118,074 research outputs found
Video-assisted mediastinoscopic resection of two bronchogenic cysts: a novel approach
No full textThe treatment of bronchogenic cysts (BCs) is still controversial. Many authors advocate the complete surgical excision of cysts [by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy] to prevent their high rate of recurrence. Nevertheless, some recent works have attracted attention to a less invasive endoscopic management of benign mediastinal cysts. Here, we report a novel, safe, effective and minimally invasive mediastinoscopic technique used in the complete resection of two mediastinal BCs. We believe that this approach can be applied, with some restrictions: lesions located in the superior mediastinum, absence of severe adhesions, absence of infection, no previous mediastinal surgery. More experience of mediastinoscopic treatment of BCs is needed in order to better define its indications, contraindications, risks and complications. (C) 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved
Synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography investigation of a mortar affected by alkali silica reaction: a quantitative characterization of its microstructural features
No full textAlkali-silica reaction (ASR) is one of the most important weathering processes in cement-based materials. The damages caused by ASR have been qualitatively investigated with a number of different techniques. In this study, we present a procedure to obtain quantitative morphological parameters of the ASR reaction effects using synchrotron X-ray microtomography data. We found three different kinds of voids due to the effect of three different mechanisms: (i) cracks from ASR expansion, (ii) irregularshaped voids due to the aggregate particles dissolution, and (iii) bubbles due to the cement paste preparation. We were able to separate them using morphological parameters (such as surface/volume ratio and aspect-ratio) calculated for each object, thus obtaining, e.g., volume fractions for each kind of voids. From the orientation data, we also studied if any shape preferred orientation was present in the sample, concerning the fractures network, and we found no appreciable preferred orientation. The new analysis procedure we applied in this study proved to be an effective approach for the quantitative characterization of the effects (cracks and porosity development by aggregate weathering) of the ASR reaction in mortars
Computed tomography imaging of a fistulating right pleural empyema in the inguinoscrotal region through the retroperitoneal space
No full textMicrostructural features of roasted coffee beans investigated by synchrotron x-ray microtomography
No full textUrgent contralateral pneumonectomy after single lung transplantation for lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
No full textInfluence of aggregate mineralogy on alkali-silica reaction studied by X-ray powder diffraction and imaging techniques
No full textReliable assessment of the potential alkali reactivity of aggregate to develop deleterious alkali-silica reaction is essential for construction of durable concrete structures. The potential alkali reactivity of silicified limestone and two limestones has been investigated. Preliminary characterisation of aggregate was performed by optical and environmental scanning electron microscopy. X-ray powder diffraction peak profile analysis was used to predict the aggregates' potential alkali reactivity. Samples were aged in accordance to the RILEM AAR-2 procedure and further characterised by means of optical and environmental scanning electron microscopy as well as by synchrotron X-ray microtomography, where quantitative analysis relative to damage due to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) was performed by morphometric analysis of volume data. Results highlight that (1) the microstructural domain size and microstrain values extracted form XRPD line profile analysis seem to be good parameters for predicting the potential alkali reactivity of quartz in aggregate, and (2) the mineralogy of the aggregate influences the weathering products (i.e. aggregate dissolution, ASR gel growth and microcracking) due to ASR in cement-based materials
Post-operative outcomes and quality of life assessment after thoracoscopic lobectomy for Non-small-cell lung cancer in octogenarians: Analysis from a national database
No full textBackground: Thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS-L) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a well-established
option for early stage NSCLC, but the evidences are limited for octogenarians.
Objective: The objectives of this multi-institutional study were to evaluate the post-operative outcomes of VATS-L
in octogenarians and to estimate the post-operative quality of life (QoL) using a validated questionnaire
(EuroQoL5D).
Methods: Data from patients underwent VATS-L between 2014 and 2019 were analysed and divided into two
groups: Group A (younger patients) and Group B (octogenarians). To define predictors for complications, univariate
and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed.
Results: 7023 patients underwent VATS-L and 329 (4.6%) were octogenarians. 30-day and 90-day post-operative
mortality were similar (0.95% vs 0.91%, p = 0.84 and 1.3% vs 1.2%, p = 0.58), whereas the percentage of
patients who suffered from any complication (25.5% vs 31.9%, p = 0.012) and the complication rate (31.6% vs
45.2%, p=<0.01) were higher for octogenarians. At discharge, the values of EuroQoL5D were worse in group B,
but after one month these levels became similar. Age >80 years had a significant influence on morbidity on both
univariate and multivariable analyses (p = 0.025).
Conclusions: VATS-L for NSCLC can be performed in selected octogenarians without increased risk of postoperative
death, acceptable not-life-threatening complications and a moderate impact on QoL
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
No full textThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
The 3D quantitative lattice and shape preferred orientation of a mylonitised metagranite from Monte Rosa (Western Alps): Combining neutron diffraction texture analysis and synchrotron X-ray microtomography
No full textTwo complementary 3D techniques, neutron diffraction and synchrotron X-ray microtomography (SXR-μCT), were used to compare the Shape and Lattice Preferred Orientations of a mylonitised metagranite from the Monte Rosa unit (Western Alps, Italy). The goal of using these techniques was to obtain two different orientation distribution functions. Although the two functions describe relatively independent characteristics of the rock fabric, nonetheless they also exhibit close relationships to macroscopic fabrics and may be complementarily used to quantify rock fabrics and microstructures, thereby highlighting 3D features that cannot be obtained with either technique, if used independently. We describe an approach that can be potentially useful in various disciplines, e.g., structural geology, rock mechanics, tectonics and geophysics, when a complete data set of preferred orientations and size distribution is needed.Micas display a strong orthorhombic symmetry between mesoscopic lineation and microscopic SPO and LPO, whereas quartz and feldspars are characterised by a monoclinic symmetry between mesoscopic lineation and LPO. These observations suggest a rheological decoupling between the weak phase mica layers and the stronger quartz+feldspar layers. This mechanical decoupling occurred during the Alpine subduction-collision, when the Monte Rosa unit was part of the Insubric Line system and accommodated large vertical strain
Il Museo archeologico delle Marche. Un'epopea museale
No full textPublished as part of the initiatives proposed by the Directorate General for Museums of the Ministry of Culture, the paper presents the results of recent research on the history and dynamics of musealisation of archaeological collections in the Marche region. The text presents research elements regarding the communication of museum values to the public
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