shed light on the biological plausibility of these associations. Clinical trial registration: NCT02737982

Mounting of accelerometers with structural adhesives: experimental characterization of the dynamic response

The use of accelerometers to monitor the vibrations of either complex machinery or simple component involves some considerations about the mounting of the sensor to the structure. Different types of mounting solutions are commonly used but in all cases they can be classified in one of these categories: stud mounting, screw mounting, adhesive mounting, magnetic mounting and probe sensing. Indeed each of them has a specific field of application depending on e.g. the mounting surface conditions, the temperature, the accessibility to the specific mounting point, etc. The choice of the mounting solution has a important effect on the accuracy of the usable frequency response of the accelerometer, since the higher the stiffness of the fixing, the higher the low-pass frequency limit of the mounting. This paper specifically focuses on adhesive mounting of accelerometers, which includes a great number of different products from the temporary adhesives like the beeswax to the permanent ones like cyanoacrylate polymers. Among the variety of commercial adhesives, three specific glues have been experimentally compared to assess their transmissivity and the results are reported in this paper. A two component methylmethacrylate (HBM X60), a modified silane (Terostat 737) and a cyanoacrylate (Loctite 401) adhesives have been used to joint two aluminium bases, one connected to an accelerometer and the other to the head of electromagnetic shaker. A design of experiments (DOE) approach was used to test the system at several levels of amplitude and frequency of the external sinusoidal excitation supplied by the shaker

Custom-made Hydroxyapatite Cranioplasty: Radiological and Histological Evidence of Bone-Biomaterial Osteointegration in Five Patients

Custom-made cranial implants facilitate the surgical reconstruction of destructive pathologies of the skull or extensive demolitive skull surgery. Customized cranioplasty allows for an immediate restoration of the functional integrity of the cranial defect (restitutio ad integrum), with excellent functional and esthetic outcome and a quick, safe, and simple procedure. In this context, bioceramics like hydroxyapatite (HA) claim high biocompatibility and bone-binding capability. The osteoconductive properties of the HA have been reported in animal models and humans. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate with radiological and histological examination and how HA prosthesis may integrate after their implantation showing data related to five patients that needed primary HA cranial reconstruction with secondary removal after few years. The histological examination showed neo-formed lamellar/trabecular bone tissue fragments accompanied by the amorphous reticular tissue (HA prosthesis) revealing diffuse ossification sites in all included cases

Metodologie non distruttive per l’individuazione di difetti su sanitari in ceramica

Studio di metodologie per l’individuazione, a fine linea di produzione, di difetti (sfili, cricche) su sanitari in ceramic

Sviluppo concettuale e dimensionamento di massima di un sistema meccanico facente parte della sospensione pneumatica di un sedile di guida professionale per macchine off-road

Sviluppo concettuale e dimensionamento di massima di un sistema meccanico facente parte della sospensione pneumatica di un sedile di guida professionale per macchine off-roadIl progetto di ricerca sarà orientato al dimensionamento di massima di un sistema meccanico per la realizzazione della sospensione di un sedile di guida per macchine off-road. Il meccanismo dovrà ospitare una molla pneumatica e dovrà presentare volumi strutturali chiusi utilizzabili come serbatoi di aria in pressione

Heart surgery in patients on chronic dialysis: Is there still room for improvement in early and long-term outcome?

The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of dialysis-dependent patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 81 dialysis-dependent patients with a mean age of 62.5 \ub1 9.4 years who underwent cardiac operations. Mean EuroScore was 7.1 \ub1 3.9 (>9 in 18 patients). Surgery included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 43 patients (53.1%), valve surgery in 16 (19.7%), combined CABG plus valve surgery in 19 (23.5%) and major aortic surgery in three patients. In-hospital mortality rate was 13.6%. Most of the deaths occurred in patients who underwent valve procedures or combined surgery. Preoperative New York Heart Association class IV, previous acute myocardial infarction, combined surgical procedures, major aortic surgery, age >70 years, history of heart failure, female gender, the duration of dialysis 655 years and urgent/emergent surgery were associated with high relative risk for perioperative death. The actuarial survival was 72.2% at 5 years. Predictors of increased late mortality were heart failure, urgent/emergent surgery, the complexity of the surgical procedures (valve surgery, combined CABG + valve and major aortic surgery) and postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. In dialysis-dependent patients, CABG has an acceptable risk. Results in patients affected by valve lesions associated or not with coronary artery disease are improved by an early referral to surgery, before the onset of symptoms of heart failure. \ua9 2010 Springer