Cranial ultrasound in preterm infants ≤ 32 weeks gestation-novel insights from the use of very high-frequency (18-5 MHz) transducers: a case series.

The quality of cranial ultrasound has improved over time, with advancing technology leading to higher resolution, faster image processing, digital display, and back-up. However, some brain lesions may remain difficult to characterize: since higher frequencies result in greater spatial resolution, the use of additional transducers may overcome some of these limitations. The very high-frequency transducers (18-5 MHz) are currently employed for small parts and lung ultrasound.

COVID-19 restrictions and hygiene measures reduce the rates of respiratory infections and wheezing among preterm infants.

Background And Aim: During the 2020 and 2021 Italian COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions and strict hygiene measures were recommended to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to assess whether rates of respiratory infections and wheezing in preterm infants have changed during the pandemic.

Methods: Single center, retrospective study.

Transmission of Group B Streptococcus in late-onset neonatal disease: a narrative review of current evidence.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) late-onset disease (LOD, occurring from 7 through 89 days of life) is an important cause of sepsis and meningitis in infants. The pathogenesis and modes of transmission of LOD to neonates are yet to be elucidated. Established risk factors for the incidence of LOD include maternal GBS colonisation, young maternal age, preterm birth, HIV exposure and African ethnicity.

Is the six-minute walk test a useful tool to prescribe high-intensity exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Background: It is not yet completely known whether the 6MWT can be used to prescribe high-intensity exercise for patients with COPD.

Objective: To evaluate the ability of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to prescribe high-intensity exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Lung function, maximal inspiratory strength, symptoms and exercise capacity were evaluated in patients with COPD (n = 27) before and after a 12-week high-intensity exercise program.

High accuracy of multislices computed tomography (MSCT) for para-aortic lymph node metastases from gastric cancer: a prospective single-center study.

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT in the identification of para-aortic lymph node metastases from gastric cancer.

Methods: A total of 92 consecutive patients with primary gastric cancer were prospectively submitted to preoperative MSCT staging according to a standard protocol in the period 2003-2010. All diagnostic procedures were performed by dedicated radiologists who were unaware of the final pathological nodal status.

Different pathological features and prognosis in gastric cancer patients coming from high-risk and low-risk areas of Italy.

Objective: To compare clinicopathological features and long-term outcome in gastric cancer patients coming from high-risk and low-risk areas of Italy.

Summary Background Data: Better survival rates have been reported from countries with higher incidence of gastric cancer.

Methods: Data regarding 829 patients coming from Tuscany (group A) and 143 patients coming from Southern Italy (group B) were analyzed.

Treatment of the intraabdominal abscesses through percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage in oncological patients: Clinical and microbiological data.

Aim Of The Study: Oncological patients are particularly prone to the onset of septic complications such as abdominal abscesses. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and microbiological data in a population of oncological patients, submitted to percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage (PUD) for postoperative abdominal abscesses.

Patients And Methods: Data from 24 patients operated on for neoplastic pathologies and treated with PUD for abdominal abscesses during the postoperative period were reviewed.

Presacral ganglioneuroma: a case report and review of literature.

Presacral ganglioneuromas are so rare benign tumors that only 17 cases have been reported in the literature. They are abdominal masses growing slowly and differential diagnoses have to be considered. Surgical resection is important for definitive diagnosis because it represents the only therapeutic choice.

[Empiric antibiotic therapy in the treatment of postoperative abdominal abscesses. Clinical and microbiological data].

Abdominal abscesses arising postoperatively constitute a serious problem, particularly in the field of oncological surgery. The aim of our study was to interpret clinical and microbiological data relating to a population of oncological patients, undergoing ultrasound-guided drainage for postoperative abdominal abscesses, so as to be able to better plan empiric antibiotic therapy. We therefore retrospectively analysed the data of 24 patients operated on for neoplastic pathologies and treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage for abdominal abscesses during the postoperative period.