Big Data and the Little Big Bang: An Epistemological (R)evolution.

Starting from an analysis of frequently employed definitions of big data, it will be argued that, to overcome the intrinsic weaknesses of big data, it is more appropriate to define the object in relational terms. The excessive emphasis on volume and technological aspects of big data, derived from their current definitions, combined with neglected epistemological issues gave birth to an objectivistic rhetoric surrounding big data as implicitly neutral, omni-comprehensive, and theory-free. This rhetoric contradicts the empirical reality that embraces big data: (1) data collection is not neutral nor objective; (2) exhaustivity is a mathematical limit; and (3) interpretation and knowledge production remain both theoretically informed and subjective.

[Surgical anatomy, diagnosis and treatment of spigelian hernia].

In reporting 11 cases of Spigelian hernia observed, the Authors describe pathological findings of this rare disease. Aetiopathogenesis as well as indication for surgery and surgical technique are stressed.

[Hematomas of the abdominal rectus muscle].

The authors report their experience in relation to a series of 12 cases of hematoma of the rectus abdominis (ER) observed over the course of 13 years at the 2nd Division of General Surgery at Vicenza Hospital: 7 were spontaneous, 2 post-traumatic, 1 occurred during anti-coagulant treatment, 1 in a patient with altered coagulation levels due to liver cirrhosis, and 1 was post-operative. Clinical symptoms were sub-acute in 8 cases and were characterised by abdominal pain in all cases, the appearance of an abdominal mass in 4 cases and by ecchymosis in 3 cases. Symptoms were acute in 4 cases with signs of impaired general conditions and anemia.

[Primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum: a clinical case and review of the literature].

A case of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma recently observed gives the Authors the chance to review the literature. Diagnosis is often delayed because symptomatology is usually vague and non specific, a fact that is even more in contrast with diagnostic techniques, which, on the contrary, are handy and easily performed (endoscopy, duodenography). Surgical resection is the only proposable treatment while no local and distant diffusion has yet showed, otherwise the operation is limited to a digestive and/or biliary derivation.

[Rectal cancer in the elderly patient: the results of surgical therapy].

The study was carried out on 100 patients over 70 suffering from rectal cancer. The operative death-rate resulted higher in wider resections than in more limited ones, though the former showed a lower incidence of relapse and higher survival rates. Operative death-rate was more strictly related to the presence of cardiorespiratory alterations than to age per se.