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This paper describes the seismological analyses performed within the framework of the seismic microzonation study for the reconstruction of 138 municipalities damaged by the 2016–2017 sequence in Central Italy. Many waveforms were recorded over approximately 15 years at approximately 180 instrumented sites equipped with permanent or temporary stations in an area that includes all the damaged localities. Site response was assessed using earthquake and noise recordings at the selected stations through different parameters, such as spectral amplification curves, fundamental resonance frequencies, site-specific response spectra, and average amplification factors. The present study was a collaboration of many different institutions under the coordination of the Italian Center for Seismic Microzonation and its applications. The results were homogenized and gathered into site-specific forms, which represent the main deliverable for the benefit of Italian Civil Protection. It is remarkable that the bulk of this study was performed in a very short period (approximately 2 months) to provide quantitative information for detailed microzonation and future reconstruction of the damaged municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the phenomenology of models containing one Vector-Like Quark (VLQ), t′, which can decay into the Standard Model (SM) top quark, t, and a new spin-0 neutral boson, S, the latter being either a scalar or pseudoscalar state. We parametrise the underlying interactions in terms of a simplified model which enables us to capture possible Beyond the SM (BSM) scenarios. We discuss in particular three such scenarios: one where the SM state is supplemented by an additional scalar, one which builds upon a 2-Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM) framework and another which realises a Composite Higgs Model (CHM) through partial compositeness. Such exotic decays of the t′ can be competitive with decays into SM particles, leading to new possible discovery channels at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Assuming t′ pair production via strong interactions, we design signal regions optimised for one t′ → S t transition (while being inclusive on the other t ¯ ′ decay, and vice versa), followed by the decay of S into the two very clean experimental signatures S → γ γ and S → Z (→ ℓ+ℓ−)γ. We perform a dedicated signal- to-background analysis in both channels, by using Monte Carlo (MC) event simulations modelling the dynamics from the proton-proton to the detector level. Under the assumption of BR(t′ → S t) = 100%, we are therefore able to realistically quantify the sensitivity of the LHC to both the t′ and S masses, assuming both current and foreseen luminosities. This approach paves the way for the LHC experiments to surpass current VLQ search strategies based solely on t′ decays into SM bosons (W±, Z , h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The "zip" sign is a newly described form of meniscal tear progressing from the distal insertion of menisco-femoral ligaments (MFLs) through the lateral meniscal wall; the tear occurs during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the zip sign on knee MRI within the context of ACL injuries.Methods: From a series of 261 MR examinations for acute knee injury, we selected 97 patients with both MR and arthroscopic data for a retrospective blinded review. The zip sign was defined on axial thin MR sections as a straight line from the distal insertion of MFLs in association with five sagittal images lateral to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) where the MFLs were identified. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting lateral meniscal tears before and after having defined the zip sign were calculated.Results: Sensitivity in detecting the tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM) reached 87.5% (CI 0.68-0.97) after zip sign criteria were defined. The zip sign has excellent inter-observer agreement, К>0.90.Conclusion: The zip sign indicates a lesion at the insertion site of MFLs into the PHLM on thin axial images associated with sagittal MR sections that may improve MR sensitivity in detecting PHLM tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to describe the seismicity of Northwestern Italy from the very detailed picture provided by 30 years of accurate instrumental recordings coming from the Regional Seismic Network of Northwestern Italy (RSNI-University of Genoa). In an attempt to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive view of the seismicity in the area, this study describes the main characteristics of the database collected by the RSNI network. The seismicity is spread almost over the entire area, but it is mainly concentrated in the Northern Apennines and in the western sector of the Alps. The seismicity of the area is superficial: It is almost confined to the first 20 km of depth. Only a few deeper events are located in a small area southwest of the city of Turin, down to a depth of 80 km, and below the Northern Apennines down to 60-70-km depth. The majority of the earthquakes in this sector of the Italian peninsula are of low magnitude; nevertheless, the areas where the highest magnitude earthquakes took place during the last three decades are the Northern Apennines and the lower Piedmont, on land, and the Ligurian Sea, offshore. They are indeed the areas where the most damaging historical earthquakes have occurred, giving emphasis, if necessary, to the importance of continuous seismic monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyse the spatial patterns of sampling effort and species richness of pteridophyte in a well-investigated region as Tuscany, Italy, by using data stored from a geodatabase storing information on the specimens preserved in the main herbaria of the region. A total of 6,905 records about pteridophyte specimens were extracted from the geodatabase, and 5,638 of such specimens were studied through the use of spatial statistical techniques. The data about the sampling effort and species richness were analysed in relation to topographical variables to assess any significant relationship. Specimen-based rarefaction techniques were used to compare areas with different number of detected species. The analysis of the sampling effort data showed a nonhomogeneous distribution of herbarium data, with some areas being intensively sampled and others being almost unsampled. Thus, the geographical distribution of specimens was extremely clustered. The comparison across geographical areas through specimen-based rarefaction curves showed great differences in species richness and sampling completeness. The analysis of the residuals of species-area relationships evidenced that the distance to water bodies was the only significant topographical variable in controlling species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work the seismic site response of Narni ridge (Central Italy) is evaluated by comparing experimental results and numerical simulations. The inhabited village of Narni is located in central Apennines at the top of a steep massive limestone ridge. From March to September 2009 the site was instrumented with 10 weak-motion stations, 3 of which located at the base of the ridge and 7 at the top. The velocimetric network recorded 642 events of M up to 5.3 and hypocentral distance up to about 100 km. The great amount of data are related to the April 2009 L'Aquila sequence. The site response was analyzed using both reference (standard spectral ratio, SSR) and non reference spectral techniques (horizontal to vertical spectral ratio, HVSR). Moreover directional analyses were performed in order to evaluate the influence of the ridge orientation with respect to the selected source-site paths. In general the experimental results show amplification factors for frequencies between 4 and 5 Hz for almost all stations installed along the crest. The SSR technique provides amplification factors up to 4.5 in a direction perpendicular to the main elongation of the ridge. The results obtained from the data analyses were used as a target for bidimensional and tridimensional numerical simulations, performed using a hybrid finite-boundary element method and a boundary element method for 2D and 3D modelling, respectively. In general, the results obtained through numerical simulation fit well the experimental data in terms of range of amplified frequencies, but they underestimate by a factor of about 2 the observed amplifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VO(2), f (H), Q, SV, [Hb], C(a)O(2), QaO(2), MAP and R (P) were measured in 10 young subjects at rest and during exercise at 50, 100 and 150 W before and after 14 days of head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) and of ambulatory (AMB) control period. f (H) was 18 and 8% higher after HDTBR and AMB, respectively. SV dropped by 15% both after HDTBR and AMB, whereas Q did not change. After HDTBR, C(a)O(2) decreased at rest (-8%) and at 50 W (-5%), whereas QaO(2) did not change; MAP was 14 and 6% lower at rest and at 100 W and R (P) decreased by 23% only at rest. Changes in f (H) and SV were larger after HDTBR than after AMB. These results show that, notwithstanding the drop of SV, moderate-intensity dynamic exercise elicited a normal pressure response after 14 days of HDTBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the efficacy of arterial embolization (AE) for blunt hepatic traumas (BHT) as part of a combined management strategy based on the hemodynamic status of patients and CT findings. From 2000 to 2005, 84 patients were admitted to our hospital for BHT. Of these, 14 patients who had high-grade injuries (grade III [n = 2], grade IV [n = 9], grade V [n = 3]) underwent AE because of arterial bleeding and were included in the study. They were classified into three groups according to their hemodynamic status: (1) unresponsive shock, (2) shock improved with resuscitation, and (3) hemodynamic stability. Four patients (group 1) underwent, first, laparotomy with packing and, then, AE for persistent bleeding. Ten patients who were hemodynamically stable (group 1) or even unstable (group 2) underwent AE first, based on CT findings. AE was successful in all cases. The mortality rate was 7% (1/14). Only two angiography-related complications (gallbladder infarction) were reported. Liver-related complications (abdominal compartment syndrome and biliary complications) were frequent and often required secondary interventions. Our multidisciplinary approach for the management of BHT gives a main role to embolization, even for hemodynamically unstable patients. In this strategy AE is very efficient and has a low complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic benefits of maximum intensity projections (MIP) and a commercially available computed-assisted detection system (CAD) for the detection of pulmonary nodules on MDCT as compared with standard 1-mm images on lung cancer screening material. Thirty subjects were randomly selected from our database. Three radiologists independently reviewed three types of images: axial 1-mm images, axial MIP slabs, and CAD system detections. Two independent experienced chest radiologists decided which were true-positive nodules. Two hundred eighty-five nodules > or =1 mm were identified as true-positive by consensus of two independent chest radiologists. The detection rates of the three independent observers with 1-mm axial images were 22 +/- 4.8%, 30 +/- 5.3%, and 47 +/- 2.8%; with MIP: 33 +/- 5.4%, 39 +/- 5.7%, and 45 +/- 5.8%; and with CAD: 35 +/- 5.6%, 36 +/- 5.6%, and 36 +/- 5.6%. There was a reading technique effect on the observers' sensitivity for nodule detection: sensitivities with MIP were higher than with 1-mm images or CAD for all nodules (F-values = 0.046). For nodules > or =3 mm, readers' sensitivities were higher with 1-mm images or MIP than with CAD (p < 0.0001). CAD was the most and MIP the less time-consuming technique (p < 0.0001). MIP and CAD reduced the number of overlooked small nodules. As MIP is more sensitive and less time consuming than the CAD we used, we recommend viewing MIP and 1-mm images for the detection of pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the hypothesis that maximum O2 uptake ( V̇O 2max) sets the uppermost limit to O2 flow. If this is so, the V̇O 2 increase with time during high intensity prolonged exercises (slow component) cannot reach V̇O 2 levels higher than V̇O 2max. To this aim, on 15 amateur cyclists (age, 24±4 years; mean ± S.E.M.) V̇O 2max was measured during graded cycloergometric exercise. On different days, the subjects performed exercises at 80% and 90% of the previously determined V̇O 2max up to exhaustion ( Ẇ 80 and Ẇ 90, respectively). Measured variables included time to exhaustion (Tlim), power output, V̇O 2, CO2 production ( V̇CO 2), ventilation ( V̇E) and blood lactate concentration ([La]). V̇O 2max was 4.05±0.08 L•min-1. At the end of Ẇ 80 (Tlim 1649±145 s) and Ẇ 90 (Tlim 733±65 s), V̇O 2 was 3.77±0.13 and 4.08±0.12 L•min-1 respectively. V̇O 2 at the end of Ẇ 90 was similar to V̇O 2max, while at the end of Ẇ 80 it was significantly lower. [La] was increased at the end of prolonged exercises not only with respect to rest, but also compared to values at exercise minute 5, indicating anaerobic lactic metabolism contribution to energy production. Compensation of lactic acidosis led to significant increases in V̇E and V̇CO 2 at the end of Ẇ 80 and Ẇ 90. In conclusion, the present results support the hypothesis that V̇O 2max really reflects the individual maximum aerobic power, without being limited by factors intrinsic to the experimental procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize the time course of maximal oxygen consumption VO2(max) changes during bedrests longer than 30 days, on the hypothesis that the decrease in VO2(max) tends to asymptote. On a total of 26 subjects who participated in one of three bedrest campaigns without countermeasures, lasting 14, 42 and 90 days, respectively, VO2(max) maximal cardiac output (Qmax) and maximal systemic O2 delivery (QaO2max) were measured. After all periods of HDT, VO2max, Qmax, and QaO2max were significantly lower than before. The VO2max decreased less than qmax after the two shortest bedrests, but its per cent decay was about 10% larger than that of Qmax after 90-day bedrest. The VO2max decrease after 90-day bedrest was larger than after 42- and 14-day bedrests, where it was similar. The Qmax and QaO2max declines after 90-day bedrest was equal to those after 14- and 42-day bedrest. The average daily rates of the VO2max, Qmax, and QaO2max decay during bedrest were less if the bedrest duration were longer, with the exception of that of VO2max in the longest bedrest. The asymptotic VO2max decay demonstrates the possibility that humans could keep working effectively even after an extremely long time in microgravity. Two components in the VO2max decrease were identified, which we postulate were related to cardiovascular deconditioning and to impairment of peripheral gas exchanges due to a possible muscle function deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize the time course of maximal oxygen consumption (...O2max) changes during bedrests longer than 30 days, on the hypothesis that the decrease in ...O2max tends to asymptote. On a total of 26 subjects who participated in one of three bedrest campaigns without countermeasures, lasting 14, 42 and 90 days, respectively, ...O2max maximal cardiac output (...max) and maximal systemic O2 delivery (...aO2max) were measured. After all periods of HDT, ...O2max ...max and ...aO2max were significantly lower than before. The ...O2max decreased less than Qmax after the two shortest bedrests, but its per cent decay was about 10% larger than that of ...max after 90-day bedrest. The ...O2max decrease after 90-day bedrest was larger than after 42- and 14-day bedrests, where it was similar. The ...max and ...aO2 declines after 90-day bedrest was equal to those after 14- and 42-day bedrest. The average daily rates of the ...O2max, ...max and ...aO2max decay during bedrest were less if the bedrest duration were longer, with the exception of that of...O2max in the longest bedrest. The asymptotic ...O2max decay demonstrates the possibility that humans could keep working effectively even after an extremely long time in microgravity. Two components in the ...O2max decrease were identified, which we postulate were related to cardiovascular deconditioning and to impairment of peripheral gas exchanges due to a possible muscle function deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to estimate in all randomised trials the relative risk of overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit (CB), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and toxicity of aromatase inhibitors (AI), compared with tamoxifen (Tam) as first-line endocrine therapy in postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer (PMBC) women. Prospective randomised studies were searched through computerised queries of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) abstract database. Relative risk, 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity were derived according to the inverse variance and Mantel-Haenszel method and Q statistics. Six phase III prospective randomised trials including 2787 women were gathered. A significant advantage in ORR (P = 0.042), TTP (P = 0.007), and CB (P = 0.001) in favour of AI over Tam was detected at the fixed effects model. These results were not significant at the random effects model, owing to the significant heterogeneity. On the contrary, no difference was registered for OS (P = 0.743) with no significant heterogeneity. Regarding toxicity, Tam caused more frequently thromboembolic events (P = 0.005) and vaginal bleeding (P = 0.001) compared with AI. Aromatase inhibitors appear to be superior to Tam as first-line endocrine option in PMBC women. Owing to a component of variability between the six studies analysed, the random effects estimates differed from corresponding fixed ones. Investigators should assess heterogeneity of trial results before deriving summary estimates of treatment effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to describe renal artery entrapment (RAE) by the diaphragmatic crus and to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this entity. From 1995 to 2002, 15 patients (mean age 65) were found to have a RAE. They were investigated by CT scan (n=14) and/or MRA (n=2) for hypertension (n=7), chronic renal insufficiency (n=4) or aneurysms (n=4). The right (n=11) or the left (n=4) renal artery (RA) was involved. The compression was ostial (n=8) or truncal (n=7), and was > or = 50% in eight cases. The course of the RA along the aorta on angiographic views (n=8) or a concentric ostial stenosis in a patient free of atheromatous lesions (n=7) were two findings suggestive of an RAE. Seven RAEs were indicated for treatment but only three were treated, by mean of stenting. Among the latter, two stents were patent at 6-month follow-up and one evolved to restenosis because of a stent fracture. RAEs may be suspected on angiographic views and proved by cross-sectional imaging because of specific imaging features. It is of importance to detect this etiology of RA stenosis because angioplasty with stenting is probably not always advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals Of the Work: To assess whether the addition of midazolam to dexamethasone and granisetron could ameliorate the refractory acute nausea and/or vomiting caused by a highly emetogenic platinum-based chemotherapy.Patients and Methods: Enrolled in the study were 30 consecutive adult patients with refractory acute emesis. Nausea and vomiting were assessed by physicians and graded according to the NCI common toxicity criteria. Nausea was further self-assessed by patients using a visual analogue scale. Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric tests.Results: With the introduction of midazolam, 73% of patients had a reduction of at least one grade in nausea and vomiting intensity in comparison with the previous cycle of chemotherapy. From the second cycle, six patients (23%) had complete control of acute vomiting, a benefit that usually persisted in the subsequent cycles. Five more patients achieved complete control of acute vomiting during the third course; this effect persisted in the subsequent courses as well. The average relative reduction in acute nausea and vomiting grade from the first to the second course was 48% (95% CI 34-62%) and 48% (95% CI 31-65%), respectively. A significant difference in acute nausea and vomiting over all the six courses of chemotherapy administered was recorded (Friedman ANOVA, P <0.0001). Comparing each course with any subsequent course, a significant reduction in acute nausea and vomiting was observed between the first and second course, the first and third course, and the first and fourth course.Conclusions: Our results suggest that midazolam may be a useful adjunct to standard antiemetic drugs for patients receiving highly emetogenic cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A randomized trial is warranted to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the helical CT (HCT) criteria that could indicate severe pulmonary embolism (PE). In a retrospective study, 81 patients (mean age 62 years) with clinical suspicion of PE explored by HCT were studied. The patients were separated into three different groups according to clinical severity and treatment decisions: group SPE included patients with severe PE based on clinical data who were treated by fibrinolysis or embolectomy ( n=20); group NSPE included patients with non-severe PE who received heparin ( n=30); and group WPE included patients without PE ( n=31). For each patient we calculated a vascular obstruction index based on the site of obstruction and the degree of occlusion in the pulmonary artery. We noted the HCT signs, i.e., cardiac and pulmonary artery dimensions, that could indicate acute cor pulmonale. According to multivariate analysis, factors significantly correlated with the severity of PE were: the vascular obstruction index (group SPE: 54%; group NSPE: 24%; p<0.001); the maximum minor axis of the left ventricle (group SPE: 30.2 mm; group NSPE: 40.4 mm; p<0.001); the diameter of the central pulmonary artery (group SPE: 32.4 mm; group NSPE: 28.3 mm; p<0.001); the maximum minor axis of the right ventricle (group SPE: 47.5 mm; group NSPE: 42.7 mm; p=0.029); the right ventricle/left ventricle minor axis ratio (group SPE: 1.63; group NSPE: 1.09; p<0.0001). Our data suggest that hemodynamic severity of PE can be assessed on HCT scans by measuring four main criteria: the vascular obstruction index; the minimum diameter of the left ventricle; the RV:LV ratio; and the diameter of the central pulmonary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare helical CT with fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings to appraise the medium-term results of proximal-airways stenting. Twenty-five patients with 28 endobronchial metallic stents inserted for local advanced malignancy ( n=13) or benign diseases ( n=12) underwent follow-up CT from 3 days to 50 months (mean 8 months). All studies were obtained using helical CT with subsequent multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional reconstruction including virtual bronchoscopy. The location, shape, and patency of stents and adjacent airway were assessed. The results of CT were compared with the results of fiberoptic bronchoscopy obtained with a mean delay of 2.5 days (SD 9 days) after CT scan. Twelve stents (43%) remained in their original position, patent and without deformity. Sixteen stents were associated with local complications: migration ( n=6); external compression with persistent stenosis ( n=4); local recurrence of malignancy ( n=4); fracture ( n=1); and non-congruence between the airway and the stent ( n=1). The CT demonstrated all the significant abnormalities demonstrated at fiberoptic bronchoscopy except two moderate stenoses (20%) related to granulomata at the origin of the stent. Ten of 14 stents inserted for benign conditions were without complications as compared with 2 of 14 in malignant conditions ( p=0.008). Computed tomography is an accurate noninvasive method for evaluating endobronchial stents. The CT is a useful technique for follow-up of patients who have undergone endobronchial stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 70-year-old man with recurrent undiagnosed episodes of bronchial cast expectoration and pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiography for 15 years is described. The diagnosis of chyloptysis was established by chemical analysis of the bronchial aspiration. We emphasize the radiological findings of this rare observation. The CT-associated lymphangiography showed mediastinal lymphangiectasis with retrograde opacification of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes as well as submucosal lymphatic vessels protruding into the lumen of the tracheo-bronchial tree without evidence of thoracic duct obstruction as well as a "crazy-paving appearance." Congenital incompetence of the valves of the lymphatic vessels originating from the thoracic duct is held to be the cause. Chyloptysis and pulmonary lymphatic disorder should be sought in cases of bronchial cast expectoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight seismic stations equipped with5-second sensors have recently beeninstalled in the Lunigiana-Garfagnana areato monitor activity in this sector of theNorthern Apennines shaken by the 5.0 Mdearthquake of October 1995. The stations(RSLG network) represent an eastern branchof the RSNI (Regional Seismic network ofNorthwestern Italy) managed by Dipteris,Universita' di Genova.The installation of this dense networkallowed the operators to improve themagnitude detection level, providinginformation about the seismicity of thearea down to magnitude 1.0. Severalanalyses have been carried out to evaluatethe performance of the network and thereliability of the computed locations. Itseems that the epicentral location forevents occurring inside the network isalready constrained using 8–10 P+S phases,but usage of more readings ensuresreliability of depth and the reduction oflocation errors.Though not conclusive, as the network hasonly been fully operating for two years, apreliminary study carried out on a selecteddataset of high-quality locations confirmed that the seismicity of theGarfagnana-Lunigiana is characterised by alow-to-medium magnitude level and it issubdivided into two bands, a superficialone about 30–35 km thick and the secondbelow 50 km. This distribution, confirmedby other studies carried out in the past,reflects the complex structure of this areawhere two tectonic plates (European andAdriatic) meet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of incubation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) under hyperglycaemic conditions on lipid composition, physicochemical properties and activity of paraoxonase (PON), a calcium-dependent enzyme associated with HDL that contributes to the antiatherogenicity of this lipoprotein. HDL incubated for three days with various glucose concentrations (0–100 mM) had significant increases in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes with respect to control HDL. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation accompanies HDL glycation in vitro. The susceptibility to lipid peroxidation was higher in HDL isolated from subjects with low HDL-paraxonase activity with respect to subjects with higher HDL-PON activity. The lipid compositional changes were associated with modifications of apoprotein conformation as shown by the red-shifted position of the maximum emission of tryptophan in treated HDL. The decrease in the Gp (generalized polarization) value and the red-shifted position of the maximum emission of Laurdan incorporated in treated HDL demonstrate modifications of order and polarity with respect to control HDL. The negative correlation established between the Gp value and TBARS demonstrates that the modifications in molecular order are likely related to the increase in lipid peroxidation products. The activity of paraoxonase was significantly decreased in HDL incubated at 37°C; a greater decrease occurred in the presence of 50 mM and 100 mM glucose. This study demonstrates modifications of lipid composition, apoprotein conformation and physicochemical properties of HDL incubated in the presence of glucose. These modifications affect the activity of HDL-associated paraoxonase. The physicochemical properties of lipoprotein play a regulatory role in lipoprotein function. The modification of order and polarity of glycated HDL and the alterations in paraoxonase activity could potentially contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggested that both oxidized very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and oxidized high density lipoproteins (HDL) might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present work was to analyse the susceptibility to in vitro peroxidation of VLDL and HDL from apparently normolipidemic subjects affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in good metabolic control and to examine the possible relations between oxidisability and lipoprotein fatty acid composition. VLDL and HDL were isolated from 13 IDDM patients, 12 NIDDM patients and 18 healthy subjects. The degree of lipoprotein oxidation was determined by the measurement of hydroperoxide levels and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) before and after in vitro peroxidative stress with CuSO4. Fatty acid analysis was performed by gas chromatography. VLDL and HDL from NIDDM patients showed a decrease in the saturated fatty acid content with a concomitant increase in unsaturated fatty acids and higher basal peroxide levels compared with healthy subjects. Oxidisability of VLDL from NIDDM subjects was higher than in controls and was significantly related with the unsaturated fatty acid content. The present work suggests that alterations in the composition and functions of both VLDL and HDL able to produce more atherogenic lipoproteins are present in NIDDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to report our experience on the management of superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) secondary to malignant disease, using endovascular procedures. Twenty-six patients with SVCO due to primary or secondary tumors of the lung or the mediastinum, or catheter inserted for treatment of an extra-thoracic neoplasm, had an endovascular therapy which consisted of stenting, angioplasty, thrombo-aspiration or local fibrinolysis. Immediately after the procedure, rapid relief of symptoms occurred in 24 (90 %) of the patients. The mean Kishi's score decreased from 5.5 to 0.96. Immediate complications included one death related to pericarditis bleeding following fibrinolysis. Three patients relapsed after 20 days, 4 months and 6 months, and needed a second stenting. At 6 months the primary patency rate was 83 % and the secondary patency rate was 89 %. Endovascular treatment of SVCOs is a simple and safe procedure to restore the patency of the superior vena cava in malignant SVCO. It should be indicated in most cases as first-line treatment and performed as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual information processing for faces were tested by means of the Fagan test of infant intelligence (FTII) in six infants of approximately 12 months of age affected by congenital unilateral brain lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine the side and size of the lesions. In addition to the FTII, all infants were submitted to a psychometric evaluation using the Griffiths scales. Visual acuity, visual field, and ocular motility were also assessed. Three infants showed damage in the left hemisphere and three in the right. The severity of the lesions, as revealed by MRI scan, was similar in the two groups. All infants except one had normal or borderline cognitive scores on the Griffiths scales. Conversely, four infants showed abnormal results on the FTII, which were not associated with the severity of the lesions, psychometric scores, or the presence of visual deficits. A preference for stimuli presented on the left side of the screen was found, independent of the side of the lesions. This effect was stronger for novel stimuli. The results of this study confirm the importance of early assessment of neuropsychological functions in infants with focal brain lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using virtual bronchoscopy simulations to depict stenoses of the tracheobronchial tree. Virtual bronchoscopy simulations, based on ray casting, were applied to spiral-CT data sets of 29 patients presenting 41 stenoses of the central airways, proved with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Simulations of the inner walls of the airways were of good quality in 27 of 29 patients. Airway stenoses were depicted in 39 of 41 cases. Evaluation of the length of stenoses and surrounding tissues required simultaneous display of multiplanar reformations. Virtual bronchoscopy provides a valuable road map for bronchoscopy, in an image format familiar to bronchoscopists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takayasu's arteritis involves the pulmonary artery tree in more than 50% of the cases. Initial isolated involvement of the pulmonary artery by Takayasu's arteritis, however, is very rare. We report the case of a 34-year-old white woman who presented a clinical and radiographic pattern that mimicked an acute pulmonary embolism with pulmonary infarction. Pulmonary angiography showed stenosis lesions and occlusion of the right pulmonary artery tree. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated thickening of the pulmonary artery wall leading to the correct diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate plasma membrane fluidity in human keratinocytes using fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and its cationic derivative 1-[4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH). Keratinocytes from normal or psoriatic skin were isolated using trypsin-EDTA or dispase. In keratinocytes isolated from normal skin, TMA-DPH anisotropy values were higher than those observed using DPH; the difference must be related to the different localization of the two probes. In fact, DPH in whole cells localizes in plasma as well as intracellular membranes, yielding an average value of fluidity, while the cationic derivative TMA-DPH resides in the plasma membrane of the whole cells for a sufficient time for anisotropy measurements. Moreover, it has to be considered that plasma membrane is more ordered than intracellular membranes. The kinetics of incorporation of TMA-DPH was similar in keratinocytes isolated using trypsin-EDTA and those isolated using; dispase, however, the fluorescence anisotropy values were lower in keratinocytes isolated with dispase (0.260±0.01 vs 0.270±0.01, p=0.029). This difference is probably related to modifications of lipid-protein interactions after trypsin treatment. Since no damage to plasma membrane after incubation with dispase seems to have been reported, we decided to use this separation procedure to study plasma membrane fluidity in psoriasis, a human pathological condition characterized by excessive cell proliferation and incomplete differentiation. Lower anisotropy values (0.260±0.01 vs 0.270±0.01, p=0.001), indicating an increase in fluidity, were observed in keratinocytes isolated from skin of psoriatic patients than in epidermal cells isolated from normal human skin. We suggest that the measurement of fluorescence anisotropy in living cells is a convenient and useful tool to study membrane fluidity in human keratinocytes isolated from normal and diseased skin. Its application represents a technical advance because plasma membrane fluidity can be measured using very limited amounts of tissue, as obtained from biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper discusses the factors affecting maximal O consumption $$\left( {\dot V_{O_2 } \max } \right)$$ in hypoxia (4300 m above sea level) along the following lines: 1) In acute hypoxia, the fractional limitation to $$\dot V_{O_2 } \max $$ imposed by circulatory O transport (FQ′) is 50%, instead of 70% as in normoxia. This is due to the increase in the blood O transport coefficient (βb) as $$P_{O_2 } $$ decreases, as a consequence of the sigmoidal shape of the O dissociation curve of hemoglobin. The remaining 50% is assumed to be equally partitioned between tissue O transfer (Ft′) and mitochondria O utilization (Fm′). 2) In chronic hypoxia, FQ′=0.45, Ft′=0.20 and Fm′=0.35, as a consequence of reduced muscle fiber size and muscle mitochondrial density following acclimatization. 3) The relationship between $$\dot V_{O_2 } \max $$ and $$PI_{O_2 } $$ in both acute and chronic hypoxia reflects the O dissociation curve. 4) Acclimatization to chronic hypoxia does not have the function of preserving $$\dot V_{O_2 } \max $$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with a recent history of a cerebrovascular accident. Because of clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism and negative Doppler ultrasound findings of the lower limbs, spiral computed tomography of the pulmonary artery was performed and demonstrated pulmonary emboli. We emphasize the role of computed tomography of the abdomen, performed 3 min after the thoracic acquisition, which showed an unsuspected thrombus within the abdominal aorta and the left renal artery with infarction of the left kidney. Paradoxical embolism was highly suspected on computed tomography data and confirmed by echocardiography which demonstrated a patent foramen ovale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article focusing on T-cells in immune surveillance and cancer by B. Betts is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferases (GST) and Thymidylate Synthase (TS)-Novel Predictors for Response and Survival in Gastric Cancer Patients," by E. Goekkurt, S. Hoehn, J. Stoehlmacher and colleagues in the 2006 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented discussing the controversies on autoimmunity and prognosis in cancer by G. Ferretti, A. Felici, and F. Cognetti in the August 22, 2006 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Role of RAS Oncogene in Survival of Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature With Meta-Analysis," by C. Mascaux in a 2005 issue is presented.