Main Anomalies Research Articles

Crust and upper mantle electrical structure of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt revealed by the MT line from Zhangwu County to East Ujimqin Banner

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt is bounded on the north by the Siberian Craton and on the south by the North China Craton and the Tarim Craton. It is one of the largest Phanerozoic accretionary orogenic belts on Earth. Since the early Paleozoic, its eastern part has experienced the compound orogenesis and mineralization of three major tectonic systems: the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, the closure of the Mongolian–Okhotsk Ocean, and the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. From Zhangwu County in the south to East-Ujimqin Banner in the north, a 500 km magnetotelluric profile adjacent to Northeast China has been studied. With 100 sites of magnetotelluric data processing and analysis, we apply a two dimensional inversion in TE and TM modes and obtain a resistivity model up to a 100 km depth. We have discovered two high-resistivity anomalies with opposite dip directions in the upper mantle on both sides of the Solonker Suture Zone, which provide an evidence of the bi-directional subduction pattern of the oceanic crust and the position of the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In addition, the whole study area presents an approximate basin-range coupling relationship. In the northern part of the study area, the low-resistivity anomalies below it have an apparent north-dipping characteristic, which may be related to the asthenosphere upwelling from west to east. In addition, they may be related to the upwelling of mantle materials, and provide sources of ore-forming material for the Baiyinnuoer mining area through post-collision extension. In the central part of the study area, there are several large-scale high-resistivity anomalies below the Baolidao Belt. The different dip directions reveal the experiences of several subductions and collisions. In the southern part of the study area, the Bainaimiao Belt is located between the southern margin of the Songliao Basin and the northern margin of North China Craton. The main resistivity anomalies below are all south-dipping.Graphical

Mitral valve anomalies in transposition of the great arteries: Anatomical features, surgical management and outcomes

Mitral valve (MV) anomalies can be associated with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), but their influence on the choice of the surgical technique and the outcomes after anatomical repair, mainly mitral regurgitation (MR) and LVOT obstruction, have rarely been addressed. Our study objectives are to describe the MV anomalies found in patients with TGA, the different surgical procedures performed and the fate of the anomalous MV. From 1990 to 2020, 52 patients out of 1590 (3.3%) were identified. Main MV anomalies were a mitral cleft (88%) and anomalies of the subvalvular apparatus (60%) such as abnormal chordae attachments (16/52, 30.8%), straddling (6/52, 11.5%), accessory tissue (7/52, 13.5%) or an abnormal papillary muscle (4/52, 7.7%). The mitral cleft was described as anterior (ejection/outflow tract) in 40 and as AVSD-type in 6. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) was associated in 88.5% (58% outlet) ( Fig. 1 ). Main surgical procedure performed at repair was the arterial switch operation (ASO) ( n = 47, 90.4%). Two patients (3.8%) underwent a Bex-Nikaidoh procedure, 2 (3.8%) a half turned truncal rotation and 1 (1.9%) a “reparation à l’étage ventriculaire” (REV) procedure. Overall survival was 90% at 1 year and 88% at 10 and 20 years during a mean follow-up period of 9.5 years. Ten patients (19.2%) had a concomitant mitral procedure at repair (cleft closure in 7, procedure on the subvalvular apparatus in 6), of which 4 had a preoperative grade ≥ 2 MR. Five patients required reoperation for MR and/or for left ventricle outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), none of them had previously undergone a mitral procedure at repair. All five underwent cleft closure, with LVOTO relief in 3. Freedom from MV reoperation was 96% at 1 year, 93% at 5 years, and 84.5% at 20 years. Main MV anomalies in TGA are the presence of an anterior cleft and abnormalities of the subvalvular apparatus, frequently associated with an outlet VSD. Mortality and reoperation rates are higher than in the other subtypes of TGA. Mitral repair at initial surgery should be considered only in cases of MR or LVOTO. Reoperation involves cleft closure and LVOTO relief. No MV replacement was required.

Constructing the deep-spreading pattern of tectono-geochemical anomalies and its implications on the Huangshaping W–Sn–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit in southern Hunan, China

Huangshaping large W–Mo–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit is a typical representative of the Cu–Sn metallogenic system in Nanling Range, South China. This deposit located in the superimposed tectonic setting of the Qinzhou–Hangzhou and Nanling metallogenic belts. Skarn-type W–Sn orebodies and hydrothermal vein-type Pb–Zn–Cu orebodies located in the faults and contact zone between late Jurassic porphyry and late Paleozoic limestone. Many studies have been conducted on the geological and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, but the comprehensive understanding of the deep-spreading pattern of the tectono-geochemical anomalies remains unclear. The geochemical data of tectonites in deep level adits (−136 m, −176 m, −256 m and −296 m) were studied the distribution characteristics of ore-forming trace elements and the depth index of tectonic geochemical anomalies. Finally, four element combination anomalies were extrated from the cluster analysis and factor analysis. They are generally consistent with the known Cu–Pb–Zn and W–Sn–Mo–Bi metallogenic systems. In addition, from altered porphyry to limestone of the Shidengzi Formation, the plane and profile anomaly contour maps delineated by different factors have regular variation characteristics. High anomalous values usually occur in the part where ore-forming porphyry changes from convex to concave. Comprehensive study trace element combination anomalies shows that the connection line of high value anomalous zones corresponds to the swelling and shrinking characteristics of porphyry, showing periodic wave-like changes. Thus, the deep index and deep-spreading pattern of ore-controlling structure were constructed. The length, width and height of the deep-seated orebodies indicated by the main anomalies are evaluated. The anomalous vertical variation indicates the migration of ore-forming fluid from SE to NW to the shallow. The strike of orebodiesy are consistent with the ore-controlling faults and dip to SE. Overall, the tectonic geochemical anomalies are consistent with the locations where the orebodies were identified, indicating that the method is feasible and effective. This study has an important significance for the layout of deep-prospecting and exploration projects in the Huangshaping deposit and even in southern Hunan.

Fluid Accumulation Zone by Seismic Attributes and Amplitude Versus Offset Analysis at Solfatara Volcano, Campi Flegrei, Italy

The imaging of volcanic systems is a challenging topic that attracts the scientific community’s attention. The characterization of structures and rock properties by means of seismic active methods is becoming fundamental for providing ultra-high-resolution images of the structures of interest. The Solfatara Volcano is a quiescent volcano in the Campi Flegrei resurgent nested caldera that is continuously under investigation and monitoring for its shallow activity, such as fumaroles. The purpose of this work is to characterize the fluid accumulation zone in the first 150 m depth in the middle of the crater, using several post-stack seismic attributes and Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) analysis to characterize the contact between the CO2 and condensed water in the shallower accumulation zone. The two 400 m-long profiles to which we refer in this work have been acquired during the active Repeated InduCed Earthquakes and Noise experiment. The profiles were deployed along with the NNE-SSW and WNW-ESE directions across the whole surface of the crater including the main surface anomalies of the fumaroles, in the eastern area, and the mud-pool of Fangaia, located in the western area. The seismic pre-processing, pre-stack processing, and post-stack analysis previously applied on the NNE-SSW profile are here performed for the first time on the WNW-ESE profile, while partial-stack AVO analysis is performed for both profiles. The post-stack attributes including time gain, envelope, energy, and root mean square have been computed and extracted for determining the maximum and minimum values of amplitude zones on the migrated post-stack seismic profiles. Such anomalies are provided by complex and geometrical attributes embedding information on faults and chaotic zones. The AVO technique has also been used as a direct gas indicator to enhance fluid discrimination and identification. Finally, the analysis of the profile, seismic attributes, and near-surface structural interpretation related to the Solfatara Volcano has been incorporated into the proposed analysis. The multi-2D image depicts fluids trapped in the Solfatara Volcano at depths ranging from 10 to 50 m below the crater’s surface, as well as their migration paths up to 150 m deep: this evidenced contact between the fluids has been probably due to the solfataric alteration of the minerals, caused by the arising plume and the abovecondensed water which decreases the permeability of the rocks and forms an argillic phase working as cap-rock and trapping the gases. The application of the AVO analysis, coupled with the seismic attribute’s investigation, provides a very detailed multi-2D image of the shallower Solfatara Volcano, which outperforms in terms of accuracy the ones obtained with different tools in previous works, and that evidences the presence and the position of the liquid and the gases in the north-east area of the Solfatara Volcano.

Gravity study of the Western Bahira Basin and the Gantour Phosphatic Plateau, central Morocco: Interpretation and hydrogeological implications

The Western Bahira Basin (WBB), located in Central Morocco, is known for its large reserves of phosphate, which are currently being extracted through open pit mines within the Gantour Phosphatic Plateau (GPP). This mining activity, as well as the increasing agricultural development that this region has been experiencing during the last few decades, has subjected the groundwater in this semi-arid region to intense exploitation through pumping. Consequently, thorough knowledge of the underground water resources is essential for sustained activity.This study uses gravity data to investigate the deep geologic structure of the western Bahira and Gantour plateau area. Its main purpose is to improve the knowledge of this structure that influences the groundwater dynamics.The methodology involves, in addition to the qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the gravity data, the use of various filtering and analysis techniques to highlight the major geological structures. In fact, a qualitative analysis of the residual gravity map shows that the observed anomalies can be explained in terms of the bedrock topography of the study area. Positive anomalies spatially correlate with the outcrops of this bedrock in the Hercynian massifs of Jebilet and Rehamna, as well as with the Douar Rhirat structural high. The negative anomalies, on the other hand, tend to reflect increased thicknesses of sedimentary sequences, such as in the southern part of the WBB. Moreover, the Brikyine granite in the north of the study area is noticeably associated with the highest amplitude negative anomaly.Analysis of the residual gravity data using the total horizontal gradient, upward continuation, and Euler deconvolution techniques provides a quantitative assessment of the geologic structure. These methods help delineate various structures oriented in two main directions: N45E and N105E. Among these structures, several major faults have been identified. They are rooted at a maximum depth in excess of 2800 m. These faults are responsible for the general structure of the study area and the morphology of the basement.Furthermore, the 2D forward modeling, performed across the main negative gravity anomalies of the WBB, helps characterize the Paleozoic bedrock topography and provides more constraints on its variation. The resultant gravity models clearly show an asymmetric structure for the western Bahira trough. This depression is filled by sedimentary formations whose thickness at the depot-center can locally reach 1200 m. Additional analysis of piezometric data shows that the groundwater flows are controlled by the gravity structures highlighted in this study.

The role of geotectonic setting on the heat flow distribution of southern South America

SUMMARYThe surface heat flow of southern South America was examined based on an updated database containing 1113 locations. Accordingly, this study presents the most accurate heat flow map of the southern portion of the continent (south of 16°30′S latitude), covering areas that previously presented limited information. The main anomalies show a strong spatial correlation with geothermal zones and with the most up-to-date lithospheric thickness maps. The blanketing effect produced by the sedimentary basins reduce the surface heat flow up to 27 mW m–2 over the thickest basins. The study region was separated into four large areas and their connection to tectonic processes analysed. The Central Andes present high heat flow zones related to a thick radiogenic crust, volcanic activity, and a hot asthenospheric wedge. In the Pampean flat-slab region, the low heat flow coincides mostly with the horizontal projection of the Juan Fernández aseismic ridge and not with a wide region as previously thought. Furthermore, a close relationship between the subduction of the ridges at different angles and a cold upper-plate lithosphere is suggested. Besides active regions of arc magmatism and a thin lithosphere, we propose that a hot upper-plate upwelling beneath the Patagonian Platform is also contributing to the high heat flow in the area. The foreland region exhibits a low heat flow coinciding with a thick cratonic lithosphere, and local high heat flow values in suture zones possibly triggered by ancient delamination beneath these regions.

Genetic and Clinical Features of Heterotaxy in a Prenatal Cohort.

Objectives: Some genetic causes of heterotaxy have been identified in a small number of heterotaxy familial cases or animal models. However, knowledge on the genetic causes of heterotaxy in the fetal population remains scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic spectrum of a fetal cohort with heterotaxy. Methods: We retrospectively investigated all fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of heterotaxy at a single center between October 2015 and November 2020. These cases were studied using the genetic testing data acquired from a combination of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and whole-exome sequencing (WES), and their clinical phenotypes were also reviewed. Result: A total of 72 fetuses diagnosed with heterotaxy and complete clinical and genetic results were enrolled in our research. Of the 72 fetuses, 18 (25%) and 54 (75%) had left and right isomerism, respectively. Consistent with the results of a previous study, intracardiac anomalies were more severe in patients with right atrial isomerism than in those with left atrial isomerism (LAI) and mainly manifested as atrial situs inversus, bilateral right atrial appendages, abnormal pulmonary venous connection, single ventricles or single atria, and pulmonary stenosis or atresia. In 18 fetuses diagnosed with LAI, the main intracardiac anomalies were bilateral left atrial appendages. Of the 72 fetuses that underwent CNV-seq and WES, 11 (15.3%) had positive genetic results, eight had definitive pathogenic variants, and three had likely pathogenic variants. The diagnostic genetic variant rate identified using WES was 11.1% (8/72), in which primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)-associated gene mutations (CCDC40, CCDC114, DNAH5, DNAH11, and ARMC4) accounted for the vast majority (n = 5). Other diagnostic genetic variants, such as KMT2D and FOXC1, have been rarely reported in heterotaxy cases, although they have been verified to play roles in congenital heart disease. Conclusion: Thus, diagnostic genetic variants contributed to a substantial fraction in the etiology of fetal heterotaxy. PCD mutations accounted for approximately 6.9% of heterotaxy cases in our fetal cohort. WES was identified as an effective tool to detect genetic causes prenatally in heterotaxy patients.

Swarm Langmuir probes' data quality validation and future improvements

Abstract. Swarm is the European Space Agency (ESA)'s first Earth observation constellation mission, which was launched in 2013 to study the geomagnetic field and its temporal evolution. Two Langmuir probes aboard each of the three Swarm satellites provide in situ measurements of plasma parameters, which contribute to the study of the ionospheric plasma dynamics. To maintain a high data quality for scientific and technical applications, the Swarm products are continuously monitored and validated via science-oriented diagnostics. This paper presents an overview of the data quality of the Swarm Langmuir probes' measurements. The data quality is assessed by analysing short and long data segments, where the latter are selected to be sufficiently long enough to consider the impact of the solar activity. Langmuir probe data have been validated through comparison with numerical models, other satellite missions, and ground observations. Based on the outcomes from quality control and validation activities conducted by ESA, as well as scientific analysis and feedback provided by the user community, the Swarm products are regularly upgraded. In this paper, we discuss the data quality improvements introduced with the latest baseline, and how the data quality is influenced by the solar cycle. In particular, plasma measurements are more accurate in day-side regions during high solar activity, while electron temperature measurements are more reliable during night side at middle and low latitudes during low solar activity. The main anomalies affecting the Langmuir probe measurements are described, as well as possible improvements in the derived plasma parameters to be implemented in future baselines.

Physicochemical assessment of atmospheric particulate matter emissions during open-pit mining operations in a massive sulphide ore exploitation

Mining operations are critical emission sources of atmospheric particulate matter (APM). This study constitutes a physicochemical characterisation of the main geochemical anomalies associated with APM by mining operations in the renowned Riotinto Mine (Iberian Pyrite Belt, Southwest Spain). The operations studied were traffic in the mining tracks, drilling, blasting, dry and wet loading of ore/waste, and stockpiling. Chemical analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 comprised 46 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and rare earth elements (REEs). The geochemical fingerprint of the operations in nearby populations was studied via environmental ratios after a comprehensive one-year sampling campaign at three monitoring stations. The results revealed that a notable amount of PM10 and PM2.5 is released for the mining tracks, drilling, and dry loading. Moreover, enrichments of typical elements associated with sulphide ores (e.g. Cu, Ba, Zn, As, and Pb) were found, although some of them are also present in the APM geochemical background. These results are of substantial interest to air quality managers aiming to abate the main emission sources of APM and hazardous elements associated with mining processes.

Bone and Mineral Disorder in Renal Transplant Patients: Overview of Pathology, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects.

Renal transplantation (RTx) allows us to obtain the resolution of the uremic status but is not frequently able to solve all the metabolic complications present during end-stage renal disease. Mineral and bone disorders (MBDs) are frequent since the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and strongly influence the morbidity and mortality of patients with CKD. Some mineral metabolism (MM) alterations can persist in patients with RTx (RTx-p), as well as in the presence of complete renal function recovery. In those patients, anomalies of calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, fibroblast growth factor 23, and vitamin D such as bone and vessels are frequent and related to both pre-RTx and post-RTx specific factors. Many treatments are present for the management of post-RTx MBD. Despite that, the guidelines that can give clear directives in MBD treatment of RTx-p are still missed. For the future, to obtain an ever-greater individualisation of therapy, an increase of the evidence, the specificity of international guidelines, and more uniform management of these anomalies worldwide should be expected. In this review, the major factors related to post-renal transplant MBD (post-RTx-MBD), the main mineral metabolism biochemical anomalies, and the principal treatment for post-RTx MBD will be reported.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in Africa: a literature review

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is a rare congenital anomaly. The incidence of SOVA is five times higher among Asians than among Western populations. Currently, there is a lack of information on the clinical presentations of this entity in Africans. This study aims to perform a comprehensive review of papers concerning SOVA in the African population. In this study, papers published from 1962 to April 2021 were collected by entering the keywords, “SOVA” and “The name of each African country”, in the PubMed database, and a manual search was performed using citations from primary papers to retrieve any other reports not included in PubMed. As shown, 23 patients with SOVA were included in this review. There were 14 males (60.8%) and 9 females (39.1%), and their average age was 28.7 ± 13.9 years old. Their most frequent clinical presentation was dyspnea followed by palpitations. SOVA arose from the right sinus of Valsalva in 65.2% of cases, the dissection into interventricular septum (IVS) was the most frequent complication, accounting for 52.2% of cases, and the main cardiac anomalies associated with SOVA were other congenital cardiac aneurysms. In conclusion, in Africans, SOVA arises more often from the right sinus of Valsalva, the main complication of SOVA is their dissection into IVS, and the main cardiac anomalies associated with SOVA in the African population are other congenital cardiac aneurysms. These differences are important in the surgical planning of African patients.

Imaging the heat source of the Kangding high-temperature geothermal system on the Xianshuihe fault by magnetotelluric survey

The Kangding geothermal field along the Xianshuihe fault is a typical high-temperature geothermal system with an enormous capacity for geothermal power generation. The Xianshuihe fault is a major active sinistral strike-slip fault in eastern Tibet Plateau, where the fault splits into three parallel branches near Kangding. We collected data from 17 magnetotelluric stations in the Kangding geothermal system. After data processing, the dimensionality of the subsurface structure was qualitatively estimated using the phase tensor. The electrical resistivity model inverted with ModEM shows the Kangding geothermal system from the surface to a depth of 20 km, which correlates closely with the near-surface geology. The synthetic tests confirmed that the main resistivity anomalies identified in the electrical resistivity model were robust. There are several significant low resistivity anomalies of less than 10 Ωm beneath the Kangding geothermal system. The cap rock and liquid-dominated reservoir can be interpreted as shallow conductive zones. The conductors beneath the Kangding geothermal field at a depth of 10 km are interpreted as an underlying zone of partial melt, which provides fluids and heat for the geothermal system. The partial melt fractions are in the range of 4–19%, confirming that there is a magmatic heat source beneath the Kangding geothermal system.

Cerebral Abnormalities in Spina Bifida: A Neuropathological Study.

IntroductionSpina bifida (SB) is the most common neural tube defect in humans. Here, we analyzed systematically the neuropathological findings of the brain in SB cases.Methods79 cases with SB aperta (SBA) and 6 cases with SB occulta (SBO) autopsied at the Charité Neuropathology from 1974 to 2000 were re-evaluated retrospectively. For this, case files and spinal cord as well as brain sections were studied.ResultsWhile no brain malformations were detected in SBO cases, 95% of SBA cases had brain malformations. Main brain anomalies identified were hydrocephalus (71%), Chiari II malformation (36%), heterotopia (34%), other cerebellar anomalies (36%), gyrification defects (33%), and ependymal denudation (29%). Hydrocephalus was observed as early as gestational week 17 and was highly associated to Chiari II and ependymal denudation. In 55% SBA was accompanied by further anomalies not primarily affecting the CNS.ConclusionWe confirm using neuropathologic methods brain malformations in most SBA but none in SBO cases. In addition to our previous radiologic study, we now demonstrate the high prevalence of cerebellar malformations and cerebral heterotopias in SBA. The early detection of hydrocephalus and Chiari II malformation in fetuses raises the question whether these arise parallel rather than in strict temporal sequence.

Geochemical exploration for Li in regional scale utilizing Staged Factor Analysis (SFA) and Spectrum-Area (S-A) fractal model in north central Iran

The main aim of this study was to outline the lithium anomalies by a regional exploration, at an area of 7800 km2, in Semnan province (north central Iran) using the Staged Factor Analysis (SFA) and Spectrum-Area (S-A) fractal model based on stream sediments and rock samples. Results derived via the SFA denote that Li was located in a factor as F2-4 with B, Cs, U and Rb which was utilized for calculation of the threshold values by the S-A method. The F2-4 data were classified by the fractal model for determination of the Li anomalies. Main anomaly for F2-4≥ 1.5 was situated in the SW and northern parts of this region. Furthermore, Li high grades of rock samples were correlated with main F2-4 anomalies. The main anomalies were correlated with geological particulars of Li mineralization types which represent that the main F2-4 anomalies associate with volcanic and tuff units in the SW part, and overlapped with clay minerals in the northern sector of this region. On the other hand, there are proper potential for Li mineralization which is demonstrated by this method.

20th-Century Award-Winning Buildings in Lisbon (Portugal). Study of Plasters, Rendering, and Concrete Materials Aiming Their Sustainable Preservation

Conservation, increasing the useful life period of existing significant buildings with minimum consumption of new materials, as much as possible of low-embodied energy, is an important step towards sustainable rehabilitation, while also contributing to the preservation of the cultural heritage. In the context of 20th-century buildings’ conservation, the knowledge of construction techniques and applied materials is essential to pursue sustainable preservation and rehabilitation actions. This paper presents the main construction types and characteristics of a set of architecture award-winning buildings in Lisbon (Portugal) between 1903 and 2002 along with an inspection of the main anomalies detected in renders, plasters, and concrete surfaces. The applied methodology made it possible to classify plasters, renders, and concrete materials according to their state of conservation. The study of 20th-century buildings is justified by the intense renovation activity in the city centres, which leads to the loss of their outer layers and their historical and original values. This study aims to contribute to future conservation actions that will guarantee better preservation concerning sustainable materials, i.e., compatible materials to the existing ones that enhance the durability of the old buildings and minimize the use of new materials.

Application of modified wavelet and fractal modeling for detection of geochemical anomaly

Aim of this research is to propose a wavelet-fractal model for detection of geochemical anomaly based on a modified Morlet Wavelet Kernel (MMWK). This study was carried out for detection of lithium anomalies regarding stream sediment samples. Major Li anomalies commence from 51.1 ppm obtained by the wavelet-fractal modeling based on Decomposed Wavelet Transformation (DWT) using a conventional Morlet wavelet. A modified kernel for the Morlet wavelet was utilized for separation of the Li anomalies. The MMWK benefits from the use of L1 norm (instead of L2) which consequently provides more robustness and resistance to outliers for stream sediment data. Results derived via the modified Morlet kernel-fractal modeling show that there are principal lithium anomalies with Li ≥ 55.2 ppm. In addition, staged factor analysis was used and Li was placed with Rb, Cs and F in F2-2. Then, the F2-2 main anomalies commence from 2.7 and 2.9 using the conventional Morlet and MMWK, respectively. Subsequently, both methods were compared by a log-ratio matrix with an Overall Accuracy (OA) due to rock samples retaken from these anomalies. These rock samples were classified using a Concentration-Number (C-N) fractal model and high intensive anomalous samples with Li ≥ 126 ppm. This correlation indicated that the OA between the main obtained anomalies by the MMWK and the rock samples are higher than conventional Morlet-fractal modeling.

DAMAGE TO THE BILE DUCTS AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY. REVIEW.

This article provides a review of the literature on bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparascopy is considered the gold standard in the treatment of gallstone disease. This technique has a number of positive advantages: minimally invasiveness, quick rehabilitation, a shorter hospital stay, a good cosmetic effect, and a low lethal outcome. Along with these advantages, the number of complications also increased: damage to the bile ducts, hepatic vessels, bile leakage, formation of strictures, defects in drainage of the biliary tract and improper treatment of the cystic duct, insufficient drainage of the abdominal cavity. Today, many aspects of surgical treatment and prevention of bile duct injuries remain controversial and are still considered relevant. The main reasons for this complication are: lack of experience of the surgeon, inattention, ignorance of the main options and possible anomalies of important anatomical structures in the area of the hepatic hilum and hepato-duodenal ligament, technical errors.

Congenital abnormalities associated with microtia: A 10-YEARS retrospective study

ObjectiveMicrotia is a congenital auricular malformation, often part of a syndromic form (35%–55% of cases). The accurate prevalence of associated malformations remains to be determined with regard to the heterogeneous results of the previous studies. This study aims to describe in a large population cohort the abnormalities associated with microtia and to determine the most suitable assessment for these children. MethodsThis is a retrospective and observational cohort study collecting data from the medical records of children affected by microtia, diagnosed or followed-up between 2007 and 2017. Data were collected via a computer database. Clinical data, as well as imaging or genetic results, were noted. ResultsSix hundred ninety four children were included, 587 (84.6%) with unilateral and 107 (15.4%) with bilateral microtia. Inner ear malformations were observed in 14.1% of the ears. The main associated anomalies were hemifacial microsomia (29%), velopharyngeal insufficiency (9%), ophthalmologic (6.2%), vertebral (5.9%), cardiac (5.5%) and kidney (3%) abnormalities. Main identified entities were Goldenhar, Treacher-Collins and Guion-Almeida syndromes. ConclusionA comprehensive clinical assessment must be completed when microtia is diagnosed. Besides screening well-known oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum malformations, velopharyngeal insufficiency should be systematically sought. Specialized care must be provided to the very frequently associated hemifacial macrosomia. Mild forms of this last malformation may correspond to Guion-Almeida syndrome, especially in cases of learning disability.

Application of multivariate geostatistical simulation and fractal analysis for detection of rare-earth element geochemical anomalies in the Esfordi phosphate mine, Central Iran

The present study was conducted to determine different geochemical anomalies of rare-earth elements (REEs) using a combined approach of stepwise factor analysis (SFA), sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS), and concentration–area (C-A) fractal modeling based on surface lithogeochemical samples obtained from the Esfordi phosphate mine (Central Iran). The Esfordi mine is one of the important mines in the Bafq metallogenic zone due to average and maximum grades of 0.5 and 1.7%, respectively for REEs. With SFA operating in two steps, the REEs were placed in the first factor of the second stage (F1-2). Then, SGS and C-A fractal modeling were performed on F1-2 factor scores for classification of anomalies. A log-ratio matrix was used to evaluate the correlation of these results with anomalous lithogeochemical samples, as well as to determine the relationship of anomalies with rock types and mineralized units and, finally, to validate the results of the SGS–fractal modeling. The results confirmed an appropriate correlation between F1-2 anomalies and high concentration in further rock samples. The main anomalies were found to have good correlation with an apatite–iron unit and in general with other apatite-bearing units based on overall accuracy values. The apatite-bearing units with high values of REEs were located in the northern and central parts of the mine. The results of the SFA, SGS and C-A fractal modeling show that this hybrid approach can be useful in determining anomalies with high accuracy.

Atypical Brain Asymmetry in Human Situs Inversus: Gut Feeling or Real Evidence?

The alignment of visceral and brain asymmetry observed in some vertebrate species raises the question of whether this association also exists in humans. While the visceral and brain systems may have developed asymmetry for different reasons, basic visceral left–right differentiation mechanisms could have been duplicated to establish brain asymmetry. We describe the main phenotypical anomalies and the general mechanism of left–right differentiation of vertebrate visceral and brain laterality. Next, we systematically review the available human studies that explored the prevalence of atypical behavioral and brain asymmetry in visceral situs anomalies, which almost exclusively involved participants with the mirrored visceral organization (situs inversus). The data show no direct link between human visceral and brain functional laterality as most participants with situs inversus show the typical population bias for handedness and brain functional asymmetry, although an increased prevalence of functional crowding may be present. At the same time, several independent studies present evidence for a possible relation between situs inversus and the gross morphological asymmetry of the brain torque with potential differences between subtypes of situs inversus with ciliary and non-ciliary etiologies.