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Correction to: Brain retraction injury: systematic literature review. Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:272. [PMID: 37845564 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
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Brain retraction injury: systematic literature review. Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:257. [PMID: 37773226 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02160-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral retraction is frequently required in cranial surgery to access deep areas. Brain retractors have been systematically used in the past, but they have been associated with brain injury. Nonetheless, they are still used and, even recently, new systems have been advocated. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic and critical review of brain retraction injury. A systematic literature review was performed in February 2023 according to PRISMA statement. Search terms included brain retraction and injury, with their variations and pertinent associations. Studies reporting qualitative and quantitative data on brain retraction injury were included. Out of 1689 initially retrieved articles, 90 and 26 were included in the systematic review for qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. The definition of brain retraction injury varies and its reported incidence in clinical studies is 5-10%, up to 47% if cerebral edema is considered. Some studies have hypothesized threshold values of pressures to be respected in order to prevent complications, with most data deriving from animal studies. At present, there are no instruments for brain retraction that can guarantee full safety. Some form of cerebral retraction might always be necessary for specific scenarios. Further studies are needed to collect quantitative and, ideally, clinical and comparative data on pressure thresholds to develop retraction systems that can reduce injury to a minimum.
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Using the 6-min walk test to assess the clinical response to mepolizumab and conventional therapy in severe eosinophilic asthma. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00114-2023. [PMID: 37868145 PMCID: PMC10588793 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00114-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe asthma limits exercise to avoid respiratory symptoms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in severe asthma. Methods Consecutive patients with severe eosinophilic asthma were enrolled. A 6MWT was performed before and after 12 months. Inhaled therapy dose, oral corticosteroids dose, pulmonary function tests, eosinophil blood count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), Asthma Control Test (ACT) score and responses to the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) were also recorded. Results Of the 22 patients enrolled, 13 were treated with mepolizumab 100 mg every 4 weeks in addition to conventional therapy and nine with conventional therapy only. The majority of the patients were treated with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β-agonists/long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists, while approximately half were on continuous oral corticosteroids. After 12 months, the mepolizumab group only showed a significant improvement in pulmonary function tests (percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 s and percentage forced expiratory flow at 25-75% forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%), both p<0.001; percentage forced vital capacity, p<0.01) and clinical laboratory parameters (eosinophil count, FeNO measured at a flow rate of 50 mL·s-1, ACT and AQLQ, p<0.001). No significant changes in the proportion of patients using continuous oral corticosteroids and high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β-agonists/long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists were observed in either group (p>0.05). By paired comparisons, statistically significant improvements of the mean 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were observed in the mepolizumab (p<0.001) and conventional therapy (p<0.01) groups, while no improvement was seen in dyspnoea Borg scale, heart rate, percentage oxygen saturation or systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 6MWD showed significant direct correlations with ACT (r=0.5998, p<0.001), AQLQ (r=0.3978, p=0.009) and FEF25-75% (r=0.3589, p=0.017). Conclusions The 6MWT could complement severe asthma assessment and be relevant in evaluating the objective response to treatment, including biological therapies like mepolizumab.
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An expandable chamber for safe brain retraction: new technologies in the field of transcranial endoscopic surgery. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2023; 24:326-335. [PMID: 37056208 PMCID: PMC10106399 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field: it often involves surgical manipulation of noble structures and cerebral retraction is frequently necessary to reach deep-seated brain lesions. There are still no reliable methods preventing possible retraction complications. The objective of this study was to design work chambers well suited for transcranial endoscopic surgery while providing safe retraction of the surrounding brain tissue. The chamber is designed to be inserted close to the intracranial point of interest; once it is best placed it can be opened. This should guarantee an appreciable workspace similar to that of current neurosurgical procedures. The experimental aspect of this study involved the use of a force sensor to evaluate the pressures exerted on the brain tissue during the retraction phase. Following pterional craniotomy, pressure measurements were made during retraction with the use of a conventional metal spatula with different inclinations. Note that, although the force values necessary for retraction and exerted on the spatula by the neurosurgeon are the same, the local pressure exerted on the parenchyma at the edge of the spatula at different inclinations varied greatly. A new method of cerebral retraction using a chamber retractor (CR) has been designed to avoid any type of complication due to spatula edge overpressures and to maintain acceptable pressure values exerted on the parenchyma.
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EP16.03-011 The European Program for ROutine Testing of Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer (EPROPA) 1 Year Activity. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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EP14.01-005 Weekly Sequential ACOCEV Chemotherapy (ADR, CTX, CBDCA, VP16, VCR) for Elderly - Poor PS SCLC Patients: An Observational Study. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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EP08.02-046 Activity of OsimeRTInib in NSCLC with Uncommon EGFR Mutations: Retrospective Observational Multicenter Study (ARTICUNO). J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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996P Activity of OsimeRTInib in NSCLC with UNcommon EGFR Mutations: Retrospective observational multicenter study (ARTICUNO). Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Erratum to ‘Evaluation of COVID-19 impact on DELAYing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of lung cancer patients in Italy (COVID-DELAY study): fewer cases and higher stages from a real-world scenario’. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100471. [PMID: 35378403 PMCID: PMC8973259 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Preliminary validation of FoRCaSco: a new Grading System for Cerebral and Cerebellar Cavernomas. World Neurosurg 2022; 162:e597-e604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Evaluation of COVID-19 impact on DELAYing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of lung cancer patients in Italy (COVID-DELAY study): fewer cases and higher stages from a real-world scenario. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100406. [PMID: 35219245 PMCID: PMC8810307 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 has disrupted the global health care system since March 2020. Lung cancer (LC) patients (pts) represent a vulnerable population highly affected by the pandemic. This multicenter Italian study aimed to evaluate whether the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to cancer diagnosis and treatment of LC pts compared with pre-pandemic time. Methods Consecutive newly diagnosed LC pts referred to 25 Italian Oncology Departments between March and December 2020 were included. Access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset and diagnostic and therapeutic services were compared with the same period in 2019. Differences between the 2 years were analyzed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019 (1523 versus 1637, P = 0.09). Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease (P < 0.01) and to be current smokers (someone who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes, including hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, in their lifetime and has smoked in the last 28 days) (P < 0.01). The drop in terms of new diagnoses was greater in the lockdown period (percentage drop −12% versus −3.2%) compared with the other months included. More LC pts were referred to a low/medium volume hospital in 2020 compared with 2019 (P = 0.01). No differences emerged in terms of interval between symptoms onset and radiological diagnosis (P = 0.94), symptoms onset and cytohistological diagnosis (P = 0.92), symptoms onset and treatment start (P = 0.40), and treatment start and first radiological revaluation (P = 0.36). Conclusions Our study pointed out a reduction of new diagnoses with a shift towards higher stage at diagnosis for LC pts in 2020. Despite this, the measures adopted by Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. The COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to lung cancer (LC) diagnosis and treatment. A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019. Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease. The Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. A reverse migration from high-volume to low-volume cancer centers was noted during the pandemic.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal angiolipomas (SAs) are rare, benign tumors, representing 0.0004 to 1.2% of angiolipomas, usually located at the extradural and posterior thoracic level, with multimetameric extension. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The authors searched on PubMed and Scopus databases for published articles with the Mesh term "spinal angiolipoma" and pertinent associations. Language restriction to English papers was applied. The authors also reported three emblematic cases of patients who underwent surgical resection of spindle-shaped (type IA) and dumbbell-shaped (type II) SAs between 2014 and 2020. RESULTS Of the 256 retrieved articles, 33 were included in the meta-analysis. These 33 studies, together with our 3 reported cases, included a total of 60 patients, 36 females (60%) and 24 males (40%), with a mean age of 53.12 ± 12.82 years (range: 12-77 years).T5 was the most represented level (22 patients). Usually, the localization of SA was extradural, with 53 patients suffering from spindle-shaped type IA SA (88.3%) and 7 patients from dumbbell-shaped type II SA (11.6%). Almost all patients underwent laminectomy (78.3%) and presented a full recovery of motor deficits (85%). Gross total removal (GTR) was performed in 93.3% of patients. The mean follow-up was of 22.71 ± 21.45 months (range: 2-80 months). There was no documented recurrence at follow-up magnetic resonance imaging in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS SAs are rare, benign tumors with a great vascular component that presents a favorable outcome. GTR is the gold standard treatment and usually an adjuvant therapy is not required. Even infiltrative lesions, which are more complex, can be treated successfully with a good prognosis. Dumbbell-shaped SAs must be differentiated from schwannomas and meningiomas, and require different surgical techniques, given the profuse bleeding associated with the attempt of debulking. En block resection is the key to treat these common benign tumors with acceptable blood loss.
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Intracranial Meningiomas Decrease in Volume on Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Discontinuing Progestin. Neurosurgery 2021; 89:308-314. [PMID: 34166514 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The behavior of meningiomas under influence of progestin therapy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between growth kinetics of intracranial meningiomas and usage of the progestin cyproterone acetate (PCA). METHODS This study prospectively followed 108 women with 262 intracranial meningiomas and documented PCA use. A per-meningioma analysis was conducted. Changes in meningioma volumes over time, and meningioma growth velocities, were measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after stopping PCA treatment. RESULTS Mean follow-up time was 30 (standard deviation [SD] 29) mo. Ten (4%) meningiomas were treated surgically at presentation. The other 252 meningiomas were followed after stopping PCA treatment. Overall, followed meningiomas decreased their volumes by 33% on average (SD 28%). A total of 188 (72%) meningiomas decreased, 51 (20%) meningiomas remained stable, and 13 (4%) increased in volume of which 3 (1%) were surgically treated because of radiological progression during follow-up after PCA withdrawal. In total, 239 of 262 (91%) meningiomas regressed or stabilized during follow-up. Subgroup analysis in 7 women with 19 meningiomas with follow-up before and after PCA withdrawal demonstrated that meningioma growth velocity changed statistically significantly (P = .02). Meningiomas grew (average velocity of 0.25 mm3/day) while patients were using PCA and shrank (average velocity of -0.54 mm3/day) after discontinuation of PCA. CONCLUSION Ninety-one percent of intracranial meningiomas in female patients with long-term PCA use decrease or stabilize on MRI after stopping PCA treatment. Meningioma growth kinetics change significantly from growth during PCA usage to shrinkage after PCA withdrawal.
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Abstract
In mammals, mechanics at multiple stages-nucleus to cell to ECM-underlie multiple physiological and pathological functions from its development to reproduction to death. Under this inspiration, substantial research has established the role of multiple aspects of mechanics in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, migration, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, our understanding of how these mechanical mechanisms are orchestrated or tuned at different stages to maintain or restore the healthy environment at the tissue or organ level remains largely a mystery. Over the past few decades, research in the mechanical manipulation of the surrounding environment-known as substrate or matrix or scaffold on which, or within which, cells are seeded-has been exceptionally enriched in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To do so, traditional tissue engineering aims at recapitulating key mechanical milestones of native ECM into a substrate for guiding the cell fate and functions towards specific tissue regeneration. Despite tremendous progress, a big puzzle that remains is how the cells compute a host of mechanical cues, such as stiffness (elasticity), viscoelasticity, plasticity, non-linear elasticity, anisotropy, mechanical forces, and mechanical memory, into many biological functions in a cooperative, controlled, and safe manner. High throughput understanding of key cellular decisions as well as associated mechanosensitive downstream signaling pathway(s) for executing these decisions in response to mechanical cues, solo or combined, is essential to address this issue. While many reports have been made towards the progress and understanding of mechanical cues-particularly, substrate bulk stiffness and viscoelasticity-in regulating the cellular responses, a complete picture of mechanical cues is lacking. This review highlights a comprehensive view on the mechanical cues that are linked to modulate many cellular functions and consequent tissue functionality. For a very basic understanding, a brief discussion of the key mechanical players of ECM and the principle of mechanotransduction process is outlined. In addition, this review gathers together the most important data on the stiffness of various cells and ECM components as well as various tissues/organs and proposes an associated link from the mechanical perspective that is not yet reported. Finally, beyond addressing the challenges involved in tuning the interplaying mechanical cues in an independent manner, emerging advances in designing biomaterials for tissue engineering are also explored.
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Covid-19: less bronchial airways, more lung alveolar space and blood ways. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 53:243-244. [PMID: 33944543 DOI: 10.23822/eurannaci.1764-1489.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Anxiety in neurosurgical patients undergoing nonurgent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 49:E19. [PMID: 33260119 DOI: 10.3171/2020.9.focus20681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries into lockdown and has led to the postponement of nonurgent neurosurgical procedures. Although stress has been investigated during this pandemic, there are no reports on anxiety in neurosurgical patients undergoing nonurgent surgical procedures. METHODS Neurosurgical patients admitted to hospitals in eastern Lombardy for nonurgent surgery after the lockdown prospectively completed a pre- and postoperative structured questionnaire. Recorded data included demographics, pathology, time on surgical waiting list, anxiety related to COVID-19, primary pathology and surgery, safety perception during hospital admission before and after surgery, and surgical outcomes. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Descriptive statistics were computed on the different variables and data were stratified according to pathology (oncological vs nononcological). Three different models were used to investigate which variables had the greatest impact on anxiety, oncological patients, and safety perception, respectively. Because the variables (Xs) were of a different nature (qualitative and quantitative), mostly asymmetrical, and related to outcome (Y) by nonlinear relationships, a machine learning approach composed of three steps (1, random forest growing; 2, relative variable importance measure; and 3, partial dependence plots) was chosen. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three patients from 10 different hospitals were included in the study. None of the patients developed COVID-19 after surgery. State and trait anxiety were reported by 30.3% and 18.9% of patients, respectively. Higher values of state anxiety were documented in oncological compared to nononcological patients (46.7% vs 25%; p = 0.055). Anxiety was strongly associated with worry about primary pathology, surgery, disease worsening, and with stress during waiting time, as expected. Worry about positivity to SARS-CoV-2, however, was the strongest factor associated with anxiety, even though none of the patients were infected. Neuro-oncological disease was associated with state anxiety and with worry about surgery and COVID-19. Increased bed distance and availability of hand sanitizer were associated with a feeling of safety. CONCLUSIONS These data underline the importance of psychological support, especially for neuro-oncological patients, during a pandemic.
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Smoking and COVID-19, the paradox to discover: An Italian retrospective, observational study in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Med Hypotheses 2020; 146:110391. [PMID: 33261917 PMCID: PMC7659913 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abdominal Fat Graft for Sellar Reconstruction: Retrospective Outcomes Review and Technical Note. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2020; 16:667-674. [PMID: 30124966 DOI: 10.1093/ons/opy219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transsphenoidal approach is the standard of care for the treatment of pituitary adenomas and is increasingly employed for many anterior skull base tumors. Persistent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can result in significant complications. OBJECTIVE To analyze our series of patients undergoing abdominal fat graft repair of the sellar floor defect following transsphenoidal surgery, describe and investigate our current, routine technique, and review contemporary and past methods of skull base repair. METHODS A recent consecutive series (2008-2017) of 865 patients who underwent 948 endonasal procedures for lesions of the sella and anterior skull base was retrospectively reviewed. Three hundred eighty patients underwent reconstruction of the sellar defect with an abdominal fat graft. RESULTS The diagnoses of the 380 patients receiving fat grafts were the following: 275 pituitary adenomas (72.4%), 50 Rathke cleft cysts (13.2%), 12 craniopharyngiomas (3.2%), and a variety of other sellar lesions. Fourteen patients had persistent postoperative CSF leak requiring reoperation and included: 5 pituitary adenomas (1.3%), 4 craniopharyngiomas (1.1%), 2 arachnoid cysts (0.53%), 2 prior CSF leaks (0.53%), and 1 Rathke cleft cyst (0.26%). Four patients (1.1%) developed minor abdominal donor site complications requiring reoperation: 1 hematoma, 2 wound complications, and 1 keloid formation resulting in secondary periumbilical infection. CONCLUSION Minimizing postoperative CSF leaks following endonasal anterior skull base surgery is important to decrease morbidity and to avoid a prolonged hospital stay. We present an evolved technique of abdominal fat grafting that is effective and safe and includes minimal morbidity and expense.
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New tools in percutaneous minimally invasive chronic subdural hematomas evacuation. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY-ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND CASE MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2020.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Clinical course and outcomes of patients with asthma hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pneumonia: A single-center, retrospective study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 125:707-709. [PMID: 32745609 PMCID: PMC7395222 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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When a benign disease turns into disaster: a unique case of a surgically treated hemorrhagic sylvian fissure meningioma. J Neurosurg Sci 2020; 64:309-310. [DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.19.04689-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Takotsubo Syndrome Associated with COVID-19. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020; 7:001665. [PMID: 32399453 PMCID: PMC7213829 DOI: 10.12890/2020_001665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The availability of public health information for optimised supportive care is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe the first case of COVID-19 complicated by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods We report the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Results The nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2 and x-ray images demonstrated pathognomonic pneumonia. The patient developed tachycardia and the echocardiogram confirmed the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Conclusions Doctors should be aware of the need to thoroughly study this new infection in order to understand its underlying mechanisms and related complications. LEARNING POINTS
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Abstract
Disregarding the widely used division of skull base into anterior and lateral, since the skull base should be conceived as a single anatomic structure, it was to our convenience to group all those approaches that run from the antero-lateral, pure lateral and postero-lateral side of the skull base as “Surgery of the lateral skull base”. “50 years of endeavour” points to the great effort which has been made over the last decades, when more and more difficult surgeries were performed by reducing morbidity. The principle of lateral skull base surgery, “remove skull base bone to approach the base itself and the adjacent sites of the endo-esocranium”, was then combined with function preservation and with tailoring surgery to the pathology. The concept that histology dictates the extent of resection, balancing the intrinsic morbidity of each approach was the object of the first section of the present report. The main surgical approaches were described in the second section and were conceived not as a step-by-step description of technique, but as the highlighthening of the surgical principles. The third section was centered on open issues related to the tumor and its treatment. The topic of vestibular schwannoma was investigated with the current debate on observation, hearing preservation surgery, hearing rehabilitation, radiotherapy and the recent efforts to detect biological markers able to predict tumor growth. Jugular foramen paragangliomas were treated in the frame of radical or partial surgery, radiotherapy, partial “tailored” surgery and observation. Surgery on meningioma was debated from the point of view of the neurosurgeon and of the otologist. Endolymphatic sac tumors and malignant tumors of the external auditory canal were also treated, as well as chordomas, chondrosarcomas and petrous bone cholesteatomas. Finally, the fourth section focused on free-choice topics which were assigned to aknowledged experts. The aim of this work was attempting to report the state of the art of the lateral skull base surgery after 50 years of hard work and, above all, to raise questions on those issues which still need an answer, as to allow progress in knowledge through sharing of various experiences. At the end of the reading, if more doubts remain rather than certainties, the aim of this work will probably be achieved.
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Are convexity meningiomas all the same? A clinico-radiological analysis of surgically treated eloquent areas convexity meningiomas. J Neurosurg Sci 2019; 66:342-349. [PMID: 31298505 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.19.04713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Convexity meningiomas are considered low-risk tumors, with high possibility of cure and low risk of relapse after resection. Very few studies have investigated meningiomas located in or around highly eloquent regions (namely perirolandic and perisylvian fissures). This study aimed to determine the differences in preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes between convexity meningiomas at eloquent area and non-eloquent areas. METHODS Retrospective study on patients who underwent surgical resection for convexity meningioma. Patients were divided into eloquent and non-eloquent area. Statistical analysis was made comparing preoperative and postoperative data of both groups. RESULTS The study included a total of 117 patients: 80 with eloquent area tumor and 37 with non- eloquent area tumor. Statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in preoperative KPS (93 ± 10 in eloquent vs. 97 ± 6 in non-eloquent; p = .008) and in large-caliber vein involvement (76.3% in cases vs. 16.2% in controls; p < .001). Postoperatively, patients with eloquent area tumors showed initial deterioration in neurological status followed by recovery; final outcomes were comparable to that of patients with non-eloquent area tumors. However, patients with eloquent area meningiomas had higher propensity to suffer from seizures postoperatively. Postoperative complications and long-term outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with eloquent areas convexity meningiomas do not appear to have higher surgical risk. Neurological status is more likely to worsen immediately after surgery but long-term recovery is satisfactory. Seizure control after surgery appears to be poorer in patients with perirolandic meningioma.
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Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia G3 according to 2019 WHO classification: a comprehensive clinicopathological characterization including mismatch repair proteins and PDL1 expression in a large cohort of patients. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz155.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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A multimodal staged approach for the resection of a Sylvian aqueduct rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor: A case report and literature review. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Three-Dimensional High-Definition Ventriculoscope: Single-Center Case Series. World Neurosurg 2019; 125:e978-e983. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.01.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Prevalence and genotyping of HPV in anal squamous cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy151.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma received an i.v. bolus of 4′-epi-doxorubicin, 75/mg/m2/cycle, every 21 days. Partial responses were observed in 5 of 23 evaluable patients (21.7%). Treatment was generally well tolerated and toxicity was mild. The response rate to epirubicin appears to be very similar to that reported for doxorubicin. Larger doses of epirubicin could be safely used in future studies, and further evaluation of epirubicin in phase III trials is indicated.
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Plurihormonal ACTH-GH Pituitary Adenoma: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2018; 114:e158-e164. [PMID: 29501516 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.02.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plurihormonal adenomas (PHAs) represent 10%-15% of all functioning pituitary adenomas. The most frequent hormonal associations are with prolactin and growth hormone (GH). Here we describe a rare case of functional adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and GH microadenoma and report our findings from a systematic literature review of PHA. METHODS We searched PubMed using the terms "plurihormonal pituitary adenoma," "ACTH GH pituitary adenoma," and "acromegaly AND Cushing's disease". In the 17 articles that were selected for literature review, only 20% (4/20) of patients presented with clinical signs of both diseases. Histologically, 19 were pituitary adenomas composed of two distinct cell populations, while only in 1 case was there evidence of a single cell producing both ACTH and GH. In the case reported here, a 60-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with a pituitary microadenoma. Endocrine assessment documented increased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and GH; ACTH and cortisol values were within normal ranges. Echocardiography documented ventricular hypertrophy. Because of clinical and biochemical evidence of acromegaly, surgery was recommended. Postoperatively, hormonal replacement therapy was started because of adrenal insufficiency. Her antihypertensive therapy was discontinued due to evidence of normal blood pressure values. Histological examination revealed an ACTH-GH PHA with 2 distinct populations of secreting cells. At 3-year follow-up, the patient showed stable clinical remission and was no longer receiving hormonal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS This is an additional case to the 20 previously reported cases of ACTH-GH PHA. Awareness of this relatively rare entity is clinically relevant. The cytogenesis of ACTH-GH PHA remains a matter of debate, and several hypotheses have been postulated.
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Abdominal Fat Graft for Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base for Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: Technique and Outcomes. Skull Base Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Radio-frequency inductor synthesis using evolutionary computation and Gaussian-process surrogate modeling. Appl Soft Comput 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2017.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Risk of overtreatment in patients with adrenal insufficiency: current and emerging aspects. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:R231-R248. [PMID: 28583942 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The effects of long-term replacement therapy of adrenal insufficiency (AI) are still a matter of controversy. In fact, the established glucocorticoid replacement regimens do not completely reproduce the endogenous hormonal production and the monitoring of AI treatment may be a challenge for the lack of reliable clinical and biochemical markers. Consequently, several AI patients are frequently exposed to relative glucocorticoid excess potentially leading to develop chronic complications, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fragility fractures with consequent impaired QoL and increased mortality risk. This review deals with the pathophysiological and clinical aspects concerning the over-replacement therapy of primary and secondary AI.
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ASTRIS, a real world treatment study of osimertinib in patients (pts) with EGFR T790M positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): preliminary analysis of the Italian cohort. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx426.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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EP-1219: Concomitant radiotherapy and TKI in EGFR mutant or ALK positive stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Radiother Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(17)31654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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P-127 Pathological versus clinical complete responders after preoperative treatment in rectal cancer: long term outcomes analysis. Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw199.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Réponses physiologiques à l’exercice en altitude modérée : intérêt de la mesure de la SpO2. Sci Sports 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Professional athletes and cerebral cavernomas: an obstacle to overcome. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2015; 55:1046-1047. [PMID: 24637509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Abstract
Acute brain plasticity during resection of central lesions has been recently described. In the cases reported, perilesional latent networks, useful to preserve the neurological functions, were detected in asymptomatic patients. In this paper, we presented a case of acute functional reactivation (AFR) of the language network in a symptomatic patient. Tumor resection allowed to acutely restore the neurological deficit. Intraoperative direct cortical stimulation (DCS) and functional neuroimaging showed new epicentres of activation of the language network after tumor excision. DCS in awake surgery is mandatory to reveal AFR needful to improve the extent of resection preserving the quality of life.
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J04 Individualised Nutritional Intervention to Avoid Weight Loss in HD Patients during Hospitalisation. J Neurol Psychiatry 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309032.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Sudden worsening after subdural haematoma surgery: will there be a corpus callosum injury? BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2013-203278. [PMID: 24862419 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-203278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of mild encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) which occurred after chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) surgery. The patient was admitted to our hospital for drowsiness and marked asthenia. The cerebral CT scan revealed a CSDH and surgery allowed to improve the symptoms, but after several days we observed a sudden worsening. The patient developed left-sided myoclonic seizures followed by left hemiplegia and worsening drowsiness. Electrolytes imbalance and inflammatory causes were excluded. The CT scan showed a right cerebral swelling and the subsequent MRI revealed a single lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images. After osmotic therapy the patient improved and on day 10 of admission the MRI showed a complete resolution of the lesion. This is the first report that described an association between CSDH and MERS. Possible aetiopathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
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Can neck swelling lead to spinal cord compression? World J Clin Cases 2013; 1:56-58. [PMID: 24303465 PMCID: PMC3845924 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i1.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord compression (SCC) caused by cervical spinal canal invasion of a pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma metastasis has never been reported previously. A 59-year-old man, with a history of pulmonary carcinosarcoma, developed over several weeks important neck swelling. Admitted to our division with severe tetraparesis he underwent a cervical spine computed tomography scan that showed a large cervical mass measuring 11 cm × 27 cm × 17 cm with SCC, extending from the occiput to C7. Emergency spinal cord decompression was performed leading to minor neurological improvement. Poor outcome was due to the unusual clinical sign that led to late diagnosis and treatment.
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Assessment of early response to imatinib 800 mg after 400 mg progression by 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.10081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Generic parameterization for a pharmacokinetic model to predict Cd concentrations in several tissues of different fish species. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 79:377-386. [PMID: 20202672 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Revised: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, a set of generic parameters was proposed for a pharmacokinetic model, with the objective of predicting Cd concentration in the tissues of diverse fish species under different environmental conditions. Cd concentrations in a number of tissues of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Cyprinus carpio were estimated by a structurally identifiable multicompartmental model (unique solution). The 13 generic parameters of the model comprised exchange rates, tissue-blood partition coefficients, and weight-corrected elimination rate constants accounting for the routes of water respiration, excretion and egestion. On the other hand, absorption efficiencies from water and food were considered to be condition-specific and estimated for each experiment. These two parameters reflected the differences in fish exposure to diet (food type and metal concentration) or water (water chemistry and bioavailable metal concentration). A data set of 27 experiments of Cd bioaccumulation in fish tissues was compiled for model calibration. The selected dynamics on trout and carp were performed under very different experimental conditions, involving water and/or food exposure, different fish weights and exposure concentrations and the presence/absence of depuration periods. Model predicted, for most compartments and experiments, the tendency of Cd dynamics. However, accumulation in liver and kidney was underestimated in approximately a half of the experiments, due mainly to a rapid metallothionein (MT) sequestration phenomena and subsequent saturation on liver and kidney produced under high exposure concentrations. On the other hand, both generic and condition-specific parameter values were in accordance with the values reported in literature when available. Therefore, the results obtained in this work are an initial step indicating that a generic global input parameter set could be applied to physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for estimating Cd accumulation in fish in different types of scenarios.
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Immunohistochemical expression of somatostatin receptors in digestive endocrine tumours. Dig Liver Dis 2010; 42:220-5. [PMID: 19819769 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2009.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatostatin receptors are expressed in a large number of human tumours. The somatostatin receptors types 1-5 expression in a series including 100 gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours were analysed. METHODS From a prospectively built database of patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours referred from three institutions, 100 cases with clinical and pathological data were selected. Somatostatin receptors expression by immunohistochemistry with somatostatin receptor types 1-5 antibodies in tissue paraffin sections were studied and correlated with the histological diagnosis according to the WHO classification, location and functional status. RESULTS Of the 100 cases, 67 were gastrointestinal tumours, 25 pancreatic and 8 liver metastasis of unknown origin. Thirty-one of them were functioning tumours: 2 insulinomas, 5 gastrinomas, 1 glucagonoma and 23 carcinoids. Somatostatin receptors expression was observed in 94 tumours. The six negative cases were all non-functioning tumours. Somatostatin receptors 2a and 5 were highly expressed (86 and 62%, respectively), and surprisingly found even in poorly differentiated endocrine carcinomas. Somatostatin receptors expression was less frequent in pancreatic than in gastrointestinal tumours. Well-differentiated neoplasms had a higher density of somatostatin receptors. Only SSTR2a showed membrane staining. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry revealed that somatostatin receptors were highly expressed in both primary and metastatic gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours with heterogeneous staining distribution. It proved to be a reliable technique even in small tumour samples.
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Ozonation strategies to reduce sludge production of a seafood industry WWTP. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2009; 100:1069-1073. [PMID: 18835774 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2008] [Revised: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In this work, several alternatives related to the application of ozone in different streams of a seafood industry WWTP were evaluated to minimize the production of waste sludge. The WWTP was composed of two coagulation-flocculation units and a biological unit and generated around of 6550 kg/d of sludge. Ozone was applied to sludge coming from flotation units (110 g TSS/L) at doses up to 0.03 g O(3)/g TSS during batch tests, no solids solubilization being observed. Ozone doses ranging from 0.007 to 0.02 g O(3)/g TSS were also applied to the raw wastewater in a bubble column reaching a 6.8% of TSS removal for the highest ozone dose. Finally, the effect of the pre-ozonation (0.05 g O(3)/g TSS) of wastewater coming from the first flotation unit was tested in two activated sludge systems during 70 days. Ozonation caused a reduction of the observed yield coefficient of biomass from 0.14 to 0.07g TSS/g COD(Tremoved) and a slight improvement of COD removal efficiencies. On the basis of the capacity for ozone production available in the industry, a maximum reduction of sludge generated by the WWTP of 7.5% could be expected.
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Selection of variables for on-line monitoring, diagnosis, and control of anaerobic digestion processes. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2009; 60:615-22. [PMID: 19657156 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2009.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to systematize the study of indicators for two types of wastewaters: carbohydrate-based and protein-based synthetic wastewaters. Characterization of steady states and dynamic response analysis against disturbances were carried out using both a factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) and a phenomenological analysis, respectively. This research seeks reconciling both sets of indicators in order to optimize resources and provide a minimal cost in instrumentation for its implementation at industrial scale. According to the results of this research, the best indicators for the two types of wastewaters, considering both process steady states and organic load perturbations are: Biogas flow rate or Methane flow rate, and Hydrogen concentration in the biogas; Volatile fatty acids and Partial alkalinity in the liquid phase.
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An approach for the application of the Ecological Footprint as environmental indicator in the textile sector. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2008; 156:478-487. [PMID: 18280032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.12.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2007] [Revised: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Ecological Footprint (EF) is a recent concept which has widely been used as an indicator of environmental sustainability applied to individual lifestyles, regions, nations or even the world. Recently, its application to enterprises has been proposed. In the present study, a textile tailoring plant has been analysed. The overall purpose of this study was to develop a tool useful for evaluating the environmental impact evolution due to the performance of the plant, as well as for comparing the environmental behaviour of different tailoring processes. Therefore, the selected data were those from the manufacturing work. Data were divided in three main categories: energy, resources and waste. The principal contribution to the final EF (expressed in hectares of land) was the resources category, mainly due to the high value associated to the cloth. The consumed energy was the second contributor, while the waste category remained in third place. The final outcomes were divided by the production rates to obtain a comparable relative index, easy to be interpreted by the different stakeholders. This is of special importance for a Company involved in Corporate Social Responsibility and thus meant to have a general communication strategy.
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