A novel multiparametric approach to 3D quantitative MRI of the brain

Magnetic Resonance properties of tissues can be quantified in several respects: relaxation processes, density of imaged nuclei, magnetism of environmental molecules, etc. In this paper, we propose a new comprehensive approach to obtain 3D high resolution quantitative maps of arbitrary body districts, mainly focusing on the brain. The theory presented makes it possible to map longitudinal (R1), pure transverse (R2) and free induction decay (R2 ) rates, along with proton density (PD) and magnetic susceptibility (χ), from a set of fast acquisition sequences in steady-state that are highly insensitive to flow phenomena. A novel denoising scheme is described and applied to the acquired datasets to enhance the signal to noise ratio of the derived maps and an information theory approach compensates for biases from radio frequency (RF) inhomogeneities, if no direct measure of the RF field is available. Finally, the results obtained on sample brain scans of healthy controls and multiple sclerosis patients are presented and discussed

Bytes the Dust: Normative Notions in Decommissioning Digital Doppelgängers

In recent debates on digital twins, much attention has been paid to understanding the interaction between individuals and their digital representations (Braun, 2021). Iglesias et al. (2025) shed new light on this debate, extending the reflection on digital doppelgängers—digital twins that try to replicate the psychological dimension of an individual. They argue that such copies may serve as valuable means to achieve legacy and relational aims left unaddressed due to the person's death. Against this background, we discuss how far we may better understand the implied normative aspects by considering them in terms of the represented person's death. Specifically, we ask how we can and should, in normative terms, deal with a digital twin as a representation of a person after their death. Here, we consider the decommissioning of such technology. We define decommissioning as the withdrawal, dismantling, or rendering the doppelgänger incapable of serving its original aims. We hypothesize that the way in which these digital doppelgängers ought to be decommissioned may depend upon whether they are viewed either as a proxy or as an extension of personhood. By proxy, we mean a stand-in for an individual by replicating their decisions and style without embodying their personal identity or subjective experience; something that makes decisions on your behalf but is not you (Braun and Krutzinna 2022). What is left behind is akin to an artifact owned by you. Whereas an extension of personhood can mean extending aspects of an individual's identity and relational presence beyond death by reflecting their values, projects, and relationships; something that is/was a part of yourself. What is left behind is akin to an "informational corpse" (Öhman and Floridi 2018). Answering this decommissioning question is necessary not only to respect the intended aims of those for whom the digital doppelgängers were created, but also to potentially respect certain social norms surrounding obsequies. Viewing digital doppelgängers either as proxies or extensions of personhood implies respective normative notions. For instance, the pursuit of any decommissioning strategy will require necesary and sufficient standards of informed consent, which may be difficult to parse given that not all individuals will view their digital doppelgänger in the same manner. The decommissioning of digital doppelgängers is thus enriched by moral nuances influenced by the perceptions we may have of this technology

Knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among women with ovarian cancer: results of the ACTO study

Background Despite several initiatives by research groups, regulatory authorities, and scientific associations to engage citizens/patients in clinical research, there are still obstacles to participation. Among the main discouraging aspects are incomplete understanding of the concepts related to a clinical trial, and the scant, sometimes confused, explanations given. This observational, cross-sectional multicenter study investigated knowledge, attitudes and trust in clinical research. We conducted a survey among women with ovarian cancer at their first follow-up visit or first therapy session, treated in centers belonging to the Mario Negri Gynecologic Oncology (MaNGO) and Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian Cancer (MITO) groups. A questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and experience was assembled ad hoc after a literature review and a validation process involving patients of the Alliance against Ovarian Cancer (ACTO). Results From 25 centers 348 questionnaire were collected; 73.5% of responders were 56 years or older, 54.8% had a high level of education, more than 80% had no experience of trial participation. Among participants 59% knew what clinical trials were and 71% what informed consent was. However, more than half did not know the meaning of the term randomization. More than half (56%) were in favor of participating in a clinical trial, but 35% were not certain. Almost all responders acknowledged the doctor's importance in decision-making. Patients' associations were recognized as having a powerful role in the design and planning of clinical trials. Conclusions This study helps depict the knowledge and attitudes of women with ovarian cancer in relation to clinical trials, suggesting measures aimed at improving trial "culture", literacy and compliance, and fresh ways of communication between doctors and patients

Characteristics and patterns of care of endometrial cancer before and during COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has correlated with the disruption of screening activities and diagnostic assessments. Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies and it is often detected at an early stage, because it frequently produces symptoms. Here, we aim to investigate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving 54 centers in Italy. We evaluated patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients before (period 1: March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and during (period 2: April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) the COVID-19 outbreak. Results: Medical records of 5,164 EC patients have been retrieved: 2,718 and 2,446 women treated in period 1 and period 2, respectively. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment in both periods (p=0.356). Nodal assessment was omitted in 689 (27.3%) and 484 (21.2%) patients treated in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). While, the prevalence of patients undergoing sentinel node mapping (with or without backup lymphadenectomy) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (46.7% in period 1 vs. 52.8% in period 2; p<0.001). Overall, 1,280 (50.4%) and 1,021 (44.7%) patients had no adjuvant therapy in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). Adjuvant therapy use has increased during COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the characteristics and patterns of care of EC patients. These findings highlight the need to implement healthcare services during the pandemic

Practice patterns and 90-day treatment-related morbidity in early-stage cervical cancer

To evaluate the impact of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) Trial on patterns of care and surgery-related morbidity in early-stage cervical cancer

Parola e cultura nella significazione letteraria : studio filo-semiologico di Ecbasis dall'antichità al medioevo /

Includes bibliographical references and index

Deep Brain Stimulation e sintesi uomo-macchina: la possibilità di una prospettiva fenomenologica

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a device included among the brain-computer interfaces and that qualifies as a promising medical solution to cope with the course of some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parikinson’s. Decades of clinical use of DBS have allowed us to understand its side effects and their impact on PIAAAS (Personality, Identity, Agency, Authenticity, Autonomy and Self). In this sense, to investigate psychological changes related to the use of DBS, quantitative methods, such as questionnaires focused on numerical assessments, and qualitative techniques, which are based on experiences by patients through interviews, have been used. This article aims to highlight how, regardless of the survey methods used, research has always been focused on the side effects of DBS and possible changes in the concepts included in the PIAAAS, missing the opportunity to use the numerous data collected to carry out a phenomenological analysis that could give us a description of the human-machine synthesis. To bridge this hiatus, we propose the synergistic use of two phenomenological methods of data collection and analysis