257 research outputs found

    Imaging the multi-level magma reservoir at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy)

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    The continuous GPS network operating on Mt. Etna with its 36 stations is currently one of the largest worldwide. The aim of this network is the evaluation of volcanic hazard and the modelling of the active sources. In this paper, we propose an in-depth analysis and modelling of continuous GPS data collected at Mt. Etna from May 2008 to December 2010. The analyzed period has been divided into four different coherent phases: 1) 14 May 2008-02 August 2008 (deflation of the entire GPS network); 2) 02 August 2008-14 June 2009 (deflation of the summit area and inflation at lower heights); 3) 14 June 2009-21 May 2010 (inflation of the entire GPS network); 4) 21 May 2010-31 December 2010 (inflation at medium and low heights and end of the inflation in the summit area). Analytical models indicate a non-uniform deformation style revealing spaced sources acting at different time on different segments of a multi-level magma reservoir. The Etnean plumbing system imaged here is depicted as an elongated magma reservoir that extends from the volcano body downwards to about 6.5 km below sea level (b.s.l.), sloping slightly towards the North-West, with storage volumes located at about 6.5, 2.0 and 0.0 km (b.s.l.). The changes in position of the modelled pressure sources during the analyzed time intervals indicate that, throughout the 2008 eruptive period, the deformation field was mostly driven by the upward migration of magma. On the other hand, the pattern of deformation recorded after the end of the eruption strongly suggests a significant contribution of the magma overpressure generated by the gas boiling, thus outlining the importance of volatiles content in magma. Citation: Aloisi, M., M. Mattia, C. Ferlito, M. Palano, V. Bruno, and F. Cannav (2011), Imaging the multi-level magma reservoir at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy), Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L16306, doi:10.1029/2011GL048488

    Agroecological practices and agrobiodiversity. A case study on organic orange in southern Italy

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    7noopenThe integration of Agroecological Service Crops (ASCs) into agroecosystems can provide several ecological services, such as nutrient cycling and disease and weed management. A two-year experiment on an organic orchard was carried out to compare barley (B) and horse bean (HB) ASCs with a control without ASC (Cont) in combination with fertilizers. Their effects on soil fertility and weed- and soil-borne fungi communities were evaluated by direct measurements, visual estimation, and indicators computation. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify latent patterns and redundancy among variables, whereas a correlation analysis was used to discriminate the compared systems within the PCA matrix. The empirical results of this study put in evidence the correlation among soil, weed, and fungal variables. A slight contribution of fertilizers on the system’s variability was observed, whereas a clear effect of ASCs was highlighted. The systems differed in weed communities, with the lowest density associated to B and the highest to Cont. B showed the highest fungal diversity, with changes in community compared to HB. HB showed a contribution on soil fertility, being associated to organic matter increase and N availability, and evidencing mixed impacts on soil quality and ecosystem functioning. Overall, the above-ground diversity and below-ground community results were inter-correlated.openCiaccia C.; La Torre A.; Ferlito F.; Testani E.; Battaglia V.; Salvati L.; Roccuzzo G.Ciaccia, C.; La Torre, A.; Ferlito, F.; Testani, E.; Battaglia, V.; Salvati, L.; Roccuzzo, G

    Prevalence of low back pain and its effect on health-related quality of life in 409 scholar adolescents from the veneto region

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    Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition with profound effects on well-being. We aimed to define the prevalence and the characteristics of LBP and to investigate its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of 409 students (265 females and 144 males), all high-school adolescents from the Veneto region. LBP was measured with a structured, self-report questionnaire, while the SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure physical and mental QoL. 253 students (61.3%) reported one or more episodes of LBP, with female predominance. Adolescents with LBP treated with drugs and rehabilitation cares have significantly poor belief in pain resolution (p=0.005), but more belief in a prevention program (p=0.006) than the others. After adjustment for sex, a significant association between the SF-36 dimension of vitality and the presence of LBP in males was observed. All SF-36 domains except mental health were significantly higher in females with LBP. Our study confirmed that LBP is frequent in Italian scholar adolescents and has an impact on QoL. Strategies for reducing the effects of LBP on QoL should be an important purpose for clinicians and health policy makers

    Therapeutic and Metagenomic Potential of the Biomolecular Therapies against Periodontitis and the Oral Microbiome: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

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    The principles of periodontal therapy are based on the control of microbial pathogens and host factors that contribute to biofilm dysbiosis, with the aim of modulating the progression of periodontitis and periodontal tissue destruction. It is currently known how differently each individual responds to periodontal treatment, depending on both the bacterial subtypes that make up the dysbiotic biofilm and interindividual variations in the host inflammatory response. This has allowed the current variety of approaches for the management of periodontitis to be updated by defining the goals of target strategies, which consist of reducing the periodontopathogenic microbial flora and/or modulating the host-mediated response. Therefore, this review aims to update the current variety of approaches for the management of periodontitis based on recent target therapies. Recently, encouraging results have been obtained from several studies exploring the effects of some targeted therapies in the medium- and long-term. Among the most promising target therapies analyzed and explored in this review include: cell-based periodontal regeneration, mediators against bone resorption, emdogain (EMD), platelet-rich plasma, and growth factors. The reviewed evidence supports the hypothesis that the therapeutic combination of epigenetic modifications of periodontal tissues, interacting with the dysbiotic biofilm, is a key step in significantly reducing the development and progression of disease in periodontal patients and improving the therapeutic response of periodontal patients. However, although studies indicate promising results, these need to be further expanded and studied to truly realize the benefits that targeted therapies could bring in the treatment of periodontitis

    Salivary acinic cell carcinoma: reappraisal and update

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    Epidemiologic and clinicopathologic features, therapeutic strategies, and prognosis for acinic cell carcinoma of the major and minor salivary glands are critically reviewed. We explore histopathologic, histochemical, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical aspects and discuss histologic grading, histogenesis, animal models, and genetic events. In the context of possible diagnostic difficulties, the relationship to mammary analog secretory carcinoma is probed and a classification is suggested. Areas of controversy or uncertainty, which may benefit from further investigations, are also highlighted

    The role of radioactive iodine in the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer - An oncologic surgical perspective

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    With improved understanding of the biology of differentiated thyroid carcinoma its management is evolving. The approach to surgery for the primary tumour and elective nodal surgery is moving from a "one-size-fits -all" recommendation to a more personalised approach based on risk group stratification. With this selective approach to initial surgery, the indications for adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy are also changing. This selective approach to adjuvant therapy requires understanding by the entire treatment team of the rationale for RAI, the potential for benefit, the limitations of the evidence, and the potential for side-effects. This review considers the evidence base for the benefits of using RAI in the primary and recurrent setting as well as the side-effects and risks from RAI treatment. By considering the pros and cons of adjuvant therapy we present an oncologic surgical perspective on selection of treatment for patients, both following pre-operative diagnostic biopsy and in the setting of a post-operative diagnosis of malignancy. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd, BASO similar to The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

    Contemporary management of cancer of the oral cavity

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    Oral cancer represents a common entity comprising a third of all head and neck malignant tumors. The options for curative treatment of oral cavity cancer have not changed significantly in the last three decades; however, the work up, the approach to surveillance, and the options for reconstruction have evolved significantly. Because of the profound functional and cosmetic importance of the oral cavity, management of oral cavity cancers requires a thorough understanding of disease progression, approaches to management and options for reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most current management options for oral cavity cancers

    Neck Surgery for Non-Well Differentiated Thyroid Malignancies: Variations in Strategy According to Histopathology

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    Lymph node metastases in non-well differentiated thyroid cancer (non-WDTC) are common, both in the central compartment (levels VI and VII) and in the lateral neck (Levels II to V). Nodal metastases negatively affect prognosis and should be treated to maximize locoregional control while minimizing morbidity. In non-WDTC, the rate of nodal involvement is variable and depends on the histology of the tumor. For medullary thyroid carcinomas, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, the high frequency of lymph node metastases makes central compartment dissection generally necessary. In mucoepidermoid carcinomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, sarcomas, and malignant thyroid teratomas or thyroblastomas, central compartment dissection is less often necessary, as clinical lymphnode involvement is less common. We aim to summarize the medical literature and the opinions of several experts from different parts of the world on the current philosophy for managing the neck in less common types of thyroid cancer
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