Structure, Functionality, Compatibility with Pesticides and Beneficial Microbes, and Potential Applications of a New Delivery System Based on Ink-Jet Technology

Accurate application of agrochemicals is an important way to achieve efficient use of chemicals and to combine limited pollution with effective control of weeds, pests, and diseases. In this context, we investigate the potential application of a new delivery system based on ink-jet technology. First, we describe the structure and functionality of ink-jet technology for agrochemical delivery. We then evaluate the compatibility of ink-jet technology with a range of pesticides (four herbicides, eight fungicides, and eight insecticides) and beneficial microbes, including fungi and bacteria. Finally, we investigated the feasibility of using ink-jet technology in a microgreens production system. The ink-jet technology was compatible with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and beneficial microbes that remained functional after passing through the system. In addition, ink-jet technology demonstrated higher area performance compared to standard nozzles under laboratory conditions. Finally, the application of ink-jet technology to microgreens, which are characterized by small plants, was successful and opened the possibility of full automation of the pesticide application system. The ink-jet system proved to be compatible with the main classes of agrochemicals and showed significant potential for application in protected cropping systems.

Reconfigurable Split Ring Resonators by MEMS-Driven Geometrical Tuning

A novel approach for dynamic microwave modulation is proposed in the form of reconfigurable resonant circuits. This result is obtained through the monolithic integration of double split ring resonators (DSRRs) with microelectromechanical actuators (MEMS) for geometrical tuning. Two configurations were analyzed to achieve a controlled deformation of the DSRRs' metamaterial geometry by mutual rotation or extrusion along the azimuthal direction of the two constituent rings. Then, the transfer function was numerically simulated for a reconfigurable MEMS-DSRR hybrid architecture where the DSRR is embedded onto a realistic piezo actuator chip. In this case, a 370 MHz resonance frequency shift was obtained under of a 170 µm extrusion driven by a DC voltage. These characteristics in combination with a high Q factor and dimensions compatible with standard CMOS manufacturing techniques provide a step forward for the production of devices with applications in multiband telecommunications and wireless power transfer and in the IoT field.

Fungal infections of the central nervous system and paranasal sinuses in onco-haematologic patients. Epidemiological study reporting the diagnostic-therapeutic approach and outcome in 89 cases

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) of the Central Nervous System (IFI-CNS) and Paranasal Sinuses (IFI-PS) are rare, life-threatening infections in haematologic patients, and their management remains a challenge despite the availability of new diagnostic techniques and novel antifungal agents. In addition, analyses of large cohorts of patients focusing on these rare IFI are still lacking. Between January 2010 and December 2016, 89 consecutive cases of Proven (53) or Probable (36) IFI-CNS (71/89) and IFI-PS (18/89) were collected in 34 haematological centres. The median age was 40 years (range 5-79); acute leukaemia was the most common underlying disease (69%) and 29% of cases received a previous allogeneic stem cell transplant. Aspergillus spp. were the most common pathogens (69%), followed by mucormycetes (22%), Cryptococcus spp. (4%) and Fusarium spp. (2%). The lung was the primary focus of fungal infection (48% of cases). The nervous system biopsy was performed in 10% of IFI-CNS, and a sinus biopsy was performed in 56% of IFI-PS (P = 0.03). The Galactomannan test on cerebrospinal fluid has been performed in 42% of IFI-CNS (30/71), and it was positive in 67%. Eighty-four pts received a first-line antifungal therapy with Amphotericine B in 58% of cases, Voriconazole in 31% and both in 11%. Moreover, 58% of patients received 2 or more lines of therapy and 38% were treated with a combination of 2 or more antifungal drugs. The median duration of antifungal therapy was 60 days (range 5-835). A surgical intervention was performed in 26% of cases but only 10% of IFI-CNS underwent neurosurgical intervention. The overall response rate to antifungal therapy (complete or partial response) was 57%, and 1-year overall survival was 32% without significant differences between IFI-CNS and IFI-PS. The overall mortality was 69% but the IFI attributable mortality was 33%. Mortality of IFI-CNS/PS remains high but, compared to previous historical data, it seems to be reduced probably due to the availability of newer antifungal drugs. The results arising from this large contemporary cohort of cases may allow a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic management of these very rare IFI complications in haematologic patients.

Characterization of Tunable Micro-Lenses with a Versatile Optical Measuring System

In this work, we present the results of the opto⁻electro⁻mechanical characterization of tunable micro-lenses, Tlens®, performed with a single-spot optical measuring system. Tested devices are composed of a transparent soft polymer layer that is deposited on a supporting glass substrate and is covered by a glass membrane with a thin-film piezoelectric actuator on top. Near-infrared optical low-coherence reflectometry is exploited for both static and low-frequency dynamic analyses in the time domain. Optical thickness of the layers and of the overall structure, actuation efficiency, and hysteretic behavior of the piezo-actuator as a function of driving voltage are obtained by processing the back-reflected signal in different ways. The use of optical sources with relatively short coherence lengths allows performing interferometric measurements without spurious resonance effects due to multiple parallel interfaces, furthermore, selecting the plane/layer to be monitored. We finally report results of direct measurements of Tlens® optical power as a function of driving voltage, performed by redirecting a He-Ne laser beam on the lens and monitoring the focused spot at various distances with a digital camera.

Amoxicillin-tolerant Pasteurella multocida strain isolated from chronic dermohypodermitis after suboptimal exposure to amoxicillin is not associated with reduced growth rate

Pasteurella multocida is rarely observed in human chronic infections. A Pasteurella multocida strain was isolated from a skin biopsy of chronic dermohypodermitis in a 21-year-old woman without an immunocompromised state. As this strain was viable one month after a cat scratch despite treatment by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, we compared this strain's growth rate, amoxicillin Minimal Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MIC and MBC), resistance to serum and ability to activate neutrophil granulocytes with those of control strains isolated during acute infections in humans without previous antibiotics exposure. This particular strain was not more resistant to serum and did not induce a lower phagocytic activity than control strains. It did not grow more slowly than control strains even after suboptimal exposure to amoxicillin. This particular strain was tolerant to amoxicillin but tolerance did not appear sufficient alone for the induction of a chronic infection in a host without an immunocompromised state.

Experimental Model of Lymphedema

The authors describe a new exper imental model for lymphedema of rabbit ear. The method proved to be reliable and easily reproducible. The dilatation of lymph vessels after ex perimental provocation of lymphe dema permits study of the physio pathologic basis of lymphovenous shunts created by means of micro surgery and proves to be helpful for the microsurgeon's practice.

Metachronous elastofibromas

Elastofibroma Dorsi (EFD) is a rare pseudo-tumor characterized by the overgrowth of elastic fibers mixed to adipose and connective tissues typically growing in the subscapular region. This can be bilateral but only rarely synchronous affecting different anatomical sites at the same time. Hereby we present a case of a 42-year-old male patient found with three different metachronous elastofibromas: bilateral EFD and a further third localization by the right elbow. The two EFs in the subscapular region were resected. After surgery pain reoccurred on the right side. This required the implantation of a spinal electro-stimulator. The elbow lesion was not excised as it was asymptomatic.

Platelet-rich plasma and blood components for non-transfusion use: technical and medicolegal aspects

There are a large number of publications describing the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in multiple fields of application. These illustrate a large number of therapeutic elements with different and specific actions within 'platelet gel' (this term is used in the current regulations to define this product). This term, however, lacks specificity and, depending on the method used in its production is variable both in its blood composition and in platelet concentration, and several publications consider better and easier methods of platelet gel production, which may or may not lead to greater standardization in the product. The authors illustrate the general aspects of PRP and other blood components for non-transfusion use, briefly touching on the history and different fields of application and the rational of for its use. Given the increased use of such preparations, the authors describe critically the regulations in force in Europe and propose a new regulatory framework aimed to simplify and facilitate the use of such material as a therapeutic agent within medicine.

[Medullary thyroid carcinoma: a study about 28 operated patients]

In this study on 28 operated patients, the Authors show that total thyroidectomy with elective central neck dissection and ipsilateral neck dissection is the most appropriate surgical treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma. Pathologic study on lymph nodes removed in central and in latero-cervical compartments showed malignancy respectively in 75% and in 70% of the cases. However the role of elective ipsilateral lateral neck dissection remains controversial.

[Retroperitoneal giant mixed sarcoma. Case report]

The Authors present a rare case of voluminous retroperitoneal tumor in a 41 years old woman. CT scan showed a solid abdominal expansive mass, with compression and displacement of the left lobe of the liver, spleen, stomach, pancreas, and left kidney. The patient underwent surgery for excision of a giant retroperitoneal mass. Surgery was uneventful. The patients recovered well. Histology showed a mixed liposarcoma and angiosarcoma with high grade of malignancy and positivity for vimentin, factor VIII, CD34, CD31 and negativity for S-100, CD68, AMS, AML. The prognosis of these tumours is closely related to local recurrence, histological type, size and radical surgery. A low-grade malignancy tumor, small sized and completely resected leads to a good prognosis. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy do not seem to have a strong influence on the prognosis. An aggressive surgical approach is the first choice for the treatment of such tumors. The resection of adjacent organs may be required for radical surgery.

[Two cases of synchronous papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma]

The Authors describe two cases of simultaneous association of papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma. They emphasize the treatment of these cases stressing the correlation between the therapeutic criteria and the malignancy of medullary carcinoma.

Viewpoint: public versus private health care delivery: beyond the slogans

In most settings, a 'public' health service refers to a service which belongs to the state. The term 'private' is used when health care is delivered by individuals and/or institutions not administered by the state. In this paper it is argued that such a distinction, which is based on the institutional or administrative identity of the health care provider, is not adequate because it takes for granted that the nature of this identity automatically determines the nature of the service delivered to the population. A different frame of classification between public and private health services is proposed: one which is based on the purpose the health service pursues and on the outputs it yields. A set of five operational criteria to distinguish between health services guided by a public or private purpose is presented. This alternative classification is discussed in relation to a variety of existing situations in sub-Saharan Africa (Mali, Uganda, Zimbabwe). It is hoped that it can be used as a tool in the hands of the health planner in order to bring more rationality in the current altercation between the public and the private health care sector.

[The prognostic significance of the vascular invasion of colorectal tumors]

The authors report their experience about the clinical significance of the invasion of veins (BVI) in 68 patients with colorectal carcinoma, submitted to potentially curative surgery in the period 1980-1988. Every patient was screened for BVI. The tumoral spreading was differentiated into endovascular and perivascular permeation. The authors also considered the incidence and kind of BVI, the recurrence rate of the tumour and five-year survival rate. BVI was present in 33 patients (48.5%). Recurrence was observed in 22 patients (22.3%): 19 patients in the group with BVI (33 patients): 3 in the group of 35 patients without BVI. BVI was related to tumour stage, but it may be considered as an independent factor in its relationship with a poorer prognosis in patients affected by tumours in stages II or III; in fact, the patients in stage II had a poorer prognosis than those in stage III without BVI. These results suggest that BVI, as a prognostic factor, is independent from tumoral stage in determining the recurrence rate and the long term prognosis.

[Colonic neoplasms: long-term survival after surgical treatment. Our experience]

The surgery is still the only treatment for large bowel tumours. The patients who underwent a radical operation and then were treated with chemo and/or radiotherapy have not shown a longer free-disease survival. Palliative resection should be preferred to by pass operation, since the latter has shown less postoperative morbility and mortality. The authors report their experience on 139 patients with large bowel tumours operated between 1979 and 1988, and they analyze the surgical results and the five-years survival according to the stage of disease.

[Evaluation of the locomotor system during pediatric health examinations and elements of kinesitherapy]

The pediatrician, being a primary health care physician, has the task of bringing the small patient and his parents to the resolution of all those problems which are erroneously referred to a subspecialist. With this in mind, the authors believe that even common orthopedic problems must be evaluated by the pediatrician. He would decide if and when to refer the child to an orthopedic specialist. Certain problems such as congenital hip dysplasia or scoliosis require specific treatment, whereas others (tibial bowing, genu varum-valgum, flatfoot, metatarsus varus) resolve themselves over time. The authors therefore emphasize the role of the pediatrician in preventing any iatrogenic pathology due to inappropriate treatment.

[Afferent loop syndrome as an epiphenomenon of neoplasms of the gastric stump]

A clinical case is the basis for a report on the possibility that afferent loop syndrome might present as an epiphenomenon in gastric stump cancer. Stress is laid above all on the rarity of the syndrome and on the clinical and diagnostic difficulties of demonstrating it. The possibility that it might be a pointer to a pathology of greater clinical importance is pointed out.

[Aneurysm of the innominate artery: pathology simulating pulmonary neoplasm]

A chance case of aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk suggested a review of the literature on this rare pathology. Stress is laid on the possible asymptomaticity of the lesion and on its frequent chance observation in chest X-rays; the diagnostic procedure, at times particularly complex, may not lead to decisive results but the possibility of aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk must be borne in mind in any case so as to avoid gross diagnostic and therapeutic errors.

[Correlations between blood pressure values, familial hypertension and anthropometric parameters in a sample of 3-year-old children]

Nowadays evaluation of blood pressure in children is almost routine. In fact hypertension in adults may be preceded by high blood pressure values in childhood. In this study the authors examined systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), height, weight, ponderosity index and family history of hypertension, in 261 3-year-old children, 139 boys and 122 girls. Average values of SBP were slightly but not significantly higher in males. Coefficients of linear regression and correlation for any pair of the different parameters (SBP-DBP and weight, SBP-DBP and height, SBP-DPB and ponderosity index) were all significantly positive for males, but not for females. The most significant value (r = 0.43) was in the correlation DBP-weight. In studying the family history of hypertension all children were divided into three groups: negative (F.I.-), positive with brothers and/or parents affected (F.I. I+) and positive with other relatives affected (F.I. II+). Average SBP and DPB in the second group were higher than in the third, and much higher than in the first group. These results suggest the importance of prevention in early childhood with alimentary education and serial blood pressure measurements. The individuation of borderline values is also very important.