Short-Term and Two-Year Rate of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia of Undetermined Aetiology, with and without a Patent Foramen Ovale

Purpose. We investigated stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke of undetermined aetiology, with or without a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods. Consecutive stroke patients underwent to Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography for PFO detection. Secondary stroke prevention was based on current guidelines. Results. PFO was detected in 57/129 (44%) patients. The rate of recurrent stroke did not significantly differ between patients with and without a PFO: 0.0% versus 1.4% (1 week), 1.7% versus 2.7% (1 month), and 3.5% versus 4.2% (3 months), respectively. The 2-year rates were 10.4% (5/48) in medically treated PFO and 8.3% (6/72) in PFO-negative patients (P = 0.65), with a relative risk of 1.25. No recurrent events occurred in 9 patients treated with percutaneous closure of PFO. Conclusion. PFO was not associated with increased rate of recurrent stroke. Age-related factors associated with stroke recurrence in cryptogenic stroke should be taken into account when patients older than 55 years are included in PFO studies

The String Matching Algorithms Research Tool

International audienc

Comparison of two mechanics-based methods for simplified structural analysis in vulnerability assessment

Analytical vulnerability assessment methods should ideally be validated or verified by comparing their damage predictions with actual observed damage data. However, there are a number of difficulties related to the comparison of analytical damage predictions with observed damage; for example, there are large uncertainties related to the prediction of the ground motions to which the damaged buildings have been subjected. Until such problems can be resolved, it is worthwhile considering the mechanics of simplified analytical vulnerability assessment methods and validating this part of the methodology through comparisons with detailed structural models. This paper looks at two mechanics-based vulnerability assessment methods (DBELA and SP-BELA) and compares the nonlinear static response predicted with these methods with finite elements-based nonlinear analyses of prototype buildings. A comparison of the predicted response of urban populations of buildings using the two methods is then carried out, and the influence of these differences on vulnerability curves is studied

Cryptogenic cerebral ischemia: clinical usefulness of a flexible ultrasound diagnostic algorithm for detection of patent foramen ovale

Paradoxical thromboembolism across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be involved in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic strokes. We tested the feasibility and the clinical usefulness of an early screening for PFO combining different ultrasound techniques in patients with acute cerebral ischemia of undetermined cause

Vulnerability study on a large industrial area using satellite remotely sensed images

The aim of this paper is to disseminate knowledge in the seismic science community about a possible tool which is not largely popular, despite its potential usefulness. In this paper it will be shown how satellite remotely sensed images may represent a powerful source of information where traditional sources of information are unable to deliver it, or at least to do so timely. Even when traditional information flow can ensure delivery, an advantage may still be found in terms of sooner availability and smaller amount of labour required. In the case shown here a vulnerability study was made on a vast industrial area in the gulf of Siracusa, Sicily, Italy. A series of concurrent factors made it particularly troublesome to obtain information on the structures found in the site (tanks, pipes, chimneys, roads, ...), required to suitably carry out the study. Satellite images were then acquired to obtain the information needed. Processing of the images was carried out relying on in-house software formerly developed for similar information extraction issues, and integrated with new, specifically developed elements, some pieces of information were obtained useful for seismic risk evaluation. In particular, location, footprint, elevation of significant structures (e.g. tanks, chimneys) could be evaluated, obtaining results in a format compatible with the most widespread GIS (Geographic Information System) standards. Such compatibility allowed a considerable savings on labour time required to lay a GIS of the area, which is a fundamental tool for risk and vulnerability analyses

Studio di vulnerabilità di una vasta area industriale mediante immagini telerilevate da satellite

Con il presente articolo s’intende portare a conoscenza del mondo dei professionisti che si occupano d’ingegneria sismica un aspetto ancora poco noto, pur essendo potenzialmente molto utile. In questo lavoro si dimostrerà che l’utilizzo d’immagini telerilevate da satellite può rappresentare una fonte d’informazione preziosa nei casi in cui i dati non sono disponibili in forma omogenea ed un sopralluogo non è in grado di assicurare una fornitura tempestiva dei dati necessari. S’illustrerà inoltre il vantaggio in termini di tempo e manodopera comunque ottenibile con le tecniche mostrate anche nei casi in cui la disponibilità delle informazioni fosse assicurata per le vie tradizionali. Nel caso qui trattato è stato intrapreso lo studio di vulnerabilità di una vasta area industriale sita nel golfo di Siracusa. Una serie di fattori hanno reso particolarmente difficile il reperimento delle informazioni costruttive sulle strutture ed infrastrutture presenti nel sito (serbatoi, condotte, ciminiere, strade, altre strutture), pure necessarie per svolgere correttamente lo studio. Si è quindi proceduto ad acquisire immagini satellitari dallo strumento ottico ad alta risoluzione (0,61 m nella banda pancromatica) montato sul satellite QuickBird. Elaborando le immagini così ottenute tramite software sviluppato in precedenza per problemi analoghi, integrato con nuovi elementi specifici, si è ottenuta una serie di informazioni utili alla valutazione del rischio sismico. In particolare si sono potute determinare posizione, impronta, elevazione delle strutture significative (es. serbatoi e ciminiere), ottenendo risultati forniti direttamente in un formato compatibile con i GIS standard. Tale compatibilità ha permesso un notevole risparmio sulla manodopera richiesta per lo sviluppo del GIS dell’area, strumento molto utile per le analisi di vulnerabilità e rischio