The impact of 1D seismostratigraphical amplification effects on probabilistic seismic hazard maps at regional scale: the case of Tuscany (Central Italy)

Seismic risk assessment at regional scale requires hazard estimates accounting for seismostratigraphical amplification effects. When detailed data related to the local subsoil configuration are lacking, these effects can be inferred from numerical simulations fed with information available on at regional scale. A key aspect concerns the implementation of these outcomes including relevant uncertainty into probabilistic seismic hazard estimates relative to standard subsoil conditions. A coherent approach is here proposed, which coherently accounts for the inherent probabilistic character of reference hazard estimates and of uncertain 1D seismostratographical amplification effects inferred from geological maps. The proposed approach has been applied in Central Italy relative PGA values corresponding to an exceedance probability of 10% in 50y. It is shown that accounting for uncertainty affecting amplification estimates is of main importance for correct implementation into PSHA. The outcome of this analysis is not expected to be considered for anti-seismic design of single structures, which requires detailed, and sound estimates of site effects at the proper scale. Anyway, these estimates may play a role for the preliminary identification of most critical situations along lifelines or outside inhabited areas where seismic microzonation studies are not available

Seismic monitoring of gas emissions at mud volcanoes: The case of Nirano (northern Italy)

Seismic signals generated at the Nirano mud volcanoes in Northern Italy have been monitored by deploying a set of small dimensions seismic arrays of vertical geophones and thee-directional sensors. During two seismic surveys campaigns, seismic signals characterized by sequences of short impulsive signals (lasting 0.1 s–0.2 s) were identified above the background seismic noise. The respective seismic sources have been identified at shallow depths (<30 m) and results sparsely distributed over a wide area. Estimated propagation velocities and polarization analysis indicate that detected pulses also include a significant S waves contribution. These findings have been interpreted as the effect of a stick-slip mechanism due to the interaction between exsolved gas bubbles, mud plugs and the vent walls. On the basis of this model, an estimate of the gas outflow was attempted and results in line with independent measurements of CH4 and CO2 emissions carried out in the area

Mapping 1D seismic amplification effects in the range of periods of engineering interest based on geological data

Regional scale seismic hazard assessment including the effect of local seismo-stratigraphical conditions is a basic tool for seismic risk estimates. A novel physically based procedure is proposed for using geological maps to extensively estimate expected seismic amplification effects relative to spectral ordinates of main engineering interest (<0.8 s). Automatic GIS based analysis of geological maps, statistical data relative to the seismic/geotechnical properties of geological units and numerical modelling are combined to determine the probability distribution of expected amplification effects by accounting for uncertainty affecting the relevant parameters. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed procedure, it has been applied to the Tuscany Region in Central Italy. Unbiasedness of outcomes has been tested by considering detailed microzonation studies available for the considered area. Results of the proposed approach could be easily implemented in extensive seismic risk analyses where detailed seismic microzonation studies are lacking

Seismic hazard assessment for Iran in terms of macroseismic intensity

We present the results of probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for Iran based on a statistical procedure specifically developed to manage macroseismic intensity data. This method takes into careful consideration the specific features of such data, which are characterized as ordinal, discrete, and confined within a finite interval, ensuring a logically coherent approach throughout the analysis. The results of our assessment are then compared with hazard maps generated using a standard approach, putting in evidence significant differences both on a national scale and relative to individual cities. This comparative analysis will be useful in identifying areas of utmost concern, where further studies are strongly recommended to yield hazard estimates of greater robustness and reliability. By pinpointing these critical scenarios, we aim to guide future research endeavors towards providing more accurate and reliable seismic hazard estimates. Identifying these critical situations facilitates the prioritization of resources and interventions, ultimately enhancing seismic risk mitigation efforts across Iran

Clinicopathological Correlates of Hormone Expression-Based Subtypes of Non-Functioning Duodenal/Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Multicenter Study of 151 Cases

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (Duo-NETs) may arise in the ampullary and non-ampullary duodenum. Non-functioning Duo-NETs (NF-Duo-NETs), which account for most cases, may express various hormones. Previous studies have suggested that hormone production might be associated with biological aggressiveness. Current treatment protocols are based on functionality, tumor size, and location, but small NF-Duo-NETs may also have metastatic potential. We aimed to investigate whether tumor cell subtyping, based on hormone expression, could provide further insights into NF-Duo-NET biological behavior. We analyzed the clinico-pathological correlates of hormone expression in a multicenter series of 151 NF-Duo-NETs, subdividing tumors into five subtypes: gastrin-producing G-cell NETs (Gas-NETs), somatostatin-producing D-cell NETs (Som-NETs), serotonin-producing enterochromaffin-cell NETs (Ser-NETs), plurihormonal NETs, and gastrin-, somatostatin-, and serotonin-negative NETs (GSSN-NETs). Som-NETs were the most frequent (31%), followed by plurihormonal NETs (26%), Gas-NETs (24%), GSSN-NETs (13%), and Ser-NETs (4%). Som-NETs and GSSN-NETs were more commonly located in the ampullary region and showed significantly larger size, more frequent lymphatic and/or vascular invasion, and higher pT, pN, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC-9th edition) stages compared to Gas-NETs, which were often (77%) diagnosed at AJCC stage I. Ampullary Som-NETs showed a more invasive and metastatic potential compared to non-ampullary Som-NETs, while, among plurihormonal NETs, the predominantly expressed hormone influenced tumor biological features, with gastrin-predominant NETs showing less invasive potential. At logistic regression, both tumor cell subtype and tumor size were independently associated with aggressiveness (pT3, pN1, or pM1 stage at diagnosis). Hormonal expression profiling may be clinically relevant in NF-Duo-NETs, independently of tumor size

Ki67 proliferative index of the neuroendocrine component drives MANEC prognosis.

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) are composed of a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and a non-neuroendocrine (non-NEC) neoplastic epithelial component, each representing at least 30% of the tumor. At present, prognostic factors for MANECs remain largely unexplored. We investigated the clinical-pathologic features of a large multicenter series of digestive system MANECs. Surgical specimens of 200 MANEC candidates were centrally reviewed; diagnosis was confirmed in 160 cases. While morphology, proliferation (mitotic count (MC), Ki67 index) and immunophenotype (p53, SSTR2a, beta-Catenin, Bcl-2, p16, Rb1, ALDH, mismatch repair proteins and CD117) were investigated separately in both components, genomic (TP53, KRAS, BRAF) alterations were searched for on the entire tumor. Data were correlated with overall survival (OS). MANEC sites were: 92 colorectal, 44 gastroesophageal and 24 pancreatobiliary. Median OS was 13.2 months. After adjustment for primary site, Ki67 index of the NEC component (but not of the non-NEC component) was the most powerful prognostic marker. At multivariable analysis, patients with Ki67 ≥ 55% had an 8-fold risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) 7.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.17-14.7; P < 0.0001) and a median OS of 12.2 months compared to those with Ki67 < 55% (median OS 40.5 months). MC (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.03-2.20, P = 0.04) was a weaker prognostic index. Colorectal primary site (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.11-2.32; P = 0.01) was significantly associated with poorer survival. No single immunomarker, in either component, was statistically significant. This retrospective analysis of a large series of digestive system MANECs, showed that the NEC component, particularly its Ki67 index, was the main prognostic driver

Ação anti-helmíntica do extrato hidroalcóolico da raiz da Tarenaya spinosa (Jacq.) Raf. no controle de Haemonchus contortus em ovinos

Para investigar o potencial anti-helmíntico do extrato hidroalcóolico da raiz de Tarenaya spinosa, como alternativa no controle do nematóide gastrintestinal Haemonchus contortus de ovinos, foram realizados testes in vitro com Artemia salina, em seguida, sobre coproculturas contendo ovos do helminto, avaliando a ação ovicida e larvicida do extrato. Após os testes preliminares, foi realizado o teste in vivo em 20 ovinos machos os quais foram divididos em quatro tratamentos Grupo 1: ivermectina 1%; Grupo 2: sem tratamento; Grupo 3: extrato hidroalcóolico de T. spinosa 150μg/mL; Grupo 4: extrato hidroalcóolico de T. spinosa 300μg/mL, amostras de fezes e de sangue foram coletadas para exames parasitológicos e hematológicos. No teste in vitro, a toxicidade frente a A. salina foi de 150μg/mL, obteve-se eficiência de 81,53% sobre ovos e larvas do H. contortus. No teste in vivo, a avaliação da eficácia dos tratamentos foi realizada pelo teste de redução na contagem de ovos fecais (RCOF), os grupos tratados com Ivermectina e T. spinosa a 150μg/mL e 300μg/mL obtiveram os melhores resultados, reduzindo o OPG após 28 dias em 40,6, 41 e 40,2% respectivamente, revelando assim seu potencial fitoterápico para fins de controle de nematódeos gastrintestinais em ovinos