The Megalithic Area of Saint‐Martin‐de‐Corléans (Aosta, northern Italy) consists of anthropomorphic stelae dated to the Copper Age and the beginning of the Early Bronze Age. They were carved in ...different lithologies of varying provenance according to two successive artistic styles, ‘ancient’ and ‘evolved’. A minero‐chemical and a petrographic investigation were carried out on 47 stelae and on reference samples collected from eight different outcrops, aiming to define the provenance of the stone materials. The variety of rocks used for the manufacture of the stelae reflects the geological complexity of the Aosta Valley. Most of the stelae examined were classified as foliated impure marbles, grey banded marbles (‘Bardiglio’), calcschists and metabasites belonging to the Combin Zone (Piedmont Nappe), which outcrops in close proximity to the Megalithic Area. Some stelae of the evolved group consisted of massive marbles with silicate‐bearing layers, attributed to the Sion–Courmayeur Zone. Similar stone materials were reported for the stelae of the same age found at the archaeological area of Petit Chasseur (Sion, Switzerland). This is archaeometric confirmation of the archaeological affinity between the stelae occurring at the two prehistoric sites, supporting the hypothesis of cultural exchanges over the Grand St Bernard Pass since the Early Copper Age.
The clinical efficacy of polycarbophil calcium was assessed in 57 patients of both sexes aged between 18 and 77 years old affected by chronic non-organic constipation. The multicentre study was ...performed using a single blind and cross-over protocol for 8 weeks, 4 with placebo and 4 with the drug (2 c.p.s 3 t.i.d). Thirteen patients failed to complete the study, 8 of them for reasons not related to the drug. In comparison to placebo, the drug caused a significant reduction in the consistency of stool and evacuatory force during the first week of stool therapy. Medical judgement was that efficacy was "very good" in 73% and "good" in 18%, whereas the drug was thought to be "non efficacious" in 9% of cases. The statistical analysis of data confirmed the efficacy of the drug. The hematochemical parameters evaluated before, during and after treatment only showed a slight increase in calcemia and calciuria which did not reach statistical significance. The therapeutic efficacy and lack of undesired effects confirm the value of polycarbophyl calcium in the treatment of chronic constipation.
We performed a study on 10 patients aged between 26 and 54 males and females, affected by non-specific diarrhea. A single-blind clinical trial has been developed where Calcium-Polycarbophil was ...administered (2 cps t.i.d.) for a period of 8 weeks, half with placebo and half with drug in cross-over. No drop-out occurred. Number of evaluations, cramps and consistency of stools, have been evaluated before and after treatment. A definite decrease of evacuations per day and of cramps, when present, together with a higher consistency of stools, are reported when Calcium-Polycarbophil is administered, according to the favourable medical judgement. Haematochemical parameters, evaluated before, during and after the treatment didn't show any relevant variation, apart from slight increase (not statistically significant) of calcium both in blood and in urine). No other unwanted event has been detected. Hence, the high therapeutic index of Calcium-Polycarbophil makes it highly desirable in the treatment of diarrhea.
