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Some interesting moss records in Pollino National Park, noteworthy protected area of the south- ern Apennines, are reported. Among them, Mnium spinosum and Brachythecium tommasinii are new to southern Italian peninsula, Grimmia laevigata, G. montana, G. tergestina, G. trichophyl- la and Orthotrichum pumilum are new to Basilicata region, and, finally, Campylidium sommer- feltii is rare in southern Italy and little known in Mediterranean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sicilian epiphytic bryophyte diversity, based on literature and unpublished data, is assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The total number of taxa found on trees or shrubs is 133 (116 mosses and 17 liverworts). Among them, 38 are customary epiphytic, 21 cortico-saxicolous, 13 are indifferent and 61 occasionally epiphytic taxa. The most represented families are Orthotrichaceae (19.1%), which consists above all of several typically corticicolous species, Pottiaceae (19.1%) and Brachytheciaceae (12.6%) which both include many taxa that mainly colonize rock or ground substrates. From the chorological point of view, temperate taxa (33.8%) prevail, followed by oceanic-Mediterranean taxa (22.6%). An analysis of variations in species diversity along an altitudinal gradient (0-2000 m a.s.l.) shows that the number of taxa is more elevated between 800 and 1100 m. This range is especially rich in customary epiphytes. The geographical distribution of taxa highlights that the majority of taxa is found on main mountainous systems, bryoflora of which also has a high degree of diversification. The northern ranges of the Madonie and Nebrodi are particularly rich territories; however, some isolated mounts also present a considerable species diversity. These areas, therefore, are of notable interest for the conservation of epiphytic bryophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present and discuss the demographic and clinical aspects and the management of 44 cases of osteomas of the craniomaxillofacial region., Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of osteoma diagnosed from 2000 through 2010. The data collected included age at diagnosis, gender, lesion location, presenting symptoms, type of osteoma, treatment, and outcomes., Results: Forty-two patients with 43 osteomas were diagnosed during the study period. Their mean age was 48 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.4:1. Twenty-one patients were asymptomatic, whereas 10 patients complained about headache and neuralgia, and 11 patients presented with facial asymmetry. Only 21 symptomatic osteomas were surgically removed after histologic diagnosis, whereas for the asymptomatic lesions a careful follow-up was maintained., Conclusions: The slow growth of osteomas allows a conservative attitude toward asymptomatic lesions. Thus, when surgery is performed, it is extremely important to plan a surgical approach that minimizes any damage to the adjacent structures., (Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Evaluation of the importance of the on-site presence of a skilled cytopathologist during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration at determining samples' adequacy and performing ancillary techniques which can be helpful for the diagnosis., Methods: A retrospective analysis of our institute's experience with EUS-FNA sampling is presented. From January 2001 to May 2007, 404 patients underwent the EUS-FNA evaluation. From 2003 a cytopathologist was present during the procedure and started making an extemporary evaluation of the samples' adequacy., Results: Before 2003, a final cytological diagnosis was available in only 70% of the cases (without an on-site cytopathologist). After 2003, in 90% of the cases (with an on-site cytopathologist). It is possible planning and performing: immunocytochemistry on cell block material including evaluation of the proliferation index; to obtain a sample for the flow cytometry in cases of lymphomas or a microbiologic workup in cases of infective lesions., Conclusion: The quality of the specimens and the proper handling of the aspirated sample are very important to succesfully obtain a definitive cytological diagnosis in EUS-FNA. On-site evaluation and triage of the material allow to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.