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Rationale: Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) represent a significant portion of total atmospheric aerosols. They are generated by the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particularly biogenic VOCs (BVOCs). The analysis of such samples is usually performed by targeted methods that often require time‐consuming preparation steps that can induce loss of compounds and/or sample contaminations. Methods: Recently, untargeted methods using high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have been successfully employed for a broad characterization of chemicals in SOAs. Herein we propose a new application of the direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization method combined with HRMS to quickly detect several hundred chemicals in SOAs collected on a quartz filter without sample preparation or separation techniques. Results: The reproducibility of measurements was good, with several hundred elemental compositions common to three different replicates. The relative standard deviations of the intensities of the chemical families ranged from 6% to 35%, with sufficient sensitivity to allow the unambiguous detection of 4 ng/mm2 of pinic acid. The presence of oligomers and specific tracers was highlighted by MSn (n ≤ 4) experiments, an achievement that is difficult to attain with other ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometers. Contributions of this untargeted DART‐HRMS method were illustrated by the analysis of fresh and aged SOAs from different gaseous precursors such as limonene, a β‐pinene/limonene mixture or scots pines emissions. Conclusions: The results show that it is possible to use DART‐HRMS for the identification of tracers of specific aging reactions, or for the identification of aerosols from specific biogenic precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe clinical and ultrasound findings of mucinous ovarian tumors.Methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of mucinous ovarian tumor who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were retrospectively identified from a single ultrasound center. The histological examination was performed by the same pathologist in all cases. The masses were described using the terms and definitions of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group.Results: We identified 57 (46%) women with a benign cystadenoma, 34 (28%) with a gastrointestinal (GI)-type borderline, 10 (8%) with an endocervical-type borderline and 22 (18%) with a GI-type invasive carcinoma. On ultrasound examination, 65% (37/57) of cystadenomas were multilocular cysts with few locules (≤10) in 22/37 (59%) cases; 79% (27/34) of GI-type borderline tumors were multilocular cysts with more than 10 locules in 24/27 (89%) cases. Conversely, 60% (6/10) of endocervical-type borderlines were cysts with papillations. 82% (18/22) of invasive masses contained solid components and 55% (12/22) of the invasive masses were multilocular-solid cysts. Bilateral mucinous cystadenomas were found in two women (2/57; 4% of women with benign tumors) and bilateral borderline tumors of endocervical type in two women (2/10; 20% of women with borderline tumor of endocervical type). No woman had a bilateral GI-type borderline tumor (0/34 women) or a bilateral invasive tumor (0/22 women).Conclusions: A multilocular cyst with 2-10 locules is a representative image of a benign cystadenoma whereas a multilocular cyst with > 10 locules is indicative of a GI-type borderline tumor. Most invasive tumors of mucinous GI type contain solid components, the most typical ultrasound appearance being that of a multilocular solid tumor. Papillary projections are typical features of endocervical-type borderlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at assessing the capability of semen experimentally infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) to produce porcine blastocysts PCR positive for PCV2. Embryos were obtained from in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of porcine oocytes or by parthenogenesis. Sperm suspension was exposed to PCV2b and utilized for IVF. PCV2 spiked semen did not reveal any reduction in sperm viability or motility but its ability to produce infected blastocysts was irrelevant as only one out of 15 blastocysts obtained by IVF were PCV2b; however two blastocysts were PCV2a positive. Furthermore, the presence of PCV2 was demonstrated also in embryos obtained by parthenogenesis (one out of 17 was PCV2b and one PCV2a positive). Even if PCV2 firmly attaches to the surface of spermatozoa, experimentally spiked sperm were not effective in infecting oocytes during IVF and in producing PCR positive embryos. The infected blastocysts we obtained derivedmost probably from infected oocytes recovered at the abattoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Male sex is a risk factor for medulloblastoma ( MB), and is also a negative predictor for clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in tumour biological features and hormone receptor profiles in a cohort of MB patients. Methods and results Sixty-four MBs and five normal cerebella were included in the study. Cell proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) and microvessel density ( CD31) were evaluated in tumours by immunohistochemistry. Tissues were analysed for oestrogen receptor ( ER)α, ERβ1, ERβ2, ERβ5 and androgen receptor ( AR) expression. The results demonstrated sex-specific features in MBs, with tumours from females showing a higher apoptosis/proliferation ratio and less tumour vascularization than tumours from males. MBs were negative for ERα and AR, but expressed ERβ isoforms at similar levels between the sexes. Altogether, these findings indicate that signalling mechanisms that control cell turnover and angiogenesis operate more efficiently in females than in males. The lack of sex differences in the hormone receptor profiles suggests that circulating oestrogens could be the major determinants of the sexual dimorphism observed in MB features. Conclusions Here, we provide molecular support for epidemiological data showing sex differences in MB incidence and outcome, completely defining the hormone receptor profile of the tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioastronomy receivers employ several stages of amplification to reach an overall gain in the range 80-120dB. Usually, a cascade of different stand-alone amplifiers is adopted in order to obtain a high gain and low-noise front-end, which is responsible for the most part of the noise figure. The assembly of the low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) is a critical process because it can degrade the overall performance (S parameters and noise) because of non-idealities in the connections among the various radio frequency components. In the millimeter domain, this is particularly severe because of the physical dimensions of the devices inside the LNAs and because of the cryogenic working temperature. To assemble a high-performance receiver, an a priori characterization and selection of the best LNAs are mandatory. In this paper, with the help of some practical examples, I discuss the features of a cryogenic millimeter test set aimed at full characterization of LNAs for astronomy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess if B-flow ultrasound improves visualization of flow of contrast medium in the Fallopian tubes during hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography ( HyCoSy) compared with grayscale ultrasound. Methods This prospective observational study included 160 women referred for HyCoSy as part of infertility work-up between January 2011 and September 2012. In each woman, at the same session, HyCoSy was performed first using saline with air and then using Sonovue®, and for each contrast medium, grayscale ultrasound was first used and then B-flow ultrasound was used. Flow of contrast was observed in three parts of each tube: intramural, middle and distal. Results In 129 (81%) women, flow of Sonovue was observed in the intramural part of both tubes and in the pouch of Douglas when using grayscale ultrasound. In these women, flow of Sonovue was seen in the middle part of 70% of the 258 tubes when using grayscale ultrasound and in 93% when using B-flow ultrasound; and in the distal part in 81% when using grayscale ultrasound and in 98% when using B-flow ultrasound. When using air and saline, flow was seen in the intramural part of 90% and 93% of the tubes, in the middle part in 54% and 72%, and in the distal part in 66% and 90%, using grayscale ultrasound and B-flow ultrasound, respectively. Conclusion B-flow ultrasound facilitates detection of flow of contrast in the middle and distal parts of the tubes at HyCoSy, especially when a mixture of saline and air is used as contrast medium. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate intraobserver repeatability and interobserver agreement in assessing the presence of papillary projections in adnexal masses and in classifying adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis terminology for ultrasound examiners with different levels of experience. We also aimed to identify ultrasound findings that cause confusion and might be interpreted differently by different observers, and to determine if repeatability and agreement change after consensus has been reached on how to interpret 'problematic' ultrasound images. Methods Digital clips (two to eight clips per adnexal mass) with gray-scale and color/power Doppler information of 83 adnexal masses in 80 patients were evaluated independently four times, twice before and twice after a consensus meeting, by four experienced and three less experienced ultrasound observers. The variables analyzed were tumor type (unilocular, unilocular solid, multilocular, multilocular solid, solid) and presence of papillary projections. Intraobserver repeatability was evaluated for each observer (percentage agreement, Cohen's kappa). Interobserver agreement was estimated for all seven observers (percentage agreement, Fleiss kappa, Cohen's kappa). Results There was uncertainty about how to define a solid component and a papillary projection, but consensus was reached at the consensus meeting. Interobserver agreement for tumor type was good both before and after the consensus meeting, with no clear improvement after the meeting, mean percentage agreement being 76.0% (Fleiss kappa, 0.695) before the meeting and 75.4% (Fleiss kappa, 0.682) after the meeting. Interobserver agreement with regard to papillary projections was moderate both before and after the consensus meeting, with no clear improvement after the meeting, mean percentage agreement being 86.6% (Fleiss kappa, 0.536) before the meeting and 82.7% (Fleiss kappa, 0.487) after it. There was substantial variability in pairwise agreement for papillary projections (Cohen's kappa, 0.148-0.787). Intraobserver repeatability with regard to tumor type was very good and similar before and after the consensus meeting (agreement 87-95%, kappa, 0.83-0.94). With regard to papillary projections intraobserver repeatability was good or very good both before and after the consensus meeting (agreement 88-100%, kappa, 0.64-1.0). Conclusions Despite uncertainty about how to define solid components, interobserver agreement was good for tumor type. The interobserver agreement for papillary projection was moderate but very variable between observer pairs. The term 'papillary projection' might need a more precise definition. The consensus meeting did not change inter- or intraobserver agreement. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate intra- and interobserver reproducibility and reliability of assessment of the color content in adnexal masses at color/power Doppler ultrasound examination for observers with different levels of experience, and to determine if they change after a consensus meeting. Methods Digital clips with color/power Doppler information on 103 adnexal masses were evaluated independently four times, twice before and twice after a consensus meeting, by four experienced and three less experienced ultrasound examiners. The color content of the adnexal mass was estimated using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis color score and a 100-mm visual analog scale ( VAS score). Intraobserver repeatability was estimated for each observer. Interobserver agreement was estimated for the four most experienced observers (six pairs), for the three less experienced observers (three pairs), and for four other pairs of observers, each pair consisting of one of the experienced and one of the less-experienced observers. Results Intra- and interobserver agreement for the color score was moderate to very good, percentage agreement ranging from 48 to 82.5% (kappa, 0.52-0.82) before and from 59 to 90% (kappa, 0.60-0.88) after the consensus meeting. For seven of 13 pairs of observers, interobserver agreement improved after the consensus meeting. Intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient ( ICC) values for the VAS score ranged from 0.80 to 0.92 before and from 0.75 to 0.94 after the consensus meeting, but limits of agreement were wide (± 20-35 mm). For six of the seven observers the ICC values were higher after the consensus meeting than before. Interobserver ICC values for the VAS score ranged from 0.77 to 0.88 before and from 0.77 to 0.91 after the consensus meeting, but limits of agreement were wide (± 30-40 mm). For 10 of 13 pairs of observers the ICC values improved after the consensus meeting. Conclusions Intra- and interobserver agreement for the color score was good, especially after the consensus meeting, but there is room for improvement. VAS score results varied substantially within and between observers both before and after the consensus meeting. General consensus needs to be reached about how to interpret color/power Doppler ultrasound findings in adnexal masses. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Juno Extended Mission presented the first opportunity to acquire gravity measurements of Ganymede since the end of the Galileo mission. These new Juno data offered the chance to carry out a joint analysis with the Galileo data set, improving our knowledge of Ganymede's gravity field and shedding new light upon its interior structure. Through reconstruction of Juno's and Galileo's orbit during the Ganymede flybys, the gravity field of the moon was estimated. The results indicate that Ganymede's degree‐2 field is compatible with a body in hydrostatic equilibrium within 1−휎 and hint at regional gravity anomalies with amplitudes exceeding those inferred by Cassini for Titan. Our explicit treatment of non‐hydrostatic effects leads to wider confidence intervals for the derived moment of inertia with respect previous analyses. The higher central value of the derived moment of inertia indicates a lesser degree of Ganymede's differentiation. Plain Language Summary: On 7 June 2021, Juno performed the first close flyby of Ganymede, the largest satellite of Jupiter (and the largest moon in the Solar System), since the end of the Galileo mission. The gravity field of Ganymede was reconstructed using the radio tracking data from all of the Ganymede encounters of both the Galileo and Juno missions. The data analysis hints at localized gravity anomalies. Interpretation of the gravity data suggests a slightly higher moment of inertia with respect previous publications, indicating a lesser degree of differentiation. Key Points: Joint analysis of the Juno and Galileo data leads to a Ganymede's degree‐2 gravity compatible with hydrostatic equilibrium within 1−σThe data hints at regional gravity anomalies with amplitudes exceeding those inferred by Cassini for TitanTreatment of non‐hydrostatic effects leads to wider confidence intervals for the derived moment of inertia with respect to previous studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zannoni G F, Prisco M G, Vellone V G, De Stefano I, Vizzielli G, Tortorella L, Fagotti A, Scambia G & Gallo D (2011) Histopathology 59, 909-917 Cytoplasmic expression of oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) as a prognostic factor in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in elderly women Aims: To investigate the prognostic value of cytoplasmic oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression in a series of untreated patients with non-human papillomavirus (HPV)-related vulvar cancer. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry was carried out using a polyclonal rabbit anti-human ERβ antibody. The nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of ERβ was evaluated in 33 patients. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was correlated with histopathological and molecular parameters (Ki67, p21), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The expression of cytoplasmic ERβ was found to be associated with grade ( P = 0.006), while no association was found with any of the remaining variables examined. Cases with high cytoplasmic ERβ expression showed lower DFS and OS compared to cases with low cytoplasmic ERβ ( P = 0.007, P = 0.01, respectively). There was also a progressive decline in both the DFS and OS with increasing tumour size ( P = 0.05, P = 0.07, respectively) and with increasing depth of infiltration ( P = 0.14, P = 0.07, respectively). On multivariate analysis, only tumour size and cytoplasmic ERβ staining retained an independent negative prognostic role for DFS and OS. Conclusions: The assessment of cytoplasmic ERβ expression could be helpful to identify poor prognosis in elderly patients with non-HPV-related vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zannoni G F, Prisco M G, Vellone V G, De Stefano I, Scambia G & Gallo D (2011) Histopathology, 265-275 The most common vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (conventional SCC) occurs in elderly women and develops following a human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative pathway. Because the highest incidence of conventional SCC is observed in patients with low oestrogen levels (postmenopausal women), the aim was to investigate whether hormonal factors could play a role in the development of cancer. The expression profile of oestrogen receptor α (ERα), ERβ and progesterone receptor (PR) in a section containing both normal and tumour tissue, as well as the SCC-associated vulvar lesion, was evaluated in 34 elderly patients. Also, as recent studies have identified E-cadherin as a novel transcriptional target of oestrogen signalling, the modulation of this epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker was studied. Finally, the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 and of the apoptotic marker p53 was assessed. Results showed that changes in both ERα and ERβ expression characterize the transition from normal epithelium to cancer in patients with vulvar SCC: ERα was lost in cancer while ERβ decreased, mainly showing cytoplasmic localization. A reduction in the expression of E-cadherin was also observed in tumours, compared to normal epithelium. The data put the ER signalling pathway into the spotlight as a potentially important factor in vulvar carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The introduction of cytological screening with the Papanicolau smear significantly reduced cervical cancer mortality. However, Pap smear examination can be challenging, being based on the observer ability to decode different cytological and architectural features. This study aims to evaluate the malignancy rate of AGC (atypical glandular cells) category, investigating the relationships between cytological and histological diagnosis. Methods: Eighty‐nine patients, diagnosed as AGC at cytological evaluation and followed up with biopsy or surgical procedure at Policlinico Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy, were included in the study. The cytopathological architectural (feathering, rosette formation, overlapping, loss of polarity, papillary formation, three‐dimensional formation) and nuclear (N/C ratio, nuclear enlargement and hyperchromasia, mitoses, nuclei irregularity, evident nucleoli) features of AGC were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed to assess cyto‐histological correlation and determine the relevance of architectural and nuclear features in the diagnosis of malignancy. Results: Of the 89 AGC patients, 48 cases (53.93%) were diagnosed as AGC‐NOS and 41 (46.07%) were diagnosed as AGC‐FN, according to the Bethesda classification system. The follow‐up biopsies or surgical resections revealed malignancy in 46 patients (51.69%). The rates of malignancy for AGC‐NOS and AGC‐FN were 35.41% and 70.73% respectively. Furthermore, analysing cytopathological features, we found that both architectural and nuclear criteria were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Only overlapping, nuclear irregularity and increased N/C ratio were not found to be statistically significant for detecting malignancy. Conclusions: Cytological diagnosis of glandular lesions remains a valid tool, when appropriate clinical correlation and expert evaluation are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methodology Results Conclusions The osteogenic potential of new premixed calcium‐silicate‐containing bioceramic sealers (Ca‐Si sealers) was tested with porcine vascular wall‐mesenchymal stem cells (pVW‐MSCs).Two Ca‐Si‐containing sealers: Ceraseal (MetaBiomed, Cheong‐si, South Korea) and AH Plus Bioceramic (Maruchi, Wonju‐si, South Korea), and an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) as a control, were prepared according to the manufacturers' indications. All samples were allowed to set for 100% of their setting time in a sterile humid cabinet at 37°C and 95% relative humidity. pVW‐MSC seeding efficiency and osteogenic differentiation were analysed as marker of gene/protein expression for up to 12 days. Mineralization assay and immunofluorescence staining were performed and evaluated over a period of 21 days. Statistical analyses were conducted using one‐way analysis of variance (p < .05). Additional samples were prepared and stored under the same conditions and inspected using an environmental scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy system.Significantly higher cell seeding efficiency (p < .05) was observed for both Ca‐Si sealers from day 8. pVW‐MSCs showed a significant shift towards the osteogenic lineage only when seeded in contact with Ca‐Si sealers. Gene expression of osteopontin was upregulated significantly. Collagen I and osteocalcin were clearly expressed by cells in contact with Ca‐Si sealers. Mineralization granules were observed in Alizarin red assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of both Ca‐Si sealers. No gene expression or granule mineralization were observed on the epoxy resin sealer.Premixed Ca‐Si sealers displayed a higher potential for osteogenic activity on pVW‐MSCs. Epoxy resin sealer was unable to induce any osteogenic activity. The properties of both Ca‐Si sealers suggest their potential as osteoinductive platforms for vascular MSCs in periapical bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male guinea pigs were maintained on a vitamin C-deficient chow diet and supplemented with either 0.05 or 2.0 mg of ascorbic acid/ml drinking water for 3 weeks prior to receiving an intraperitoneal injection of 4.0 g of ethanol/kg body weight. The following biochemical parameters were measured prior to, and hourly for 12 hours after, ethanol administration: serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum triglycerides, and blood ethanol clearance. The animals were killed 12 hours after ethanol administration and liver weight to body weight ratios and hepatic ascorbic acid concentrations determined. Acute ethanol administration resulted in a 12-fold increase in SGOT levels in animals with hepatic ascorbic acid concentrations at or below 16 mg/100 g of liver. A marked reduction, 60%, in this increase was observed in animals that had concentrations of hepatic ascorbic acid above 16 mg/100 g of liver. No effect of hepatic ascorbic acid concentration was observed on elevated levels of SGPT, serum triglycerides, or blood ethanol clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heme components of chlorosome-depleted membranes of the green-gliding bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus were studied by EPR spectroscopy. The four major species, which are present in approximately equimolar quantities, are characterized by the following gz values, redox midpoint potentials and orientations of heme planes with respect to the plane of the membrane: gz = 3.40, Em= + 280 mV, 30°; gz = 3.33, Em= 0 mV, 45°; gz = 3.03, Em = +95 mV, 40-50° and gz = 2.95, Em= + 150 mV, 90°. These four hemes were attributed to cytochrome c554, the membrane-bound immediate electron donor to the photosynthetic reaction centre in Chloroflexus. All hemes except that with the highest potential were able to undergo photooxidation at 4 K. The photooxidation of the lowest potential heme was stable, whereas that of the + 95 mV and the + 150 mV hemes reversed on increasing the temperature to 100 K in darkness, due to charge recombination. The ability to photooxidize these heroes at 4 K was lost upon aging of samples. The results demonstrate that a reaction-centre-associated tetraheme cytochrome subunit, analogous to that of purple bacteria, is also present in C. aurantiacus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation-reduction thermodynamic equilibria involving the quinone-acceptor complex have been examined in whole-membrane fragments from Chloroflexus aurantiacus. The primary quinone acceptor was titrated by monitoring the amount of cytochrome c554 photooxidized by a flash of light as a function of the redox potential. In contrast to previous data obtained in purified plasma membranes, in which the primary quinone acceptor exhibited a midpoint potential equal to -50 mV at pH 8.2, in whole-membrane fragments it titrated at -210 mV (pH 8.0), with a pH dependence of -60 mV/pH up to a pK value of 9.3. o-Phenanthroline, an inhibitor of electron transfer from the primary to the secondary quinone acceptor, shifted the Em/pH curve of the primary acceptor to higher redox potentials. The midpoint potential of the secondary quinone acceptor and its dependence on pH has been determined by comparing the kinetics of the charge recombination processes within the reaction center complex in the presence and in the absence of o-phenanthrohne. It is concluded that both the primary and the secondary quinone acceptors interact with a proton, with pK values of 9.3 and of approximately 10.2 respectively. At physiological pH the electron appears to be stabilized on the secondary with respect to the primary quinone acceptor by approximately 60 meV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Papillomavirus and cancer: from basic studies to clinical application" by H. zur Hausen in the 2002 issue is presented.

Background: In humans, there is a growing body of evidence that neoangiogenesis is crucial for tumour growth and progression in urothelial carcinomas (UC) which also typically exhibit overactivation of the RAS‐MAPK pathway. In canine UC (cUC), the same pathway has been aberrantly activated due to V595E BRAF variant and BRAF inhibitors has been evaluated as more effective treatment. However, BRAF inhibition is hampered in humans by rapidly occurring of chemoresistance. Targeting angiogenesis has been speculated to increase the effectiveness of BRAF inhibitors and to delay the development of chemoresistance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the level of angiogenic markers in urine samples of UC affected dogs (n = 15) in comparison to an unmatched control group (n = 16) along with the clinical, morphological and molecular features. Methods: In urine, both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration, using an ELISA assay, and MMP2 and 9 activities, using the zymographic assay, were measured. BRAF analysis was carried out using a digital PCR method. Results: Urinary VEGF concentration (mean pg/g_uCrea 6.9 ± 27.7 vs. 1074 ± 1797, p < 0.01) and MMP activity (mean 6.8 × 106 ± 9.2 × 106 vs. 2.5 × 107 ± 2.3 × 107, p < 0.05) were higher in affected dogs than in healthy controls. Urinary active MMP9 was significantly correlated with T3 stage, it was absent in dogs with undetectable VEGF and it correlated well with urinary VEGF concentration. In this cohort, 10/10 UC affected dogs exhibited the V595E BRAF variation. Conclusion: The findings are consistent with the presence of overactive neoangiogenesis in cUC. Urinary active MMP9 may be suitable for use as tumour progression biomarker. The addition of angiogenesis targeting may be rationale for novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the clinicopathological and molecular features of mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) of the endometrium. MLAs are high-grade tumors that can recur and metastasize to the lungs. They are similar to true mesonephric carcinomas (MC) but do not have an association with mesonephric remnants. The article presents a case study of a woman with endometrial neoplasm that consisted of three distinct neoplastic components, including MLA. The study found that the MLA component showed loss of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, which is a novel finding. This suggests a common link between endometrioid carcinoma, MLA, and undifferentiated/de-differentiated carcinoma of the uterus. The authors suggest that further studies should investigate microsatellite instability in MLA, as endometrial carcinomas with MMR deficiency can be targeted with immunotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

On 29 September 2022 the Juno spacecraft flew within 354 km of Europa's surface while several instruments probed the moon's surroundings. During the close flyby, radio occultations were performed by collecting single‐frequency Doppler measurements. These investigations are essential to the study of Europa's ionosphere and represent the first repeat sampling of any set of conditions since the Galileo era. Ingress measurements resulted in a marginal detection with a peak ionospheric density of 4,000 ± 3,700 cm−3 (3σ) at 22 km altitude. A more significant detection emerged on egress, with a peak density of 6,000 ± 3,000 cm−3 (3σ) at 320 km altitude. Comparison with Galileo measurements reveals a consistent picture of Europa's ionosphere, and confirms its dependence on illumination conditions and position within Jupiter's magnetosphere. However, the overall lower densities measured by Juno suggest a dependence on time of observation, with implications for the structure of the neutral atmosphere. Plain Language Summary: On 29 September 2022, NASA's Juno spacecraft flew very close to Jupiter's moon Europa. During the encounter, a radio occultation experiment was performed, where radio signals are exchanged between the spacecraft and ground stations as the former sets behind or rises from the moon as seen from the Earth. The scope of this experiment was studying the ionosphere of Europa, a layer of electrons and ions surrounding the moon. The Juno measurements confirmed the presence of the layer, with a structure similar to the one observed by the Galileo mission in the late 1990s. Key Points: Europa's ionosphere was detected from Juno's X‐band Doppler data via NASA's Deep Space Network during a close encounter in 2022Peak densities were 4,000 ± 3,700 cm−3 (3σ) at 22 km altitude during ingress and 6,000 ± 3,000 cm−3 (3σ) at 320 km during egressThe Juno ionospheric profiles are consistent with Galileo measurements, and show a dependence on solar zenith and magnetospheric ram angles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Blinatumomab is the first bi‐specific T‐cell engager approved for relapsed or refractory B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL). Despite remarkable clinical results, the effects of blinatumomab on the host immune cell repertoire are not fully elucidated. In the present study, we characterized the peripheral blood (PB) and, for the first time, the bone marrow (BM) immune cell repertoire upon blinatumomab treatment. Twenty‐nine patients with B‐ALL received blinatumomab according to clinical practice. Deep multiparametric flow cytometry was used to characterize lymphoid subsets during the first treatment cycle. Blinatumomab induced a transient redistribution of PB effector T‐cell subsets and Treg cells with a persistent increase in cytotoxic NK cells, which was associated with a transient upregulation of immune checkpoint receptors on PB CD4 and CD8 T‐cell subpopulations and of CD39 expression on suppressive Treg cells. Of note, BM immune T‐cell subsets showed a broader post‐treatment subversion, including the modulation of markers associated with a T‐cell‐exhausted phenotype. In conclusion, our study indicates that blinatumomab differentially modulates the PB and BM immune cell repertoire, which may have relevant clinical implications in the therapeutic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: NPM1‐mutated acute myeloid leukaemia (NPM1mut AML) represents a mostly favourable/intermediate risk disease that benefits from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in case of measurable residual disease (MRD) relapse or persistence after induction chemotherapy. Although the negative prognostic role of pre‐HSCT MRD is established, no recommendations are available for the management of peri‐transplant molecular failure (MF). Based on the efficacy data of venetoclax (VEN)‐based treatment in NPM1mut AML older patients, we retrospectively analysed the off‐label combination of VEN plus azacitidine (AZA) as bridge‐to‐transplant strategy in 11 NPM1mut MRD‐positive fit AML patients. Patients were in MRD‐positive complete remission (CRMRDpos) at the time of treatment: nine in molecular relapse and two in molecular persistence. After a median number of two cycles (range 1–4) of VEN–AZA, 9/11 (81.8%) achieved CRMRD‐negative (CRMRDneg). All 11 patients proceeded to HSCT. With a median follow‐up from treatment start of 26 months, and a median post‐HSCT follow‐up of 19 months, 10/11 patients are alive (1 died from non‐relapse mortality), and 9/10 patients are in MRDneg status. This patient series highlights the efficacy and safety of VEN–AZA to prevent overt relapse, achieve deep responses and preserve patient fitness before HSCT, in patients with NPM1mut AML in MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Clinical and ultrasound features of mucinous ovarian tumours," by F. Moro and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Comparison between different hystero-contrast-salpingosonography (HyCoSy) methods with regard to their ability to ascertain tubal patency," by P. Sladkevicius, L. Zannoni and L. Valentin is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the incorrect diagnosis of ovarian borderline mucinous tumor.

Background: In older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the definition of fitness, prognosis, and risk of death represents an open question. Methods: In the present study, we tested the impact on survival of disease-and patient-related parameters in a large cohort of elderly AML patients homogeneously assigned to treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Results: In 131 patients with a median age of 76 years, we confirmed that early response (<0.001) and biology-based risk classification (p = 0.003) can select patients with better-predicted survival. However, a full disease-oriented model had limitations in stratifying our patients, prompting us to investigate the impact of baseline comorbidities on overall survival basing on a comorbidity score. The albumin level (p = 0.001) and the presence of lung disease (p = 0.013) had a single-variable impact on prognosis. The baseline comorbidity burden was a powerful predictor of patients' frailty, correlating with increased incidence of adverse events, especially infections, and predicted overall survival (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The comorbidity burden may contribute to impact prognosis in addition to disease biology. While the therapeutic armamentarium of elderly AML is improving, a comprehensive approach that combines AML biology with tailored interventions to patients' frailty is likely to fully exploit the anti-leukemia potential of novel drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To morphologically and immunophenotypically characterize dedifferentiated uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Methods and results: We identified 23 dedifferentiated uterine LMS, defined as a malignant uterine smooth muscle tumour containing discrete differentiated and dedifferentiated components (i.e. with and without morphologic and immunophenotypic evidence of smooth muscle differentiation, respectively). The differentiated component was leiomyosarcoma in most cases (17/23), though some arose from a leiomyoma (n = 4) or smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential (n = 2). The dedifferentiated tumour component showed noncohesive polygonal cells with moderate to abundant cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei with coarse vesicular to smudged chromatin, one or more macronucleoli, frequent multinucleation, and atypical mitoses. Three cases showed heterologous osteosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous differentiation. Immunohistochemistry revealed alterations characteristic of uterine LMS, including Rb loss (18/19); strong diffuse p16 (17/19); strong diffuse (9/19) or complete absence of (5/19) p53; and ATRX loss (6/16). Compared to a control cohort of uterine LMS without dedifferentiation, dedifferentiated uterine LMS showed significantly shorter disease‐specific (median, 54 versus 20 months; 5‐year DSS, 46% versus 36%; P = 0.04) and disease‐free (median, 31 versus 8 months; 5‐year DFS, 42% versus 8%; P = 0.002) survival. Of 19 dedifferentiated uterine LMS with follow‐up, 12 had died of disease at median 14 (range, 2–73) months; four were alive with disease at 4, 12, 44, and 50 months; and three were alive with no evidence of disease at 56, 109, and 114 months. Conclusion: Routine prospective recognition of dedifferentiated uterine LMS and distinction from mimics is advocated for accurate prognostication and for further characterisation of these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe clinical and ultrasound features of different subclasses of malignant serous ovarian tumors according to the World Health Organization 2014 classification.Methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of borderline tumor (BOT), non-invasive and invasive low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) and high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination, were retrospectively identified from two ultrasound centers. The masses were described using the terms of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Group.Results: Sixty-four (15.8%) women had a serous BOT, 11 (2.7%) a non-invasive LGSC, 31 (7.6%) an invasive LGSC and 300 (73.9%) had a HGSC. The vast majority of BOTs (82.3%) and non-invasive LGSCs (90.9%) were Stage I according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification scheme, whereas most invasive LGSCs (74.2%) and HGSCs (74.0%) were FIGO Stage III. On ultrasound examination, most borderline lesions were described as unilocular-solid (54.7%) or as multilocular-solid (29.7%) cysts. Papillary projections were present in 52 (81.3%) BOTs. Most non-invasive LGSCs (63.6%) were multilocular-solid cysts and 81.8% had papillary projections. Invasive LGSCs were multilocular-solid cysts in 54.8% of cases, and papillary projections were present in 32.3% of lesions. HGSCs were multilocular-solid (32.7%) or solid (64.0%) masses, with papillary projections in only 7% of cases.Conclusions: Papillary projections were the most typical ultrasound feature of non-invasive (borderline and low-grade) malignant serous tumors, while the presence of solid components but few, if any, papillations was the most representative feature of invasive (low-grade and high-grade) serous tumors. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Artificial insemination is extensively performed in pig farms in Europe, the United States and Canada. Antibiotics are typically added to the inseminating dose to limit bacterial growth during liquid phase storage at 16°C, as bacterial contamination is unavoidable. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) take action to control and reduce antibiotic use in animals as more bacteria are becoming resistant to antimicrobials. To avoid the use of antibiotics, we prepared inseminating doses using microfiltered seminal plasma (SP). Microfiltration is a common technology used to reduce bacterial contamination but may retain seminal substances, influencing sperm quality during storage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphofunctional parameters of spermatozoa during storage at 16°C in doses prepared with or without microfiltered SP, with or without the addition of antibiotics, in a Latin square design. Artificial insemination doses with microfiltered SP and without antibiotic addition preserved spermatozoa viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity and objective motility, with absolute values equal or even better than those observed in conventional doses. In conclusion, although the results could be considered preliminary due to the small sample size, this study suggests that microfiltration of SP can be a simple method, feasible on farms, to replace antibiotic use in extended doses stored in the liquid phase at 16°C for up to 7 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2021, the Juno spacecraft executed a close flyby of Ganymede. During the encounter, Juno passed behind Ganymede for 15 min as observed from Earth, providing the geometry to conduct a radio occultation experiment to probe Ganymede's tenuous ionosphere. X‐band and Ka‐band radio links were transmitted from Juno to antennas at the Deep Space Network. Electrons encountered along the radio propagation path advance the signal's phase and a linear combination the two frequencies allows for a direct measurement of the electron content along the propagation path. On occultation ingress, an ionosphere peak of 2,000 ± 500 (1‐σ) cm−3 near the surface was observed. On occultation egress, no statistically significant ionosphere was detected. Ingress observation viewed where Ganymede's intrinsic magnetic field lines are open whereas egress observation viewed where the field lines are closed, implying electron impact ionization plays a key role in the generation of the ionosphere. Plain Language Summary: Juno conducted a flyby of Ganymede, the largest Galilean moon of Jupiter, on 7 June 2021. During the flyby, the Juno spacecraft set behind Ganymede as observed by the Earth. Juno's radio signals were captured by the Deep Space Network during this time to make radio occultation measurements of Ganymede's ionosphere. Elevated electron density was measured on occultation ingress but no statistically significant ionosphere was detected on egress. These results are consistent with Galileo's radio occultation observations and provide insight into the generation mechanisms of Ganymede's ionosphere. Key Points: A dual‐frequency radio occultation experiment of Ganymede's ionosphere was conducted with the Juno spacecraft on 7 June 2021Ingress observed an ionosphere with peak density 2,000 ± 500 (1‐σ) cm−3 but no statistically significant signature was detected on egressIngress detection occurred in the open field line region, where higher electron impact ionization rates may increase the electron density [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Tao brush has become one of the most studied and used endometrial cytological samplers, concerns remain about the adequacy of the cytological sample compared with definitive histology. We aimed to assess accuracy of cytological examination from Tao brush sampling in diagnosing endometrial premalignancy and malignancy through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Seven electronic databases were searched from January 2000 to July 2021 for all studies which allowed assessment of accuracy of Tao brush in diagnosing endometrial premalignancy and malignancy. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the curve (AUC) on summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Five studies with 774 patients were included. In diagnosing endometrial premalignancy and malignancy, cytological examination from Tao brush endometrial sampling showed pooled sensitivity of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90–0.98), specificity of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90–0.94), LR+ of 12.73 (95% CI, 3.94–41.18), LR− of 0.09 (95% CI, 0.05–0.18), DOR of 184.84 (95% CI, 24.37–1401.79), AUC of 0.9757 (standard error: 0.013). In conclusion, cytological examination from Tao brush seems to have a high diagnostic accuracy and might be proposed as both screening and diagnostic tool. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Synopsis: Tao brush seems to have a very high diagnostic accuracy and might be proposed as both screening and diagnostic for endometrial premalignancy and malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of two morphological ultrasound features of adnexal masses and of ultrasound diagnosis regarding malignancy," by L. Zannoni and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of Doppler ultrasound features in adnexal masses," by L. Zannoni and colleagues is presented.

Background: The integration of molecular features with clinicopathological findings in endometrial cancer classification seems to be able to significantly refine risk assessment. Nevertheless, clinical management remains challenging, and different therapeutic options are available for each class. Further prognostic characterization of the subgroups within each risk class could be helpful in the decision‐making process. Methods: This study evaluated the role of the 2020 European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)/European Society of Pathology (ESP) risk assessment system and the three prognostic profiles adopted in the PORTEC‐4a trial in predicting disease‐free and overall survival in a retrospective study cohort of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Patients were selected according to a 1:2 propensity score matching analysis. Moreover, the sequencing of 29 genes was undertaken for tumor samples. Results: The study included 137 patients. No differences in disease‐free or overall survival at 5 years were observed among the 2020 ESGO/ESTRO/ESP risk classes without molecular features (p =.766 and p =.176, respectively). Once molecular features were integrated, the probability of overall survival was significantly different (p =.011). When the three prognostic profiles were applied, the probability of recurrence had a p value of.097, and significant differences were observed in overall survival (p =.004). Among patients experiencing recurrence, 17.6% showed mutations in BRCA1/2, RAD50, BRIP1, and XRCC2, whereas 22.5% had PD‐L1–positive expression and an MUTYH mutation. Conclusions: Further stratification within each risk class according to the most relevant prognostic features could better define the prognosis of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Nearly half of the patients who experienced recurrence showed a targetable molecular alteration for which dedicated trials should be encouraged. The 2020 molecular integrated risk assessment is of crucial importance for better defining the prognosis of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, further stratification within each risk class according to the most relevant prognostic features could better define the biological behavior of the disease and thus allow better tailoring of adjuvant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile isoprenoids regulate plant performance and atmospheric processes, and Amazon forests comprise the dominant source to the global atmosphere. Still, there is a poor understanding of how isoprenoid emission capacities vary in response to ecophysiological and environmental controls in Amazonian ecosystems.We measured isoprenoid emission capacities of three Amazonian hyperdominant tree species – Protium hebetatum, Eschweilera grandiflora, Eschweilera coriacea – across seasons and along a topographic and edaphic environmental gradient in the central Amazon.From wet to dry season, both photosynthesis and isoprene emission capacities strongly declined, while emissions increased among the heavier isoprenoids: monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Plasticity across habitats was most evident in P. hebetatum, which emitted sesquiterpenes only in the dry season, at rates that significantly increased along the hydro‐topographic gradient from white sands (shallow root water access) to uplands (deep water table).We suggest that emission composition shifts are part of a plastic response to increasing abiotic stress (e.g. heat and drought) and reduced photosynthetic supply of substrates for isoprenoid synthesis. Our comprehensive measurements suggest that more emphasis should be placed on other isoprenoids, besides isoprene, in the context of abiotic stress responses. Shifting emission compositions have implications for atmospheric responses because of the strong variation in reactivity among isoprenoid compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine intermethod reliabilities and differences between FreeSurfer and the FDA-cleared congener, NeuroQuant, both fully automated methods for structural brain MRI measurements.Materials and Methods: MRI scans from 20 normal control subjects, 20 Alzheimer's disease patients, and 20 mild traumatically brain-injured patients were analyzed with NeuroQuant and with FreeSurfer. Intermethod reliability was evaluated.Results: Pairwise correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and effect size differences were computed. NeuroQuant versus FreeSurfer measures showed excellent to good intermethod reliability for the 21 regions evaluated (r: .63 to .99/ICC: .62 to .99/ES: -.33 to 2.08) except for the pallidum (r/ICC/ES = .31/.29/-2.2) and cerebellar white matter (r/ICC/ES = .31/.31/.08). Volumes reported by NeuroQuant were generally larger than those reported by FreeSurfer with the whole brain parenchyma volume reported by NeuroQuant 6.50% larger than the volume reported by FreeSurfer. There was no systematic difference in results between the 3 subgroups.Conclusion: NeuroQuant and FreeSurfer showed good to excellent intermethod reliability in volumetric measurements for all brain regions examined with the only exceptions being the pallidum and cerebellar white matter. This finding was robust for normal individuals, patients with Alzheimer's disease, and patients with mild traumatic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT PURPOSE To examine intermethod reliabilities and differences between FreeSurfer and the FDA-cleared congener, NeuroQuant®, both fully automated methods for structural brain MRI measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI scans from 20 normal control subjects, 20 Alzheimer's disease patients, and 20 mild traumatically brain-injured patients were analyzed with NeuroQuant® and with FreeSurfer. Intermethod reliability was evaluated. RESULTS Pairwise correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and effect size differences were computed. NeuroQuant® versus FreeSurfer measures showed excellent to good intermethod reliability for the 21 regions evaluated ( r: .63 to .99/ICC: .62 to .99/ES: -.33 to 2.08) except for the pallidum ( r/ICC/ES = .31/.29/-2.2) and cerebellar white matter ( r/ICC/ES = .31/.31/.08). Volumes reported by NeuroQuant were generally larger than those reported by FreeSurfer with the whole brain parenchyma volume reported by NeuroQuant 6.50% larger than the volume reported by FreeSurfer. There was no systematic difference in results between the 3 subgroups. CONCLUSION NeuroQuant® and FreeSurfer showed good to excellent intermethod reliability in volumetric measurements for all brain regions examined with the only exceptions being the pallidum and cerebellar white matter. This finding was robust for normal individuals, patients with Alzheimer's disease, and patients with mild traumatic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The TCGA molecular groups of endometrial carcinoma are "POLE-mutated" (POLEmut), "microsatellite-instable/mismatch repair-deficient" (MSI/MMRd), "TP53-mutated/p53-abnormal" (TP53mut/p53abn), and "no specific molecular profile" (NSMP). Objective: Prognostic assessment of the TCGA groups in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Search strategy: Systematic review from January 2000 to January 2021. Selection criteria: Studies assessing the TCGA groups in UCS. Data collection and analysis: Progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses (reference: TP53mut/p53abn group) and compared with endometrioid and serous carcinomas (original TCGA cohort), with a significant P < 0.050. Main results: Five studies with 263 UCS were included. Compared with TP53mut/p53abn UCS, MSI/MMRd UCS showed significantly better PFS (P < 0.001) but similar OS (P = 0.788), whereas NSMP UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.936) and OS (P = 0.240). Compared with their endometrioid/serous counterparts, NSMP and TP53mut/p53abn UCS showed significantly worse PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004) and OS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), while MSI/MMRd UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.595) but significantly worse OS (P < 0.001). T he P OLEmut group showed n either recurrences nor deaths in both the UCS and the endometrioid/serous carcinoma cohorts. Conclusion: POLEmut UCS show excellent prognosis, whereas TP53mut/p53abn and NSMP UCS show a prognosis even worse than that of TP53mut/p53abn endometrioid/ serous carcinomas. The prognosis of MSI/MMRd UCS remains to be defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venetoclax (VEN) and hypomethylating agent (HMAs) regimens are emerging as the standard of care for unfit for chemotherapy acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but the safety and feasibility of a total outpatient management have not been fully investigated. Fifty‐nine AML patients with active disease received VEN and HMAs. Nineteen out of 59 (32.2%) patients received the first cycle as inpatients, whereas 40/59 (67.8%) patients were treated in the outpatient setting. No significant differences were observed with regard to incidence of adverse events (AEs), including tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and the 30‐day and 60‐day mortality was comparable. Notably, an infectious prophylaxis inspired to that adopted during intensive chemotherapy resulted in a low infection rate with a reduced bacterial infections incidence in out‐ versus hospitalized patients (p <.0001). The overall time of hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients who received a total outpatient treatment as compared to those who received the first cycle as inpatients (5.9 vs. 39.7 days, p <.0001). Despite the adopted differences in treatment management, the efficacy was similar. These data indicate that a total outpatient management of VEN and HMAs is feasible in AML patients without negatively impacting on treatment efficacy and may yield pharmacoeconomic and quality‐of‐life benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the high prevalence of adenomyosis in hysterectomy specimens of endometrial carcinoma (EC) patients, the relationship between adenomyosis and EC prognosis appears unclear. Objective: To assess the prognostic value of coexistent adenomyosis in patients with EC. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching six electronic databases for studies reporting data on prognosis of EC patients with and without coexistent adenomyosis. Studies with patient selection based on prognostic factors were excluded. Pooled univariate hazard ratio (HR) analyses for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DRF) were performed, using EC patients without adenomyosis as a control group. For DFS, pooled multivariate HR analysis was also evaluable. Results: Three studies of 2505 EC patients (553 with and 1952 without adenomyosis) were included. Compared with EC patients without adenomyosis, EC patients with coexistent adenomyosis showed a pooled HR of 0.533 (CI 95%, 0.329-0.864) for OS at univariate analysis; 0.536 (CI 95%, 0.334-0.859) for DFS at univariate analysis; and 0.875 (CI 95%, 0.331-2.315) for DFS at multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In EC patients with coexistent adenomyosis, the risk of death is halved compared with EC patients without adenomyosis. However, the independence of this association needs to be verified in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation of the molecular organization at a sexithiophene (T6)-C60 fullerene planar heterojunction, based on atomistic molecular dynamics, is presented, in which the effect of two different sample preparation processes on the resulting interface morphology is explored. First, the landing of T6 on C60(001) substrate is considered, which leads to crystalline layers of standing and tilted molecules, in accordance with experiments. The observation and the quantitative characterization of the nucleation and growth provide detailed insights on this out-of-equilibrium process, including the establishment of an epitaxial relationship between the substrate and the interfacial T6 layer, and the spontaneous formation of defective islands, characterized by chiral edges, during the growth of the second and third layers. It is then shown that molecular orientations can be radically changed upon annealing at 600 K, at which T6 forms a smectic phase with planar alignment, whose layers are perpendicular to the interface. The interfacial T6 morphologies are then analyzed in detail at room temperature and compared to the known bulk polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 represents a major concern for health services worldwide, and has also induced major changes in cytopathology practice. Aim: We aimed to verify the diagnostic performance of cytological evaluation under a new safety protocol during the pandemic compared to the standard pre‐pandemic procedure. We also aimed to assess how cytological diagnoses and sampling were impacted during the pandemic period compared to the pandemic‐free period in 2019. Materials and methods: Cytological samples of peritoneal washings taken during the first 10 months of the pandemic emergency in Italy (March 11, 2020 to January 11, 2021) were compared to samples from the preceding 10‐month time frame (May 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020). Results: One hundred ninety‐five specimens were analysed in the present study. We observed no noticeable differences in cytological diagnoses during the pandemic period compared to the pre‐pandemic period. The case numbers by diagnostic category for the pre‐pandemic vs pandemic periods, respectively, were as follows: non‐diagnostic, 0 vs 0 cases; negative for malignancy, 86 vs 52 cases; atypia of uncertain significance, 7 vs 1 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 0 vs 2 cases; malignant, 42 vs 4 cases. Conclusion: While a consistent reduction in the number of cytological examinations has been observed during the COVID‐19 period, our institutional safety protocol for processing cytological samples did not affect the diagnostic reliability of peritoneal washing cytology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fusion imaging is an emerging technique that combines real-time ultrasound examination with images acquired previously using other modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fusion imaging in patients with suspicion of ovarian or peritoneal cancer. Secondary aims were: to compare the agreement of findings on fusion imaging, CT alone and ultrasound imaging alone with laparoscopic findings, in the assessment of extent of intra-abdominal disease; and to evaluate the time required for the fusion imaging technique.Methods: Patients with clinical and/or radiographic suspicion of advanced ovarian or peritoneal cancer who were candidates for surgery were enrolled prospectively between December 2019 and September 2020. All patients underwent a CT scan and ultrasound and fusion imaging to evaluate the presence or absence of the following abdominal-cancer features according to the laparoscopy-based scoring model (predictive index value (PIV)): supracolic omental disease, visceral carcinomatosis on the liver, lesser omental carcinomatosis and/or visceral carcinomatosis on the lesser curvature of the stomach and/or spleen, involvement of the paracolic gutter(s) and/or anterior abdominal wall, involvement of the diaphragm and visceral carcinomatosis on the small and/or large bowel (regardless of rectosigmoid involvement). The feasibility of the fusion examination in these patients was evaluated. Agreement of each imaging method (ultrasound, CT and fusion imaging) with laparoscopy (considered as reference standard) was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient.Results: Fifty-two patients were enrolled into the study. Fusion imaging was feasible in 51 (98%) of these patients (in one patient, it was not possible for technical reasons). Two patients were excluded because laparoscopy was not performed, leaving 49 women in the final analysis. Kappa values for CT, ultrasound and fusion imaging, using laparoscopy as the reference standard, in assessing the PIV parameters were, respectively: 0.781, 0.845 and 0.896 for the great omentum; 0.329, 0.608 and 0.847 for the liver surface; 0.472, 0.549 and 0.756 for the lesser omentum and/or stomach and/or spleen; 0.385, 0.588 and 0.795 for the paracolic gutter(s) and/or anterior abdominal wall; 0.385, 0.497 and 0.657 for the diaphragm; and 0.336, 0.410 and 0.469 for the bowel. The median time needed to perform the fusion examination was 20 (range, 10-40) min.Conclusion: Fusion of CT images and real-time ultrasound imaging is feasible in patients with suspicion of ovarian or peritoneal cancer and improves the agreement with surgical findings when compared with ultrasound or CT scan alone. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the gray-scale and vascular characteristics of endometrial cancer in relation to stage, grade and size using two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study including 144 women with endometrial cancer undergoing transvaginal ultrasound before surgery. The sonographic characteristics assessed were echogenicity, endometrial/myometrial border, fibroids, vascular pattern, color score and tumor/uterus anteroposterior (AP) ratio. Histological assessment of tumor stage, grade, type and growth pattern was performed. Results: Hyperechoic or isoechoic tumors were more often seen in Stage IA cancer, whereas mixed or hypoechoic tumors were more often found in cancers of Stage IB or greater (P = 0.003). Hyperechogenicity was more common in Grade 1-2 tumors (i.e. well or moderately differentiated) (P = 0.02) and in tumors with a tumor/uterine AP ratio of < 50% (P = 0.002), whereas a non-hyperechoic appearance was more commonly found in Grade 3 tumors (i.e. poorly differentiated) and in tumors with a tumor/uterine AP ratio of ≥ 50%. Multiple global vessels were more often seen in tumors of Stage IB or greater than in Stage IA tumors (P = 0.02), in Grade 3 tumors than in Grade 1 and 2 tumors (P = 0.02) and in tumors with a tumor/uterine AP ratio of ≥ 50% (P < 0.001). A moderate/high color score was significantly more common in tumors of higher stage (P = 0.03) and larger size (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The sonographic appearance of endometrial cancer is significantly associated with tumor stage, grade and size. More advanced tumors often have a mixed/hypoechoic echogenicity, a higher color score and multiple globally entering vessels, whereas less advanced tumors are more often hyperechoic and have no or a low color score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only two cases of recurrence of heterologous carcinosarcoma from adenocarcinoma of the ovary have been documented in the published literature. We report a case of serous ovarian carcinoma recurring as a heterologous carcinosarcoma. The immunohistochemical analysis of several biological parameters in primary ovarian adenocarcinoma and recurrent carcinosarcoma has been also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake by light-grown cells of Rhodobacter capsulatus of the highly toxic metalloid oxyanion tellurite (TeO32−) was examined. We show that tellurite is rapidly taken up by illuminated cells in a process which is inhibited by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone (FCCP) and by the K+/H+ exchanger nigericin. Notably, the light-driven membrane potential (Δψ) is enhanced by K2TeO3≥200 μM. Further, tellurite uptake is largely insensitive to valinomycin, strongly repressed by the sulfhydryl reagent N-ethylethylmaleimide (NEM) and competitively inhibited by phosphate. We conclude that tellurite is transported into cells by a ΔpH-dependent, non-electrogenic process which is likely to involve the phosphate transporter (PiT family). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of three types of rare malignant ovarian germ cell tumor: embryonal carcinoma, non-gestational choriocarcinoma and malignant mixed germ cell tumor.Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study. From the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database, we identified patients with a histological diagnosis of ovarian embryonal carcinoma, non-gestational choriocarcinoma or malignant mixed germ cell tumor, who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between 2000 and 2020. Additional patients with the same histology were identified from the databases of the departments of gynecological oncology in the participating centers. All tumors were described using IOTA terminology. Three examiners reviewed all available ultrasound images and described them using pattern recognition.Results: One patient with embryonal carcinoma, five patients with non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma and seven patients with ovarian malignant mixed germ cell tumor (six primary tumors and one recurrence) were identified. Seven patients were included in the IOTA studies and six patients were examined outside of the IOTA studies. The median age at diagnosis was 26 (range, 14-77) years. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were highest in non-gestational choriocarcinomas and alpha-fetoprotein levels were highest in malignant mixed germ cell tumors. Most tumors were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage I (9/12 (75.0%)). All tumors were unilateral, and the median largest diameter was 129 (range, 38-216) mm. Of the tumors, 11/13 (84.6%) were solid and 2/13 (15.4%) were multilocular-solid; 9/13 (69.2%) manifested abundant vascularization on color Doppler examination. Using pattern recognition, the typical ultrasound appearance was a large solid tumor with inhomogeneous echogenicity of the solid tissue and often dispersed cysts which, in most cases, were small and irregular. Some tumors had smooth contours while others had irregular contours.Conclusions: A unilateral, large solid tumor with inhomogeneous echogenicity of the solid tissue and with dispersed small cystic areas in a young woman should raise the suspicion of a rare malignant germ cell tumor. This suspicion can guide the clinician to test tumor markers specific for malignant germ cell tumors. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is an ill‐defined category of neoplasms, which represent a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to assess whether the Stanford parameters, that is, high mitotic index (≥10/10HPF), significant atypia (moderate‐to‐severe), and coagulative tumor cell necrosis (CTCN), even when focal or ambiguous, may be used to stratify the risk of recurrence in gynecological smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). Electronic databases were searched from their inception to October 2019. All studies assessing the Stanford parameters in gynecological STUMP series were included. STUMPs were subdivided according to the presence of the three Stanford parameters: high mitotic index, significant atypia, and CTCN. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed for recurrence‐free survival; hazard ratio (HR) was calculated in each category. Fourteen studies with 219 STUMPs were included. In 15.5% of cases, none of the three Stanford parameters were present, with a recurrence risk of 5.9%; 2.7% of cases showed high mitotic index alone, with a recurrence risk of 0% (HR = not calculable); 43.8% of cases showed significant atypia alone, with a recurrence risk of 18.7% (HR = 3.3; p = 0.012); 26.5% of cases showed CTCN alone, with a recurrence risk of 17.2% (HR = 3.1; p = 0.029); and 11.4% of cases showed at least two Stanford parameters, with a recurrence risk of 32% (HR = 7.5; p = 0.003). Stanford parameters may stratify the risk of recurrence of STUMP. Significant atypia and CTCN, but not high mitotic index, may be stand‐alone risk factors for recurrence in STUMP. The presence of at least two Stanford parameters, even if equivocal (e.g., uncertain or focal CTCN, focal significant atypia, mitotic index around 10/10HPF), might still be enough to support a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. Further studies are necessary in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]