optimization of gfrp reinforcement in precast segments for metro tunnel lining

The possibility of replacing the traditional steel reinforcement with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) cages in precast concrete tunnel segmental lining has been shown by the authors in previous papers. The use of GFRP rebars as structural reinforcement in precast tunnel segments, allows several advantages in terms of structural durability or in cases of temporary lining that will have to be demolished later. Furthermore, this reinforcement type can be a suitable solution to create dielectric joints, ensuring the interruption of possible stray currents, which often lead to corrosion problems. Nevertheless, this peculiar application requires curvilinear shape of the reinforcement, and then different production process and rebar geometries. In the present work, a suggestion for the optimization of the GFRP reinforcement for tunnel segment is given. Four different GFRP cage typologies are analysed and applied as a reinforcement in full-scale tunnel segments. Both bending and point load tests are developed and the structural performances of the specimens are compared and discussed. Finally, the best solution, in terms of cost-benefit analysis is proposed

Genetic alterations analysis in prognostic stratified groups identified TP53 and ARID1A as poor clinical performance markers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence and mortality rates of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have been rising worldwide. Few patients present an early-stage disease that is amenable to curative surgery and after resection, high recurrence rates persist. To identify new independent marker related to aggressive behaviour, two prognostic groups of patient were selected and divided according to prognostic performance. All patients alive at 36 months were included in good prognostic performers, while all patients died due to disease within 36 months in poor prognostic performers. Using high-coverage target sequencing we analysed principal genetic alterations in two groups and compared results to clinical data. In the 33 cases included in poor prognosis group, TP53 was most mutated gene (p\u2009=\u20090.011) and exclusively present in these cases. Similarly, ARID1A was exclusive of this group (p\u2009=\u20090.024). TP53 and ARID1A are mutually exclusive in this study. Statistical analysis showed mutations in TP53 and ARID1A genes and amplification of MET gene as independent predictors of poor prognosis (TP53, p\u2009=\u20090.0031, ARID1A, p\u2009=\u20090.0007, MET, p\u2009=\u20090.0003 in Cox analysis). LOH in PTEN was also identified as marker of disease recurrence (p\u2009=\u20090.04) in univariate analysis. This work improves our understanding of aggressiveness related to this tumour type and has identified novel prognostic markers of clinical outcome

Results of two different conditioning regimens followed by ABMT in refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia

[No abstract available

Innovations in the endoscopic management of bladder cancer: is the era of white light cystoscopy over

Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary tract, with a worldwide incidence of 8.6 x 100000 in men and 2.6 x 100000 in women (1). The majority of patients (75-85%) present as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); within this category the most represented stage is Ta (70%), followed by T1 (20%) and, less frequently, carcinoma in situ (CIS) (10%) (2). The diagnosis of NMIBC and, more generally, of bladder cancer, depends on urine cytology and endoscopic examination with histological evaluation of the resected tissue. Clearly, an optimal cystoscopy with accurate transurethral resection (TUR) is of great importance in order to improve the detection rate and to reduce the probability of recurrence and progression. Today the cystoscopy is routinely performed with the white light technique (WLC), the same of about 80 years ago (3). Several studies have demonstrated that an initial TUR with WLC can miss small papillary lesions and, particularly, flat lesions such as CIS. Moreover, recurrence rates of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are directly related to the possibility of achieving a complete resection: residual cancer is present in a large percentage of re-TUR, showing a not so good performance of resection with this method. For these reasons new methodologies have been investigated in order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of WLC, such as photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), narrow band imaging (NBI), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and CT virtual cystoscopy. Some of them have been well established and supported by consistent literature while others are still to be viewed as experimental. The purpose of this review is to investigate the state of the art of these new techniques

Innovations in the endoscopic management of bladder cancer: is the era of white light cystoscopy over

Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary tract, with a worldwide incidence of 8.6 x 100000 in men and 2.6 x 100000 in women (1). The majority of patients (75-85%) present as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); within this category the most represented stage is Ta (70%), followed by T1 (20%) and, less frequently, carcinoma in situ (CIS) (10%) (2). The diagnosis of NMIBC and, more generally, of bladder cancer, depends on urine cytology and endoscopic examination with histological evaluation of the resected tissue. Clearly, an optimal cystoscopy with accurate transurethral resection (TUR) is of great importance in order to improve the detection rate and to reduce the probability of recurrence and progression. Today the cystoscopy is routinely performed with the white light technique (WLC), the same of about 80 years ago (3). Several studies have demonstrated that an initial TUR with WLC can miss small papillary lesions and, particularly, flat lesions such as CIS. Moreover, recurrence rates of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are directly related to the possibility of achieving a complete resection: residual cancer is present in a large percentage of re-TUR, showing a not so good performance of resection with this method. For these reasons new methodologies have been investigated in order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of WLC, such as photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), narrow band imaging (NBI), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and CT virtual cystoscopy. Some of them have been well established and supported by consistent literature while others are still to be viewed as experimental. The purpose of this review is to investigate the state of the art of these new techniques

Are staging bone scans necessary in patients with T3a prostate cancer? A multicentre study

Objective: Studies reporting increased risk of metastases in T3a disease are based on clinical staging (Digital rectal examination) in the pre-multiparametric–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (mp-MRI) era. The aim of our study was to assess the rate of positive bone scans in patients ascribed with T3a prostate cancer on a pre-biopsy mp-MRI. Methods: We performed a multicentre, retrospective analysis of all patients with T3a prostate cancer staged by mp-MRI who had a bone scan between January 2017 and April 2020. Results: A total of 586 patients were diagnosed with T3a prostate cancer on mp-MRI, with a median age of 71 years (range: 47–87). The median presenting PSA was 11 ng/mL (range: 1–537); 125 patients (21.3%) had a PSA ⩽ 20 and either grade group (GG) 1 or 2 in their prostate biopsy; none of these patients had bone metastases. Eighteen patients (3.1%) were found to have bone metastases: 11 patients had GG ⩾ 3 disease on biopsy and nodal disease, 6 had GG ⩾ 3 without evidence of nodal disease and 1 had a PSA of 103. Conclusion: The use of bone scans in patients with T3a prostate cancer staged on mp-MRI but without other evidence of high-risk disease (GG ⩾ 3 and PSA > 20 ng/mL) appears to be unnecessary and could be safely avoided. Level of evidence: 2