Modelling noise propagation generated by forest operations: a case study in Southern Italy

Noise is defined as an undesired sound that constitutes an unwarranted disturbance potentiality modifying animal behaviour or normal functioning. Forest operations commonly involve the use of equipment and machines that can produce noise and be a potential permanent or temporary disturbance for the wildlife. This study simulates noise propagation in a natural area generated during coppice stand harvesting by direct field noise measurements and the application of a specific GIS model. Two working phases were investigated: felling and yarding operations. Two potential systems were analyzed for the yarding operations: a) yarding by mobile cable yarder and b) skidding by tractor with a three point log grapple. The results are reported in terms of excess noise area for the third-octave bandwidths with the centre in 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz. Felling by chainsaws presented the largest area where noise exceeds the ambient natural noise, while in the case of yarding, mobile cable yarding operations presented a smaller area of excess noise than skidding by tractor

Reproductive traits of the invasive species Acacia dealbata Link. in the northern Mediterranean basin

Among the many exotic plants introduced in the last two centuries in Northern Mediterranean Basin Acacia dealbata Link. is one of the most invasive. Despite its presence in the region since many years, it has not yet been investigated how the species has established itself and has formed small forests. In this study, we aimed to gather data on reproductive trait of the invasive species A. dealbata at the northern limit of the Mediterranean bioclimatic region. In six naturalized populations, fruit and seed set were estimated and seed germination was tested in laboratory. Two out of the six populations failed to set fruits, and the fruit set was always low as observed in other invaded areas of the world. Only three populations produced germinating seeds whose rates were comparable to other invasive areas. The seeds may constitute a long-lasting seed bank that may favour the colonization of the species in areas disturbed by external factors. In conclusion, the reproductive system may contributes only partially to the spread and invasiveness of the species in the Northern Mediterranean basin, while the plant to spread itself adopts also other vegetative strategies

Short-term outcome of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: preliminary analysis of a multicentre study.

AIM: To assess the incidence of morbidity and mortality of Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study was performed. Six hundred and eighty-three patients were recorded. Predictors of morbidity and mortality were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, older age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, a greater value of Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and sub-optimal cytoreduction were correlated with higher mortality, while older age, presence of ascites, ovarian origin of carcinomatosis, closed technique, a greater value of PCI, longer operative time and sub-optimal cytoreduction were predictors of higher morbidity. In multivariate analysis, older age and a greater value of PCI were correlated with higher mortality; older age, ovarian origin of tumor, presence of ascites, closed technique and longer operative time were predictors of higher morbidity. CONCLUSION: Careful patient selection has to be performed to improve clinical outcomes

Short-term outcome of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: preliminary analysis of a multicentre study

Aim: To assess the incidence of morbidity and mortality of Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective multicentric study was performed. Six hundred and eighty-three patients were recorded. Predictors of morbidity and mortality were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: In univariate analysis, older age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, a greater value of Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and sub-optimal cytoreduction were correlated with higher mortality, while older age, presence of ascites, ovarian origin of carcinomatosis, closed technique, a greater value of PCI, longer operative time and sub-optimal cytoreduction were predictors of higher morbidity. In multivariate analysis, older age and a greater value of PCI were correlated with higher mortality; older age, ovarian origin of tumor, presence of ascites, closed technique and longer operative time were predictors of higher morbidity. Conclusion: Careful patient selection has to be performed to improve clinical outcomes

Barrett\u2019s Esophagus and Adenocarcinoma Risk The Experience of the North-Eastern Italian Registry (EBRA)

Objective: To establish the incidence and risk factors for progression to highgrade intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-IEN) or Barrett\u2019s esophageal adenocarcinoma (BAc) in a prospective cohort of patients with esophageal intestinal metaplasia [(BE)]. Background: BE is associated with an increased risk of BAc unless cases are detected early by surveillance. No consistent data are available on the prevalence of BE-related cancer, the ideal surveillance schedule, or the risk factors for cancer. Methods: In 2003, a regional registry of BE patients was created in northeast Italy, establishing the related diagnostic criteria (endoscopic landmarks, biopsy protocol, histological classification) and timing of follow-up (tailored to histology) and recording patient outcomes. Thirteen centers were involved and audited yearly. The probability of progression to HG-IEN/BAc was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method; the Cox regression model was used to calculate the risk of progression.Results: HG-IEN (10 cases) and EAc (7 cases) detected at the index endoscopy or in the first year of follow-up were considered to be cases of preexisting disease and excluded; 841 patients with at least 2 endoscopies {median, 3 [interquartile range (IQR): 2\u20134); median follow-up = 44.6 [IQR: 24.7\u2013 60.5] months; total 3083 patient-years} formed the study group [male/female = 646/195; median age, 60 (IQR: 51\u201368) years]. Twenty-two patients progressed to HG-IEN or BAc (incidence: 0.72 per 100 patient-years) after a median of 40.2 (26.9\u201350.4) months. At multivariate analysis, endoscopic abnormalities, that is, ulceration or nodularity (P = 0.0002; relative risk [RR] = 7.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.63\u201321.9), LG-IEN (P = 0.02, RR = 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.22\u201311.43), and BE length (P = 0.01; RR = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.03\u20131.30) were associated with BE progression. Among the LG-IEN patients, the incidence of HG-IEN/EAc was 3.17 patient-years, that is, 6 times higher than in BE patients without LG-IEN. Conclusions: These results suggest that in the absence of intraepithelial neoplastic changes, BE carries a low risk of progression to HG-IEN/BAc, and strict surveillance (or ablative therapy) is advisable in cases with endoscopic abnormalities, LG-IEN or long BE segments

Manual of Cardio-oncology Cardiovascular Care in the Cancer Patient

This concise and handy manual provides straightforward, up-to-date guidance for cardiologists and other practitioners on the management of cancer patients with cardiac problems, whether they be due to the cancer itself or to antineoplastic treatment. Detailed attention is devoted to the various forms of cardiotoxicity associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drugs commonly responsible for each toxicity are identified and clear advice is offered on monitoring techniques and treatment approaches. In addition, the issue of cardiotoxicity due to cancer treatment in particular patient groups \u2013 children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing cardiac disease \u2013 is addressed separately, with guidance on when and how antineoplastic (and/or cardiological) treatments should be modified. Further sections describe the correct responses to cardiac problems secondary to the cancer itself, including thromboembolic disorders and electrolyte imbalances, and the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cardiac tumors. A closing section considers how to improve cooperation between oncologists, cardiologists, and general practitioners to ensure that cancer patients\u2019 cardiovascular needs are met in a multidisciplinary approach