High resolution computed tomography quantitation of emphysema is correlated with selected lung function values in stable COPD.

BACKGROUND: The literature shows conflicting results when high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores of emphysema were correlated with different indices of airflow obstruction. OBJECTIVES: We correlated HRCT scores of emphysema with different indices of airflow obstruction. METHODS: We performed HRCT of the chest in 59 patients, all smokers or ex-smokers, with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of different severity [GOLD stages I-IV; mean age \ub1 SD 67.8 \ub1 7.3 years; pack/years 51.0 \ub1 34.6; percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)% predicted) 52.3 \ub1 17.6; post-bronchodilator FEV(1)% predicted 56.5 \ub1 19.1; FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio 50.8 \ub1 10.2; post-bronchodilator FEV(1)/FVC ratio 51.6 \ub1 11.0; percent diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) 59.2 \ub1 21.1; DLCO/percent alveolar volume (VA%) 54.5 \ub1 18.2; percent residual volume 163.0 \ub1 35.6; percent total lung capacity (TLC%) 113.2 \ub1 15; residual volume/TLC 1.44 \ub1 0.2]. All patients were in stable phase. RESULTS: The mean \ub1 SD visual emphysema score in all patients was 25.6 \ub1 25.4%. There was a weak but significant correlation between the percentage of pulmonary emphysema and numbers of pack/years (R = +0.31, p = 0.024). The percentage of emphysema was inversely correlated with the FEV(1)/FVC ratio before and after bronchodilator use (R = -0.44, p = 0.002, and R = -0.39, p = 0.005), DLCO% (R = -0.64, p = 0.0003) and DLCO/VA% (R = -0.68, p < 0.0001). A weak positive correlation was also found with TLC% (R = +0.28, p = 0.048). When patients with documented emphysema were considered separately, the best significant correlation observed was between DLCO/VA% and HRCT scan score (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of varying severity, the presence of pulmonary emphysema is best represented by the impaired gas exchange capability of the respiratory system

The marine activities performed within the TOMO-ETNA experiment

The TOMO-ETNA experiment was planned in order to obtain a detailed geological and structural model of the continental and oceanic crust beneath Mt. Etna volcano and northeastern Sicily up to the Aeolian Islands (southern Italy), by integrating data from active and passive refraction and reflection seismic methodologies, magnetic and gravity surveys. This paper focuses on the marine activities performed within the experiment, which have been carried out in the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, during three multidisciplinary oceanographic cruises, involving three research vessels (\u201cSarmiento de Gamboa\u201d, \u201cGalatea\u201d and \u201cAegaeo\u201d) belonging to different countries and institutions. During the offshore surveys about 9700 air-gun shots were produced to achieve a high-resolution seismic tomography through the wide-angle seismic refraction method, covering a total of nearly 2650 km of shooting tracks. To register ground motion, 27 ocean bottom seismometers were deployed, extending the inland seismic permanent network of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and a temporary network installed for the experiment. A total of 1410 km of multi-channel seismic reflection profiles were acquired to image the subsurface of the area and to achieve a 2D velocity model for each profile. Multibeam sonar and sub bottom profiler data were also collected. Moreover, a total of 2020 km of magnetic and 680 km of gravity track lines were acquired to compile magnetic and gravity anomaly maps offshore Mt. Etna volcano. Here, high-resolution images of the seafloor, as well as sediment and rock samples, were also collected using a remotely operated vehicle

Enantioselective addition of phenyl and alkyl acetylenes to imines catalyzed by chiral Cu(I) complexes

The stereoselective addition of phenyl acetylene and alkyl acetylenes to imines, catalyzed by chiral bis-imines-Cu(I) complexes was studied. A very simple experimental procedure allowed to obtain at room temperature optically active propargyl amines in very good yields and enantioselectivity up to 81%

The impact of dredge-fill on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows: Regression and patterns of recovery

Posidonia oceanica meadows can be severely damaged by dredge-fill operations. We report on the construction of gas pipelines that occurred between 1981 and 1993 in SW Sicily, Italy. A large portion of the meadow was mechanically removed, and the excavated trench has filled with a mosaic of substrates, ranging from sand to consolidated rock debris. Meadow loss and recovery were quantified over 7 years after the end of operations. We recorded an overall loss of 81.20 ha of meadow. Substrate strongly affected recovery as the percent cover by P. oceanica consistently increased on calcareous rubble, reaching values of 44.37 \ub1 3.05% in shallow sites after 7 years, whereas no significant increase occurred on other substrates. As in the Mediterranean Sea exploitation of coastal areas continues to grow with consequent impacts on P. oceanica meadows, this case study illustrates how artificial rubble-like materials could be employed to support the restoration of damaged meadows

Myo-inositol supplementation reduces the amount of gonadotropins and length of ovarian stimulation in women undergoing IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose: To evaluate whether oral myo-inositol supplementation (MI) is able to reduce the amount of gonadotropins (GA) and the length of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (SL) in both Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42017069439) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched articles published in English between January 1985 to August 2017, using the combination of the Medical Subject Headings \u201cInositol\u201d with \u201cOvulation Induction\u201d, \u201cfollicle-stimulating hormone, human, with HCG C-terminal peptide\u201d, \u201cReproductive Techniques, Assisted\u201d, and \u201cFertilization in Vitro\u201d. We collected data about GA and SL comparing MI to no treatment or d-Chiro-Inositol (DCI) supplementation (controls). A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate selected outcomes in PCOS and non-PCOS women. Results: We included 8 studies embedding 812 participants. We found a reduction in GA (p < 0.00001) and SL (p = 0.0007) in patients receiving MI with respect to controls. MI was effective in both PCOS (p < 0.00001) and non-PCOS women (p = 0.02) in reducing GA; conversely, MI supplementation decreased the SL only in PCOS women (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: During IVF, MI is effective in both PCOS and non-PCOS women in saving gonadotropins, but reduces efficiently SL only in PCOS women

Serum HBsAg and ddPCR HBV-DNA as predictive parameters of HBsAg loss after nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) treatment discontinuation in non-cirrhotic patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Introduction: Stopping nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) treatment in selected non-cirrhotic Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) often leads to virus-induced flares, which may result to life-threatening liver failure. Aim: to identify predictive parameters of off-NAs response at the end of treatment and their association with HBsAg loss or HBsAg &lt; 100IU/ml, for a safe discontinuation of treatment. Materials and Methods: 38 non-cirrhotic CHB patients, with complete virological suppression ( &gt; 4 years), were prospectively monitored after suspending NA treatment for a median (IQR) time of 16 (10-19) months. Plasma samples at suspension date (baseline, BL) were collected and used to quantify serum HBV-DNA by highly sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). HBsAg was quantified by the ARCHITECT HBsAg assay at BL, every 2 weeks from suspension in the first month, followed by every month until the sixth month, then every 3 months. Results: At BL, 28 (73.7%) pts had detectable serum HBV-DNA (median[ IQR] 5[2-11] IU/mL), while 10 (26.3%) were completely negative to HBV-DNA. After NA suspension, 7 (18.4%) achieved HBsAg &lt; 100IU/mL (median [IQR]: 43 [35-53]IU/ml) and 8 (21.1%) lost HBsAg at last follow-up. Patients achieving HBsAg loss had lower HBsAg levels at BL (140 [70-480]IU/ml with vs 1162 [439- 3135] without HBsAg loss, p = 0.014). The negativity to HBV-DNA by ddPCR at BL strongly correlated with the achievement of HBsAg &lt; 100IU/mL or HBsAg loss after NA suspension (70% [7/10] with vs 28.6% [8/28] without negative BL HBV-DNA; OR [95%CI]: 5.8 [1.3- 23.6], p = 0.03).The combination of HBsAg &lt; 500IU/mL + negativity HBV-DNA by ddPCR at BL was the best predictor for achieving HBsAg &lt; 100IU/mL or HBsAg loss (85.7% with vs 27.6% without this combination; OR [95%CI]: 15.8 (1.6-152.2; p = 0.008; PPV = 86%; NPV = 72%). Conclusions: Residual HBV replicative activity at NA suspension, measured by highly sensitive assays, provides an added value in identifying patients more prone to achieve HBV functional cure