Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy as an Alternative to Chamberlain's Mediastinotomy and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Diagnosis of Anterior Mediastinal Neoformations: A Retrospective Analysis.

(1) Background: The prompt diagnosis of anterior mediastinal lesions is a challenge due to their often being categorized as malignant tumours. Ultrasound-guided Transthoracic Core Needle Biopsy (US-TCNB) is an innovative technique that is arousing increasing interest in clinical practice. However, studies in this area are still scarce.

Endothelial activation, inflammation and premature atherosclerosis in children with familial dyslipidemia.

Objectives: Prospective studies demonstrated an increased cardiovascular risk in subjects with high levels of either the endothelial-platelet activation marker P-selectin or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Both children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and those with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) are prone to premature atherosclerosis. Our objective was to investigate in children with either FH or FCHL whether P-selectin and hs-CRP contribute to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), along with increased plasma lipid levels.

The type of LDLR gene mutation predicts cardiovascular risk in children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Objective: To ascertain whether the molecular characterization of a defect in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene (LDLR) in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) identifies subjects at greater risk of developing premature coronary artery disease (pCAD) later in life.

Study Design: We investigated 264 children with heFH from 201 families, along with 148 affected parents and 100 unaffected siblings. The lipid profile was assessed before any treatment was provided, and genotype analysis was performed to characterize LDLR defects.

Effects of long-term Irbesartan in reducing portal pressure in cirrhotic patients: comparison with propranolol in a randomised controlled study.

Background/aims: The role of angiotensin II (AT-II) type I receptor antagonists in the treatment of portal hypertension remains controversial. We tested the efficacy of Irbesartan (Irb) vs. Propranolol (Pro) in reducing portal pressure and evaluated its systemic haemodynamic effects.