CYCLOSTRATIGRAPHY: A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

Aim of this study is a synthetic description of the most used methodologies of cylostratigraphic analysis for the astronomical calibration of sedimentary sequences. The different numerical solutions of the insolation curve and, in particular, the most used astronomic curve La90 (1,1) are analyzed. Then, a detailed description of the methodologies for the astronomic calibration of different sedimentary sequences i) on the basis of a litho-stratigraphic approach and ii) on the basis of a spectral analysis applied to faunal and geochemical climate-sensitive records, is proposed.&nbsp

ASTRONOMICAL CALIBRATION OF THE SERRAVALLIAN/TORTONIANCASE PELACANI SECTION (SICILY, ITALY)

We performed a cyclostratigraphic study of a sedimentary sequence (Case Pelacani section) outcropping in the south-eastern margin of Sicily (Italy) and covering the Upper Serravallian/Lower Tortonian stratigraphic interval. Calcareous plankton biostratigraphic data reported in another paper proved that all the sequence of bio-events generally reported from just below and above the S/T boundary is present in the section. They allowed a detailed correlation with the Gibliscemi section.  Preliminary paleomagnetic data suggest that a secondary remagnetization  component prevents the recognition of the correct sequence of paleomagnetic chrons along the studied interval. The sedimentary record has been compared, on the basis of an integrated calcareous plankton biostratigraphy, with that of the Gibliscemi section. Cyclostratigraphic analysis of the lithological patterns recognized throughout the succession and the application of spectral methodologies to the abundance fluctuations of the planktonic foraminifer Globigerinoides quadrilobatus highlighted the presence in the signal of the classic Milankovitch frequencies (precession, obliquity and eccentricity). Correlation of the lithological patterns and of the different frequency bands extracted by numerical filtering from the faunal record with the same components modulating the insolation curve provided an astronomic calibration of the sedimentary record and, consequently, a precise age for all the calcareous plankton bioevents recognized throughout the studied interval.&nbsp

Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Comparing Safety and Efficacy of Intraoperative Defibrillation Testing with No Defibrillation Testing On Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation

Introduction: There is an ongoing debate regarding the need to conduct intraoperative defibrillation testing (DFT) at the time of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. To provide sufficiently strong evidence for the feasibility of omitting intraoperative DFT in clinical practice, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing patients with DFT and no-DFT.Methods: We systematically searched Medline (via PubMed), ClinicalTrial.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase for studies evaluating DFT vs. no-DFT on ICD implantation with regard to total mortality and arrhythmic death, efficacy of first and any appropriate shock in interrupting ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), and procedural adverse events. Effect estimates [risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were pooled using the random-effects model.Results: Our meta-analysis included 4 RCTs comprising 3770 patients (1896 with DFT and 1874 without DFT). Total mortality (RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.86–1.17; P = 0.98) and arrhythmic death (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 0.46-5.59: P = 0.46) were not statistically different. Both first (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.98; P = 0.004) and any appropriate ICD shock (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00; P = 0.02) significantly increased the rate of VT/VF interruption in the group with no-DFT in comparison with DFT. Finally, the incidence of adverse events was lower in no-DFT patients (RR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.00–1.51; P = 0.05).Conclusions: The practice of DFT (as opposed to no-DFT) did not yield benefits in mortality or the overall rate of conversion of VT/VT. Moreover, a slightly higher incidence of perioperative adverse events was observed in the DFT group

Importancia de los fenómenos físicos y la disponibilidad de nutrientes en el control de la concentración de clorofila estimada por satélite en el área costera de afloramiento del Canal de Sicilia

The northern sector of the Sicilian Channel is an area of favourable upwelling winds, which ought to support primary production. However, the values for primary production are low when compared with other Mediterranean areas and very low compared with the most biologically productive regions of the world’s oceans: California, the Canary Islands, Humboldt and Benguela. The aim of this study was to identify the main factors that limit phytoplankton biomass in the Sicilian Channel and modulate its monthly changes. We compared satellite-based estimates of chlorophyll a concentration in the Strait of Sicily with those observed in the four Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems mentioned above and in other Mediterranean wind-induced coastal upwelling systems (the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Lions and the Aegean Sea). Our results show that this low level of chlorophyll is mainly due to the low nutrient level in surface and sub-surface waters, independently of wind-induced upwelling intensity. Further, monthly changes in chlorophyll are mainly driven by the mixing of water column and wind-induced and/or circulation-related upwelling processes. Finally, primary production limitation due to the enhanced stratification processes resulting from the general warming trend of Mediterranean waters is not active over most of the coastal upwelling area off the southern Sicilian coast.El sector norte del Canal de Sicilia es un área de vientos favorables para el afloramiento, lo cual debe favorecer la producción primaria. Sin embargo, los valores de producción primaria son bajos comparados con otras áreas del Mediterráneo y muy bajos comparados con las regiones biológicamente más productivas de los océanos a nivel mundial: California, Canarias, Humboldt y Benguela. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los principales factores que limitan la biomasa del fitoplancton y modulan sus cambios mensuales. Comparamos estimas de la concentración de clorofila a basadas en satélite en el estrecho de Sicilia, con las observadas en los cuatro sistemas orientales de afloramiento mencionados anteriormente y en otros sistemas costeros del Mediterráneo en los que el viento favorece los afloramientos (Mar del Alborán, Golfo de León y Mar Egeo). Nuestros resultados muestran que la baja producción primaria es debida principalmente a la baja entrada de nutrientes en aguas superficiales, independientemente de la intensidad del afloramiento causado por el viento. Por otro lado, los cambios mensuales en la producción primaria se deben a la mezcla de la columna de agua y afloramientos asociados al viento y/o procesos de circulación en la zona. Finalmente, la limitación de la producción primaria debida al aumento del proceso de estratificación resultante de la tendencia general de calentamiento de las aguas del Mediterráneo, no es activa a lo largo de la mayor parte del área de afloramiento en la costa sur de Sicilia

Report on research activities carried out for determination of Cadmium and Arsenic in tissues of different cetacean species

Concentrations of Cd and As were determined in organs and tissues (muscle, heart, kidney, lung and liver) of two cetacean species (Stenella coeruleoalba and Truncatus truncatus) stranded along the Italian coasts during the period 2000–2009. Significant differences were found between Cd concentrations in the different analyzed tissues. Particularly, the kidney shows the highest concentrations of Cd in all analyzed specimens, followed by the liver. The heart shows the highest As concentrations with respect to the other tissues analyzed. Specimens of S. coeruleoalba show higher Cd concentrations in their tissue than specimens of T. truncatus, probably because of a higher proportion of squid in their diet

Report on research activities carried out for determination of Mercury in different tissues of cetaceans

Mercury concentration in different tissues of two dolphin species (Stenella coreuleoalba and Tursiops truncatus), stranded along the Italian coasts during the period 2000– 2009, were reported in order to assess Hg distribution patterns in different tissues. The highest concentrations of Hg were found in liver samples of both species (8.4-1752 mg/kg dw for Stenella coeruleoalba and 9.6-1404 mg/kg dw for Tursiops truncatus). Relative high mercury concentrations were reported also in kidney and lung tissues. The existence of Hg bioaccumulation process over time was also reported. The dataset documents the existence of different mechanisms of mercury bioaccumulation in the different tissues analyzed

Post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction: a scoping review of assessment and rehabilitation approaches

Post-traumatic Olfactory Dysfunction (PTOD) consists of a complete or partial loss of olfactory function that may occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTOD may be linked to some neuropsychiatric features, such as social, cognitive and executive dysfunction, as well as behavioral symptoms, especially when TBI involves the orbito-frontal cortex. The diagnosis of PTOD is based on medical history and clinical data and it is supported by psychometric tests (i.e., subjective tools) as well as electrophysiological and neuroimaging measures (i.e., objective methods). The assessment methods allow monitoring the changes in olfactory function over time and help to establish the right therapeutic and rehabilitative approach. In this context, the use of the olfactory training (OT), which is a non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment option, could promote olfactory function through top-down (central) and bottom-up (peripheral) processes. To better manage patients with TBI, PTOD should be detected early and properly treated using the various therapeutic rehabilitative possibilities, both conventional and advanced, also taking into consideration the emerging neuromodulation approach

Relazione tecnica sulle attività della Campagna oceanografica “Ancheva 2016”

La presente relazione riporta le attività di ricerca della Campagna oceangrafica “Ancheva 2016”, svolte a bordo della N/O “G. Dallaporta” (nel periodo tra il 4 ed il 26 Luglio 2016) nello Stretto di Sicilia e nel mar Ionio occidentale (GSA 16 e 19) e nelle acque maltesi (GSA 15). Nello specifico, le attività svolte vengono sono di seguito descritte sinteticamente: - Rilevazioni acustiche degli stock di piccoli pelagici con echosounder scientifico Simrad EK60, con trasduttori split beam a scafo; - Campionamenti biologici (di piccoli pelagici) con rete pelagica (volante monobarca), dotata di sistema acustico Simrad ITI per il controllo della geometria della rete (apertura e posizione della rete nella colonna d’acqua); - Campionamenti di tessuti di pesci pelagici (gonadi, fegato e sangue); - Campionamento acqua, in specifiche stazioni, con sonda multiparametrica SEABIRD mod. 9/11 plus (per la misurazione dei parametri fisico-chimici della colonna d’acqua) dotata di bottiglie Niskin (per l’analisi di Nutrienti ed Isotopi di azoto e carbonio); - Campionamento ittioplantonico, mediante con “Bongo 40”, in specifiche stazioni, le cui bocche sono state fissate in alcool, per le analisi degli aminoacidi sulle larve di Engraulis encrasicolus