Geomorphology of the central Po Plain, Northern Italy

A micro-relief map (1:90,000 scale) and a geomorphological map (1:25,000 scale) of the central sector of the Po Plain (northern Italy) are presented. The geomorphological map represents fluvial and anthropogenic landforms as well as the distribution of the textures of superficial alluvial deposits. It resulted from the integration of different study methods, including remote sensing data analysis, field surveys and grain size analysis of superficial deposits. The micro-relief map was a fundamental tool for identifying many inconspicuous landforms. The geomorphological map can provide local authorities with useful information for correct territorial management and planning, in particular for seismic and flood hazard assessment

Heat-Seal Ability and Fold Cracking Resistance of Kaolin-Filled Styrene-Butadiene-Based Aqueous Dispersions for Paper-Based Packaging

Dispersion coatings are offered as alternative solutions to extrusion coating technology for paper-based packaging. In addition to providing barrier properties, waterborne dispersions may implement the processing and converting properties of coated substrates, which are of extreme interest for an effective transfer to the industry. In this work, styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions were formulated considering different amounts of kaolin as pigment. The authors assessed the heat-seal ability, fold cracking resistance, and blocking tendency, comparing the results against commercial dispersion coating grades. Kaolin content dominated the sealing behavior of experimental formulations, changing the minimum heat-seal temperature from 80 °C to >140 °C for 0% and 60% kaolin solid content, respectively. On the contrary, commercial grades were mostly affected by temperature. Additionally, despite the low latex glass temperature (0 °C), experimental formulations generally showed little, if any, blocking. On the downside, increasing kaolin content eases fold cracking, showing a different magnitude according to fold direction and coat orientation yet achieving a higher moisture barrier compared to commercial grades for both folded and unfolded samples

Preparation, characterization and in vitro activities evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles based on PEG-40 stearate for antifungal drugs vaginal delivery

The present article reports the preparation, characterization and performance evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based on polyoxyethylene-40 stearate (PEG-40 stearate) for the administration of antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and clotrimazole. These nanoparticles could be useful in the treatment of vaginal infections sustained by Candida albicans. In particular, PEG-40 stearate was made to react with acryloyl chloride in order to introduce an easily polymerizable moiety for the creation of a second shell and to ensure a slow drug release. In addition, the differences on the release profiles between PEG-40 stearate-based nanoparticles, PEG-40 stearate acrylate based and polymerized ones, were analyzed under conditions, simulating the typical environment of Candida albicans infection. Then, the antifungal activity of nanoparticles was also evaluated in terms of minimal inhibitory concentration. Moreover, the nanoparticles were submitted to in vitro studies for evaluating the drug permeability at the site of action. Results indicated that the obtained particles are potentially useful for the treatment of vaginal infections sustained by Candida albicans

Successful Treatment of Pasteurella multocida -Related Invasive Infections with a Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor-Sparing Combination Antibiotic Regimen: A Case Series

Pasteurella multocida , a Gram-negative, penicillin-sensitive coccobacillus that is frequently a member of the normal respiratory microbiota of different animals, remains a clinically important pathogen with the ability to cause severe disease. Few case reports have involved P. multocida infections without animal bites. Moreover, few reports have identified P. multocida as the causative agent of septic shock, which usually occurs in patients with cirrhosis and/or immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, a human submandibular salivary gland abscess caused by P. multocida has not been reported. Pasteurella spp. are resistant to benzylpenicillin, and human isolates of beta-lactamase-producing resistant strains of P. multocida resistant have also been documented. The noteworthy findings of the current study were as follows: (i) the combination of ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin successfully treated two patients infected with P. multocida ; (ii) the first reported case of a septicemic patient with no history of animal bites and a submandibular P. multocida infection; and (iii) an immunocompetent patient in septic shock due to a P. multocida systemic infection

Turicella otitidis central venous-related bacteremia during pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

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Evaluation of prognostic preoperative factors in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases: Results in a consecutive series of 81 cases

Background: Surgical treatment of spinal metastases should be tailored to provide pain control, neurological deficit improvement, and vertebral stability with low operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of some preoperative factors on overall survival in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 81 patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases from 2015 and 2021 in the Clinic of Neurosurgery of Ancona (Italy). Data regarding patients’ baseline characteristics, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status Score (KPS), and Frankel classification grading system, histology of primary tumor, Tokuhashi revised and Tomita scores, Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, and Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Classification were collected. We also evaluated the interval time between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the onset of spinal metastasis, the type of surgery, the administration of adjuvant therapy, postoperative pain and Frankel grade, and complications after surgery. The relationship between patients’ overall survival and predictive preoperative factors was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method. For the univariate and multivariate analysis, the log-rank test and Cox regression model were used. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: After surgery, the median survival time was 13 months. In our series, the histology of the primary tumor (P < 0.001), the Tomita (P < 0.001) and the Tokuhashi revised scores (P < 0.001), the preoperative KPS (P < 0.001), the adjuvant therapy (P < 0.001), the postoperative Frankel grade (P < 0.001), and the postoperative pain improvement (P < 0.001) were significantly related to overall survival in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the Tomita (P < 0.001), Tokuhashi revised scores (P < 0.001), and the adjuvant therapy were confirmed as independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: These data suggest that patients with limited extension of primitive tumor and responsive to the adjuvant therapy are the best candidates for surgery with better outcome

Lambliasis-associated Schönlein-Henoch purpura in an Italian traveller: first case report in Italy

A unique report of Schönlein-Henoch purpura (SHP) associated with a recent Giardia lamblia enteric infectionis described and discussed on the ground of the available literature. Tinidazole plus an appropriateprobiotic therapy, including Lactobacillus reuteri and vitamin D, proved to be effective in the condition.SHP is an immunocomplex-mediated disorder characterised by a number of differently associated signsand symptoms, leading to the possible involvement of the skin, joints, abdomen and kidneys. Recentbacterial, viral, or protozoan infections may trigger the disease onset in patients of all ages. The paper describesthe first case of SHP triggered by a giardiasis. Tinidazole plus an appropriate probiotic therapy, i.e.L. reuteri and vitamin D proved to be effective in this condition. To our knowledge, this is the first reportedcase of lambliasis-associated SHP described in an international traveller

Lambliasis-associated Schönlein-Henoch purpura in an Italian traveller: first case report in Italy

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Intrathecal tigecycline is a safe and effective treatment for central nervous system infections

Both the safety and effectiveness of intrathecal tigecycline (TGC) for treatment of infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are discussed using the clinical findings from a study of a recent patient who came to our attention, along with a literature review. Although penetration into the CNS is low (approximately 11%), intraventricular TGC could help treat patients with severe post-neurosurgical CNS infections. The use of multiple routes of TGC administration appears to be encouraging and should be considered in managing life-threatening intraventricular infections