Neural correlates of egocentric and allocentric frames of reference combined with metric and non-metric spatial relations.

Spatial relations (SRs: coordinate/metric vs categorical/non metric) and frames of reference (FoRs: egocentric/body vs allocentric/external element) represent the building blocks underlying any spatial representation. In the present 7-T fMRI study we have identified for the first time the neural correlates of the spatial representations emerging from the combination of the two dimensions. The direct comparison between the different spatial representations revealed a bilateral fronto-parietal network, mainly right sided, that was more involved in the egocentric categorical representations. A right fronto-parietal circuitry was specialized for egocentric coordinate representations. A bilateral occipital network was more involved in the allocentric categorical representations. Finally, a smaller part of this bilateral network (i.e. Calcarine Sulcus and Lingual Gyrus), along with the right Supramarginal and Inferior Frontal gyri, supported the allocentric coordinate representations. The fact that some areas were more involved in a spatial representation than in others reveals how our brain builds adaptive spatial representations in order to effectively react to specific environmental needs and task demands.

Putting emotions in routes: the influence of emotionally laden landmarks on spatial memory.

The aim of this study was to assess how people memorize spatial information of emotionally laden landmarks along a route and if the emotional value of the landmarks affects the way metric and configurational properties of the route itself are represented. Three groups of participants were asked to watch a movie of a virtual walk along a route. The route could contain positive, negative, or neutral landmarks. Afterwards, participants were asked to: (a) recognize the landmarks; (b) imagine to walk distances between landmarks; (c) indicate the position of the landmarks along the route; (d) judge the length of the route; (e) draw the route. Results showed that participants who watched the route with positive landmarks were more accurate in locating the landmarks along the route and drawing the route. On the other hand, participants in the negative condition judged the route as longer than participants in the other two conditions and were less accurate in mentally reproducing distances between landmarks. The data will be interpreted in the light of the "feelings-as-information theory" by Schwarz (2010) and the most recent evidence about the effect of emotions on spatial memory. In brief, the evidence collected in this study supports the idea that spatial cognition emerges from the interaction between an organism and contextual characteristics.

[Colorectal reconversion after Hartmann procedure. Apropos of 26 cases]. / Riconversione colo-rettale dopo intervento di Hartmann. A proposito di 26 casi.

The authors report the RCR results executed on 26 patients submitted to Hartmann operation for colo-rectal emergency at the Surgical Department of S. Giovanni Hospital during the period 1986-1995. The reconversion index (46.4%), the morbidity (42.3%) and the operation mortality (3.8%) agree with those reported in the writings. Therefore, the tactical, technical and prognostic aspect related to RCR are examined, a heavy operation fully justified by the patient quality of life expectations.

[The Hartmann procedure in colorectal emergencies. Report of 76 cases]. / L'intervento di Hartmann nelle urgenze colo-rettali. Riflessioni su 76 casi.

The Hartmann procedure has, in emergency colo-rectal surgery, many implications. The decision is based on clinical, radiological, instrumental and pathological findings. The authors report the results of 76 Hartmann's procedures performed between 1986 and 1995 and compare their results with those found in the current medical literature on the topic. In particular, they draw attention to an increased use of this procedures in colo-rectal emergencies; the morbility and mortality rates confirm the severity of the clinical cases that can be treated with this operation. To improve results the authors propose a therapeutic plan that uses a score for stratification of the risk (MPI, APA-CHE II, SSI, Hinchey); so the surgeon can choose the best surgical operation. Finally, the authors underline the importance of the principles of oncology surgery in colo-rectal cancer.

[Savariaud's maneuver in surgical procedures used for direct hemostasis in gastric hemorrhage]. / La manovra di Savariaud nei procedimenti chirurgici di emostasi diretta per emorragia gastrica.

The paper illustrates the manoeuvre proposed by Savariaud for the surgical exploration of the gastric cavity. The indications and results of the method are described and its considerable diagnostic and therapeutic value are underlined especially in the presence of severe gastric hemorrhage.

[Clamping the suprahepatic inferior vena cava in emergency surgery. Technical note]. / Controllo della vena cava inferiore sovraepatica in urgenza. Note di tecnica chirurgica.

In major hepatic surgery the temporary exclusion of the vena cava may be achieved using a variety of more or less complex procedures. Alternatively, for use above all in emergency surgery, the paper illustrates a method of clamping the suprahepatic inferior vena cava using a left lateral route, which is quick to carry out and undoubtedly efficient.

[Subdiaphragmatic aortic clamping in abdominal hemorrhagic emergencies]. / Clampaggio aortico sottodiaframmatico nelle emergenze emorragiche addominali.

The paper describes a technique of subdiaphragmatic aortic clamping as a provisional method to stop blood flow in abdominal hemorrhage emergencies. The numerous indications for the method and satisfactory results obtained by its use are described.

[Position anomalies of the gallbladder. Apropos of 4 cases]. / Anomalie di posizione della colecisti. A proposito di quattro osservazioni.

Four cases of ectopic gallbladder are reported and interesting pictures presented. Related embryological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are then examined.

[Hemoperitoneum in segmental portal hypertension caused by pancreatic pseudocyst]. / Emoperitoneo in corso di ipertensione portale distrettuale da pseudocisti pancreatica.

A case of haemoperitoneum during segmentary portal hypertension due to pancreatic pseudocyst is reported. After a short general review, certain physiopathological and therapeutic aspects of particular practical interest are presented.

[Total parenteral nutrition in surgery]. / La nutrizione parenterale totale in chirurgia.

Following a number of general remarks regarding the metabolic physiopathology of the surgical patient, the indications and biochemical premises for total parenteral nutrition are examined. Stress is also labor, on problems of administration routes and modalities and on the chemico-clinical controls needed to weigh up the technique. Finally, the results of personal experience in the treatment of 16 patients whose prevalent pathology consist of necrotico-haemorrhagic A.P. and its sequelae are reported. The usefulness of the technique is confirmed because it offers interesting results in difficult and often dramatic surgical situations.