Prediction of atrial fibrillation from surface ECG: review of methods and algorithms.

The study aims to review the mathematical methods developed for the prediction of atrial fibrillation by analysis of surface electrocardiographic records in paroxysmal or post-cardiosurgery patients. A risk stratification based on ECG analysis would be very useful either to optimise the prophylactic antiarrhythmic treatment in high risk patients, or to limit drugs administration in low risk subjects. The works published so far managed to achieve good results in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Flat foot: a comparison of surgical methods.

The authors present a comparative review of cases concerning the results obtained in the treatment of idiopathic flat foot: the methods compared were Castaman exosinotarsal arthrorisis and Giannini endosinotarsal arthrorisis. Between 1990 and 1198 a total of 80 patients, of which 40 with calcaneo-stop, and 40 with Giannini screws, were submitted to surgery at the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The clinical, radiographic and functional results were classified as good, fair and poor.

[Glomus tumor and neovascular syndrome of the arm: a clinical case].

Glomus tumour represents a benign tumor which originates from myoepithelial cells of arteriovenous anastomosis that has a preference for subungual localization with painful and multiform symptomatology. A fifty-year-old female presented a vasospastic symptom with hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity in the fourth finger of the right hand. There was a little palpable tumefaction and after an echography, we decided for surgical revision.

2-Aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles from 1-alkynes and o-iodotrifluoroacetanilide through a domino copper-catalyzed coupling-cyclization process.

[reaction: see text] A general method for the synthesis of 2-aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles from aryl iodides and 1-alkynes through a domino copper-catalyzed process is reported. The best results have been obtained with [Cu(phen)(PPh(3))(2)]NO(3) in the presence of K(3)PO(4) in toluene or dioxane at 110 degrees C. 2-Aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles can also be isolated in good yields by using catalysts derived from CuI and PPh(3) in dioxane at 110 degrees C.

Selective and environmentally friendly methodologies based on the use of electrochemistry for fine chemical preparation: an efficient synthesis of N,N'-disubstituted ureas.

A novel efficient synthesis of N,N'-disubstituted ureas has been developed. Aromatic and aliphatic primary amines undergo oxidative carbonylation under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide using Pd(II) catalyst in combination with its anodic recycling at a graphite electrode.

[Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts: a case report].

The ciliated hepatic foregut cysts (CHFC) are uncommon benign lesions with columnar ciliated epithelium covering a connective lapse tissue. They are solitary uniloculate cysts localized in the left lobe of the liver. The diagnosis is made occasionally during autopsy or imaging studies for not related symptoms.

[Therapeutic strategies in neoplasms of the distal bile duct and the Vater's ampulla].

Malignant periampullary and ampullary tumors represent an anatomic and clinical entity of complex surgical approach due to the difficulty in setting out an early diagnosis, for the back of symptoms at early stages. The Authors at the Department of Surgery and Medical Technology Applications "F. Durante", University of Rome "La Sapienza", since 1990 to 2001 observed 19 cases.

[Benign cicatricial stenosis of colorectal anastomosis: considerations on 2 cases].

During the surgical treatment of two patients with benign anastomotic colorectal stenosis, the Authors registered the presence of concomitant tenacious adherence of the anastomotic line to the sacral bone. Such event, according to the Authors, could represent one of the causes of failure and greater risk of perforation during the treatment with the different endoscopic therapies that, nevertheless, ought to be considered the gold standard in the therapy of benign structures. The Authors developed their hypothesis physiopathologic on the basis of personal experience and of the search a diagnostic procedure able to highlight the presence of a tenacious adherence with solid structures during the operative evaluation.

[Changes in the expression of cellular alpha and beta tubulins in patients with sporadic type colorectal cancer].

The aim of this preliminar report is to evaluate alfa and beta tubulins, components of cellular microtubules, alterated expression in sporadic colorectal cancer patients. The Authors considered 16 patients who underwent surgery for sporadic colorectal carcinoma with radical intent. Alfa and beta tubulins were evaluated in tumoral mucosa by immunohistochemistry.

[The role of endoscopic surgery in respiratory tract neoplasia].

Laser therapy--either by contact or non-contact method--can be considered the best palliative option for patients affected by airway obstruction due to malignant tumors considered inoperable and/or in emergency because of inadequate ventilation. The Nd-YAG laser is widely used in endoscopy. From 1988 to September 2002 at the Department of Surgery "P Valdoni" of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" 251 clinical cases affected by airway obstruction caused by primary or metastatic malignant tumors are treated; moreover 76 stents were used.

[The use of parenteral clodronate in elderly women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: compliance, effects on bone mineral density and on bone turnover].

The aim of the study was to evaluate parenteral clodronate (CLD) compliance in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and intolerance to aminobisphosphonates. Moreover, we have also assessed the effects of CLD on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover. Eighty-four consecutive postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (range 62-74 years) were enrolled and randomly allocated to three groups: group A included 26 women who received CLD i.

[Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders: technical note].

The aim of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders is the mammary symmetry. The Authors report a personal experience in immediate (55 pts) and delayed (12 pts) breast reconstruction with implants. The technique is simple and safe with good aesthetical and functional results.

[Inflammatory tumors of the cecum in emergencies: surgical considerations and case report].

A cecal mass of uncertain etiology encountered during surgery for presumed appendicitis is a dilemma for the surgeon. The differential diagnosis of an unsuspected ileocecal mass must include neoplasm, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and severe appendicitis involving the ileocecal region. Right hemicolectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of the unsuspected ileocecal mass.

[From molecular biology to new treatment approaches to colorectal cancer: basic research, experimental trials and surgical implications].

The Authors review the natural history of colorectal cancer from the point of view of molecular biology and genetics from aberrant crypts foci and familiar adenomatous polyposis to hereditary non polyposis colon cancer and sporadic colorectal cancer. They carry out international literature about basis knowledges, experimental trials and personal studies. Up to day traditional colorectal cancer surgical treatments and adjuvant or neoadjuvant pharmacological therapy cannot be modified, nevertheless "new drugs generation" known as signal transduction inhibitor could, in the future, prove to be an effective cancer treatment.

[Mechanical properties of nickel-titanium files following multiple heat sterilizations].

Aim: The effect of cycles of sterilization procedures on nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments is a serious concern for practitioners. There is no agreement in the literature whether these procedures could adversely affect the mechanical properties of endodontic files, and, consequently, increase the risk of intracanal failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanichal resistance of Hero (MicroMega, Besancon, France) instruments, before and after sterilization procedures.

[Helicobacter pylori and hepatobiliary diseases].

The aim of this short review is to understand if the Helicobacter pylori could have some sort of importance in the pathogenesis and in the development of not only gastroduodenal diseases, but in particular of those of the liver: a summary of the last researches has been done on the relations between this bacterium and some liver diseases; our intention is to continue this researches.

[Radiological examination of the Lap-Band for the treatment of severe obesity].

The aim of this study is to determine the role of radiographic assessment in patient who underwent an adjustable laparoscopic (or laparotomic) banding for the treatment of morbid obesity, and to evaluate the different type of postoperative complications. Forty-three consecutive patients with morbid obesity were examined before and after surgical treatment with positioning of Lap-Band. In all patients radiological examination permitted to evaluate the bend position, the dimensions of the gastric pouch and of the stoma.

[Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic echinococcosis cysts: presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature].

Intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of liver is a complication of hydatid disease. The authors report the case of a patient surgically treated by total pericistectomy and suture communication with biliary system, the best treatment for this condition.

[Digestive hemorrhage from a duodenal neuroendocrine tumor. Diagnostic-therapeutic features and emergency surgical strategy].

The Authors report a rare case of duodenal neoplasia in a 17 year old boy. The patient was admitted in an emergency setting for hemorrhagic shock and duodenal perforation. Laparotomy was performed and a huge perforated neoplasia of the duodenum was found.

[Clinical significance of thyroid nodule calcification].

To confirm the predictive value of calcifications in thyroid nodules as a risk factor for malignancy and to detect specific aspects for tumours, in a set of 175 patients--30 papillary carcinoma (PC) and 145 multinodular goiters (MNG) with dominant nodule--calcifications were detected by ultrasound scan. Calcifications were significantly more frequent in PC than in MNG (40% vs 20.7% p < 0.

[Rectal cancer in women].

A retrospective chart review was performed utilizing the First Department of Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" Medical School database. Ninety-two women who underwent abdominal surgery between 1980 and 1993 for rectal cancer were identified. Data collected included demographics, history, intraoperative findings and complications, cancer histology and stage and follow up.

[Multidisciplinary treatment in Budd-Chiari syndrome: clinical case].

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. When obstruction is limited to the suprahepatic veins, portocaval shunting provides an immediate relief of symptoms. If the obstacle results also from narrowing of the inferior vena cava (IVC), multimodality treatments seem to offer safer and easier alternative.

[In memory of Maria Orlando: physical and psychological health in menopause].

Over the last fifty years life expectancy has increased by some 15 years for both sexes, causing an overall increase in the elderly. This will lead in the near future, to a number of economic, social and health problems, particularly in developing countries, especially to women whose life expectancy, in general, is longer than men's. Indeed, globally, already at the end of the twentieth century more that 60% of the population over 75 years of age were women.