Omental well-differentiated liposarcoma: US, CT and MR findings

Liposarcomas are the most common of sarcoma tumours, they are usually located in the lower limbs, retroperitoneum, or abdominal cavity; up to date, only a few cases of omental liposarcoma with different histotype have been described. We present a case of omental well-differentiated liposarcoma and discuss imaging findings on ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance to differentiate omental liposarcomas from other abdominal tumour entities

Post-translational deregulation of YAP1 is genetically controlled in rat liver cancer and determines the fate and stem-like behavior of the human disease

Previous studies showed that YAP1 is over-expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we observed higher expression of Yap1/Ctgf axis in dysplastic nodules and HCC chemically-induced in F344 rats, genetically susceptible to hepatocarcinogenesis, than in lesions induced in resistant BN rats. In BN rats, highest increase in Yap1-tyr357, p73 phosphorylation and Caspase 3 cleavage occurred. In human HCCs with poorer prognosis ( 3 years survival; HCCB). In the latter, higher levels of phosphorylated YAP1-ser127, YAP1-tyr357 and p73, YAP1 ubiquitination, and Caspase 3 cleavage occurred. Expression of stemness markers NANOG, OCT-3/4, and CD133 were highest in HCCP and correlated with YAP1 and YAP1-TEAD levels. In HepG2, Huh7, and Hep3B cells, forced YAP1 over-expression led to stem cell markers expression and increased cell viability, whereas inhibition of YAP1 expression by specific siRNA, or transfection of mutant YAP1 which does not bind to TEAD, induced opposite alterations. These changes were associated, in Huh7 cells transfected with YAP1 or YAP1 siRNA, with stimulation or inhibition of cell migration and invasivity, respectively. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that YAP1 transfection in Huh7 cells induces over-expression of genes involved in tumor stemness. In conclusion, Yap1 post-translational modifications favoring its ubiquitination and apoptosis characterize HCC with better prognosis, whereas conditions favoring the formation of YAP1-TEAD complexes are associated with aggressiveness and acquisition of stemness features by HCC cells

The emerging role of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast surgery: A case-matched analysis

To evaluate the benefits of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast cancer surgery, we compared outcomes of 100 patients receiving PECS vs 107 without PECS. Intraoperative use of fentanyl (P < .001) acetaminophen (P = .02), morphine (P < .01), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (P < .01) was lower in the PECS group. Occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was lower in the PECS group (P = .04). On postoperative day 1, the use of acetaminophen (P = .23), morphine (P = .83), and NSAIDS (P = .4) did not differ. Twenty-one patients received surgery with PECS block plus sedation alone. PECS block can reduce intraoperative use of opioids and analgesic drugs, and is associated with reduced occurrence of PONV. Selected patients can receive breast-conserving surgery with PECS plus sedation, avoiding general anesthesia

Lifestyle Modification Strategies to Counteract the World Epidemic Growth of Obesity and Diabetes

[no abstract available

Real-world hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in adult diabetic individuals: an italian nationwide epidemiological survey

INTRODUCTION: Hypertesion is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing in several countries, including Italy.AIMS: To assess hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in a real-world sample of adults with self-reported diabetes compared with nondiabetic individuals.METHODS: Following the 2018 World Hypertension Day, a nationwide, cross-sectional epidemiological survey on cardiovascular risk factors ("Abbasso la Pressione!") in 3956 Italian pharmacies enrolled 47217 self-presenting volunteers (≥18 years). Participants underwent standardized blood pressure (BP) measurements and answered a questionnaire on cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle habits. Questions included if they had an established diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or were on a BP medication. Hypertension prevalence was defined as systolic BP ≥140 and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. A double definition for hypertension control based on the recent European and US guidelines on hypertension was applied.RESULTS: Diabetic individuals (N=5695, 12%) had higher rates of hypertension prevalence (80% vs. 54.7%, p&lt;0.001), awareness (85.6% vs 77.3%, p&lt;0.001) and treatment (85.8% vs. 76.7%, p&lt;0.001), but lower hypertension control rates (36.1% vs. 39.6% according to the 2018 European guidelines, p&lt;0.001; 25.4% vs 30.8% according to the 2017 US guidelines, p&lt;0.001) than nondiabetics. Diabetic participants tended to be older, sedentary, overweight/obese, dyslipidemic men, with higher 10-years cardiovascular risk than nondiabetics (p&lt;0.001). Uncontrolled hypertension was associated with male gender, diabetes, body mass index, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and older age.CONCLUSIONS: Elevated hypertension awareness and treatment rates in diabetic adults do not translate into adequate BP control in the real world. Concomitant unfavorable metabolic features and unhealthy lifestyle habits might contribute to this observation

Deciduoid mesothelioma of the thorax: A comprehensive review of the scientific literature.

AbstractObjectiveDeciduoid mesothelioma is a rare variant of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. It often involves the peritoneum, but also thoracic cases have been reported. The aim of the present review is to describe the demographic, clinical, radiological, and pathological features of such a rare variant of thoracic mesothelioma, and the state of the art regarding the therapeutic approaches currently available.Data sourceEnglish‐language articles published from 1985 to June 2016, and related to thoracic deciduoid mesothelioma cases were retrieved using the Pubmed database.Study selectionThe search terms were "mesothelioma," "thoracic mesothelioma," "epithelial mesothelioma," "pleural mesothelioma," and "deciduoid mesothelioma."ResultsForty‐four cases included in 16 articles, published in the period under investigation, were analyzed in detail.ConclusionsThe mean age of the patients was 63 years, and the male to female ratio 1.7:1. Approximately 58% had exposure to asbestos, and 73% had a smoking history; familiarity was rarely reported. The most common anatomical site of origin was the right pleura, and the most frequent clinical manifestations were chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. Thoracic X‐ray and computed tomography were the imaging techniques most employed for diagnosis and surgical planning. The pathological diagnosis was obtained by examination of surgical or biopsy specimens in most cases. The best treatment strategy of deciduoid mesothelioma is a matter of debate; nevertheless a multidisciplinary approach is currently the best option for the choice of the adequate therapeutic scheme

giant aneurysm of circumflex coronary artery in asymptomatic patient

We report a case of a 74 years old woman presented to the hospital for fever and uncontrolled hypertension. We found, incidentally, a giant aneurysm of the circumflex coronary artery measuring 6.4 x 5.5 cm. We show suggestive CT scan images and multislice reconstructions and a review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of this condition