On the application of fracture mechanics mixed-mode models of sliding with friction and adhesion.

As recently suggested in an interesting and stimulating paper by Menga, Carbone and Dini (MCD), applying fracture mechanics energy concepts for the case of a sliding adhesive contact, imposing also the shear stress is constant at the interface and equal to a material constant (as it seems in experiments), leads to a increase of contact area which instead is never observed. We add that the MCD theory also predicts a size effect and hence a distortion of the JKR curve during sliding which is also not observed in experiments. Finally, a simpler example with the pure mode I contact case, leads in the MCD theory to an unbounded contact area, rather than a perhaps more correct limit of the Maugis-Dugdale solution for the adhesive sphere when Tabor parameter is zero, that is DMT's solution. We discuss that the MCD theory does not satisfy equilibrium, and we propose some more correct formulations, although they may be rather academic: recent semi-empirical models, with an appropriate choice of the empirical parameters, seem more promising and robust in modelling actual experiments.

The adulticide effect of a combination of doxycycline and ivermectin in Dirofilaria immitis-experimentally infected dogs is associated with reduction in local T regulatory cell populations.

In a previous study, dogs experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis were treated with either ivermectin or doxycycline or a combination of both. The adulticide effect was significantly higher in the dogs treated with both drugs and was similar to that observed in dogs treated with melarsomine hydrochloride. In the present study, lung tissue samples from these dogs were evaluated for the presence of T regulatory (Foxp3+) cells by immunohistochemistry. Cells were enumerated for each dog in the four groups and compared with untreated controls. There was a significantly lower number of Treg cells in those dogs treated with a combination of both drugs when compared either to the control group or to the other groups treated with either drug alone or with melarsomine. These results suggest that successful adulticide effects of doxycycline and ivermectin are associated with a decrease in immune regulation towards the parasite.

[Expanders and the prosthetic short line in breast reconstruction after mastectomy: experience with the first 130 surgically treated cases]. / Gli espansori e la linea protesica "short" nella ricostruzione mammaria post mastectomia: esperienza sui primi 130 casi operati.

Breast reconstruction as now to be consider as a complementary treatment of breast cancer surgery. Between 1998-1999 we developed a project of collaboration with Polytech-Silimed Europe Gmbh for a new textured tissue expander. This new system allows expansion of the middle and lower quadrant of the breast acting a physiologic ptosis of the breast. Authors report their experience on the first 130 patients.

[Five hundred sixty-nine flaps used in reconstruction of the head and neck: morbidity analysis and results]. / Cinquecentosessantanove lembi utilizzati nelle ricostruzioni per tumori di testa e collo: analisi su morbilità e risultati.

Aim of the study is to provide high-level results in terms of functionality and softness of the tissues achieved with different reconstructive techniques performed in oncological surgery of the head and neck. Test group was composed of 528 patients recovered with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. We performed 569 flaps: myocutaneous, cutaneous and fasciocutaneous, and free flaps. The clinical outcome and the morpho-functional evaluation show that free flaps can ensure excellent results, especially in defined anatomical areas such as the cervical-esophageal region, jaw and tongue. As to myocutaneous and cutaneous/fasciocutaneous flaps, they are still the first reconstructive choice, according to their minimal or no functional implications.

[Mechanical microanastomosis in reconstructive surgery of the neck and face]. / Le microanastomosi meccaniche in chirurgia ricostruttiva del distretto cervico-facciale.

Aim of the study is to report our preliminar experience with MCA Coupler System in mechanical microanastomoses performed in head and neck reconstructive surgery. During almost 7 months we performed 7 end-to-end venous anastomoses: 3 of them regarding the cephalic district. We had no vascular thrombosis, vascular congestion or flap loss. Mean time of execution of anastomosis with MCA Coupler System was 10 minutes. In our experence it is essential the choice of the appropriate size of the device and a good dissection of recipient vessels. In our opinion the Coupler System is an easy applicable device, and an efficient alternative to manual micro-anastomoses.