Data extraction from vintage well sonic log graphs in the ViDEPI project (offshore the Apulia, southern Italy): A multi-useful dataset.

Twelve files have been obtained after the extraction of data from raster PDF images of sonic log graphs. These files data regard exploration wells placed in the Adriatic Sea pertaining the Apulia (Branzino-1, Chiara-1, Cristina-1, Famoso-1, Giove-1, Giove-2, Grazia-1, Grifone-1, Medusa-1, Sabrina-1, Simona-1, and Sparviero-1bis), and the related raster sonic log graphs are free accessible at the ViDEPI Project (www.videpi.com) of the Ministry for the Economic Development of the Italian Government. Two columns A and B of data, i.e., interval transit time Δt [µs/ft] and depth [m], respectively, characterise each file. Hence, 18,396 pairs of Δt-depth values have been obtained. The picking of the data occurred by the use of WebPlotDigitizer© free software. These data are relevant for the interpretation of reflection seismic lines throughout the Adriatic Sea, mainly in the offshore the Apulia. Moreover, the interpretation of those reflection seismic lines located in the adjacent offshore zones, such as the Ionian Sea, can benefit from these data; the values can be important for seismological goals around the Apulia, as well. From these data, Δt-depth diagrams can be originated by the use of software capable of building 2D graphs from values in CSV files (e.g. Matlab©).

Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Mandible: Early Diagnosis and Surgical Management.

Solitary plasmacytoma is an abnormal proliferation of B-lymphoid cells that involves a single bone. It mainly affects the axial skeleton; the jaw localization is a rare condition. The authors present a case of a 70-year-old female patient with a radiolucency of the angle of the mandible later diagnosed as solitary plasmacytoma.

The Use of Piezosurgery in Genioplasty.

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative complications during genioplasty using piezosurgery devices or traditional rotating drills. Forty patients underwent genioplasty to solve their chin anomalies. This study showed that, using piezosurgery, pain and swelling were reduced compared to the traditional technique in the immediate postoperative period of healing (within 15 days). Paresthesia was observed in all patients up to 15th postoperative day, independently of the used surgical technique, but at the sixth postoperative month it was completely absent.

Effect of VDRA on survival in incident hemodialysis patients: results of the FARO-2 observational study.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rate among patients with stage five chronic kidney disease (CKD) maintained on hemodialysis (HD) is high. Although evidence suggests that use of Vitamin D Receptor Activators (VDRA) in CKD patients increases survival, few studies have examined the effect of VDRA in incident HD patients. The FARO-2 study evaluated the clinical outcome of VDRA therapy on mortality in incident HD patients. METHODS: FARO-2 was a longitudinal epidemiological study performed on 568 incident HD patients followed prospectively from 26 dialysis centers over a 3-year period. Data were collected every 6 months using a questionnaire, obtaining clinical, biochemical and therapeutic parameters. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine cumulative probability of time-to-death and adjusted hazard ratios. RESULTS: 568 patients (68% male) with an average age of 65.5 years were followed up. Mean dialysis duration at study entry was 3 months. VDRA use increased from 46% at 6 months to 54.7% at 36 months of follow-up (p = 0.08). No difference was observed in the presence of comorbid diseases at baseline in patients with and without VDRA therapy. Cumulative probability of survival at 24 months was 74.5% (95% CI: 70.2-78.3). Patients receiving VDRA therapy showed a significant increase in survival at 24 months (80.7%; 95% CI: 75.7-84.8) compared to those without (63.3%; 95% CI: 54.8-70.7, p <0.01). The presence of vascular disease, decreased hemoglobin, increased P and lack of VDRA treatment were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. Lack of VDRA treatment still remained significant as a predictor of mortality after adjusting for levels of PTH, P and Ca (HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.09-4.30, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from FARO-2 indicate that in incident HD patients VDRA therapy was associated with increased survival.

Evaluating targets and costs of treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism in incident dialysis patients: the FARO-2 study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this analysis was to estimate biochemical parameters and the costs of treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in a subpopulation of the FARO-2 study. METHODS: The FARO-2 observational study aimed at evaluating the patterns of treatment for SHPT in naïve hemodialysis patients. Data related to pharmacological treatments and biochemical parameters (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcium, phosphate) were recorded at entry to hemodialysis (baseline) and 6 months later (second survey). The analysis was performed from the Italian National Health Service perspective. RESULTS: Two prominent treatment groups were identified, ie, one on oral calcitriol (n=105) and the other on intravenous paricalcitol (n=33); the intravenous calcitriol and intravenous paricalcitol + cinacalcet combination groups were not analyzed due to low patient numbers. At baseline, serum PTH levels were significantly higher in the intravenous paricalcitol group (P<0.0001). At the second survey, the intravenous paricalcitol group showed a higher percentage of patients at target for PTH than in the oral calcitriol group without changing the percentage of patients at target for phosphate. Moreover, between baseline and the second survey, intravenous paricalcitol significantly increased both the percentage of patients at target for PTH (P=0.033) and the percentage of patients at target for the combined endpoint PTH, calcium, and phosphate (P=0.001). The per-patient weekly pharmaceutical costs related to SHPT treatment, erythropoietin-stimulating agents and phosphate binders accounted for 186.32€ and 219.94€ at baseline for oral calcitriol and intravenous paricalcitol, respectively, while after 6 months, the costs were 180.51€ and 198.79€, respectively. Either at the beginning of dialysis or 6 months later, the total cost of SHPT treatment was not significantly lower in the oral calcitriol group compared with the intravenous paricalcitol group, with a difference among groups that decreased by 46% between the two observations. The cost of erythropoietin stimulating agents at the second survey was lower (-22%) in the intravenous paricalcitol group than in the oral calcitriol group (132.13€ versus 168.36€, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intravenous paricalcitol significantly increased the percentage of patients at target for the combined endpoint of PTH, calcium, and phosphate (P=0.001). The total cost of treatment for the patients treated with intravenous paricalcitol 6 months after entry to dialysis was not significantly higher than the cost for patients treated with oral calcitriol.

Achievement of NKF/K-DOQI recommended target values for bone and mineral metabolism in incident hemodialysis patients: results of the FARO-2 cohort.

BACKGROUND: Mineral Bone Disorders (MBD) is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients and associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The FARO-2 study evaluated the achievement of the NKF/K-DOQI guidelines on recommended target values for serum calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P) and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on survival in incident HD patients. METHODS: Data were collected by questionnaire from 568 incident HD patients followed prospectively over a 3-year period from 26 Italian dialysis units. The cumulative probability of time-to-death for CKD-MBD treatment characteristics was determined by the Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Serum PTH levels (median values at 6 months vs. 36 months; 225 vs. 254 pg/ml), Ca (8.8 vs. 8.9 g/dl) and P (5.1 vs. 4.8 mg/dl) were not significantly different at 6 months versus follow-up. The majority of incident HD patients (60-70%) who were followed up for 36 months did not achieve the NKF/K-DOQI recommended target values. Survival rates were higher in patients on target for three parameters versus patients off target (survival at 24 months: at target 95.7% (95% CI: 84.0-98.9) versus not on target 71.1% (95% CI: 66.3-75.4, p < 0.01)). The 30.1% of patients on target for three MBD parameters at least once during the follow-up period had better survival rates compared to those not reaching these targets (survival at 24 months: at least once 88.0% (95% CI: 81.9-92.1); 67.7% (95% CI: 61.9-72.8, p < 0.01)). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that incident HD patients who achieved target levels (for three MBD parameters) for at least one visit have a lower risk of mortality.

Primary polymorphous hemangioendothelioma of the maxillary soft tissue: clinical and immunopathological aspects of a rare vascular neoplasm.

Polymorphous hemangioendothelioma (PH) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm of borderline malignant potential characterized by a considerable variability in patterns of cellular growth. Morphologically, PH may be confused with other lesions, from benign vasoformative neoplasms and reactive inflammatory conditions to malignancies such as angiosarcoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Most occur in the lymph nodes, and to the best of our knowledge, lesions involving the maxillary soft tissue have not been described in the literature to date. A potential for local recurrence, as well as the ability to metastasize, has been for this type of neoplasm. Here we reported on a rare case of polymorphous hemangioendothelioma which presented as an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass in the right zygomatic region of a 22-year-old white female. We discuss the histopathological aspects of this tumor, with emphasis on the role of immunohistochemical analysis in differential diagnosis.

Porcine-derived xenograft combined with a soft cortical membrane versus extraction alone for implant site development: a clinical study in humans.

BACKGROUND: An adequate alveolar crest is essential for implant placement in terms of esthetics and function. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the preservation of the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction using porcine-derived xenograft combined with a membrane versus extraction-alone (EXT) sites. METHODS: Fifteen patients who required double extraction of contralateral premolars and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive both ridge-preservation procedure and EXT. The test sites (alveolar ridge preservation [ARP]) included 15 sockets treated using a corticocancellous porcine bone xenograft (OsteoBiol® Gen-Os; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy) associated with a soft cortical membrane (OsteoBiol® Lamina; Tecnoss srl), while the corresponding control sites (EXT) were left without grafting for EXT. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were recorded at baseline and 6 months after extractions. RESULTS: After 6 months, the EXT sites showed a significantly greater reabsorption of the buccolingual/palatal dimension of the alveolar ridge (3.7 ± 1.2 mm) compared with the ARP sites (1.8 ± 1.3 mm). The mean vertical ridge height reduction in the control sockets was 3.1 ± 1.3 mm at the buccal sites and 2.4 ± 1.6 mm at the lingual sites compared with 0.6 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, in the test sockets. The differences between test and control sockets were not significant for the mesial and distal measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of a porcine xenograft with a membrane in an extraction socket can be used to reduce the hard tissue reabsorption after tooth extraction compared with EXT.

Piezoelectric device vs. conventional rotative instruments in impacted third molar surgery: relationships between surgical difficulty and postoperative pain with histological evaluations.

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the influence of surgical difficulty on postoperative pain after treatment of impacted mandibular third molars by rotatory osteotomy or Piezoelectric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, split-mouth study was performed of 52 patients with bilateral and symmetrically oriented impacted mandibular third molars, who were surgically treated using a burr (Group A) on one random side of the lower jaw and a Piezoelectric device (Group B) on the contralateral side. Surgical difficulty was evaluated using a modified version of the Parant scale to categorize "simple extractions" and "complex extractions". Primary outcome parameters were the comparison of the postoperative pain evaluation rated on the Visual Analogue Scale from day 0 to day 6 postsurgery, and the assessment of differences in surgery time between the groups. Bone biopsies were taken during surgery to assess differences in bone tissue damage levels between the two different techniques. RESULTS: In "complex extractions" lower pain evaluation and significantly shorter surgery times were recorded when rotatory instruments were used. In "simple extractions", similar surgery times were observed for both techniques, but pain was greatest on the day of surgery when the burr was used. Bone heat osteonecrosis was observed only in the rotatory group and a high level of alkaline phosphatase was noted only in the Piezoelectric group. CONCLUSION: Pain after extraction of a mandibular third molar increases with increased surgical difficulty and especially in longer interventions. The integrity of the bony structure observed after the ultrasonic technique may favour the bone healing process.

Oral fibrous histiocytoma and its angiomatoid variant.

Fibrous histiocytomas are uncommon mesenchymal tumours of the soft tissue in the head and neck region. We report two cases that occurred in the oral cavity, one of a benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) and another of an angiomatoid variant of fibrous histiocytoma (AFH). BFH is a benign neoplasm composed of cells with fibroblastic and histiocytic characteristics, while AFH is considered as a distinct type of fibrous histiocytoma with an intermediate malignancy grade that combines features of both fibrohistiocytic and vascular neoplasm. We describe the clinicopathological and histological characteristics of these lesions to clarify and facilitate their diagnosis. In the BFH case, the surgical specimen had many histiocytes positive for lysozime, whereas the AFH cells showed positivity for endothelial cell marker (anti-CD34 antibody). In both cases the tumours were positive for fibronectin and negative for S100 and SMA. Ki-67. Immunohistochemistry was performed in all cases to reveal the different mitotic activity between AFH and BFH tumour cells. Finally, differential diagnoses and therapeutic treatments are discussed.

A comparison of salivary substitutes versus a natural sialogogue (citric acid) in patients complaining of dry mouth as an adverse drug reaction: a clinical, randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the efficacy of saliva substitutes and citric acid long-term therapy for oral dryness relief and unstimulated salivary flow in patients reporting drug-induced xerostomia. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four patients reporting drug-induced xerostomia were randomly subdivided into 3 groups and respectively administered artificial saliva, 3% citric acid, or distilled water in mouthwash 4 times a day for 30 days. Patients underwent measurement of unstimulated whole saliva before and after they finished therapy and were asked to note in a daily diary any symptomatologic changes 15 minutes and 1 hour after each daily intake of test solution. RESULTS: Fifteen minutes after solution intake, 12 patients (67%) belonging to the artificial saliva group, 9 (50%) from the citric acid group, and 2 (11%) from the water group reported significant symptomatologic improvement. One hour after solution intake, 7 patients (39%) from the artificial saliva group, 10 (56%) from the citric acid group, and 0 from the water group noted significant symptomatologic improvement. None of the drugs tested affected unstimulated whole saliva flow. CONCLUSIONS: Both artificial saliva and citric acid provided immediate relief from oral dryness. Citric acid also provided a longer-lasting feeling of oral moistness at 1 hour after use owing to its protracted activity on salivary gland function.

An unusual case of oral hirsutism in a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hirsutism is the presence of terminal hair in women in a male-like pattern, which represents the clinical expression of an underlying excess of androgen (hyperandrogenism). Numerous conditions and serious diseases can result in high levels of circulating androgens, although the most common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The following classic clinical features characterize PCOS: irregular menstrual periods, infertility, excess hair growth, and obesity. The diagnosis of this disease is related to the discovery of clinical signs that are confirmed by hematochemical examinations. We present a clinical case that is relatively unusual owing to the appearance of black hairs that are similar to nasal hair in the oral mucosa, which is an atypical location. This unusual case was considered to be oral hirsutism, and its presence constituted the essential element in the diagnosis of PCOS. The hypothesis proposed for this unusual condition could be correlated to the high rate of circulating testosterone that may have influenced and led to the development and appearance of the hair follicles in the oral mucosa.

The effect of Delaire cheilorhinoplasty on midfacial growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of the Delaire surgical technique on the midfacial morphology in a group of subjects with a congenital unilateral cleft of lip and palate (UCLP), prior to orthodontic treatment. Thirty-five UCLP (15 left and 20 right) patients (16 males and 19 females, mean age 7.03+/-0.9 years; age range 8.7-5.0 years), treated for the correction of congenital malformation, were retrospectively selected. Analysis of midfacial growth was undertaken on lateral cephalograms, and the data were compared with reference values (Ricketts analysis). A Mann-Whitney ranked sum test was used to detect significant differences between the findings and reference values. P

TGF alpha has low protein expression in nonsyndromic clefts.

Genetic studies have demonstrated that nonsyndromic cleft is composed of two separate entities: the cleft palate only and cleft of the lip, alveolus with or without cleft palate; both have a heterogeneous genetic background and environmental factors contribute to the onset of these malformations. The role of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-A) was considered possible, but conflicting results have been reported. To detect if TGF-A is involved in the onset of cleft diseases, a series of patients with nonsyndromic clefts and control subjects were analyzed with regard to protein expression. Forty-three patients with nonsyndromic clefts and 21 unaffected subjects were enrolled in this study. Paraffin-embedded specimens were matched with TGF-A antibody and then scanned with a computerized image analyzer. TGF-A was scored as absent, moderately (from 10% to 30%), and highly expressed in epithelium, gland, and muscle. Data were statistically analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test. Comparison between control subjects and patients with clefts showed that only gland and epithelium reached a significant P value. A subsequent comparison between cleft of the lip, alveolus with or without cleft palate and cleft palate only groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference only for gland. TGF-A was decreasingly expressed in unaffected, cleft of the lip, alveolus with or without cleft palate, and patient with cleft palate only and thus further strength has been given to its role in the onset of the disease.

TGFbeta3 expression in non-syndromic orofacial clefts.

BACKGROUND: Genetic studies have demonstrated that non-syndromic cleft is composed of two separate entities - cleft palate only (CPO) and cleft of lip, alveolus with or without cleft palate (CL+/-P) -, both have a heterogeneous genetic background and environmental factors contribute to the onset of these malformations. Previous studies have shown that TGFbeta3 could be involved in these diseases, but no conclusive results have been reached. PURPOSE: In order to detect if TGFbeta3 has a role in cleft diseases, a series of non-syndromic cleft patients and controls are analyzed for TGFbeta3 protein expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three non-syndromic cleft patients and 21 unaffected subjects were involved in this study. Paraffin-embedded specimens were matched with the TGFbeta3 antibody and then scanned with a computerized image analyzer. TGFbeta3 was found to be absent (less than 10%), moderate (from 10% to 30%) and highly expressed (higher than 30%) in epithelium (EP), minor palatal salivary gland (GL) and fibres of elevator palati muscle (MU). Data was statistically analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Only GL and EP have a statistically significant lower expression in non-syndromic cleft compared to unaffected subjects. A subsequent comparison between CL+/-P and CPO groups demonstrates a statistically significant difference only for GL, with a lower expression in GL of CPO patients. CONCLUSIONS: TGFbeta3 is decreasingly expressed in GL of unaffected CL+/-P and CPO patients and thus further strength is given to a pathogenetic role of TGFbeta3 in the onset of clefts.

Delaire's cheilorhinoplasty: unilateral cleft aesthetic outcome scored according to the EUROCLEFT guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to evaluate, in accordance with EUROCLEFT guidelines, the aesthetics of nasolabial area in a sample of complete unilateral cleft of lip and palate patients (UCLP), after surgical correction with Delaire' technique. METHODS: Twenty-two UCLP patients (16 males and 6 females, 9 right and 13 left side clefts) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were operated at 7 (mean value) months of age by a single surgeon. Frontal and sub-mental photos for each baby were recorded at 8.5 (mean value) years of age, and evaluated twice, by three independent maxillofacial surgeons. A five-point scale (EUROCLEFT guidelines) was used. Nonparametric analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test) was applied to detect differences in medians obtained in studied groups. RESULTS: Kruskal-Wallis test showed no statistical significant differences among evaluations of three surgeons and between the first and the second evaluation of the same surgeon. The global appearance of the upper lip and nose was scored with a mean value of 2 (i.e. good). The sample was then divided into two subgroups, according with patient' age; the aesthetics and the symmetry of the nose resulted better in elder patients (i.e. subgroup A, mean period of observation=10.2 years), whereas upper lip achieved better results in younger patients (i.e. subgroup B, mean period of observation=4.9 years). CONCLUSIONS: EUROCLEFT guidelines are a useful method to evaluate--aesthetically and over time--cleft lip and palate patients, treated with a single surgical procedure. We hypothesize that Delaire technique could progressively improve aesthetics and symmetry of the nose, throughout the growth of the patient.

Non-syndromic orofacial clefts in Southern Italy: pattern analysis according to gender, history of maternal smoking, folic acid intake and familial diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Genetic studies have demonstrated that non-syndromic clefts of the lip, alveolus and palate have an heterogeneous genetic background, and that environmental factors contribute to the onset of this malformation. Therefore studies on different and homogeneous populations can be useful in detecting potentially related environmental and genetic factors. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether gender, folic acid intake, family history of diabetes and/or smoking during pregnancy were associated with a specific type of cleft in a group of patients affected by non-syndromic clefts, collected from Southern Italy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from one hundred and twenty-six patients were evaluated retrospectively. Each cleft was described as composed by separate antomical entities such as lip, alveolus, primary and secondary palate. None had an isolated alveolar cleft and this was used as internal control. Pattern analysis was used to detect differences in the frequencies of any possible combination of 7 types of clefting stratified according to the studied variables. Data were analysed by comparing observed proportions. RESULTS: Isolated cleft palate as well as right-sided clefts of lip, alveolus and palate were more frequent in females (p = 0.0014 and 0.0281, respectively), while left sided clefts were more frequent in males (p = 0.0359). A lack of consumption of folic acid was associated with an higher incidence of clefts of the left lip (p = 0.018), while familial diabetes was associated more often with isolated cleft palate (p = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: Gender-related results were comparable with those found in Northern Italy and other countries. Environmentally related results disclosed specific subclasses of clefting associated with lack of folic acid consumption and familial diabetes.