Intraoperative variations in intra-axial brain tumor size after craniotomy: a prospective study with histopathological and tumor tissue composition correlation, introducing concepts of tumor expansion and tumor surfacing.

Intraoperative assessment of tumor margins can be challenging; as neoplastic cells may extend beyond the margins seen on preoperative imaging. Real-time intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) has emerged as a valuable tool for delineating tumor boundaries during surgery. However, concerns remain regarding its ability to accurately distinguish between tumor margins, peritumoral edema, and normal brain tissue.

Fulminant Invasive Aspergillosis in a Previously Healthy Woman After Cesarean Section and a Review of the Literature.

Invasive aspergillosis is an extremely rare condition in healthy and immunocompetent individuals, and very few cases have been reported in previously healthy, pregnant, or postpartum women. We describe a case of invasive aspergillosis in a puerperal patient and present literature review results. We present a case of fulminant invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with cerebral, cardiac, and gastric involvement in a young woman, occurring a few days after an elective cesarean section.

Spinal Metastases in Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Tumors: Prognosis and Integrated Therapeutic Approaches-A Systematic Review with an Institutional Case Illustration.

(1) Background: Testicular cancer, although accounting for only 0.5% to 1% of all solid male cancers, is the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 35 years. Non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) represent nearly half of all testicular germ cell tumors and are associated with a more aggressive clinical course.

Impact of dyslipidemia and lipid-lowering therapy with statins in patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

Dyslipidemia is a potential unfavorable prognostic factor in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); conversely, statins proved to have antiproliferative effects in NET cell lines and could be a helpful therapeutic strategy for these patients. The main objective of this observational cohort retrospective study is to explore the associations between dyslipidemia and NET progression and evaluate the potential influence of statins in this context. 393 patients with histologically confirmed gastroenteropancreatic or bronchopulmonary NETs from six Italian centres didicated to NET diagnosis and therapy were included.

Spinal Dumbbell Meningiomas: A Systematic Review.

Aim: This systematic review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and outcomes of spinal dumbbell meningiomas to enhance understanding and improve patient management.

Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched until June 2024. Studies included patients diagnosed with spinal dumbbell intradural-extradural meningiomas, focusing on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes.

Casual detection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm thanks to a trainee-made ultrasound with two subsequent "domino" diagnoses: case report and insights on the role of ultrasound courses.

Early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is crucial as untreated lesions can be life-threatening. We describe the case of a fortuitous ultrasound (US) detection of AAA by a trainee which allowed two subsequent "domino" diagnoses. A 69 y.

PEG Precipitation to Detect Macro-TSH in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review.

Unlabelled: Macro-thyroid-stimulating hormone (macro-TSH) is a complex formed by monomeric TSH with anti-TSH antibodies, causing falsely elevated TSH levels and potential misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism. Identification of macro-TSH is essential for proper treatment and patient follow-up. Its diagnostic gold standard is gel filtration chromatography (GFC), which is very expensive, time-consuming, and rarely available.

The effect of phlebotomy and placement of an intravenous catheter on plasma catecholamine and serum copeptin concentrations.

Objectives: Limited data are available on the hormonal response of children to venepuncture or intravenous cannulation (IVC). Catecholamines [epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE)] have been traditionally recognized as stress hormones. Copeptin, the carboxyl-terminus of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide, is also a known marker for stressful stimuli, including myocardial infarction, critical illness, and sepsis.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Ustekinumab in Crohn's Disease: Results from a Large Real-Life Cohort Study.

Ustekinumab (UST) is an interleukin-12/interleukin-23 receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Only limited real-life data on the long-term outcomes of CD patients treated with UST are available. This study assessed UST's long-term effectiveness and safety in a large population-based cohort of moderate to severe CD patients.

Noninvasive Assessment of portal Hypertension in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis is Affected by Severity of Cholestasis.

Background & Aims: Noninvasive tests (NITs) for ruling-out clinical significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and high-risk varices (HRVs) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) are lacking. We evaluated NITs in these patients and the influence of cholestasis on their performance.

Methods: Consecutive patients from the "Italian PBC registry" and 2 United Kingdom large-volume PBC referral centers with upper endoscopy within 6 months from biochemical evaluation and transient elastography were included.

Outcomes of loop ileostomy after rectal resection for cancer: A prospective observational multicenter snapshot study from Multidisciplinary Italian Study group for STOmas (MISSTO).

Background: Diverting ileostomy is a common procedure in rectal cancer surgery, but it is sometimes associated with a nonnegligible rate of complications. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and types of stoma-related complications for ileostomy creation after rectal cancer resection. The secondary aims were to report the indications, the technical details, and the efficacy of stoma care provided by ostomy nurses.

Bacteremic nosocomial pneumonia caused by Gram-negative bacilli: results from the nationwide ALARICO study in Italy.

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) and to compare them to patients with NP caused by carbapenem-susceptible (CS)-GNB.

Methods: Prospective observational multicenter study including patients with bacteremic NP caused by GNB from the ALARICO Network (June 2018-January 2020). The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality.

Clinical management of indeterminate thyroid nodules needs to be revisited. New evidence for a personalized approach to the problem.

Purpose: Thyroid nodules diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as TIR3A or Class III subgroup "other types of atypia" (indeterminate thyroid nodules - ITNs), are the only ones without a unique clinical action indicated for management. This leads to multiple FNAC repetitions (FNAC-reps) and lifelong follow-up, with huge consumption of time and resources. The aims of the study were to inquire the usefulness of repeating FNAC in ITNs and perform an evaluation of a long-term follow-up of a large cohort of ITNs.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on COVID-19 symptomatology and severity during five waves.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variants have distinct features of transmissibility, infectivity, and aggressiveness that may cause different clinical manifestations. A better understanding of the disease presentation and progression could help to outline more precise preventive and treatment frameworks. This study describes the differences in COVID-19 presentation and outcomes across five variant waves.

Microgravity Effects on Glioma Cells: A Comprehensive Review.

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) represent a formidable challenge in neuro-oncology due to their aggressive nature and resistance to current therapeutic interventions, which include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and emerging immunotherapies. Despite these efforts, the prognosis for patients remains poor, emphasizing the urgent need for novel treatment strategies. One promising avenue of exploration is microgravity, a condition experienced during spaceflight and simulated in laboratories on Earth, which induces significant physiological changes in cells and tissues.

IMProve-DURA: Investigations of Molecular Patient Profiles and Anatomical Cadaveric Characteristics of the Dura Mater-A Pilot Study Protocol.

Background: The dura mater, a fibrous membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord, is prone to lacerations during spinal surgery, often leading to complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Anatomical differences in the spinal dura mater, particularly in regions under high biomechanical stress, suggest that chronic inflammatory processes may compromise its structural integrity. This pilot study investigates the molecular and anatomical characteristics of the spinal dura mater, focusing on its response to inflammation and the challenges of surgical repair.

Management of Ureteral Stricture Disease After Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancies: A Retrospective, Multi-Institutional Analysis.

Objectives: A radiation-induced ureteral stricture (RIUS) is a challenging condition in urologic surgery, and the optimal surgical strategy is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to report post-operative outcomes of minimally invasive management of this condition from a multi-institutional cohort.

Methods: Data of patients with diagnoses of RIUS at five referral robotic centers between January 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.