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Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions are infrequent genetic events that can occur in various tumor types. Specifically, NTRK-rearranged sarcoma has been observed in pediatric mesenchymal tumors and, to a lesser extent, in adult mesenchymal tumors like fibrosarcoma. Recently, NTRK-rearranged uterine sarcoma (US) has been identified as a rare entity characterized by constitutive activation or overexpression of the TRK receptor, which plays a role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Since its initial description in 2018, only 46 cases of NTRK-rearranged US have been reported. In this context, herein we describe an exceptional case of an STRN3::NTRK3 fused US with histologically confirmed splenic metastasis. Notably, such localization has not been previously associated with pure uterine sarcomas in the literature. The fusion involved STRN3 (exon-3) and NTRK3 (exon-14) genes and was identified through next-generation sequencing analysis. Recognizing this specific molecular rearrangement is crucial, as it not only enables targeted therapy but also holds diagnostic significance in specific clinical scenarios.

Summary: Mosquito behavioral assays are an important component in vector research and control tool development. Here, we present a protocol for rearing Anopheles mosquitoes, performing host-seeking behavioral bioassays, and collecting 3D flight tracks in a large wind tunnel. We describe steps for setting up host-seeking landing assays, both as a non-choice and as a dual-choice assay, and analyzing flight tracks. This protocol can be applied in the research of several behavioral traits, including nectar seeking, resting, mating, and oviposition behavior.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Carnaghi et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Blackfly members of the Simulium damnosum complex are major vectors of the parasite that causes onchocerciasis in Africa and Yemen, with other vector species involved in a few localized areas of Africa and in the Neotropics. Although the life cycle of these blackflies is linked to fast-flowing rivers, they can travel long distances (up to at least 500 km), calling into question how transmission zones are defined. Knowledge of the short- and long-range dispersal of these vectors could inform where control interventions and monitoring are necessary if targets for onchocerciasis elimination are to be met. Yet, research on blackfly dispersal has been limited and fragmented over the last 70 years. Here, we review the literature on the dispersal of onchocerciasis vectors, and we show the need for further research to establish how far larvae can travel downstream; the extent to which adults invade transmission zones; and whether adults migrate in a series of successive short movements or in single long-distance shifts, or use both methods.

Stress adjustment and resilience after multiple natural disaster exposure, specifically two successive earthquakes (i.e. 2009 and 2016 earthquakes) have been investigated in persons with mental disorder and compared to a clinical sample evaluated after the first seismic 2009 event. Seventy-one persons referred to the Mental Health Service of L'Aquila for psychotic, mood and anxiety disorders, were evaluated for 'bounce back resilience' (BRS) and subjective adjustment after the 2016 natural disaster, the earthquake that hit Central Italy. They had already been exposed to a previous natural disaster, the earthquake that hit L'Aquila in 2009 (i.e. '2009/2016 sample'). The 2016 evaluations have been compared to that previously obtained at the 2009 event in an independent clinical sample (i.e. '2009 sample'). A relevant lower number of persons refer a good adjustment after the second natural disaster when compared to the assessment performed on the independent clinical '2009 sample'. After the second natural disaster, the total sample showed no differences in BRS scores compared to the 2009 sample. However, when diagnoses were taken into account, the highest BRS scores were observed in the sample of persons with psychoses and mood disorders in the '2009/2016 sample'. In contrast, those with anxiety disorders showed the lowest one. Among mental health service clients hit twice by a natural disaster in seven years, those with anxiety disorders are 'sensitized' to the trauma, therefore susceptible of more problematic adjustment., Author(s): Paolo Stratta [sup.1] , Valentina Socci [sup.2] , Alessandro Rossi [sup.1] [sup.2] , Giulia Carnaghi [sup.2] , Dalila Talevi [sup.2] , Francesca Pacitti [sup.2] , Rodolfo Rossi [sup.3] Author [...]

Summary: Malaria prevention relies on mosquito control interventions that use insecticides and exploit mosquito behavior. The rise of insecticide resistance and changing transmission dynamics urgently demand vector control innovation. To identify behavioral traits that could be incorporated into such tools, we investigated the flight and landing response of Anopheles coluzzii to human-like host cues. We show that landing rate is directly proportional to the surface area of thermal stimulus, whereas close-range orientation is modulated by both thermal and visual inputs. We modeled anopheline eye optics to theorize the distance at which visual targets can be detected under a range of conditions, and experimentally established mosquito preference for landing on larger targets, although landing density is greater on small targets. Target orientation does not affect landing rate; however, vertical targets can be resolved at greater distance than horizontal targets of the same size. Mosquito traps for vector control could be significantly enhanced by incorporating these features.

During the Conference on Cancer Long-term Survivors, held in Siracusa (Italy) on September 16, 2022, Oncologists, General Practitioners, Epidemiologists, Hematologists, Pediatric Oncologists, Nurses, Industry Medical Affairs and Patients' Advocates came together to discuss the clinical implications of the condition beyond acute cancer. The debate was based both on the current literature on this topic, and on the opinion of all participants. Specifically, numerous issues were discussed in the round tables, but focused mainly on the following topics: - REASONS FOR SUCCESS IN IMPROVING SURVIVAL RATES - REHABILITATION - LONG-TERM SURVEILLANCE - PEDIATRIC AND YOUNG ADULT ISSUES - SOCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE ISSUES This Opinion Paper aims to stimulate a suitable support to the growing population of people cancer disease free or with long-term or late effects. The development of new models can promote actions towards the elimination of obstacles and difficulties in cancer survivorship care.

In this paper, different architectures of simple convolutional networks are analyzed to generate synthetic spectrograms corresponding to baleen whales. Simplicity in these models plays an important role in the implementations of these type of networks on embedded systems. In addition, the scarcity of available data requires the generation of efficient models. With this aim in mind, simple Autoencoder architectures with a low number of as- sociated parameters are presented and trained in this paper. Then, adequate metrics are obtained and the corresponding comparison among the architecture alternatives is made. The obtained results show that the more straightforward architecture is, in turn, the most convenient. Finally, from these models, synthetic spectrograms are generated from few data samples are generated, employing a low complexity architecture and assuming a normal distribution of the latent space vectors from the training data.

This paper presents a complete characterization of input and output currents in interleaved power converters with inductance mismatch, operating in Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM) and Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). The proposal allows to compute these currents in several interleaved converter topologies for the entire range of operating points, considering any number of phases and any inductance ratio. Input and output currents are recovered from the values obtained when adding the phase currents in the instants where the slopes change; values that are thus defined as key points. This methodology is based on the coincidences that exist between the instants of the phase current key points and those of total currents. By using the computed key points, ripple amplitude, rms value and harmonic content of input and output total currents for the entire range of operating points can be easily obtained. Simulations are conducted on a 5-phase boost converter and a 5-phase buck converter under different conditions in order to validate the proposal expressions. Experimental tests on a 5-phase buck converter are presented under different operation conditions to verify that the proposed method can be applied in real situation.

Simple Summary: Blackflies are small blood-sucking flies that can carry and transmit the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of human onchocerciasis, also known as "river blindness". As gravid blackfly females oviposit their eggs in the fast-moving water of rivers and streams, the geographic distributions of both the vectors and the parasite that they transmit are closely linked with river basins. How blackflies disperse from and return to their breeding sites, the spatial distribution of their movements, and the distances that they can travel are crucial factors influencing transmission. As many endemic countries strive for elimination, understanding these patterns is important for guiding the design of monitoring and surveillance efforts. Here, we summarize the literature on the short-range and long-range dispersal of members of the Simulium damnosum complex and other onchocerciasis vectors and how this may influence exposure to blackfly bites, highlight significant gaps in existing knowledge, and propose possible directions for future research. This is particularly important in view of current global onchocerciasis elimination programs. Blackfly members of the Simulium damnosum complex are major vectors of the parasite that causes onchocerciasis in Africa and Yemen, with other vector species involved in a few localized areas of Africa and in the Neotropics. Although the life cycle of these blackflies is linked to fast-flowing rivers, they can travel long distances (up to at least 500 km), calling into question how transmission zones are defined. Knowledge of the short- and long-range dispersal of these vectors could inform where control interventions and monitoring are necessary if targets for onchocerciasis elimination are to be met. Yet, research on blackfly dispersal has been limited and fragmented over the last 70 years. Here, we review the literature on the dispersal of onchocerciasis vectors, and we show the need for further research to establish how far larvae can travel downstream; the extent to which adults invade transmission zones; and whether adults migrate in a series of successive short movements or in single long-distance shifts, or use both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria, which affects one-fifth of the world population. A comprehensive understanding of mosquito behaviour is essential for the development of novel tools for vector control and surveillance. Despite abundant research on mosquito behaviour, little is known on the stimuli that drive malaria vectors during the landing phase of host-seeking. Using behavioural assays with a multimodal step approach we quantified both the individual and the combined effect of three host-associated stimuli in eliciting landing in Anopheles coluzzii females. We demonstrated that visual, olfactory and thermal sensory stimuli interact synergistically to increase the landing response. Furthermore, if considering only the final outcome (i.e. landing response), our insect model can bypass the absence of either a thermal or a visual stimulus, provided that at least one of these is presented simultaneously with the olfactory stimuli, suggesting that landing is the result of a flexible but accurate stimuli integration. These results have important implications for the development of mosquito control and surveillance tools.

Abstract Background The incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare form of skin cancer with a poor prognosis, has increased in Italy in recent decades. Avelumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of metastatic MCC (mMCC) based on the results of the phase 2 JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. The global avelumab expanded access program (EAP) was designed to provide compassionate use of avelumab prior to approval for patients with mMCC who had limited treatment options. We report findings from a subgroup of Italian patients enrolled in the avelumab EAP. Methods Eligible patients had mMCC and progressive disease following ≥ 1 prior line of chemotherapy or were ineligible for chemotherapy or clinical trial participation. Patients received avelumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Treating physicians were provided with an initial 3-month supply of avelumab; resupply was permitted if the patient achieved a complete response, partial response, stable disease, or other clinical benefit per physician assessment. Safety and efficacy data for the EAP were reported at the treating physician’s discretion. Results Between April 1, 2016, and September 14, 2018, 109 requests for avelumab were received from Italy, and 102 were approved. All but 1 of the approved patients had received ≥ 1 prior line of therapy. At data cutoff (March 22, 2019), 95 patients had been supplied with avelumab and response data were available for 55 patients. The objective response rate in response-evaluable patients was 29.1%, including 6 patients (10.9%) who achieved a complete response and 10 patients (18.2%) who achieved a partial response; in the total population supplied with avelumab (n = 95), the proportion who had an objective response was 16.8%. The median duration of treatment in responding patients was 9.7 months (range, 3.5–41.7 months). The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events were infusion-related reaction (single preferred term; n = 3 [3.2%]) and pyrexia (n = 2 [2.1%]). Conclusions Results from Italian patients enrolled in the avelumab EAP are consistent with the findings of the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial and confirm the efficacy and safety of avelumab treatment in this population.