Habsburg topographic cartography of the Italian peninsula in the first half of the 19th century

The geodetic point lists of the Habsburg survey of the Italian peninsula, carried out in several steps after the Napoleonic wars, were digitized and analyzed together with the modern coordinates of the identified points. Assuming the usage of the Zach-Oriani hybrid ellipsoid, the Burša-Wolf type datum transformation parameters were estimated between the local, historical triangulation Datums and the WGS84. The results show interesting accuracy differences in the Italian regions; since the points and coordinates in Lombardy, Piedmont and Lucca shows surprisingly high accuracy and consistency, the survey of Venice, Tuscany, the Papal State, the Adriatic coasts and the Kingdom of Naples is less controlled. The results enabled us to geo-refer the corresponding map series, stored in the Austrian Military Archives, in Vienna, in four different parts. Venice, Lombardy and Lucca (with other small regions at their southern border) were a part of the Habsburg Second Military Survey, with same scale and technology and legend. Part of the series of Piedmont was also found in the Vienna archives and geo-referred. South of these regions, Tuscany and the Papal State was mapped in 1:86400 scale, in a Cassini projection with the centre in the Duomo S. Salvatore, Milan. The southernmost systematic mapping work in the peninsula was in the Kingdom of Naples in the 1820s, with the same scale as used in mid-Italy, projection centre was in Capodimonte (Naples). Albeit the relatively high accuracy of the geodetic network, these map mosaics are refined horizontally applying a local correction grid (GSB) to keep the horizontal errors below 200 meters

Epilepsias mioclónicas progresivas

Progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PME) are infrequent neurodegenerative disorders clinically and genetically heterogeneous cause, characterized by action myoclonus, seizures and progressive neurologic disability. They mainly affect children and teenagers. Its early clinical features make the differential diagnosis difficult with other, more frequent neurogenetic diseases such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The majority of genetic mutations that lead to these diseases are known to be autosomal-recessive inheritance, with autosomal-dominant or mitochondrial inheritance being of exceptional frequency. The diagnosis is made when the mutations are identified in a patient with characteristic clinical features (like in the Univerritch-Lundborg disease or North Sea PME). On the other hand, in some cases pathological (vgr., for Lafora body disease or for Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers) or specific laboratory test (such as sialic acid in urine for Sialidosis), are more useful. It is important to make as specific a diagnosis as possible because there are some genetically defined therapies for some of these diseases. The management of the seizures in these diseases includes the use of valproic acid as a first-line drug treatment, and other drugs like zonisamide and levetiracetam as second-line. However, the lack of response to antiepileptic drugs is not uncommon. Although the prognosis varies within diseases, it is generally unfavorable and may lead to disability or early death.Las epilepsias mioclónicas progresivas (EMP) son enfermedades neurodegenerativas infrecuentes, clínica y genéticamente heterogéneas, caracterizadas por presentar mioclonías de acción, crisis epilépticas y deterioro neurológico progresivo. Afectan principalmente a niños y adolescentes. Su cuadro clínico inicial dificulta un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial con otras enfermedades neurológicas genéticas más frecuentes como la epilepsia mioclónica juvenil. Se sabe que la mayoría de mutaciones genéticas que causan estas enfermedades reflejan una herencia autosómica recesiva, con variantes dominante o mitocondrial de excepcional frecuencia. El diagnóstico tiene lugar cuando se identifican las mutaciones en un paciente con un cuadro clínico característico (como es el caso de la enfermedad de Unverritch-Lundborg o la EMP del Mar del Norte). Por otro lado, en algunos casos son más útiles la anatomía patológica (para la enfermedad de cuerpos de Lafora o la epilepsia mioclónica con fibras rojas rasgadas) o exámenes auxiliares específicos (vgr., ácido siálico en orina para Sialidosis). Es importante hacer el diagnóstico específico ya que ello permite un tratamiento genético definido para algunas de estas enfermedades. El manejo de las crisis epilépticas incluye el uso de valproato como fármaco de primera línea, en tanto que otros como zonisamida y levetiracetam constituyen una segunda línea; sin embargo, la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico antiepiléptico es relativamente común. El pronóstico puede variar entre una enfermedad y otra, pero, por lo general, suele ser desfavorable conduciendo a discapacidad severa o muerte temprana

Complex retinal detachment in phakic patients: previtrectomy. Phacoemulsification Versus Combined Phacovitrectomy

PURPOSE:: To assess the impact of phacoemulsification performed one week before pars plana vitrectomy versus combined phacovitrectomy on postoperative anterior segment status and final functional and anatomical outcomes in phakic patients affected by complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS:: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 59 phakic patients affected by complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Twenty-nine patients underwent cataract surgery 7 days before vitrectomy (preemptive cataract surgery—Group 1), whereas 30 patients underwent combined phacovitrectomy (Group 2). Preoperative, intraoperative, early- and late-postoperative outcomes were measured and compared. RESULTS:: Numbers of previous retinal surgical procedures, nuclear sclerosis grade, proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade, eyes with inferior breaks, surgical time, and ratio of silicone oil/gas tamponade were all similar between the two groups. After surgery, there was less extension of posterior synechia in Group 1. There was no significant difference in fibrin, number of patients with posterior synechia, final intraocular pressure, retinal redetachment rate, final retinal status, or final best-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION:: Preemptive cataract surgery was associated with less extensive postoperative posterior synechia, however, its final functional and anatomical outcomes were not significantly different from those of phacovitrectomy. Both approaches were efficacious.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License 4.0 (CC BY-NC-ND), which permits downloading and sharing the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially

Repeated Cytoreduction Combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Selected Patients Affected by Peritoneal Metastases: Italian PSM Oncoteam Evidence

The reiteration of surgical cytoreduction (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients affected by recurrent peritoneal metastases is still questioned regarding safety and effectiveness. This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and associated factors of iterative CRS combined with HIPEC. This multicentric retrospective study collected data from four surgical oncology centers, on iterative HIPEC. We gathered data on patient and cancer characteristics, the peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC), postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS). In the study period, 141 CRS-plus-HIPECs were performed on 65 patients. Nine patients underwent three iterative procedures, and one underwent five. No increased incidence of complications after the second or third procedure was observed. Furthermore, operative time and hospitalization stay were significantly shorter after the second than after the first procedure (p p = 0.061). Concomitant hepatic-CRC-metastasis did not compromise the CRS-plus-HIPEC safety and efficacy. This multicentric experience encourages repeated CRS-plus-HIPEC, showing promising results

Experienced Use of Dexmedetomidine in the Intensive Care Unit: A Report of a Structured Consensus

OBJECTIVE: Management of pain, agitation and delirium (PAD) remains to be a true challenge in critically ill patients. The pharmacological proprieties of dexmedetomidine (DEX) make it an ideal candidate drug for light and cooperative sedation, but many practical questions remain unanswered. This structured consensus from 17 intensivists well experienced on PAD management and DEX use provides indications for the appropriate use of DEX in clinical practice. METHODS: A modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. In four predefined patient populations, the clinical scenarios do not properly cope by the current recommended pharmacological strategies (except DEX), and the possible advantages of DEX use were identified and voted for agreement, after reviewing literature data. RESULTS: Three scenarios in medical patients, five scenarios in patients with acute respiratory failure undergoing non-invasive ventilation, three scenarios in patients with cardiac surgery in the early postoperative period and three scenarios in patients with overt delirium were identified as challenging with the current PAD strategies. In these scenarios, the use of DEX was voted as potentially useful by most of the panellists owing to its specific pharmacological characteristics, such as conservation of cognitive function, lack of effects on the respiratory drive, low induction of delirium and analgesia effects. CONCLUSION: DEX might be considered as a first-line sedative in different scenarios even though conclusive data on its benefits are still lacking

Colorectal surgery in Italy during the Covid19 outbreak: a survey from the iCral study group

Background The COVID19 pandemic had a deep impact on healthcare facilities in Italy, with profound reorganization of surgical activities. The Italian ColoRectal Anastomotic Leakage (iCral) study group collecting 43 Italian surgical centers experienced in colorectal surgery from multiple regions performed a quick survey to make a snapshot of the current situation. Methods A 25-items questionnaire was sent to the 43 principal investigators of the iCral study group, with questions regard- ing qualitative and quantitative aspects of the surgical activity before and after the COVID19 outbreak. Results Two-thirds of the centers were involved in the treatment of COVID19 cases. Intensive care units (ICU) beds were partially or totally reallocated for the treatment of COVID19 cases in 72% of the hospitals. Elective colorectal surgery for malignancy was stopped or delayed in nearly 30% of the centers, with less than 20% of them still scheduling elective colo- rectal resections for frail and comorbid patients needing postoperative ICU care. A significant reduction of the number of colorectal resections during the time span from January to March 2020 was recorded, with significant delay in treatment in more than 50% of the centers. Discussion Our survey confirms that COVID19 outbreak is severely affecting the activity of colorectal surgery centers partici- pating to iCral study group. This could impact the activity of surgical centers for many months after the end of the emergency

ICG fluorescence imaging in colorectal surgery: a snapshot from the ICRAL study group

Background: Fluorescence-guided visualization is a recently proposed technology in colorectal surgery. Possible uses include evaluating perfusion, navigating lymph nodes and searching for hepatic metastases and peritoneal spread. Despite the absence of high-level evidence, this technique has gained considerable popularity among colorectal surgeons due to its significant reliability, safety, ease of use and relatively low cost. However, the actual use of this technique in daily clinical practice has not been reported to date. Methods: This survey was conducted on April 2020 among 44 centers dealing with colorectal diseases and participating in the Italian ColoRectal Anastomotic Leakage (iCral) study group. Surgeons were approximately equally divided based on geographical criteria from multiple Italian regions, with a large proportion based in public (89.1%) and nonacademic (75.7%) centers. They were invited to answer an online survey to snapshot their current behaviors regarding the use of fluorescence-guided visualization in colorectal surgery. Questions regarding technological availability, indications and techniques, personal approaches and feelings were collected in a 23-item questionnaire. Results: Questionnaire replies were received from 37 institutions and partially answered by 8, as this latter group of centers do not implement fluorescence technology (21.6%). Out of the remaining 29 centers (78,4%), fluorescence is utilized in all laparoscopic colorectal resections by 72.4% of surgeons and only for selected cases by the remaining 27.6%, while 62.1% of respondents do not use fluorescence in open surgery (unless the perfusion is macroscopically uncertain with the naked eye, in which case 41.4% of them do). The survey also suggests that there is no agreement on dilution, dosing and timing, as many different practices are adopted based on personal judgment. Only approximately half of the surgeons reported a reduced leak rate with fluorescence perfusion assessment, but 65.5% of them strongly believe that this technique will become a minimum requirement for colorectal surgery in the future. Conclusion: The survey confirms that fluorescence is becoming a widely used technique in colorectal surgery. However, both the indications and methods still vary considerably; furthermore, the surgeons' perceptions of the results are insufficient to consider this technology essential. This survey emphasizes the need for further research to reach recommendations based on solid scientific evidence. Keywords: Colon cancer; Fluorescence guided surgery; ICG; Laparoscopy; Rectal cancer

Bile acid depletion and repletion regulate cholangiocyte growth and secretion by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–dependent pathway in rats

Abstract: Background & Aims: We tested the hypothesis that during bile duct obstruction, increased biliary bile acids trigger cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)-dependent pathway. Metho : In bile duct-incannulated (BDI) rats, bile duct obstruction present for 7 days was relieved for 24 hours by external bile drainage. During the 24-hour drainage period, animals received either Krebs Ringer Henseleit (the bile-depleted group), or sodium taurocholate (the bile-depleted, taurocholate-infused group). We evaluated cholangiocyte proliferation and secretin-stimulated ductal secretion. Apical bile acid transporter (ABAT) expression and bile acid transport activity was determined. In pure preparations of cholangiocytes, we examined the effect of taurocholate (in the absence or presence of wortmannin or PI 3,4-bisphosphate the lipid product of PI3-K) on cholangiocyte proliferation and secretin-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Results: Bile depletion reduced cholangiocyte proliferation and secretin-stimulated ductal secretion and ABAT expression and bile acid transport activity compared with 1-week BDI control rats. In bile-depleted, taurocholate-infused rats, cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion and ABAT expression and bile acid transport activity were maintained at levels similar to those seen in BDI control rats. In vitro, taurocholate stimulation of DNA replication and secretin-stimulated cAMP levels was blocked by wortmannin. The inhibitory effect of wortmannin on taurocholate stimulation of cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion was prevented by PI 3,4-bisphosphate. Conclusions: Bile acid uptake by ABAT and the PI3-K pathway are important for bile acids to signal cholangiocyte proliferation. In bile duct obstruction, increased biliary bile acid concentration and ABAT expression initiate increased cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion

A new bioavailable fenretinide formulation with antiproliferative, antimetabolic, and cytotoxic effects on solid tumors.

Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid characterized by anticancer activity in preclinical models and favorable toxicological profile, but also by a low bioavailability that hindered its clinical efficacy in former clinical trials. We developed a new formulation of fenretinide complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (nanofenretinide) characterized by an increased bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Nanofenretinide was active in cell lines derived from multiple solid tumors, in primary spheroid cultures and in xenografts of lung and colorectal cancer, where it inhibited tumor growth independently from the mutational status of tumor cells. A global profiling of pathways activated by nanofenretinide was performed by reverse-phase proteomic arrays and lipid analysis, revealing widespread repression of the mTOR pathway, activation of apoptotic, autophagic and DNA damage signals and massive production of dihydroceramide, a bioactive lipid with pleiotropic effects on several biological processes. In cells that survived nanofenretinide treatment there was a decrease of factors involved in cell cycle progression and an increase in the levels of p16 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK with consequent block in G0 and early G1. The capacity of nanofenretinide to induce cancer cell death and quiescence, together with its elevated bioavailability and broad antitumor activity indicate its potential use in cancer treatment and chemoprevention