Familly with two different cases of post- and pre-natal L1 syndrome; When hydrocephaly become "multidisciplinary headache"

open11openBukvic, Nenad; Boaretto, Francesca; Loverro, Giuseppe; Susca, Francesco C.; Lovaglio, Rosaura; Patruno, Margherita; Bukvic, Dragoslav; Starcevic, Srdjan; Vazza, Giovanni; Mostaciuollo, Maria Luisa; Resta, NicolettaBukvic, Nenad; Boaretto, Francesca; Loverro, Giuseppe; Susca, Francesco C.; Lovaglio, Rosaura; Patruno, Margherita; Bukvic, Dragoslav; Starcevic, Srdjan; Vazza, Giovanni; Mostaciuollo, Maria Luisa; Resta, Nicolett

A Principal Components Analysis Approach to Quantifying Foot Clearance and Foot Clearance Variability

Low foot clearance and high variability may be related to falls risk. Foot clearance is often defined as the local minimum in toe height during swing; however, not all strides have this local minimum. The primary purpose of this study was to identify a nondiscrete measure of foot clearance during all strides, and compare discrete and nondiscrete measures in ability to rank individuals on foot clearance and variability. Thirty-five participants (young adults [n = 10], older fallers [n = 10], older nonfallers [n = 10], and stroke survivors [n = 5]) walked overground while lower extremity 3D kinematics were recorded. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the toe height waveform yielded representation of toe height when it was closest to the ground. Spearman\u27s rank order correlation assessed the association of foot clearance and variability between PCA and discrete variables, including the local minimum. PCA had significant (P \u3c.05) moderate or strong associations with discrete measures of foot clearance and variability. An approximation of the discrete local minimum had a weak association with PCA and other discrete measures of foot clearance. A PCA approach to quantifying foot clearance can be used to identify the behavioral components of toe height when it is closest to the ground, even for strides without a local minimum

A quantitative evaluation of physical and digital approaches to centre of mass estimation

Centre of mass is a fundamental anatomical and biomechanical parameter. Knowledge of centre of mass is essential to inform studies investigating locomotion and other behaviours, through its implications for segment movements, and on whole body factors such as posture. Previous studies have estimated centre of mass position for a range of organisms, using various methodologies. However, few studies assess the accuracy of the methods that they employ, and often provide only brief details on their methodologies. As such, no rigorous, detailed comparisons of accuracy and repeatability within and between methods currently exist. This paper therefore seeks to apply three methods common in the literature (suspension, scales and digital modelling) to three 'calibration objects' in the form of bricks, as well as three birds to determine centre of mass position. Application to bricks enables conclusions to be drawn on the absolute accuracy of each method, in addition to comparing these results to assess the relative value of these methodologies. Application to birds provided insights into the logistical challenges of applying these methods to biological specimens. For bricks, we found that, provided appropriate repeats were conducted, the scales method yielded the most accurate predictions of centre of mass (within 1.49 mm), closely followed by digital modelling (within 2.39 mm), with results from suspension being the most distant (within 38.5 mm). Scales and digital methods both also displayed low variability between centre of mass estimates, suggesting they can accurately and consistently predict centre of mass position. Our suspension method resulted not only in high margins of error, but also substantial variability, highlighting problems with this method

The Internet for Professional Communication: A Workshop Curriculum for Secondary Teachers

Educators and administrators have begun to place a high priority on connecting classrooms to the Internet. However, classroom computer use remains at least one step removed from teachers and is used to sustain existing curricula rather than serving as a catalyst for educational improvement. Professional communication is a major instrument for initiating and implementing educational reform; the Internet represents a primary computer-based forum for professional development. The purpose of the project was to develop a sample in-service curriculum focusing on the use of e-mail, newsgroups, and listservs as tools for professional development and communication among secondary educators

The effect of menopause hypoestrogenism on osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells (PDLC) and stem cells (PDLCs): A systematic review

(1) Background: Menopause is a physiological condition typified by drastic hormonal changes, and the effects of this transition have long-term significant clinical implications on the general health, including symptoms or physical changes. In menopausal women, the periodontium can be affected directly or through neural mechanism by oestrogen (E2) deficiency. The majority of the biological effects of E2 are modulated via both oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) and oestrogen receptor-β (ERβ). There is evidence that hypoestrogenism has a substantial impact on the aetiology, manifestation and severity of periodontitis, via the regulation of the expression of osteoproges-terin and RANKL in human periodontal ligament cells through ERβ. However, the mechanistic understanding of oestrogen in periodontal status has been partially clarified. The aim of this paper was to synopsize the recent scientific evidence concerning the link between the menopause and periodontitis, through the investigation of physio-pathological impact of the oestrogen deficiency on osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs and PDLSC, as well as the dynamic change of ERα and ERβ. (2) Methods: Search was conducted for significant studies by exploring electronic PubMed and EMBASE databases, and it was independently performed by two researchers. All studies on the impact of oestrogen level on alveolar bone resorption were searched from 2005 to July 2020. Data selection was in concordance with PRISMA guidelines. (3) Results: Eight studies met the criteria and were included in this systematic review. All studies reported that oestrogen deficiency impairs the osteogenic and osteoblastic differentiation of PDL cells and oestrogen affects the bone formation capacity of cells. Seven studies were conducted on animal samples, divided into two groups: the OVX animals and animals who received the sham operation. (4) Conclusions: There is a multitude of data available showing the influence of menopause on periodontal status. However, the evidence of this line to investigation needs more research and could help explain the physiological linkage between menopause state and periodontal disease

O diálogo intercultural pelo paratexto: notas do tradutor Pasquale Aniel Jannini

Pasquale Aniel Jannini foi um tradutor, ensaísta e professor universitário italiano, tendo atuado principalmente na Universidade La Sapienza de Roma. Era francesista por formação e desenvolvia pesquisas em diversas vertentes acadêmicas. Dentre elas, dedicava-se aos estudos literários em língua portuguesa, do Brasil e de Portugal, e à tradução. Traduziu do português ao italiano alguns textos e obras de escritores como João Guimarães Rosa e Vinicius de Moraes. A partir das notas de rodapé de Orfeo Negro, tradução em italiano da obra Orfeu da Conceição, de Vinicius de Moraes, este artigo busca observar – através do paratexto – de que forma ocorrem determinados diálogos interculturais expressos entre os textos de partida e de chegada

Exploring the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in preterm birth: A narrative review

In recent years, substantive attention has been drawn to the relationship between oral microbiome homeostatic equilibrium disruption and systemic health, demonstrating the negative impacts of this reciprocal biological interplay. Increasingly, there is a concern over the potential noxious effect of oral microbiome dysbiosis on obstetric poor outcomes, focusing on preterm birth. This epidemiological observation remains unexplained, although biologically plausible mechanism has been proposed. Intrauterine infection has long been associated with adverse pregnancy, when the elicitation of an immune response is determinant. There is evidence that Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN), a Gram-negative anaerobe ubiquitous in the oral cavity, infects the mouse placenta originating in the decidua basalis. Based on the current data in literature, we performed a review to provide resources for the explanation of the potential impact of microbiome dysbiosis on poor obstetric outcomes, focusing on the role of FN

Exploring the Role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in Preterm Birth: A Narrative Review

In recent years, substantive attention has been drawn to the relationship between oral microbiome homeostatic equilibrium disruption and systemic health, demonstrating the negative impacts of this reciprocal biological interplay. Increasingly, there is a concern over the potential noxious effect of oral microbiome dysbiosis on obstetric poor outcomes, focusing on preterm birth. This epidemiological observation remains unexplained, although biologically plausible mechanism has been proposed. Intrauterine infection has long been associated with adverse pregnancy, when the elicitation of an immune response is determinant. There is evidence that Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN), a Gram-negative anaerobe ubiquitous in the oral cavity, infects the mouse placenta originating in the decidua basalis. Based on the current data in literature, we performed a review to provide resources for the explanation of the potential impact of microbiome dysbiosis on poor obstetric outcomes, focusing on the role of FN

Variability and local dynamic stability during gait: an investigation of military-relevant load carriage and hip pathology

The primary goal of human locomotion is to translate the body from point A to point B, but humans must have the variability and stability to adapt and recover from constraints they may encounter. The overarching aim of this dissertation was to investigate how constraints arising from external factors (i.e., military load carriage and speed) and internal factors (i.e., hip pain) affect kinematic variability and local dynamic stability of gait. In study 1, I focus on using traditional biomechanical measures to investigate if females and males use different gait mechanics when carrying military-relevant loads, as females and males are known to use different mechanics when walking with no load. In this study, I found that females and males do use different gait mechanics when walking with military-relevant loads. Females make kinematic adaptations at the ankle and knee while males make kinematic adaptations at the hip. The differences in adaptations between females and males may be related to females’ greater risk of injury when carrying load. In study 2, I used the same cohort to investigate how military-relevant loads affect the kinematic variability and local dynamic stability of gait. I found that kinematic variability and local dynamic stability were similarly affected by load. Participants had greater kinematic variability and decreased local dynamic stability when carrying loads, which may indicate an increased risk of falling while carrying load. I also found that local dynamic stability increased with increased walking speed at all loads in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. However, decreased stability was detected in the vertical direction, which may require increased energy expenditure. The results of this study indicate that walking faster with increased loads may be more stable, but less energy efficient. In study 3, I investigated the how kinematic variability and local dynamic stability were affected in individuals with hip pain and a history of developmental dysplasia. I found that kinematic variability and local dynamic stability were not similarly affected in these individuals. I found that kinematic variability was greater in individuals with hip pain compared to healthy controls, but there was no difference in local dynamic stability between groups. The overall finding of this dissertation is that the relationship between kinematic variability and local dynamic stability may be dependent on the factor investigated.2020-07-06T00:00:00

Trends and current aspects of reconstructive surgery for gynecological cancers

Gynecologic cancers can lead to gynecologic tract destruction with extension into both the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Recurrent disease can also affect the surrounding bony pelvis and pelvic musculature. As opposed to advanced ovarian cancer, where cytoreduction is the goal, in these scenarios, an oncologic approach to achieve negative margins is critical for benefit. Surgeries aimed at achieving a R0 resection in gynecologic oncology can have a significant impact on pelvic anatomy, and require reconstruction. Overall, it appears that these types of radical surgery are less frequently performed; however, when required, multidisciplinary teams at high-volume centers can potentially improve short-term morbidity. There are few data to examine the long-term, quality-of-life outcomes after reconstruction following oncologic resection in advanced and recurrent gynecologic cancers. In this review we outline considerations and approaches for reconstruction after surgery for gynecologic cancers. We also discuss areas of innovation, including minimally invasive surgery and the use of 3D surgical anatomy models for improved surgical planning. In the era of 'less is more', pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology is still indicated when there are no other curative-intent alternatives in persistent or recurrent gynecological malignancies confined to the pelvis or with otherwise unmanageable symptoms from fistula or radiation necrosis. Pelvic exenteration is one of the most destructive procedures performed on an elective basis, which inevitably carries a significant psychologic, sexual, physical, and emotional burden for the patient and caregivers. Such complex ultraradical surgery, which requires removal of the vagina, vulva, urinary tract, and/or gastrointestinal tract, subsequently needs creative and complex reconstructive procedures. The additional removal of sidewall or perineal structures, like pelvic floor muscles/vulva, or portions of the musculoskeletal pelvis, and the inclusion of intra-operative radiation further complicates reconstruction. This review paper will focus on the reconstruction aspects following pelvic exenteration, including options for urinary tract restoration, reconstruction of the vulva and vagina, as well as how to fill large empty spaces in the pelvis. While the predominant gastrointestinal outcome after exenteration in gynecologic oncology is an end colostomy, we also present some novel new options for gastrointestinal tract reconstruction at the end