A New Clathrate Class of Syndiotactic Poly(p-methylstyrene) with a Different Chain Conformation

A new crystalline clathrate class of syndiotactic poly(p-methylstyrene) has been found through thermal and WAXS analyses. In these clathrate forms, the polymer chains assume a T(6)G(2)T(2)G(2) conformation with a repetition period of 11.7 +/- 0.1 angstrom and t2 symmetry. The new conformation, supported by molecular mechanics calculations, presents a cavity, favorable to the formation of clathrate structure, only on one side of the polymer chain. This cavity is bigger than those presented by this polymer with a helical s(2/1)2 chain conformation found for all the other clathrates. After annealing, the clathrates of this new class are transformed in form II. For this new class of clathrates the term gamma is proposed

Clinical significance of the buccal fat pad: how to determine the correct surgical indications based on preoperative analysis

Background: Despite the multitude of clinical and aesthetic uses, the correct surgical indications for buccal fat pad (BFP) removal have yet to be fully elucidated. Although the procedure is widely performed and promoted for aesthetic purpose, literature lacks of studies accounting for a proper evaluation of patients undergoing BFP removal. Methods: Between 2012 and 2016 patients seeking an improvement of the malar contour by reduction of the submalar prominence have been visited at the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Institution. A preoperative MRI was requested in order to correctly identify the volume of the BFP and the presence of a masseter muscle (MM) hypertrophy. Results: According to clinical examination and the results of the preoperative imaging, patients were offered different treatment options: patients with BFP hypertrophy underwent BFP removal through an itraoral approach; patients with MM hypertrophy received injection of 50 UI of botulinum toxin (BTX). No complications were observed in the postoperative period and all patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: According to the experience, midface contouring procedures should take account of both surgeons’ experience, patients’ expectations and anatomical evaluation. As such, there is no given approach suitable for all cases. Suggested visual criteria, clinical examination and imaging analysis are useful in establishing patient’s condition and determining the appropriate methods of treatment to enhance the facial profile

Acquired ptosis associated with oculomotor and contralateral facial nerve synkinesis: the first reported case

Evidence of oculomotor nerve (ON) synkinesis is a common occurrence following both acquired and congenital III nerve palsy. It is generally accepted that aberrant regeneration is the likely aetiology of synkinesis in acquired III nerve palsy, following intracranial aneurysm, trauma, compressive neoplasms, cavernous sinus thrombosis and basilar meningitis

Development of a New Experimental Protocol for Analysing the Race-walking Technique Based on Kinematic and Dynamic Parameters

Abstract This paper describes a new motion analysis protocol for race-walking. The protocol has been tested under laboratory conditions on a real athlete of the Italian national race-walking team. The experimental setup included a motion capture system and a force platform to record both kinematic and dynamic aspects of the athletic action. Thus, any infringement of the rules can be detected, based on the measure of knee flexion-extension and the loss of ground contact. The biomechanical efficiency can be determined from the joint angles and the temporal components of gait. The results of experiments show that the protocol can be a valuable tool to assist athletes and trainers in improving race-walking technique

On the usability of augmented reality devices for interactive risk assessment

The use of Augmented Reality (AR) technologies is the new challenge of management models born under the “Industry 4.0” paradigm. The aim of the work is to evaluate the usability of two types of AR devices (tablet and see-through) employed in the training and information activities of workers according to the ISO/IEC 9126 and ISO 9241 standards. Starting from the state of the art, evaluating market and competitors and developing different concepts of interfaces, a dedicated application was programmed and, then, the usability of such devices for the professional figures involved was evaluated through experimental tests. Two reference scenarios were defined, the Department of Industrial Engineering of University of Naples Federico II and INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) laboratories, an user interface was designed and developed, as an aid in the drafting of the document for risk evaluation and subsequent training of workers. The activity is part of the IDEE Project (Interactive Design for Ergonomics), born by the collaboration between Joint Lab IDEAS and Contarp-INAIL-Regional Management for Campania. The data analysis allowed to evaluate the goodness of the devices and the degree of satisfaction in their use on the basis of the sample of users who conducted the tests. The use of AR devices produces better results than paperwork in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, but not all devices produce appreciable results in terms of user satisfaction. Although AR technologies are mature, the tasks need to be carefully defined to avoid rejection phenomena. The strong expectation, that they generate in potential users, risks to remain disappointed today for some usability limits found in currently available devices. It is necessary to start testing in pilot applications in various industrial fields in order to capture in time and adequately support this opportunity of innovation in Italy

Anatomically reduced fixation should always be considered when treating B and C proximal epiphyseal humeral fractures

Background Proximal humeral fractures are commonly observed in elderly patients. Management of these injuries is controversial. Literature comparing locking plate fixation, arthroplasty, and conservative treatments show no clear advantages for any of these management strategies. Thus far, no study has considered anatomically reduced fractures obtained after locking plate treatment. To clarify the best surgical procedure in middle-aged patients, we considered outcomes and major complications leading to surgical revision following an anatomically reduced fracture fixed with locking plate and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in the treatment of type B/C fractures in patients between 50 and 75 years of age. Methods This is a retrospective study including 59 patients between 50 and 75 years of age with type B/C proximal humeral fracture treated with RSA or with locking plate fixation (resulting in an anatomical reduction) between January 2010 and December 2018. Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were evaluated in all patients. Clinical and radiologic follow-up was performed using range of motion (ROM), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and visual analog scale (VAS). Major complications were considered. Results In the plate fixation group, ROM, CMS, SST, and VAS were higher than in the RSA group. Lower complication rates compared with the literature were observed in both groups. Anatomically reduced fracture fixed with plate and screw could outperform RSA in terms of outcome. In second-level centers where traumatology is performed by surgeons with great expertise in upper limb trauma, the choice between plate fixation and reverse arthroplasty should be made during surgery. Conclusion Anatomically reduced fractures showed better outcomes compared with RSA in type B/C fractures. Surgeons should always try to perform a reduction of the fracture in order to understand if a plate fixation could be feasible. If it is impossible to perform an anatomical reduction, we suggest to consider RSA. This is a retrospective observational study

The round-the-clock technique for correction of gynecomastia

Background Gynecomastia is a common condition that can cause severe emotional and physical distress in both young and older men. Patients in whom symptomatic recalcitrant gynecomastia persists for a long time are potential candidates for surgery. Methods From January 2014 to January 2016, 15 patients underwent correction of gynecomastia through a single 3-mm incision at our institution. Only patients with true gynecomastia underwent surgery with this new technique. Through the small incision, sharp dissection was performed in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction describing two half-circles. Health-related quality of life and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using a modified version of the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire (BEQ). Results The patients’ average age was 23.5 years (range, 18–28 years), and their average body mass index was 23.2 kg/m2 (range, 19.2–25.3 kg/m2). One case was unilateral and 14 cases were bilateral. The weight of glandular tissue resected from each breast ranged from 80 to 170 g. No excess skin was excised. Bleeding was minimal. The mean operating time was 25 minutes (range, 21–40 minutes). No complications were recorded. All lesions were histologically benign. The patients’ average score was 3.5 (on a 5-point Likert scale) in all domains of the BEQ for themselves and their partners. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated the safety and reliability of a new technique that allows mastectomy through an imperceptible 3-mm incision. We obtained high patient satisfaction scores using our surgical technique, and patients reported considerable improvement in their social, physical, and psychological well-being after surgery