Exposure to gallium arsenide nanoparticles in a research facility: a case study using molecular beam epitaxy.

We evaluated GaAs nanoparticle-concentrations in the air and on skin and surfaces in a research facility that produces thin films, and to monitored As in the urine of exposed worker. The survey was over a working week using a multi-level approach. Airborne personal monitoring was implemented using a miniature diffusion size classifier (DiSCMini) and IOM sampler.

Laparoscopic right colectomy: Miles away or just around the corner?

Background: Despite the drive toward centralization of surgery in high-volume centers, the majority of colectomies are still performed by low- or medium-volume surgeons.

Materials And Methods: A modification of the technique of laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) originally described by Young-Fadok and Nelson was developed. The key points of that technique were maintained, but a different port-site layout and a counterclockwise approach were adopted, to warrant better trocar triangulation, to reduce the need of right colon manipulation and to avoid dissection along false planes.

Epidemiology of acute cholecystitis and its treatment in Bergamo District, Northern Italy.

Background: Acute calcolous cholecystitis (ACC) is a very common pathology in western countries. The aim of our work was to assess the epidemiology of ACC and its treatment in Bergamo, a northern Italy province, during the last seventeen years.

Methods: A restrospective analysis, covering 1997 to 2013, was performed based on the administrative register of the province Health System.

Time course of cytokines, hemodynamic and metabolic parameters during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Background: Systemic response to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) causes the activation of endocrine, metabolic, hemodynamic and inflammatory processes. The aim of this work is to describe and analyze the time course of the inflammatory markers concentration during CRS+HIPEC in plasma and peritoneal fluids and the association with hemodynamic and metabolic parameters.

Methods: Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were collected.

Intra-rater reliability of an experienced physiotherapist in locating myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle.

Objectives: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are considered the principal clinical feature of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). An MTrP consists of spot tenderness within a taut band of muscle fibers and its stimulation can produce both local and referred pain. The clinical diagnosis of MPS depends on correct history taking and a physical examination aimed at identifying the presence of MTrP.

Peritoneal adhesion index (PAI): proposal of a score for the "ignored iceberg" of medicine and surgery.

Peritoneal adhesions describe a condition in which pathological bonds form between the omentum, the small and large bowels, the abdominal wall, and other intra-abdominal organs. Different classification systems have been proposed, but they do not resolve the underlying problem of ambiguity in the quantification and definition of adhesions. We therefore propose a standardized classification system of adhesions to universalize their definition based on the macroscopic appearance of adhesions and their diffusion to different regions of the abdomen.

Thoracic wall reconstruction with Collamend® in trauma: report of a case and review of the literature.

Introduction: Despite progress in reconstructive techniques, rebuilding portions of the thorax remains challenging, in particular when large resections, contamination or infection are involved. No other cases of thoracic reconstruction in trauma patients with biological prosthesis have been described since now.

Methods: We report a case of thoracic reconstruction in highly infected field in a trauma patient.

Italian Biological Prosthesis Work-Group (IBPWG): proposal for a decisional model in using biological prosthesis.

Introduction: Indications for repair of abdominal hernia are well established and widely diffused. Controversies still exist about the indication in using the different prosthetic materials and principally about the biological ones.

Material And Methods: In February 2012, the Italian Biological Prosthesis Work-Group (IBPWG), counting a background of 264 biologic implants, met in Bergamo (Italy) for 1-day meeting with the aim to elaborate a decisional model on biological prosthesis use in abdominal surgery.

Liver retransplantation in adults: the largest multicenter Italian study.

This study is the largest Italian survey on liver retransplantations (RET). Data report on 167 adult patients who received 2 grafts, 16 who received 3 grafts, and one who received 4 grafts over a 11 yr period.There was no statistically significant difference in graft survival after the first or the second RET (52, 40, and 29% vs 44, 36, and 18% at 1,5,and 10 yr, respectively: Log-Rank test, p = 0.