131 research outputs found
PSM in Italy: Troubled RAI in a Troubled Country
The chapter explores public service media in Italy. In the comparative literature the Italian RAI is often taken as a paradigmatic case of a highly (party) politicized public service broadcaster. Political interference has arguably been a constant feature of RAI’s sixty-year-long history, although the forms in which this phenomenon has manifested itself have changed considerably over time. After briefly contextualising historically and comparatively the case of public service media in Italy, the chapter sets out to discuss recent developments, including the effects of recent reforms to RAI’s governance and funding regimes. It then places these developments and the current debate over the role and future of RAI against the backdrop of a changing political landscape, the country’s ongoing economic problems and major social and cultural transformations
Single-cell mass cytometry reveals the impact of graphene nanomaterials with human primary immune cells
Understanding the interaction of nanomaterials and immune cells at the biomolecular level is of great significance in therapeutic applications. Here, the authors investigated the interaction of graphene oxide nanomaterials and several immune cell subpopulations using single-cell mass cytometry and genome-wide transcriptome analysis
Guideline Application in Real world: multi-Institutional Based survey of Adjuvant and first-Line pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma treatment in Italy. Primary analysis of the GARIBALDI survey
Background: Information about the adherence to scientific societies guidelines in the ‘real-world’ therapeutic
management of oncological patients are lacking. This multicenter, prospective survey was aimed to improve the
knowledge relative to 2017-2018 recommendations of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM).
Patients and methods: Treatment-naive adult patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Group A
received adjuvant therapy, group B received primary chemotherapy, and group C had metastatic disease. The results
on patients accrued until 31 October 2019 with a mature follow-up were presented.
Results: Since July 2017, 833 eligible patients of 923 (90%) were enrolled in 44 Italian centers. The median age was 69
years (range 36-89 years; 24% >75 years); 48% were female; 93% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)
performance status (PS) score of 0 or 1; group A: 16%, group B: 30%; group C: 54%; 72% Nord, 13% Center, 15%
South. In group A, guidelines adherence was 68% [95% confidence interval (CI) 59% to 76%]; 53% of patients
received gemcitabine and 15% gemcitabine þ capecitabine; median CA19.9 was 29 (range 0-7300; not reported
15%); median survival was 36.4 months (95% CI 27.5-47.3 months). In group B, guidelines adherence was 96% (95%
CI 92% to 98%); 55% of patients received nab-paclitaxel þ gemcitabine, 27% FOLFIRINOX, 12% gemcitabine, and 3%
clinical trial; median CA19.9 was 337 (range 0-20220; not reported 9%); median survival was 18.1 months (95% CI
15.6-19.9 months). In group C, guidelines adherence was 96% (95% CI 94% to 98%); 71% of patients received nabpaclitaxel þ gemcitabine, 16% gemcitabine, 8% FOLFIRINOX, and 4% clinical trial; liver and lung metastases were
reported in 76% and 23% of patients, respectively; median CA19.9 value was 760 (range 0-1374500; not reported
9%); median survival was 10.0 months (95% CI 9.1-11.1 months).
Conclusions: The GARIBALDI survey shows a very high rate of adherence to guidelines and survival outcome in line with
the literature. CA19.9 testing should be enhanced; nutritional and psychological counseling represent an unmet need.
Enrollment to assess adherence to updated AIOM guidelines is ongoing
Rapidly rotating second-generation progenitors for the blue hook stars of {\omega} Cen
Horizontal Branch stars belong to an advanced stage in the evolution of the
oldest stellar galactic population, occurring either as field halo stars or
grouped in globular clusters. The discovery of multiple populations in these
clusters, that were previously believed to have single populations gave rise to
the currently accepted theory that the hottest horizontal branch members (the
blue hook stars, which had late helium-core flash ignition, followed by deep
mixing) are the progeny of a helium-rich "second generation" of stars. It is
not known why such a supposedly rare event (a late flash followed by mixing) is
so common that the blue hook of {\omega} Cen contains \sim 30% of horizontal
branch stars 10 , or why the blue hook luminosity range in this massive cluster
cannot be reproduced by models. Here we report that the presence of helium core
masses up to \sim 0.04 solar masses larger than the core mass resulting from
evolution is required to solve the luminosity range problem. We model this by
taking into account the dispersion in rotation rates achieved by the
progenitors, whose premain sequence accretion disc suffered an early disruption
in the dense environment of the cluster's central regions where
second-generation stars form. Rotation may also account for frequent
late-flash-mixing events in massive globular clusters.Comment: 44 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables in Nature, online june 22, 201
The power of perturbation theory
We study quantum mechanical systems with a discrete spectrum. We show that the asymptotic series associated to certain paths of steepest-descent (Lefschetz thimbles) are Borel resummable to the full result. Using a geometrical approach based on the PicardLefschetz theory we characterize the conditions under which perturbative expansions lead to exact results. Even when such conditions are not met, we explain how to define a different perturbative expansion that reproduces the full answer without the need of transseries, i.e. non-perturbative effects, such as real (or complex) instantons. Applications to several quantum mechanical systems are presented
How has internet addiction research evolved since the advent of internet gaming disorder? An overview of cyberaddictions from a psychological perspective
During the past two decades, Internet addiction (IA) has been the most commonly used term in research into online activities and their influence on the development of behavioral addictions. The aim of this review is to assess the impact of the concept of Internet gaming disorder (IGD), proposed by the American Psychiatric Association, on the scientific literature regarding IA. It presents a bibliometric analysis of the IA literature starting from the time IGD was first proposed, with the objective of observing and comparing the topics that have arisen during this period among the different IA themes researched. The findings demonstrate a steady evolution, particularly regarding publications related to the general aspects of IA: its clinical component, its prevalence and psychometric measures, the growing interest in the contextual factors promoting this addictive behavior, scientific progress in its conceptualization based on existing theoretical models, and neuropsychological studies. Nevertheless, many of the studies (22 %) focus on specific IA behaviors and show heterogeneity among the cyberaddictions, with online gaming (related to IGD) most common, followed by cybersex and social networking. Although research on the general concept of IA continues, investigators have begun to pay attention to the diverse spectrum of specific cyberaddictions and their psychological components
Association of Upfront Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy With Progression-Free Survival Among Patients With Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
open57noIMPORTANCE Data about the optimal timing for the initiation of peptide receptor radionuclide
therapy (PRRT) for advanced, well-differentiated enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
are lacking.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of upfront PRRT vs upfront chemotherapy or targeted
therapy with progression-free survival (PFS) among patients with advanced enteropancreatic
neuroendocrine tumors who experienced disease progression after treatment with somatostatin
analogues (SSAs).
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study analyzed the
clinical records from 25 Italian oncology centers for patients aged 18 years or older who had
unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated, grades 1 to 3 enteropancreatic
neuroendocrine tumors and received either PRRT or chemotherapy or targeted therapy after
experiencing disease progression after treatment with SSAs between January 24, 2000, and July 1,
2020. Propensity score matching was done to minimize the selection bias.
EXPOSURES Upfront PRRT or upfront chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was the difference in PFS among patients
who received upfront PRRT vs among those who received upfront chemotherapy or targeted
therapy. A secondary outcome was the difference in overall survival between these groups. Hazard
ratios (HRs) were fitted in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model to adjust for
relevant factors associated with PFS and were corrected for interaction with these factors.
RESULTS Of 508 evaluated patients (mean ([SD] age, 55.7 [0.5] years; 278 [54.7%] were male), 329
(64.8%) received upfront PRRT and 179 (35.2%) received upfront chemotherapy or targeted
therapy. The matched group included 222 patients (124 [55.9%] male; mean [SD] age, 56.1 [0.8]
years), with 111 in each treatment group. Median PFS was longer in the PRRT group than in the
chemotherapy or targeted therapy group in the unmatched (2.5 years [95%CI, 2.3-3.0 years] vs 0.7
years [95%CI, 0.5-1.0 years]; HR, 0.35 [95%CI, 0.28-0.44; P < .001]) and matched (2.2 years [95%
CI, 1.8-2.8 years] vs 0.6 years [95%CI, 0.4-1.0 years]; HR, 0.37 [95%CI, 0.27-0.51; P < .001])
populations. No significant differences were shown in median overall survival between the PRRT and chemotherapy or targeted therapy groups in the unmatched (12.0 years [95%CI, 10.7-14.1 years] vs
11.6 years [95%CI, 9.1-13.4 years]; HR, 0.81 [95%CI, 0.62-1.06; P = .11]) and matched (12.2 years [95%
CI, 9.1-14.2 years] vs 11.5 years [95%CI, 9.2-17.9 years]; HR, 0.83 [95%CI, 0.56-1.24; P = .36])
populations. The use of upfront PRRT was independently associated with improved PFS (HR, 0.37;
95%CI, 0.26-0.51; P < .001) in multivariable analysis. After adjustment of values for interaction,
upfront PRRT was associated with longer PFS regardless of tumor functional status (functioning:
adjusted HR [aHR], 0.39 [95%CI, 0.27-0.57]; nonfunctioning: aHR, 0.29 [95%CI, 0.16-0.56]), grade
of 1 to 2 (grade 1: aHR, 0.21 [95%CI, 0.12-0.34]; grade 2: aHR, 0.52 [95%CI, 0.29-0.73]), and site of
tumor origin (pancreatic: aHR, 0.41 [95%CI, 0.24-0.61]; intestinal: aHR, 0.19 [95%CI, 0.11-0.43])
(P < .001 for all). Conversely, the advantage was not retained in grade 3 tumors (aHR, 0.31; 95%CI,
0.12-1.37; P = .13) or in tumors with a Ki-67 proliferation index greater than 10% (aHR, 0.73; 95%CI,
0.29-1.43; P = .31).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, treatment with upfront PRRT in patients
with enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who had experienced disease progression with SSA
treatment was associated with significantly improved survival outcomes compared with upfront
chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Further research is needed to investigate the correct strategy,
timing, and optimal specific sequence of these therapeutic options.openPusceddu, Sara; Prinzi, Natalie; Tafuto, Salvatore; Ibrahim, Toni; Filice, Angelina; Brizzi, Maria Pia; Panzuto, Francesco; Baldari, Sergio; Grana, Chiara M.; Campana, Davide; Davì, Maria Vittoria; Giuffrida, Dario; Zatelli, Maria Chiara; Partelli, Stefano; Razzore, Paola; Marconcini, Riccardo; Massironi, Sara; Gelsomino, Fabio; Faggiano, Antongiulio; Giannetta, Elisa; Bajetta, Emilio; Grimaldi, Franco; Cives, Mauro; Cirillo, Fernando; Perfetti, Vittorio; Corti, Francesca; Ricci, Claudio; Giacomelli, Luca; Porcu, Luca; Di Maio, Massimo; Seregni, Ettore; Maccauro, Marco; Lastoria, Secondo; Bongiovanni, Alberto; Versari, Annibale; Persano, Irene; Rinzivillo, Maria; Pignata, Salvatore Antonio; Rocca, Paola Anna; Lamberti, Giuseppe; Cingarlini, Sara; Puliafito, Ivana; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Zanata, Isabella; Bracigliano, Alessandra; Severi, Stefano; Spada, Francesca; Andreasi, Valentina; Modica, Roberta; Scalorbi, Federica; Milione, Massimo; Sabella, Giovanna; Coppa, Jorgelina; Casadei, Riccardo; Di Bartolomeo, Maria; Falconi, Massimo; de Braud, FilippoPusceddu, Sara; Prinzi, Natalie; Tafuto, Salvatore; Ibrahim, Toni; Filice, Angelina; Brizzi, Maria Pia; Panzuto, Francesco; Baldari, Sergio; Grana, Chiara M.; Campana, Davide; Davì, Maria Vittoria; Giuffrida, Dario; Zatelli, Maria Chiara; Partelli, Stefano; Razzore, Paola; Marconcini, Riccardo; Massironi, Sara; Gelsomino, Fabio; Faggiano, Antongiulio; Giannetta, Elisa; Bajetta, Emilio; Grimaldi, Franco; Cives, Mauro; Cirillo, Fernando; Perfetti, Vittorio; Corti, Francesca; Ricci, Claudio; Giacomelli, Luca; Porcu, Luca; Di Maio, Massimo; Seregni, Ettore; Maccauro, Marco; Lastoria, Secondo; Bongiovanni, Alberto; Versari, Annibale; Persano, Irene; Rinzivillo, Maria; Pignata, Salvatore Antonio; Rocca, Paola Anna; Lamberti, Giuseppe; Cingarlini, Sara; Puliafito, Ivana; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Zanata, Isabella; Bracigliano, Alessandra; Severi, Stefano; Spada, Francesca; Andreasi, Valentina; Modica, Roberta; Scalorbi, Federica; Milione, Massimo; Sabella, Giovanna; Coppa, Jorgelina; Casadei, Riccardo; Di Bartolomeo, Maria; Falconi, Massimo; de Braud, Filipp
Dietary animal and plant protein intakes and their associations with obesity and cardio-metabolic indicators in European adolescents: The HELENA cross-sectional study
Background: Previous studies suggest that dietary protein might play a beneficial role in combating obesity and its related chronic diseases. Total, animal and plant protein intakes and their associations with anthropometry and serum biomarkers in European adolescents using one standardised methodology across European countries are not well documented. Objectives: To evaluate total, animal and plant protein intakes in European adolescents stratified by gender and age, and to investigate their associations with cardio-metabolic indicators (anthropometry and biomarkers). Methods: The current analysis included 1804 randomly selected adolescents participating in the HELENA study (conducted in 2006-2007) aged 12.5-17.5 y (47% males) who completed two non-consecutive computerised 24-h dietary recalls. Associations between animal and plant protein intakes, and anthropometry and serum biomarkers were examined with General linear Model multivariate analysis. Results: Average total protein intake exceeded the recommendations of World Health Organization and European Food Safety Authority. Mean total protein intake was 96 g/d (59% derived from animal protein). Total, animal and plant protein intakes (g/d) were significantly lower in females than in males and total and plant protein intakes were lower in younger participants (12.5-14.9 y). Protein intake was significantly lower in underweight subjects and higher in obese ones; the direction of the relationship was reversed after adjustments for body weight (g/(kg.d)). The inverse association of plant protein intakes was stronger with BMI z-score and body fat percentage (BF%) compared to animal protein intakes. Additionally, BMI and BF% were positively associated with energy percentage of animal protein. Conclusions: This sample of European adolescents appeared to have adequate total protein intake. Our findings suggest that plant protein intakes may play a role in preventing obesity among European adolescents. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the potential beneficial effects observed in this study in the prevention of obesity and related chronic diseases
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