Archivio istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Parma
Not a member yet
127980 research outputs found
Sort by
Carboplatin, etoposide, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of patients with extensive stage small-cell lung cancer: the GOIRC-01-2019 CeLEBrATE study
No full textBackground The addition of a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, either atezolizumab or durvalumab, to platinum-etoposide prolonged survival in a limited subset of patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Preclinical studies demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity of combined vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and PD-L1 inhibition in SCLC. Since bevacizumab added to platinum-etoposide was safe and active in ES-SCLC, we investigated the efficacy of atezolizumab, bevacizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide as first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Methods The CeLEBrATE study is an Italian multicentric single-arm phase II trial of carboplatin (area under the curve 5 ml/min), etoposide (100 mg/sqm), bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg), and atezolizumab (1,200 mg) every 3 weeks (q3w) for four to six courses, followed by bevacizumab and atezolizumab maintenance q3w in patients with ES-SCLC and no contraindications to immunotherapy or antiangiogenic therapy. Patients with asymptomatic brain metastases were eligible. Prophylactic cranial irradiation and consolidation thoracic external radiotherapy were not permitted while on study treatment. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) rate at 1 year. Results 53 patients were enrolled (45.3% women, median age 65 years) and received at least one dose of study treatment. At a median follow-up time of 23.4 months (95% CI: 21.1 to 26.0), the 1-year OS rate was 61.8% (90% CI: 50.7% to 72.8%; p=0.04), with a median OS of 12.9 months (95% CI: 11.6 to 17.5). Median progression-free survival was 6.2 months (95% CI: 5.4 to 6.6) and objective response rate was 83.3% (95% CI: 69.8% to 92.5%). Grade 3-4 adverse events were reported in 34 patients (64.2%) leading to dose reductions in 24 (45.3%), and dose delays in 39 (73.9%) and 32 (69.6%) during the induction and maintenance phase, respectively. 19 (35.8%) treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion The CeLEBrATE study met its primary objective demonstrating a signal of efficacy of bevacizumab, atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide in the first-line treatment of patients with ES-SCLC. Trial registration number GOIRC-01-2019 ML41241, Eudract Number: 2019-003798-2. Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025
La flebile tutela del creditore del legittimario leso o pretermesso
No full textE’ stato sollecitato l’intervento delle Sezioni Unite della Suprema Corte, in tema di rimedî azionabili dai creditori del legittimario leso o pretermesso che non eserciti l’azione di riduzione, al fine di “ripensare” l’orientamento della stessa Corte, in passato favorevole ad ammettere l’esperibilità dell’azione di riduzione in via surrogatoria, indicando piuttosto lo strumento della impugnazione della rinunzia all’eredità ex art. 524 cod. civ., da applicare in via analogica al caso del mancato esercizio dell’azione di riduzione da parte del legittimario.
Invero, è innegabile che la ratio, sottesa all’art. 524 cod. civ., sia identificabile nello scongiurare effetti pregiudizievoli nei confronti dei creditori personali del rinunziante, e sia ricollegabile al più generale principio di “tutela conservativa del diritto del creditore”; non di meno, è meritevole di attenzione la critica al ricorso all’analogia, data l’eccezionalità della norma contemplata all’art. 524 cod. civ.
Occorre, quindi, domandarsi se sia davvero utile garantire una tutela al creditore del legittimario, il quale non faccia valere i proprî diritti, in danno agli stessi creditori; costoro, invero, non hanno mai fatto affidamento sul patrimonio del dante causa del loro debitore, vantando quest’ultimo un’aspettativa di mero fatto di diventare chiamato all’eredità, ed essendo solamente titolare di un’azione, quella di riduzione, dal carattere personale.
Dovendo guardare l’interesse del testatore (e, in particolare, della sua autonomia testamentaria), l’interesse del legittimario (che non voglia offendere la memoria del proprio ascendente, esercitando l’azione di riduzione), e l’interesse del creditore, alla soddisfazione su un patrimonio che non era presente al momento della nascita del proprio credito (e che, quindi, non poteva costituire un affidamento, ex art. 2740 cod. civ., sull’adempimento dell’obbligazione del debitore), sembra che sia proprio quest’ultimo che debba essere sacrificato. Solo una scelta del legislatore potrà riconoscere, magari aggiungendo la categoria dei creditori del legittimario, all’elenco di cui all’art. 557 cod. civ., la loro legittimazione attiva all’azione di riduzione, in luogo del legittimario che la trascuri
Validating a remote saliva collection tool for genomic analyses in free ranging dogs
No full textSaliva is a well-established source of DNA for various applications due to its non-invasive collection and its provision of high-quality DNA. However, its use in wild and free-ranging animal research remains limited due to challenges in collection without direct animal handling. In this study, we developed and evaluated a hands-off saliva collection method designed for free-ranging domestic dogs (FRDs), serving as a model for non-invasive genetic sampling of wildlife. Our method utilized a funnel paired with a commercially available Performagene kit (DNA Genotek, Canada), presented to the dog in the presence of an operator. The dog was free to approach and interact with the apparatus, depositing saliva while trying to reach bait. We compared DNA yield and genotyping success from samples using this hands-off method with those collected via the manufacturer's recommended method. We collected 461 saliva samples from 326 FRDs, performing 750 DNA extractions. Samples collected by hand yielded significantly higher DNA concentrations after the first extraction attempt (mean = 46.3 ng/mu L) than those collected using the hands-off method (mean = 32.2 ng/mu L). Despite lower DNA concentrations, genotyping success did not significantly differ between methods, demonstrating that the hands-off method can yield DNA suitable for genomic analyses. The hands-off saliva collection method is a viable alternative to invasive sampling, addressing ethical concerns and enabling genomic studies in wild animals. Furthermore, our method mitigates sampling bias toward bold individuals, a common limitation in behavioral and genetic studies of free-ranging animals. With minor adaptations, this method could be applied across various species, including more elusive ones, contributing to conservation genetics and behavioral ecology research
Recent Changes in the Epidemiology of Group A Streptococcus Infections: Observations and Implications
No full textStreptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a major human pathogen capable of causing infections ranging from mild pharyngitis and impetigo to severe invasive diseases such as bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Historically, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the early antibiotic era but began rising again from the early 2000s, driven partly by the emergence of hyper-virulent strains such as emm1 and emm12. From 2005 onward, significant increases in GAS infections were reported globally, accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to macrolides and tetracyclines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread public health measures led to a sharp decline in GAS infections, including invasive cases, but this trend reversed dramatically in late 2022 and 2023, with surges exceeding pre-pandemic levels, notably in children. Recent data implicate factors such as “immunity debt,” viral co-infections, and the spread of virulent clones like M1UK. Looking forward, continued surveillance of GAS epidemiology, virulence factors, and resistance patterns is critical. Moreover, the emergence of GAS isolates with reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams underscores the need for vigilance despite the absence of fully resistant strains. The development of an effective vaccine remains an urgent priority to reduce GAS disease burden and prevent severe outcomes. Future research should focus on vaccine development, molecular mechanisms of virulence, and strategies to curb antimicrobial resistance
Corrigendum to “Effect of age on the response to serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants: A systematic review, meta-regression and individual participant data pooled analysis” [J. Psychiatr. Res. 183 (2025) 133–143 doi. 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.02.013, (S0022395625000822), (10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.02.013)]
No full textThe authors regret that an error occurred in Fig. 2 of the published article, where the colors and labels were inadvertently inverted. This mislabeling may lead to misinterpretation of the figure. The corrected version of Fig. 2 is provided below for clarity. This error does not affect the conclusions of the study, and we apologize for any confusion caused.[Figure presented] The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused
Design of CsSnBr3/Ga2O3 Hybrid Photodetectors for High UV Selectivity and Bifacial Usage
No full textThe operation and characteristics of a novel all-inorganic hybrid p–n heterojunction, formed by lead-free perovskite CsSnBr3 deposited on Ga2 O3 , are numerically investigated. Key performance parameters such as current–voltage behavior, quantum efficiency (QE), spectral responsivity (R), detectivity (D * ), noise-equivalent power (NEP), and band alignment are
analyzed. Results show a high illumination-to-dark current ratio of 107 and a rectification ratio of ≈7.6 × 10 6 (in dark) and 1.33 × 10 4 (under illumination) at ±3 V. The CsSnBr 3 /Ga 2 O3 photodetector supports bifacial, self-powered, solar-blind, and ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) detection modes by adjusting layer thickness and doping concentration. In selective UV mode, it achieves a responsivity of 57.5 mA/W, detectivity of 3.6 × 10 10 Jones, and noise-equivalent power of 9.84 × 10−12 W∕√Hz. In the UV–Vis mode, these improve to 161 mA/W, 1 × 10 11 Jones, and 3.51 × 10−13 W∕√Hz, respectively. The device also shows an effective visible-light detection upon reversing the illumination direction, indicating potential use in stacked solar cells. This study outlines critical design parameters and optimization strategies, paving the way for future research on stable, lead-free, all-inorganic hybrid devices combining perovskites with wide-bandgap semiconductors
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing on quality of antioxidant-enriched Tenebrio molitor paste
No full textSeveral studies have shown that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing may induce lipid oxidation in fat-rich foods. Antioxidants are widely used in the food industry to prevent oxidation and extend the shelf life of products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants in controlling the oxidation in insect paste. Two commercially available antioxidant mixtures (Loxidan 303 and Loxidan E Ros Liquid +) were separately added to fresh mealworm paste, and one set of samples was then subjected to HHP treatment (600 MPa, 5 min). Both HHP-treated and untreated samples were subsequently stored for 15 days at 5 °C and evaluated for quality parameters. Results showed that HHP was able to significantly reduce microbial counts, browning index, acid value, peroxide value and TBARs. Synergistic effects between HHP and natural antioxidants were detected in terms of microbial reduction and prevention of microbial regrowth during storage. No clear lipid oxidation was observed during the HHP treatment. However, a reduction in the browning index and pH, along with an increase in microbial counts, were detected during storage. Peroxide values remained constant in samples without antioxidants, while they decreased in pastes containing Loxidan E Ros Liquid + and increased in pastes containing Loxidan 303 during 15 days of refrigerated storage. TBARs values were stable in pastes without antioxidants, while they increased in pastes containing Loxidan E Ros Liquid + and decreased in pastes with Loxidan 303 during storage. However, HHP appeared to be effective in keeping their levels low. Fluorescence analyses revealed the reversible unfolding of the proteins, leading to protein oxidation. Overall, the study suggested that HHP may extend the shelf life of mealworm paste, with low lipid oxidation expected when vacuum packaging is applied. However, the application of appropriate antioxidant blends should be tested in future studies to achieve a stable product with a longer shelf life
Innovative Technologies for Smarter and Efficient Operating Room Scheduling
No full textAn optimized scheduling system for surgical procedures is considered fundamental for maximizing hospital resource utilization and improving patient outcomes. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and New Technologies is paramount in this project to enable personalized patient care and optimize perioperative clinical pathways. We read with interest the manuscript by Parks et al., which developed a predictive model of surgical case durations. The model appears to adopt a pragmatic approach by analyzing tangible variables and undergoing validation across various types of surgical procedures, which suggests potential avenues for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in healthcare practices. However, we have some observations, particularly regarding the feasibility and practical implementation of the proposed model. A key limitation of the model is the precise definition of surgical duration, which requires further specification. To effectively translate the model into a practical scheduling approach, it is essential to consider total Operating Room (OR) occupancy time as a critical determinant of surgical planning and resource allocation. This includes not only the actual procedural time but also preoperative preparation, anesthesia induction and recovery, cleaning, and material restocking, all of which significantly impact overall scheduling efficiency. Another critical aspect concerns the quality and reliability of the input data, which is fundamental for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the model. Furthermore, the adoption of new technologies should be regarded not merely as an innovation but as a means to develop high-performance, efficient tools that enhance current clinical practice. In this context, machine learning models should not only serve as analytical instruments but also as actionable tools, enabling the transition from predictive insights to strategic planning and optimized scheduling, ultimately improving decision-making and resource allocation. While making accurate predictions is a good starting point, maintaining an active AI model requires investment in resources, such as an increase in the number of surgical cases compared to the current organizational system. It may be beneficial to consider the creation of a multidisciplinary group that could promote the integration of AI with other emerging technologies
Salivary Metabolomics Discloses Metabolite Signatures of Oral Leukoplakia with and Without Dysplasia
No full textLeukoplakia is a condition marked by white patches on the inner surfaces of the oral cavity. Its potential to progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma underscores the need for effective screening and early diagnosis procedures. We employed NMR-based salivary and tissue metabolomics to identify potential biomarkers for leukoplakia and dysplastic leukoplakia. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to evaluate the NMR-derived metabolite concentrations. The salivary metabolite profile of leukoplakia exhibited specific alterations compared to healthy controls. These metabolic changes were more pronounced in cases of dysplastic lesions. Multivariate ROC curve analysis, based on a selection of salivary metabolites, ascribed high diagnostic accuracy to the models that discriminate between dysplastic and healthy cases. However, NMR analysis of tissue biopsies was ineffective in extracting metabolic signatures to differentiate between lesional, peri-lesional, and healthy tissues. Our pilot study employing a metabolomics-based approach led to the development of salivary models that represent a complementary strategy for clinically detecting leukoplakia. However, larger-scale validation is required to fully evaluate their diagnostic potential and to effectively stratify leukoplakia patients according to dysplasia status
An analytical framework of creative contexts and spaces for the understanding of multidisciplinary creativity: From Guidelines to Case Studies Evaluation
No full textThis terminological and procedural investigation is willing to highlight the main characteristics that creativity, within a multidisciplinary and socio-culturally diverse scenario, is able to generate. In particular, through the analysis of case studies, an analytical framework has been designed as a future implementable evaluation guide. Therefore, after an overall look at the research context—integrated by a review of the literature—the attention of the research will turn towards what is defined, with some variables, as creative contexts. This is going to provide a base guide for the understanding of all those spaces, cities, and territories in which creativity takes place. This will primarily help define guidelines for the main investigation: the identification, analysis and comparison of a series of case studies. Starting from a protocol analysis, the main qualitative and quantitative data will be extracted, visualised and finally critically analysed. In particular, the visual management of the data compared will be able to provide further ideas of the current creative context state. At the same time, it also guides the creation of a conceptual framework useful for evaluating them, as well as other contexts. This is in order to develop, evaluate and increase the understanding of the relationship between the methodological dynamics that stimulate creativity. Also, the value and support of those spaces, cities and territories within the same dynamics. This, therefore, makes it possible to generate an analytic grid of currently creative contexts, but at the same time, also a grid of guidelines aimed at encouraging those contexts willing to increase their skills and creative capital