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Near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are 2 recent tools introduced to improve postoperative parathyroid function during thyroid surgery.We conducted a randomized prospective study. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were randomly assigned either to the fluorescence group, in which near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence were used, or to the control group. The primary outcomes of the study were the rate of postoperative transient and symptomatic hypocalcemia.A significantly higher number of parathyroid glands were identified in the fluorescence group (3.83 vs 3.64, P = .028). The rate of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the fluorescence group (6% vs 17%, P = .015), as was the dosage (1.53 vs 1.91 g, P = .007) and the duration of calcium therapy (32.30 vs 45.66 days, P = .003). Having at least 2 well-vascularized parathyroid glands correlates to lower rates of transient hypocalcemia (7.4% vs 21.9%, P = .037) as well as to higher serum calcium (8.70 vs 8.42 mg/dL, P = .027) and parathyroid hormone levels (19.15 vs 11.4 pg/mL, P = .0002) on postoperative day 1.Near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are novel tools that may support the endocrine surgeon in preserving and predicting post-thyroidectomy parathyroid gland function.

Acoustic methods applied to opaque systems have attracted the attention of researchers in fluid mechanics. In particular, owing to their ability to characterise in real-time, non-transparent and highly concentrated fluid-particle systems, they have been applied to the study of complex multiphase flows such as fluidised beds. This paper gives an overview of the physical principles and typical challenges of ultrasound and acoustic emission AE methods when applied to fluid-particle systems. The principles of ultrasound imaging are explained first. The measurement techniques and signal processing methodologies for obtaining velocity profiles, size distribution of the dispersed phases, and solid volume fraction are then discussed. The techniques are based on the measurement of attenuation, sound speed, frequency shift, and transit time of the propagated sound wave. A description of the acoustic emission technique and applications to fluid-particle systems are then discussed. Finally, extensions and future opportunities of the acoustic techniques are presented.

Riassunto La chirurgia della tiroide si e evoluta dalla sua descrizione iniziale di Kocher alla fine del XIX secolo. Alla fine del XX secolo, e apparsa la tiroidectomia endoscopica, chiamata anche videoassistita. All’inizio del XXI secolo, gli sviluppi tecnologici hanno permesso la realizzazione della tiroidectomia robotica. Se la tiroidectomia convenzionale tramite cervicotomia rimane la tecnica piu ampiamente utilizzata in tutto il mondo, essa ha visto la sua pratica implementata dal monitoraggio dei nervi ricorrenti e vago. La tiroidectomia ha le sue indicazioni per il cancro della tiroide e per le patologie benigne della tiroide. In caso di cancro, comprende un trattamento del tumore tiroideo e delle aree linfonodali. Le raccomandazioni internazionali hanno tentato di standardizzare le indicazioni chirurgiche per le lesioni maligne. Questo articolo descrive la tecnica della tiroidectomia convenzionale tramite cervicotomia.

Resumen La cirugia tiroidea ha evolucionado desde su descripcion inicial por Kocher a finales del siglo XIX. A finales del siglo XX, surgio la tiroidectomia endoscopica, tambien denominada videoasistida. A comienzos del siglo XXI, los avances tecnologicos han permitido la realizacion de la tiroidectomia robotica. Aunque la tiroidectomia convencional por cervicotomia sigue siendo la tecnica mas utilizada en todo el mundo, su tecnica se ha complementado con la monitorizacion de los nervios recurrentes y vago. La tiroidectomia tiene sus indicaciones en caso de cancer de glandula tiroidea y para patologias tiroideas benignas. En caso de cancer, consta del tratamiento del tumor tiroideo y de las areas ganglionares. Varias recomendaciones internacionales han intentado estandarizar las indicaciones quirurgicas para las lesiones malignas. En este articulo se describe la tecnica de la tiroidectomia abierta convencional por cervicotomia.

Riassunto La chirurgia tiroidea si e evoluta dalla sua descrizione iniziale da parte di Kocher alla fine del XIX secolo. Alla fine del XX secolo, e apparsa la tiroidectomia endoscopica, definita anche videoassistita. All’inizio del XXI secolo, gli sviluppi tecnologici hanno permesso la realizzazione della tiroidectomia robotica. Se la tiroidectomia convenzionale mediante cervicotomia rimane la tecnica piu utilizzata al mondo, questa ha visto la sua pratica implementata dal monitoraggio dei nervi ricorrenti e vaghi. La tiroidectomia ha le sue indicazioni in caso di cancro alla tiroide e di alcune patologie tiroidee benigne. In caso di cancro, comprende il trattamento del tumore tiroideo e delle aree linfonodali. Alcune raccomandazioni internazionali hanno tentato di standardizzare le indicazioni chirurgiche per le lesioni maligne. Questo articolo descrive la tiroidectomia videoassistita nota anche come MIVAT (mini-invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy) e la tiroidectomia robotica.

To evaluate the effects on modulation of K+ channel in antiviral treatments, we report the application of potassium channel blockers (PCBs) tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and cesium chloride (Cs) in in vitro plantlets or callus cultures infected by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The effect of PCBs were evaluated in: a) in vitro TMV-infection trials, where PCB-treatments were applied during infection process of healthy plantlet; b) chemotherapy trials, where PCB-treatments were applied in combination to antiviral drugs on TMV-infected plantlets; c) in antiviral trials using callus culture and sieving technique. Both PCBs were able to reduce relative concentration of virus [calculated as Fold Changes (FC) relative to control samples] during infection process, with major effect observed at 7 dpi and in medium or upper portions of plantlet. Positive effects of PCBs were also observed following chemotherapy trials, where TEA significantly improves antiviral effectiveness of the antiviral drugs, causing higher FC compared to that obtained with just chemotherapy treatment since 3th subculture. Nevertheless, plantlets were positive to TMV up to 6th subculture, thus virus elimination was not achieved). Finally, the callus culture and sieving technique lead to 11.1 ± 3.8% of TMV-negative plantlets, while TEA-treated mother-calli lead to 22.2 ± 3.8% of negative plantlets. Concluding, findings suggest that modulation of K+, previously indicated as essential in early stages of viral infection, could be also involved in antiviral techniques.

This work explores the use of advanced thermal technologies for the conversion of refuse derived fuel prepared from MSW into clean syngas suitable for catalytic transformation into light hydrocarbon products. In particular, the possibilities for the specific production of C1–C4 hydrocarbons utilising a good quality syngas produced by two-stage plasma assisted gasification method are investigated. A number of catalytic tests were prepared with modified chemistry to evaluate the preliminary component activities on real waste-derived syngas. C1–C4 paraffins formed in all cases as a main products, with different product distribution for different conditions examined (up to 95% bioSNG on hydrocarbon product for supported nickel, 40% bioLPG for Cu–Zn/ZSM-5 catalysts mix). CO2 was the main byproduct with outlet concentrations ranging from 10 to 50% in volume. When increasing H2:CO in the syngas by external addition of hydrogen, CO conversion increases, as well as paraffin selectivity and hydrocarbons yield. Projections on a 65 MW thermal input bioSNG plant show that if 40 MW of electrical output from renewable sources are used to power a PEM stack during high power availability, the production of bioSNG could be increased by more than 33%, with a simultaneous reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 43%.

In the field of forensic toxicology, the use of non-destructive and easy-to-use analytical techniques deserves remarkable attention, especially in those situations involving public health and security. In addition, the miniaturization and portability of one-touch devices for the detection of specific threats is required more and more. In this study, a novel on-site MicroNIR/Chemometric platform was developed to perform a real-time prediction of cocaine and its metabolites in non pre-treated oral fluid. Simulated oral fluids were prepared in water in order to calibrate the instrumental response and the matrix effect was consequently evaluated by processing spiked oral fluids collected from volunteers. The procedure was optimized using a proper experimental design taking into account the equilibrium between cocaine and benzoylecgonine in the range 10–100 ng-ml and validated by comparing results with the reference official method (GC-MS). The developed method was statistically able to discriminate oral fluid samples containing cocaine from 10 to 100 ng/ml and demonstrated to be not affected by the variability of the matrix as all the blank samples of different volunteers (smokers and non smokers, assuming caffeine, sugars, chewing-gum or alcohol) as well as spiked oral fluids were correctly predicted by the model. In addition, results from six real samples confirmed the feasibility of the miniaturized platform to provide a correct identification of cocaine abuse and to propose the MicroNIR as innovative personal screening system to prevent accidents and in cases involving workplace surveillance.

The co-gasification of beech-wood and polyethylene has been investigated in a lab-scale fluidised-bed reactor in the presence of four different types of bed materials (silica sand, olivine, Na-Y zeolite and ZSM-5 zeolite). ZSM-5 zeolite is very effective as a catalytic bed material in fluidized-bed reactor for wood-only gasification and co-gasification in terms of high hydrogen production and CGE. Na-Y zeolite is more effective compared with ZSM-5 zeolite in co-gasification of the beech-wood and polyethylene process. The catalytic activity in co-gasification of beech-wood and polyethylene can be ranked accordingly: Na-Y zeolite > ZSM-5 zeolite > olivine. In general, higher amounts of steam injected in the fluidized-bed reactor and more polyethylene would lead to higher hydrogen production in the co-gasification process.

Fingerprints play a key role in crime scene investigations because their friction ridges pattern can be used for identification purposes. In most cases, fingermarks are invisible and influenced by substrates or environmental factors. Latent fingermarks, on non-porous substrates, developed by traditional cyanoacrylate fuming process, often lack contrast with the substrates; therefore further enhancements are required, such as dye staining or powder dusting. This second step, that is part of the conventional detection, aims at improving contrast and at increasing the legibility of details. To avoid the second step, several commercially available formulations of cyanoacrylate have been recently manufactured and marketed as “one-step” fuming reagents for latent fingerprints visualization. In particular, Lumicyano is found to be very promising, combining the cyanoacrylate fuming and the dyeing procedures into a one-step process offering the potential to save time and effort in the detection of latent fingermarks. In this work, a detailed comparative examination between conventional, two steps process (cyanoacrylate fuming followed by staining with Basic Yellow 40) and Lumicyano is proposed for fingerprints detection, in cooperation with the Scientific Investigation Department (Carabinieri-RIS) of Rome. The study has been conducted on fresh and aged fingermarks (up to 100 days) and applied to non-porous surfaces without changing the fuming chamber settings of forensic laboratories. Fingermarks has been detected with UV Reflection (λ254) using SceneScope RUVIS instrumentation; furthermore, marks have been observed under white light and in fluorescence (λ415 e λ515) with crimescope system in order to ensure a good compatibility with the forensic light sources available within most police forces. The Lumicyano fluorescence decay was also evaluated up to 20 days. The possibility of further DNA detection after marks visualization, has also been investigated to propose a novel approach able to detect fingermarks and DNA from the same forensic trace. Furthermore, NMR analysis was performed to get some information about the interaction between the ethyl-2-polycyanoacrylate and 3-chloro-6-ethoxy-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Lumicyano post fumigation) as well as to understand whether the fluorophore binds covalently the polymer formed on the ridges. The results indicate that good ridges clarity and excellent contrast are observed with one-step process, concluding that Lumicyano detects fingermarks with equal or better sensitivity and ridge details than currently used cyanoacrylate, allowing marks' acquisition ever after 100 days. This study has shown that further enhancement with Basic Yellow 40 (BY40) after Lumicyano can still be carried out if required, allowing the visualization of marks using a different combination of incident/emission longwave, for best performing results. Moreover, Lumicyano was found to be compatible with a subsequent DNA. The results of NMR analysis show that there is no chemical covalent bond between fluorophore and polymer.

The coupling of Thermogravimetry (TG) in conjuction with chemometrics was investigated for the first time to evaluate the capabilities of this novel test to provide the screening of thalassemia in blood samples stored at 4 °C until 15 days. Healthy donors were considered as reference subjects and a typical thermal behaviour as a function of aging was estimated and compared to thermal behaviour of thalassemia subjects. Diagnosis of thalassemia was made at the Day-Hospital Thalassemia of S. Eugenio Hospital through a comprehensive assessment of clinical presentation and hematological and molecular analysis. Despite blood changes with aging, the application of the TGA/Chemometrics test reveal that healthy and thalassemic population may be significantly differentiated after 15 days from blood collection with a 100% of correct classification rate. This new method applied to aged samples was able to discriminate thalassemia in transfused patients that is generally not possible by the common first level protocol used for thalassemia screening, and in δβ-thalassemias, and β-thalassemia combined with Hb Lepore, usually requiring the molecular analysis for diagnosis. This study, for the first time, describes a screening method for thalassemia able to detect thalassemia on whole blood samples stored for 15 days. In conclusion TGA/Chemometrics screening test for thalassemia is not influenced by the aging of blood samples and this approach could open the way to prevention programs for thalassemia also in the developing countries where expertise and facilities for their control are extremely limited or in situation involving delayed analyses.

The electrostatic precipitators ash leachate (EPAL) from recovery boilers of kraft pulp mills is generated in processes dedicated to the removal of potassium and chloride salts seeking to avoid fouling and corrosion in pipes and equipment. However, the EPAL is rich in salts and has high electrical conductivity. Whenever it is sent to the effluent treatment plant (ETP), it can cause negative impacts to the biological process. It may jeopardize particularly the microbial community and the sludge bio-flocculation, causing sludge losses in the secondary clarifiers, reducing the overall efficiency of the effluent treatment plant. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of EPAL from the recovery boilers added to a typical effluent from a bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp mill in gradually increased doses and in sudden doses (shock loads) in the efficiency of the biological treatment. Three biological sequential batch reactors (R1, R2, R3) with a volume of 1000 ml each were tested. The Reactor R1 was operated as a reference and fed only with typical effluent from the pulp mill; Reactor R2 was fed with mill effluent with gradually increased doses of EPAL in fixed proportions until reaching a real industrial condition; Reactor R3 was fed with mill effluent and with sudden doses of EPAL. The reactors were operated in similar conditions, i.e., the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) was always kept higher than 2 mg L−1, COD:N:P ratio equal to 250:5:1 and hydraulic retention time of 12 h. Depending on the dose which was applied, the EPAL inhibited microbiological activity, reduced the efficiency of COD removal of the biological treatment (10% when EPAL was gradually applied and 15% in sudden doses) and increased the sludge carryover in the sedimentation phase (148% when EPAL was gradually applied and 170% in sudden dosages). Furthermore, the reduced efficiency and suspended solid carryover were more significant when sudden doses were applied compared to the application of gradual doses of the EPAL.

A non-intrusive X-ray imaging technique has been used to investigate the behaviour of solid feedstock particles in a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor operated at temperatures up to 650 °C. Beech wood and polypropylene particles of different sizes have been chosen to represent the main constituents of typical thermochemical processes feedstock. The experiments were conducted under either oxidizing or inert conditions. The presence of oxygen showed a strong effect on the overall devolatilization time, which was found to be in the range of 30-112 seconds and 40-174 seconds for beech wood and polypropylene, respectively. Surprisingly, the oxidizing nature of the fluidizing medium appears to have no influence on the volatiles release within the bed in form of the so-called endogenous bubbles. These volatiles bubbles are responsible for a lift force acting on the feedstock particle itself, which ultimately encourages the segregation towards the bed surface. A one-dimensional physical model has been developed to predict particle axial location over time, taking into account both dynamic and thermal conversion behaviour of a single feedstock particle. A revised version of the model has been proposed due to new knowledge of endogenous bubbles size provided by a novel X-ray imaging approach. Results showed very accurate predictions of the 1D model for biomass particles, which segregate towards the bed surface according to the multiple bubble segregation pattern. However, the model fails in describing plastics behaviour, possibly due to different mechanisms of reactions. The observations reported in this work show the importance of investigation at single particle level and may serve to promote new methods to gain a better understanding of plastics thermal decomposition in fluidized beds, whose mechanism is still uncertain.

Bio-substitute natural gas (or BioSNG) produced from gasification of waste fuels and subsequent methanation of the product gas could play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of heating and transportation, and could be a vital part of the energy mix in the coming decades. The BioSNG demonstration plant described in this paper seeks to prove the technical feasibility of the thermal gasification of waste to renewable gas, through a preliminary experimental programme to take an existing stream of syngas, methanate it and show that it can be upgraded to gas grid quality requirements. The syngas used in the project is a waste-derived syngas from a two-stage fluidised bed - plasma pilot facility, which is then converted and upgraded in a new, dedicated conversion and clean up plant. Extensive trials were undertaken on methanation and gas upgrading units for over 60 h of continuous operation. The fundamentals of a once-through methanation process train have been established on the demonstration facility and a model built to extend the analysis over different operational parameters. Over the trials, methane outputs of greater than 50 kWth output were routinely produced from three methanation reactors in series, with a total CO conversion exceeding 90% at pressures as low as atmospheric, in line with kinetic model predictions. Retention of CO2 as well as adequate partial pressure of H2O in the process stream was important for process control. The plant provided demonstration of the efficacy of a PSA system for separation of CO2 (99% removal efficiency) as well as the potential to remove a proportion of residual H2, N2 and CO, although this was associated with appreciable CH4 slip. The process can be optimized primarily by reducing inlet temperature to methanation reactors, controlling syngas composition and using adequate steam to carbon ratio, depending on the type of waste. This information can be used to inform the design and economics of subsequent planned commercial plants that could significantly increase the potential of renewable gas in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, providing a low cost route to low carbon heat and transport.