Geodetic and Remote-Sensing Sensors for Dam Deformation Monitoring.

In recent years, the measurement of dam displacements has benefited from a great improvement of existing technology, which has allowed a higher degree of automation. This has led to data collection with an improved temporal and spatial resolution. Robotic total stations and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) techniques, often in an integrated manner, may provide efficient solutions for measuring 3D displacements on precise locations on the outer surfaces of dams.

Estimating and Comparing Dam Deformation Using Classical and GNSS Techniques.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers are nowadays commonly used in monitoring applications, e.g., in estimating crustal and infrastructure displacements.

A comparison of EuroQol 5-Dimension health-related utilities using Italian, UK, and US preference weights in a patient sample.

Weights associated with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) instrument represent preferences for health states elicited from general population's samples. Weights have not been calculated for every country; however, empirical research shows that cross-country differences exist. This empirical study aims at investigating the impact of recently developed Italian weights in comparison with UK and US scores on health-related utility calculation using a sample of patients with Crohn's disease.

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for non-invasive diagnosis of oesophageal varices: is it useful in compensated cirrhosis?

Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for identification of oesophageal varices and/or hypertensive gastropathy in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Methods: Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was calculated in 87 consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis. A new cut-off with the highest sensitivity and specificity for the presence/absence of oesophageal varices and/or hypertensive gastropathy was identified.

Meta-analysis: long-term therapy with rifaximin in the management of uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Background: Diverticular disease of the colon is a common gastrointestinal disease. Although most patients remain asymptomatic for their whole life, about 20-25% present symptoms related to 'diverticular disease'. Several randomised trials verified efficacy of a poorly absorbed antibiotic, such as rifaximin-α (rifaximin), in soothing symptoms and preventing diverticulitis.