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In metastatic RAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC), induction combination chemotherapy doublets (CT) with an anti-EGFR agent are considered the primary treatment. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the relative efficacy of different maintenance treatments for advanced RAS wild-type CRC. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane, from database inception until December 2021 were used. Randomized clinical trials enrolling adults with advanced RAS wild-type CRC and providing overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) data PRISMA guidelines for NMA were followed. Between-group comparisons were estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs). Agents were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities. A total of 7 randomized phase 2 trials were included (for a total of 1286 patients). Compared to depotentiation treatments, continuous CT + anti-EGFR was not significantly superior to other maintenance regimens for OS and was ranked as the best option for NMA (SUCRA p-score=0.69). Conversely, in the PFS analysis, single-agent fluoropyrimidines + anti-EGFR was ranked as the best treatment (SUCRA p-score=0.60). Maintaining chemotherapy doublet + anti-EGFR until progression appears to be the best first-line strategy in terms of OS for advanced unresectable RAS wild-type mCRC treatment. However, fluoropyrimidines single-agent + cetuximab or panitumumab represent a reasonable choice regarding PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare but aggressive cancer types like non-pancreatic periampullary cancers pose unique challenges for cancer research due to their low incidence rates and lack of consensus on optimal treatment strategies, therefore necessitating a collaborative approach. The International Study Group on non-pancreatic peri-Ampullary CAncer (ISGACA) aimed to build a collaborative initiative to pool expertise, funding opportunities, and data from over 60 medical centers, in order to improve outcomes for underrepresented patients with rare cancers. The ISGACA approach predefined a stepwise approach including a research scope, establishing a dedicated steering committee, creating a recognizable brand, identifying research gaps, following a well-defined timeline, ensuring robust data collection, addressing legal and ethical considerations, securing financial resources, investing in research ethics training and statistical expertise, raising awareness, creating uniformity, and initiating prospective studies. Overall, 60 medical centers joined the ISGACA consortium (41 in Europe, 15 in North-America, three in Asia, one in Australia). The database includes 4309 patients. Nine publications and several ongoing studies which in turn allowed for a successful application of research grants. Subsequently, an international consensus meeting established uniform definitions and classifications, and one prospective multicenter international clinical trial has been initiated. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and clinical data, the ISGACA approach has not only gathered sufficient evidence to secure grants and ethical approvals for prospective studies, but also demonstrates options for standardizing patient care and improving outcomes for patients with rare cancers. The ISGACA approach offers a detailed methodology for initiating research on rare cancers and could serve as a replicable model for future research initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 69-year-old male patient, hypertensive, with diabetes, and a former smoker, exhibited a painless ulcer on the lateral border of the tongue, measuring approximately one centimeter. The ulcer had raised and hardened edges, an erythematous surface, and whitish areas. An incisional biopsy confirmed the histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was subsequently referred to an oncologist, and the treatment plan included a partial glossectomy followed by radiotherapy, administered with a total dose of 60 grays using the conformal technique. Throughout the treatment, the patient experienced mucositis and hyposalivation. Low-level laser therapy was employed as the preferred treatment for both mucositis and to enhance salivation. Nine months after completing the treatment, the patient reported tooth sensitivity, and radiation-related caries were diagnosed. Referral to a specialized department for the management of these lesions was made, and the patient continues to be under multidisciplinary follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are multiple neoadjuvant regimens, including platinum agents for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), each with a different safety profile, outcome, and pathologic complete response rate (pCR%). We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis t o compare the efficacy and safety of different platinum-based neoadjuvant CT treatments for TNBC. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from their inception to October 31, 2022. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials that evaluated the addition of carboplatin or cisplatin to standard neoadjuvant CT for TNBC. The primary endpoints were pCR rates and DFS/EFS, while the secondary endpoints were grade (G)3-4 hematological toxicity and OS. Thirteen trials involving 3154 patients comparing six treatments (carboplatin AUC 5, carboplatin AUC 6, carboplatin AUC 2, carboplatin AUC 1.5, cisplatin 75 mg/m2, and standard anthracycline-and/or taxane-based CT) were identified. Based on the most effective treatments added to neoadjuvant CT, carboplatin AUC 2 was associated with the least improvement in pCR% (RR, 1.49; 95%CI, 1.23, 1.8), carboplatin AUC 6 was associated with similar improvement in pCR% (RR 1.58, 95%CI, 1.35, 1.84) and carboplatin AUC 5 with the highest improvement in pCR% (RR 2.23, 95%CI, 1.6,32). The treatment associated with the most considerable improvement in DFS when added to neoadjuvant CT was carboplatin AUC 5 (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.18, 0.73). It was also better than AUC 6 and AUC 2 (HR= 0.45, 95%CI 0.21-0.96 and HR=0.48, 95%CI 0.23-0.98). All schedules exhibited similar outcomes in terms of OS; however, only AUC 2 demonstrated a significant improvement compared to the no-platinum arms. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia G3-4 were significantly increased by carboplatin AUC 6. Based on this network meta-analysis, carboplatin AUC 5 added to standard neoadjuvant CT may provide substantial pCR and DFS benefits with a low toxicity risk compared to other carboplatin doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Milanino is a heavy Italian chicken breed and represents an important genetic resource for alternative production systems. Due to the absence of standard management guidelines for local chicken breeds, this study aims to determine the space requirement to achieve a good equilibrium between growth performance and stress response in Milanino chickens reared according to a separate-sex free-range program. A total of 140 birds (70M:70F) were reared in outdoor pens from 75 to 235 d of life according to the following experimental groups (35 birds/group): (M2) males in 2 m2/bird; (F2) females in 2 m2/bird; (M10) males in 10 m2/bird; (F10) females in 10 m2/bird. Growth performance and stress condition were recorded. Bird density affected male body weight, that was higher at the lower density of 10 m2/bird. In contrast, females showed a consistent growth rate irrespective of the bird density suggesting lower space requirements. An overall good adaptability of the breed to the separate-sex free-range system was found, irrespective of both sex and bird density. Moreover, the stress markers values assessed at the end of the growing period suggest the ability of Milanino birds to respond well to environmental stressors. The results provided in this report will be implemented into free-range management guidelines for meat production in the Milanino breed: the separate-sex rearing is recommended during the growing period in outdoor pens and the bird density has to be planned according to the sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to compare the effect of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and N-methylacetamide (NMA) concentrations on the quality and fertility of post-thaw chicken semen. Ejaculates were obtained from 30 Hi-Line White roosters and processed according to the following treatments: lake pre-freezing extender + 0.1 M trehalose (LPF-T) + 6% DMA (control treatment), LPF-T + 9% DMA, LPF-T + 6% NMA, and LPF-T + 9% NMA. Sperm quality (viability, motility, and kinetic traits) was assessed before and after cryopreservation. A total of 15 laying hens per treatment were inseminated to assess fertility and embryo viability. Sperm cryopreserved in presence of DMA had significantly better in vitro quality compared to NMA, showing the highest proportion of viable and progressive motile sperm recovered after thawing. Furthermore, proportion of progressive motile sperm and the VCL, LIN, ALH, and WOB mean values were significantly improved in semen samples frozen/thawed with 6% compared to 9% cryoprotectant concentration. However, the best cryoprotective action on sperm quality played by DMA and the lowest cryoprotectant concentration did not translate into a concomitant advantage in in vivo semen fertility that showed no differences between cryoprotectant and cryoprotectant concentration treatments. Finally, the cryoprotectant DMA and NMA showed an opposite effect on embryo viability in comparison with the effect played on in vitro semen quality, being NMA more efficient than DMA on preserving viable embryos. The present results suggest the urgency to further decrease the cryoprotectant concentration in poultry semen freezing procedures and to assess the specific toxic effect of cryoprotectant on sperm integrity, fertility, and embryo development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current standards and guidelines on indoor environmental criteria contain very little information regarding people with special needs. This study provides a scoping review of the literature aimed at indoor environment design and sensorial perception of people with autism spectrum condition (ASC). Autistic people constitute a relevant and growing share of the world population, and their indoor environment exposure may lead to different sensorial perception as well as different adaptation opportunities. Moreover, their well-being, health and autonomy might benefit from proper design of the indoor conditions. The present review used a two-step methodology to build a broad scientific background for future research. This was done specifically by: 1. Identifying, analyzing and categorizing studies related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) design for people with ASC, summarizing findings and highlighting knowledge gaps; 2. Investigating the scientific background on sensorial response of autistic people to stimuli related with the four comfort domains (thermo-reception, sight, olfaction, hearing), highlighting the possible direction of future research on indoor environmental well-being. The main findings were that current recommendations on indoor well-being of autistic people mainly target children, and are not based on systematic comfort studies. The scientific evidence on sensory processing demonstrates remarkable differences with neurotypical populations in the perception of environmental stimuli, which would most likely lead to different and peculiar findings and requirements in terms of indoor well-being. Based on the outcomes of this review, future studies on indoor environment for people with ASC can be designed. [Display omitted] • The indoor perception of people with autism spectrum condition (ASC) was reviewed • Current IEQ criteria do not address people with ASC • People with ASC may have different sensory perception and circadian cycle • People with ASC may have different requirements to the indoor environment • Synesthesia and multi-sensory alteration can exacerbate multi-domain aspects of IEQ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to characterize meat quality traits of Milanino chickens reared according to a specific free-range farming program. A total of 120 birds was reared straight-run in outdoor pens (8 m²/bird) from 35 d of life and fed ad libitum a low (16%) protein diet. At 180 d of age, 20 birds (10 birds/sex) were slaughtered, and carcass weight data were recorded. After processing, carcasses were refrigerated at 4°C for 24 hours. Then, the right breast and thigh with skin were collected and color parameters, pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), and chemical composition were determined. The left breast and thigh were stored at -20°C until cooking loss and tenderness evaluation. Milanino was confirmed to be a heavy breed with a sexual dimorphism in relation to adult body weight. A high general carcass yield was recorded. Milanino meat was characterized by high protein and low fat contents compared with the standard broiler meat. Differences in meat composition were recorded according to the sex: females presented higher values of dry matter (breast and thigh), protein (breast), and fat (breast and thigh) contents. The meat with skin presented an intense luminosity, and this trait was higher in the females. The muscle color was characterized by high redness and yellowness indices with differences according to the sex: Higher yellowness index was observed in female carcasses, while higher redness index was detected in male breast samples. The pH muscle values were similar to those reported in other autochthonous breeds. WHC values did not show variation between sexes. In contrast, cooking loss values recorded in thigh samples were lower in males compared to females. The degree of tenderness of Milanino meat was not affected by the sex. However, the potential loss of water and the toughness in Milanino meat were low compared to other local chicken breed meat. The present results support the breeding of Milanino chickens for meat production according to its specific straight-run free-range system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of rodents to recognize and respond to emotional signs from a conspecific is a valuable adaptive behavior, which provides essential skills for species survival. However, repeated exposure to aversive situations may elicit maladaptive behavioral responses in subjects that experience noxious episodes and their colony members. Previous findings by our group demonstrated that living with a subject in neuropathic pain induces anxiogenic-like behaviors and hypernociception in mice. Whereas chronic pain may be considered a stressful stimulus, we extended our findings on stress-induced emotional transfer. For this purpose, we investigated whether cohabitation with a partner subjected to chronic restraint stress was able to promote alterations in anxiety-like behaviors, pain sensibility and defensive responses. Male Swiss mice were housed in pairs for 14 days and then separated into control, stress, and cagemate groups. The stress group was subjected to 14 days of restraint stress (1 h/day) in the presence of the cagemates, while the pair-housed control group was left undisturbed. A day after last stress session control, stress, and cagemate groups were evaluated using elevated plus maze test, writhing test, and rat exposure test. Results demonstrated that chronic stress attenuated weight gain in the stress group. Moreover, cohabitation with mice subjected to chronic restraint stress induced anxiogenic-like behaviors, pain hypernociception, and alterations in defensive responses in both cagemate and stress groups. These preliminary findings suggest that chronic exposure to aversive stimulus may induce behavioral alterations even in observers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different glaze firing protocols and cooling on the behavior of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramics is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of different glaze firing protocols on the abrasion resistance, surface roughness, microhardness, and brittleness index of CAD-CAM ceramics. Rectangular specimens of IPS e.max CAD (MAX), IPS Empress CAD (PRE), and CEREC Blocs (CER) were obtained and divided into 5 groups according to the glaze firing protocol (n=8): control (CO), 1 conventional glaze firing (GF), 2 conventional glaze firings (GF 2), 1 extended glaze firing (EG), and 2 extended glaze firings (EG 2). The coefficient of friction (μ) was determined with the pin-on-disk test, and specimens were analyzed with an optical interferometer to calculate volume loss and roughness. Vickers microhardness and the brittleness index were obtained with a microdurometer. Microhardness data were evaluated by 2-way ANOVA and the Sidak tests (α=.05). Data from other tests were assessed with nonparametric ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α=.05). Groups GF 2 , EG, and EG 2 of MAX and PRE and all groups of CER presented higher levels of coefficient of friction. Groups EG and EG 2 of MAX and CER showed high volume loss and surface roughness. Groups EG and EG 2 of MAX and PRE showed lower hardness, as did all groups of CER. MAX-CO and groups GF and EG of PRE showed a lower brittleness index (P <.05), while CER groups showed no significant differences (P >.05). Ceramic specimens with conventional glaze firing presented less surface wear than those with extended glaze firing. The number of firings did not have a statistically significant influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slides along continental margins represent a considerable source of hazard, especially when occurring in shallow water close to a densely populated coast. Among the known landslide–tsunamis affecting harbors or coastal infrastructures, the 1977 event that hit the harbor of Gioia Tauro (SE Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is one of the less studied. According to historical reports, 5 m waves hit the western dock, provoking relevant damages on port facilities. Post-event bathymetric surveys found a lack of mass of more than 5 million m 3 at the head of the Gioia Tauro canyon, that starts just outside the harbor. After having considered two possible sliding bodies, the respective landslide motion and generated tsunami are calculated here through numerical in-house developed numerical codes, in order to assess their effects on the coast and validate the hypothesis of a landslide source for the 1977 event. Tsunami features inside the harbor basin are characterized as well, evidencing the importance of assessing the consequence of such small-scale events, not involving large areas but posing a relevant threat for coastal communities and infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to standardize the pellet cryopreservation procedure for chicken semen. Mericanel della Brianza male chicken breeders (Italian breed) were used. Pooled semen samples were processed according to the following conditions: (1) dilution in prefreezing extender to 1 versus 1.5 bill cells/mL sperm working concentration (SWC); (2) 6% versus 9% dimethyl acetamide (DMA) concentration (DMAco); (3) 1 versus 30 minutes DMA equilibration (DMAeq) at 4 °C. Sperm viability and motility were assessed in semen (four replicates/treatment) soon after collection (time 0), after DMAeq (time D), and after freezing/thawing (time FT). The recovery rates (%) of viable and motile sperm after freezing/thawing were also calculated. The low SWC (1 bill/mL) and the low DMAco (6%) indicated a positive significant effect on the proportion of motile sperm (1 bill/mL = 53% vs. 1.5 bill/mL = 48%; 6% DMA = 55% vs. 9% DMA = 47%). Very short DMAeq (1 minute) did not significantly change sperm viability during processing (from time 0 to time D) before freezing whatever the DMAco, and, in contrast, the longer DMAeq showed a significant negative effect on sperm viability. The highest proportion of motile sperm was recorded in semen samples diluted to 1 bill/mL and added with 6% DMA; in this condition, DMAeq had no effect (57% 1 minute and 61% 30 minutes). Increasing SWC to 1.5 bill/mL and adding again 6% DMA, a significant effect of DMAeq was observed, and the higher proportion of motile sperm (58% vs. 43%) was recorded after 1 minute DMAeq. A general decrease in sperm motility was shown in semen samples with 9% DMA (47% vs. 55%), and different conditions in SWC and DMAeq were not effective in the prevention of such decrease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing number of older cancer patients seen in daily practice demands reflection on how to optimize their care during the perioperative period. Optimally tailored surgical management, at present the most successful cancer treatment, firmly rests on an accurate and careful anesthesiological management. The unique peculiarities of anesthesia in older cancer patients prompted the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) to put together a panel of international experts with the aim of reviewing the literature and drafting a consensus document. This article summarizes their views. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]