Colour variation in signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus

External colouration in animals depends on the interaction of several different factors including the genetics and epigenetics processes that underlie the colour expression, the mechanisms of colour perception, and the general mechanisms controlling colour evolution and function. Among all, camouflage from predators and conspicuousness are of particular interest since pose animal to choose between opposite adjustment in colouration. The external colouration of crustaceans is mainly due to the accumulation of carotenoids in the exoskeleton and the epidermal layer, and the trade-off between camouflage and communication had lead to a variety of responses, involving signal partitioning, spectral sensibility, changing colouration or signalling behaviour. Here, we used digital images to explore intrapopulation variability of the external colouration of Pacifastacus leniusculus among body regions within an individual and between sexes. We found that i) ventral colouration of claws are more saturated and brilliant than upperparts, ii) males express a more saturated and brightness colouration than females, especially on the lower portion of claws, iii) colour intensity and brightness increases with size differently in different body regions, and iv) brightness is more variable in males than in females. All the above patterns support the hypothesis that colour in this species could be the result of a compromise between camouflage from predators and conspicuousness for communication. The results of this study suggest that carotenoid might have something to do with intraspecific communication and perform more complex functions than that of a simple pigment

Color variation in signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus

Abstract External coloration in animals depends on the interaction of several different factors including the genetics and epigenetics processes that underlie the color expression, the mechanisms of color perception, and the general mechanisms controlling color evolution and function. Among all, camouflages from predators and conspicuousness are of particular interest because pose animal to choose between opposite adjustment in coloration. The external coloration of crustaceans is mainly due to the accumulation of carotenoids in the exoskeleton and the epidermal layer, and the trade-off between camouflage and communication had led to a variety of responses, involving signal partitioning, spectral sensibility, changing coloration, or signaling behavior. Here, we used digital images to explore intrapopulation variability of the external coloration of Pacifastacus leniusculus among body regions within an individual and between sexes. We found that 1) ventral coloration of claws are more saturated and brilliant than upper parts, 2) males express a more saturated and brightness coloration than females, especially on the lower portion of claws, 3) color intensity and brightness increases with size differently in different body regions, and 4) brightness is more variable in males than in females. All the above patterns support the hypothesis that color in this species could be the result of a compromise between camouflage from predators and conspicuousness for communication. The results of this study suggest that carotenoid might have something to do with intraspecific communication and perform more complex functions than that of a simple pigment

Follow-up of breast cancer: why is it necessary to start a Consensus in 2024?

In Italy, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with 55,900 new cases in 2023 (over 90% in the early stages). Due to the screening, early diagnosis and adjuvant treatment, these patients have a 5-years survival rate of 87% after the diagnosis. There are 834,154 women in Italy with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer: most of these women require a follow-up. The AIOM, ESMO and ASCO Guidelines recommend for early breast cancer (EBC) a clinical follow-up with only physical examination (and eliciting of symptoms) and an annual X-ray mammography, on the basis of the results of two randomized trials published in 1994 that showed no benefit in overall survival with intensive follow-up. However, an Italian survey reported the application by 80% of oncologists of an intensive follow-up based on the individual patient’s risk of recurrence. In fact, the oncologists believe that an early diagnosis of locoregional or distant recurrence may allow an early start of very effective therapies. In this lack of up-to-date scientific data, many questions about follow-up remain unanswered and the few ongoing studies will provide results in several years. Non-compliance with guideline recommendations leads to increased costs for the healthcare system. Furthermore, management varies widely from centre to centre with regard to guideline recommendations, resulting in inequalities between patients. For these reasons, the follow-up of breast cancer should be reconsidered. In the absence of recent scientific evidence, a multidisciplinary group of breast cancer experts has initiated a Consensus on the follow-up of EBC according to the mini-Delphi methodology. The project will be completed by the end of 2024

Characteristics of responding oncologists and institutions.

<p>Characteristics of responding oncologists and institutions.</p

Questionnaire items: relationships with the Primary Care Physician (PCP).

<p>*More than one choice was possible, thus the sum being more than 91.</p

Which exams do you ask independently from clinical findings with the purpose of early diagnosis of relapse?

<p>Breast Cancer.</p