Alveolar nitric oxide concentration as a potential biomarker of fibrosis and active disease in pulmonary sarcoidosis: a pilot study.

Sarcoidosis is considered a T-helper (Th) 1 related disease, but a transition from Th1 to Th2 pathway activation has been postulated in sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SAPF). Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a marker of Th2 airway inflammation, but alveolar concentration of nitric oxide (CANO) can be measured to assess Th2 inflammation in the periphery of the lung. The aim of this study is to assess whether CANO can be considered a biomarker of SAPF or active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Transperitoneal versus low anterior access single-port pyeloplasty: surgical and functional outcomes from a tertiary referral center.

Background: Transperitoneal approach to robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) have been preferred in the last decades because of the use of multi-port robotic platforms. However, this approach is linked to notable issues, such as pneumoperitoneum and lateral decubitus position, which is associated with potential soft tissues injuries, and it is a time-consuming procedure. Single-port (SP) platform was introduced to potentially address these issues.

Unmet needs in the management of patients with bilateral synchronous renal masses: the rationale for clinical decision-making.

Background: Bilateral synchronous renal masses (BSRMs) are a rare finding, and the optimal treatment strategy remains undetermined. This study depicts the management of BSRM at eight European high-volume centers.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospective institutional databases collecting all patients presenting with clinical T1-2 N0 M0 BSRMs between 1993 and 2020 at 8 tertiary referral high-volume centers for renal cancer treatment in Europe.

Biologics as well as inhaled anti-asthmatic therapy achieve clinical remission: Evidence from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI).

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of severe asthma (SA) treatments after 12 months in achieving clinical remission (CR) within the context of the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI) using the recent SANI definition of CR on treatment.

Methods: CR has been defined by SANI as complete, partial, and no CR. Complete CR is defined by the absence of oral corticosteroids (OCS), no symptoms, no exacerbations, and stable lung function, and partial CR requires the absence of OCS and the fulfillment of 2 out of the other 3 criteria.

Esketamine Treatment Trajectory of Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression in the Mid and Long-Term Run: Data from REAL-ESK Study Group.

Introduction/objective: Data on long-term treatment with Esketamine Nasal Spray (ESKNS) in real-world patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD) is scarce. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of ESK-NS treatment at 6 and 12-month follow-ups.

Methods: This is part of an observational, retrospective, multicentric Italian study (REAL-ESK study).

Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Recreational Users of Ketamine: A Case Study.

This study explores the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) associated with recreational ketamine use among young adults. Ketamine, initially introduced as an anesthetic, is now widely used recreationally for its dissociative effects, raising concerns about its impact on mental health. Ten participants aged 18-24, who used ketamine recreationally multiple times a week, were assessed using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-42).

The Emerging Role of PCSK9 in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: A Possible Target for the Disease Treatment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease mainly caused by β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. Among the several factors that may concur to AD development, elevated cholesterol levels and brain cholesterol dyshomeostasis have been recognized to play a relevant role. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protein primarily known to regulate plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) rich in cholesterol and to be one of the main causes of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Advanced Management of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism: Evidence-Based Strategies for Optimized Patient Care.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening medical condition caused by the thrombotic occlusion of one or more branches of the lung vasculature, which represents the third most common cause of cardiovascular mortality after myocardial infarction and stroke. PE treatment requires a tailored approach based on accurate risk stratification and personalized treatment decision-making. Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of PE management, yet patients at higher clinical risk may require more rapid reperfusion therapies.

Sex and Gender Differences in Iron Chelation.

Background/objectives: In the absence of physiological mechanisms to excrete excessive iron, the administration of iron chelation therapy is necessary. Age and hormones have an impact on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the medications used to treat iron excess, resulting in notable sex- and gender-related variances.

Methods: Here, we aimed to review the literature on sex and gender in iron overload assessment and treatment.

Factors influencing audiologic outcomes in ossiculoplasty for chronic otitis media: a prospective multicentre study.

Objectives: Chronic otitis media (COM) is a prevalent condition affecting auditory function. Ossiculoplasty is a known treatment strategy, but its effectiveness concerning the presence of cholesteatoma has not been extensively studied.

Methods: We conducted a multicentre study involving 153 patients diagnosed with COM without cholesteatoma (ncCOM) and with cholesteatoma (cCOM).

Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy as first line combination in older patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 10%-15% of all lung cancers. At diagnosis, nearly two thirds of patients with SCLC have extensive stage (ES), with a median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months. The combination of protein-death-1/protein-death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with first-line platinum plus etoposide chemotherapy has changed the therapeutic landscape for ES-SCLC.

TYTOCARE™ home telemonitoring device after radical cystectomy to optimise postoperative outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of the TYTOCARE™ telemedicine programme for home telemonitoring during the early postoperative period following radical cystectomy (RC) in a prospective single-centre study.

Materials And Methods: The study included patients aged <80 years with internet access who underwent RC at our institution between March 2021 and August 2023. Upon discharge, patients were monitored at home using the TYTOCARE™ telemedicine system.

Regional disparities in the management and outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an Italian analysis focusing on time-dependent reperfusion networks and in-hospital logistics.

Background: Prompt reperfusion is critical for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to improve outcomes. Yet, variability in regional healthcare delivery may influence treatment times and patient outcomes. We thus aimed at evaluating differences in management and outcomes of STEMI patients across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, focusing on time-dependent reperfusion and in-hospital logistics.

Coronary calcium score and emphysema extent on different CT radiation dose protocols in lung cancer screening.

Objectives: To assess the consistency of automated measurements of coronary artery calcification (CAC) burden and emphysema extent on computed tomography (CT) images acquired with different radiation dose protocols in a lung cancer screening (LCS) population.

Materials And Methods: The patient cohort comprised 361 consecutive screenees who underwent a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan and an ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) scan at an incident screening round. Exclusion criteria for CAC measurements were software failure and previous history of CVD, including coronary stenting, whereas for emphysema assessment, software failure only.

Elevated mortality risks associated with late diagnosis of cancer in individuals with psychiatric disorders?

Introduction: Considering the elevated cancer mortality in individuals with psychiatric conditions, possibly associated with late diagnosis, this study investigated cancer screening participation rates among patients under the care of four Trieste community mental health centers (CMHCs).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 1252 individuals with psychiatric disorders, retrieving their electronic health records up to December 2019. The study assessed participation rates in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening programs.

Metaverse surgical planning for robotic surgery: preliminary experience and users' perception.

Background: The 3D models' use for surgical planning has recently gained an ever-wider popularity, in particular in the urological field. Different ways of fruition of this technology have been evaluated over the years. Today, new technological developments allow us to enjoy 3D models in the metaverse.

Multimorbidity and COVID-19 Outcomes in the Emergency Department: Is the Association Mediated by the Severity of the Condition at Admission?

Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is one of the most reliable indicators to assess the impact of multimorbidity on COVID-19-related outcomes. Moreover, the patient's clinical conditions are associated with SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the association between multimorbidity and COVID-19-related outcomes, evaluating whether the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) mediated these associations.