Reconstruction Period Research Articles

An Approach to the Demographic Change in Reconstruction Period from the Nuclear Accident

An Approach to the Demographic Change in Reconstruction Period from the Nuclear Accident

Surgical reconstruction of arm and hand functions in tetraplegia : Current concepts

The reconstruction of arm and hand functions is of enormous importance for tetraplegic patients as it enables at least some degree of independence. Depending on the level of the spinal cord injury, certain residual functions are present in the arms which can be used for surgical reconstruction of upper extremity functions. By utilizing tendon and nerve transfers missing functions can at least be partially reconstructed. Tendon transfers are aproven technique with reliable results that can be performed at any time regardless of the type of accident. Due to the frequent presence of lower motor neuron damage, it is essential to consider the optimal time window for nerve transfer interventions. From the multitude of surgical options, an individual reconstruction plan must be created for each patient, which considers multiple factors. The combination of nerve transfers and later completing the functional reconstruction by tendon transfers is the preferred concept of the authors of this article.

Machine Log File and Calibration Errors-based Patient-specific Quality Assurance (QA) for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

Dose reconstructed based on linear accelerator (linac) log-files is one of the widely used solutions to perform patient-specific quality assurance (QA). However, it has a drawback that the accuracy of log-file is highly dependent on the linac calibration. The objective of the current study is to represent a new practical approach for a patient-specific QA during Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using both log-file and calibration errors of linac. A total of six cases, including two head and neck neoplasms, two lung cancers, and two rectal carcinomas, were selected. The VMAT-based delivery was optimized by the TPS of Pinnacle^3 subsequently, using Elekta Synergy VMAT linac (Elekta Oncology Systems, Crawley, UK), which was equipped with 80 Multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) and the energy of the ray selected at 6 MV. Clinical mode log-file of this linac was used in this study. A series of test fields validate the accuracy of log-file. Then, six plans of test cases were delivered and log-file of each was obtained. The log-file errors were added to the corresponding plans through the house script and the first reconstructed plan was obtained. Later, a series of tests were performed to evaluate the major calibration errors of the linac (dose-rate, gantry angle, MLC leaf position) and the errors were added to the first reconstruction plan to generate the second reconstruction plan. At last, all plans were imported to Pinnacle and recalculated dose distribution on patient CT and ArcCheck phantom (SUN Nuclear). For the former, both target and OAR dose differences between them were compared. For the latter, γ was evaluated by ArcCheck, and subsequently, the surface dose differences between them were performed. Accuracy of log-file was validated. If error recordings in the log file were only considered, there were four arcs whose proportion of control points with gantry angle errors more than ± 1°larger than 35%. Errors of leaves within ± 0.5 mm were 95% for all arcs. The distinctness of a single control point MU was bigger, but the distinctness of cumulative MU was smaller. The maximum, minimum, and mean doses for all targets were distributed between -6.79E-02-0.42%, -0.38-0.4%, 2.69E-02-8.54E-02% respectively, whereas for all OAR, the maximum and mean dose were distributed between -1.16-2.51%, -1.21-3.12% respectively. For the second reconstructed dose: the maximum, minimum, and mean dose for all targets was distributed between 0.0995~5.7145%, 0.6892~4.4727%, 0.5829~1.8931% separately. Due to OAR, maximum and mean dose distribution was observed between -3.1462~6.8920%, -6.9899~1.9316%, respectively. Patient-specific QA based on the log-file could reflect the accuracy of the linac execution plan, which usually has a small influence on dose delivery. When the linac calibration errors were considered, the reconstructed dose was closer to the actual delivery and the developed method was accurate and practical.

Architecture as discernment: a reflection on the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral, 1940–62

Sixty years since its consecration, the architectural historian Henrik Schoenefeldt reflects on the theological questions underlying the plans for the post-war reconstruction of Coventry Cathedral. Covering the period from 1940 to 1962, this article explores the role of architecture in giving outward expression to the Cathedral Council’s discernment of a ministry reconciliation with a focus on Christian unity. At first this emerging identity articulated itself architecturally in symbolic acts and temporary interventions within the physical remains of the old cathedral. This was followed by proposals for the rebuilding, which culminated in Sir Basil Spence’s final design. However, his completed design reflects not only aspirations, but also the past ecclesiastical barriers towards ecumenicism. This suggests that its architecture did not represent a conclusion, but only an intermediate stage within a much longer, and still ongoing, process of discernment.

Transforming breast reconstruction: the pioneering role of artificial intelligence in preoperative planning.

Autologous breast reconstruction surgery is a vital part of the recovery process for patients with breast cancer. While various reconstructive options exist, the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is often favoured for its ability to closely mimic natural breast tissue. However, the complex vascular anatomy associated with the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) presents challenges for surgeons during DIEP flap execution. Preoperative imaging, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), is commonly used to understand vascular architecture and aid in selecting appropriate perforators. Conventional reporting of CTA scans is a labour-intensive process that can be challenging and requires specific expertise. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms in medical imaging has the potential to address these challenges. AI can enhance CTA through improved data acquisition, image post-processing, and potentially interpretation. By automating the perforator selection process, AI applications can significantly reduce the time spent on preoperative imaging analysis and potentially improve accuracy and reliability. While AI shows promise in optimizing efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in breast reconstruction planning, challenges and ethical considerations need to be addressed. This article explores the challenges, opportunities, and future directions of using AI in the preoperative planning of autologous breast reconstruction.

Actual problems of the criminal and legal policy of Ukraine in the conditions of war

Scientific research in the field of criminal and legal counteraction to corruption should be aimed at achieving such a result as minimizing the causes and conditions of corruption and corruption-related offenses, reducing their destructive impact on the already weakened economy, as well as the welfare of the Ukrainian population, the inevitability of being drawn to criminal liability of all persons involved in corruption. The norms on collaborationism, which were adopted in a hurry, have already been criticized by domestic scientists and need improvement. After the de-occupation of all our territories, it is impossible to allow unjustified prosecution of Ukrainian citizens who did not participate in collaborative activities. After the victory in this war, Ukraine, as a victim of the most brutal crime of aggression by Russia in the 21st century, having already some experience in countering the commission of international crimes and their investigation, should initiate the creation of the Code of International Crimes. Protection of victims from crimes is an actual area of criminal law policy. Despite the fact that the term «victim» is used by other sciences of the legal cycle, its meaning is directly related to criminal law. In recent years, the issue of classifying the victim as a subject of material criminal law relations has been actively discussed. Current problems of the criminal law policy of Ukraine, the most important in the conditions of war, can be divided into three groups. The first is the traditionally priority areas that only increased their relevance during the war (fighting corruption, terrorism, organized crime, etc.). The criminal law protection against corruption in all spheres, primarily in the sphere of defense, is the important factor that will contribute to the victory of our state over Russia. The most recent are directions that became relevant during the war (combating international and military criminal offenses, crimes against the foundations of national security (against the state), expanding the list of circumstances that exclude the criminal illegality of an act). The concept of self-defense as legitimate defense comes from domestic law, primarily criminal law. Necessary defense against the actions of an aggressor should be considered as legitimate socially beneficial violence. The predicted directions, which are actualized during the period of post-war reconstruction of the state, are countermeasures against the increase in the level of violent crime, suicides, and crimes related to the use of weapons. Key words: criminal law policy, counteraction, corruption, organized crime, violence, necessary defense, fair justice, international crime, war crime, crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, criminal organization, terrorism, collaborationism, state security, victim.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS USE IN CONDITIONS OF POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION

The article summarizes the study of strategic directions in land use under the conditions of sustainable development and efficiency in agricultural enterprises with different production structures. The author uses grouping, a correlation method, reliability check of differences in averages, using t-Student method as `a research methods. Calculating the specialization coefficient according to the structure of cultivated areas, the author assessed crop rotation structure at enterprises. The research included 515 enterprises in Kharkiv region according to 2020 data. The article established that with a value of the specialization coefficient of up to 0.25, 2,482,000 UAH of marketable products accounted for 100 hectares of agricultural land, and with an increase of more than 0.85 – 2,120,000 UAH. The probability that these values are not random is quite high -83.5%. The enterprises with a larger number of crops in the crop rotation had a larger average area of agricultural land. According to the indicator of profit per unit of land area and the level of profitability, the enterprises with an average and high coefficient of specialization turned out to be the most efficient. Moreover, the enterprises with a specialization coefficient of up to 0.55 had the largest rent. In the course of work, the author built a regression dependence model of rent on the size of agricultural land, the specific weight of animal husbandry in the structure of marketable products, and the value of the specialization coefficient. According to the results of this model, only the value of the specialization coefficient had a negative effect on the amount of rent. The article emphasizes that in the period of post-war reconstruction, the strategic directions of state policy in the agricultural sector should be aimed at supporting multi-industry enterprises oriented towards the production of livestock products. This should ensure not only the economic efficiency of land use, but also the sustainability of the entire agricultural development

An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts

The Literary Realism movement was a movement established globally with heavy influence in the United States during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The Realism movement defies the Romanticism movement, with people favoring truth over falsity and reality over imagination. This research essay examines and analyzes the Literary Realism movement and its impact on the United States. This essay incorporated historical research with consultation from the history department head to provide a concise and accurate description of the historical context behind the Literary Realism movement. Additionally, this essay employed constructive research for evidence that supported the values and beliefs of the Literary Realism movement. Moreover, this research essay incorporated a study of the genre and the style of the Literary Realism movement to analyze the impact of the Literary Realism movement effectively. Finally, this essay included three fictional literary works plus two non-fictional authors and their compositions to synthesize the significance of Literary Realist authors during the Literary Realism movement. This paper, therefore, affirms an insightful analysis of the Literary Realism movement and its influence in the United States.

Recovery of the economy of Ukraine after the war: problems and prospects of “green” financing

The peculiarities of “green” financing of the reconstruction of Ukrainian economy after the cessation of Russian aggression against our country were considered; the directions of possible financing of this reconstruction by international financial organizations and individual countries were identified; the features of implementing public orders during the reconstruction period in Ukraine were analyzed, taking into account the experience of EU countries; the peculiarities of the realization of the principles of the European Green Course and its possible influence on the financing of reconstruction processes in Ukraine were investigated.

Special of deregulation of economic relations in modern conditions

The article is devoted to defining the peculiarities of the deregulation of economic relations in Ukraine in the modern conditions of the introduction of martial law. The concept and significance of the deregulation of economic relations to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the domestic economy are defined.It is substantiated that in Ukraine the process of deregulation of economic legal relations has been going on for several years, and by the beginning of 2022 certain positive developments in this area have taken place.
 A comparative analysis of some planned and implemented measures to deregulate economic activity was carried out as of the beginning of 2022. It was found that most of the planned measures to deregulate economic relations during the reporting period were effectively implemented.The author agrees with the opinion that prevails among scientists that after the introduction of martial law on the entire territory of Ukraine by the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the question of providing state support to economic entities, including through indirect forms, one of which is means deregulation of the economy. At the same time, objections have been expressed about the need for widespread deregulation, as this may lead to counterproductive deregulation and abuses.An analysis of economic deregulation measures planned and implemented by the state after the introduction of martial law on the territory of Ukraine was carried out. The peculiarities of the process of deregulation of economic legal relations in the modern conditions of the introduction of martial law are revealed. An overview of the main measures implemented by state bodies to provide support to business entities was carried out.On the basis of the conducted scientific and legal analysis, the author determined promising directions for the further implementation of measures to deregulate economic activity, taking into account the peculiarities of the current state of the economy and the conditions in which business entities found themselves. In particular, these should become: determination of the most important during the war and in the period of post-war reconstruction of the economic sectors, such as construction, energy, mining, transport, agricultural activity and others, for which it is expedient to review the conditions of state regulation; improvement of business activity licensing procedures in the conditions of the legal regime of martial law and in the period of post-war reconstruction; application of the achievements of the latest technologies to simplify permitting and reporting procedures for business entities.

Accurate resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma using eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantization technique.

For treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), the rate of radical resection is low and prognosis is poor, and preoperative evaluation is not sufficiently accurate. 3D visualization has the advantage of giving a stereoscopic view, which makes accurate resection of HCCA possible. To establish precise resection of HCCA based on eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantification technology. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 73 patients who underwent HCCA surgery. All patients were assigned to two groups. The traditional group received traditional 2D imaging planning before surgery (n = 35). The eOrganmap group underwent 3D reconstruction and full quantitative technical planning before surgery (n = 38). The preoperative evaluation, anatomical classification of hilar hepatic vessels, indicators associated with surgery, postoperative complications, liver function, and stress response indexes were compared between the groups. Compared with the traditional group, the amount of intraoperative blood loss in the eOrganmap group was lower, the operating time and postoperative intestinal ventilation time were shorter, and R0 resection rate and lymph node dissection number were higher (P < 0.05). The total complication rate in the eOrganmap group was 21.05% compared with 25.71% in the traditional group (P > 0.05). The levels of total bilirubin, Albumin (ALB) , aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase in the eOrganmap group were significantly different from those in the traditional group (intergroup effect: F = 450.400, 79.120, 95.730, and 13.240, respectively; all P < 0.001). Total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase in both groups showed a decreasing trend with time (time effect: F = 30.270, 17.340, and 13.380, respectively; all P < 0.001). There was an interaction between patient group and time (interaction effect: F = 3.072, 2.965, and 2.703, respectively; P = 0.0282, 0.032, and 0.046, respectively); ALB levels in both groups tended to increase with time (time effect: F = 22.490, P < 0.001), and there was an interaction effect between groups and time (interaction effect: F = 4.607, P = 0.004). In the eOrganmap group, there was a high correlation between the actual volume of intraoperative liver specimen resection and the volume of preoperative virtual liver resection (t = 0.916, P < 0.001). The establishment of accurate laparoscopic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on preoperative eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantization technology can make laparoscopic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma more accurate and safe.

Enerhetychna bezpeka derzhavy v umovakh posylennia hlobalizatsiinykh protsesiv

The study states that energy today has a significant impact on the economy and other industries, and it represents the state of the couontry’s energy security and sustainable development of the state in the future. It is established that the problem of providing the Ukrainian economy with energy resources is not limited exclusively to economic levers and mechanisms and requires increased attention in connection with the critical dependence on the import of energy carriers and powerful transit lines and international transport corridors. A number of definitions of the category «state’s energy security» in normative documents and scientific works have been given. It is noted that along with geographical factors and the volume of available resource reserves, it is important to understand the status and position of the state on the global energy market. It is determined that the field of energy security covers five levels (global, collective, national, regional and business entity level), within which organizational structures and institutional components are distinguished within each of the levels. It has been established that the processes of globalization significantly affect the sphere of state’s energy security, in particular, they change the structure of the modern world, affect national systems of public administration and strategies in various spheres of life of society and the state, but national interests should still prevail in state policy, covering directions for reformatting the energy profile of Ukraine by greening the industry, using renewable energy sources and finding new non-traditional energy sources, actively implementing innovations and training an energy-literate domestic consumer with a conscious understanding of the objective need for energy saving and energy efficiency. Two key negative trends in the field of energy security are indicated: inefficient use of fuel and energy resources by consumer and producer countries and untimely or incomplete satisfaction of the required volumes in fuel and energy resources of the national economies of consumer countries as a tool in influencing state policy by countries -producers of such resources. The author notes that the state of war on the territory of Ukraine, the period of post-war reconstruction, new challenges and threats will require the adjustment of state policy priorities in the field of energy security.

DETERMINANTS OF INCREASING THE INNOVATION CAPACITY OF UKRAINE

Modelling the development of innovative power is an integral tool for finding ways to ensure the country's competitiveness and post-war recovery to accelerate European integration processes using its technological uniqueness. The innovative vector of economic development is a priority mechanism for the formation of competitive positions at all levels of the world economic system. The main purpose of this paper is to use modelling to identify the key determinants of the development and increase of Ukraine's innovative power, which should be crucial for the post-war recovery of the domestic economy. Methodology. The econometric model describes the efficiency of the use of Ukraine's innovative capacity and highlights its weaknesses. It is necessary to pay special attention to them in the period of post-war reconstruction. Both a correlation matrix of these factors and a regression model of their interdependencies were developed based on the assessment of a number of determinants affecting the formation and growth of innovative power. Results. The econometric modelling made it possible to obtain statistically significant two-factor linear models in which the share of R&amp;D costs and the number of innovative products implemented were the independent variables. The commercialisation of R&amp;D, in particular patenting, which reflects the effectiveness of scientific activity, appears to be very important. Business shows the highest rates of technology implementation. It creates a platform for further stimulation and development of relevant innovations. Practical implications. In the context of European integration processes, it is important to highlight those factors that would become advantages for strengthening the innovative power of Ukraine and to use them as a priority in the formation of the state policy of post-war reconstruction. The intensity of research and development and the introduction of advanced innovations, the innovative activity of the society and its functionality depend on the effective innovation policy of the state, the current state of the economy, the availability of a systematised base of institutes and institutions ensuring scientific and technical activity, modernised infrastructure, specialised information and consulting centres, etc. Value/originality. It has been proved that the priority of the innovative component of the domestic state policy is an undeniable condition for the effectiveness of the development of the economic system at the present stage of turbulence in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. At the same time, the obvious advantages of innovativeness are cancelled out by the presence of high costs for the development of innovations, a decrease in the activity of commercialisation of inventions, and the imperfection of the intersectoral distribution of funds for research and development.

Role of the Gastrocnemius Musculocutaneous with a Propeller Style Skin Flap in Knee Region Reconstruction: Indications and Pitfalls.

Background Soft tissue reconstruction around the knee area is still an open question, particularly in persistent infections and multiple reoperations scenario. Flap coverage should guarantee joint mobility and protection, even when foreign materials are implanted. The chimeric harvesting of the musculocutaneous gastrocnemius flap, based on the sural artery perforators, can extend its applicability in soft tissue reconstruction of the upper leg, overcoming the drawbacks of the alternative pedicled flaps. Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted enrolling patients who underwent to a pedicled, chimeric gastrocnemius musculocutaneous-medial sural artery perforator (GM-MSAP) or lateral sural artery perforator (GM-LSAP) flap for knee coverage in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recurrent infections and oncological or traumatic defects of the upper leg from 2018 to 2021. Outcomes evaluated were the successful soft tissue reconstruction and flap complications. Surgical timing, reconstruction planning, technique, and rehabilitation protocols were discussed. Results Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Nineteen GM-MSAPs and 2 GM-LSAPs were performed (soft tissue reconstruction in infected TKA [12], in infected hardware [4], and in oncological patients [5]). Donor site was closed primarily in 9 cases, whereas a skin graft was required in 12. Flap wound dehiscence (1), distal flap necrosis (1), distal necrosis of the skin paddle (1), and donor site infection (1) were the encountered complications. Flap reraise associated to implant exchange or extensive debridement was successful without requiring any further flap surgery. Conclusion The propeller-perforator GM-MSAP offers qualitative defect coverage and easiness of multiple flap reraise due to skin availability and its laxity.

European Economy and Institutional Liberalism: Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine

Institutional liberalism, despite the strong criticisms it has received, has emerged as an important hermeneutic theory, especially in the periods of Post-War Reconstruction. The intense activity of the World Bank, the IMF, the EBRD, the UNDP, the European Investment Bank, the BSIC, but also of individual states, Britain, Italy, Poland, and others, in direct cooperation and coordination with international and European organizations for the reconstruction of Ukraine, confirms the explanatory value of institutional liberalism, since the policies of international and European organizations strengthen future expectations, build partnerships and useful connections between actors, and create incentives for further actions. Against the realist version of international relations, where states behave arbitrarily, the logic of post-war reconstruction comes to affirm the social utility of institutional liberalism, with hope for a society of reconciliation and cooperation. European economic integration, a historical product of a long process of cooperation and development, offers, once again, the model of post-war reconstruction.

Transportation Resilience Modeling and Bridge Reconstruction Planning Based on Time-Evolving Travel Demand during Post-Earthquake Recovery Period

After major earthquakes, communities may experience time-evolving population in terms of size and distribution, and varying travel demands, along with the displacement and recovery of residents caused by the damage and restoration of dwelling units. Community transportation can be significantly affected if the changes in population size and distribution are considerable. As a result, the post-earthquake infrastructure reconstruction process is essentially like urban replanning to meet the realistic traffic needs of the remaining and recovering residents and further maximize the sustainability of the community. To fill the gap in existing studies that considered the travel demand as fixed during the long-term recovery stage, it is important to investigate the effects of time-evolving travel demand on transportation resilience modeling and bridge reconstruction planning during the post-earthquake recovery period. A new methodology is proposed to analyze such impact by assessing the time-dependent resilience performance of transportation networks during the post-earthquake recovery stage. Traffic efficiency and safety are the two resilience performance indicators used to evaluate the transportation network. Post-earthquake infrastructure restoration planning is conducted using a heuristic algorithm based on the time-dependent resilience performance indicator. A demonstrative case study is carried out at Shelby County, Tennessee.

Calculating war, calculating peace: the Rockefeller Foundation and science research in Britain

ABSTRACT The history of reconstruction and philanthropic aid efforts in Western Europe after the Second World War ended cannot be fully understood without examining the wartime networks, scientific projects and miscalculations of Allied planners. This case study of a Rockefeller Foundation project in Second World War Britain shows that the war gave scientists studying human nutrition an opportunity to conduct research on an unprecedented scale, with an unprecedented level of government support. The war thus paradoxically extended the vitality of certain international health projects at a time when support for many public health institutions and personnel was suspended. Nutrition research projects in Britain made considerable gains in refining the measurement and definition of malnutrition during the war, yet had little access to information about the fallout from food shortages operating across the Channel in occupied territory. Planning a rational, efficient system for dealing with hunger in liberated post-war territories proved to be an elusive goal. Only with the end of war in Europe could Allied scientists begin to witness the full force and extent of starvation policies imposed on civilians and prisoners by the Nazi regime and its allies. After assessing full-fledged starvation cases in the spring of 1945, a number of researchers who had worked in wartime Britain turned to assessing nutritional deficiencies in wider populations in Western Europe. The reconstruction period in Allied-occupied Germany provided a new set of opportunities for testing the effects of civilian rationing policies.

A History of Innovation: Tracing the Evolution of Imaging Modalities for the Preoperative Planning of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction is an essential component in the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer patients. Over the years, preoperative planning has played a pivotal role in assisting surgeons in planning operative decisions prior to the day of surgery. The evolution of preoperative planning can be traced back to the introduction of modalities such as ultrasound and colour duplex ultrasonography, enabling surgeons to evaluate the donor site's vasculature and thereby plan operations more accurately. However, the limitations of these techniques paved the way for the implementation of modern three-dimensional imaging technologies. With the advancements in 3D imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, surgeons gained the ability to obtain detailed anatomical information. Moreover, numerous adjuncts have been developed to aid in the planning process. The integration of 3D-printing technologies has made significant contributions, enabling surgeons to create complex haptic models of the underlying anatomy. Direct infrared thermography provides a non-invasive, visual assessment of abdominal wall vascular physiology. Additionally, augmented reality technologies are poised to reshape surgical planning by providing an immersive and interactive environment for surgeons to visualize and manipulate 3D reconstructions. Still, the future of preoperative planning in breast reconstruction holds immense promise. Most recently, artificial intelligence algorithms, utilising machine learning and deep learning techniques, have the potential to automate and enhance preoperative planning processes. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the history of innovation in preoperative planning for breast reconstruction, while also outlining key future directions, and the impact of artificial intelligence in this field.

Update on Current Concepts of Blood Flow Restriction in the Perioperative Period of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament tears or ruptures are common orthopedic injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an orthopedic procedure allowing for earlier return to sports, improved maintenance of lifestyle demands, and restored knee stability and kinematics. A perioperative rehabilitative adjunct recently gaining interest is blood flow restriction (BFR), a method in which temporary restriction of blood flow to a chosen extremity is introduced and can be used as early as a few days postoperative. There has been increasing investigation and recent literature regarding BFR. This review synthesizes current concepts of BFR use in the ACLR perioperative period. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e333-e340.].

Nature-Based Solutions to Regenerate Mediterranean Cities: A Case Study in Catania, Sicily

This work is part of research conducted within the Di3A Landscape Design and Redevelopment Laboratory at the University of Catania. Its objective is to improve the enjoyment of public spaces through the study of landscape design in highly urbanised and historical areas. The case study used was the historical centre of the city of Catania in Sicily. This study focused on the green aspects of the redevelopment of some open spaces of the Antico Corso district using international and national thematic studies on public spaces as a reference. In particular, the research concentrated on the design of the Garden of Via Biblioteca inside the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò La Rena, a UNESCO world heritage site redeveloped by the famous architect Giancarlo De Carlo. After a careful analysis of the area, we decided to use contemporary project themes with the aim of enhancing the present historical elements and nature-based solutions, which, through the introduction of carefully selected plant species, favour biodiversity in the urban environment. The method adopted was divided into three main phases: (1) spatial analysis; (2) a SWOT analysis method; and (3) the planning and design of the green redevelopment of places to be reconverted into public spaces. This methodology has already been tested on the open spaces of the former Vittorio Emanuele Hospital inside the Antico Corso District, showing how the multidisciplinary approach applied can be replicated in other urban contexts in historical centres. The results of these studies may be useful in the context of urban planning reforms envisaged by Regional Law No. 19/2020 and Regional Law 13/2015 in Sicily and to help the Superintendencies of Landscape and Cultural Heritage to preserve and to enhance historical greenery. The adopted strategies may also be useful in the application of the PUI (Integrated Urban Plan) of the Province of Catania that follows the PNRR (National Plan of Reconstruction and Resilience) parameters to provide local services to the municipalities involved. These pilot projects should be extended to bigger areas. The applicability of the methodology could be tested in other parts of the Municipality of Catania with a particular focus on run-down areas, followed by further testing on territorial sections of the province.