Analysis of annual distributions of hemoglobin A values as a method to test for HbA standardization.

Background And Aims: The monitoring of yearly distributions of HbA measured has been indicated as a reliable indicator of worldwide standardization.

Materials And Methods: Measurements/year of HbA have been collected over three consecutive years in 15 Italian laboratories each using the same analytical method over three years period. HbA distributions, cleaned of replicated measurements, were compared by the overlapping area of the raw probability density functions expressed by coefficient eta (η), and by comparing the reference intervals for the central part of each distribution estimated by the indirect method refineR using the R package "refineR".

Music as a social bond in patients with amnesia.

The music and social bonding (MSB) hypothesis proposes that human musicality has evolved as mechanisms supporting social bonding. We consider the MSB hypothesis under the lens of amnesia by arguing how patients with amnesia, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, can benefit from music, not only to retrieve personal memories, but also to use them for social bonding.

Weak correlation between antibody titers and neutralizing activity in sera from SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects.

Plenty of serologic tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed so far, thus documenting the importance of evaluating the relevant features of the immune response to this viral agent. The performance of these assays is currently under investigation. Amongst them, LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG by DiaSorin and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 cobas® by Roche are currently used by laboratory medicine hospital departments in Italy and many other countries.

Retrospective analysis of the cholesterol levels in a European mid-latitude population between 2007 and 2018: controversies and therapeutic implications.

Background And Aim Of The Work: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries and its association with LDL-cholesterol has been well established. During the last decades statin therapy, and an healthy lifestyle, has proven highly effective in reducing cardiovascular event rates. Yet, there is still controversy among national guidelines and clinical practice with regard to LDL-cholesterol measurements.