First Measurement of the g Factor in the Chiral Band: The Case of the

The g factor of the 56 ns half-life isomeric state in ^{128}Cs has been measured using the time-differential perturbed angular distribution method. This state is the bandhead of the positive-parity chiral rotational band, which emerges when an unpaired proton, an unpaired neutron hole, and an even-even core are coupled such that their angular momentum vectors are aplanar (chiral configuration). g-factor measurements can give important information on the relative orientation of the three angular momentum vectors. The measured g factor g=+0.59(1) shows that there is an important contribution of the core rotation in the total angular momentum of the isomeric state. Moreover, a quantitative theoretical analysis supports the conclusion that the three angular momentum vectors lie almost in one plane, which suggests that the chiral configuration in ^{128}Cs demonstrated in previous works by characteristic patterns of electromagnetic transitions appears only above some value of the total nuclear spin.

Right pneumothorax secondary to colonoscopic perforation: a case.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine the anatomical aspects, mechanisms, risk factors and appropriate management of development of pneumothorax during a routine colonoscopy. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of an accidental bowel wall injury during diagnostic colonoscopic with consequent pneumoperitoneum; this was followed by expansion of gas through diaphragmatic fenestration perhaps congenital, in right pleural cavity causing pneumothorax. DISCUSSION: Rarely, colonic perforation during colonoscopy can occur into the extraperitoneal space, thus leading to the passage and diffusion of air along the fascial planes and large vessels, possibly causing pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema. The combination of intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal perforation has also been reported. Pneumothorax following a colonoscopy sigmoid perforation is an extremely rare but severe and often lifethreatening complication. CONCLUSION: If the patient develops dyspnea and pneumoderma during or after this procedure, a chest radiogram or thoracoabdominal CT should be taken for diagnostic purposes. Urgent treatment, starting with chest tube insertion(s) and laparotomy or laparoscopy could be lifesaving.

Neurobehavioral Alterations in a Genetic Murine Model of Feingold Syndrome 2.

Feingold syndrome (FS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by microcephaly, short stature, digital anomalies, esophageal/duodenal atresia, facial dysmorphism, and various learning disabilities. Heterozygous deletion of the miR-17-92 cluster is responsible for a subset of FS (Feingold syndrome type 2, FS2), and the developmental abnormalities that characterize this disorder are partially recapitulated in mice that harbor a heterozygous deletion of this cluster (miR-17-92∆/+ mice). Although Feingold patients develop a wide array of learning disabilities, no scientific description of learning/cognitive disabilities, intellectual deficiency, and brain alterations have been described in humans and animal models of FS2. The aim of this study was to draw a behavioral profile, during development and in adulthood, of miR-17-92∆/+ mice, a genetic mouse model of FS2. Moreover, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin tissue levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mpFC), and Hippocampus (Hip) of miR-17-92∆/+ mice were analyzed.Our data showed decreased body growth and reduced vocalization during development. Moreover, selective deficits in spatial ability, social novelty recognition and memory span were evident in adult miR-17-92∆/+ mice compared with healthy controls (WT). Finally, we found altered dopamine as well as serotonin tissue levels, in the mpFC and Hip, respectively, of miR-17-92∆/+ in comparison with WT mice, thus suggesting a possible link between cognitive deficits and altered brain neurotransmission.

Treatment of rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection with endoscopic stenting: long-term results.

AIM: To treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after anterior resection for cancer using self-expanding metal stents. METHOD: Ten patients of mean age of 56.3 years with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer were treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent. In three patients a diverting proximal stoma had been performed elsewhere. The rectal opening of the fistula was located from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge (mean 6 cm). All patients had preoperative radiotherapy. In seven patients the stent was placed as the initial treatment while three referred patients had had multiple failed operations. RESULTS: There were no complications after the procedure. At a mean follow-up of 24 months the rectovaginal fistula has healed without major faecal incontinence in eight patients. In the remaining two the fistula has reduced significantly in size to allow a successful flap transposition. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent is a valid adjunct to treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer.

Self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of benign anastomotic stricture after rectal resection for cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the use of self-expandable metallic stents to treat patients with symptomatic benign anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection. METHOD: Ten patients with a benign symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent. RESULTS: The stent was placed successfully in all 10 patients without any major morbidity. At a mean follow-up of 18 months the stenosis was resolved successfully in 7 out 10 patients (70%). The remaining three patients were subsequently treated successfully with balloon dilatation. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metal stents represent a valid alternative to balloon dilatation to treat patients with benign symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection for cancer.

Self-expanding metal stents for treatment of anastomotic complications after colorectal resection.

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) can be used to treat patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection. In the present case series, 16 patients with symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of SEMS. Seven patients had a "simple" anastomotic stricture and nine patients had a fistula associated with the stricture. The anastomotic fistula healed without evidence of residual stricture or major fecal incontinence in seven of the nine patients. Overall the anastomotic stricture was resolved in 10 of the 16 patients. SEMS placement represents a valid adjunctive to treatment in patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection for cancer.

Maisonneuve fracture treated with suture-button system stabilization combined with plate and arthroscopic assistance (SBPAA): Clinical and radiological evaluation in short-medium period.

The aim of this study was to estimate the time needed for patients with Maisonneuve fractures to return to routine activities, after treatment with a suture-button system stabilization combined with plate and arthroscopic assistance (SBPAA). Methods: The study included 13 patients treated at our surgical department from January 2018 to June2022. Specific radiographical follow-up and periodic checks were performed in a short -to-medium term period, to evaluate syndesmosis evolution and tibiofibular overlap with medial clear space (MCS). Results: Progressive recovery and improvement were observed during follow-up from both radiographic and clinical perspective. Data showed that patients were able to return to full weight-bearing walking around the ninth week and to sport activities in 7.5 months. Long-term complications associated with residual joint stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome, or wound complications were observed in three patients. Conclusions: Intraoperative arthroscopy represent a valid diagnostic tool to better recognize and evaluate osteochondral lesions in case of syndesmosys. The study demonstrates the importance of intraoperative arthroscopy for recognizing and treating associated osteochondral lesions with proper syndesmosis evaluation. Plate associated to double TightRope represent valid solution to functionally fix and reduce fractures. Additionally, it imitates the normal syndesmosis's anatomy and provides elasticity and robustness, guaranteeing a rapid return to sporting activity. Data and casuistry support these findings.

Evidence for a smooth onset of deformation in the neutron-rich Kr isotopes.

The neutron-rich nuclei 94,96Kr were studied via projectile Coulomb excitation at the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Level energies of the first excited 2(+) states and their absolute E2 transition strengths to the ground state are determined and discussed in the context of the E(2(1)(+)) and B(E2;2(1)(+)→0(1)(+)) systematics of the krypton chain. Contrary to previously published results no sudden onset of deformation is observed. This experimental result is supported by a new proton-neutron interacting boson model calculation based on the constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach using the microscopic Gogny-D1M energy density functional.

Fracture and migration in right atrium of a permanent venous central access system in a elderly patient: case report and literature review.

Abstract: Catheter dislocation and fracture with migration of central venous lines have been reported in the International literature. Catheter fracture with consequent migration has been observed in 0.5-3.0% and may either be consequent to catheter removal or it can occur spontane-ously. Our case report concerns the migration of a Hickman catheter connected to a venous port to the right atrium in a 61-year old patient. A literature up-to-date has been performed to assess the risk of port-a-cath positioning. The position of catheter tip is considered critical for the risk of migration, that is greater as higher the tip localization respect to the carina. The aim of our study is to underline the critical role of X-ray to visualize the exact location of the catheter tip, regard-less of the approach used for catheter positioning.

The role of self-expanding vascular stent in superior vena cava syndrome for advanced tumours.

INTRODUCTION: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome (SVCS) is a life-threatening occurrence that necessitates prompt treatment. At present, endovascular stenting is proposed as a first-line treatment to relieve symptoms. We assessed the effectiveness, safety and outcome of SVC stent positioning in patients affected with advanced cancer. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing stent positioning in the SVC for neoplasms from January 2002 to December 2018 form the basis of this retrospective study. Demographic data, risk factors, associated diseases, symptoms at presentation according to the score proposed by Kishi and the type of SVCS according to Sanford and Doty were collected. Minor and major complications were recorded. Suspected stent occlusion was confirmed by means of recurrence of symptoms followed by a confirmatory computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Thirty-four (81%) patients had a nonresectable lung tumour invading or compressing the SVC. Five (12%) patients had a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and three (7%) had metastatic lymphadenopathies. Nitinol stents (Memotherm®) were employed in 19 (45%) patients, and steel stents (Wallstent™) in the remaining 23 (55%) patients. Thirty-five (85%) patients died during follow up for disease progression and the overall survival rate at 24 months was 11% (standard error (SE)=0.058). Thirteen patients (32%) had a recurrence of SVCS because of stent thrombosis in three (23%) and extrinsic compression from uncontrolled cancer progression in ten (77%). The overall symptom-free interval at 24 months was 57% (SE=0.095). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of the endovascular procedure as a first-line treatment in locally advanced or metastatic tumour in the presence of SVCS.

Discovery of the shape coexisting 0+ state in 32 Mg by a two neutron transfer reaction.

The "island of inversion" nucleus 32 Mg has been studied by a (t, p) two neutron transfer reaction in inverse kinematics at REX-ISOLDE. The shape coexistent excited 0+ state in 32 Mg has been identified by the characteristic angular distribution of the protons of the Δ L=0 transfer. The excitation energy of 1058 keV is much lower than predicted by any theoretical model. The low γ-ray intensity observed for the decay of this 0+ state indicates a lifetime of more than 10 ns. Deduced spectroscopic amplitudes are compared with occupation numbers from shell-model calculations.

Role of operator experience in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid.

PURPOSE: Thyroid nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard in diagnosing the pathological nature of undetermined thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether operator experience influences the diagnostic accuracy of US-guided FNAB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 700 consecutive US-guided FNAB done by a single radiologist between 2000 and 2007 were retrospectively analysed. The same freehand technique and capillary-action technique with 22- or 25-gauge needles was used for all nodules, All specimens were prepared and fixed without the cytologist on site and were subsequently analysed by two expert cytologists. The procedures were chronologically divided into seven groups and classified as diagnostic or nondiagnostic. RESULTS: The rate of nondiagnostic procedures for each group was 32% in group 1, 13% in group 2, 17% in group 3, 11% in group 4, 10% in group 5, 5% in group 6 and 8% in group 7. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of nondiagnostic US-guided FNAB is heavily dependent on the operator's experience. We estimated that at least 200 procedures need to be performed in order to achieve the levels of diagnostic accuracy reported in the literature. We therefore suggest specific training before operators routinely perform this procedure in clinical practice.

Criticism of learning curve in laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the treatment of choice for benign adrenal lesions. Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (LTLA) is considered the gold standard. The number of LTLAs a surgeon must perform, in order to complete his learning curve, is not well defined in Literature. Moreover, the few papers dealing with the learning curve for LTLAs show controversial results and consider different evaluation parameters. METHODS: The systematic review has been carried out according to PRISMA statement. The literature search included PubMed and Scopus database. Hand searching of reference lists of previous review articles and relevant studies was also performed. The search string was "learning curve AND laparoscopic adrenalectomy". RESULTS: A total of 9 papers met the inclusion criteria out of 94 non duplicate citations. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a multidimensional evaluation by bringing into focus evaluation parameters of surgical performance, (operative time, intraoperative complications, conversion rate and blood loss), factors related to patient's pathology (side, size, adrenal pathology) and surgeon-specific properties. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative complications and conversion rate are the main parameters that have been considered for the achievement of learning curve, and for each there are discrepancies, mainly due to the relative rarity of adrenal tumors, and so for difficulties in obtaining approper analysis that could establish an effective learning curve. So, further evaluations in larger experience are needed.

Current role of open surgery in adrenal tumors.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective evaluation is to assess the current role of open adrenalectomy, in particular in cases of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to May 2019, 26 open out of 233 adrenalectomies were performed in our Academic Department. Open adrenalectomy was performed by the anterior approach. A midline abdominal incision or a subcostal surgical incision was used to reach the peritoneal cavity. The resection was defined R0 if the margins of the sample were negative for malignancy. RESULTS: Open adrenalectomy was performed in 26 patients: 10 men and 16 women with a mean age of 61±25.3 years and a mean BMI of 28.4±2.9. The right adrenal gland was removed in 15 cases Romaand the left in 11 cases.We reported 18 diagnosis of malignant pathology. The other diagnosis concerned 5 cases of pheochromocytoma, 1 case of Cushing's disease and 2 cases of hyperaldosteronism. Mean tumor size was 7.7±5.5. Mean operative time was 160 min (range=110-205 minutes). Mean postoperative stay was 7±2 days. Only 3 (10%) patient showed postoperative grade II complications, according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Midline abdominal incision was used in 18 patients, subcostalsurgical incision in 5 patients and bilateral subcostal surgical incision in 3 patients. 3 right nephrectomy was necessary to remove the entire tumor mass. An en bloc R0 tumor resection was accomplished in all cases.There was no intra and perioperative mortality. All patients recovered well from surgery. The mean follow-up period was 15 (range=6-48) months. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our retrospective study points out the role of open adrenalectomy as the treatment of choice in selected cases with known or suspected malignant adrenal tumors and with size greater than 12 cm.

Preservation of left colic artery with lymph node dissection of IMA root during laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer. Results of a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: During sigmoid or rectal cancer surgery, dissection of lymph-nodes at the origin of inferior mesenteric artery is mandatory. Nevertheless, ligation of the origin of IMA should compromise blood supply to left colon and affect anastomosis. The aim of this retrospective evaluation is to compare high IMA ligation and low IMA ligation with preservation of LCA and skeletonization of the origin of IMA during laparoscopic colorectal resection. METHODS: All 120 patients included were affected by clinically M-0 sigmoid or rectal cancer. A laparoscopic colorectal resection with low or high ligature of IMA was performed. Low ligation was carried out with lymphadenectomy of the arterial root. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to type of treatment: Group A, high IMA ligation (N=65), Group B, low ligation with lymphadenectomy of IMA root (N=55). RESULTS: Preoperatively 59 patients had stage I, 42 patients had stage II  and 19 patients had stage III tumor. A mean of 20.3 +/- 4.5 lymph nodes were removed in group A patients and 18.9 +/- 9.1 in group B patients, and this difference was not statistically significant. Operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were not different between the two group. CONCLUSIONS: Low IMA ligation combined with lymph-node dissection at its origin is safe and effective, not time consuming and not associated to increased risk of complications and nerve damage. This technique can be considered as alternative to standard high IMA ligation in selected patients.

Second jejunal loop adenocarcinoma associated with celiac disease: the first case report.

INTRODUCTION: Jejunal adenocarcinoma is a very rare disease but the frequency of this rare carcinoma is higher in celiac patients. We report the first case report of a second jejunal loop adenocarcinoma associated with celiac disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 47-year-old woman, with a history of celiac disease. Computerized tomographic scans of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a severe retroperitoneal lymphoadenopathy, para-aortic, inter-aorto-caval, porto-caval, posterior pancreaticoduodenal space, celiac trunk, lesser gastric curvature, lymph node grouping. The patient underwent digiunal resection and regional lymphadenectomy. Diagnosis was poorly differentiated jejunal adenocarcinoma, infiltrating subserosal adipose tissue, metastasing in five out of eight regional lymph nodes. U.I.C.C. 2017 grading = pT3 pN2 G3 R0; Stage IIIB. DISCUSSION: The jejunum accounts for 11-25% of small bowel adenocarcinoma, that accounts for less than 5% of gastrointestinal cancer, notwithstanding that 90% of the mucosa surface area of the digestive tract is made by small intestine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a second loop jejunal adenocarcinoma complicating celiac disease. In our study, the diagnosis of cancer was made by computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and the patient was operated. For the diagnosis of small bowel tumour, CT enteroclysis has a sensitivity of 85-95% and a specificity of 90-96%. Complete resection (RO) of the jejunal adenocarcinoma, with regional lymph nodes resection and jejuno-jejunal anastomosis should be performed. CONCLUSION: After curative surgical resections of small bowel adenocarcinoma, adjuvant chemo-therapy has not shown a clear benefit in retrospective studies. Preoperative Chemo-Radio-therapy and careful Imaging Staging are the first steps to planning surgery.