MRI Appearance of Focal Lesions in Liver Iron Overload

Liver iron overload is defined as an accumulation of the chemical element Fe in the hepatic parenchyma that exceeds the normal storage. When iron accumulates, it can be toxic for the liver by producing inflammation and cell damage. This can potentially lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as to other liver lesions depending on the underlying condition associated to liver iron overload. The correct assessment of liver iron storage is pivotal to drive the best treatment and prevent complication. Nowadays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best non-invasive modality to detect and quantify liver iron overload. However, due to its superparamagnetic properties, iron provides a natural source of contrast enhancement that can make challenging the differential diagnosis between different focal liver lesions (FLLs). To date, a fully comprehensive description of MRI features of liver lesions commonly found in iron-overloaded liver is lacking in the literature. Through an extensive review of the published literature, we aim to summarize the MRI signal intensity and enhancement pattern of the most common FLLs that can occur in liver iron overload

Short-Term Effects of Radiotherapy Postquadrantectomy on Internal Mammary Artery and Vein

When a tumor local recurrence occurs a possible approach can be a mastectomy with simultaneous breast reconstruction with autologous tissue. The area involved by tangential radiation portals includes also the internal mammary artery and veins, considered by the most part of plastic surgeons to be the best recipient vessels for a free flap in breast reconstruction. Internal mammary vessels receives low but not necessary insignificant doses during whole breast irradiation; arteries and veins are traditionally considered quietly resistant to the irradiation but limited data on the flux in mammary vessels after radiotherapy are available. The goal of our study (37 patients from September 2011 to February 2012) was to evaluate modifications in vascular parameters of the flux at ultrasonography in the internal mammary chain after adjuvant radiotherapy that could influence the choice of the autologous surgical technique (free or pedicled flap) and the choice of the recipient vessels in breast reconstruction. Based on the results of our study, we would recommend avoiding an irradiated recipient site when no irradiated recipient vessels are available; a preoperative ultrasound evaluation is recommended in patients underwent whole breast irradiation

A Comprehensive and Systematic Diagnostic Campaign for a New Acquisition of Contemporary Art—The Case of Natura Morta by Andreina Rosa (1924–2019) at the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro, Venice

A multi-analytical approach has been employed to investigate the painting Natura Morta (1954–1955) by Andreina Rosa (1924–2019) to assess the state of conservation and to understand more about the painting materials and techniques of this artwork, which was recently donated by the painter’s heirs to the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro (Venice-Italy). A comprehensive and systematic diagnostic campaign was carried out, mainly adopting non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic methods, such as technical photography, optical microscopy, Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroscopy (HIS), fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), External Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ER-FTIR), and Raman spectroscopies. Microsamples, collected from the edges of the canvas in areas partially detached, were studied by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). By crossing the information gained, it was possible to make inferences about the composition of the groundings and the painted layers, the state of conservation of the artwork, and the presence of degradation phenomena. Hence, the present study may be of interest for conservation purposes as well as for enhancing the artistic activity of Andreina Rosa. The final aim was to provide useful information for the Gallery which recently included this painting in its permanent collection

Influence of the static magnetic field on cell response in a miniaturized optically accessible bioreactor for 3D cell culture

Hydraulic sealing is a crucial condition for the maintenance of sterility during long term operation of microfluidic bioreactors. We developed a miniaturized optically accessible bioreactor (MOAB) allowing perfused culture of 3D cellularised constructs. In the MOAB, the culture chambers are sealed by magnets that generate a weak static magnetic field (SMF). Here, we predicted computationally the exact level of SMF to which cells are subjected during culture in the MOAB and we assessed its influence on the viability, metabolic activity and gene expression of neuroblastoma-derived cells cultured up to seven days. The predicted SMF ranged from 0.32 to 0.57 T using an axial-symmetric model of a single chamber, whereas it ranged from 0.35 to 0.62 T using a 3D model of the complete device. Cell function was evaluated in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells at 2 and 7 days of culture in the MOAB, compared to 2D monolayer, 3D non-perfused constructs, and 3D perfused constructs cultured in a modified MOAB with magnet-free sealing. We measured the cell metabolic activity normalized by the DNA content and the expression levels of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp-70), Bcl-2 and Bax. We found that the level of SMF applied to cells in the MOAB did not influence their metabolic activity and exerted a stressful effect in 2D monolayer, not confirmed in 3D conditions, neither static not perfused. Instead, the magnets provided a significantly greater hydraulic sealing in long-term culture, thus the MOAB might be potentially exploitable for the development of reliable in vitro models of neurodegeneration

I materiali e la tecnica pittorica di Giulio Aristide sartorio nel ciclo “Il poema della vita umana” (1906-07): conoscenza e prevenzione per un progetto di musealizzazione

Summary In 1906 Giulio Aristide Sartorio created the pictorial cycle “The Poem of Human Life" for the Central Hall of the Venice Biennale. To complete the cycle (over 240 m2) in just nine months, he used a special painting technique: “a mixture of wax, mineral turpentine and oils”.This cycle has had a complicated history of conservation. A project involving conservation and maintenance is needed to access Sartorio’s paintings. The first step in the conservation project involves the study of the entire cycle to identify the materials and the painting techniques adopted by the artist and to understand the degradation processes present on the paintings. This knowledge makes it possible to suggest some general guidelines for the correct presentation of the cycle for public viewing in a museum. A priority is the prevention of future degradation processes, usually due to exhibition conditions themselves, including excessive exhibition stress. This research shows that any museum display project must consider the specific technical and material characteristics of the artworks prior to their exhibition. RiassuntoNel 1906 Aristide Sartorio dipinse il ciclo "Il poema della Vita Umana" per il Salone Centrale della Biennale di Venezia. Per completare il ciclo (di oltre 240 m2) in solamente nove mesi, egli ricorse ad una particolare tecnica pittorica: “ una mistura di cera, essenza di trementina e oli”. Questa opera attraversò complicate vicende conservative ed era necessario un progetto di  conservazione e manutenzione per renderla visibile. Il primo passo per la stesura del progetto conservativo ha riguardato lo studio dell’intero ciclo per identificare i materiali e la tecnica pittorica adottata dall’artista e comprendere i processi di degrado in atto. Queste conoscenze danno la possibilità di suggerire delle linee guida generali per la corretta musealizzazione del ciclo, considerando prioritaria la prevenzione di futuri processi di degrado, generalmente legati alle condizioni di esposizione e stress correlati ad esse. Questa ricerca mostra che ogniprogetto di musealizzazione deve considerare le specifiche caratteristiche tecniche dell’opera prima di prevederne l’esposizione. RésuméEn 1906, Aristide Sartorio réalisa le cycle de peintures « Il poema della Vita Umana » (Le poème de la vie humaine) pour le Salon central de la Biennale de Venise. Pour compléter ce cycle de plus de 240 m2 en neuf mois seulement, il utilisa une technique picturale particulière, « un mélange de cire, essence de térébenthine et huiles ». Au niveau de la conservation, cette œuvre connut de nombreuses difficultés. Un projet de conservation et d’entretien était nécessaire pour la rendre visible. La première étape de la rédaction du projet de conservation fut l’étude de l’ensemble du cycle, pour identifier les matériaux et la technique picturale utilisée par l’artiste, et pour comprendre les processus de détérioration en cours. Les connaissances ainsi obtenues permettent de préconiser des lignes directrices générales pour la bonne muséalisation du cycle, la priorité étant la prévention des détériorations à venir, le plus souvent associées aux conditions d’exposition et aux sollicitations correspondantes. Cette recherche montre que tout projet de muséalisation doit considérer les caractéristiques techniques spécifiques de l’œuvre avant d’envisager son exposition. ZusammenfassungIm Jahr 1906 malte Aristide Sartorio den Zyklus "Il poema della Vita Umana" (etwa “Das Gedicht des menschlichen Lebens”) für den Zentralen Salon der Biennale von Venedig.  Um diesen Zyklus (über 240 m² groß) in nur neun Monaten fertigstellen zu kennen, griff er auf eine besondere Maltechnik zurück: “ein Gemisch von Wachs, Terpentin und Ölen”.  Dieses Werk unterlag komplizierten Konservierungsarbeiten und es war ein Projekt für die Konservierung und Instandhaltung notwendig, um es sichtbar zu machen. Der erste Schritt zur Erstellung dieses Konservierungsprojekts bestand im Studium des gesamten Zyklus, um die Materialien und die vom Künstler angewandte Maltechnik zu bestimmen und den eingetretenen Verrottungsprozess zu begreifen.  Die Kenntnis dieser Faktoren bieten die Möglichkeit, allgemeine Leitlinien für die korrekte Musealisierung des Zyklus zu liefern, wobei als prioritär die Verhinderung zukünftiger Verrottungsprozesse betrachtet wurde, die generell mit den Ausstellungsbedingungen und der damit einhergehenden Belastung verbunden sind. Diese Forschungsarbeit bezeugt, dass jedes Musealisierungsprojekt die spezifischen technischen Merkmale des Werks berücksichtigen muss, bevor es ausgestellt werden kann. ResumenEn 1906 Aristide Sartorio pintó el ciclo "Il poema della Vita Umana" (El poema de la Vida Humana) para el Salón Central de la Bienal de Venecia. Para completar el ciclo (de más de 240 m2) en tan solo nueve meses, el artista recurrió a una técnica pictórica particular: "una mezcla de cera, esencia de trementina y aceites". Esta obra atravesó complicadas vicisitudes por lo que se refiere a su conservación y un proyecto de conservación y mantenimiento era necesario para hacerla visible. El primer paso de la redacción del proyecto de conservación se ha centrado en el estudio del ciclo en su totalidad para identificar los materiales y la técnica pictórica adoptada por el artista y comprender los procesos de deterioro en marcha. Estos conocimientos brindan la posibilidad de sugerir algunos principios generales para musealizar el ciclo correctamente y se considera prioritaria la prevención de procesos de deterioro en el futuro, los cuales están generalmente relacionados con las condiciones de exposición y el estrés provocado por las mismas. Esta investigación muestra que todo proyecto de musealización debe tener en cuenta las características técnicas específicas de la obra antes de disponer su exposición. РезюмеВ 1906 году Аристид Сарторио создал цикл «Поэма человеческой жизни» для Центрального зала Венецианской Биеннале. Для завершения цикла (более 240 кв. м) всего лишь за девять месяцев он прибег к особой технике живописи: «смеси воска, скипидара и масла». Это произведение имело сложную историю с точки зрения его сохранения и нуждалось в проекте по сбережению и поддержанию, чтобы оставаться видимым. Первым шагом в создании проекта по сохранению явилось изучение всего цикла для определения материалов и техники живописи, принятых мастером, и выявить причины действующих процессов деградации. Эти знания позволяют дать общие указания для правильной музейной экспозиции цикла, отдавая приоритет предотвращению будущих процессов деградации, обычно связанных с условиями экспозиции и стресса, связанного с ними. Это исследование показывает, что любой проект музейной экспозиции при его подготовке должен учитывать специфические технические характеристики произведения. 摘要于1906年Aristide Sartorio  (阿里斯蒂德·萨尔托里奥)为威尼斯双年展的中心展厅画了"Il poema della Vita Umana(人生的诗歌)"一系列画。为了在9个月内完成此系列(240 多平方米大)，他使用了一种特别的画画技巧: “ 蜡、松节油精华和油类的混合物”。这幅作品经历了许多复杂的保留程序，当时为了展览它需要一种合适的保养与保存项目。保存项目的第一步是通过整个系列的研究来识别画家采用的材料和作画技巧以及了解已开始的退化过程。这些研究的结果对于此系列画正确地展示在博物馆里提供了指导方针以及在预防退化过程的基础上，分析了与它有关的展示的条件。这个研究证明了每个博物馆展示项目在展示作品之前都应当考虑到有关作品的技术特点。Summary In 1906 Giulio Aristide Sartorio created the pictorial cycle “The Poem of Human Life" for the Central Hall of the Venice Biennale. To complete the cycle (over 240 m2) in just nine months, he used a special painting technique: “a mixture of wax, mineral turpentine and oils”.This cycle has had a complicated history of conservation. A project involving conservation and maintenance is needed to access Sartorio’s paintings. The first step in the conservation project involves the study of the entire cycle to identify the materials and the painting techniques adopted by the artist and to understand the degradation processes present on the paintings. This knowledge makes it possible to suggest some general guidelines for the correct presentation of the cycle for public viewing in a museum. A priority is the prevention of future degradation processes, usually due to exhibition conditions themselves, including excessive exhibition stress. This research shows that any museum display project must consider the specific technical and material characteristics of the artworks prior to their exhibition. RiassuntoNel 1906 Aristide Sartorio dipinse il ciclo "Il poema della Vita Umana" per il Salone Centrale della Biennale di Venezia. Per completare il ciclo (di oltre 240 m2) in solamente nove mesi, egli ricorse ad una particolare tecnica pittorica: “ una mistura di cera, essenza di trementina e oli”. Questa opera attraversò complicate vicende conservative ed era necessario un progetto di  conservazione e manutenzione per renderla visibile. Il primo passo per la stesura del progetto conservativo ha riguardato lo studio dell’intero ciclo per identificare i materiali e la tecnica pittorica adottata dall’artista e comprendere i processi di degrado in atto. Queste conoscenze danno la possibilità di suggerire delle linee guida generali per la corretta musealizzazione del ciclo, considerando prioritaria la prevenzione di futuri processi di degrado, generalmente legati alle condizioni di esposizione e stress correlati ad esse. Questa ricerca mostra che ogniprogetto di musealizzazione deve considerare le specifiche caratteristiche tecniche dell’opera prima di prevederne l’esposizione. RésuméEn 1906, Aristide Sartorio réalisa le cycle de peintures « Il poema della Vita Umana » (Le poème de la vie humaine) pour le Salon central de la Biennale de Venise. Pour compléter ce cycle de plus de 240 m2 en neuf mois seulement, il utilisa une technique picturale particulière, « un mélange de cire, essence de térébenthine et huiles ». Au niveau de la conservation, cette œuvre connut de nombreuses difficultés. Un projet de conservation et d’entretien était nécessaire pour la rendre visible. La première étape de la rédaction du projet de conservation fut l’étude de l’ensemble du cycle, pour identifier les matériaux et la technique picturale utilisée par l’artiste, et pour comprendre les processus de détérioration en cours. Les connaissances ainsi obtenues permettent de préconiser des lignes directrices générales pour la bonne muséalisation du cycle, la priorité étant la prévention des détériorations à venir, le plus souvent associées aux conditions d’exposition et aux sollicitations correspondantes. Cette recherche montre que tout projet de muséalisation doit considérer les caractéristiques techniques spécifiques de l’œuvre avant d’envisager son exposition. ZusammenfassungIm Jahr 1906 malte Aristide Sartorio den Zyklus "Il poema della Vita Umana" (etwa “Das Gedicht des menschlichen Lebens”) für den Zentralen Salon der Biennale von Venedig.  Um diesen Zyklus (über 240 m² groß) in nur neun Monaten fertigstellen zu kennen, griff er auf eine besondere Maltechnik zurück: “ein Gemisch von Wachs, Terpentin und Ölen”.  Dieses Werk unterlag komplizierten Konservierungsarbeiten und es war ein Projekt für die Konservierung und Instandhaltung notwendig, um es sichtbar zu machen. Der erste Schritt zur Erstellung dieses Konservierungsprojekts bestand im Studium des gesamten Zyklus, um die Materialien und die vom Künstler angewandte Maltechnik zu bestimmen und den eingetretenen Verrottungsprozess zu begreifen.  Die Kenntnis dieser Faktoren bieten die Möglichkeit, allgemeine Leitlinien für die korrekte Musealisierung des Zyklus zu liefern, wobei als prioritär die Verhinderung zukünftiger Verrottungsprozesse betrachtet wurde, die generell mit den Ausstellungsbedingungen und der damit einhergehenden Belastung verbunden sind. Diese Forschungsarbeit bezeugt, dass jedes Musealisierungsprojekt die spezifischen technischen Merkmale des Werks berücksichtigen muss, bevor es ausgestellt werden kann. ResumenEn 1906 Aristide Sartorio pintó el ciclo "Il poema della Vita Umana" (El poema de la Vida Humana) para el Salón Central de la Bienal de Venecia. Para completar el ciclo (de más de 240 m2) en tan solo nueve meses, el artista recurrió a una técnica pictórica particular: "una mezcla de cera, esencia de trementina y aceites". Esta obra atravesó complicadas vicisitudes por lo que se refiere a su conservación y un proyecto de conservación y mantenimiento era necesario para hacerla visible. El primer paso de la redacción del proyecto de conservación se ha centrado en el estudio del ciclo en su totalidad para identificar los materiales y la técnica pictórica adoptada por el artista y comprender los procesos de deterioro en marcha. Estos conocimientos brindan la posibilidad de sugerir algunos principios generales para musealizar el ciclo correctamente y se considera prioritaria la prevención de procesos de deterioro en el futuro, los cuales están generalmente relacionados con las condiciones de exposición y el estrés provocado por las mismas. Esta investigación muestra que todo proyecto de musealización debe tener en cuenta las características técnicas específicas de la obra antes de disponer su exposición. РезюмеВ 1906 году Аристид Сарторио создал цикл «Поэма человеческой жизни» для Центрального зала Венецианской Биеннале. Для завершения цикла (более 240 кв. м) всего лишь за девять месяцев он прибег к особой технике живописи: «смеси воска, скипидара и масла». Это произведение имело сложную историю с точки зрения его сохранения и нуждалось в проекте по сбережению и поддержанию, чтобы оставаться видимым. Первым шагом в создании проекта по сохранению явилось изучение всего цикла для определения материалов и техники живописи, принятых мастером, и выявить причины действующих процессов деградации. Эти знания позволяют дать общие указания для правильной музейной экспозиции цикла, отдавая приоритет предотвращению будущих процессов деградации, обычно связанных с условиями экспозиции и стресса, связанного с ними. Это исследование показывает, что любой проект музейной экспозиции при его подготовке должен учитывать специфические технические характеристики произведения. 摘要于1906年Aristide Sartorio  (阿里斯蒂德·萨尔托里奥)为威尼斯双年展的中心展厅画了"Il poema della Vita Umana(人生的诗歌)"一系列画。为了在9个月内完成此系列(240 多平方米大)，他使用了一种特别的画画技巧: “ 蜡、松节油精华和油类的混合物”。这幅作品经历了许多复杂的保留程序，当时为了展览它需要一种合适的保养与保存项目。保存项目的第一步是通过整个系列的研究来识别画家采用的材料和作画技巧以及了解已开始的退化过程。这些研究的结果对于此系列画正确地展示在博物馆里提供了指导方针以及在预防退化过程的基础上，分析了与它有关的展示的条件。这个研究证明了每个博物馆展示项目在展示作品之前都应当考虑到有关作品的技术特点