Laparoscopic Left Liver Sectoriectomy of Caroli's Disease Limited to Segment II and III

Caroli's disease is defined as a abnormal dilatation of the intra-hepatica bile ducts: Its incidence is extremely low (1 in 1,000,000 population) and in most of the cases the whole liver is interested and liver transplantation is the treatment of choice. In case of dilatation limited to the left or right lobe, liver resection can be performed. For many year the standard approach for liver resection has been a formal laparotomy by means of a large incision of abdomen that is characterized by significant post-operatie morbidity. More recently, minimally invasive, laparoscopic approach has been proposed as possible surgical technique for liver resection both for benign and malignant diseases. The main benefits of the minimally invasive approach is represented by a significant reduction of the surgical trauma that allows a faster recovery a less post-operative complications

Experimental and Numerical Study of Biochar Fixed Bed Column for the Adsorption of Arsenic from Aqueous Solutions

Two laboratory tests were carried out to verify the suitability of an Italian commercial biochar as an adsorbing material. The chosen contaminant, considered dissolved in groundwater, was As. The circular economic concept demands the use of such waste material. Its use has been studied in recent years on several contaminants. The possibility of using an efficient material at low cost could help the use of low-impact technologies like permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). A numerical model was used to derive the kinetic constant for two of the most used isotherms. The results are aligned with others derived from the literature, but they also indicate that the use of a large amount of biochar does not improve the efficiency of the removal. The particular origin of the biochar, together with its grain size, causes a decrease in contact time required for the adsorption. Furthermore, it is possible that a strong local decrease in the hydraulic conductibility does not allow for a correct dispersion of the flow, thereby limiting its efficiency

An evaluation of the potential of Sentinel 1 for improving flash flood predictions via soil moisture–data assimilation

open8siThe assimilation of satellite-derived soil moisture estimates (soil moisture–data assimilation, SM–DA) into hydrological models has the potential to reduce the uncertainty of streamflow simulations. The improved capacity to moni- tor the closeness to saturation of small catchments, such as those characterizing the Mediterranean region, can be exploited to enhance flash flood predictions. When compared to other microwave sensors that have been exploited for SM– DA in recent years (e.g. the Advanced SCATterometer – AS- CAT), characterized by low spatial/high temporal resolution, the Sentinel 1 (S1) mission provides an excellent opportu- nity to monitor systematically soil moisture (SM) at high spatial resolution and moderate temporal resolution. The aim of this research was thus to evaluate the impact of S1-based SM–DA for enhancing flash flood predictions of a hydro- logical model (Continuum) that is currently exploited for civil protection applications in Italy. The analysis was car- ried out in a representative Mediterranean catchment prone to flash floods, located in north-western Italy, during the time period October 2014–February 2015. It provided some important findings: (i) revealing the potential provided by S1- based SM–DA for improving discharge predictions, espe- cially for higher flows; (ii) suggesting a more appropriate pre-processing technique to be applied to S1 data before the assimilation; and (iii) highlighting that even though high spa- tial resolution does provide an important contribution in a SM–DA system, the temporal resolution has the most crucial role. S1-derived SM maps are still a relatively new product and, to our knowledge, this is the first work published in an international journal dealing with their assimilation within a hydrological model to improve continuous streamflow simulations and flash flood predictions. Even though the reported results were obtained by analysing a relatively short time pe- riod, and thus should be supported by further research activ- ities, we believe this research is timely in order to enhance our understanding of the potential contribution of the S1 data within the SM–DA framework for flash flood risk mitigation.openCenci, Luca; Pulvirenti, Luca; Boni, Giorgio; Chini, Marco; Matgen, Patrick; Gabellani, Simone; Squicciarino, Giuseppe; Pierdicca, NazzarenoCenci, Luca; Pulvirenti, Luca; Boni, Giorgio; Chini, Marco; Matgen, Patrick; Gabellani, Simone; Squicciarino, Giuseppe; Pierdicca, Nazzaren

A reappraisal of the bladder cumulative method as a reliable technique for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate.

In order to quantify the decline in renal function, repeated measurements of GFR are necessary. The conventional procedure is cumbersome and time expending so that alternative clearance techniques are needed. We propose a simple isotopic technique for measuring GFR by 99mTc-DTPA and external counting of the bladder by gamma camera (bladder cumulative method). This consists in the measurement by external counting of the amount of labelled filtration marker accumulated in the bladder after intravenous bolus injection. In 36 adult patients with all degrees of renal impairment (serum creatinine 0.9-9.3 mg/dL) GFR was measured twice, once by the conventional method (continuous i.v. infusion of the filtration marker and urine collection by spontaneous voiding) and once by the bladder cumulative method. 99mTc DTPA was used in performing both methods. A satisfactory agreement was found between GFR measured by bladder cumulative method (BCM) and by conventional method (CM). The BCM averaged 60.0 +/- 36.7 mL/min and the CM +/- SD averaged 62.8 +/- 36.6 mL/mm. The ratio BCM/CM +/- SD was 0.95 +/- 0.14 (y = 0.94x + 1.14; r = 0.94). Considering the 17 patients with renal insufficiency (GFR60 mL/min) an even better agreement between the two methods was found. In these patients the BCM averaged 28.4 +/- 17.2 mL/min; the CM averaged 29.1 +/- 16.6 mL/min; and the ratio BCM/CM was 0.96 +/- 0.08 (y = 1.03x - 1.47; r = 0.99). The day-to-day variability of BCM, studied in another 11 patients, was lower than that of creatinine clearance (variation coefficient for duplicate measurements: 7.18 +/- 6.65 SD for BCM, 15.68 +/- 8.80 SD for CM, p0.01). The bladder cumulative method is a simple procedure for the accurate measurement of GFR, in particular in patients with renal insufficiency. It represents a reliable tool for estimating the decline in renal function

Efficacia degli indicatori di valutazione delle politiche. Un’analisi delle misure previste per la forestazione nel PSR 2007-’13 della Regione Puglia

In the latest Apulian programs for rural development a newer attention was put on forestry sector, in order to better hinder the global changes due to the peculiar sectorial ability. Three different instruments has been set to improve the forest value, to increase the forestry land and to boost the multifunctional rule of forestry. Aim of this work is to stress the difference between the proposed indicators in regional programs and some other characterized by a different level of realization, understanding, reliability and communication

New C- and O-isotopic compositions of smithsonite from Skorpion and Rosh Pinah Zn-(Pb) deposits (Namibia): preliminary results and implications

The Skorpion and Rosh Pinah Zn-(Pb) deposits are hosted in Neoproterozoic rocks that are part of a volcano-sedimentary sequence within the Gariep Belt in southern Namibia. Genetically, the Gariep sequence is related to the progressive opening of a failed intracratonic rift graben in the east (Rosh Pinah/Skorpion Graben) that was separated by a basement horst from a half graben to the west, which then developed into the Adamastor ocean [1]. The deposits approximately 40 km north of the Orange river, are only at a 15 km distance from one another [1,2], however, Skorpion is located on an uplifted block whereas Rosh Pinah is located on a topographically lower block. Skorpion is the largest Zn-nonsulfide mineralization ever discovered, and is derived from the oxidation of a VMS-type sulfide protore [1]. It mostly consists of Zn-oxidized minerals (sauconite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, tarbuttite, skorpionite). Rosh Pinah is a typical sediment-hosted Zn massive sulfide mineralization. The original oxidized interval at the surface was of limited extent and has been almost completely removed. Secondary minerals at Rosh Pinah are: smithsonite, hemimorphite, Cu-oxidized phases and Fe-oxy-hydroxides [2]. The isotopic composition of Skorpion smithsonite, already partly published by previous authors [1], shows that the supergene alteration of the sulfide protore resembled typical weathering processes. Here we present the first results of a comprehensive carbon and oxygen isotope study in order to better characterize/understand the deep oxidation occurring at Skorpion, compared with the more limited weathering active in the Rosh Pinah area. A batch of 16 smithsonites and 5 (co-genetic) calcites from the Skorpion deposit and 10 gossanous samples (comprising host dolomite and smithsonite) from the uppermost levels of the Rosh Pinah mine have been analyzed. The Zn- and Ca-carbonates sampled at Skorpion occur mostly as cavity fillings and crusts consisting of mm-sized euhedral crystals. Skorpion smithsonite is characterized by δ13C values strongly variable between 0.1 and −9.1‰ VPDB, and by a small range in δ18O (28.0 to 29.9‰ VSMOW). Calcite shows more limited variations: the δ13C values are generally positive (0 to 1.6‰ VPDB). The δ18O values are slightly lower than those of smithsonite (25.4 to 27.1‰ VSMOW). The analyses of the Rosh Pinah samples show that the host dolomite is characterized by δ18O values ranging from 18.7 to 22.0‰ VSMOW and by negative δ13C values. The carbon isotope ratios of smithsonite, as in Skorpion, are negative but similar to those of the host dolomites. The δ18O values are on average the same measured at Skorpion. The similar negative δ13C values of smithsonite and dolomite from Rosh Pinah, point to the involvement of both organic and host dolomite carbon for smithsonite formation, whereas, at Skorpion, the involvement of isotopically light organic carbon is considered more probable. The same δ18O compositions of smithsonite from the two deposits imply similar ore-forming fluids and/or similar conditions during formation. References: [1] Alchin DJ et al. (2005) S Afr J Geol 108: 19-3 [2] Borg G et al. (2003) Econ Geol 98: 749-771 [3] Alchin DJ and Moore JM (2005) S Afr J Geol 108: 71-8

Initial therapy with FOLFOXIRI and bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer

A fluoropyrimidine plus irinotecan or oxaliplatin, combined with bevacizumab (a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor), is standard first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Before the introduction of bevacizumab, chemotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI) showed superior efficacy as compared with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI). In a phase 2 study, FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab showed promising activity and an acceptable rate of adverse effects

The Zn-Nonsulphides district of Bongarà (Northern Peru)

The Bongarà complex of deposits consists of a stratabound Pb-Zn Nonsulphide/Sulphide mineralization located in the Amazonas District, near the Yambrasbamba village (Peru) [1]. The deposits (Mina Grande, Mina Chica, and Rio Cristal) are hosted by Mesozoic limestone (Toarcian) of the Pucarà Group (Condorsinga Fm.), locally dolomitized and brecciated. The primary mineralization is considered a MVT, similar to the San Vicente deposit in Central Peru. There are multiple distinct ore concentrations scattered over a large area; the mineralization appears to be open-space filling and/or manto replacement associated with karstification. The economic value is currently considered as related to the concentrations of nonsulphide Zn minerals [2]. The Mina Grande deposit consists of several, partly exploited mineralized areas, where the ore consists of masses of nonsulphides (mainly hydrozincite>>smithsonite) mixed with brown soil. The mineralized body is 1.5 km long, 0.4 km wide, and extends to depths of 20 to 60 m below surface. The economic mineralization is concentrated in karstic cavities and earthy-looking mantos. The zinc “oxides” form a residual cap along the crest of an anticlinal structure [1]. This mineralization can be classified as belonging to Type 3 (residual in karsts cavities) among the supergene nonsulphide deposits [3]. The Rio Cristal prospect [1] is probably the most extensive area of zinc mineralization occurring at Bongarà to date. Diamond drilling has encountered both near-surface primary base metal sulphides (only in traces), and oxidized mineralization at depths of over 50 m down-hole, with grades of up to 20 to 30% Zn. The mineralization occurs in a sigmoidal zone, approximately 1.5 km long by 0.5 km wide. Several sub-horizontal manto-like bodies have been detected, which dominantly consist of masses of orange-brown and white zinc “oxides”, which include smithsonite, hydrozincite, cerussite and Fe-hydroxides. A mineralogical, petrographic, and isotope geochemical study of the Bongarà complex of deposits is being conducted by our research group. The ore grade is quite high (up to 35% Zn), with the metal mostly contained in hydrozincite (Mina Grande), smithsonite and hemimorphite (Rio Cristal). To calculate the temperature of smithsonite precipitation at Rio Cristal, a mean δ18O value has been considered between those of rain- and groundwater in the area. To calculate the temperature of calcite (and co-genetic hydrozincite) at Mina Grande, the mean δ18O annual value of the meteoric water (IAEA) has been considered. The temperatures resulting from stable isotopes geochemistry are comparable with the mean annual temperature values in the Bongarà district (21-23°C). At Bongarà there is considerable economic potential both for nonsulphides (occurring in the surficial karst network throughout the whole district, as at Mina Grande) and for sulphides (along several structures detected in the Rio Cristal area). The supergene mineralization is possibly related to weathering episodes (Tertiary to Recent) occurring under a climate not very different from today. References: [1] Wright C (2010) NI 43-101 Technical Report: 102 pp. [2] Boni M and Mondillo N (2015) Ore Geology Reviews 67: 208-233. [3] Hitzman MW et al (2003) Econ Geol 98: 685-714