Terahertz imaging for non-invasive classification of healthy and cimiciato-infected hazelnuts

The development of new non-invasive approaches able to recognize defective food is currently a lively field of research. In particular, a simple and non-destructive method able to recognize defective hazelnuts, such as cimiciato-infected ones, in real-time is still missing. This study has been designed to detect the presence of such damaged hazelnuts. To this aim, a measurement setup based on terahertz (THz) radiation has been developed. Images of a sample of 150 hazelnuts have been acquired in the low THz range by a compact and portable active imaging system equipped with a 0.14 THz source and identified as Healthy Hazelnuts (HH) or Cimiciato Hazelnut (CH) after visual inspection. All images have been analyzed to find the average transmission of the THz radiation within the sample area. The differences in the distribution of the two populations have been used to set up a classification scheme aimed at the discrimination between healthy and injured samples. The performance of the classification scheme has been assessed through the use of the confusion matrix on 50 samples. The False Positive Rate (FPR) and True Negative Rate (TNR) are 0% and 100%, respectively. On the other hand, the True Positive Rate (TPR) and False Negative Rate (FNR) are 75% and 25%, respectively. These results are relevant from the perspective of the development of a simple, automatic, real-time method for the discrimination of cimiciato-infected hazelnuts in the processing industry.

Foliar Nutrition Influences Yield, Nut Quality and Kernel Composition in Hazelnut cv Mortarella

In hazelnut, foliar nutrition is utilized globally to integrate microelement deficiencies and optimize their assimilation and effects on yield performances. Nevertheless, nut quality and kernel composition can be positively affected by foliar nutrition. Recently, several studies pointed out the need for increasing the sustainability of orchard nutrition by proposing the management of not only micronutrients, but also main components, such as nitrogen, through foliar spraying. In our study, different foliar fertilizers were used to understand the effectiveness of supporting hazelnut productivity and nut and kernel quality. Water was used as a control. Foliar fertilizations affected tree annual vegetative growth, improved kernel weight and decreased the incidence of blanks compared to the control. Differences in fat, protein, and carbohydrate concentration were also found among treatments, with increased fat concentrations and total polyphenols content in fertilized treatments. Foliar fertilization improved the oil composition of the kernels, though fatty acid composition responded differently to nutrients spray. Oleic acid concentration was promoted, while palmitic acid concentration was reduced in fertilized plants compared to control trees. Furthermore, CD and B trees were characterized by an increase in the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids compared to untreated trees. Finally, foliar spraying improved lipid stability compared to the control due to higher total polyphenol concentration.

Software development process of Neotree - a data capture and decision support system to improve newborn healthcare in low-resource settings

The global priority of improving neonatal survival could be tackled through the universal implementation of cost-effective maternal and newborn health interventions. Despite 90% of neonatal deaths occurring in low-resource settings, very few evidence-based digital health interventions exist to assist healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making in these settings. To bridge this gap, Neotree was co-developed through an iterative, user-centered design approach in collaboration with healthcare professionals in the UK, Bangladesh, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. It addresses a broad range of neonatal clinical diagnoses and healthcare indicators as opposed to being limited to specific conditions and follows national and international guidelines for newborn care. This digital health intervention includes a mobile application (app) which is designed to be used by healthcare professionals at the bedside. The app enables real-time data capture and provides education in newborn care and clinical decision support via integrated clinical management algorithms. Comprehensive routine patient data are prospectively collected regarding each newborn, as well as maternal data and blood test results, which are used to inform clinical decision making at the bedside. Data dashboards provide healthcare professionals and hospital management a near real-time overview of patient statistics that can be used for healthcare quality improvement purposes. To enable this workflow, the Neotree web editor allows fine-grained customization of the mobile app. The data pipeline manages data flow from the app to secure databases and then to the dashboard. Implemented in three hospitals in two countries so far, Neotree has captured routine data and supported the care of over 21,000 babies and has been used by over 450 healthcare professionals. All code and documentation are open source, allowing adoption and adaptation by clinicians, researchers, and developers.

OC-017 INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH (IPOM) TECHNIQUE FOR THE LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PRIMARY AND INCISIONAL VENTRAL HERNIA IN DAY SURGERY REGIME

IPOM technique is a well-established technique for the repair of primary and incisional ventral hernia; and outpatient regime is considered a cost-effective strategy without compromising the quality of care. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the application of IPOM technique through outpatient setting, with the use of a non-absorbable, transparent, light prostheses in polypropylene, composed of a macroporous monofilament mesh and a transparent polypropylene film.

179 consecutive procedures of primary and incisional hernia repair from 2011 to 2022 have been included in this study (149 with the above-mentioned composite meshes and 30 with other meshes, semi-absorbable and non-absorbable). All the procedures were performed through 3 abdominal trocars executing cold adhesiolysis to release the contents of the hernial sac without dissecting the latter. The abdominal wall was then prepared by blunt dissection to create the space for the mesh and to favor a prompt cell colonization. Mesh fixation was achieved using transparietal points and resorbable tackers.

The primary outcomes of the study were the evaluation of any risk factors for conversion from outpatient regime to standard hospitalisation, and the hernia recurrence, in two subgroups: primitive hernias (n=72) and incisional hernias (n=107).

Our clinical experience showed that IPOM technique through outpatient setting is a safe and effective approach. No statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the primitive and incisional hernias groups (5.9% vs 5.0%, p=0.80) was found. Moreover, we found a relationship between the rate of unexpected hospitalization and age of the patients, number of defects and hernia dimension.

V-057 INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH (IPOM) TECHNIQUE FOR THE LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF INGUINAL HERNIA

Laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernia is a widely accepted technique, especially in the case of bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernias. The evolution of materials has led to the successful use of double layer prostheses for the intraperitoneal treatment of wall defects, significantly reducing the mesh-related complications.

In this regard, the literature data and the availability of non-absorbable, transparent, light surgical prostheses in polypropylene, composed of a macroporous monofilament mesh and a transparent film, have led to the re-proposal of the IPOM technique also for the treatment of primary inguinal hernias.

After the laparoscopic access in the abdomen using a 10 mm trocar in the umbilical region and two 5 mm trocars operating in the Iliac fossae, the hernia is reduced by returning the hernial contents to their original compartments and the hernial sac is closed with the possible lipoma using purse-string suture. Subsequently, a polypropylene composite prosthesis is then inserted into the abdomen, centered on the defect and fixed to the wall by tack and chemical glue.

To date we have performed 10 procedures on 6 patients (4 with bilateral hernia). The longest follow-up is one year. The patients were all discharged the day after the surgery, reporting a mean postoperative pain score (assessed with EHS QoL scale) equal to 2 (range: 0–4), and the work resumption after a week in average.

This technique, which is easy to perform and reproducible, can significantly reduce operating times and minimize complications related to the preparation of the peritoneal pocket.

P-101 EVALUATION OF PATIENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH (IPOM) TREATMENT OF PRIMARY AND INCISIONAL VENTRAL HERNIA

IPOM technique is a well-established technique for the repair of primary and incisional allowing a less invasive treatment compared to open approach and improving patient satisfaction. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the application of IPOM technique with the use of a non-absorbable, transparent, light surgical prostheses in polypropylene, composed of a macroporous monofilament mesh and a transparent film. 82 procedures of primary and incisional hernia repair from January 2018 to January 2022 have been included in this study. All the procedures were performed through 3 abdominal trocars without dissecting the hernia sac. Mesh fixation was achieved using transparietal points and resorbable tackers. The primary outcome of the study was the evaluation of patients’ Quality of Life (QoL assessed with EHS QoL scale) in two subgroups: primitive hernias (n=34) and incisional hernias (n=48). The secondary outcomes of the study were the evaluation of recurrence rate and postoperative complications rate. In both groups we recorded a significative improvement in patients’ QoL related to pain at rest, pain during physical activity and aesthetic discomfort (p <0.01). In the included cohort population, the hernia recurrence was recorded in 4 cases (4.9%, at 10, 18, 24 and 24 moths, respectively), and 3 patients experienced postoperative complications (3.7%). The recorded postoperative complications included pain (n=1, 1.2%), seroma infection (n=1, 1.2%) and intestinal obstruction (n=1, 1.2%). Our clinical experience showed that IPOM technique is a safe and effective approach, and it allows to significantly improve the patients’ QoL after surgery.

The NeoTree application: developing an integrated mHealth solution to improve quality of newborn care and survival in a district hospital in Malawi

More than two-thirds of newborn lives could be saved worldwide if evidence-based interventions were successfully implemented. We developed the NeoTree application to improve quality of newborn care in resource-poor countries. The NeoTree is a fully integrated digital health intervention that combines immediate data capture, entered by healthcare workers (HCW) on admission, while simultaneously providing them with evidence-based clinical decision support and newborn care education. We conducted a mixed-methods intervention development study, codeveloping and testing the NeoTree prototype with HCWs in a district hospital in Malawi. Focus groups explored the acceptability and feasibility of digital health solutions before and after implementation of the NeoTree in the clinical setting. One-to-one theoretical usability workshops and a 1-month clinical usability study informed iterative changes, gathered process and clinical data, System Usability Scale (SUS) and perceived improvements in quality of care. HCWs perceived the NeoTree to be acceptable and feasible. Mean SUS before and after the clinical usability study were high at 80.4 and 86.1, respectively (above average is >68). HCWs reported high-perceived improvements in quality of newborn care after using the NeoTree on the ward. They described improved confidence in clinical decision-making, clinical skills, critical thinking and standardisation of care. Identified factors for successful implementation included a technical support worker. Coproduction, mixed-methods approaches and user-focused iterative development were key to the development of the NeoTree prototype, which was shown to be an agile, acceptable, feasible and highly usable tool with the potential to improve the quality of newborn care in resource-poor settings.

Fruit position within the canopy affects kernel lipid composition of hazelnuts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to study the variability in kernel composition within the canopy of hazelnut trees.

RESULTS

Kernel fresh and dry weight increased linearly with fruit height above the ground. Fat content decreased, while protein and ash content increased, from the bottom to the top layers of the canopy. The level of unsaturation of fatty acids decreased from the bottom to the top of the canopy. Thus, the kernels located in the bottom layers of the canopy appear to be more interesting from a nutritional point of view, but their lipids may be more exposed to oxidation. The content of different phytosterols increased progressively from bottom to top canopy layers.

CONCLUSION

Most of these effects correlated with the pattern in light distribution inside the canopy. The results of this study indicate that fruit position within the canopy is an important factor in determining hazelnut kernel growth and composition. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevention, education and information: the role of the community pharmacist in the management of headaches

Headaches are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. On a global level, it is estimated that the prevalence of headache disorder in adults is 47 %. A proper treatment of headaches requires training of health care personnel, careful diagnosis and recognition of the condition, appropriate treatment with cost-effective drugs, simple changements in lifestyle and patient education. Unfortunately, a large number of people suffering from headache disorders are not diagnosed and treated. The unsatisfied needs in migraine can be faced by involving the pharmacist in the management of the pathology. To really understand which are the activities and the potential of community pharmacies in the management of patients with headache or migraine we took into account studies conducted around the world during the last 5 years. Based on the data collected it is clear that the role of the community pharmacist may be crucial in managing patients with headache or migraine but only if he receives an adequate and continuous education both on the management of therapies and maintains a stable relationship with the medical doctor and/or patient. In Piedmont a specific study to identify migraine sufferers has involved the community pharmacies in the administration of a questionnaire, specially crafted by the Italian Headache Foundation (FICEF non-profit association).

[Unusual location of peritoneal inclusion cysts]

The peritoneal inclusion cyst is a rare, probably congenital, pathology of the mesothelium that develops on coelomatic residues. A case is reported of an unusual location of peritoneal cyst, in which the increase in volume, associated with the patient's concern and the presumed anatomic site of the lesion led to its removal by the laparoscopic route. The type of location and the relative inaccuracy of preoperative imaging are discussed.

[Influence of diet on lipoprotein profile in familial combined hyperlipidemia affected children]

BACKGROUND

Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia is an inherited disorder affecting cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism, well known myocardial infarction risk factors. The FCHL clinical presentation is usually silent until the third decade although children can be affected, and the more recent opinion is that precocious diagnosis is mandatory in preventing complications. Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the diet therapy (Step-One-Diet) in a group of 13 children affected by Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

The patients have been submitted to a normocaloric diet, 30% fat of the total caloric daily intake according with the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (Step-One-Diet). The patients then have been submitted to a two year-follow-up and lipoprotein levels (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B), nutritional status (macro- and micro-nutrients) as well as anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI) have been monitored.

RESULTS

Results showed a 10% total cholesterol and 30% triglycerides decrease, Iron and Calcium intake show increased levels approaching to the normal ones after controlled diet, while cholesterol intake was correct on both regimen. The growth parameters show a decrease in weight only in two obese and two overweight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the Step-One-Diet in children patients, allowing triglycerides normalization in 60% of the patients, and a 10% cholesterol decrease, in agreement with the complex genetic inheritance of the disease.

[Fistulae in diverticular disease of the colon]

Fistulas in colon diverticular disease are a not uncommon complication, that arise spontaneously in the evolution of a diverticulitis, and also as a complicated dehiscence of surgical anastomosis. The intermediate step of a fistula is a deep abscess that finds through the parietal layers of abdomen or towards other adjacent organs. So the surgeon can be confronted with external and internal and complex fistulas. As for diagnostic manoeuvres, the surgical choices are outside a rigid schedule, and is on the personal sensibility of the surgeon.

[Cholecystectomy by minilaparotomy]

The authors relate their experience of 62 cases of minicholecystectomy. This procedure is compared to "open" conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Report results and the analysis of the literature shows that the technique of cholecystectomy by minilaparotomy is a valid option to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and represents a clear improvement compared to conventional cholecystectomy.

Effect of enzyme inducing anticonvulsants on ethosuximide pharmacokinetics in epileptic patients

1. To assess the effect of enzyme inducing anticonvulsants on ethosuximide pharmacokinetics, plasma ethosuximide concentrations after a single oral dose (500 mg) of the drug were compared in 12 healthy control subjects and 10 epileptic patients receiving chronic therapy with phenobarbitone, phenytoin and/or carbamazepine. 2. Compared with controls, epileptic patients showed markedly shorter ethosuximide half-lives (29.0 +/- 7.8 vs 53.7 +/- 14.3 h, means +/- s.d., P < 0.001) and higher apparent oral clearance (CL/F) values (15.3 +/- 3.8 vs 9.2 +/- 1.9 ml kg-1 h-1, P < 0.001). The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of ethosuximide was slightly lower in the patients than in controls (0.6 +/- 0.1 vs 0.7 +/- 0.1 l kg-1, P < 0.05). 3. These findings provide evidence that ethosuximide elimination is increased by enzyme inducing anticonvulsants, the effect probably being mediated by stimulation of cytochrome CYP3A activity. 4. The enhancement of ethosuximide clearance in patients comedicated with enzyme inducing anticonvulsants is likely to be clinically relevant. Higher ethosuximide dosages will be required to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations in these patients.

[External saphenous vein excision with mini-phlebectomy]

The surgical treatment of the varicosities of the short saphenous vein is one of most controversial matter of modern phlebology. The anatomy of this vessel, that is deep, and is accompanied by the sapheno external nerve, can be very varied species for that which concerns the sapheno popliteal joint. The traditional surgery as the sclerotherapy exposes the patient to risks and failures. For such reasons the authors believe that the modern technique of stab evulsion phlebectomy could be formatted like the treatment of choice of the venous pathology of the short saphenous vein. Synthesizing, the stab evulsion phlebectomy consists of the removal of the varicosities of the lower limbs through incisions of the skin of 1-3 mm using special surgical instruments with hook (Chrochets). The technique doesn't foresee neither stitching neither vascular binding, and could be performed on local anesthesia and in ambulatory regimen. The results of the technique and the absence of complications suggests its adoption of principle in the treatment of the incompetence of the short saphenous vein.

[Modified Gilbert's technique in the treatment of persistent inguino-scrotal hernias in aged patients]

In elderly males, and in particular in very old men, the anatomical changes produced by senility encourage the formation of large inguino-scrotal hernias. Their repair may be achieved using Gilbert's technique to which the authors have proposed a number of variants. The good results show that the "tension-free" technique may be correctly applied in elderly patients with inguino-scrotal hernias, thus allowing a straightforward postoperative recovery with no complications.

[Perineal sarcoma. Report of a clinical case]

The authors report a case of perineal leiomyosarcoma treated using a combined surgical and radiotherapy protocol. Exeresis was performed through an incision in the left anterior perineum, beside the vagina. The patient then underwent TCT with excellent results.

[A case of ureteral stenosis and ureterorectal fistula secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis]

The paper reports a case of ureteral [correction of urethral] stenosis with ureterorectal [correction of urethro-rectal] fistula due to diverticulitis of the sigmoid [correction of sigma] which resolved following reconstruction of the urinary tract by ureterocystostomy [correction of urethrocystotomy] using a modified version of Boari's technique, with satisfactory renal functional recovery. On the basis of an analysis of the literature, the authors comment on ureteral [correction of urethral] stenosis and its etiological diagnosis.

[A case report of Castleman's disease in a patient with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary]

The Authors report a case of Castleman's disease in a 45-year-old woman. She was admitted to hospital because of a thrombophlebitis of the left lower limb. An abdominal echotomography showed evidence of a mass with a diameter of about 6 cm at the pancreatic isthmus, and a cyst (diameter 25 mm) in the right ovary. An explorative laparotomy was performed and the masses were removed. Histological examination identified them respectively as a Castleman's disease of hyaline-vascular type and an endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary.

[Immunological variations after thymic stimulation with special reference to IL2-RS in patients operated for neoplasms]

The paper reports a study which was carried out to assess immunological function by assaying IL2 in cancer-operated patients treated with thymostimulin. The results of the study show that, used in normally fed, immunodepressed patients, this immunomodulator is able to normalise levels of lymphocyte subpopulations and to bring serum concentrations of IL2-RS to the levels of normoergic patients.

[Constipation: drug or surgical treatment?]

Constipation is a very frequent symptom. It affects 7-10% of people. Otherwise a severe constipation exists which is rare, but extremely serious with evacuations every 15 days to 2 months. We expose the classification of constipation in its types: colonic, rectal and anal. We analyse the diagnostic trial which has to be started with a careful anamnesis and well directed physical examination. Laboratory tests and instrumental investigations will be essential means to define exactly the type of constipation and its pathogenetic mechanism. We go deep into physical involvement of constipation and into the problem of constipation in the elderly: except for particular groups (women suffering from colonic hypokinetic constipation) the age of patient is usually old. Medical treatment is described especially regarding the type of constipation. At last we review the surgical techniques proposed for every form of constipation, with exposure and interpretation of their results.

[Surgical treatment of alkaline and mixed reflux after surgical interventions on the stomach]

The Authors report their experience in the surgical management of 13 cases of alkaline and/or mixed type gastroesophageal reflux (GER) secondary to gastric surgery. In 5 cases the gastroesophageal "diversion" "technique" proposed by the Authors, was used. Results obtained with this procedure (clinically and instrumentally evaluated) are presented.

[Economic amputations of the lower limbs due to ischemia. I]

The problem relating to leg amputation following ischemia are analysed in the first part of this study, bearing in mind that amputation must be as conservative as possible in order to ensure the best quality of life. Following a short review of the topic and the introduction of recent trends, the case for amputation, which must be early in order to be conservative, is studied. The first part of this article concludes with a discussion of Doppler and clinical evaluations as techniques used to determine the level of amputation.

[Economic amputations of the lower limbs due to ischemia. II]

In this second note, some technical details used during amputation are described, leaving out the systematic description of interventions. The analysis of the postoperative period shows that the more distal the amputation, the higher the incidence of local complication, while about postoperative mortality our data show an opposite trend. The Authors conclude by pointing out that an early indication and an accurate evaluation often allow a more distal amputation, that must be as conservative as possible anyway.

Biliary reflux after cholecystectomy: a prospective study

The authors carried out a prospective study to ascertain whether cholecystectomy itself might be the cause of duodenogastric reflux. Patients with cholelithiasis were examined and underwent the following tests: hemanalysis, gastroscopy with biopsy, 24 hour pH-metry and acetaminophen test. Twelve patients were selected. Six months after the operation the tests were repeated. All patients were asymptomatic. Hemanalysis was normal in all 12 patients and no difference was seen in the tests of 5 of the patients; however in the other 7 differences were observed in all the tests. The authors conclude that cholecystectomy helps to provoke duodenogastric reflux in predisposed patients, and that this reflux may be asymptomatic.

[Relations between markers and immunological status in surgical patients. Tumor markers and immunity in surgery]

The correlation between the immunological status of surgical patients and cancer is examined. 52 patients with gastric and colonic cancer were studied. On the basis of the immunological results of skin tests these were subdivided into non-reactive and reactive. The two groups were statistically compared in relation to cancer stage and blood concentrations of 4 markers: CEA, Ca 19-9, Ca-50, T.A.T.I. The first data show that anergic patients are older to a statistically significant degree; the second that there are no significant differences between the two groups as regards cancer stage. The third data show a difference between the two groups in relation to two of the four markers; anergic patients have a statistically significant higher blood concentration of CEA and T.A.T.I. This is rather interesting, since the literature offers no specific studies on the correlation between the patient's immunological status and tumour marker concentration. Therefore, in clinical practice, the high concentrations of these markers, could reveal, as well as the presence of cancer an endangered immunologic status.