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To assess the effectiveness and safety of cryoablation (CRA) for the treatment of recurrent or oligometastatic solid tumors located in the thoracoabdominal soft tissues. Twenty-two percutaneous CRA procedures performed in 19 patients to treat recurrent or oligometastatic tumors in thoracoabdominal soft tissue were retrospectively examined. All procedures were performed between January 2015 and June 2021 under ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) guidance, and the most complex procedures were performed with CT-based navigation systems. The histology of the primary tumors included colorectal adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Adverse events, technical success, and local tumor control were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 66.5 years, with a mean tumor size of 24.8 mm. The mean time of the procedures was 68 minutes, with a mean number of 2.5 cryoprobes used. Hydrodissection was performed in 63% of the procedures to protect the surrounding anatomical structures. The mean size of the ice ball, measured on axial CT scans at the end of the procedures, was 43.5 mm. No severe adverse events were observed. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Three patients experienced local tumor progression (2 residual disease and 1 recurrence), which were successfully treated with a second CRA procedure. Percutaneous CRA is a safe and effective therapy in selected cases of recurrent or oligometastatic tumors in the thoracoabdominal soft tissues. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed knowledge and sexual behaviour regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex street workers in the area of Milan, Italy. Methods: A questionnaire was administered covering socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge about STIs; sexual behaviour. Results: A total of 241 female sex street workers were interviewed. A vast majority knew AIDS and syphilis, whereas the knowledge about other STIs was unsatisfactory. Only 11.7% knew that STIs are transmitted by sexual intercourse with HIV seropositive partners, by unprotected sexual intercourse, and that kissing was not a mode of transmission. This knowledge was significantly higher in female sex street workers with a higher number of years in sex work and among those who received information from physicians and associations about STIs. The mean score of fear for contracting STIs was 7.5 and being younger, practicing prostitution for shorter period of time, and requiring more information about STIs were significantly associated with this fear. 'Ever condom use' was 100% during anal intercourse with clients; whereas only one woman reported vaginal and oral intercourse without condom. Only 15.2, 16.7, and 30% of those engaged in vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse with a non-paying sexual partner used condoms all the times. Overall, 83.5% of female sex street workers used a condom every time with clients or non-paying partners and those with fewer clients and partners routinely were more likely to use it. Conclusion: Interventions for preventing STIs and for improving the level of knowledge of STIs among female sex street workers are strongly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]