Seismic Delineation Of A Geothermal Reservoir

Surface seismic reflection surveys and VSP's have been extensively carried out in the Monteverdi area, within the Larderello region. Calibration of these seismic observations with data from numerous deep wells allowed the interpretation of the 2-D traverses so that a good geologic-structural reconstruction for the whole area was achieved. Many important reflectors were detected inside the Metamorphic basement by VSP's acquired in several wells in the area. These reflections were attributed to changes in petrophysical characteristics of the medium, particularly changes in fracture density, rather than to contrasts in lithology. Since at this time the main goal of the exploration in the Larderello region is the location of producing layers inside the basement, a major effort was applied to acquiring and modeling numerous VSP's in existing wells. In particular, a multioffset VSP was carried out in the COLLA 2 well with the specific goal of detecting fractured horizons within the reservoir of the Monte:verdi area. Because of the three-dimensionality of the seismic wave propagation in such a complicated geological structure, the standard onedimensional VSP modeling is not reliable. Therefore, 2-D and 3-D methods of modeling were applied. The modeling of the VSP data predicts important reflections at the depths corresponding to the main fractured zones intersected by drilling. These fractured zones should show subhorizontal distribution and thickness of tens of meters

Collagen induction therapy for the treatment of upper lip wrinkles

Upper lip wrinkles are very common and impair the quality of life of many people due to their perceived unsightly appearance. Several options are available today for their treatment. A new therapeutic option, called collagen induction therapy (CIT), seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of upper lip wrinkles. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of CIT in the treatment of upper lip wrinkles. Ten female subjects, aged 50-65 years old, with upper lip wrinkles were enrolled. Each patient was treated with a specific tool in two sessions. Using a digital camera, photographs were taken of all the patients to evaluate the depth of the wrinkles and a silicon-print technique was used to obtain a microrelief impression of the wrinkles. Data of the cutaneous casts were analyzed by computerized image analysis. Analysis of the patients' photographs, supported by the sign test, and of the degree of irregularity of the surface microrelief, supported by Fast Fourier Transform and by wrinkle image processing, showed that, after only two sessions, the wrinkles' severity grade in most patients was greatly reduced. The present study confirms CIT as an effective and safe technique to improve upper lip wrinkles

Ventricular-vascular coupling in hypertension: methodological considerations and clinical implications

The present review is addressed to analyse the complex interplay between left ventricle and arterial tree in hypertension. The different methodological approaches to the analysis of ventricular vascular coupling in the time and frequency domain are discussed. Moreover, the role of hypertension-related changes of arterial structure and function (stiffness and wave reflection) on arterial load and how ventricular-vascular coupling modulates the process of left ventricular adaptation to hypertension are analysed.The different interplay between vascular bed and left ventricle emerges as the pathophysiological basis for the development of the multiple patterns of ventricular structural adaptation in hypertension and provides a pathway for the interpretation of systolic and diastolic functional abnormalities observed in hypertensive patients. Targeting the therapeutic approach to improve ventricular-vascular coupling may have relevant impact on reversing left ventricular hypertrophy and improving systolic and diastolic dysfunctio

Editorial: Case reports in heart failure and transplantation: 2022

In this editorial we summarize the most viewed and downloaded contributing articles to the Research Topic “Case Reports in Heart Failure and Transplantation: 2022” of the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

Experimental and Numerical Characterization of the In-Plane Shear Behavior of a Load-Bearing Hollow Clay Brick Masonry System with High Thermal Performance

Modern masonry systems are generally built with hollow clay bricks with high thermal insulating properties, fulfilling the latest sustainability and environmental criteria for constructions. Despite the growing use of sustainable masonries in seismic-prone countries, there is a notable lack of experimental and numerical data on their structural behavior under lateral in-plane loads. The present study investigates the in-plane shear behavior of load-bearing masonry walls with thin bed joints and thermal insulating hollow clay blocks. Shear-compression tests were performed on three specimens to obtain information about their shear strength, displacement capacity and failure modes. The experimental characterization was supplemented by three shear tests on triplets, along with flexural and compression tests on the mortar for the thin joints. Furthermore, two Finite Element (FE) models were built to simulate the shear-compression tests, considering different constitutive laws and brick-to-brick contact types. The numerical simulations were able to describe both the shear failure modes and the shear strength values. The results showed that the experimental shear strength was 53% higher than the one obtained through Eurocode 6. The maximum shear load was found to be up to 75% greater compared to similar masonry specimens from the literature. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential structural applications of sustainable hollow clay block masonry in earthquake-prone areas

Atrial Fibrillation and Myopathy Predisposing to Stroke and Dementia: What Came First, Chicken or Egg?

No abstract availabl

Cardiovascular health in migrants: current status and issues for prevention. A collaborative multidisciplinary task force report.

OBJECTIVES: To review information on cardiovascular health and migration, to stress the attention of researchers that much needs to be done in the collection of sound data in Italy and to allow policy makers identifying this issue as an important public health concern. BACKGROUND: In Italy, the rate of immigrants in the total number of residents increased from 2.5% in 1990 to 7.4% in 2010, and currently exceeds 10% in regions such as Lombardia, Emilia Romagna and Toscana. METHODS: A consensus statement was developed by approaching relevant Italian national scientific societies involved in cardiovascular prevention. Task force members were identified by the president and/or the boards of each relevant scientific society or working group, as appropriate. To obtain a widespread consensus, drafts were merged and distributed to the scientific societies for local evaluation and revision by as many experts as possible. The ensuing final draft was finally approved by scientific societies. RESULTS: In several western European countries, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome was found to be higher among immigrants than in the native population. Although migrants are often initially healthier than non-migrant populations in their host countries, genetic factors, and changing environments with lifestyle changes, social exclusion and insufficient medical control may expose them to health challenges. Cultural reasons may also hamper both the dissemination of prevention strategies and migrant communication with healthcare providers. However, great diversity exists across and within different groups of migrants, making generalizations very difficult and many countries do not collect registry or survey data for migrant's health. CONCLUSIONS: In the present economic context, the European Union is placing great attention to improve data collection for migrant health and to support the implementation of specific prevention policies aimed at limiting the future burden of cardiovascular and renal disease, and the consequent load for health systems. Wider initiatives on the topic are awaited in Italy