Search

Introduction: Spinal astroblastoma is a rare highly malignant tumor that mainly affects children. We review the few cases described in the literature and highlight the challenges of managing this neoplasm by illustrating a case recently treated at our institutions. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of EWSR1-BEND2 fused spinal astroblastoma with long-term follow-up. Case Presentation: An 8-year-old girl was transferred from her home country to Switzerland for treatment of a recurrent intramedullary tumor of the cervical spine extending from C2-C7. The tumor was primarily diagnosed as an ependymoma of the spinal cord. Prior to her transfer to our department, the patient had undergone subtotal resection of the lesion, radiation therapy, multiple chemotherapy regimens, and biopsy of the recurrent tumor. Clinically, the patient presented with tetraparesis and had recently experienced worsening upper extremity weakness with complete loss of hand function. We performed a near total resection of the recurrent tumor. Ultra-fast Nanopore seq® based DNA methylome profiling allowed confirmation of the molecular diagnosis of a high-grade neuroepithelial tumor (HGNET-MN1) consistent with astroblastoma in less than 2 h, with subsequent molecular workup revealing a EWSR1-BEND2 fusion. After surgery, the patient gradually regained function in her hands. She was sent to a specialized pediatric rehabilitation center, and while the tumor was being followed radiologically with no adjuvant treatment planned, the patient presented with a relapse of the tumor in only 3 months. Given the acute worsening of radiating pain and sudden respiratory failure, a cervical decompression was performed. MRI of the cervical spine showed infiltration of the lower aspects of the brainstem. The patient was offered palliative comfort care. Conclusion: Spinal astroblastoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumor affecting children and young adults with a high recurrence rate and thus far not well-defined prognosis. The molecular signature of astroblastoma needs to be further characterized to establish a treatment-relevant classification and to allow a better prognostication. Currently, gross-total resection combined with radiotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for spinal astroblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The recent approval of Dupilumab has profoundly revolutionized the management of patients affected by severe and recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). However, a review that summarizes the results of real-life studies and compares them to phase 3 studies SINUS-24 and 52 is still lacking. Materials and methods: A search of all real-life studies published from 2019 to 2023 was performed. Patients characteristics at baseline and 6 and 12 months after starting Dupilumab were extracted and compared to those from phase 3 trials: age, sex, smoking habits, comorbid asthma and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), previous endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), hematic eosinophils and total IgE, NasalAQ2 Polyps Score (NPS), smell, SNOT-22, adverse events (AEs), and response to treatment. Results: 15 papers were included with an overall number of 1658 patients. A higher rate of comorbidities and previous ESS was found in patients from real-life studies. In addition, they had worse smell and SNOT-22 at baseline compared to patients from SINUS-24 and 52. Comorbid and post-ESS patients tended to have a faster NPS and SNOT-22 improvement, although the absolute values were not clinically relevant. A more extensive surgery and a number of ESS ≥ 2 were related to worse olfactory outcomes, probably due to iatrogenic damage. No correlation was found between hematic eosinophils and outcomes. AEs were reported by 12.4% of patients and 2.2% had to discontinue dupilumab. Weight gain was an emergent AE (0.8%), probably related to the restored sense of smell and taste. Non-responders were 3.5% and they were switched to systemic steroid, ESS, or another biologic. Conclusion: Despite some differences in prescription criteria between countries, dupilumab was demonstrated to be effective even in the real-life scenario. However, emerging AEs and possible unknown long-term AEs of a likely lifelong therapy should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positional plagiocephaly is a deformational cranial flattening frequently treated in pediatric neurosurgical practice. Positional maneuvers and orthotic helmet therapy are preferred therapeutic options for moderate-to-severe forms. Treatment response seems to be age-dependent. Nevertheless, predictive data are vague, and cost-efficiency might be a limiting factor for treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early predictive value of sonographic parameters on the efficacy of orthotic helmet therapy through the assessment of changes in skull shape and correlation of the parameters with caliper cephalometry values and with age. A consecutive cohort of 49 patients < 10 months of age, undergoing orthotic helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly, was recruited prospectively. The authors routinely assessed the patency of the lambdoid sutures by ultrasound and the following additional skull parameters were measured: suture width, adjacent full bone thickness, adjacent cortical bone thickness and occipital angle. Caliper cephalometric values, as well as demographic and clinical data were collected. Retrospective data analysis showed an inverse relation between both cortical and full skull bone thickness and early treatment efficacy, defined by a reduction in the occipital angle. The improvement of sonographic parameters correlated with the development of cranial caliper cephalometry values. In conclusion, the sonographic assessment of skull bone thickness is a safe and cost-effective tool to predict the early efficacy of orthotic helmet therapy in positional plagiocephaly and might, therefore, help the clinician to foresee the potential evolution of the deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pediatric Neurosurgery as a subspeciality started to emerge during the late 1950s, with only a few dedicated pediatric neurosurgeons in the Western world. Over the last few decades, the awareness that children require subspecialized care by dedicated pediatric neurosurgeons and an interdisciplinary team has been growing worldwide, leading to an increase in pediatric neurosurgeons. Several studies have shown that subspecialized care for pediatric patients improves outcomes and is cost-effective. This survey aims to assess the current setting of pediatric neurosurgery and training of neurosurgical residents in pediatric neurosurgery in Switzerland. Methods: We conducted an online survey by sending e-mail invitations in 2021 to all neurosurgical residents in Switzerland. The survey included questions regarding the participants' demographics, current workplace structures, the care of specific pediatric neurosurgical pathologies, and participants' opinions of the Swiss training program for pediatric neurosurgery and possible improvement. We defined at the beginning of the survey that a pediatric neurosurgeon is a board-certified neurosurgeon with at least one year of dedicated pediatric neurosurgical fellowship training abroad. Results: We received a total of 25 responses from residents, of which 20 (80%) were male. Twenty-two participants (88%) worked in one of seven major hospitals in Switzerland at the time of the survey, and four (16%) were interested in pursuing a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery. Seven (35%) and five residents (25%) feel comfortable taking care on the ward of a craniosynostosis and hydrocephalus patient younger than 6 months, respectively. Twelve residents (60%) feel comfortable taking care of a pediatric brain tumor patient. The majority (n = 22, 88%) of all residents agree that a fellowship-trained pediatric neurosurgeon should treat children, while two (8%) residents state that any neurosurgeon with an interest in pediatric neurosurgery should be able to treat children. All residents (n = 25, 100%) agree that pediatric neurosurgery training and care in Switzerland needs to be improved. Conclusion: Pediatric neurosurgery training in Switzerland is rather heterogeneous and not very well structured, with varying frequencies of children-specific neurosurgical pathologies. Most residents agreed that a subspecialized pediatric neurosurgeon should oversee the care of children in neurosurgery, while all agree that pediatric neurosurgical training and care should be improved in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Historically managed with intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), type-2 Chronic RhinoSinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) treatment was revolutionized by the introduction of dupilumab but universally accepted guidelines are still lacking. Methods: Patients treated at our University Hospital for type-2 CRSwNP were enrolled. Demographic data were collected, as well as laboratory (eosinophils, total IgE), endoscopic [nasal polyps score (NPS), modified Lund–Kennedy score (mLKS)], radiological [Lund–Mackay score (LMS) at CT scan], SNOT-22, and olfactory [Sniffin' Sticks identification test (SSIT)] features. Patients were treated with dupilumab or ESS and re-evaluated after 3 and 12 months. Results: At 3 and 12 months, patients undergoing ESS achieved a higher reduction of NPS and mLKS, while patients receiving dupilumab experienced a higher improvement at SNOT-22 and SSIT with a greater positive variation in the prevalence of anosmia (− 57.7% vs − 42.9%) and normosmia (+ 37.8 vs + 28.5%). Mean mLKS and LMS were quite similar. Results were independent of clinical features known to contribute to CRSwNP severity, except for patients with ≥ 2 prior ESS who had a significantly lower smell improvement. Conclusion: ESS and dupilumab were effective at reducing CRSwNP inflammatory burning. CRSwNP smell impairment cannot be attributed only to olfactory cleft obstruction and other mechanisms may be involved. Dupilumab acts systemically with poor correlation with NPS. As of today, dupilumab appears to be more suitable for elderly patients with anesthesiological contraindications and/or several previous surgeries, while ESS may represent the first-line choice in surgery-naive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Compared with other head and neck cancer types, the prognosis of recurrent early glottic cancer (rEGC) may be less dependent on the presence of regional (N) and/or distant metastases (M). The latter two are clinically infrequent due to rEGC's peculiar biology, but the currently available staging systems still rely upon these parameters. Thus, we developed a new staging system (SUD) centered on the comparison between the T stages of the recurrence and the primary tumor. Then, in our cohort of 258 patients with rEGC treated at our Institution in Florence, Italy, we verified how the SUD system performs in the prediction of the overall and disease-specific survival, compared to the other classifications already in use. (1) Background: The treatment of recurrent early glottic cancer (rEGC) remains challenging. We wanted to investigate how the oncological outcomes are affected by the initial and recurrent stages, in order to propose our newly developed Same–Up–Down (SUD) staging system. (2) Methods: In our cohort of 258 rEGC patients, we retrospectively assessed the prognostic performances of the rTNM (the TNM staging system for recurrence), CLRSS, CLRSS-2, and SUD staging systems by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, comparing their predictive capability using Harrell's C-index. (3) Results: The SUD classification satisfactorily predicted both overall survival (p = 0.022) and second-recurrence-free survival (p = 0.024, as same + down vs. upstage) in our cohort. It also outperformed the other three systems in terms of prediction of survival, with an improvement of 1.52%, 1.18%, and 3.96% in the predictive capacity of overall survival, disease-specific survival, and second-recurrence-free survival, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The SUD staging system can efficiently predict survival in rEGC patients, whose prognosis heavily depends on both the initial and recurrent locoregional extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatty filum terminale is a form of spinal dysraphism and a third of all patients develop symptoms such as sensory, motor, and urinary impairment. Early surgery at 6 months has the advantage that the bone density is still soft, and the patients are not ambulatory yet, promoting faster healing. Method: We present our minimal invasive surgical technique for FFT untethering. Conclusion: Due to the low complication rate and the potentially high benefit of surgery, prophylactic untethering is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hydrocephalus is commonly associated with myelomeningocele (MMC). Indication and timing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting are still a topic of discussion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the analysis of prenatal cerebral imaging studies could provide information that is predictive of the necessity of CSF shunting in the postnatal period. Material and methods: Among 73 infants operated on because of MMC between January 2003 and June 2020, 50 had undergone prenatal and postnatal MRI studies and were considered for analysis. For each patient, frontal horn width, atrial ventricle diameter, third ventricle diameter, and subarachnoid spaces (sinocortical width, craniocortical width, and the interhemispheric width) have been measured on prenatal, postnatal, and a follow-up MRI study. The need of CSF shunting device placement in relation to prenatal and early postnatal MRI data was investigated. Results: Of the 50 infants, 31 (62%) developed a progressive hydrocephalus. Of these, 30 needed a CSF shunt and the majority of them (n=29) was operated on within 28 days after birth. One patient needed CSF shunt implantation at 45 days after birth and one child developed a late progressive hydrocephalus, successfully treated by ETV alone, at 14.2 months of age. All patients with an atrial ventricle diameter greater than 1.9 cm and a 3rd ventricle diameter larger than 0.3 cm on antenatal third trimester imaging have undergone CSF shunting within 1 month after birth. Conversely, all the children that did not undergo a CSF shunt placement showed an atrial cerebral ventricle diameter inferior to 1.2 cm and a 3rd ventricle width < 0.3 cm on antenatal imaging. Frontal horn width and subarachnoid CSF spaces' evolution did not seem to play a role. Conclusion: The prenatal MRI assessment of the associated prenatal ventriculomegaly in MMC provides parameters that have a predictive value heralding the probability of a CSF diversion procedure after birth. In the same way, the analysis of intrauterine MRI studies may identify those subjects that are less at risk of developing a progressive hydrocephalus after birth, therefore encouraging a more cautious attitude towards the early implantation of CSF shunting devices in the current clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different techniques to reshape the posterior skull vault have been developed in the last decades, all sharing the same goals of increasing the skull volume, decreasing the intracranial pressure (ICP), correcting the cranial dysmorphy, and contributing to a better growth of the skull. Though over the last years most refinements in these techniques have focused on the use of hardware as distractors or springs, the fixed posterior vault expansion remains a valuable procedure for cranial remodeling. Methods: We describe in details the technique used for fixed posterior vault expansion in children that is applied at the French Referral center for Craniosynostosis of Lyon, France. Discussion: The fixed posterior vault expansion increases the risk of perioperative complications due to the elevation of the posterior bone flap from the dura but allows an immediate decompression and correction of the shape, simplifying the postoperative course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: External ventricular drain (EVD) is one of the most frequent procedures in neurosurgery and around 15 to 30% of these patients require a permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. The optimal EVD weaning strategy is still unclear. Whether gradual weaning compared to rapid closure, reduces the rate of permanent CSF diversion remains controversial. The aim of this trial is to compare the rates of permanent CSF diversion between gradual weaning and rapid closure of an EVD. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study including patients between 2010 to 2020. Patients were divided into a weaning (WG) and non-weaning (NWG) group. The primary outcome was permanent CSF diversion rates, secondary outcomes included hospitalization time, EVD-related morbidity, and clinical outcome. Results: Out of 412 patients, 123 (29.9%) patients were excluded due to early death or palliative treatment. We registered 178 (61.6%) patients in the WG and 111 (38.4%) in the NWG. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The VPS rate was comparable in both groups (NWG 37.8%; WG 39.9%, p = 0.728). EVD related infection (13.5% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001), as well as non-EVD related infection rates (2.8% vs 0%, p < 0.001), were significantly higher in the WG. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the NWG (WG 24.93 ± 9.50 days; NWG 23.66 ± 14.51 days, p = 0.039). Conclusion: Gradual EVD weaning does not seem to reduce the need for permanent CSF diversion, while infection rates and hospitalization time were significantly higher/longer. Therefore, direct closure should be considered in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many landscapes are characterized by a patchy, rather than homogeneous, distribution of vegetation. Often this patchiness is composed of single‐species patches with contrasting traits, interacting with each other. To date, it is unknown whether patches of different species affect each other's uptake of resources by altering hydrodynamic conditions, and how this depends on their spatial patch configuration. Patches of two contrasting aquatic macrophyte species (i.e., dense canopy‐forming Callitriche and sparse canopy‐forming Groenlandia) were grown together in a racetrack flume and placed in different patch configurations. We measured 15NH4+ uptake rates and hydrodynamic properties along the centerline and the lateral edge of both patches. When the species with a taller, denser canopy (Callitriche) was located upstream of the shorter, sparser species (Groenlandia), it generated turbulence in its wake that enhanced nutrient uptake for the sparser Groenlandia. At the same time, Callitriche benefited from being located at a leading edge where it was exposed to higher mean velocity, as its canopy was too dense for turbulence to penetrate from upstream. Consistent with this, we found that ammonium uptake rates depended on turbulence level for the sparse Groenlandia and on mean flow velocity for the dense Callitriche, but Total Kinetic Energy was the best descriptor of uptake rates for both species. By influencing turbulence, macrophyte species interact with each other through facilitation of resource uptake. Hence, heterogeneity due to multispecific spatial patchiness has crucial implications for both species interactions and aquatic ecosystem functions, such as nitrogen retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the magnetic properties of a W-type hexaferrite showing first-order magnetization processes in order to verify whether the same model can be applied to these different materials. Magnetic properties of barium and cobalt crystals; Use of a vibrating sample magnetometer with cryostat; Relation between applied and internal fields in an ellipsoid.

Reports on macroscopic magnetic measurements, Mössbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction investigation on single crystals of cobalt[subx] zinc[sub2-x]. Description of the crystalline structure; Contribution of cobalt ions to the anisotropy; Comparison between the measured integrated intensities and the intensities calculated on the basis of a Gorter's spin distribution.

Background Paranasal sinus osteoma is a common, asymptomatic, histologically benign, slow-growing tumor. However, it can give rise to secondary pathologies such as a mucocele in about 50% of the cases. Rarely, intracranial and orbital extension is present, leading to rhinoliquorrhea, pneumocephalus, or neurologic and visual impairment, which might be potentially life-threatening. Case Description A 49-year-old man presented with an acute frontal lobe syndrome and rhinoliquorrhea. Cranial magnetic resonance tomography showed a suspected frontoethmoidal osteoma with a mucocele expanding intradurally into the left frontal lobe. It was accompanied by pneumocephalus and showed communication with the left lateral ventricle. Through a bifrontal craniotomy, in toto resection of the frontoethmoidal bony tumor and the intradural mucocele was performed, while thereafter the frontal sinus was cranialized using a pedunculated periosteal flap. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with complete resolution of the tension pneumocephalus and rhinoliquorrhea and led to an improvement of the frontal lobe syndrome. Conclusions We present a rare case of pneumocephalus caused by a frontoethmoidal osteoma associated with an intradural mucocele. A review of the literature, focusing on the surgical strategies in such cases, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic subdural hematoma is a commonly encountered disease in neurosurgic practice, whereas its increasing prevalence is compatible with the ageing population. Recommendations concerning postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma and postoperative application of thrombosis prophylaxis.Design: Retrospective, consecutive sample of patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma over 3 years.Setting: Single, academic medical center.Patients: All patients undergoing surgical evacuation of a chronic subdural hematoma with burr-hole drainage. Exclusion: patients under the age of 18 years, who presented with an acute subdural hematoma and those who underwent a craniotomy.Interventions: We compared patients receiving thrombosis prophylaxis treatment after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma with those who were not treated. Primary outcome measure was reoperation of chronic subdural hematoma due to recurrence. Secondary outcome measures were thromboembolic and cardiovascular events, hematologic findings, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, a subanalysis comparing recurrence rate dependent on the application time of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 vs > 48 hr) was undertaken.Measurements and Main Results: Overall recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma was 12.7%. Out of the 234 analyzed patients, 135 (57.3%) received postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis (low-molecular-weight heparin) applied subcutaneously. Recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma occurred in the thrombosis prophylaxis group and control group in 12 patients (8.9%) and 17 patients (17.2%), respectively, showing no significant difference (odds ratio, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.21 - 1.04]). A subanalysis comparing recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma dependent on the application time of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 vs > 48 hr) showed no significant difference either (odds ratio, 2.80 [95% CI, 0.83-9.36]). Higher dosage of thrombosis prophylaxis correlated with recurrence rates of chronic subdural hematoma, both in univariate and multivariate analyses.Conclusions: Our data suggest that the application of postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis after burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma does not result in higher recurrence rates of chronic subdural hematoma. In addition, it seems that early administration of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 hr) has no influence on recurrence rates; however, high dosage seems to increase recurrence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects with Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation-Polymicrogyria syndrome (MCAP) can present with a Chiari Malformation Type 1 and resulting alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, which may require surgical treatment. The aim of this paper is to describe the features of children with MCAP who underwent surgical decompression for CM1, and to explore the PIK3CA variant allele frequency (VAF) identified in cerebellar parenchyma and other adjacent structures. This study reviewed two cases of children with CM1 and MCAP who underwent surgical decompression treatment. These two cases were part of a national cohort of 12 MCAP patients who had CM1, due to their surgical eligibility. Tissue samples were obtained from the cerebellar tonsils and adjacent anatomical structures during the surgical procedures. Samples were then subsequently analyzed for PIK3CA postzygotic variants. In both cases, alterations in CSF dynamics, specifically hydrocephalus and syringomyelia, were observed and required surgical treatment. PIK3CA targeted sequencing determined the VAF of the postzygotic variant in both cerebellar and adjacent bone/connective tissues. The recognition of a CM1 comorbidity in MCAP patients is of paramount importance when considering personalized treatment options, especially because these patients are at higher risk of developing complications during surgical decompression surgery. The variable PIK3CA VAF identified in the different analyzed tissues might help explain the heterogeneous nature and severity of anomalies observed in the volume of the posterior fossa structures in MCAP patients and associated CSF and venous disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes data about recharge of electric cars in Rome during 2013 as a part of a national research project (P.R.I.M.E.). The electric vehicles were recharged through the public Enel Distribuzione recharging infrastructure. For each recharge, the initial and final time were registered together with the electricity absorbed from the grid. The total number of recharges was about 7700. The first step of the investigation is the statistical analysis of the distribution of recharges in daily time slots in order to analyze the recharge behavior of Italian drivers. For each day and for each time slot, literature data from the Italian national grid operator (Terna) were used to retrieve the energy mix used to produce electricity in that day and in that time slot. In the third step, electricity generation mixes were used to obtain emission factors for greenhouse (CO 2 ) and pollutant emissions (CO, NO x , HC and particulate). Using information about the electric consumption of vehicles registered in Rome, the emission factors in g/km were obtained and compared with the limits set by European legislation for conventional (gasoline and diesel). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lymphangiomas are relatively uncommon lesions of the lymphatic channels that can arise in virtually any part of the body provided by lymphatic vessels. The most common localization is the head/neck region, with only sporadic reports in other sites. The mediastinum is a rare location, with around 20 cases reported in the literature. Methods: We describe one case of mediastinal lymphangioma with a true intrathymic localization, which to our knowledge has never been described. Results: The gross features and microscopic findings are reported with a discussion of the clinicopathologic signatures of this pathologic entity. Conclusions: Intrathymic lymphangioma should always be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of cystic mediastinal lesions in children and adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research efforts during the last decade have deciphered the basic molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial fusion and fission. We now know that in mammalian cells mitochondrial fission is mediated by the large GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) acting in concert with outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins such as Fis1, Mff, and Mief1. It is also generally accepted that organelle fusion depends on the action of three large GTPases: mitofusins (Mfn1, Mfn2) mediating membrane fusion on the OMM level, and Opa1 which is essential for inner mitochondrial membrane fusion. Significantly, mutations in Drp1, Mfn2, and Opa1 have causally been linked to neurodegenerative conditions. Despite this knowledge, crucial questions such as to how fission of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes are coordinated and how these processes are integrated into basic physiological processes such as apoptosis and autophagy remain to be answered in detail. In this review, we will focus on what is currently known about the mechanism of mitochondrial fission and explore the pathophysiological consequences of dysregulated organelle fission with a special focus on neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease, as well as ischemic brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma is an uncommon sarcoma with myofibroblastic differentiation. It occurs in a wide variety of sites and has a predilection for the head and neck region. Biologically, low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma has a propensity for local recurrence and is associated with a low risk of metastatic spread. Histologically, it can mimic a variety of different types of benign and malignant processes and often requires immunohistochemical analysis for its accurate identification. This report describes a case and discusses the differential diagnosis of a low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma that arose in the larynx of a 69-year-old woman with a history of metastatic skin melanoma. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first description in the English literature of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma originating in the larynx. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a frequent complication after total laryngectomy, with an incidence of up to 65%. Many conservative or invasive approaches are available and the choice among them is usually made on a case-by-case basis. The aim of the present review is to critically summarize the available evidence of the effectiveness of the non-surgical management of PCF. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature were conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating botulinum toxin therapy, scopolamine transdermal patch, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) were assessed. Complete fistula closure after the initiation of non-surgical treatment was the main outcome. Results: After the application of selection criteria, a total of seven articles and 27 patients were included in the present review. All the eligible studies were descriptive case series, while only one article used a standard group as a comparison. The mean age was 63.3 and 14 patients (51.9%) had previously received RT. The reported comorbidities were diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD, and atrial fibrillation. With a mean healing time of 25.0 days, the overall success rate was 92.6%. Conclusions: Non-surgical treatment of PCF is only based on the experience of small series. Although success rates seem promising, the absence of properly designed comparative studies does not allow us, at present, to identify ideal candidates for these non-invasive management strategies for PCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented related to aleukemic granulocytic sarcoma with associated T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in the same lymph node: Morphologic features and molecular signatures.

Background: The association between lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma has been described since 1920. The simultaneous presence of the 2 pathologic entities within the same lymph node is a rare and interesting occurrence. In the few cases described, the presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the different neoplastic areas was investigated only by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies. Methods: Two cases of concurrent non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma in the same lymph node are described: a diffuse large B cell lymphoma in an AIDS patient and a T cell-rich large B cell lymphoma in a HIV-negative patient, complete with the clinical, immunohistological and molecular features, the latter ones defined after isolation of the different neoplastic areas by laser capture microdissection. Results: Polymerase chain reaction assays revealed HHV8 DNA sequences only in the microdissected Kaposi’s sarcoma areas and EBV DNA sequences only in the lymphomatous areas in both cases, confirming the HHV8 infection only in the neoplastic sarcomatous cells and evidencing the EBV infection only in the lymphomatous cells. Conclusion: This study represents a further confirmation of the supposed different etiopathogenic mechanisms of the 2 neoplasias, suggesting a coincidental occurrence even when localized in the same lymph node, independently from HIV infection. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Films of (C4H9NH3)2MCl4 (M=Cu and Sn) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been deposited in-situ by a single-source thermal ablation technique on glassy, crystalline and polymeric substrates. Independently of the substrate, the films were well crystallized, c-axis oriented and with a narrow rocking curve of the (0010) reflection (full width at half maximum <1°). The (0 0 ℓ) reflections were consistent with those of the bulk orthorhombic phases and the “c” lattice parameters were 30.85±0.05 and 32.35±0.05 Å, for the Cu- and the Sn-compound, respectively. (C4H9NH3)2CuCl4 films had an optical absorption peak at 375 nm at room temperature. From the magnetic point of view they act as layered nanocomposites with a dominant ferromagnetic component localized in planes (2D magnetism). Tc was 7.3±0.1 K and a moderate easy-plane anisotropy was observed. The photoluminescence spectra of typical (C4H9NH3)2SnCl4 films at 12 K had a broad yellow band, which did not correspond to any significant peak in the absorption spectrum. The films were semiconducting down to 250 K or, in the case of the best samples, down to 200 K and became insulating at lower temperature. The resistivity of the best films was (5±1) 104 Ω cm at 300 K, and the energy gap was 1.11 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of magnetization and of resistivity under pressure on Ba[sub 1-x]Sr[sub x]VS[sub 3] single crystals show that Sr-induced chemical pressure progressively weakens the antiferromagnetic correlations responsible for the metal-insulator transition. The antiferromagnetic ordering temperature, T[sub X] = 30 K at x = 0, vanishes at x = 0.08. At larger x, a ferromagnetic order appears with T[sub C] = 21.5 K at x = 0.18. The key-parameter favoring the metallic state is found to be the compression of the VS[sub 6] octahedra and we predict a metallic state at 0 K for a V–S distance of 2.33 Å. The stabilization effect of the metallic state provided by the chemical pressure is supported by first principles band structure calculations performed by using the Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP) within the projector augmented–wave (PAW) method in the local density approximation (LDA) + U scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: BackgroundThe Bombesin (BBS)-related peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and its cognate receptor are ectopically expressed by many cancers, in which they regulate tumor proliferation and metastasis. But, their role in endometrial cancers is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endometrial cancer cell lines express functional BBS receptors and to determine whether they were coupled to the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) expression.: Study designEndometrial cancer cell lines (HEC-1A, KLE, and AN3CA) were cultured according to the recommendations of the American Tissue Culture Collection. Ishikawa cells were maintained in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium plus 10% fetal bovine serum. Before BBS treatment, all cell lines were placed in serum-free, phenol-free media for 24 hours. BBS-stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were used to assess functional BBS receptor status. VEGF-A mRNA expression was determined by Northern blotting.: ResultsBBS (100 nM) stimulated an increase in [Ca2+]i in HEC-1A, Ishikawa, and KLE cells, indicating the presence of functional BBS receptors. This increase did not occur in AN3CA cells. BBS stimulated a time-dependent increase in VEGF-A mRNA expression in Ishikawa and KLE cells. Ishikawa cells exhibited a peak of VEGF-A mRNA expression between 8 and 12 hours with a partial decline by 24 hours. KLE cells showed a relatively small increase at 12 hours. In contrast, HEC-1A cells exhibited a high baseline level of VEGF-A mRNA expression and did not show a response to BBS.: ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that endometrial cancer cell lines express functional BBS receptors. In Ishikawa, KLE, and HEC-1A cells, BBS receptors are coupled to the regulation of VEGF-A mRNA expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the aim to optimize the carrier concentration and T[SUBc] of YSr[SUB2]Cu[SUB3]O[SUB7±d] (YSCO), we studied the effects of aliovalent substituents for Y and Cu1 in both as-prepared and annealed samples. Ca[SUP2+] and Ce[SUP4+] and Al[SUP3+] were substituted for Y and Cu1, respectively. The samples were synthesized at 1050°C, under a pressure of 30 Kbar, in a multi-anvil apparatus. The post-preparation annealings were carried out in static oxygen, nitrogen or under dynamic vacuum. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and found to be almost single-phase at doping concentrations ≤ 10%. T[SUBc] was determined by resistivity and magnetic susceptibility Vs temperature measurements. It was found to decrease in Ca-doped samples, to slightly increase for Al-doping or to remain almost constant for Ce-doping. These results seem to support the hypothesis that as-prepared YSCO is overdoped. For any substitution > 10%, T[SUBc] decreased or vanished and the samples had a high content of secondary phases. T[SUBc] of doped compounds also decreases after post-preparation annealings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L and L aMn[sup 3+, sub 1-y] Mn[sup 4+, sub y]O[sub 3 ± d] and La[sub 0.67]R[sub 0.33]Mn[sup 3+, sub 1-y]Mn[sup 4+, sub y] O[sub 3±d] (R= Ca, Sr, Ba) phases were synthesized at 350°C by using very reactive, amorphous precursors obtained from the stoichiometric citrate solutions. The chemical process was optimized with respect to the solution concentration, pH, and additives. The precursor reactions were investigated as a function of the cation stoichiometry and the additive by simultaneous thermal and thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The reaction pathway was found to be independent of the cation stoichiometry, but related to the acid or base additive. The annealing temperature was systematically increased in the 350-1200°C interval and the La[sub 0.67]Sr[sub 0.33]MnO[sub 3±d] properties (i.e., crystal sizes, Mn average valence, Curie temperature, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility) were measured and found to vary consistently as a function of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the difference between the effects induced by chemical substitutions and those induced by applying mechanical pressure, we synthesised and characterised samples of Y(Ba[sub 1-x]Sr[sub x])[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7-d]. The structural refinements based on powder neutron diffraction data were carried out as a function of x and, for x = 0.5, as a function of d. The electric and magnetic properties have also been measured and correlated with the structural parameters and oxygen content. It seems that the Ba cations play an important role in the high T[sub c] of YBCO. Its substitution with a smaller cation corresponds to the application of a chemical pressure, but the release of the associated strain seems to play a negative role on T[sub c]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a 58 year old woman suffering from ossified spinal tumor with increasing paraparesis. It mentions that her neoplastic lesion comprised of meningothelial cells with wide cytoplasm. Her immunohistochemistry exhibited positivity of the meningothelial cells for vimentin and EMA. It mentions that extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) occurs in patients with hematological disorders including myelofibrosis and anemia.

A letter to the editor on the case of a woman suffering from hypothyroidism and goiter is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on occurrence of primary effusion lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus.

Submerged aquatic plants are ecosystem engineers that are able to modify their habitat. However, the role of patch size in the engineering capacity of aquatic plants has not yet been fully investigated, while it could be essential for elucidating the consequences of plant presence. Our objectives were to investigate the effects of patch size on plant-flow-sediment interactions in lotic ecosystems and to determine whether these effects differed according to environmental characteristics. We performed in situ measurements of velocity and grain size along natural patches of increasing length (L) at two sites presenting different flow and sediment characteristics. Our results indicated that a minimum patch size was needed to induce in-patch reduction of the time averaged velocity component in the flow direction (i.e. streamwise velocity) and fine sediment accumulation. Streamwise velocity decreased linearly with L independently of the site conditions. The sediment texture was instead dependent on site conditions: for the site characterized by higher velocity and coarser sediment, the sediment grain size exponentially decreased with L, reaching a minimum value at L ≥ 1.0 m, while for the site characterized by lower velocity and finer sediment, it reached a minimum value already at L > 0.3 m. This study demonstrated that a minimal patch size is required to trigger the ecosystem engineering capacity of aquatic plant patches in lotic environments and that this capacity increases with patch length. Small patches induce little to no modification of the physical habitat, with possible negative feedbacks for plants. With increasing patch size, the habitat modifications induced by plants become more important, potentially triggering positive feedbacks for plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor on bone marrow amyloidosis is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented on a case study of a 45-year-old man suffering from mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) of the testis.

The article focuses on the 28-year old white man with painless, slow growing nodule on his scalp. The diagnostic examination reveals that a lobulated tumor composed of branching tubular lined by 2 layers of epithelial cells, cuboidal in the luminar layer and flattened at the periphery. It notes that the bone which occupied more than one quarter of the whole lesion was formed without intervening cartilage which lead to the diagnosis of benign Mixed Tumor on the Skin (MTS).

Introduction: The aim of this cohort study was to assess the outcome of single-level selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) treated at our institution, focusing on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and quality of life (QoL) of patients and their caregivers. Methods: We included consecutive patients undergoing SDR from 2018 to 2020 at our institution. Subjective outcome was measured through PROMs, while functional outcome was measured through baseline characteristics, operative outcome, as well as short- and long-term follow-up. Furthermore, the effect of age at the time of surgery on patient/caregiver satisfaction was analyzed. Results: Seven patients (3 female, 43%) with a median age at surgery of 11.9 years (IQR 8.7–15.5) were included. All patients had a Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) score of at least IV before surgery. Five surgeries were palliative and two non-palliative. Based on PROMs, SDR showed very good QoL and health-related outcome measures for both palliative and non-palliative patients. Patient/caregiver satisfaction was higher for the early subgroup (age ≤11) than the late subgroup (age >11). Functional outcome showed reduced spasticity in both groups. Blood transfusions were never needed, while no cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, or permanent morbidity was seen. Conclusion: Based on PROMs, SDR leads to high satisfaction and improved QoL, especially if done at an early age. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to underline and confirm our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 49-year-old man presented with epigastric discomfort and underwent into esophagogastroscopy. The patient was diagnosed with an exophytic lesion similar to squamous papilloma which was characterized as verruciform xanthoma in the esophagus. The article discusses the presence of human papilloma virus in the epithelial cells.

The article presents a case study of a 67-year-old woman who was admitted with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis. The patient has been suffering from intense headache, hypotonia of the lower limbs, cutaneous hyperesthesia and mild confusional state, with no nuchal rigidity or fever. Cerebrospinal fluid examinations for an infectious process showed negative results.

Purpose: Mepolizumab was recently approved for treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) unresponsive to standard treatment or recurring after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). To date, few studies have assessed Mepolizumab’s efficacy in severe type-2 CRSwNP. Our study aimed to analyze sinonasal outcomes in type-2 CRSwNP patients treated with 100 mg Mepolizumab administered subcutaneously every four weeks.We conducted a retrospective study of patients with severe, recalcitrant CRSwNP treated with Mepolizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, and comorbidities such as asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), and allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the number of previous ESS procedures and the interval since the last one. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after one year for blood eosinophil count, nasal polyp score (NPS), modified Lund-Kennedy score (mLKS), olfactory function (using a VAS scale and a 16-item Sniffin’ identification test), SNOT-22, and sinus opacification on CT scans. The need for rescue ESS or systemic corticosteroids (SCS), response to treatment, and side effects were also recorded.Data from 27 patients were collected. After one year, all scores showed significant improvement. NERD was the only factor associated with a less favorable improvement in olfactory function. There were no side effects reported, although 2 patients discontinued Mepolizumab as they were considered “non-responders.”Mepolizumab is safe and effective in reducing the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological burden of disease, as well as in decreasing the need for salvage ESS or systemic steroids.Methods: Mepolizumab was recently approved for treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) unresponsive to standard treatment or recurring after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). To date, few studies have assessed Mepolizumab’s efficacy in severe type-2 CRSwNP. Our study aimed to analyze sinonasal outcomes in type-2 CRSwNP patients treated with 100 mg Mepolizumab administered subcutaneously every four weeks.We conducted a retrospective study of patients with severe, recalcitrant CRSwNP treated with Mepolizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, and comorbidities such as asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), and allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the number of previous ESS procedures and the interval since the last one. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after one year for blood eosinophil count, nasal polyp score (NPS), modified Lund-Kennedy score (mLKS), olfactory function (using a VAS scale and a 16-item Sniffin’ identification test), SNOT-22, and sinus opacification on CT scans. The need for rescue ESS or systemic corticosteroids (SCS), response to treatment, and side effects were also recorded.Data from 27 patients were collected. After one year, all scores showed significant improvement. NERD was the only factor associated with a less favorable improvement in olfactory function. There were no side effects reported, although 2 patients discontinued Mepolizumab as they were considered “non-responders.”Mepolizumab is safe and effective in reducing the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological burden of disease, as well as in decreasing the need for salvage ESS or systemic steroids.Results: Mepolizumab was recently approved for treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) unresponsive to standard treatment or recurring after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). To date, few studies have assessed Mepolizumab’s efficacy in severe type-2 CRSwNP. Our study aimed to analyze sinonasal outcomes in type-2 CRSwNP patients treated with 100 mg Mepolizumab administered subcutaneously every four weeks.We conducted a retrospective study of patients with severe, recalcitrant CRSwNP treated with Mepolizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, and comorbidities such as asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), and allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the number of previous ESS procedures and the interval since the last one. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after one year for blood eosinophil count, nasal polyp score (NPS), modified Lund-Kennedy score (mLKS), olfactory function (using a VAS scale and a 16-item Sniffin’ identification test), SNOT-22, and sinus opacification on CT scans. The need for rescue ESS or systemic corticosteroids (SCS), response to treatment, and side effects were also recorded.Data from 27 patients were collected. After one year, all scores showed significant improvement. NERD was the only factor associated with a less favorable improvement in olfactory function. There were no side effects reported, although 2 patients discontinued Mepolizumab as they were considered “non-responders.”Mepolizumab is safe and effective in reducing the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological burden of disease, as well as in decreasing the need for salvage ESS or systemic steroids.Conclusions: Mepolizumab was recently approved for treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) unresponsive to standard treatment or recurring after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). To date, few studies have assessed Mepolizumab’s efficacy in severe type-2 CRSwNP. Our study aimed to analyze sinonasal outcomes in type-2 CRSwNP patients treated with 100 mg Mepolizumab administered subcutaneously every four weeks.We conducted a retrospective study of patients with severe, recalcitrant CRSwNP treated with Mepolizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, and comorbidities such as asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), and allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the number of previous ESS procedures and the interval since the last one. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after one year for blood eosinophil count, nasal polyp score (NPS), modified Lund-Kennedy score (mLKS), olfactory function (using a VAS scale and a 16-item Sniffin’ identification test), SNOT-22, and sinus opacification on CT scans. The need for rescue ESS or systemic corticosteroids (SCS), response to treatment, and side effects were also recorded.Data from 27 patients were collected. After one year, all scores showed significant improvement. NERD was the only factor associated with a less favorable improvement in olfactory function. There were no side effects reported, although 2 patients discontinued Mepolizumab as they were considered “non-responders.”Mepolizumab is safe and effective in reducing the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological burden of disease, as well as in decreasing the need for salvage ESS or systemic steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation describes the results of a research project (P.R.I.M.E.) aimed at testing the performance and the environmental impact of an electric city car in Italian cities. The vehicle considered in the project is the Daimler AG Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. A Smart ED vehicle was tested at the University of Salento for six months over different driving conditions (routes, traffic, use of auxiliaries). A data acquisition system has been designed on purpose and assembled on board to provide information about driving cycle and energy flows. The system was also used to evaluate the losses of energy during recharges due to the battery cooling system. The experimental tests were used to identify the average, minimum and maximum consumption of electricity in the Smart ED in Lecce according to driving conditions and in particular according to the usage of auxiliaries. The measured data of electric consumption have been used to quantify the emissions of CO 2 and pollution of the vehicle using information about the Italian electricity production mix of each recharging event and the emissions factors of the Italian power plants with an innovative and comprehensive methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent in cystic fibrosis (CF), significantly affecting quality of life. The introduction of CFTR modulators, including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), offers promise for improving sinonasal outcomes.We conducted a retrospective cohort multicenter study analyzing electronic medical records of 45 adult CF patients with CRS, predominantly heterozygous for the ΔF508 mutation, treated with ETI between January 2018 and December 2023. Assessments included Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), Nasal Polyp Score (NPS), modified Lund–Kennedy Score (mLKS), Lund–Mackay Score (LMS), and olfactory function using smell loss visual analog scale (VAS) and Sniffin’ Sticks identification test (SSIT).After 12 months of ETI therapy, significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC), CRS severity scores (SNOT-22, NPS, mLKS), radiological findings (LMS), and olfactory function. Subgroup analysis suggested enhanced efficacy in patients with prior endoscopic sinonasal surgery.ETI therapy demonstrates comprehensive improvements in CRS and olfactory function in CF patients, highlighting the potential of CFTR modulators in managing sinonasal manifestations.Methods: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent in cystic fibrosis (CF), significantly affecting quality of life. The introduction of CFTR modulators, including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), offers promise for improving sinonasal outcomes.We conducted a retrospective cohort multicenter study analyzing electronic medical records of 45 adult CF patients with CRS, predominantly heterozygous for the ΔF508 mutation, treated with ETI between January 2018 and December 2023. Assessments included Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), Nasal Polyp Score (NPS), modified Lund–Kennedy Score (mLKS), Lund–Mackay Score (LMS), and olfactory function using smell loss visual analog scale (VAS) and Sniffin’ Sticks identification test (SSIT).After 12 months of ETI therapy, significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC), CRS severity scores (SNOT-22, NPS, mLKS), radiological findings (LMS), and olfactory function. Subgroup analysis suggested enhanced efficacy in patients with prior endoscopic sinonasal surgery.ETI therapy demonstrates comprehensive improvements in CRS and olfactory function in CF patients, highlighting the potential of CFTR modulators in managing sinonasal manifestations.Results: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent in cystic fibrosis (CF), significantly affecting quality of life. The introduction of CFTR modulators, including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), offers promise for improving sinonasal outcomes.We conducted a retrospective cohort multicenter study analyzing electronic medical records of 45 adult CF patients with CRS, predominantly heterozygous for the ΔF508 mutation, treated with ETI between January 2018 and December 2023. Assessments included Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), Nasal Polyp Score (NPS), modified Lund–Kennedy Score (mLKS), Lund–Mackay Score (LMS), and olfactory function using smell loss visual analog scale (VAS) and Sniffin’ Sticks identification test (SSIT).After 12 months of ETI therapy, significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC), CRS severity scores (SNOT-22, NPS, mLKS), radiological findings (LMS), and olfactory function. Subgroup analysis suggested enhanced efficacy in patients with prior endoscopic sinonasal surgery.ETI therapy demonstrates comprehensive improvements in CRS and olfactory function in CF patients, highlighting the potential of CFTR modulators in managing sinonasal manifestations.Conclusions: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent in cystic fibrosis (CF), significantly affecting quality of life. The introduction of CFTR modulators, including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), offers promise for improving sinonasal outcomes.We conducted a retrospective cohort multicenter study analyzing electronic medical records of 45 adult CF patients with CRS, predominantly heterozygous for the ΔF508 mutation, treated with ETI between January 2018 and December 2023. Assessments included Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), Nasal Polyp Score (NPS), modified Lund–Kennedy Score (mLKS), Lund–Mackay Score (LMS), and olfactory function using smell loss visual analog scale (VAS) and Sniffin’ Sticks identification test (SSIT).After 12 months of ETI therapy, significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC), CRS severity scores (SNOT-22, NPS, mLKS), radiological findings (LMS), and olfactory function. Subgroup analysis suggested enhanced efficacy in patients with prior endoscopic sinonasal surgery.ETI therapy demonstrates comprehensive improvements in CRS and olfactory function in CF patients, highlighting the potential of CFTR modulators in managing sinonasal manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution X-ray diffraction technique, employing a three-crystal monochromator-collimator combination is used to study the irradiation induced defects in flux grown Sr-hexaferrite crystals irradiated with 50 MeV Li ion beams at room temperature with a fluence value of 1 × 10 ions/cm. The diffraction curves of the irradiated crystals suggest the possibility of creation of low angle grain boundaries and other point/clusters of defects causing amorphization in the irradiated crystals. The perfection of the irradiated and unirradiated (0001) cleaved surfaces of the crystals is studied using the bulk method of X-ray topography. The topographs supplement the findings suggestive of modifications in the crystalline quality of SrFeO on irradiation with SHI of Li. Etching of the (0001) cleaved surfaces in HPO at 120°C suggests that the dissolution characteristics of the surfaces get affected on irradiation with SHI of Li, besides supporting the findings of HRXRD and X-ray topography regarding modifications in the perfection of SrFeO on irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dielectric behaviour of flux grown substituted crystals bearing composition SrGa x In y Fe12−(x+y)O19 (x =5, 7, 9; y =0.8, 1.3, 1.0) is reported. Variation of dielectric constant (ɛ /), dielectric loss (tan δ) and ac conductivity (σ ac) with temperature in the range 30–500°C under the frequency of the applied ac field in the range 1–104 kHz for all the varied compositions are analyzed and explained. Swift heavy ion irradiation effects on these parameters are investigated. On irradiation the crystals show changes in the values of dielectric constant (ɛ /), dielectric loss (tan δ) and ac conductivity (σ ac). The frequency variation of ɛ / and tan δ is explained by Koop''s phenomenological theory and hopping frequency of electrons between Fe2+ and Fe3+ on octahedral sites for both irradiated and unirradiated crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]