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Microparticles of anthropogenic origin, such as microplastics and microfibers, are pervasive pollutants in the marine environment of the world. These microparticles pollute water and can be ingested by biota; however, while microplastics are often monitored, very few studies focus on microfibers. Coastal areas, such as beaches, are more vulnerable to pollution due to their location between terrestrial and marine environments and their recreational and touristic functions. In this study, microparticle occurrence frequency was investigated along the Calabria coast, Italy, in one touristic beach in comparison with an unpopular one. High amounts of microparticles of anthropogenic origin were found in all sediment samples, despite the evident different tourist exploitation of the two examined beaches. Sediments of the most touristic beach had values between 729.5 ± 212.3 and 1327 ± 125.8 items/kg, instead, the less popular beach between 606.3 ± 102.8 and 1116.5 ± 226.9 items/kg (average and st. dev). Microparticle abundance varied before and after the touristic summer season, increasing in the most popular beach and decreasing in the unpopular one. Differences in microparticle abundance between foreshore and backshore were present too; however, statistical analyses did not show evident relations between microparticle abundance and the distance from the see. Grain size influenced the abundance of microparticles in sediments. Our results improve knowledge on microparticle pollution in marine environments, highlighting information about micropollution in coastal areas. Future studies are needed to understand better microparticle dynamics and ecological impacts in marine and terrestrial systems, implementing new strategies to monitor pollution state, enhancing the natural intermediate environments, and providing useful and sustainable measure of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slowness of dripping and the presence of alcohol have been offered/suggested as possible causes for the increased risk of developing dependence to the oral formulation of lormetazepam rather than to other anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. We hence assessed the time of dripping of the most used benzodiazepines and z-drugs oral solution products under experimental conditions and the different employed excipients through a comparative analysis of the Summaries of Product Characteristics. A wide range of the median overall dispensing time was found across the eight products included in the analysis. Among the products containing LMZ, Minias® ranked in the fourth position, while LMZ Mylan Generics® and Noctamid® in the sixth and third, respectively. Our data suggest that the pace of dripping and the presence of alcohol cannot be considered themselves the cause that triggered the abuse of lormetazepam. More precisely, the quantity of alcohol per bottle has been found negligible at therapeutic doses; however, when these are exceeded, they may have clinical implications for patients. Further studies are needed to assess them. Meanwhile, the public-health problem remains and some improvements should be carried out at different levels, to guarantee the appropriate prescription and use of lormetazepam oral solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation described in this paper focused on the performance-related characterization of cementitious Fluidized Thermal Backfills (FTBs) containing recycled components derived from pavement maintenance and aggregate or stone processing operations. In particular, the study was performed with the purpose of assessing the suitability of these peculiar mixes in situations which require the filling of cavities in the presence of several conduits with high-voltage transmission cables. FTBs were prepared in the laboratory by modifying their standard composition in order to include variable percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and of three different types of mineral sludge. Components were subjected to preliminary physical characterization and the sludges were investigated in detail with the purpose of identifying their microstructure and chemical composition. In consideration of their intended end-use, FTBs were characterized in terms of their flowability, thermal conductivity and thermal stability. Furthermore, while considering a typical layout of high-voltage cables, an analysis was carried out in order to quantitatively assess the influence of FTB composition and characteristics on line ampacity. Results showed that FTBs may be successfully designed to include recycled components while still retaining satisfactory flow characteristics and thermal properties, although it should be considered that they are extremely sensitive to variations in composition. Furthermore, it was proven that the considered FTBs all led to a satisfactory line ampacity and that in fact their formulation may be adjusted to improve the durability of high-voltage cables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bowing phenomenon is so relevant that two projects, EU funded, from 1999 studied it and a European Standard to assess the resistance to thermal and moisture cycles (influencing bowing) has been recently adopted. In particular, according EN 16306: 2013, measurements of bowing and flexural strength should be performed before and at the end of the ageing cycles. Additional non-destructive tests are recommended, but are not compulsory for the standard. Moreover, Annex A of EN 16306 contains guidance on the limit values for the selection of marble types suitable for outdoor uses, especially façade applications. Eleven varieties of marble have been tested by means of this laboratory ageing test. Non-destructive tests such as the measurements of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), adjacent grains analysis, open porosity, and water absorption have been executed together with the conventional flexural strength test. The results obtained from image analysis on thin sections indicate that the AGA index may not always be correlated with the other tests: amount of bowing, loss of flexural strength, or loss of UPV. Some consideration of the decrease in mechanical resistance and the bowing in relation to the variety of marble tested and the limit values indicated in Annex A of EN 16306 can be noted. It is known that bowing and rapid strength loss occur in some varieties of marble when used as exterior cladding and other exterior applications. Additional conclusions have been drawn: bowing and flexural strength correlate well and can be used to assess the suitability of the marble to be employed in outdoors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its simplicity, safety and good short-term results, progressive weight regain and a high incidence of complications have been reported after the adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB). The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of this operation in our patient population. Methods: Between 1990 and 1996, 45 morbidly obese patients underwent insertion of an ASGB. The trend of the patients' BMI over time was studied using a linear mixed effect model adjusted for the preoperative BMI. So as to estimate the cumulative probability of band removal and the cumulative hazard function, Λ(t) Kaplan-Meier analysis was used. Results: 1 year after the operation, the average BMI was 79% of its preoperative value, which then increased linearly over time. The slope of the regression line was estimated at β =0.42, indicating an average increase of 0.42 BMI units per year. 27 bands (60%) were removed because of specific late complications. The cumulative risk of band removal increased linearly with time. The hazard rate was estimated to be λ =0.008 events/patient/month, corresponding to 0.1 events/patient/year. Conclusions: ASGB yielded good short-term results, but the progressive weight regain and constant risk of complications in the long term tend to nullify the optimism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors evaluated the usefulness of routine traditional radiology in the management of patients submitted to VBG. Methods: Radiological findings in 65 subjects who had undergone VBG were evaluated. Post-surgical clinical and radiological examinations were performed 3 days, 1, 4 and 12 months after surgery. Upper GI symptoms, gastroesophageal imaging and 80% solid meal pouch emptying time were recorded. Results: The routine postoperative study, in the absence of clinical symptoms, showed no unsuspected complication in any patient, both in the early and in the late postoperative period. There was no significant correlation at 4 and 12 months between emptying time and duration of satiation, emptying time and percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and duration of satiation and %EWL. Conclusions: Traditional radiological studies can be safely omitted from both the immediate postoperative period and from the long-term follow-up in asymptomatic VBG patients. The studies were not helpful in understanding functional changes leading to weight loss after VBG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), mental retardation and compulsive hyperphagia cause early obesity, the co-morbidities of which lead to short life-expectancy, with death usually occurring in their 20s. Long-term weight loss is mandatory to lengthen the survival; therefore, the lack of compliance in voluntary food restriction requires a surgical malabsorptive approach. Methods: 15 PWS subjects were submitted to biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and followed (100%) for a mean period of 8.5 (4-13) years. BPD consists of a distal gastrectomy with a long Roux-en-Y reconstruction which, by delaying the meeting between food and biliopancreatic juices, causes an intestinal malabsorption. Indication for BPD was BMI >40 or >35 with metabolic complications. Preoperative mean age was 21±5 years, mean weight 127±26 kg, and mean Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2) 53±10. According to Holm's criteria, all of the subjects had a total score ≥8. IQ assessment was performed in each subject, with a mean score of 72±10. An arbitrary lifestyle score was given to each subject. Results: No perioperative complications were observed. Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was 59±15 at 2 years and 56±16 at 3 years, and then progressive regain occurred; at 5 years %EWL was 46±22 and at 10 years 40±27. Spearman rank test failed to demonstrate any correlation between weight loss at 5 years and patient data, except with lifestyle score (Spearman r=0.8548, p<.0001). Current mean age is 31±7 years. Conclusion: BPD has to be considered for its value in prolonging and qualitatively improving the PWS patient's life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]