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• Largest sample of elderly COVID-19 and hematological malignancy patients. • Different severity of subsequent COVID-19 waves in different age groups. • Differences in malignancy and COVID-19 treatment within elderly. • Increasing age linked to mortality: 22% in the youngest to 38% in the eldest. • Pivotal importance of vaccination with at least three vaccine doses. Elderly patients with hematologic malignancies face the highest risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The infection's impact on different age groups remains unstudied in detail. We analyzed elderly patients (age groups: 65-70, 71-75, 76-80, and >80 years old) with hematologic malignancies included in the EPICOVIDEHA registry between January 2020 and July 2022. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were conducted to identify factors influencing death in COVID-19 patients with hematological malignancy. The study included data from 3,603 elderly patients (aged 65 or older) with hematological malignancy, with a majority being male (58.1%) and a significant proportion having comorbidities. The patients were divided into four age groups, and the analysis assessed COVID-19 outcomes, vaccination status, and other variables in relation to age and pandemic waves. The 90-day survival rate for patients with COVID-19 was 71.2%, with significant differences between groups. The pandemic waves had varying impacts, with the first wave affecting patients over 80 years old, the second being more severe in 65-70, and the third being the least severe in all age groups. Factors contributing to 90-day mortality included age, comorbidities, lymphopenia, active malignancy, acute leukemia, less than three vaccine doses, severe COVID-19, and using only corticosteroids as treatment. These data underscore the heterogeneity of elderly hematological patients, highlight the different impacts of COVID-19 waves and the pivotal importance of vaccination, and may help in planning future healthcare efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still controversial. To facilitate treatment decisions, the "fitness criteria" proposed by Ferrara et al. (Leukemia, 2013), including age > 75 years, performance status and comorbidities, were verified retrospectively in 699 patients with AML (419 de-novo, 280 secondary AML), diagnosed at 8 Hematological Centers (REL). Patients were categorized in FIT to intensive chemotherapy (i-T) (292, 42.5%), UNFIT to i-T (289, 42.1%), or unfit even to non-intensive therapy (non i-T) (FRAIL) (105, 15.3%). Biological characteristics and treatment actually received by patients [i-T, 274 patients (39.2%); non i-T, 134 (19.2%), best-supportive care (BSC), 291 (41.6%)] were recorded. "Fitness criteria" were easily applicable in 98.1% of patients. Overall concordance between "fitness criteria" and treatment actually received by patients was high (79.4%), 76% in FIT, 82.7% in UNFIT and 80% in FRAIL patients. Fitness independently predicted survival (median survival: 10.9, 4.2 and 1.8 months in FIT, UNFIT and FRAIL patients, respectively; p = 0.000), as confirmed also by multivariate analysis. In FRAIL patients, survival with any treatment was no better than with BSC, in UNFIT non i-T was as effective as i-T and better than BSC, and in FIT patients i-T was better than non i-T or BSC. In addition, a non-adverse risk AML, an ECOG PS <2, and receiving any treatment other than BSC had a favorable effect on survival (p < 0.001). These simple "fitness criteria" applied at the time of diagnosis could facilitate, together with AML biologic risk evaluation, the choice of the most appropriate treatment intensity in older AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optical properties of a glazing sample with monolithic aerogel samples in the interspace were evaluated. • Light and solar transmittance of a glazing system with monolithic aerogel are 0.69 and 0.62. • Light and solar transmittance angular values of the glazing sample decrease to 0.62 and 0.47 at 60°. • The general colour rendering index (Ra = 96) is close to that obtained with conventional window solutions. • In typical observation situations, visual distortion is limited to very small objects. • Reduction in light transmission is 13% when compared to conventional low-e double glazing. Aerogel is a promising building envelope material that can be used to improve thermal and lighting performance. In monolithic form, aerogels allow visual interaction between the built and outdoor environments, unlike aerogels in granular form. However, the high production cost of large monoliths limits their use. In this work, monolithic silica aerogels were fabricated using tetramethyl orthosilicate as the precursor in a base-catalysed recipe, and a novel rapid supercritical extraction method. The method produces transparent aerogel monoliths in as little as six hours. A 30 × 30 cm glazing sample was constructed from nine 15-mm-thick aerogel monoliths sandwiched between two pieces of 4.7-mm-thick float glass. The glazing sample was characterized in terms of directional and hemispherical optical and visual properties. Measurements were made with an in-house-constructed spectrophotometer equipped with a 75-cm-diameter integrating sphere in the 380- to 2300- nm wavelength range with variable incidence angles. The light and direct solar transmittance are 0.69 and 0.62, while the light and direct solar reflectance are 0.25 and 0.19, respectively. The sample is also characterized by a high general colour rendering index (R a = 96), allowing indoor visual comfort. Gonio-photometric and directional spectral transmittance measurements show negligible visual distortion and colour variation at different observation angles. The light transmittance of the prototype is lower than that of glazing units present on the market, but about 10% higher than an equivalent unit with granular aerogel. This performance is promising for applications where view through a window is required. However, the size of the samples currently fabricated with the innovative process is limited to 14 × 14 cm and they are characterized by some optical defects that must be removed if the process is to be used for commercial product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenomics refers to study of the epigenome, which represents changes in gene expression that are not induced by DNA sequence aberrations. For instance, DNA methylation, histone acetylation and microRNAs may modulate gene expression without altering the gene sequence. Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma, classified as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, characterized by the presence of clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow and serum monoclonal immunoglobulin-M in the circulation. It is a rare disease and, although indolent, it remains incurable with a median overall survival of 5–6 years. Most patients succumb to disease progression. WM cells present with aberrant histone hypoacetylation that may be explained, at least in part, via deregulated microRNAs, thus suggesting the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors or microRNA-based therapies in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of previous lateral myocardial infarction is based on QRS morphology.Objectives: To explore the diagnostic role of T wave abnormalities.Methods: We studied 166 patients with known or suspected ischemic heart disease who underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, and coronary arteriography within 90days. We excluded patients with bundle-branch block, hypertrophy, or paced rhythm.Results: Only one patient had a prominent R wave in V1, no patient showed lateral Q waves of necrosis. T wave amplitude in V2-V6 ≥0.6mV, and T wave amplitude in lead 1+V6 ≤0mV detected a lateral infarction (sensitivity 33 and 44%, specificity 83 and 80%). T wave amplitude in lead 1+V6 ≤0mV was the only independent predictor of infarction or LCx occlusion (AUC 0.72 and 0.74). Serum potassium values were not associated with T wave abnormalities.Conclusion: T wave abnormalities identify previous lateral infarction and LCx disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial and testing lighting laboratories underestimated the intrinsic metrological peculiarities of LED sources: concerns about performances, efficiency, ambiguous data and visual perception “de facto” slowed down their widespread implementation and their use in innovative systems in the first years of marketing. EU recognized these problems and funded projects with the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) to give a strong metrological basis to their optical, photometric and radiometric characterisation. The European Commission and the participating countries within the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) jointly support the EMRP. The overall goal of the EMRP is to accelerate innovation and competitiveness in Europe, enabling European metrology institutes, industrial organisations and academia to collaborate on joint research projects within specified fields. Among the EMRP programme two different 3 years projects about LED Lighting were funded in two different “Energy” calls: in 2010 “EMRP ENG05 Metrology for Solid State Lighting”, and in 2014 “EMRP ENG62 Metrology for Efficient and Safe Innovative Lighting”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A widely accepted definition of human comfort does not exist, but several metrics have been developed to quantify how much users appreciate environments, objects or interfaces. For visual comfort one of the most widely accepted approach is “that comfort is not discomfort”, because it is easier to provide quantitative and qualitative evaluation of visual discomfort parameters rather than comfort parameters that we don’t have a definition of. This paper presents the available suggestions and the results of a European research project about the visual comfort with LED lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Low radiation doses from diagnostic and therapeutic procedures may increase cancer incidence after decades in cardiac patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and the prognostic effect of radiological exposure. Methods A retrospective cohort study examined 16,311 Italian cardiac patients without cancer consecutively hospitalized between 1970 and 2009 and followed-up for a median of 10 years. Cumulative estimated effective dose was calculated for the imaging procedures. Main causes of death and primary cancer onset were the end points and their relation with radiation exposure was analyzed by Cox model. Results Over the years, there was an increasing trend of cancer, a decreasing trend of cardiovascular, with stability of other-causes death. Cumulative estimated effective radiation dose was higher in patients who died for cancer (20 ± 19 mSv) compared to cardiovascular (17 ± 17, P < 0.001) and other-causes deaths (15 ± 17, p < 0.001). The cumulative estimated effective dose adjusted HR was 1.004 (95% CI 1.000-1.009, p = 0.045) for cancer death and 1.008 (95% CI 1.005-1.011, p < 0.001) for (fatal and non-fatal) cancer onset. Radiation effective dose was not predictive of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.991), nor it was of other types of deaths (HR = 0.995). Smoking was a predictor for cardiovascular mortality, but it was not of other types of deaths. Conclusions Non-cardiovascular causes of death are responsible for almost half of later deaths in cardiac patients. The radiological exposure from medical imaging procedures is predictive of cancer risk and cancer death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of water management, including water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and water related disasters are expected to be exacerbated by global trends such as climate changes, population growth, urban sprawl, and food uncertainty. In particular, population growth and climate change may have a considerable impact on agricultural water management goal of ensuring enough food for world's population. Such a situation calls for a new awareness on the role of international water law and for a full recognition of common ethical principles which must be applied at a world-wide and local levels. The aim of the paper is twofold: first, to review the recent efforts at reinforcing a legislative framework on water cooperation as well as on water rights, and second, to identify a set of ethical principles which can improve water governance and management at different levels. These principles – either drawn from the evolution of key-concepts within the “water box” or derived from general environmental and social ethics – represent the basics for achieving ethical responsibility in integrated, sustainable, and equitable water resource development, particularly for agricultural use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Solitary fibrous tumors are uncommon soft tissue tumors initially reported only in the pleura but, in recent years, they have been described at many extra pleural sites, such as mediastinum. The treatment of choice is the extensive surgical resection that is curative for most benign lesions. Presentation of the case We present the case of solitary fibrous tumor of the anterior mediastinum in obese patient (BMI: 34.3) undergoing complete surgical resection by robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with da Vinci ® Surgical System. Discussion/conclusion Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with da Vinci ® Surgical System is an interesting option for obese patient, at higher risk for deep sternal wound infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Bone marrow (BM) metastasis remains one of the main causes of death associated with solid tumors as well as multiple myeloma (MM). Targeting the BM niche to prevent or modulate metastasis has not been successful to date. Here, we show that stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) is highly expressed in active MM, as well as in BM sites of tumor metastasis and report on the discovery of the high-affinity anti-SDF-1 PEGylated mirror-image l -oligonucleotide (olaptesed-pegol). In vivo confocal imaging showed that SDF-1 levels are increased within MM cell-colonized BM areas. Using in vivo murine and xenograft mouse models, we document that in vivo SDF-1 neutralization within BM niches leads to a microenvironment that is less receptive for MM cells and reduces MM cell homing and growth, thereby inhibiting MM disease progression. Targeting of SDF-1 represents a valid strategy for preventing or disrupting colonization of the BM by MM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study clarifies the relationship between clinical and laboratory patterns, in endocrine-responsive metastatic breast cancer patients treated with a cyclic beta-interferon and interleukin-2 sequence added to anti-estrogens. In 31 patients, a regular laboratory and immunological assessment was made. During clinical benefit, as opposed to progression, a significant increase in the total number of lymphocytes, CD4+, CD8+, NK cells, CRP and IL-12 was confirmed. Also, a significant CEA, TPA, CA15.3 decrease occurred 24–72h after interleukin-2 administration. At the progression, both basally and after interleukin-2 stimulation, the mean values of CD4+ plus CD25+ cells were more than twice higher than during clinical benefit, with a decrease of CD4+ plus CD8+ (Teffector)/CD4+CD25+ (Treg) ratio. Moreover, a significant increase for CEA and for all 3 markers (standardized values) was found 24–72h after interleukin-2 administration. In patients who survived less than 5years, the Treg cell increase occurred at a significantly shorter time interval than in those who survived longer than 5years (20 vs 45.5months, respectively; P =0.001). These data show laboratory evidence of the effect of immunotherapy as well as that of hormone resistance occuring concomitantly with a laboratory pattern compatible with immune inhibition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Several epidemiological reports indicate that the body mass index (BMI) is inversely related with mortality, in spite of the notion that obesity is a recognized cardio-metabolic risk factor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the independent impact of overweight and obesity on long-term mortality in a large cohort of patients with heart disease (HD). Methods: The study included 10,446 patients hospitalized in the last three decades for ischemic (60%) or non-ischemic HD and followed-up for 10years. The relationship between BMI and total or cardiovascular mortality was analyzed in the whole cohort, and in age-stratified categories (≤65 and >65years). Considering that survival in HD patients has improved after the introduction of revascularization, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins, the relationship was re-examined separately in patients hospitalized before and after 1990. Results: Diabetes, hyperuricemia, hypertension, glycaemia, and triglyceridemia increased across BMI groups. During follow-up (73±59months) there were 1707 all-cause deaths (47% cardiac). Any relationship between BMI and mortality was lost in the ≤65 age category and in patients hospitalized before 1990, but it persisted in old patients hospitalized after 1990. Most significant independent predictors of mortality in all groups were hyperuricemia, diabetes and impaired ejection fraction. Conclusions: No independent relationship was found between BMI and mortality in subjects ≤65years of age. This neutral relationship seems to be partly counteracted by treatment, particularly in old patients. A different effect of obesity onset in old vs. young age cannot be ruled out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several biohumoral variables, taken individually, are predictors of prognosis in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that taken together, laboratory tests provide prognostic information that is additive to a complete diagnostic work-up. Methods: We prospectively examined 2370 consecutive patients with chronic CAD, as shown by a >50% coronary stenosis (in 95% of patients), previous coronary revascularization (in 31% of patients), and/or previous myocardial infarction (MI, in 54% of patients). We tested the ability of laboratory and clinical variables to predict future cardiac events (cardiac death and non-fatal MI). Results: During follow-up (median, 46 months), 147 patients (6.2%) died from cardiac causes and 81 (3.4%) experienced a non-fatal MI. Using multivariate analysis, after adjustment for clinical variables (including left ventricular ejection fraction and angiographic extent of coronary stenoses), a high-density lipopro-tein cholesterol (HDLc) concentration < 35 mg/dL (p< 0.0001), a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >2.4 (p = 0.0014), and an fT3 serum level<2.1 pg/mL with normal thyrotropin (low-T3 syndrome) (p = 0.0260) showed an independent and incremental prognostic value, and were associated with an increase in the rate of cardiac events of 86%, 57% and 41%, respectively. When these variables were added to clinical and instrumental variables, the prognostic power of the model increased significantly (global chi-square improvement: from 157.01 to 185.07,p<0.0001). Conclusion: Low HDLc, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and low-T3 syndrome, both individually and taken together, provide prognostic information that is independent of and incremental to the main clinical and instrumental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the limited data available in literature, the aim of this multi-centre study was to prospectively compare in thalassemia major (TM) patients the efficacy of combined deferiprone (DFP) and deferoxamine (DFO) regimen versus either DFP and DFO in monotherapy by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) over a follow up of 18 months. Methods: Among the first 1135 TM patients in the MIOT (Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia) network, we evaluated those who had received either combined regimen (DFO + DFP, N=51) or DFP (N=39) and DFO (N=74) monotherapies between the two CMR scans. Iron overload was measured by T2* multiecho technique. Biventricular function parameters were quantitatively evaluated by cine images. Results: The percentage of patients that maintained a normal global heart T2* value was comparable between DFP+DFO versus both monotherapy groups. Among the patients with myocardial iron overload at baseline, the changes in the global heart T2* and in biventricular function were not significantly different in DFP+DFO compared with the DFP group. The improvement in the global heart T2* was significantly higher in the DFP+DFO than the DFO group, without a difference in biventricular function. Among the patients with hepatic iron at baseline, the decrease in liver iron concentration values was significantly higher with combination therapy than with either monotherapy group. Conclusions: In TM patients at the dosages used in the real world, the combined DFP+DFO regimen was more effective in removing cardiac iron than DFO, and was superior in clearing hepatic iron than either DFO or DFP monotherapy. Combined therapy did not show an additional effect on heart function over DFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Cardiovascular risk factors are classically associated with coronary atherosclerosis. We sought to investigate whether risk factors are also associated with left ventricular (LV) dilatation, contractile impairment and reduced myocardial blood flow (MBF) in patients with non-ischemic LV dysfunction. Methods: We studied 81 patients (59 males, age 60 ± 9 years) with mild-to-severe LV dysfunction (mean ejection fraction 37%, range 19%-50%), no history of diabetes and normal coronary arteries. Absolute MBF was measured by positron emission tomography and N-ammonia at rest and after dipyridamole (0.56 mg/kg I.V. over 4 min). Results: Overt LV dysfunction (LV end-diastolic diameter >60 mm associated with LV ejection fraction <45%) was present in 42 patients (52%); severely depressed hyperemic MBF (<1.09 mL · min · g) was present in 41 patients (51%). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, P < .036), newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes or insulin-resistance (NIDD/IR, P < .019) and the use of diuretics ( P = .001) were independently associated with overt LV dysfunction. Low HDL-C ( P = .015) and NIDD/IR ( P = .048) were also independently associated with severely depressed hyperemic MBF. Conclusions: Low HDL-C and NIDD/IR are associated with more severe LV impairment and reduced hyperemic MBF in non-ischemic LV dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Olfactory function can be rapidly evaluated by means of standardized olfactory tests. Multiple-choice smell identification tests can be conditioned by cultural background. To investigate a new tool for detecting olfactory deficit in Italian subjects we developed a multiple-choice identification test prepared with odorants belonging to the Italian culture. Methods: The Italian Olfactory Identification Test (IOIT) was developed with 33 microencapsulated odorants with intensity of odors and headspace Gas Chromatography being tested. Test-retest reliability of the IOIT was evaluated. The IOIT was administered to 511 controls and 133 Parkinson''s patients. Results: In healthy subjects the number of IOIT errors increased with age for both females (p < 0.0001) and males (p < 0.0001), while in the Parkinson''s disease group the number of IOIT errors was significantly greater where compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.0001 in all age groups). The reference limits applied to all age groups revealed an IOIT sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 99%. The test-retest reliability was excellent. Conclusion: The IOIT is highly reliable, disposable, easy to administer, not fragile, and has a long shelf-life. All these features make the IOIT suitable for clinical use as well as for population screening and to discriminate Parkinson''s patients from healthy subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: We report three cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) showing a hitherto undescribed histological pattern consisting of nodular tumor growth associated with small B lymphocytes. FDCS tumor cells consistently showed large epithelioid features and were intermingled with small lymphocytes in the nodules in two cases, whereas they formed cohesive aggregates surrounded by lymphocyte mantle in the other. These features were easily confused with lymphomatous proliferations and, in particular, subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma, high-grade follicular lymphoma, and germinotropic large B-cell lymphomas. The diagnosis was established by the use of a broad panel of antibodies that showed a variable expression of the FDC markers CD21, CD23, CD35, clusterin, podoplanin, claudin 4, epidermal growth factor receptor, and CXCL13. The associated B lymphocytes revealed a mantle zone B phenotype, with expression of CD20 and PAX5, together with TCL1 and IgD. Of notice, in all cases, morphological features suggesting hyaline-vascular Castleman disease were recognized in the interfollicular areas, containing scattered epithelioid cells similar to those found in the nodules, thus providing a useful clue for FDCS diagnosis. Of the 3 cases, 1 presented multiple recurrences unresponsive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and finally died of disease 14 years after diagnosis. This study further emphasizes the extreme variability of morphological presentation of FDCS and expands the spectrum of lesions showing a nodular growth pattern occurring in human lymph nodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas are linked to bacterial infections that vary according to the anatomical site. The occurrence of these lymphomas in the central nervous system is a very rare event, and the identification of specific bacteria in this setting has not been previously addressed. Herein, we report for the first time a case of primary central nervous system marginal zone B-cell lymphoma involving the choroid plexus associated with Chlamydophila psittaci infection. No concomitant ocular involvement was detected. C psittaci was identified with 3 independent methods, and through immunohistochemistry, it was visualized in the cytoplasm of monocytes/macrophages present within lymphomatous tissues. This observation points toward the opportunity to investigate the prevalence of C psittaci infection in central nervous system lymphomas, particularly in those with low-grade histologic features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and imaging effect of selective embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as palliation for bone metastases. Materials and Methods: The procedures and effect of 309 embolizations performed in 243 patients were retrospectively analyzed; 56 patients had repeat embolization at the same location at 1–3 months; 197 patients had embolization for progressive bone metastases after radiation therapy. The mean tumor diameter before embolization was 7.8 cm (range 5–30 cm). In all patients, embolizations were performed under local anesthesia through transfemoral catheterization using NBCA in 33% ethiodized oil. The technical success of embolization was evaluated by angiography after completion of the procedure. The clinical and imaging effect was evaluated at follow-up examinations with a pain score scale and use of analgesics, hypoattenuating areas, tumor size, and ossification. Results: In all 309 embolizations, postprocedural angiography showed complete occlusion of metastatic blood supply and greater than 80% devascularization of the lesions. Greater than 50% reduction of pain score and analgesic doses was achieved in 97% of procedures. The mean duration of pain relief was 8.1 months (range 1–12 months). The mean maximal tumor diameter after embolization was 5.5 cm (range 2–20 cm). Variable ossification appeared in 65 patients. Postembolization syndrome, ischemic pain at the site of embolization, paresthesias, skin breakdown, and subcutaneous necrosis were observed in 87 patients. Conclusions: Selective embolization with NBCA is a safe and effective palliative treatment for metastatic bone lesions of various primary cancers; pain relief is temporary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Biopsy of the musculoskeletal system is useful in the management of bone lesions particularly in oncology but they are often challenging procedures with a significant risk of complications. Computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsies may decrease these risks but doubts still exist about their diagnostic accuracy. This retrospective analysis of the experience of a single institution with percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions evaluates the results of these biopsies for bone lesions either in the appendicular skeleton or in the spine, and defines indications. Materials and methods: We reviewed the results of 2027 core needle biopsies performed over the past 18 years at the authors’ institution. The results obtained are subject of this paper. Results: In 1567 cases the correct diagnosis was made with the first CT-guided needle biopsy (77.3% accuracy rate), in 408 cases the sample was not diagnostic and in 52 inadequate. Within 30 days these 408 patients underwent another biopsy, which was diagnostic in 340 cases with a final diagnostic accuracy of 94%. Highest accuracy rates were obtained in primary and secondary malignant lesions. Most false negative results were found in cervical lesions and in benign, pseudotumoral, flogistic, and systemic pathologies. There were 22 complications (18 transient paresis, 3 haematomas, 1 retroperitoneal haematoma) which had no influence on the treatment strategy, nor on patient outcome. Conclusion: This technique is reliable and safe and should be considered nowadays the gold standard for biopsies of the musculoskeletal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare lesions that occur more commonly in the first and second decades of life. In children, a juxtaepiphyseal location is associated with increased risk of growth plate damage, skeletal deformity, and recurrence. Different treatments have been reported for the management of aneurysmal bone cysts, including surgical excision with or without adjuvants, intralesional injection of sclerosing agents, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, systemic calcitonin therapy, and selective arterial embolization. The authors present the case of a 5-year-old girl with a large aneurysmal bone cyst at the proximal femur, complicated by a pathologic fracture; treatment with two selective transcatheter arterial embolizations was curative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Giant cell tumor is still one of the most controversial and discussed bone tumors. Surgical treatment options include intralesional excision or segmental resection. Curettage has a higher recurrence rate but does preserve adjacent joint function. After curettage, the use of adjuvant therapies is still controversial. Three hundred forty-nine patients with giant cell tumors of the extremity, treated in a single institution, were analyzed in a retrospective study. Two hundred patients underwent curettage of the lesion and in 64 of these cases, three local adjuvants, such as phenol, alcohol and cement, were employed. The hypothesis is that an “aggressive curettage” with phenol, alcohol and cement provides better local control and functional results. The correlation between tumor in the proximal femur and higher recurrence rate has not been recorded before. The results of the present study suggest that an “aggressive curettage” reduces the recurrence rate in a disease whose aggressiveness is not easy to predict. Special attention must be given to giant cell tumors not only in the distal radius, but also in the proximal femur, where the treatment is more difficult and associated with a higher rate of local recurrence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case of ‘de&grave;lire de ne&grave;gation’ that suddenly appeared in a 43-year-old male is presented. No alteration in regional cerebral blood, as measured by 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT, was found, but 123I-IBZM-SPECT analysis showed reduced striatal D2 receptor binding that further decreased after treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An abstract of the article "Heart T2* for prediction of cardiac complications in well-treated thalassemia major patients," by Alessia Pepe and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the paper "A T2* MRI Prospective Survey on Heart Iron in Thalassemia Major Patients Treated with Sequential Deferiprone-desferrioxamine Versus Deferipron and Desferrioxamine in Monotherapy," by Alessia Pepe and colleagues from the 2011 SCMR/Euro CMR Joint Scientific Sessions in Nice, France from February 3-6, 2011 is presented.

An abstract of the paper "A T2 MRI Prospective Survey on Heart Iron in Thalassemia Major Patients Treated With Deferasirox Versus Deferiprone and Dsferrioxamine in Monotherapy," by Alessia Pepe and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the paper "Prospective comparison on cardiac iron by MR in Thalassemia Major Patients Treated With Combination Deferipron-Desferrioxamine Versus Deferipron and Desferrioxamine in Monoterapy," by Alessia Pepe and colleagues is presented.