Modeling of the hemodynamics in the feet of patients with peripheral artery disease.

To simulate the hemodynamic effects in the feet in response to a thigh cuff occlusion, we have developed a multi-compartmental model in which the circulatory system for the leg is represented by its electrical equivalents. Dynamic vascular optical tomographic imaging data previously obtained from 20 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and 20 healthy subjects is used to test the model. Analyzing the clinical data with the support of the model yields diagnostic specificity and sensitivity in the 90-95% range, significantly higher than previously reported.

Bioelectrochemical treatment of table olive brine processing wastewater for biogas production and phenolic compounds removal.

Industry of table olives is widely distributed over the Mediterranean countries and generates large volumes of processing wastewaters (TOPWs). TOPWs contain high levels of organic matter, salt, and phenolic compounds that are recalcitrant to microbial degradation. This work aims to evaluate the potential of bioelectrochemical systems to simultaneously treat real TOPWs and recover energy. The experiments were performed in potentiostatically-controlled single-chamber systems fed with real TOPW and using a moderate halophilic consortium as biocatalyst. In conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) treatment, ie. where no potential was applied, no CH4 was produced. In comparison, Bio-Electrochemical Systems (BES) showed a maximum CH4 yield of 701 ± 13 NmL CH4·LTOPW(-1) under a current density of 7.1 ± 0.4 A m(-2) and with a coulombic efficiency of 30%. Interestingly, up to 80% of the phenolic compounds found in the raw TOPW (i.e. hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) were removed. A new theoretical degradation pathway was proposed after identification of the metabolic by-products. Consistently, microbial community analysis at the anode revealed a clear and specific enrichment in anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) from the genera Desulfuromonas and Geoalkalibacter, supporting the key role of these electroactive microorganisms. As a conclusion, bioelectrochemical systems represent a promising bioprocess alternative for the treatment and energy recovery of recalcitrant TOPWs.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the diagnostic staging of breast cancer in southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: There are marked regional differences in breast cancer mortality rates in Italy, probably linked to factors such as diagnostic delay, therapeutic strategies, and biologic and sociodemographic differences. To investigate a possible link between sociodemographic factors (e.g. age, education, and residence) and delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer, data were evaluated from all such patients from our Institute living in the Campania Region of Southern Italy for 1991-1993. METHODS: Patients were grouped into Tis-T1/N0-N+ versus T2-4/N0-N+ and the variables examined were age (< 40, 41-50, 51-60, > 60 years), education (< or = 5 vs. > 5 school years) and residence (urban vs. rural). An analysis was made using the Pearson's Chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for both residence (P = 0.04) and education level (P = 0.03) in the older than 60 years age group, but only for residence (P = 0.03) in the 51-60 years age group. The risks according to Mantel-Haenszel were 1.28 for education (P = 0.08) and 1.32 for residence in rural municipalities (P = 0.05). The odds ratio for residence in rural municipalities, adjusted by education and by the education-residence interaction, was 2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-4.54) in the 51-60 years age group and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.01-3.00) in the older than 60 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: These data clearly indicate that residents of rural municipalities, as well as poorly educated subjects, are more likely than their respective counter-parts to have a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.

[Clinical considerations on the use of a new synthetic androgen, Calusterone, in the treatment of advanced breast cancer]. / Considerazioni cliniche sull'impiego di un nuovo androgeno di sintesi, il Calusterone, nella terapia del cancro della mammella in fase avanzata.

Results with a new synthetic androgen (Calusterone) in the management of 22 cases of advanced breast cancer are presented. Reference is made to the doses employed, the therapeutic results observed, and the side-effects caused by the drug. By comparison with the literature data, a partial response to treatment was observed in 47% of the series.