Neuroinflammatory targets and treatments for epilepsy validated in experimental models

A large body of evidence that has accumulated over the past decade strongly supports the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of human epilepsy. Specific inflammatory molecules and pathways have been identified that influence various pathologic outcomes in different experimental models of epilepsy. Most importantly, the same inflammatory pathways have also been found in surgically resected brain tissue from patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. New antiseizure therapies may be derived from these novel potential targets. An essential and crucial question is whether targeting these molecules and pathways may result in anti-ictogenesis, antiepileptogenesis, and/or disease-modification effects. Therefore, preclinical testing in models mimicking relevant aspects of epileptogenesis is needed to guide integrated experimental and clinical trial designs. We discuss the most recent preclinical proof-of-concept studies validating a number of therapeutic approaches against inflammatory mechanisms in animal models that could represent novel avenues for drug development in epilepsy. Finally, we suggest future directions to accelerate preclinical to clinical translation of these recent discoveries

Taxonomy Working Group Final Report

The purpose of the Taxonomy Working Group was to develop a proposal for a common taxonomy to be used by all NASA projects in the classifying of nonconformances, anomalies, and problems. Specifically, the group developed a recommended list of data elements along with general suggestions for the development of a problem reporting system to better serve NASA's need for managing, reporting, and trending project aberrant events. The Group's recommendations are reported in this document

Minimally invasive strategies for the treatment of prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this review was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the role of minimally invasive salvage modalities in radio-recurrent prostate cancer and the associated clinical outcomes and toxicity profiles. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Scopus databases in January 2020. All papers published after 2000, concerning studies conducted on humans for radio-recurrent prostate cancer were considered for the review. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 545 studies were identified. After duplicate exclusion, initial screening, and eligibility evaluation, a total of 80 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, corresponding to a cohort of 6681 patients. The median age at initial diagnosis ranged from 59 to 75.5. Pre-treatment PSA ranged from 6.2 to 27.4 ng/mL. All patients underwent primary radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Cryotherapy, Brachytherapy, EBRT, HIFU were the minimally invasive options mostly used as salvage therapy. They showed to be promising approaches for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) control, with acceptable toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive therapeutic options offer promising results in terms of biochemical control in the local recurrence setting. Unfortunately, the absence of high quality and comparative studies makes it difficult to establish which method is the best in terms of oncological and safety outcomes

Three-Dimensional Virtual Model for Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN): Development of Study Protocol for Evaluation of the Learning Curve to Optimize the Precision and Accuracy of the 3D Imaging

Paolo Traverso,1,2,* Guglielmo Mantica,1,2,* Veronica Giasotto,2 Carlo Terrone1,2 1Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Integrated Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; 2IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Guglielmo Mantica, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Integrated Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, Largo Rosanna Benzi 20, Genova, 16132, Italy, Tel +39010555964, Email [email protected]: 3D models have been introduced as tools to improve surgeon’s precision during Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN). They showed to provide accurate anatomical details, improve operative time and patient safety by reducing complications. Over the last years, several useful models have been developed and proposed. However, literature is still scant regarding if and how the experience of the operator, and the learning curve, may impact the accuracy and precision of the model. In this light, the aim of the study is to evaluate the accuracy, the interpersonal variability of the precision and the learning curve for the segmentation of RAPN 3D preoperative models starting from CT images. This study will identify the influence of operator experience and learning curves on the accuracy of 3D preoperative models in RAPN, optimizing workflows for broader clinical adoption.Keywords: 3D surgery, RAPN, three-dimensional, virtual model, nephrectom