Geographic context of the Green Pistachio of Bronte, a protected designation of origin product

The Green Pistachio of Bronte is an Italian protected designation of origin (PDO) product that was officially recognized by the European Union in 2010. These pistachios are grown on Mt Etna's western slope in a specific area of thin volcanic soils and rugged terrain that inhibits the use of mechanized agriculture. Bronte pistachios are known for their distinct flavor, bright green color, and unique organoleptic properties that are intimately linked to their place of origin. They are highly prized in the food industry and can sell for more than double the price of other pistachios on the global market. Mapping landscapes that give rise to specialty food products like the Green Pistachio of Bronte facilitate understanding of the connections between food, culture, and environment within a specific geographic context. Mt Etna's powerful presence in the landscape adds to the unique characteristics of this product and its place of origin

Resection for tumors with carinal involvement : technical aspects, results, and prognostic factors

Background. Resection of tumors with carinal involvement remains a challenge because of specific problems of operative technique and airway management. We reviewed our experience with carinal resection and studied factors influencing postoperative course and long-term survival. Methods. Between 1983 and 2002, 65 patients underwent a carinal resection for non-small-cell lung cancers involving the carina (54 squamous cell carcinomas and 11 adenocarcinomas). Results. Fifty-eight right sleeve pneumonectomies and 2 left sleeve pneumonectomies were performed. In addition, five tracheocarinal resections with double bronchial reimplantation (no lung resection) were also performed. The intraoperative airway management consisted of high-frequency jet ventilation in 83% of patients and intermittent conventional ventilation through the operative field in the remaining 17% of patients. Operative mortality was 7.7%. Resection was complete in 61 patients. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 26.5% and 10.6%, respectively. Patients with NO or N1 disease had a 5-year survival of 38% compared with 5.3% for those with N2 disease (p < 0.01). At multivariate analysis only nodal status (NO, N1 versus N2; p = 0.0046) had a significant impact on long-term survival. Conclusions. Carinal resection provides acceptable results in terms of operative mortality and long-term survival rates. Patients should be carefully selected and probably enrolled in a multimodality treatment program in case of anticipated mediastinal lymph node involvement

Resection for tumors with carinal involvement : technical aspects, results, and prognostic factors

Background. Resection of tumors with carinal involvement remains a challenge because of specific problems of operative technique and airway management. We reviewed our experience with carinal resection and studied factors influencing postoperative course and long-term survival. Methods. Between 1983 and 2002, 65 patients underwent a carinal resection for non-small-cell lung cancers involving the carina (54 squamous cell carcinomas and 11 adenocarcinomas). Results. Fifty-eight right sleeve pneumonectomies and 2 left sleeve pneumonectomies were performed. In addition, five tracheocarinal resections with double bronchial reimplantation (no lung resection) were also performed. The intraoperative airway management consisted of high-frequency jet ventilation in 83% of patients and intermittent conventional ventilation through the operative field in the remaining 17% of patients. Operative mortality was 7.7%. Resection was complete in 61 patients. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 26.5% and 10.6%, respectively. Patients with NO or N1 disease had a 5-year survival of 38% compared with 5.3% for those with N2 disease (p < 0.01). At multivariate analysis only nodal status (NO, N1 versus N2; p = 0.0046) had a significant impact on long-term survival. Conclusions. Carinal resection provides acceptable results in terms of operative mortality and long-term survival rates. Patients should be carefully selected and probably enrolled in a multimodality treatment program in case of anticipated mediastinal lymph node involvement