56 research outputs found

    Digital Commons and Management towards Sustainability, Equity and Resilience

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    This Research in Progress paper is a literature review on management activities and processes that take place within the digital commons, through the lenses of three pillars: sustainability, equity and resilience. The aim is to examine previous studies, in order to be able to answer the following question: how can the environmental sustainability, equity and resilience of digital commons be improved? Initial research shows few results on this topic. But, more than answers, this literature review highlights three avenues of research

    Tissue shrinkage in microwave ablation of liver: an ex vivo predictive model

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    The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of the shrinkage of liver tissues in microwave ablation.Thirty-seven cuboid specimens of ex vivo bovine liver of size ranging from 2 cm to 8 cm were heated exploiting different techniques: 1) using a microwave oven (2.45 GHz) operated at 420 W, 500 W and 700 W for 8 to 20 min, achieving complete carbonisation of the specimens, 2) using a radiofrequency ablation apparatus (450 kHz) operated at 70 W for a time ranging from 6 to 7.5 min obtaining white coagulation of the specimens, and 3) using a microwave (2.45 GHz) ablation apparatus operated at 60 W for 10 min. Measurements of specimen dimensions, carbonised and coagulated regions were performed using a ruler with an accuracy of 1 mm. Based on the results of the first two experiments a predictive model for the contraction of liver tissue from microwave ablation was constructed and compared to the result of the third experiment.For carbonised tissue, a linear contraction of 31 ± 6% was obtained independently of the heating source, power and operation time. Radiofrequency experiments determined that the average percentage linear contraction of white coagulated tissue was 12 ± 5%. The average accuracy of our model was determined to be 3 mm (5%).The proposed model allows the prediction of the shrinkage of liver tissues upon microwave ablation given the extension of the carbonised and coagulated zones. This may be useful in helping to predict whether sufficient tissue volume is ablated in clinical practice

    A Retrospective Case Series in Fournier’s Disease. And Its Emergency Management et Grafting Technique for Penis Coverage

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    Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the genital, perineal, and perirectal areas. A primary isolated involvement of the penis is rare, but it can be elected in some circumstances. •epurpose ofthiscase series isto present the …ndings of our thirteen years’ experience in the reconstruction of the penis in Fournier’s gangrene and our full-thickness grafting technique to cover the penis rod. We retrospectively reviewed patient data who underwent a penis reconstruction following Fournier’s gangrene in 2018. •e data was analyzed to report the estimated percentage of complications, of patients with primary or secondary gangrene of the penis, the number of reinterventions, and …nally the percentage of deaths or recovery. 23 patients underwent reconstruction with our technique of full-thickness skin graft. In all cases, the skin graft was harvested from the upper armwith anarrow shapemark. Nofurther penile revision surgery was required, and neither patient complained about retraction, nor traction, or pain during erection. •e donor site healed without any complications. We believe that the coverage of the penis using our grafting technique is safe, easily reproducible, and demonstrates excellent esthetic and functional results

    Microwave ablation of primary and secondary liver tumours: ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical characterisation.

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    The aim of this study was to compare the performance of a microwave ablation (MWA) apparatus in preclinical and clinical settings.The same commercial 2.45 GHz MWA apparatus was used throughout this study. In total 108 ablations at powers ranging from 20 to 130 W and lasting from 3 to 30 min were obtained on ex vivo bovine liver; 28 ablations at 60 W, 80 W and 100 W lasting 5 and 10 min were then obtained in an in vivo swine model. Finally, 32 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and 19 liver metastases in 46 patients were treated percutaneously by administering 60 W for either 5 or 10 min. The treatment outcome was characterised in terms of maximum longitudinal and transversal axis of the induced ablation zone.Ex vivo ablation volumes increased linearly with deposited energy (rFor the selected MW ablation device, ex vivo data on bovine liver was more predictive of the actual clinical performance on liver malignancies than an in vivo porcine model. Equivalent MW treatments yielded a significantly different response for HCC and metastases at higher deposited energy, suggesting that outcomes are not only device-specific but must also be characterised on a tissue-by-tissue basis

    Características agronômicas e suas correlações em híbridos de girassol adaptados à segunda safra

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    The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic traits of sunflower hybrids adapted to second crop and to determine the correlations between them. Fifteen hybrids were tested – two high-oleic and 13 non high-oleic ones (traditional hybrids) –, besides one hybrid used as a check. A randomized complete block experimental design was carried out with four replicates, and sowings were done in 2013 and 2014. The evaluated traits were the following: days to physiological maturity, plant height, grain yield, oil content, and oil yield. The higher grain yields occurred in hybrids that are neither of early cycles nor of shorter stems. The correlation between grain yield and oil yield was positive and significant; however, the correlations between oil content and these two traits were not significant. The 'Syn 045' and 'Syn 3950A' sunflower hybrids (high-oleic) stood out, in the second season, both for grain yield and oil yield. The 'CF 101' hybrid – early cycle – shows good grain and oil yield, and, therefore, it is an appropriate option for late sowing in the second season. Thus, adapted sunflower hybrids with appropriate traits are available for second season cropping and to meet market demands.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características agronômicas de híbridos de girassol adaptados à segunda safra e determinar as correlações entre elas. Testaram-se 15 híbridos – dois alto oleicos e 13 não alto oleicos (híbridos tradicionais) –, além de um híbrido como testemunha. Um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso foi utilizado com quatro repetições, e as semeaduras foram feitas em 2013 e 2014. As características avaliadas foram as seguintes: dias para a maturação fisiológica, altura de planta, produtividade de grãos, teor de óleo e produtividade de óleo. As maiores produtividades de grãos ocorreram em híbridos que não são nem precoces nem de porte mais baixo. A correlação entre produtividade de grãos e produtividade de óleo foi positiva e significativa; no entanto, as correlações entre teor de óleo e essas duas características não foram significativas. Os híbridos de girassol 'Syn 045' e 'Syn 3950A' (alto oleico) se destacaram, na segunda safra, quanto à produtividade de grãos e de óleo. O híbrido 'CF 101' – ciclo precoce – apresenta boa produtividade de grãos e de óleo e, portanto, é a opção adequada para a semeadura tardia na segunda safra. Assim, estão disponíveis híbridos de girassol adaptados e com características adequadas ao cultivo de segunda safra e às demandas do mercado

    Abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. Safety preservation fascia technique and clinical outcomes in a large single series-comparative study

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    IntroductionWeight loss after bariatric surgery causes very important modifications to the patient's silhouette. Abdominal fat and skin excess reduction are associated with several complications. The most frequent are seroma and hematoma whereas major complications, such as pulmonary embolism, are less frequent. This study aimed to describe our technical procedure for abdominoplasty in patients with massive weight loss after bariatric surgery.MethodsIn total, 196 patients were included. All patients who underwent abdominoplasty classic (group A) and abdominoplasty with the preservation and lift of Scarpa fascia (group B) and with umbilical transposition between May 2018 and May 2021 were included. Patients with concomitant correction of ventral hernia were excluded. Demographic and operative data were analyzed according to comorbidities and postoperative complications.ResultsThere were 160 (81.6%) women. The mean age was 43.6 years; the mean weight was 86.7 kg; and the mean BMI was 28.6 kg/m2. Five patients (2.5%) presented postoperative seroma. Four patients (2%) presented partial dehiscence/skin necrosis one of them requiring a revision. Finally, 26 patients presented a postoperative complication, with an overall incidence of 12.6%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.6. The rates of seroma were significantly higher in men, patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m2, and aged >50 years.ConclusionPreserving Scarpa Fascia during surgical post-bariatric patient procedures reduces the seroma formation and the scar complication and reduces the tension of the inguinal-pubic region with correction of our deformation after weight loss. Improves reducing the drain and reducing seroma incidence suction and hospital stay

    A cross-sectional study evaluating hospitalization rates for chronic limb-threatening ischemia during the COVID-19 outbreak in Campania, Italy

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    The expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prompted measures of disease containment by the Italian government with a national lockdown on March 9, 2020. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of hospitalization and mode of in-hospital treatment of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) before and during lockdown in the Campania region of Italy. The study population includes all patients with CLTI hospitalized in Campania over a 10-week period: 5 weeks before and 5 weeks during lockdown (n = 453). Patients were treated medically and/or underwent urgent revascularization and/or major amputation of the lower extremities. Mean age was 69.2 +/- 10.6 years and 27.6% of the patients were women. During hospitalization, 21.9% of patients were treated medically, 78.1% underwent revascularization, and 17.4% required amputations. In the weeks during the lockdown, a reduced rate of hospitalization for CLTI was observed compared with the weeks before lockdown (25 vs 74/100,000 inhabitants/year; incidence rate ratio: 0.34, 95% CI 0.32-0.37). This effect persisted to the end of the study period. An increased amputation rate in the weeks during lockdown was observed (29.3% vs 13.4%; p < 0.001). This study reports a reduced rate of CLTI-related hospitalization and an increased in-hospital amputation rate during lockdown in Campania. Ensuring appropriate treatment for patients with CLTI should be prioritized, even during disease containment measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar conditions
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