I NTER D ISCIPLINARY R ESEARCH

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process in which cytoplasmic material is delivered to lysosomes for degradation. The autophagy process is regulated by highly conserved autophagy-related genes (ATGs) via different signalling pathways. Among the various biological functions of autophagy, the link between autophagy and cancer has been extensively studied, demonstrating its dual role, of tumor suppressor or promoter in cancer development. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers that affects most of the world’s population and it is caused by different etiological factors: HBV and HCV viral infections, heavy alcohol consumption, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), aflatoxin B1 contaminated food. In recent years, the involvement of autophagy in both prevention and promotion of liver cancer has been increasingly studied. Here, we summarize molecular mechanisms and physiological function of liver autophagy, its dual role and its therapeutic potential in HCC. Abstract Researching in new technologies for diagnosis, planning and medical treatment have allowed the development of computer tools that provide new ways of representing data obtained from patient’s medical images such as com-puted tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this sense, augmented reality (AR) technologies provide a new form of data representation by combining the common analysis using images and the ability to superimpose virtual 3D representations of the organs of the human body in the real environment. In this paper the development of a generic computer platform based on augmented reality technology for surgical preoperative planning is presented. In particular, the surgeon can navigate in the 3D models of the patient’s organs in order to have the possibility to perfectly understand the anatomy and plan in the best way the surgical procedure. In addition, a touchless interaction with the virtual organs is available thanks to the use of an armband provided of electromiographic muscle sensors. To validate the system, we focused in a navigation through aorta ar-tery for mitral valve repair surgery. Abstract The postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) it is one of the worst complications of the pregnant woman and the leading cause of maternal mortality in the world, as it produces potentially catastrophic effects on patients, with high morbidity and morbidity. Likewise, the reduction in maternal mortality, which is particularly high in low income countries, but rising even in developed countries (as in USA), is one of the eight primary global health current goals of the WHO. In the complex pathophysiological phenomenon of PPH, the uterine contractility and connective tissue arrangement are poorly investigated. Both topics are scantly little understood and investigated, in terms of pelvic functional anatomy and pathophysiology. The anti-version uterine posture is essential for the op-timal and necessary muscle contraction in the immediate postpartum stage, to avoid PPH onset. In this review, authors analyzed the physiology of uterine contraction related to the childbirth and the PPH, identifying an anatomical system involved in the physiological post-partum uterine contraction. This biological system is the integrated pelvic myofascial system and it has a prime importance in the physiological reduction of the PPH risk and to maintain uterine contractility during and after childbirth. Abstract The goal of this paper is to identify and interpret the relationship between the Symbolic Universes (S.U.) and their specific declination in the health context, more precisely how it is expressed in the focus groups on vaccinations. I will introduce to the reader the theoretical background that substantiates and motivates research. Starting from the adoption of the culturalist approach to psychological discipline, I will report the characteristics that dis-tinguish it and the critical issues it tries to face. I will continue by illustrating the results of the first phase of the Re.Cri.Re. through the identification and definition of symbolic universes. I will then illustrate the methods and tools used to carry out research, the results obtained from the analysis and the interpretation of the results.