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Complete lightcurves of 17 asteroids belonging to the Themis, Eos, and Maria families have been obtained, as well as single-night photometric observations of eight objects belonging to the same families. Using also data previously available in the literature, we perform a preliminary statistical analysis aimed at detecting possible correlations between rotational periods, overall lightcurve amplitudes, and objetcs' sizes. No evident correlation was found, with the possible exception of a weak anticorrelation between size and spin period. The implications of this possible anticorrelation are discussed.

We present the results of a visible spectroscopic survey of 820 asteroids carried on between November 1996 and September 2001 at the 1.52 m telescope at ESO (La Silla). The instrumental set-up allowed an useful spectral range of about 4900 A λ 9200 A . The global spatial distribution of the observed asteroids covers quite well all the region between 2.2 and 3.3 AU though some concentrations are apparent. These are due to the fact that several sub-sets of asteroids, such as families and groups, have been selected and studied during the development of the survey. The observed asteroids have been classified using the Tholen and the Bus taxonomies which, in general, agree quite well.

The results of new CCD observations are presented as part of the campaign we are performing in Brazil to measure rotational periods for small asteroids. The observations presented here have been acquired at the Pico dos Dias Observatory between 1997 and 2002 and result in 48 single night lightcurves for 20 asteroids, most of them Main-Belt objects with D < 40 km. We present the rotation periods – ranging from about 3 to 18 hr – along with the composite lightcurve obtained for each observed object.

Cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were successfully performed in 217 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In all, 13 patients with 6q21 deletion were identified and characterized in comparison with 92 patients with 'favourable' karyotype (normal or 13q-), 69 cases with 'intermediate risk' (1-2 anomalies) and 43 cases with 'unfavourable' karyotype (complex, 11q- or 17p-). Six out of 13 cases with 6q- showed an excess of atypical lymphocytes, a finding confirmed at the histologic level;20% CD38+ cells were seen in 5/6 cases. IGVH mutational status revealed98% homology to the germline sequence in 4/10 cases. When compared with the 'favourable' group, patients with 6q- showed a higher white blood cell (WBC) count, frequent splenomegaly, atypical morphology, CD38+ and short time from diagnosis to first treatment and short survival. A higher median WBC count was found in the 6q- group vs the intermediate-risk group; survival was shorter in the unfavourable group. To ascertain if the 6q- anomaly was an independent factor predicting for an inferior outcome among those patients with 'favourable' cytogenetics, we performed an analysis of prognostic factors in 105 patients (92 'favourable' plus 13 with 6q-), showing that the 6q- chromosome maintained its prognostic significance at multivariate analysis (P=0.02) along with stage (P=0.01). We conclude that CLL with 6q- is characterized by a high incidence of atypical morphology, classical immunophenotype with CD38 positivity and intermediate incidence of IGVH somatic hypermutation. Clinicobiological features and outcome show that this cytogenetic subset of CLL should be allocated in an intermediate-risk category.

The results of photometric observations of Centaur object Chiron carried out at the Observatorio do Pico dos Dias (OPD, Brazil), the Estacion Astrofisica de Bosque Alegre (EABA, Argentina), and Complejo Astronomico El Leoncito (CASLEO, Argentina) from 1997 to 2001 are presented here. The analysis of the photometric data shows that the brightness of Chiron reached a minimum value in 1999 and began increasing again in 2000. The absolute magnitude, HV, varied from 7.26 in June 1999 to 5.78 in April 2001. The data tend to indicate that Chiron is starting a new outburst of activity which is compatible with a sporadic cometary behavior not related to heliocentric distance.

We present the results concerning Mars-crossing and Near-Earth asteroids of our Small Solar System Objects Spectroscopic Survey - S 3 OS 2 , carried out at the ESO (La Silla, Chile). Thirty-four objects, twenty-two Mars-crossing and twelve NEAs, have been observed from November 1996 through September 2001 in the wavelength range of 4900-9200 A. Most (twenty-seven out of thirty-four) of the objects of our sample fall in the "S-complex", including the S, Sa, Sk, Sl, Sq and A classes, as introduced by Bus (1999). The spectra of these objects resemble that of some ordinary chondrite meteorites. In spite of the small number of objects, we found also in our sample members of the C, Ld, V and X classes.

A novel recurrent translocation t(11;14)(p11;q32) was found in three patients with splenic marginal zone B cell lymphoma (MZBCL). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies with IgH probes revealed in all cases involvement of the IgH locus, with breakpoint downstream of the IGVH sequences. Partner genes at 11p11 were not identified. The translocation defined the stem line in two patients, who carried additional cytogenetic aberrations, including a 17p deletion, present in both cases. In one patient a 7q- chromosome was the primary cytogenetic defect, the t(11;14) having been found in four out of 11 abnormal metaphase cells at the time of transformation into high-grade MZBCL. Hematological features in all cases included splenomegaly with peripheral blood (PB) involvement by a monoclonal B cell population consisting of lymphocytes with villous projections and several blast-like cells. The immunophenotype was CD19+; CD22bright+; CD23-, CD10-, CD5-, surface Igbright+. A bone biopsy in one patient revealed an interstitial infiltration with an intrasinusoidal pattern of growth. Histological studies on spleen specimens in two patients showed an expanded marginal zone, with small lymphocytes and several blast-like cells. One patient had a therapy-demanding disease, with partial, short-term responses to cytotoxic treatment; one patient transformed into a high-grade MZBCL involving the gut, the PB and the bone marrow 2 years after diagnosis; one patient was unresponsive to cytotoxic treatment and underwent splenectomy. The t(11;14)(p11;q32) may define a subset of splenic MZBCL with a high-grade component and a relatively aggressive clinical behavior.

We report the results of new photometric observations of 19 main-belt asteroids, most of them of small size, i.e., km. The observations were carried out at the do Pico dos Dias D [ 50 Observatoc rio (Brazil) and at the de Bosque Alegre (Argentina), providing more than 50 singleEstacioc n Astrofic sica night light curves. The obtained rotation periods, ranging from 3.2 to 11.5 hr, are presented along with the corresponding composite light curves.

We observed 29 Hungaria and 31 Phocaea asteroids at the European Southern Observatory (Chile) in the wavelength range 4900–9200A . The Phocaea and the Hungaria are both high-inclination groups, located at the inner edge of the main belt near the ν 5 , ν 6 , and ν 16 secular resonances. We confirm that the Hungaria group is composed mainly of E-type asteroids but with a relatively large number of S-types. The Phocaea group, on the other hand, is composed mainly of S-type asteroids. We discuss the possible implications of the observed composition distribution on the origin and evolution of these high-inclination groups.

We observed 44 Eunomia family members at ESO (European Southern Observatory) and at CASLEO (Complejo Astronomico El Leoncito) in the wavelength range of 4900–9200 A. We found 41 objects with the same characteristics: a maximum around λ=7500 A, and a reflectivity gradient spanning a continuous but limited range. Only 3 objects display featureless spectra similar to C-type asteroids, and these should be considered as interlopers. The spectra of the 41 objects show a similarity which is consistent with the dynamical hypothesis of a common origin. On the other hand, the spread of distribution of surface composition also indicates that the Eunomia family was possibly formed from the fragmentation of a partially differentiated S-type parent body.

We present spectroscopic observations of 36 as- teroids, members of the Themis family. These observations were carried on at the European Southern Observatory in the wavelength range 4900 9200 A. Most of the objects present a spectra similar to C-type asteroids and some of them present indicative of aqueous alteration. We discuss the implications of these results on the formation and evo- lution of this family.

We observed 47 Flora clan members at the ESO (European Southern Observatory) in the wavelength range 4900–9200 A. We found 42 objects with common characteristics: a maximum around λ = 7500 A and a reflectivity gradient spanning a continuous but limited range. Only five objects show different spectral behavior (one is probably V type). Looking for meteorite analogs, we only find four ordinary chondrites that present features similar to those of the lower part of the Flora spectral distribution. This behavior is consistent as the consequence of some space-weathering process.

The analysis of visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra of C-class objects has revealed the presence of features that appear to indicate a history of aqueous alteration on their surfaces. This result can provide constraints on our understanding of the early Solar System. We have recorded spectra covering 0.48–0.92 μm for 29 C-class objects with orbital semimajor axes between 2.3 and 3.6 AU. About 70% of the observed objects show features produced as the result of aqueous alteration processes.

The final selection of the two Rosetta target asteroids will be made in a successive phase of the Rosetta project development, when the engineering parameters will be frozen. In this paper we present spectroscopic observations of the possible Rosetta candidates and we discuss the results obtained, particularly the definition of their compositional type. We examine the possibility to select some more “primitive” candidates. On the basis of its size and spectral type, we suggest including the asteroid 140 Siwa as one of the asteroid targets of the Rosetta mission.

The results of photometric observations of comet/asteroid 2060 Chiron at the Observatorio do Pico dos Dias (Brazil-OPD) and the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (France-OHP) during 1994 and 1995 are presented. The analysis of the data shows a decrease of 2060 Chiron brightness from its peak values of 1988–1991. The absolute magnitude, Hv, varies from a maximum of 6.6 in February 1994 up to a minimum of 6.8 in June 1995. Therefore 2060 Chiron is back to a minimum of activity close to that of 1983–1985. The slope parameter G is found to be G = 0.71 ± 0.15. It is suggested that the H-G magnitude system, generally adopted to present 2060 Chiron brightness, is not the most appropriate due to the cometary activity of this object.

The observational programme on small asteroids (diameter less than about 50 km) is continued to enlarge the available dataset of small asteroids. The results are presented of CCD observations of nine small asteroids ( D ≤23 km), performed in France with the 1.2 m telescope at Haute Provence Observatory and with the 2 m telescope at Pic du Midi Observatory. A total of 27 single night lightcurves for nine asteroids were obtained. All the objects were observed for the first time and rotational periods have been determined for all of the observed asteroids: 1992 Galvarino ( P syn = 7 h .004), 2419 Moldavia ( P syn = 2 h .412), 2921 Sophocles ( P syn = 4 h .778), 3247 Di Martino ( P syn = 5 h .445), 3623 Chaplin ( P syn = 8 h .361), 3986 Rozhkovskij ( P syn = 4 h .26), 4436 1983 EX ( P syn = 6 h .656), 5046 1981 DQ ( P syn = 6 h .050) and 1992 YG3 ( P syn = 8 h .91).

CCD photometry of the NEAR mission fly-by target 253 Mathilde is presented. Measurements taken during 52 nights of observations, from February to June 1995, allow a rotation period of 17.406±0.010 days and a lightcurve amplitude of 0.45±0.02 mag to be determined. A B-V color index of 0.67±0.02 and a V-R of 0.35±0.02 are measured, which are compatible with C-type membership. The determination of the phase relation results in H = 10.28±0.03 and G = 0.12±0.06. Indications that the lightcurve is not strictly singly-periodic are found. A power-spectrum analysis detects a secondary frequency f 2 = 0.0322±0.0010 d −1 , which is interpreted as evidence for a complex rotation state.

The Apollo asteroid 4179 Toutatis passed within 0.0242 AU of Earth in December 1992, and photometry was obtained by observers from at least 25 sites around the world, at solar phase angles between 121° and 0.2°. The phase curve is well described in the H, G system with a mean H of 15.3 and a slope parameter G of 0.10 ± 0.10. However, the rotational lightcurve is very unusual. The amplitude is large (1.2 magnitudes) and the rotation period is extremely long (several days). Most remarkably, the lightcurve does not appear to be periodic: it is unlikely that a single rotation period can account for the lightcurve even when the rapidly changing viewing and illumination geometry during the close Earth approach is taken into account, though strong lightcurve minima recurred approximately every 7.3 days. The likely explanation is that Toutatis has complex, tumbling, rotation with a characteristic period between 3 and 7 days. As noted by A. W. Harris (1994 Icarus 107, 209-211), the damping time scale from complex to simple rotation for a small, slowly rotating asteroid like Toutatis is so long that complex rotation is expected, but Toutatis is the first asteroid to show such strong observational evidence for complex rotation.

In this paper we present a methodology for the development of a circuit to control the reading frequency of a First In First Out (FIFO) memory based on the monitoring of its filling level, with applications in data communication protocol justification architectures for tributary signal mapping and demapping.

A program of physical studies of asteroids has been carried out using two types of detectors: photoelectric photometer and CCD camera. In this paper we report the results of photometric observations of 10 asteroids. We have obtained a total of 35 single night lightcurves and we have determined rotational periods for the asteroids 1520 Imatra (P = 5.23 h), 1534 Nasi (P = 9.75 h), 2078 Nanking (P = 6.473 h), 2241 Alcathous (P = 9.41 h), 3103 1982 BB (P= 5.709 h), 3139 Shantou (P = 8.33 h), 3259 Brownlee (P = 9.24 h), 4455 Ruriko (P = 4.23 h).

This paper presents the design and development of an optical burst mode receiver for next generation passive optical network based on commercially integrated circuits, as well as the prototype performance regarding the loud/soft ratio imposed by the network. An experimental test setup was arranged for performance and characterization purposes, with results well within network general specification.

Groundbased photometric observations of asteroid 243 Ida over seven apparitions from 1980 to 1993 allow us to derive a model for its spin vector and shape prior to the August 1993 encounter by the Galileo spacecraft. Two equally likely solutions for the spin vector are at ecliptic coordinates (1950) λp1 = 73, βp1 = -53 or λp2 = 254, βp2 = -55 with an uncertainty of ± 10° in each coordinate. Ida's low orbital inclination restricts the available aspect angles for Earth-based observers so that the spin vector ambiguity cannot be resolved. We offer predictions for the flyby geometry for both solutions, where the Galileo spacecraft images will resolve this ambiguity easily. Ida's rotation is retrograde with a sidereal period of 4.633632 ± 0.000007 hr. Assuming a triaxial ellipsoid model, we estimate axial ratios of a/b = 1.82 ± 0.10 and b/c = 1.15 ± 0.10. The morphology of the observed lightcurves suggest that Ida has a nonuniform albedo distribution, but we cannot completely rule out observational uncertainties or simplifying model assumptions (e.g., convex shape, geometric scattering) as sources for this suggestion. It is not possible to predict uniquely the distribution of any such albedo variegation.

FEC gain in DC-coupled burst mode receivers is limited because of a variance in BER between bursts. This BER variance is characterized in an XG-PON1 upstream prototype. It is shown that basic BER tests overestimate the FEC gain.

This paper describes the development of an optical burst mode receiver for next generation passive optical network applications. Commercially available integrated circuits were used in this design and a dedicated experimental test setup was arranged for the prototype performance verification and preliminary characterization. Results revealed a very good sensitivity, which meets the draft specifications.

Visible and near-infrared spectroscopic observations of the asteroid 1459 Magnya indicate that it has a basaltic surface. Magnya is at 3.15 astronomical units (AU) from the sun and has no known dynamical link to any family, to any nearby large asteroid, or to asteroid 4 Vesta at 2.36 AU, which is the only other known large basaltic asteroid. We show that the region of the belt around Magnya is densely filled by mean-motion resonances, generating slow orbital diffusion processes and providing a potential mechanism for removing other basaltic fragments that may have been created on the same parent body as Magnya. Magnya may represent a rare surviving fragment from a larger, differentiated planetesimal that was disrupted long ago.

HTIF1alpha, a transcription coactivator which is able to mediate RARalpha activity and functionally interact with PML, is encoded by a gene on chromosome 7q32-34, which is a critical region in acute myeloid leukemias (AML). With the assumption that this gene may be related to AML, we investigated the HTIF1alpha DNA structure and RNA expression in leukemic cells from 36 M1-M5 AML patients (28 "de novo" and eight "secondary" to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)). Abnormal HTIF1alpha DNA fragments were never found, whereas loss of HTIF1alpha DNA was observed in the patients with chromosome 7q32 deletion and translocation, and in one case without detectable chromosome 7 abnormality. HTIF1alpha RNA was found in acute myelocytic leukemic blasts, and was almost undetectable in normal mononuclear cells. The expression varied among the patients: higher in M1 to M3 subtypes, with the highest values in M1; low levels were constantly observed in M4 and M5 AML. In addition, HTIF1alpha was significantly overexpressed in MDS-related AML (MDR-AML), but not in MDS. We also found that HTIF1alpha expression was high in myeloid cell lines. In myeloblastic HL60 and promyelocytic NB4 cells, induced to differentiate along the monocytic-macrophage pathway by TPA or vitamin D3, HTIF1alpha expression decreased, whereas it was maintained at high levels on induction to granulocytic differentiation by RA or DMSO. In K562 cells, HTIF1alpha RNA levels did not change after hemin-induced erythroid differentiation. These results suggest that HTIF1alpha could play a role in myeloid differentiation, being distinctly regulated in hematopoietic lineages.

The translocation t(11;14) (q13;q32), typically described in mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), has also been found in some cases of non-MCL lymphoproliferative disorders, such as splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL), multiple myeloma (MM), prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), typical and atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL and aCLL). In order to define better the genetic features of aCLL with t(11;14), which could represent a distinct disease subset, we looked for genetic lesions in the BCL-1 locus and in BCL-2, BCL-6, c-myc and p53 genes.We investigated a panel of B-lymphoproliferative disorders with translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) including nine aCLL, six MCL and one MM. Southern and Northern blot analysis was used to investigate DNA structure and RNA expression; SSCP and direct sequencing were used to detect and characterize p53 point mutations; cytofluorimetric analysis was used to quantify p53 protein.Alterations of BCL-2, BCL-6 and c-myc were not detected. Conversely, BCL-1 rearrangements were present in 4 out of 7 aCLL and in 2 out of 4 MCL. A high incidence of p53 gene alterations was found, almost equivalent in aCLL and MCL.Our results indicate that the occurrence of BCL-1 locus lesions in aCLL selected for t(11;14) is as high as in MCL. Interestingly, rearrangements in the mTC1 (minor translocation cluster 1) were only found in aCLL. Therefore, the two B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders share similar molecular rearrangements and the t(11;14) identifies a subset of B-CLL sharing molecular features with MCL and characterized by aggressive clinical evolution.

Nine patients with previously unreported chromosome changes were identified among 209 B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cases: three patients had a translocation involving 6p24-25; three had a 12p12-13 translocation; two had 4q21 involvement (one with coexisting 6p anomaly); and two had monosomy 21. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detected some cryptic aberrations (+12, 6q-, 17p-, 11q-) in those patients with 6p translocations, whereas only a cytogenetically undetected 13q14 deletion was found in the remaining cases. Atypical morphology was noted in six cases, including both cases with monosomy 21, two cases with 6p and 4q21 anomaly and one case with 12p involvement. Four of these cases also had more than one phenotype deviation with respect to the classical CLL phenotype. Disease progression after 21-51 months (median 41) was noted in two cases with 6p and 4q21 involvement and in one case with 12p anomaly and monosomy 21. We arrived at the following conclusions: (i) 6p24-25 and, possibly, 4q21 lesions represent non-random events in CLL, occurring in association with other well-known unbalanced rearrangements; (ii) 12p rearrangements and monosomy 21 may possibly represent early chromosome defects that are not associated with the classical DNA gains and losses known to be present in the majority of CLL; and (iii) atypical morphology and immunophenotype as well as disease progression were frequently observed in these cases

In order to investigate the origin of the fragile X mutation in the Brazilian population, we assessed the size of the microsatellite markers DXS548, FRAXAC1 and FRAXAC2 in 72 X chromosomes from unrelated affected males and 64 control chromosomes. We found a significantly different distribution of alleles between fragile X and controls for loci DXS548 and FRAXAC1, but no apparent linkage disequilibrium was detected for the sequence FRAXAC2. The most frequent DXS548/FRAXAC1 haplotypes in affected males were haplotypes 204/158 bp (2-1) and 196/152 bp (6-4). These findings are in accordance with the proposed two main mutational pathways for the generation of FMR-1 alleles that predispose to instability and hyperexpansion.

To better define the role of exposure to myelotoxic agents in the genesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), we carried out (a) a case-control study for the determination of the relative risk (RR) of developing MDS, including 178 consecutive patients and 178 sex- and age-matched controls: (b) a study of clinicobiological features in MDS arising after occupational exposure to myelotoxic agents and in MDS in 'non-exposed' patients. The definition of the 'exposure' status was based on a predetermined questionnaire, with calculation of an 'exposure' index (hours/day x days/year x years). Cumulative exposure to pesticides or to organic solvents, for2400 h, was recorded in 48 and 25 MDS patients, respectively, compared to 27 and four controls (P0.00001; RR 3.74; 95% confidence interval 2.02-5.37). Older age and an excess of refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts and refractory anaemia with excess of blasts was noted among 'exposed' MDS-patients (group 1), compared to non-exposed MDS-patients (group 2). 68.3% patients in group 1 had clonal chromosome changes, compared with 43.2% patients in group 2. Complex karyotypes, -7/7q-, -5/5q-, +8, 7p and 17p aberrations were seen more frequently in group 1, whereas a normal karyotype, isolated 5q- or 20q- occurred more frequently in group 2. The association of exposure to myelotoxic agents with older age at presentation and with unfavourable chromosome changes accounted for the shorter survival observed in 'exposed' patients. These data show that occupational exposure to pesticides and organic solvents in our region resulted in an increased RR of developing MDS and that a distinct cytogenetic profile was associated with MDS in 'exposed' patients. These findings provide strong indirect evidence that these agents may play a role in the pathogenesis of MDS, preferentially targeting some of the chromosome regions which are frequently involved in therapy-related myeloid neoplasias.

To study different aspects of macular function in eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (early AMD: drusen with or without retinal pigment epithelium alterations) and normal visual acuity, to obtain a complete evaluation of macular function impairment in early AMD and to study the relationship between macular function and the ophthalmoscopic signs of early AMD.Forty-seven subjects with early AMD and visual acuity better than 20/25 in at least one eye were studied: 34 patients had bilateral early AMD (group 1), 13 had neovascular AMD in the fellow (nonstudy) eye (group 2). Thirty-six age-matched healthy subjects were used as controls. Thirty degree stereoscopic fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography were performed to grade macular lesions. Macular recovery function, central visual field sensitivity, spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity, and the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test were used to study different aspects of macular function.Except for color vision, all macular function tests were significantly impaired in eyes of patients with early AMD compared to those in control subjects. No functional difference was found between groups 1 and 2. The increase in drusen number negatively influenced macular recovery function. Increasing drusen confluence reduced macular recovery function as well as central visual field sensitivity and some selected spatial frequencies of spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity. Geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and focal hyperpigmentation reduced macular recovery function and contrast sensitivity at the highest spatial frequency.Macular recovery function central visual field sensitivity, and spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity are adequate and reliable indicators of macular function impairment in early AMD. Macular recovery function is the test that best reflects the ophthalmoscopic characteristics of early AMD because its deterioration parallels the worsening of typical fundus lesions. Function tests are valuable in the evaluation of patients with early AMD, particularly when interventional trials are planned.

The results of photometric and spectroscopic observations of comet/asteroid 2060 Chiron carried on at the Observatorio do Pico-dos-Dias (Brazil), at the European Southern Observatory (Chile) and at the Mauna Kea Observatory (Hawaii) during 1996 are presented. The analysis of the photometric data shows that even at a minimum of brightness 2060 Chiron presents some activity. The absolute magnitude, H v , varied from 6.79 in February to 6.22 in March. Therefore 2060 Chiron is still in a minimum of activity close to that of 1983–1985 and of 1994–1995.

Background To remark the feasibility of endovascular treatment of an aorto-caval fistula in a old high risk patient with “hostile” abdomen for previous surgeries. Methods In September 2009 a 81-years-old patient was admitted in emergency at our department because of abdominal pain and massive oedema of the lower extremities associated to dyspnoea (New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III). A CT scan showed an aorto-caval fistula involving the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries. This abnormal communication was likely due to the previous abdominal surgeries, was complicated by occlusion of the inferior vena cava at the diaphragm and was responsible for the massive oedema of the lower extremities. Because of unstable conditions and hostile abdomen the patient was considered unfit for conventional surgery and an endovascular approach was planned. After unsuccessful attempt by positioning of an Amplatzer vascular ring into the fistula, a Medtronic covered stent-grafts were implanted from the renal arteries to the both common iliac arteries. The patient had an impressive improvement characterized by a 18 Kg weight loss and a complete restoration of the functional capacity (from NYHA class III to NYHA class I) associated to a complete resolution of the lower extremities oedema as confirmed at the a month-CT-scan. Conclusion Endovascular surgery of aorto-caval fistula represents a good option in alternative to conventional surgery mostly in old high risk patient.

Background: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNTs) are relatively uncommon tumors that account for 1 to 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. The aim of this report is to describe the cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical features of PNTs obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and to compare them with the histological results. Design: Forty cases diagnosed with PNTs based on EUS-FNA were studied retrospectively (from 2003 to 2010). Clinical data, EUS findings, cytological and immunocytochemical features were reviewed with particular attention to the on-site slides. The final histopathologic diagnosis from twenty-three patients was also available for comparison. Results: The case series was of 40 patients (20 men, 20 women), ranging in age from 30 years to 75 years. The mean size of the tumors by EUS was 29 mm (range, 8-100 mm). The average number of FNA per patient to obtain adequate material was 3. The most helpful cytologic findings for the diagnosis of PNTs were: i) high cellularity sample ii) monotonous, poorly cohesive population of small or medium-sized cells iii) granular chromatin (salt and pepper) and iv) plasmacytoid morphology. Immunocytochemistry (positivity for chromogranin A and/or synaptophysin) on cell blocks confirmed the neuroendocrine differentiation of tumors in all patients and Ki67 index was effective for distinguishing well differentiated from high/grade PNTs (p=0.001). The cytological diagnosis of PNT was histologically confirmed in 23 cases (57%) submitted to surgical resection Conclusions: EUS-FNA is an efficient and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of PNTs and may have a role in determining management strategy.