Converted phase identification and retrieval of Vp/Vs ratios from move-out reflection analysis: application to the Campi Flegrei caldera

Here, we propose a method for the determination of Vp/Vs ratios in a horizontally layered propagation media using maximization of a coherency function along theoretical travel-times of PS reflected phases. The theoretical travel-times are computed using the information about the propagation media that is extracted by velocity analysis or by topographic analysis performed on the first arrivals. The method is also a valid tool for the identification of the PS phases associated with a fixed seismic reflector, and it is particularly suitable for data that is stored in common mid-point and common conversion point bin- ning; for this kind of data the hypothesis of horizontally and layered media can usually be verified. We applied the method to both simulated and real datasets. The use of the real data that was acquired in the Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy) allowed us to estimate a relatively high Vp/Vs ratio (3.5 ± 0.6) for a very shallow layer (maximum depth, 600 m). This hypothesis has been tested by theoretical rock physical modeling of the Vp/Vs ratios as a function of porosity, suggesting that the shallow layer appears to be formed of unconsolidated, water-saturated, volcanic and marine sediments that filled Pozzuoli Bay during the post-caldera activity

Successful treatment of groin pain syndrome in a pole-vault athlete with core stability exercise

The purpose of this case report was to present a case of groin pain in a pole vault athlete describing the biomechanical features of the injury`s mechanism, acute medical management, and its successful rehabilitation. A 22-year-old professional pole-vaulter sustained an injury during a regular training session. The athlete reported significant left lower abdominal and left proximal adductor discomfort in all activities, including basic trunk motion when moving in bed, sit to stand, and walking, and was unable to return to the regular training. Clinical evaluation and imaging studies addressed the injury to a case of adductor-related groin pain associated with pubic symphysis degeneration. Treatment consisted of an exercise-based therapeutic protocol based on trunk and core muscle strengthening and stability program, with progressive motor and functional demands. Significant improvements in the overall clinical findings and functional outcomes were reported after 52 days of intervention when the athletes returned to his full athletic activity. These results suggest that an appropriate rehabilitation program, focused on trunk and core musculature stability exercise addressing to sport-related specific demands, should be considered as an optimal conservative method in the multidisciplinary approach for treatment of groin pain and prior to any surgical intervention

Seismic reflections reveal a massive melt layer under Campi Flegrei volcanic field

[1] Campi Flegrei is an active, resurgent caldera that is located a few kilometres west of the city of Naples, a densely populated urban settlement in southern Italy. Identifying, locating at depth and better defining the geometry of the magma feeding system of the caldera is highly relevant for assessing and monitoring its volcanic hazard. Based on a high resolution seismic reflection data set, we investigated the deep structure of the volcano. Here we show that seismic wave amplitude variations with distance from the radiating source provide clear evidence for large amplitude seismic reflections from the top of an extended supercritical fluid-bearing rock formation at about 3,000 m and of an about 7,500 m deep, 1,000 m thick, low velocity layer, which is associated with a mid-crust, partial melting zone beneath the caldera. The modeling of magma properties based on measured seismic velocities indicates a relatively high melt percentage (in the range 80-90%). These new data suggest that a large magmatic sill is present well within the basement formations, which is possibly linked to the surface through a system of deep fractures bordering the caldera. The lateral extension and similar depth of the melt zone observed beneath the nearby Mt.Vesuvius support the hypothesis of a single continuous magma reservoir feeding both of these volcanoes

Graft -versus-host disease associata a trasfusione (TAGVHD): è tempo di irradiare gli emoderivati impiegati in età pediatrica?

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Can a Repeated Sprint Ability Test Help Clear a Previously Injured Soccer Player for Fully Functional Return to Activity? A Pilot Study

Objective: To investigate the effects of fatigue induced by a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on the neuromuscular responses of soccer players with a recent history of lower limb injuries (CH) and a matched control group in good fitness condition (GH). Design: This was a case-control study. Participants: Nine CH and 9 GH. Independent Variable: Allocation to CH or GH. Main Outcome Measures: Each player was assessed for blood lactate concentration and jumping performance [squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)] before/after RSA. Post-RSA rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate RSA sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between CH and GH. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess reliability. Results: No baseline differences were found for any variable. triangle SJ before/after RSA was -14 +/- 2% and -5 +/- 2% in CH and GH, respectively (P < 0.05). triangle CMJ before/after RSA was -15 +/- 2% and -7 +/- 2% in CH and GH, respectively (P < 0.05). triangle SJ-based and triangle CMJ-based (before/after RSA) area under curve (AUC) resulted in 0.90 +/- 0.07 and 0.86 +/- 0.09, respectively, with both AUCs differentiating between CH and GH with 77.78% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. Pooled AUC resulted in 0.88 +/- 0.06. Intraclass correlation coefficient was high (0.85/0.97). Conclusions: Repeated sprint ability is a simple, low-cost field test potentially able to assist in clinical decision making for return to sport

Genotypic groups as risk factors for cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities and complications in thalassemia major: a large, multicentre study

Background - The causes and effects of genotypic heterogeneity in beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) have not been fully investigated. The aim of this multicentre study was to determine whether different genotype groups could predict the development of cardiovascular magnetic resonance abnormalities and cardiac complications. Materials and methods - We considered 708 β-TM patients (373 females, age 30.05±9.47 years) consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) network. Data were collected from birth to the first cardiac magnetic resonance scan. Myocardial iron overload was assessed using a T2* technique. Biventricular function was quantified by cine images. Macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by a late gadolinium enhancement technique. Results - Three groups of patients were identified: β+ homozygotes (n=158), β+/β° heterozygotes (n=298) and β° homozygotes (n=252). Compared to β+ homozygotes, the other two groups showed a significantly higher risk of myocardial iron overload and left ventricular dysfunction. We recorded 90 (13.0%) cardiac events: 46 episodes of heart failures, 38 arrhythmias (33 supraventricular, 3 ventricular and 2 hypokinetic) and 6 cases of pulmonary hypertensions. β° homozygotes showed a significantly higher risk than β+ homozygotes of arrhythmias and cardiac complications considered globally. Discussion - Different genotype groups predicted the development of myocardial iron overload, left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias and cardiac complications in β-TM patients. These data support the importance of genotype knowledge in the management of β-TM patients

Prediction of cardiac complications for thalassemia major in the widespread cardiac magnetic resonance era: a prospective multicentre study by a multi-parametric approach

Aims Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has dramatically changed the clinical practice in thalassemia major (TM), lowering cardiac complications. We prospectively reassessed the predictive value of CMR parameters for heart failure (HF) and arrhythmias in TM. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... Methods and results We considered 481 white TM patients (29.48 \ub1 8.93 years, 263 females) enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) network. Myocardial and liver iron overload were measured by T2* multiecho technique. Atrial dimensions and biventricular function were quantified by cine images. Late gadolinium enhancement images were acquired to detect myocardial fibrosis. Mean follow-up was 57.91 \ub1 18.23 months. After the first CMR scan 69.6% of the patients changed chelation regimen. We recorded 18 episodes of HF. In the multivariate analysis the independent predictive factors were myocardial fibrosis (HR = 10.94, 95% CI = 3.28\u201336.43, P < 0.0001), homogeneous MIO (compared with no MIO) (HR = 5.56, 95% CI = 1.37\u201322.51, P = 0.016), ventricular dysfunction (HR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.39\u201313.43, P = 0.011). Arrhythmias occurred in 16 patients. Among the CMR parameters only the atrial dilation was identified as univariate prognosticator (HR = 4.26 95% CI=1.54-11.75, P = 0.005). ................................................................................................................................................................................................... Conclusions CMR guided the change of chelation therapy in nearly 70% of patients, leading to a lower risk of iron-mediated HF and of arrhythmias than previously reported. Homogeneous MIO remained a risk factor for HF but also myocardial fibrosis and ventricular dysfunction identified patients at high risk. Arrhythmias were independent of MIO but increased with atrial dilatation. CMR by a multi-parametric approach dramatically improves cardiac outcomes and provides prognostic information beyond cardiac iron estimation