A prognostic score for predicting survival in patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma and distal cholangiocarcinoma

Background/aim: Survival of patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor despite improvements in therapeutic strategies. This study aims to create a novel preoperative score to predict prognosis in patients with tumors of the pancreaticobiliary head. Patients and methods: Data on 190 patients who underwent to pancreaticoduodenectomy at Sapienza University of Rome from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. After exclusion criteria, 101 patients were considered eligible for retrospective study. Preoperative biological, clinical and radiological parameters were considered. Results: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [hazard ratio (HR)=1.995, 95% confidence intervaI (CI)=1.1-3.3; p=0.01], carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA 19.9) >230 U/ml (HR=2.414, 95% CI=2.4-1.5, p<0.0001) and Wirsung duct diameter >3 mm (HR=1.592, 95% CI=1.5-0.9; p=0.08) were the only parameters associated with poor prognosis. Through these parameters, a prognostic score (PHT score) was developed which predicted worst survival when exceeding 2 and better survival when ≤2. Conclusion: The PHT score may have a potential impact on predicting overall survival and consequently modulate the timing and type of treatment (up-front surgery vs. neoadjuvant therapy) patients are offered

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and distal cholangiocarcinoma: a proposal of preoperative diagnostic score for differential diagnosis

Purpose:The differential diagnosis between primary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas head and distalcholangiocarcinoma remains a clinical challenge. Recent studies have shown important differences in terms ofsurvival between these tumors. Therefore, different treatments should be considered, but the preoperativehistological diagnosis is still difficult. Aim of this study is to create a preoperative diagnostic score for differentialdiagnosis between primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma and primary distal cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:One hundred eighty consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at SapienzaUniversity of Rome from January 2010 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria werepancreatic or biliary histologic origin obtained by definitive postoperative histological examination. Exclusion criteriawere diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma, non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic metastasis, andbenign disease. One hundred one patients were considered eligible for the retrospective study. Preoperativebiological, clinical, and radiological parameters were considered.Results:CRP > 10 mg/dL (p= 0.001), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score 2 (p= 0.002), albumin < 35 g/L (p= 0.05),CA 19-9 > 230 U/mL (p= 0.001), and Wirsung diameter > 3 mm (p< 0.001) were significant at univariate logisticanalysis. Multivariate logistic analysis has shown that parameters independently associated with primary pancreaticadenocarcinoma were CRP > 10 mg/dL (p= 0.012), CA 19-9 > 230 U/mL (p= 0.043), and diameter of the Wirsung> 3 mm (p= 0.005). Through these parameters, a diagnostic score has been developed to predict a primarypancreatic adenocarcinoma when > 1 and a primary distal cholangiocarcinoma when < 1.Conclusion:This feasible and low-cost diagnostic score could have a potential impact to differentiate pancreaticcancer histologic origin and to improve target therapeutic strategy

Recommendations for accelerating open preprint peer review to improve the culture of science

Peer review is an important part of the scientific process, but traditional peer review at journals is coming under increased scrutiny for its inefficiency and lack of transparency. As preprints become more widely used and accepted, they raise the possibility of rethinking the peer-review process. Preprints are enabling new forms of peer review that have the potential to be more thorough, inclusive, and collegial than traditional journal peer review, and to thus fundamentally shift the culture of peer review toward constructive collaboration. In this Consensus View, we make a call to action to stakeholders in the community to accelerate the growing momentum of preprint sharing and provide recommendations to empower researchers to provide open and constructive peer review for preprints

Impatti ambientali - PROGETTO ALGENCAL Sistema innovativo per la coltura di microalghe in fotobioreattori per la produzione di energia da fonte rinnovabile e di altri prodotti

Per limitare l’utilizzo di carburanti derivanti dal petrolio, che contribuiscono al riscaldamento globale e sono disponibili in numero limitato, è necessario studiare ed individuare fonti alternative di approvvigionamento, green e rinnovabili, da destinare alla produzione di biocarburanti. Lo studio effettuato nel presente lavoro ha aperto una nuova strada verso la produzione di microalghe all’interno di un impianto dimostrativo su scala pseudo-industriale da destinare alla produzione di bio-olio e altri output finali quali energia e prodotti a maggiore valore aggiunto. Le microalghe rappresentano una valida alternativa non solo alla produzione di carburanti di origine fossile, ma anche ai biocarburanti di prima generazione che utilizzano piante superiori prodotte tramite i normali metodi di coltivazione. Però, al momento non esistono processi produttivi in grado di fornire quantitativi di biodiesel adeguati ad una scala produttiva elevata e che garantiscano un bilancio positivo dal punto di vista economico ed energetico. I punti critici sono rappresentati soprattutto dai processi per la separazione della biomassa microalgale dal mezzo acqueo di coltura e dall’estrazione dell’olio contenuto nelle microalghe, ancora molto costosi per grandi quantitativi. Il sistema studiato ha tentato di superare queste criticità, focalizzandosi sull’individuazione di un metodo semplice da utilizzare, con il minimo impiego di risorse energetiche e con un’alta riproducibilità ed esportabilità. Quest’ultimo aspetto diventa fondamentale per poter replicare le metodologie di coltivazione studiate anche in altre realtà, soprattutto quelle del bacino del Mediterraneo che presentano caratteristiche climatiche ed ambientali molto simili al sito di installazione dell’impianto prototipale. I risultati raggiunti sono stati soddisfacenti; le soluzioni individuate, seppure rispondono positivamente in particolare ai problemi di dewatering e di estrazione degli olii, per poter essere effettivamente implementate richiedono ancora un ulteriore step di ottimizzazione

Towards the optimization of a scintillator-based neutron detector for large non-invasive soil moisture estimation

Cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) has been established as a reliable method to estimate non-invasively field average soil moisture. Most of the detectors are, however, based on expensive or toxic materials providing some limitations for a wider application of the method. In this study we further test and develop a new neutron detector based on composite scintillators specifically designed for agro-hydrological applications called CRNS-Finapp. It is shown that the probe is very sensitive to the temperature, however, the effect can be easily compensated by the high voltage module embedded in the probe. Field experiments conducted at a vineyard also support the capability of this new detector to be integrated in long-term observation networks. Further developments will focus on improving the efficiency of the neutron counting rate, on the reduction of the power consumption and on the communication protocols for the transmission of the data

Towards the optimization of a scintillator-based neutron detector for large non-invasive soil moisture estimation

none6nononeStevanato, Luca; Polo, Matteo; Lunardon, Marcello; Marinello, Francesco; Moretto, Sandra; Baroni, GabrieleStevanato, Luca; Polo, Matteo; Lunardon, Marcello; Marinello, Francesco; Moretto, Sandra; Baroni, Gabriel

A Novel Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor for Soil Moisture Estimation over Large Areas

none9noneStevanato, Luca; Baroni, Gabriele; Cohen, Yafit; Cristiano Lino, Fontana; Gatto, Simone; Lunardon, Marcello; Marinello, Francesco; Moretto, Sandra; Morselli, LucaStevanato, Luca; Baroni, Gabriele; Cohen, Yafit; Fontana, CRISTIANO LINO; Gatto, Simone; Lunardon, Marcello; Marinello, Francesco; Moretto, Sandra; Morselli, Luc

Experimental plant for the cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors for energy production

The continuous research of alternative and sustainable energy solutions with respect to fuels deriving from oil has led the current industrial and scientific system to analyze and develop approaches and technologies capable of enhancing materials of different nature for the production of biofuels. Algae are an alternative widely studied for this purpose, not only respect to the production of fossil fuels, but also respect to first-generation biofuels that use higher plants produced by normal cultivation methods. There are many plant solutions tested and disseminated internationally, operating in both outdoor and indoor environments. One of the most widespread criticisms is the inability to supply biodiesel quantities suitable for a production scale and with a positive economic and energy balance. This paper describes the results of a 4-years experimental research project oriented to the development of a low-scale demonstration plant of a complete advanced energy system based on the massive cultivation of microalgae and their treatment aimed at competitive production and sustainable bio-oil and biogas having requisites of suitability and compatibility with the relevant reference markets. The article intends to focus on a specific technological macro-component, completely studied and realized during the research project: the transparent, fully closed tubular photobioreactor (PBR) made of plastic material operating in continuous and in outdoor environments used for algal cultivation at low cost and high efficiency. The experimental plant was developed with the aim of providing a contribution to the main critical situations spread in this field, in particular: the need to reduce costs of the components of the plant and of the input resources necessary for the functioning of the system (energy, fertilizers, CO2, water, etc), as well as to maximize its modularity, reproducibility and exportability in other territorial contexts

Rilievo digitale del santuario di Esculapio di Nora

Rilievo digitale del santuario di Eshmun/Esculapio di Nora (Pula, CA), complesso di culto frequentato sin dall'età fenicia e sino alla tarda età romana. Il dataset, funzionale allo studio delle strutture conservate, alla loro ricostruzione virtuale, alla valorizzazione e conservazione del complesso, è stato acquisito sia con sensori attivi (laserscanner, stazione totale) che passivi (fotocamera digitale, fotocamera stereoscopica 3D 360)

Sacral nerve modulation for patients with fecal incontinence: long-term outcome and effects on sexual function

Sacral nerve modulation has become an established treatment for fecal and urinary incontinence, and sexual disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of sacral neuromodulation in patients with fecal or combined fecal and urinary incontinence (double incontinence), assessing its safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life and sexual function. This was a multicentric, retrospective, cohort study including patients with fecal or double incontinence who received sacral neuromodulation at seven European centers between 2007 and 2017 and completed a 5-year follow-up. The main outcome measures included improvements of incontinence symptoms and quality of life compared with baseline, evaluated using validated tools and questionnaires at 1-, 6-, 12-, 36- and 60-month follow-up. 108 (102 women, mean age 62.4 & PLUSMN; 13.4 years) patients were recruited, of whom 88 (81.4%) underwent definitive implantation of the pacemaker. Patients' baseline median Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score was 15 (10-18); it decreased to 2 (1-4) and 1 (1-2) at the 12- and 36-month follow-up (p < 0.0001), remaining stable at the 5-year follow-up. Fecal incontinence quality of life score improved significantly. All patients with sexual dysfunction (n = 48) at baseline reported symptom resolution at the 5-year follow-up. The study was limited by the retrospective design and the relatively small patient sample. Sacral nerve modulation is an effective treatment for fecal and double incontinence, achieving satisfactory long-term success rates, with resolution of concomitant sexual dysfunction