Trusting versus monitoring: an experiment of endogenous institutional choices

We investigate the problem of deciding between trusting and monitoring, and how this decision affects subsequent behavior, using a laboratory experiment where subjects choose between the Ultimatum and the Yes-No Game. Despite the similarity of the two games in Ultimatum Games responders monitor the allocation proposal, while in Yes-No games responders react without monitoring, i.e. have to rely on trust. We permit either the proposer or responder to make the game choice and analyze how both roles choose between trusting and monitoring, what the ensuing effects of their choices are, and how they vary depending on who has chosen the game. We, also, experimentally vary the cost of monitoring and the responder’s conflict payoff. Since monitoring is usually costly, the amount to share in Yes-No Games (YNG) can exceed that in Ultimatum Games (UG). Regarding the conflict payoff, it can be positive or negative with the former rendering Yes-No interaction a social dilemma. According to our results, proposers (responders) opt for trusting significantly more (less) often than for monitoring. Average offers are higher in Ultimatum than in Yes-No games, but neither UG nor YNG offers depend on who has chosen between games

"Toxic erythema" and eosinophilia associated to tocilizumab therapy in a COVID-19 patient

Since the new fatal pneumonia was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the WHO declared the infection a health emergency of international concern. The novel ss-RNA ß-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spreads through airborne and direct contagion; virulence is high in the elderly and in patients with diabetes, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. SARS-CoV-2 ssRNA is recognized by intracellular Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), which trigger NF-kB - the master regulator of inflammation - and Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs)1

Atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis successfully treated with upadacitinib

Background and Objectives: JAK inhibitors entered current clinical practice as treatment for several immune-related diseases and, recently, for atopic dermatitis. These drugs target the Janus Kinase intracellular cascade, rendering them suitable for treating both Th1 and Th2 immune-mediated responses. Materials and Methods: We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient presenting an overlap of ulcerative colitis, a Th1-related disease, and atopic dermatitis, a Th2-mediated condition. Treatment with upadacitinib was initiated, and laboratory and instrumental follow-ups were carried out for 8 months. Results: The complete and persistent clinical remission of both conditions was observed at a low dose of 15 mg of upadacitinib, even though ulcerative colitis guidelines usually recommend a dosage of 45 mg. No serious adverse responses to therapy were reported. Conclusions: Upadacitinib may be the most suitable management strategy in subjects with coexisting severe conditions mediated by Th1 inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, and by Th2 cytokines, such as atopic dermatitis

Mortality and its association with chronic alcohol-related diseases in patients admitted to the emergency department for acute alcoholic intoxication: retrospective cohort study

We assessed long-term mortality and its association with chronic alcohol-related diseases in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) because of acute alcoholic intoxication (AAI). A retrospective cohort study was performed at the ED of Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. 3304 patients, corresponding to 6415 admissions for AAI, who accessed the ED from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2017, were studied. The ED electronic registry system was used to assess living status on 08 May 2020 and to obtain the prespecified potential predictors, i.e., age at first admission, sex, alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use disorder (SUD), more than 1 admission to ED for trauma, mental and behavioral disorders, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. The median follow-up time was 9.3 years and the time on risk was 30,053 person years (PY) with a death rate corresponding to 4.42 (95% CI 3.74-5.26) per 1000 PY (n = 133 deaths). The death rate was higher in patients with AUD (17.30) than in those without AUD (1.98) and in those with SUD (13.58) than in those without SUD (3.80). Lastly, there was a clearly higher death rate among AUD+ SUD+ (20.89) compared to AUD-SUD-patients (1.74). At multivariable Cox regression, AUD, SUD, and liver cirrhosis were strong and independent predictors of time-to-death. Using standardized mortality ratios, a clear excess of mortality was evident for all the age bands from (40-45] to (60-65] years. Mortality is higher in AAI than in the general population and chronic alcohol-related diseases are strongly associated with it

Daclatasvir-based regimens in HCV cirrhosis: experience from the Italian early access program

We reported the efficacy and safety data for daclatasvir (DCV)-based all-oral antiviral therapy in patients treated in the Italian compassionate-use program. 275 patients were included (202 male-73.5%, mean age: 57.4 years, 62 HIV-coinfected, 94 with recurrence of hepatitis C post-OLT). Forty-nine patients (17.8%) had Child-Pugh B, Genotype(G) distribution was: G1a:72 patients (26.2%), G1b:137 (49.8%); G3:40 (14.5%) and G4:26 (9.5%). Patients received DCV with sofosbuvir(SOF) (n\u2009=\u2009221, 129 with ribavirin(RBV) or with simeprevir (SMV) or asunaprevir (ASU) (n\u2009=\u200954, 19 with RBV) for up to 24 weeks. Logistic regression was used to identify baseline characteristics associated with sustained virological response at week 12 post-treatment (SVR12). Liver function changes between baseline and follow up were assessed in 228 patients. 240 patients achieved SVR12 (87.3%), post transplant and HIV co-infected patients were equally distributed among SVR and no SVR (35% vs 34.3%; p\u2009=\u20090.56 and 24.2% vs 11.4%, p\u2009=\u20090.13, respectively). SVR rate was significantly higher with the combination DCV\u2009+\u2009SOF compared with DCV\u2009+\u2009SIM or ASU (93.2% vs 63.0%, p\u2009<\u20090.0001). Bilirubin value (OR: 0.69, CI95%: 0.54-0.87, p\u2009=\u20090.002) and regimen containing SOF (OR: 9.99, CI95%: 4.09-24.40; p\u2009<\u20090.001) were independently related with SVR. Mean albumin and bilirubin values significantly improved between baseline and follow-up week 12. DCV-based antiviral therapy was well tolerated and resulted in a high SVR when combined with SOF either in pre-transplant and in OLT patients and in "difficult to treat" HCV genotypes. Regimens containing DCV in combination with NS3 protease inhibitors obtained suboptimal results

Early nasal high-flow versus Venturi mask oxygen therapy after lung resection: A randomized trial

Background: Data on high-flow nasal oxygen after thoracic surgery are limited and confined to the comparison with low-flow oxygen. Different from low-flow oxygen, Venturi masks provide higher gas flow at a predetermined fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2 ). We conducted a randomized trial to determine whether preemptive high-flow nasal oxygen reduces the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia after lung resection, as compared to Venturi mask oxygen therapy. Methods: In this single-center, randomized trial conducted in a teaching hospital in Italy, consecutive adult patients undergoing thoracotomic lung resection, who were not on long-term oxygen therapy, were randomly assigned to receive high-flow nasal or Venturi mask oxygen after extubation continuously for two postoperative days. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia (i.e., ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to FiO 2 (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ) lower than 300 mmHg) within four postoperative days. Results: Between September 2015 and April 2018, 96 patients were enrolled; 95 patients were analyzed (47 in high-flow group and 48 in Venturi mask group). In both groups, 38 patients (81% in the high-flow group and 79% in the Venturi mask group) developed postoperative hypoxemia, with an unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for the high-flow group of 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-3] (p = 0.84). No inter-group differences were found in the degree of dyspnea nor in the proportion of patients needing oxygen therapy after treatment discontinuation (OR 1.34 [95% CI 0.60-3]), experiencing pulmonary complications (OR 1.29 [95% CI 0.51-3.25]) or requiring ventilatory support (OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.11-4.18]). Post hoc analyses revealed that PaO 2 /FiO 2 during the study was not different between groups (p = 0.92), but patients receiving high-flow nasal oxygen had lower arterial pressure of carbon dioxide, with a mean inter-group difference of 2 mmHg [95% CI 0.5-3.4] (p = 0.009), and were burdened by a lower risk of postoperative hypercapnia (adjusted OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.06-0.54], p = 0.002). Conclusions: When compared to Venturi mask after thoracotomic lung resection, preemptive high-flow nasal oxygen did not reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia nor improved other analyzed outcomes. Further adequately powered investigations in this setting are warranted to establish whether high-flow nasal oxygen may yield clinical benefit on carbon dioxide clearance

A survey of fertility preservation options available to cancer patients around the globe

Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health–funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Survey of third-party parenting options associated with fertility preservation available to patients with cancer around the globe

bstract PURPOSE In the accompanying article, “Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. METHODS We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other familybuilding options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. RESULTS We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. CONCLUSION Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

La forestación de salicáceas como aporte al desarrollo sustentable del Delta del Paraná

La producción forestal en los humedales del Delta del Paraná se basa principalmente en el cultivo de Populus (álamos) y Salix (sauces para producción de madera y sauces mimbre), ambos géneros pertenecientes a la familia Salicáceas. Con algunas diferencias en sus características de cultivo y requerimientos ambientales, estos géneros forestales poseen tradición en el territorio debido a su excelente y variada aptitud industrial, desde “triturado”, que comprende la elaboración de pulpa para papel y de tableros de partículas, a los “usos sólidos” (aserrado, debobinado, vigas, muebles, entre otros). En la disertación se darán a conocer cómo y en qué los agentes de desarrollo de la EEA Delta del Paraná –INTA- aportan al crecimiento del sector foresto-industrial de la región. El trabajo se aborda mediante una red multidisciplinaria que se ocupa de la conservación de los recursos naturales, protección vegetal, ecofisiología, silvicultura, mejoramiento genético, aspectos socioeconómicos y la extensión. Asimismo, se presentarán resultados recientes sobre clones mejorados de álamos y sauces, de aplicación en el Delta. En el caso del sauce, que ocupa el 98% de las plantaciones del delta entrerriano, se cuenta con clones recientemente seleccionados por INTA dotados de alta tolerancia al anegamiento prolongado. Se exponen conceptos vinculados a la selección y al potencial de los materiales mejorados de rápido crecimiento, adaptados a zonas inundables, y aptos para diversos usos industriales.EEA Delta del ParanáFil: Cerrillo, Teresa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Javier Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Jorge Lisandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Battistella, Agustín. Ministerio de Agricultura Ganadería y Pesca. Dirección de Producción Forestal; ArgentinaFil: Braccini, Celina Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Casaubon, Edgardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Cortizo, Silvia Cora. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez, Patricia Carina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Ceballos, Dario Sebastian. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Tschieder, Ezequiel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Faustino, Laura Ines. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Fracassi, Natalia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Cortes, Manuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: González, Adrián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Grieco, Leda. Fundación ArgenInstituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Programa de Capacitación Gratuita para Estudiantes Universitarios; ArgentinaFil: Hemming, Juan Agustin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Landi, Lucas. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Mangieri, Victor. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Mema, Vanesa Yamila. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Monteverde, María Silvana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; Argentina. Universidad de Concepción del Uruguay. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Universidad de Concepción del Uruguay. Cátedra de Genética y Mejoramiento; ArgentinaFil: Mujica, Gerardo Oscar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Olemberg, Demián Jeremí­as. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Delta del Paraná; Argentin