A geo-chemo-mechanical study of a highly polluted marine system (Taranto, Italy) for the enhancement of the conceptual site model.

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the geo-chemo-mechanical data gathered through an innovative multidisciplinary investigation campaign in the Mar Piccolo basin, a heavily polluted marine bay aside the town of Taranto (Southern Italy). The basin is part of an area declared at high environmental risk by the Italian government. The cutting-edge approach to the environmental characterization of the site was promoted by the Special Commissioner for urgent measures of reclamation, environmental improvements and redevelopment of Taranto and involved experts from several research fields, who cooperated to gather a new insight into the origin, distribution, mobility and fate of the contaminants within the basin.

A Mediterranean mesophotic coral reef built by non-symbiotic scleractinians.

This is the first description of a Mediterranean mesophotic coral reef. The bioconstruction extended for 2.5 km along the Italian Adriatic coast in the bathymetric range -30/-55 m.

Corneal temperature changes during photorefractive keratectomy using the Laserscan 2000 flying spot laser.

Purpose: To evaluate the thermal variations during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) induced by a Laserscan 2000 flying spot excimer laser.

Methods: Thermal changes during PRK were recorded using a non-contact infrared thermometer on 58 eyes with an attempted correction ranging from -1.25 to -9.

Retinal nerve fiber layer measurements using scanning laser polarimetry after photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To assess the effects of corneal depth changes on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) postoperative measurements in myopic patients who had undergone photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: A total of 120 myopic patients underwent PRK for myopia (range -2 to -10 diopters) and were divided into three groups according to their myopic correction: lower than 3 diopters (low myopia group), between 3 and 6 diopters (medium myopia group), over 6 diopters (high myopia group). RNFL parameters were evaluated preoperatively and 5 days, 3 months and 6 months after surgery, using a GDx NFA II scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven) in the treatment of two patients with type III von Willebrand's disease and an inhibitor against von Willebrand factor.

Two siblings affected by type III von Willebrand's disease with precipitating alloantibodies against von Willebrand's factor (vWF) and not susceptible to treatment with factor VIII/vWF concentrates received recombinant activated factor VII for oral surgery. This therapy, combined with antifibrinolytic drugs and local application of fibrin glue, seems to be effective and safe. It may be considered a promising approach to the management of this rare condition.