Neurophysiological Profile of Antismoking Campaigns

Over the past few decades, antismoking public service announcements (PSAs) have been used by governments to promote healthy behaviours in citizens, for instance, against drinking before the drive and against smoke. Effectiveness of such PSAs has been suggested especially for young persons. By now, PSAs efficacy is still mainly assessed through traditional methods (questionnaires and metrics) and could be performed only after the PSAs broadcasting, leading to waste of economic resources and time in the case of Ineffective PSAs. One possible countermeasure to such ineffective use of PSAs could be promoted by the evaluation of the cerebral reaction to the PSA of particular segments of population (e.g., old, young, and heavy smokers). In addition, it is crucial to gather such cerebral activity in front of PSAs that have been assessed to be effective against smoke (Effective PSAs), comparing results to the cerebral reactions to PSAs that have been certified to be not effective (Ineffective PSAs). &e eventual differences between the cerebral responses toward the two PSA groups will provide crucial information about the possible outcome of new PSAs before to its broadcasting. &is study focused on adult population, by investigating the cerebral reaction to the vision of different PSA images, which have already been shown to be Effective and Ineffective for the promotion of an antismoking behaviour. Results showed how variables as gender and smoking habits can influence the perception of PSA images, and how different communication styles of the antismoking campaigns could facilitate the comprehension of PSA’s message and then enhance the related impac

Therapeutic sequences in patients with grade 1−2 neuroendocrine tumors (NET): an observational multicenter study from the ELIOS group

Purpose: Many different treatments are suggested by guidelines to treat grade 1−2 (G1−G2) neuroendocrine tumors (NET). However, a precise therapeutic algorithm has not yet been established. This study aims at identifying and comparing the main therapeutic sequences in G1−G2 NET. Methods: A retrospective observational Italian multicenter study was designed to collect data on therapeutic sequences in NET. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between therapeutic sequences, as well as the number and grade of side effects and the rate of dose reduction/treatment discontinuation. Results: Among 1182 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia included in the ELIOS database, 131 G1–G2 gastroenteropancreatic, lung and unknown primary NET, unresectable or persistent/relapsing after surgery, treated with ≥2 systemic treatments, were included. Four main therapeutic sequences were identified in 99 patients: (A) somatostatin analogs (SSA) standard dose to SSA high dose (n = 36), (B) SSA to everolimus (n = 31), (C) SSA to chemotherapy (n = 17), (D) SSA to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) (n = 15). Median PFS of the second-line treatment was not reached in sequence A, 33 months in sequence B, 20 months in sequence C, 30 months in sequence D (p = 0.16). Both total number and severity of side effects were significantly higher in sequences B and C than A and D (p = 0.04), as well as the rate of dose reduction/discontinuation (p = 0.03). Conclusions: SSA followed by SSA high dose, everolimus, chemotherapy or PRRT represent the main therapeutic sequences in G1−G2 NET. Median PFS was not significantly different between sequences. However, the sequences with SSA high dose or PRRT seem to be better tolerated than sequences with everolimus or chemotherapy

Natural History and Management of Familial Paraganglioma Syndrome Type 1: Long-Term Data from a Large Family

Head and neck paragangliomas are the most common clinical features of familial paraganglioma syndrome type 1 caused by succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) mutation. The clinical management of this syndrome is still unclear. In this study we propose a diagnostic algorithm for SDHD mutation carriers based on our family case series and literature review. After genetic diagnosis, first evaluation should include biochemical examination and whole-body imaging. In case of lesion detection, nuclear medicine examination is required for staging and tumor characterization. The study summarizes the diagnostic accuracy of different functional imaging techniques in SDHD mutation carriers. 18F-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard. If it is not available, 123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) could be used also for predicting response to radiometabolic therapy. 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) PET-CT has a prognostic role since high uptake identifies more aggressive cases. Finally, 68Ga-peptides PET-CT is a promising diagnostic technique, demonstrating the best diagnostic accuracy in our and in other published case series, even if this finding still needs to be confirmed in larger studies. Periodic follow-up should consist of annual biochemical and ultrasonographic screening and biannual magnetic resonance examination to identify biochemical silent tumors early

Spatio-temporal analysis of the urban–rural gradient structure: an application in a Mediterranean mountainous landscape (Serra San Bruno, Italy)

Abstract. The most recent and significant transformations of European landscapes have occurred as a consequence of a series of diffused, varied and often connected phenomena: urban growth and sprawl, agricultural intensification in the most suitable areas and agricultural abandonment in marginal areas. These phenomena can affect dramatically ecosystems' structure and functioning, since certain modifications cause landscape fragmentation while others tend to increase homogeneity. Thus, a thorough comprehension of the evolution trends of landscapes, in particular those linked to urban-rural relations, is crucial for a sustainable landscape planning. In this framework, the main objectives of the present paper are: (a) to investigate Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) transformations and dynamics that occurred over the period 1955–2006 in the municipality of Serra San Bruno (Calabria, Italy), an area particularly representative of the Mediterranean mountainous landscape; (b) to compare the settlement growth with the urban planning tools in charge in the study area; (c) to examine the relationship between urban–rural gradient, landscape metrics, demographic and physical variables; (d) to investigate the evolution of urban–rural gradient composition and configuration along significant axes of landscape changes. Data with a high level of detail (minimum mapping unit 0.2 ha) were obtained through the digitisation of historical aerial photographs and digital orthophotos identifying LULC classes according to the Corine Land Cover legend. The investigated period was divided into four significant time intervals, which were specifically analysed to detect LULC changes. Differently from previous studies, in the present research the spatio-temporal analysis of urban–rural gradient was performed through three subsequent steps: (1) kernel density analysis of settlements; (2) analysis of landscape structure by means of metrics calculated using a moving window method; (3) analysis of composition and configuration of the urban–rural gradient within three landscape profiles located along significant axes of LULC change. The use of thematic overlays and transition matrices enabled a precise identification of the LULC changes that had taken place over the examined period. As a result, a detailed description and mapping of the landscape dynamics were obtained. Furthermore, landscape profiling technique, using continuous data, allowed an innovative and valuable approach for analysing and interpreting urban–rural gradient structure over space and time

The Middle Palaeolithic from Belgium: Chronostratigraphy, territorial management and culture on a mosaic of contrasting environments

peer reviewedThe Lower and Middle Palaeolithic in Belgium are represented in 442 find-sites dispersed across a small territory with contrasting geographical and geological characteristics. The close proximity of caves and open-air sites, as well as the variable access to good sources of flint between regions are of special interest. The dataset is composed primarily of lithic assemblages, rich palaeontological and archaeozoological documentation as well as Neandertal remains from 8 cave sites. This large amount of data facilitates the development of a chronostratigraphic framework from the very beginning of the Middle Palaeolithic (onset of MIS 8) to the end (within the MIS 3, around 36 ka uncal BP). This archaeological documentation also reveals that lithic production variability is multifactorial and includes site function, cultural perspectives, and mobility patterns related to the exploitation of natural resources in contrasting environments

Subclinical signs of retinal involvement in hereditary angioedema

To explore retinal abnormalities using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A) in a highly selective cohort of patients with type I hereditary angioedema (HAE). This prospective case‐control study included 40 type I HAE patients and 40 age‐/sex‐matched healthy subjects (HC). All participants underwent SD‐OCT‐scanning of retinal posterior pole (PP), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and optic nerve head (ONH). Superficial/deep capillary density was analyzed by OCT‐A. A total of 80 eyes from 40 HAE and 40 eyes from HC were evaluated. The pRNFL was thicker in HAE than in HC in nasal superior (p < 0.0001) and temporal quadrants (p = 0.0005 left, p = 0.003 right). The ONH thickness in HAE patients was greater than in HC in the nasal (p = 0.008 left, p = 0.01 right), temporal (p = 0.0005 left, p = 0.003 right), temporal inferior (p = 0.007 left, p = 0.0008 right), and global (p = 0.005 left, p = 0.007 right) scans. Compared to HC, HAE showed a lower capillary density in both superficial (p = 0.001 left, p = 0.006 right) and deep (p = 0.008 left, p = 0.004 right) whole images, and superficial (p = 0.03 left) and deep parafoveal (p = 0.007 left, p = 0.005 right) areas. Our findings documented subclinical retinal abnormalities in type I HAE, supporting a potential role of the retinal assessment by SD‐ OCT/OCT‐A as a useful tool in the comprehensive care of HAE patients

Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Suicide: A Narrative Review

Specific risk factors for self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) may differ from those in the general population within this age range. In the present review paper, we conducted a narrative analysis of the literature, aiming to establish a connection between suicide and affective disorders in children and adolescents with NDD. Emotion dysregulation (ED) as an individual factor and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) as environmental factors are discussed as risk factors for suicidality in all individuals with NDD. We propose a theoretical model in which ED and ACE can directly lead to self-harm or suicide, directly or indirectly by interacting with depressive spectrum disorders. Additionally, we suggest that specific risk factors are more frequently associated with each of the neurodevelopmental disorders listed in the DSM-V. This review underlines the key points useful to improve the knowledge of the trajectory leading to suicide risk in NDDs with the purpose to facilitate the early identification of the suicide risk