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The Bagno dell'Acqua lake is characterized by CO2 emissions, alkaline waters (pH = 9) and Eh values which indicate strongly oxidizing conditions. A typical feature of the lake is the presence of actively growing microbialites rich in calcium carbonates and silica precipitates. Mineralogy, petrography and morphology analyses of the microbialites were coupled with the analysis of the microbial community, combining molecular and cultivation approaches. The DNA sequencing revealed distinct patterns of microbial diversity, showing pronounced differences between emerged and submerged microbialite, with the upper layer of emerged samples exhibiting the most distinctive composition, both in terms of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In particular, the most representative phyla in the microbial community were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota, while Cyanobacteria were present only with an average of 5%, with the highest concentration in the submerged intermediate layer (12%). The role of microorganisms in carbonate mineral formation was clearly demonstrated as most of the isolates were able to precipitate calcium carbonate and five of them were characterized at molecular level. Interestingly, when microbial isolates were cultivated only in filtered water, the precipitation of hazenite was observed (up to 85%), opening new prospective in P (phosphate) recovery from P depleted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmet needs remain in later lines chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): the response rate and the overall survival of resistant patients in the chronic phase who changed a second-generation TKI in the second line with another TKI with similar action are usually poor, while the off-target toxicities and the potential development of mutations increase. The recent approval of asciminib, a STAMP inhibitor, in the third line, has the potential to soon change the therapeutic algorithm for this subset of patients. Here, we report the results of a GIMEMA survey assessing the number of patients currently treated in the third line in Italy, the current approach in later lines by Italian physicians, and the future role of this drug according to the reason to switch to asciminib (resistance and/or intolerance), as well as the perceptions about the future position of this agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although terrestrial hydrothermal systems are considered among the most fascinating environments, how their unique and extreme conditions can affect microorganisms selection and the role in biogeochemical cycles has not yet been well elucidated. A combined geochemical and microbiological exploration in waters and sediments from 10 sampling points along a sharp temperature gradient (15–90°C) within an extremely acidic hydrothermal system (Pisciarelli Spring, Campi Flegrei area, southern Italy) displayed how hydrothermal fluids influence the microbial dynamics. This area was characterized by high levels of reduced gaseous species (e.g. H2S, H2, CH4, CO) and very low pH values (<2.3). Thermodynamic calculations revealed a high microbial catabolic potential in oxidation/reduction reactions of N-, S- and Fe-bearing species. Overall, an increase of the archaeal/bacterial abundance ratio was observed by decreasing temperature and pH values. In particular, Archaea and Bacteria were present in almost equal cell abundance (up to 1.1 × 109 and 9.3 × 108 cell/g, respectively) in the <70°C sampling points (average pH = 2.09); on the contrary, the highest temperature waters (85–90°C; average pH = 2.26) were characterized by a low abundance of archaeal cells. The high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes indicated strong differences in archaeal and bacterial communities composition along the temperature gradient. However, the microbiome in this extreme environment was mainly constituted by chemoautotrophic microorganisms that were likely involved in N-, S- and Fe-bearing species transformations (e.g. Acidianus infernus , Ferroplasma acidarmanus , Acidithiobacillus , Sulfobacillus , Thaumarchaeota), in agreement with thermodynamic calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to demonstrate how Electrophysiology activity has been impacted by the pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyze all consecutive patients admitted for electrophysiological procedures during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Tuscany region of Italy, comparing them to patients hospitalized in the corresponding period of the previous year. The impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrhythmia management was impressive, with a reduction of more than 50% in all kinds of procedures. A gender gap was observed, with a more relevant reduction for female patients. Arrhythmic urgencies requiring a device implant showed a reduced time from symptoms to first medical contact but the time from first medical contact to procedure was significantly prolonged. Hospitals need to consider how outbreaks may affect health systems beyond the immediate infection. Routine activity should be based on a risk assessment between the prompt performance of procedure and its postponement. Retrospective observational analysis such as this study could be decisive in evidence-based medicine of any future pathogen outbreak. Nonstandard Abbreviations and Acronyms PM= pacemakerICD= implantable cardioverter defibrillatorECV= electrical cardioversionEPS= electrophysiological studyAP= ablations proceduresCIED= cardiac implantable electronic devicesWCD= wearable cardioverter defibrillatorEP Lab= Electrophysiology LaboratoriesAVNRT =atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardiaAVRT= atrioventricular reentry tachycardiaAFL= atrial flutterAF= atrial fibrillationVT= ventricular tachycardiaAT= atrial tachycardia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct and indirect effects of extremely high geogenic CO2 levels, commonly occurring in volcanic and hydrothermal environments, on biogeochemical processes in soil are poorly understood. This study investigated a sinkhole in Italy where long-term emissions of thermometamorphic-derived CO2 are associated with accumulation of carbon in the topsoil and removal of inorganic carbon in low pH environments at the bottom of the sinkhole. The comparison between interstitial soil gasses and those collected in an adjacent bubbling pool and the analysis of the carbon isotopic composition of CO2 and CH4 clearly indicated the occurrence of CH4 oxidation and negligible methanogenesis in soils at the bottom of the sinkhole. Extremely high CO2 concentrations resulted in higher microbial abundance (up to 4 × 109 cell g–1 DW) and a lower microbial diversity by favoring bacteria already reported to be involved in acetogenesis in mofette soils (i.e., Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria). Laboratory incubations to test the acetogenic and methanogenic potential clearly showed that all the mofette soil supplied with hydrogen gas displayed a remarkable CO2 fixation potential, primarily due to the activity of acetogenic microorganisms. By contrast, negligible production of acetate occurred in control tests incubated with the same soils, under identical conditions, without the addition of hydrogen. In this study, we report how changes in diversity and functions of the soil microbial community – induced by high CO2 concentration – create peculiar biogeochemical profile. CO2 emission affects carbon cycling through: (i) inhibition of the decomposition of the organic carbon and (ii) promotion of CO2-fixation via the acetyl-CoA pathway. Sites naturally exposed to extremely high CO2 levels could potentially represent an untapped source of microorganisms with unique capabilities to catalytically convert CO2 into valuable organic chemicals and fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since they promote separation from national frameworks, independentist parties are easily labelled as anti-system parties. This contribution shows how a study of party dynamics in three Western Mediterranean island jurisdictions (Sardinia, Balearic Islands, and Corsica) leads to a rather different conceptualisation of their nature and influence. Political parties favouring independence are still likely to influence other political parties and the political system as a whole. They do so mainly by adopting various, often ambiguous, accommodative strategies, which relate to their difficulty in attaining and/or maintaining a significant party status and electoral presence. Above all, the independentist parties' influence is highly variable, especially in relation to their closest rivals, and can only be evaluated by taking into consideration external factors, such as state organisation. Thus, one needs to examine the independentist parties' political interactions and influence on policies, and not just their teleological and ideological positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For a long time the bacterial phylum of Chlamydiae exclusively consisted of one family of obligate intracellular bacteria, the Chlamydiaceae, which encompassed causative agents of severe diseases. In the 1990s, environmental chlamydiae were discovered as symbionts of free-living amoebae and other eukaryotic hosts. During a sampling campaign in September 2008, while monitoring Planctomycetes, we retrieved 20 almost full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with Chlamydiales from a lake at the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy (Lago di Paola, Latium). Two main clusters were identified. The nine sequences within the tight cluster I shared ∼98% identity, just like the six sequences of cluster II. The 16S rRNA sequence identity between the two novel groups was with 88% higher than with all known families of the order Chlamydiales. Four types of less frequent chlamydial 16S rRNA sequences were also detected. Two oligonucleotide probes were designed, and optimized. Chl282 targets the cluster I and almost all other Chlamydiales, while Chl282bis targets the cluster II and few other sequences. By catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH), we identified in the Lago di Paola picoplankton abundant tiny cells with dot-shaped morphology and, interestingly, rarely also protists with intracellular pleomorphic chlamydiae. Abundances of the novel chlamydial clusters were up to 5 × 104 cells per millilitre. The two clusters were also detected in similar numbers during a second sampling in October 2010. This confirmed the relevance of the two newly described clusters of chlamydiae in Lago di Paola, not only enlarging the knowledge on the biodiversity of environmental chlamydiae in aquatic habitats, but also raising sanitary issues that should be addressed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Temporary rivers are characterized by recurrent dry phases, and global warming will stress their hydrology by amplifying extreme events. Microbial degradation and transformation of organic matter (OM) in riverbed sediment are key processes with regard to carbon and nutrient fluxes. In this study, we describe structural and functional changes of benthic microbial communities in a riverine environment subject to hydrological fluctuation. Sampling was carried out in the outlet section of the Mulargia River (Sardinia, Italy) under various water regimes, including one flood event. Overall, sediments were characterized by low bacterial cell abundance (range 0.6-1.8 × 10 cell g) as a consequence of their low nutrient and OM concentrations. No major differences were found in the community composition. Alpha- Proteobacteria dominated during the whole year (range 21-30%) followed by Beta- Proteobacteria, Gamma- Proteobacteria, and Cytophaga- Flavobacteria which always contributed <18%. Planctomycetes and Firmicutes were found in smaller amounts (<7%). In spring, when the highest total organic carbon content was also detected (0.42% w/w), both bacterial abundance and C production (BCP, 170 nmol C h g) reached relatively high values. During the flood event, an increase in BCP and the highest values of community respiration (CR, 74 nmol C h g) were observed. Moreover, most of the extracellular enzyme activities (EEA) changed significantly during the flood. The variation of the water flow itself can explain part of these changes and other factors also come into play. The presence of different patterns of functional parameters could suggest that the quality of the OM could be the major driving force in nutrient flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trophic status classification of coastal waters at the European scale requires the availability of harmonised indicators and procedures. The composite trophic status index (TRIX) provides useful metrics for the assessment of the trophic status of coastal waters. It was originally developed for Italian coastal waters and then applied in many European seas (Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Baltic, Black and Northern seas). The TRIX index does not fulfil the classification procedure suggested by the WFD for two reasons: (a) it is based on an absolute trophic scale without any normalization to type-specific reference conditions; (b) it makes an ex ante aggregation of biological (Chl-a) and physico-chemical (oxygen, nutrients) quality elements, instead of an ex post integration of separate evaluations of biological and subsequent chemical quality elements. A revisitation of the TRIX index in the light of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC) and new TRIX derived tools are presented in this paper. A number of Italian coastal sites were grouped into different types based on a thorough analysis of their hydro-morphological conditions, and type-specific reference sites were selected. Unscaled TRIX values (UNTRIX) for reference and impacted sites have been calculated and two alternative UNTRIX-based classification procedures are discussed. The proposed procedures, to be validated on a broader scale, provide users with simple tools that give an integrated view of nutrient enrichment and its effects on algal biomass (Chl-a) and on oxygen levels. This trophic evaluation along with phytoplankton indicator species and algal blooms contribute to the comprehensive assessment of phytoplankton, one of the biological quality elements in coastal waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The side-to-side strictureplasty is a bowel-sparing alternative to resection in the treatment of stricturing Crohn’s disease. This study was initiated to review the adoption of the side-to-side strictureplasty as a new surgical technique and the relative outcomes a decade after its description. A total of 184 unique patients from six centers in the United States, Italy, and Japan served as the basis for this study. A questionnaire instrument was used to assemble prospectively acquired preoperative, intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data from each center into a computer-generated database. Average age at surgery for patients selected for a side-to-side strictureplasty varied significantly between centers (minimum, 31.0 years; maximum, 39.5 years, P < 0.006). Use of the side-to-side strictureplasty technique for primary Crohn’s disease vs. surgically recurrent disease also varied significantly by center (primary minimum, 16.7 percent; maximum, 68.6 percent, P < 0.03). Furthermore, length of diseased bowel selected for construction of a side-to-side strictureplasty was significantly different among centers (minimum, 20.8 ± 9.9 cm; maximum, 64.3 ± 29.3 cm, P < 0.001). Use of synchronous bowel resection away from the site of the side-to-side strictureplasty was relatively common (minimum, 21.1 percent; maximum, 66.7 percent) as it was with the use of additional synchronous strictureplasties (minimum, 41.9 percent; maximum, 83.3 percent). The six centers experienced a low number of complications (minimum, 5.7 percent; maximum, 20.8 percent). Forty-one of 184 total patients required surgery for recurrent disease, with an average time to recurrence of 35 months. The difference of reoperation-free five-year survival experienced by the patients in the six centers was not statistically significant, with a cumulative reoperation-free five-year survival of 77 percent across all centers. Worldwide implementation of the side-to-side strictureplasty technique and its variations has occurred. This procedure carries a very low mortality and morbidity rate, with acceptable recurrence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the freshwater runoff on marine prokaryotes has been largelly studied in the pelagic environment, little is known about the effects on the prokaryotes in coastal sediments. We investigated the distribution of benthic prokaryotes in the northern Adriatic Sea, when an extreme Po River flood event determined high heterogeneity along the estuarine salinity gradient (from mainly freshwater to marine). The microbial diversity was assessed by 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing, the quantification of the dominant taxa of Bacteria and Archaea by microscopy techniques (CARD-FISH). Our results showed dominance of Bacteria (eight-fold higher) over Archaea , and highlighted Proteobacteria as the most represented phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes. Prokaryotic abundance, quantified by DAPI staining, was mainly affected by sediment characteristics (Total Organic C and Total N contents, and silt fraction). Abundance reached the highest values in sites directly affected by the plume (range 7.3 × 108 - 2.8 × 109 cell g−1). A considerable difference in prokaryotes composition was observed along the salinity gradient, with an increasing presence of freshwater taxa at stations more influenced by the river discharge. CARD-FISH analyses corroborated these findings, showing higher abundance of beta-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes at stations closest to the river mouths. Nevertheless, a core microbiome (about 10% of the total OTUs) was present across all the study areas, indicating the ability of this assemblage to survive in rather diverse environmental conditions, differently impacted by the river plume. Our results show that the river plume can affect the diversity and distribution patterns of benthic prokaryotes far into the pro-delta, although further investigations are needed in order to understand how the mixing of bacterial communities of different origin might reflect on ecosystem functioning. • The river freshwater plume affects the diversity and the distribution of benthic prokaryotes far into the pro-delta. • A core microbiome (about 10% of the total OTUs) was present across all the areas differently impacted by the river plume. • The comparison of the results by NGS and CARD-FISH contribute to develop microbial indexes for sediment quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Methods of collection and storage of mothers'' milk to feed premature infants who weigh less than 1500 g (very low birth weight infants) or who are under 32 weeks gestational age need to preserve the important factors in the milk and avoid infective contamination as much as possible. Mothers are directly involved and given responsibility for this practice, an involvement that requires adequate procedures and useful strategies. The aim of the study was to investigate and describe the procedures applied by Italian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) regarding the collection and storage of the mothers'' own milk for their preterm newborns. To do this, a questionnaire regarding the different aspects of collection and storage of breast milk for preterm newborns was sent out to 105 Italian level III NICUs. Ninety-two NICUs (87.6%) participated, and breast milk collection was possible in 87 of them (95%); 86% had an electric breast pump available as well as the components needed for breast milk collection and/or containers to store breast milk. In 41 (46%) of the hospitals where milk collection was possible, pump sets were loaned to the mother, either for 24 hours (10; 24%) or until discharge (25; 62%). Pump sets were disinfected/sterilised after each use in 75% of the NICUs, and every 24 hours in 18%. Sixty-four per cent of the hospitals did not pasteurise the milk. Refrigerated milk was used in 82% of NICUs, whereas only 58% administered fresh milk. Surplus breast milk was frozen in 79% of the centres. The procedures for collection and storage of mothers'' own milk for very low birth weight infants in Italian NICUs were therefore shown in this study to be heterogeneous but (not far from the current evidence) more or less in line with current guidelines and standards of good clinical practice. Further investigations are needed to make this aspect of preterm infant care effective and safe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we characterize the mineralogy and microbiology of a suite of samples from the Bagno dell'Acqua alkaline (pH ≥ 9) lake in Pantelleria, Italy. The aim of the present characterization is the assessment of the lake as a Martian analog site. Nineteen samples were characterized by a combination of VNIR reflectance spectroscopy, micro-Raman (μ-Raman) spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. In addition, DNA extraction was performed on three selected samples to identify the bacteria phyla and to quantify their abundance. The samples were collected as push cores inside the lake and as loose sediments taken along the eastern and southeastern lake's shore. The samples underwent three thermal cycles (between 343 K and 473 K) to remove excess water and organic matter. The VNIR spectra were measured on each sample after each thermal cycle to check the variation of the spectral features as a function of thermal treatment. The mineralogical content of our push core samples is dominated by the presence of Mg-smectite clays always associated with the remanence of K-feldspars and Ca-carbonates while in the sediments we observe also additional minor phases like pyroxene (aegirine NaFe3+Si 2 O 6), hematite (Fe 2 O 3), anatase (TiO 2), and volcanic glass. Two organic phases were detected by μ-Raman spectroscopy. One phase was attributable to carotenoids, in line with the high abundance of Bacterial Phyla that can synthesize these molecules. The second phase appeared to be visually indistinguishable from the inorganic matrix and is therefore attributed to EPS (Extracellular Polymeric Substances) forming a biofilm and extensively observed by fluorescent microscopy. The peculiar chemistry of the waters, the presence of Mg-smectite in the sediments of Lake Bagno dell'Acqua associated with Ca-carbonates and sediments derived by biological activity makes Lake Bagno dell'Acqua a very interesting and promising Martian analog site. • Mg-smectite and carbonates associated with a rich microbic community characterize the sediments of the Lake Bagno dell'Acqua. • The presence of a rich microbial community allows to study the interactions between microbes and sediments. • Co-occurrence of carbonates and smectite is observed on Mars suggesting that the Lake can be used as a Mars analog site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand to what extent depositional dynamics and riverine input contribute to shape the microbial benthic community structure in coastal systems, surface sediments were collected along one nearshore and two land-sea transects in the Po River prodelta, and analyzed for lithology, sediment structures, grain-size, short-lived radioisotopes (7Be and 137Cs) and organic matter (OM) quantity and origin (C, N, stable isotopes). The most recent surface supply (i.e. 5–6 mo = SUP layer) and the underneath, older sub-surface deposits (i.e. >6 mo = SUB layer) were analyzed at six selected sampling sites and checked for possible differences in the microbial community abundance and structure. According to different depositional dynamics, three distinct groups of sites were detected: nearshore muddy and sandy sites, and offshore sites. Sedimentary records reflected the interplay of different elements and/or processes acting in this complex and highly dynamic system. River-derived sediments, as depicted by high contribution of silty particles and recent riverine OM inputs, were confined to nearshore locations in front of the main river mouth. They resulted highly correlated to bacterial distribution and prokaryotic abundances in SUP layer. Nevertheless, in subsurface sediments affected by the delivery of high amount of mud, potential burial phenomena and/or the development of anoxic conditions occurred, leading to a change in the bacterial community structure. We speculated that the decrease of Gamma- and increase of Delta-Proteobacteria in the SUB layer could be related to their sulfur-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing activities, respectively. On the other hand, at offshore sites, the presence of a low, and regular sedimentary input and less intense hydrodynamic conditions favored a more stable microbial structure across surface and subsurface sediments. Four discriminating proxies, such as grain-size representing the system energy, Total N as an indicator of land-derived nutrient inputs, 7Be as a tracer of the freshness of riverine discharge, and stable C isotope as an indicator of the type and age of OM, mainly summarize the complex relationships between sedimentary dynamics and bacterial community structure in the Po River prodelta area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a predictor of outcome among patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), but which estimation formula provides the best long-term risk stratification in this setting is still unclear. We compared the prognostic performance of four creatinine-based formulas for the prediction of 10-year outcome in a NSTE-ACS population treated by percutaneous coronary intervention., Methods:: In 222 NSTE-ACS patients submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention, eGFR was calculated using four formulas: Cockcroft-Gault, re-expressed modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-Epi), and Mayo-quadratic. Predefined endpoints were all-cause death and a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal reinfarction, clinically driven repeat revascularisation, and heart failure hospitalisation., Results:: The different eGFR values showed poor agreement, with prevalences of renal dysfunction ranging from 14% to 35%. Over a median follow-up of 10.2 years, eGFR calculated by the CKD-Epi and Mayo-quadratic formulas independently predicted outcome, with an increase in the risk of death and events by up to 17% and 11%, respectively, for each decrement of 10 ml/min/1.73 m 2 . The Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD equations showed a borderline association with mortality and did not predict events. When compared in terms of goodness of fit, discrimination and calibration, the Mayo-quadratic outperformed the other formulas for the prediction of death and the CKD-Epi showed the best performance for the prediction of events (net reclassification improvement values 0.33-0.35)., Conclusions:: eGFR is an independent predictor of long-term outcome in patients with NSTE-ACS treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. The Mayo-quadratic and CKD-Epi equations might be superior to classic eGFR formulas for risk stratification in these patients.

Objective: To compare maternal and neonatal outcome of pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction technique (ART) according to the guidelines of the newly established Italian ART law 40/2004, with that of naturally conceived., Design: Three hundred and sixty-four ART pregnancies and 304 naturally conceived pregnancies were analyzed in terms of the incidence of obstetric complications and perinatal outcome. Control group was enrolled prospectively after being matched for an extensive number of maternal characteristics., Results: Among singletons, ART pregnancies when compared to naturally conceived pregnancies showed a higher incidence of pregnancy loss (23.4% versus 10.5%) and a lower mean birth weight. A higher but not significant incidence of small for gestational age fetuses was observed in ART pregnancies, compared to those from normally conceived pregnancies (7.2% versus 2.7%). Moreover, the ART pregnancies showed a slightly, but nonetheless significantly shorter mean gestational age (38.6 versus 39.3 weeks) and more frequent preterm deliveries (11%) than the control group (2.7%). No difference was found in terms of other obstetric complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes and placental abruption. Neonatal outcome was similar in both groups., Conclusion: Although the obstetric outcome among singleton ART pregnancies was good, these patients should be considered obstetric risk cases. The different frequency of complications is not related to maternal age or parity and could be the consequence of infertility or the procedures by which these women conceived. The reasons are, however, unclear and further studies are necessary.

Unlabelled: It is an acknowledged fact that the prognosis for patients with a first myocardial infarction depends mainly on the degree of residual left ventricle function. We wanted to evaluate the importance that certain simple clinical and instrumental variables can have in stratifying post-infarction cardiovascular risk with particular emphasis on chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). We selected 97 out of the 512 patients treated in the coronary intensive care unit (CICU) from February 1, 1988 to October 31, 1990 according to the following criteria: First myocardial infarction; no cardiogenic shock; no serious concomitant diseases with considered negative prognosis within 6 months. The following variables were considered for all the patients: age; sex; positive family history for ischemic heart disease; history of diabetes mellitus; arterial hypertension; previous cerebrovascular incident; history of obstructive arteriopathy of the lower limbs, of angor and COLD. The following tests were performed on all the patients: echocardiogram prior to discharge form the CICU; angiocardioscintigraphy with Tc-99 between the 20th and 30th day following the acute event; bicycle ergometer stress test on the 30th day., End Points: general mortality; cardiac mortality; non-fatal reinfarction; residual angina at 3 months. All the patients were treated with aspirin (325 mg/die) and/or heparin (12,500 units subcutaneously). All 97 patients were monitored for a mean follow-up time of 19.8 months. General mortality was 2.08% (for reinfarction) 24 (24.7%) non-fatal cardiac events.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)