Hypofractionated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost for localized prostate cancer patients: effects on immune system and prediction of toxicity.

Background: The other side of radiotherapy (RT), in addition to the cytotoxic effect, is the ability to modulate the immune system in terms of activation or suppression, also depending on the dose and fractionation delivered. This immune RT effect can be detected both locally in the irradiated tumor site and in the peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to assess the consequence of pelvic irradiation on peripheral immune cells and cytokine secretions in localized prostate cancer (PC) patients undergoing pelvic irradiation with a simultaneous moderately hypofractionated prostate/prostate bed boost by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

CHARGE syndrome and congenital heart diseases: systematic review of literature.

CHARGE syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disease that affects many areas of the body. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and types of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in CS and their impact on clinical outcome. A systematic review from 1981 to September 2022 was conducted.

Organization and Activity of Italian Echocardiographic Laboratories: A Survey of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging.

Background: The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand better how different echocardiographic modalities are used and accessed in Italy.

Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website.

The role of skin tests with polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 in the vaccination campaign for COVID-19: results from an Italian multicenter survey.

International guidelines suggested skin tests with Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and polysorbate 80 (PS-80), to investigate a possible hypersensitivity to these excipients either to identify subjects at risk of developing allergic reactions to Covid-19 vaccines, or in patients with suspected IgE mediated hypersensitivity reactions (HR) to the Covid-19 vaccine. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PEG and PS sensitization in patients with a clinical history of HR to drugs containing PEG/PS and in patients with a suspected Covid-19 vaccine immediate HR. This was a multicenter retrospective study conducted by allergists belonging to 20 Italian medical centers.

Case report: Hematologic malignancies concomitant diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A rare association.

A case of concomitant hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in a 50- year-old man was reported. Flow cytometry and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) were used to detect the B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) V600E mutation. The HCL population was the predominant component.

Ultrastructural Damages to H1N1 Influenza Virus Caused by Vapor Essential Oils.

Influenza viruses are transmitted from human to human via airborne droplets and can be transferred through contaminated environmental surfaces. Some works have demonstrated the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) as antimicrobial and antiviral agents, but most of them examined the liquid phases, which are generally toxic for oral applications. In our study, we describe the antiviral activity of , , and vapor EOs against influenza virus type A.

Modulation of Peripheral Immune Cell Subpopulations After RapidArc/Moderate Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Findings and Comparison With 3D Conformal/Conventional Fractionation Treatment.

Radiotherapy (RT) is an important therapeutic option in patients with localized prostate cancer (PC). Unfortunately, radiation treatment causes a decrease in peripheral lymphocytes and, consequently, influences the patients' immune status. Our aim was to study changes in peripheral blood immune cell subpopulations after RT and during 6 months' follow-up in 2 groups of PC patients irradiated with different techniques and dose fractions with curative intent.

Antifungal Activity of the Frog Skin Peptide Temporin G and Its Effect on Virulence Factors.

The increasing resistance to conventional antifungal drugs is a widespread concern, and a search for new compounds, active against different species of fungi, is demanded. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promises in this context. Here we investigated the activity of the frog skin AMP Temporin G (TG) against a panel of fungal strains, by following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols.

Flow cytometric evaluation of measurable residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Where do we stand?

Measurable residual disease (MRD) has emerged as a relevant parameter of response to therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although several methods have been developed, flow cytometry has emerged as the most useful and standardized approach to measure and quantify MRD. The improved sensitivity of MRD measurements has been paralleled by the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for CLL, increasing the applicability of MRD detection in this setting.

Apical versus subclavian transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An 8-year United Kingdom analysis.

Objectives: Subclavian (SC) and transapical (TA) approaches are the main alternatives to the default femoral delivery for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to compare complications and morbidity/mortality associated with SC and TA in a long-term time frame.

Methods: From January 2007 to July 2015, 1506 patients underwent TAVI surgery in 36 United Kingdom TAVI centers.

The impact of gender bias in cardiothoracic surgery in Europe: a European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery survey.

Objectives: The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery designed a questionnaire to assess the impact of gender bias on a cardiothoracic surgery career.

Methods: A 46-item survey investigating gender bias was designed using online survey software from December 2020 to January 2021. All European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery members and non-members included in the mailing lists were invited to complete an electronic survey.

Circulating Regulatory T-Cell Number Does Not Predict Prognosis of Monoclonal Gammopathies of Uncertain Significance.

FOXP3-expressing regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which suppress aberrant immune response against self-antigens, also suppress anti-tumor immune response. It has been shown that there is an increased proportion of Tregs in several different human malignancies, although the actual mechanism remains unclear. The research aims to explore the relationship between the number of Tregs and a predict prognosis in particular hematological diseases as monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS).

CD200 Baseline Serum Levels Predict Prognosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Membrane-bound CD200 is overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and there is some evidence that its soluble ectodomain (sCD200) could also be involved in the pathophysiology and the disease. However, very little is known about sCD200's prognostic significance. sCD200 was tested at diagnosis in 272 patients with CLL and in 78 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects using a specific human CD200 (OX-2 membrane glycoprotein) ELISA kit.

Survival relative to pacemaker status after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objectives: To determine whether a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in situ can enhance survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in a predominantly inoperable or high risk cohort.

Background: New conduction disturbances are the most frequent complication of TAVI, often necessitating PPM implantation before hospital discharge.

Methods: We performed an observational cohort analysis of the UK TAVI registry (2007-2015).

Midterm outcomes of transaortic and transapical TAVI in patients with unsuitable vascular anatomy for femoral access: A propensity score inverse probability weight study.

Aims: Transaortic (TAo) and transapical (TA) implantation can be used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when the transfemoral (TF) approach is precluded. We compare the safety and efficacy of these alternative techniques.

Methods: From October 2007 to February 2016, TAo and TA patients' data were collected.

CD200 and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Biological and Clinical Relevance.

CD200, a transmembrane type Ia glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily, is broadly expressed on a wide variety of cell types, such as B lymphocytes, a subset of T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial and neuronal cells. It delivers immunosuppressive signals through its receptor CD200R, which is expressed on monocytes/myeloid cells and T lymphocytes. Moreover, interaction of CD200 with CD200R has also been reported to play a role in the regulation of tumor immunity.

Systemic allergic reactions induced by labile plant-food allergens: Seeking potential cofactors. A multicenter study.

Background: Heat-and-pepsin-sensitive plant food allergens (PR-10 and profilin) sometimes cause systemic reaction.

Objective: To detect the risk factors for systemic reactions induced by labile food allergens.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was performed on patients with a documented history of systemic allergic reaction to labile plant food allergens and on age-matched controls with a history of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) induced by the same foods.