Search

This work aims at preparing and characterizing a versatile multifunctional platform enabling the immobilization of macromolecules on a titanium surface by robust covalent grafting. Functionalized titanium is widely used in the biomedical field to improve its properties. Despite its high biocompatibility and osteointegrability, titanium implants are not very stable in the long term due to the onset of inflammation and bacterial infections. The proposed method allows the superficial insertion of three different organic linkers to be used as anchors for the attachment of biopolymers or bioactive molecules. This strategy used green solvents and is a good alternative to the proposed classic methods that employ organic solvents. The uniformly modified surfaces were characterized by micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS). The latter made it possible to assess the orientation of the linker molecules with respect to the titanium surface. To test the efficiency of the linkers, two polymers (alginate and 2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA)), with the potential ability to increase biocompatibility, were covalently attached to the titanium surfaces. The obtained results are a good starting point for the realization of stable polymeric coatings permanently bonded to the surface that could be used to extend the life of biomedical implants.

Post-earthquake reconstruction activities need tools for assessing the vulnerability of structures, based on visual inspection and quick survey. So far, the public administrations in charge of granting the funds and monitoring reconstruction have adopted different methods taken from scientific literature or developed ad hoc for specific events. The time is ripe for a standard method to be developed, treasuring from the lessons learned in the field. This paper proposes an expeditious tool based on visual survey for the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of unreinforced masonry buildings, starting from available methods, whose parameters were reassessed and recalibrated, and scientific evidence from recent literature. The influence of the main structural features was considered to calculate a vulnerability index in the 0–100 range. The effects of materials and arrangement of masonry were quantitatively evaluated through the masonry quality index, which represents an advancement with respect to current practice. The method was validated on a sample of 50 masonry aggregates and nearly 200 structural units of L’Aquila, Italy, where reconstruction is underway after a destructive earthquake in 2009. The sample is representative of the built heritage of other earthquake prone areas in Italy and many European Countries and the proposed method is a step forward the development of a standard tool to be used in future post-earthquake reconstruction scenarios.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) has changed clinical practice. We proposed a survey to radiotherapy centers in Lombardy to picture the current clinical practice of its use. The survey consisted of 32 multiple-choice questions, divided into five topics: type of hospital, patients treated in 2019, number of LINACs; presence of protocols and staff involved in IGRT; IGRT in stereotaxis; IGRT in non-stereotactic treatments; availability of medical and technical staff. Twenty-seven directors answered (77%). Most centers (74%) have produced protocols to ensure uniformity in the IGRT process. The most widely used IGRT modality (92%) is cone-beam CT. Daily IGRT control is favored for prostate (100%), head and neck (87%), and lung (78%) neoplasms. The resident doctors can always perform supervised IGRT matching in only six centers. Radiation therapists perform IGRT controls only for some sites in 12 cases (44%) and always in 9 cases (33%). Radiation oncologists are present in real time, in most cases. Today, IGRT can be considered standard practice but at the price of more time-consuming procedures. A balance between a fully physician-controlled process and an increased role for specifically trained RTTs is actively being sought.

Background: Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are common complications after noncardiac surgery. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The COP-AF trial tests the hypothesis that colchicine reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery. Design: The 'COlchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation' (COP-AF) trial is an international, blinded, randomized trial that compares colchicine to placebo in patients aged at least 55 years and undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery with general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria include a history of AF and a contraindication to colchicine (e.g., severe renal dysfunction). Oral colchicine at a dose of 0.5 mg or matching placebo is given within 4 hours before surgery. Thereafter, patients receive colchicine 0.5 mg or placebo twice daily for a total of 10 days. The two independent co-primary outcomes are clinically important perioperative AF (including atrial flutter) and MINS during 14 days of follow-up. The main safety outcomes are sepsis or infection and non-infectious diarrhea. We aim to enroll 3,200 patients from approximately 40 sites across 11 countries to have at least 80% power for the independent evaluation of the two co-primary outcomes. Summary: COP-AF is a large randomized and blinded trial designed to determine whether colchicine reduces the risk of perioperative AF or MINS in patients who have major noncardiac thoracic surgery. Population Health Research Institute

Referring to a standard context of voting theory, and to the classic notion of voting situation, here we show that it is possible to observe any arbitrary set of elections’ outcomes, no matter how paradoxical it may appear. In this respect, we consider a set of candidates $$1, 2, \ldots , m $$ 1 , 2 , … , m and, for any subset A of $$\{1, 2, \ldots , m \}$$ { 1 , 2 , … , m } , we fix a ranking among the candidates belonging to A. We wonder whether it is possible to find a population of voters whose preferences, expressed according to the Condorcet’s proposal, give rise to that family of rankings. We will show that, whatever be such family, a population of voters can be constructed that realize all the rankings of it. Our conclusions are similar to those coming from D. Saari’s results. Our results are, however, constructive and allow for the study of quantitative aspects of the wanted voters’ populations.

Purpose: Antibodies against the lymphocyte PD-1 (aPD-1) receptor are cornerstone agents for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), based on their ability to restore the exhausted antitumor immune response. Our study reports a novel, lymphocyte-independent, therapeutic activity of aPD-1 against NSCLC, blocking the tumor-intrinsic PD-1 receptors on chemoresistant cells. Experimental Design: PD-1 in NSCLC cells was explored in vitro at baseline, including stem-like pneumospheres, and following treatment with cisplatin both at transcriptional and protein levels. PD-1 signaling and RNA sequencing were assessed. The lymphocyte-independent antitumor activity of aPD-1 was explored in vitro, by PD-1 blockade and stimulation with soluble ligand (PD-L1s), and in vivo within NSCLC xenograft models. Results: We showed the existence of PD-1+ NSCLC cell subsets in cell lines and large in silico datasets (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and The Cancer Genome Atlas). Cisplatin significantly increased PD-1 expression on chemo-surviving NSCLC cells (2.5-fold P = 0.0014), while the sequential treatment with anti–PD-1 Ab impaired their recovery after chemotherapy. PD-1 was found to be associated with tumor stemness features. PD-1 expression was enhanced in NSCLC stem-like pneumospheres (P < 0.0001), significantly promoted by stimulation with soluble PD-L1 (+27% ± 4, P < 0.0001) and inhibited by PD-1 blockade (−30% ± 3, P < 0.0001). The intravenous monotherapy with anti–PD-1 significantly inhibited tumor growth of NSCLC xenografts in immunodeficient mice, without the contribution of the immune system, and delayed the occurrence of chemoresistance when combined with cisplatin. Conclusions: We report first evidence of a novel lymphocyte-independent activity of anti–PD-1 antibodies in NSCLC, capable of inhibiting chemo-surviving NSCLC cells and exploitable to contrast disease relapses following chemotherapy. See related commentary by Augustin et al., p. 505

Estuda-se a gestão de estoque de ferramentas de uma empresa de engenharia e manutenção. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de uma empresa de engenharia e manutenção que necessita de soluções para melhor gerenciamento dos estoques das ferramentas existentes e de como esse patrimônio da empresa precisa estar catalogado em todas as entradas e saídas. Trata-se de um estudo de caso dos pesquisadores numa empresa de engenharia, equipamentos e serviços voltada para soluções ambientais no controle de poluição atmosférica, resfriamento de água e processamentos de resíduos sólidos, cujos clientes são grandes siderúrgicas. Os resultados demonstraram que era necessário organizar as entradas e saídas a partir da criação de 2 planilhas uma que fizesse a identificação do material e registrasse todo o seu percurso a partir da entrada no caminhão e sua devolução na empresa e uma planilha com a mesma estrutura para os equipamentos de proteção individual. Concluiu-se que a gestão do estoque em empresas prestadoras de serviço é desafiadora, necessitando de uma gestão criteriosa e bem detalhada.

Estuda-se a sustentabilidade na indústria têxtil. Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar a busca pela sustentabilidade na indústria têxtil no Brasil e no mundo. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva a partir de revisão de literatura sobre o tema e revisão de estudos de caso no Brasil e no mundo, buscados em sites de empresas voltadas para o segmento da moda, sejam indústrias têxteis, sejam marcas existentes nos mercados nacional e internacional que ganharam destaque na mídia. Os resultados demonstraram que existem, fundamentalmente, duas ações já bem estabelecidas nacional e internacionalmente: as pesquisas voltadas para os tecidos sustentáveis, fibras advindas de diferentes materiais não-poluentes e a moda lixo zero, ou a zero-waste fashion, que se utiliza de materiais diversificados na produção da moda em diferentes países, inclusive no Brasil. Concluiu-se se que a indústria da moda já conhecidas estão buscando novas formas de atrair seus consumidores a partir de ideologia de sustentabilidade e outras empresas surgem no mercado já com soluções atrativas para consumidores mais interessados em contribuir com as políticas de proteção do meio ambiente e ao mesmo tempo estarem em dia com novos designs.

Relatasse-se a criação de um ecoponto para coleta de tampas de garrafas pet. O estudo teve como objetivo relatar a experiência de implantação de um ecoponto no campus de uma faculdade de tecnologia na região do Alto Tietê com a finalidade de coletar tampinhas de garrafas pet a fim de buscar uma destinação correta. Como método escolheu-se o relato de experiência da criação de 3 pontos de coleta de tampas no campus de uma faculdade de tecnologia da região do Alto Tietê. Para a criação de ecopontos escolheu-se o acrílico transparente. O acrílico transparente foi dobrado, e fixou-se tanto em cima como embaixo uma placa de madeira para dar sustentação e fazer com que a boca por onde entram as tampinhas ficasse bastante confortável já que existem tampas de tamanhos diferentes. Todo esse material foi fixado com rebites e porcas para que ficasse seguro e, finalmente, para fixar na parede foi criada uma plaquinha, na qual se encaixaria um gancho a ser fixado nos pontos liberados pela Diretoria e Coordenação do campus. Os coletores foram instalados no mês de novembro de 2022 e as tampinhas foram recolhidas em fevereiro de 2023. Os resultados demonstraram que os coletores causaram um impacto entre os frequentadores do campus num intervalo de quatro meses em que ficou disponível nos pontos selecionados, uma vez que todos estavam com sua capacidade no seu limite no início das aulas em fevereiro de 2023. Concluiu-se que a criação de ecoponto, no caso de tampinhas de garrafas pet como esse trabalho, sensibiliza a comunidade do campus, sejam discentes ou docentes, no sentido de incentivar uma economia circular.

Estuda-se a gestão de estoques com o uso do código de barras. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar, por meio de estudo de caso a gestão de estoque de uma empresa de artefatos de alumínio num momento em que realiza a implementação do código de barras e descrever a opinião de colaboradores sobre a importância do gerenciamento de estoque assim como do código de barras neste contexto. Trata-se de um estudo de caso com propósito de descrever o passo a passo do projeto de implementação do código de barras em uma empresa que possui quarenta e dois (42) anos de tradição na produção de panelas em alumínio de alta qualidade, atendendo ao mercado em todo o território nacional e em países da América do Sul, acompanhado de uma pesquisa de opinião com profissionais que trabalham em empresas que também enfrentam problemas com a gestão de estoque. Os resultados mostraram que a implementação do código de barras na empresa estudada está em andamento, com os produtos todos catalogados, faltando implementar o sistema de informação em rede a fim de se concluir o processo. Participantes da pesquisa de opinião entendem a importância de uma boa gestão de estoque da mesma forma que olham com bons olhos a gestão na empresa em que trabalham. Concluiu-se que a implantação do código de barras prevê uma mudança de cultura na empresa, pois há mudanças para o controle de estoque, pois abandona erros e problemas de retrabalho e que trabalhadores de diferentes empresas, em sua maioria entendem que o estoque é importante assim como o seu gerenciamento.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a T-cell malignancy characterized by cell subsets and enriched with leukemia-initiating cells (LICs). β-Catenin modulates LIC activity in T-ALL. However, its role in maintaining established leukemia stem cells remains largely unknown. To identify functionally relevant protein interactions of β-catenin in T-ALL, we performed coimmunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Here, we report that a noncanonical functional interaction of β-catenin with the Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) transcription factor positively regulates LIC-related genes, including the cyclin-dependent kinase 4, which is a crucial modulator of cell cycle and tumor maintenance. We also confirm the relevance of these findings using stably integrated fluorescent reporters of β-catenin and FOXO3 activity in patient-derived xenografts, which identify minor subpopulations with enriched LIC activity. In addition, gene expression data at the single-cell level of leukemic cells of primary patients at the time of diagnosis and minimal residual disease (MRD) up to 30 days after the standard treatments reveal that the expression of β-catenin– and FOXO3-dependent genes is present in the CD82+CD117+ cell fraction, which is substantially enriched with LICs in MRD as well as in early T-cell precursor ALL. These findings highlight key functional roles for β-catenin and FOXO3 and suggest novel therapeutic strategies to eradicate aggressive cell subsets in T-ALL.

The problem of the information representation and interpretation coming from senses by the brain has plagued scientists for decades. The same problems, from a different perspective, hold in automated Pattern Recognition systems. Specifically, in solving various NLP tasks, an ever better and richer semantic representation of text as a set of features is needed and a plethora of text embedding techniques in algebraic spaces are continuously provided by researchers. These spaces are well suited to be conceived as conceptual spaces in light of the Gärdenfors’s Conceptual Space theory, which, within the Cognitive Science paradigm, seeks a geometrization of thought that bridges the gap between an associative lower level and a symbolic higher level in which information is organized and processed and where inductive reasoning is appropriate. Granular Computing can offer the toolbox for granulating text that can be represented by more abstract entities than words, offering a good hierarchical representation of the text embedded in an algebraic space driving Machine Learning applications, specifically, in text mining tasks. In this paper, the Conceptual Space Theory, the Granular Computing approach and Machine Learning are bound in a novel common framework for solving some text categorization tasks with both standard classifiers suited for working with $$\mathbb {R}^n$$ R n vectors and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) — an LSTM — able to deal with sequences. Instead of working with word vectors, the algorithms process more abstract entities (concepts), where patterns, in a first approach, are obtained through the construction of a symbolic histogram starting from a suitable set of information granules, representing a document as a distribution of concepts. For the RNN case, as a further novelty, a text is represented as a random walk over prototypes within the conceptual space synthesized over a suitable text embedding procedure. A comparison of the performance and a critical discussion are offered for both a neural embedding technique and the well-known LSA, showing how the conceptual level leads also to Knowledge Discovery applications.

A geochemical study was conducted in a coastal plain in the Orbetello Lagoon area in southern Tuscany (Italy), acquiring new data on groundwater, lagoon water, and stream sediment for insights into the origin, distribution, and behaviour of mercury in a Hg-enriched carbonate aquifer. The main hydrochemical features of the groundwater are ruled by the mixing of Ca–SO4 and Ca–Cl continental fresh waters of the carbonate aquifer and Na–Cl saline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Lagoon of Orbetello. Groundwater had highly variable Hg concentrations (

The uneven worldwide vaccination coverage against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and emergence of variants escaping immunity call for broadly effective and easily deployable therapeutic agents. We have previously described the human single-chain scFv76 antibody, which recognizes SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants. We now show that scFv76 also neutralizes the infectivity and fusogenic activity of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis reveals that scFv76 binds to a well-conserved SARS-CoV-2 spike epitope, providing the structural basis for its broad-spectrum activity. We demonstrate that nebulized scFv76 has therapeutic efficacy in a severe hACE2 transgenic mouse model of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, as shown by body weight and pulmonary viral load data. Counteraction of infection correlates with inhibition of lung inflammation, as observed by histopathology and expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Biomarkers of pulmonary endothelial damage were also significantly reduced in scFv76-treated mice. The results support use of nebulized scFv76 for COVID-19 induced by any SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged so far.

Background and Purpose:HIV infection is a health disparity among transgender women. Despite availability of HIV-prevention interventions and services, many transgender women do not access these interventions and services. The purpose of this study was to identify the process by which barriers may prevent transgender women from receiving HIV-prevention interventions and services and to have participants propose ideas on how to overcome these barriers.Methods:Utilizing a grounded theory approach, 25 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with transgender women aged 20–69 years. After providing written informed consent, participants completed an in-depth individual interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Categories and subcategories were identified from the data using open, axial, and selective coding.Results:A theory grounded in the data named Living in Stealth emerged that described this central phenomenon that underpinned the other main categories of Encountering Social Barriers and Encountering Structural Barriers. Generating Ideas for Restructuring HIV-Prevention for Transgender Women was the final category in which participants provided ideas to overcome HIV-prevention barriers.Implications:Clinicians and researchers providing HIV-prevention services and interventions for transgender women need awareness of the complex nature of HIV prevention for this subpopulation of women. More research is needed to incorporate findings from this study into HIV-prevention interventions for transgender women.

Intravascular large B-cell Lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is challenging to diagnose and has a poor prognosis. Here, we describe two patients newly diagnosed with IVLBCL at our institution: an African man with hemophagocytic-syndrome-associated IVLBCL and an Italian woman with a cutaneous variant of IVLBCL. They presented with very different clinical manifestations. Both cases were diagnosed in a timely manner, successfully treated, and achieved long-lasting remissions.

BackgroundInnovations in imaging and molecular characterisation together with novel treatment options have improved outcomes in advanced prostate cancer. However, we still lack high-level evidence in many areas relevant to making management decisions in daily clinical practise. The 2022 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC 2022) addressed some questions in these areas to supplement guidelines that mostly are based on level 1 evidence.ObjectiveTo present the voting results of the APCCC 2022.Design, setting, and participantsThe experts voted on controversial questions where high-level evidence is mostly lacking: locally advanced prostate cancer; biochemical recurrence after local treatment; metastatic hormone-sensitive, non-metastatic, and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer; oligometastatic prostate cancer; and managing side effects of hormonal therapy. A panel of 105 international prostate cancer experts voted on the consensus questions.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe panel voted on 198 pre-defined questions, which were developed by 117 voting and non-voting panel members prior to the conference following a modified Delphi process. A total of 116 questions on metastatic and/or castration-resistant prostate cancer are discussed in this manuscript. In 2022, the voting was done by a web-based survey because of COVID-19 restrictions.Results and limitationsThe voting reflects the expert opinion of these panellists and did not incorporate a standard literature review or formal meta-analysis. The answer options for the consensus questions received varying degrees of support from panellists, as reflected in this article and the detailed voting results are reported in the supplementary material. We report here on topics in metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and oligometastatic and oligoprogressive prostate cancer.ConclusionsThese voting results in four specific areas from a panel of experts in advanced prostate cancer can help clinicians and patients navigate controversial areas of management for which high-level evidence is scant or conflicting and can help research funders and policy makers identify information gaps and consider what areas to explore further. However, diagnostic and treatment decisions always have to be individualised based on patient characteristics, including the extent and location of disease, prior treatment(s), co-morbidities, patient preferences, and treatment recommendations and should also incorporate current and emerging clinical evidence and logistic and economic factors. Enrolment in clinical trials is strongly encouraged. Importantly, APCCC 2022 once again identified important gaps where there is non-consensus and that merit evaluation in specifically designed trials.

Mortar-based composites are an emerging technology for the repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete and masonry structures. In most cases, the effectiveness of the retrofitting work relies on the substrate-to-composite bond capacity but in some applications, connectors are also used to prevent debonding and improve the performance of the retrofitted structure. Indeed, the use of connectors is recommended by design guidelines and suppliers are required to test them for acceptance. The paper presents a laboratory investigation on steel reinforced grout connectors, made by rolling ultra-high tensile strength steel textiles, comprising either galvanized or stainless-steel micro cords. Tensile tests were first carried out for mechanical characterization. Pull-out tests were then performed on connectors installed in holes drilled in wall panels and injected with either cement or lime mortars. Concrete, tuff masonry, brickwork and limestone masonry were used as substrate materials. Test results are commented to analyze the effect of textile rolling on tensile response, of textile and matrix properties on pull-out strength and failure mode, as well as to highlight their significance for design purposes.

Context: there is uncertainty regarding the most appropriate criteria for recruitment, monitoring, and reclassification in active surveillance (AS) protocols for localised prostate cancer (PCa). Objective: to perform a qualitative systematic review (SR) to issue recommendations regarding inclusion of intermediate-risk disease, biopsy characteristics at inclusion and monitoring, and repeat biopsy strategy. Evidence acquisition: a protocol-driven, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)-adhering SR incorporating AS protocols published from January 1990 to October 2020 was performed. The main outcomes were criteria for inclusion of intermediate-risk disease, monitoring, reclassification, and repeat biopsy strategies (per protocol and/or triggered). Clinical effectiveness data were not assessed. Evidence synthesis: of the 17 011 articles identified, 333 studies incorporating 375 AS protocols, recruiting 264 852 patients, were included. Only a minority of protocols included the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for recruitment (n = 17), follow-up (n = 47), and reclassification (n = 26). More than 50% of protocols included patients with intermediate or high-risk disease, whilst 44.1% of protocols excluded low-risk patients with more than three positive cores, and 39% of protocols excluded patients with core involvement (CI) >50% per core. Of the protocols, ?80% mandated a confirmatory transrectal ultrasound biopsy; 72% (n = 189) of protocols mandated per-protocol repeat biopsies, with 20% performing this annually and 25% every 2 yr. Only 27 protocols (10.3%) mandated triggered biopsies, with 74% of these protocols defining progression or changes on MRI as triggers for repeat biopsy. Conclusions: for AS protocols in which the use of MRI is not mandatory or absent, we recommend the following: (1) AS can be considered in patients with low-volume International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 2 (three or fewer positive cores and cancer involvement ?50% CI per core) or another single element of intermediate-risk disease, and patients with ISUP 3 should be excluded; (2) per-protocol confirmatory prostate biopsies should be performed within 2 yr, and per-protocol surveillance repeat biopsies should be performed at least once every 3 yr for the first 10 yr; and (3) for patients with low-volume, low-risk disease at recruitment, if repeat systematic biopsies reveal more than three positive cores or maximum CI >50% per core, they should be monitored closely for evidence of adverse features (eg, upgrading); patients with ISUP 2 disease with increased core positivity and/or CI to similar thresholds should be reclassified. Patient summary: We examined the literature to issue new recommendations on active surveillance (AS) for managing localised prostate cancer. The recommendations include setting criteria for including men with more aggressive disease (intermediate-risk disease), setting thresholds for close monitoring of men with low-risk but more extensive disease, and determining when to perform repeat biopsies (within 2 yr and 3 yearly thereafter)., NA

To evaluate the association between progesterone (P) level on the day of trigger and time to blastulation in IVF cycles.This was a retrospective cohort study with autologous IVF cycles performed at our Institution from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 1109 IVF cycles were included. The primary outcome was to compare time to blastulation in terms of percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 according to progesterone level at trigger.A total of 3517 blastocysts were analyzed. After dividing progesterone level in quartiles (Q1, P 0.50 ng/ml; Q2 0.50 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 0.78 ng/ml; Q3, 0.79 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 1.15 ng/ml; Q4, P 1.15 ng/ml), we observed a delay in blastocyst development according to the increasing level of progesterone at trigger (analysis by rank, P-value = 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors at the multivariate analysis, the percentage of day 5 blastocysts was reduced for Q3 (- 13.8%, 95% CI from - 20.5 to - 7.0%, p 0.001) and Q4 (- 7.7%, 95% CI from - 15.5 to 0.0%, p = 0.05) compared to Q1 (reference).Progesterone levels on day of trigger correlate to the percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 and a delayed blastocyst development day 5 is expected for high progesterone levels.

O objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia na qualidade de vida e parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais da associação da vibração a distância, segundo técnica de apometria, como complementar ao tratamento convencional de neoplasias em cães. Foi realizado ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo cego de 51 cães, com neoplasia, atendidos em Hospital Veterinário. O grupo controle recebeu apenas o tratamento oncológico com quimioterapia, associados ou não a cirurgia. O grupo intervenção recebeu adicionalmente, pela técnica de apometria, tratamento de vibrações a distância, sem contato presencial com o cão ou tutor. Verificou-se um maior número de eritrócitos (6,19), hemoglobina (19,83), hematócrito (37,72) e eosinófilos (272,55) nos animais que receberam a vibração a distância (grupo intervenção) quando comparados ao grupo controle (5,29; 17,19; 32,8; 172,8, respectivamente). Entretanto, foram identificados valores aumentados de monócitos (582,3), leucócitos totais (11.446), segmentados (9.078) e plaquetas (4.378) no grupo controle. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao número de linfócitos e aos valores de creatinina, ureia, albumina, fosfatase alcalina e ALT dos grupos controle e intervenção. Os animais do grupo intervenção apresentaram melhor desempenho quanto as questões: O seu animal continua fazendo as coisas que gosta? Como está o temperamento do seu animal? O seu animal manteve os hábitos de higiene? O seu animal tem apetite? Como está o sono do seu animal? e quanta atenção o animal está dando para a família? O tratamento de vibrações a distância promoveu maior qualidade de vida e maior controle das condições clinicas em cães submetidos a tratamento de quimioterapia.

The knowledge of Dexiinae and Tachinidae diversity in the Neotropical Region, in contrast to other regions, e.g., the Palaearctic Region, is in a poor condition. The history of these taxa has gradually increased since the 18th Century from the works of European and North American authors such as Johan C. Fabricius, Christian R.W. Wiedemann, Jean B. Robineau-Desvoidy, Pierre J.-M. Macquart, Jacques M.F. Bigot, Francis Walker, Victor von Röeder, Ermanno Giglio-Tos, Friedrich M. Brauer and Julius E. Bergenstamm, Frederik M. van der Wulp, Charles H. Curran, John M. Aldrich, Charles H.T. Townsend, Henry J. Reinhard and William R. Thompson. It was only in the first half of the 20th Century that scientists born or established in South America began to enter tachinidology. Dipterists like Jean Brèthes and Everardo E. Blanchard from Argentina, Rául E. Cortés Peña from Chile and José H. Guimarães from Brazil, are the most memorable names for, not only to Neotropical Dexiinae, but, indeed for the whole family. Herein, a brief chronological review of tachinidology, with emphasis on Dexiinae and based on a literature review, is given. The history is divided into four periods: the pre-Linnaean period of the 16th and 17th Centuries, the 18th Century, the 19th Century and the first half of the 20th Century. After the first half of 20th Century, the emphasis is focused on European and North American dipterists with an overview of their contributions on Dexiinae taxonomy. Later, with presence of the South American dipterists, the emphasis is directed to them. Then a few notes are given on the Czech Dominik Bilimek, a poorly known collector from the 19th Century and Fritz Plaumann, a well-known German immigrant who collected in Brazil during the earlier 20th Century. Finally, some notes and perspectives about the 21st Century dexiinidology from the Neotropics is briefly discussed.

Current treatment for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) delays disease progression and improves survival, but resistance is inevitable. Additional therapies that prolong survival are needed. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with next-generation hormonal agents, such as enzalutamide, is standard-of-care for men with mHSPC. Emerging evidence suggests potential synergism between enzalutamide and the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in prostate cancer. The phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind KEYNOTE-991 trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab versus placebo in combination with enzalutamide when initiating ADT in participants with mHSPC naive to next-generation hormonal agents. Approximately 1232 patients will be randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks or placebo every 3 weeks, both with enzalutamide 160 mg once daily and ADT. Dual primary end points are overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival. Secondary end points include time to first subsequent therapy, time to symptomatic skeletal related event, objective response rate and safety and tolerability. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04191096 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).

Music therapy (MT) is a complementary therapy offered to children, young adults, and their families in pediatric oncology and palliative care. We performed a survey to collect information about MT in pediatric oncology in Italy. The outbreak of COVID-19 unavoidably changed the scenario of MT, suggesting some considerations presented in this survey. 27/32 (84.4%) centers belonging to the Infections and Supportive Therapy Working Group of Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AEIOP) completed in 2 different time points (T1 and T2) an online survey on MT, before and after COVID-19 pandemia. Different kinds of music approach were used taking care of patients in 21/27 centers, while in 14/21 (66%), a specific project of MT conducted by a music therapist was present. In 6/14 centers, MT activities were delivered for 3 h/week, in 3 centers for 3 and 10 h/week, and in the remaining 5 for 3 h/week. MT sessions were in different areas, day hospital, or ward (patient rooms, operating rooms, waiting rooms), on an individual basis or by groups. Patients were invited to MT by psychologists, caring physician, or nurse, or on equipé decision. MT was evaluated with tools self-made by music therapist in 11/14 centers. After COVID-19, MT has been withdrawn in 3 centers, sessions in the waiting rooms were reduced, individual sessions were preferred, and enrollment by multidisciplinary teams increased.This survey represents the starting platform to compare and discuss different experience of MT in AIEOP centers, to implement MT in pediatric oncology for a more qualified assistance to patients, and to improve quality of care.• Music therapy in pediatric oncology and palliative care can be used for the management and prevention of various somatic and psychological symptoms of patients and often is provided to children together with their families. • In Italy the application of Music therapy in the AIEOP pediatric oncology centers is constantly increasing, but due to the outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic, Italian pediatric oncology departments were obliged to adopt restrictive measures.• Although the majority of Centres did not abrogate MT interventions, judgment about limitation should be carefully taken since MT helps children and even more adolescents in their fight against cancer. • The best practice of Music therapy in pediatric oncology requires communication and collaboration among qualified music therapists and multidisciplinary care team, using a model of family-centered care that actively involves parents/ caregivers in assessment, treatment planning, and care delivery.

A scoping review was conducted to identify the available evidence about frailty among older Hispanics living in the U.S. using the Integral Model of Frailty. A not time-limited search was conducted in five peer-reviewed databases. Identified factors associated with frailty among older Hispanics are presented in four categories: (1) Characteristics and prevalence of frailty, (2) Life course determinants of frailty, (3) Comorbidities associated with frailty, and (4) Adverse outcomes of frailty. A total of 1030 articles were identified, and 37 articles were included in the scoping review. Most studies measured frailty based on the Fried Frailty Phenotype (59.5%, n= 22) and had a longitudinal design (64.9%, n= 24). The overall prevalence of frailty among Hispanics ranged from 4.3% to 37.1% (n= 20 studies). Further research is needed that targets Hispanics from different backgrounds in the U.S., particularly those that are high in number (i.e., Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Central Americans).

Linear complementarity problems (LCPs) are an important modeling tool for many practically relevant situations and also have many important applications in mathematics itself. Although the continuous version of the problem is extremely well-studied, much less is known about mixed-integer LCPs (MILCPs) in which some variables have to be integer-valued in a solution. In particular, almost no tailored algorithms are known besides reformulations of the problem that allow us to apply general purpose mixed integer linear programming solvers. In this paper, we present, theoretically analyze, enhance, and test a novel branch-and-bound method for MILCPs. The main property of this method is that we do not “branch” on constraints as usual but by adding suitably chosen penalty terms to the objective function. By doing so, we can either provably compute an MILCP solution if one exists or compute an approximate solution that minimizes an infeasibility measure combining integrality and complementarity conditions. We enhance the method by MILCP-tailored valid inequalities, node selection strategies, branching rules, and warm-starting techniques. The resulting algorithm is shown to clearly outperform two benchmark approaches from the literature. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms – Discrete. Funding: M. De Santis acknowledges support within the project RM120172A2970290, which has received funding from Sapienza, University of Rome. M. Schmidt thanks the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) for its support within project A05 and B08 in the “SFB TRR 154 Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimization using the Example of Gas Networks.” L. Winkel is supported by the DFG within the Research Training Group 2126: “Algorithmic Optimization.” Supplemental Material: The online supplementary material is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2022.1216 .