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Abstract Background The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The vast majority of TCs (> 90%) originate from follicular cells and are defined as differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) and the two histological subtypes are the papillary TC with its variants and the follicular TC. Curcumin possesses a wide variety of biological functions, and thanks to its properties, it has gained considerable attention due to its profound medicinal values (Prasad, Gupta, Tyagi, and Aggarwal, Biotechnol Adv 32:1053–1064, 2014). We have undertaken the present work in order to define the possible role of curcumin in modulating the genetic expression of cell markers and to understand the effectiveness of this nutraceutical in modulating the regression of cancer phenotype. Methods As a template we used the TPC-1 cells treated with the different extracts of turmeric, and examined the levels of expression of different markers (proliferative, inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptotic). Results Treatment with the three different curcumin extracts displays anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and it is able to influence cell cycle with slightly different effects upon the extracts. Furthermore curcumin is able to influence cell metabolic activity vitality. Conclusions In conclusion curcumin has the potential to be developed as a safe therapeutic but further studies are needed to verify its antitumor ability in vivo.

Abstract We project the reach of future lepton colliders for measuring CKM elements from direct observations of W decays. We focus our attention to |V cs | and |V cb | determinations, using FCC-ee as case study. We employ state-of-the-art jet flavor taggers to obtain the projected sensitivity, and scan over tagger performances to show their effect. We conclude that future lepton collider can sizeably improve the sensitivity on |V cs | and |V cb |, albeit the achievable reach will strongly depend on the level of systematic uncertainties on tagger parameters.

The aim of this study is to perform a bibliometric and demographic analysis of the 10 most productive researchers over the past 7 years in relation to the selection of key topics in andrology. We conducted a bibliometric analysis in December 2023, using Scopus Researcher Discovery. Seven major andrological topics were identified: erectile dysfunction (T1), premature ejaculation (T2), male infertility (T3), Peyronie’s disease (T4), male hypogonadism (T5), priapism (T6), and low sexual desire (T7). A total of 10 researchers per topic were identified (51 unique authors). Most were urologists (65%) or endocrinologists (23%). Most authors belonged to centers in the USA (35.7%) and Italy (32.9%). The majority of authors were male (77.1%) and over 40 years old (83.3% of authors of known age). The mean (standard deviation (SD)) H-index of the 10 top researchers was 42.6 (24.6), ranging from 6 to 119. Male infertility was the topic with the most articles (1110) written by the top 10 researchers and the most cited (20,585). Erectile dysfunction was the second topic for articles (678) and third for citations after male hypogonadism (6046 vs. 11,384). The mean (SD) impact factor of the journals in which the andrological articles were published varied from 3.5 (0.53) for premature ejaculation to 5.33 (1.85) for hypogonadism.

Abstract Background The growing understanding of cancer biology and the establishment of new treatment modalities has not yielded the expected results in terms of survival for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer (LSCC). Early diagnosis, as well as prompt identification of patients with high risk of relapse would ensure greater chance of therapeutic success. However, this goal remains a challenge due to the absence of specific biomarkers for this neoplasm. Methods Serum samples from 45 LSCC patients and 23 healthy donors were collected for miRNA expression profiling by TaqMan Array analysis. Additional 20 patients and 42 healthy volunteers were included for the validation set, reaching an equal number of clinical samples for each group. The potential diagnostic ability of the such identified three-miRNA signature was confirmed by ROC analysis. Moreover, each miRNA was analyzed for the possible correlation with HNSCC patients’ survival and TNM status by online databases Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter and OncomiR. In silico analysis of common candidate targets and their network relevance to predict shared biological functions was finally performed by PANTHER and GeneMANIA software. Results We characterized serum miRNA profile of LSCC patients identifying a novel molecular signature, including miR-223, miR-93 and miR-532, as circulating marker endowed with high selectivity and specificity. The oncogenic effect and the prognostic significance of each miRNA was investigated by bioinformatic analysis, denoting significant correlation with OS. To analyse the molecular basis underlying the pro-tumorigenic role of the signature, we focused on the simultaneously regulated gene targets—IL6ST, GTDC1, MAP1B, CPEB3, PRKACB, NFIB, PURB, ATP2B1, ZNF148, PSD3, TBC1D15, PURA, KLF12—found by prediction tools and deepened for their functional role by pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed the involvement of 7 different biological processes, among which inflammation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Conclusions In conclusion, we have identified a possible miRNA signature for early LSCC diagnosis and we assumed that miR-93, miR-223 and miR-532 could orchestrate the regulation of multiple cancer-related processes. These findings encourage the possibility to deepen the molecular mechanisms underlying their oncogenic role, for the desirable development of novel therapeutic opportunities based on the use of short single-stranded oligonucleotides acting as non-coding RNA antagonists in cancer.

Abstract Background Exosomes are nanosized vesicles released from all cells into surrounding biofluids, including cancer cells, and represent a very promising direction in terms of minimally invasive approaches to early disease detection. They carry tumor-specific biological contents such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and sugars, as well as surface molecules that are able to pinpoint the cellular source. By the above criteria, exosomes may be stratified according to the presence of tissue and disease-specific signatures and, due to their stability in such biofluids as plasma and serum, they represent an indispensable source of vital clinical insights from liquid biopsies, even at the earliest stages of cancer. Therefore, our work aimed to isolate and characterize LCa patients’ derived exosomes from serum by Flow Cytometry in order to define a specific epitope signature exploitable for early diagnosis. Methods Circulating exosomes were collected from serum collected from 30 LCa patients and 20 healthy volunteers by the use of antibody affinity method exploiting CD63 specific surface marker. Membrane epitopes were then characterized by Flow cytometry multiplex analysis and compared between LCa Patients and Healthy donors. Clinical data were also matched to obtain statistical correlation. Results A distinct overexpression of CD1c, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD11c, CD14, CD20, CD44, CD56, CD105, CD146, and CD209 was identified in LCa patients compared to healthy controls, correlating positively with tumor presence. Conversely, CD24, CD31, and CD40, though not overexpressed in tumor samples, showed a significant correlation with nodal involvement in LCa patients (p < 0.01). Conclusion This approach could allow us to set up a cost-effective and less invasive liquid biopsy protocol from a simple blood collection in order to early diagnose LCa and improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life. Graphical Abstract

This report summarizes the present status of neutrino non-standard interactions (NSI). After a brief overview, several aspects of NSIs are discussed, including connection to neutrino mass models, model-building and phenomenology of large NSI with both light and heavy mediators, NSI phenomenology in both short- and long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments, neutrino cross-sections, complementarity of NSI with other low- and high-energy experiments, fits with neutrino oscillation and scattering data, DUNE sensitivity to NSI, effective field theory of NSI, as well as the relevance of NSI to dark matter and cosmology. We also discuss the open questions and interesting future directions that can be pursued by the community at large. This report is based on talks and discussions during the Neutrino Theory Network NSI workshop held at Washington University in St.~Louis from May 29-31, 2019

Abstract In critically ill patients, overweight and obesity are associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the effect of obesity on ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI is unknown. We hypothesized that obesity would aggravate renal IRI in mice. We fed mice a standard or high-fat diet for eight weeks. The mice were divided into four groups and submitted to sham surgery or IRI: obese, normal, normal + IRI, obese, and obese + IRI. All studies were performed 48 h after the procedures. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine clearance did not differ among the groups. Survival and urinary osmolality were lower in the obese + IRI group than in the normal + IRI group, whereas urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels, tubular injury scores, and caspase 3 expression were higher. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression was highest in the obese + IRI group, as were the levels of oxidative stress (urinary levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and renal heme oxygenase-1 protein expression), whereas renal Klotho protein expression was lowest in that group. Expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and peroxiredoxin 6, proteins that induce lipid peroxidation, a hallmark of ferroptosis, was lower in the obese + IRI group. Notably, among the mice not induced to AKI, macrophage infiltration was greater in the obese group. In conclusion, greater oxidative stress and ferroptosis might aggravate IRI in obese individuals, and Klotho could be a therapeutic target in those with AKI.

Rare meson decays are among the most sensitive probes of both heavy and light new physics. Among them, new physics searches using kaons benefit from their small total decay widths and the availability of very large datasets. On the other hand, useful complementary information is provided by hyperon decay measurements. We summarize the relevant phenomenological models and the status of the searches in a comprehensive list of kaon and hyperon decay channels. We identify new search strategies for under-explored signatures, and demonstrate that the improved sensitivities from current and next-generation experiments could lead to a qualitative leap in the exploration of light dark sectors.

BackgroundChronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and poses substantial public health challenges. Buprenorphine, a synthetic analog of thebaine, is recognized for its potential in managing moderate to severe chronic pain with fewer side effects and a lower incidence of tolerance compared to traditional opioids.ObjectiveThis retrospective study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of buprenorphine transdermal patches in patients with moderate and severe chronic pain, with a focus on pain relief sustainability and tolerance development.MethodsThis retrospective observational study involved 246 patients prescribed buprenorphine transdermal patches. We evaluated changes in pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), assessed opioid tolerance based on FDA guidelines for morphine-equivalent doses, and measured patient-reported outcomes through the Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Any adverse events were also recorded.ResultsOver the 36-month period, there was a significant reduction in NRS scores for both moderate and severe pain patients, demonstrating buprenorphine’s sustained analgesic effect. Tolerance measurement indicated that no patients required increases in morphine-equivalent doses that would meet or exceed the FDA’s threshold for opioid tolerance (60 mg/day of morphine or equivalent). Additionally, patient satisfaction was high, with the PGIC reflecting significant improvements in pain management and overall wellbeing. The side effects were minimal, with skin reactions and nausea being the most commonly reported but manageable adverse events.ConclusionThe study findings validate the long-term use of buprenorphine transdermal patches as an effective and safe option for chronic pain management, maintaining efficacy without significant tolerance development. These results support the continued and expanded use of buprenorphine in clinical settings, emphasizing its role in reducing the burdens of chronic pain and opioid-related side effects. Further research is encouraged to refine pain management protocols and explore buprenorphine’s full potential in diverse patient populations.

The internship, provided as part of the master’s degree course in Primary Education Sciences (SFP), is an opportunity for future teachers to live, through the tutor guidance and support, the transition from being a student to being a teaching. Despite the centrality of the role, the tutor does not have access to specific training, limiting the effectiveness of the internship and the learning potential of students-interns. This paper presents the theoretical framework, and the design of an action research started in September 2022, at the University of Salerno, that, based on the results of the needs analysis, aims to implement model of Adult Continuing Education (ACE) to providing tutors with the necessary tools to perform their role effectively and to promote their empowerment. Il tutor nel Corso di laurea magistrale in Scienze della Formazione Primaria: professionalità, empowerment e formazione. Il tirocinio, previsto nell’ambito del Corso di laurea magistrale in Scienze della Formazione Primaria (SFP), rappresenta per i futuri docenti l’occasione di vivere, attraverso la guida e il supporto del tutor, il passaggio da studente a professionista dell’insegnamento. Nonostante la centralità del ruolo, il tutor non ha accesso a una formazione specifica, limitando di fatto l’efficacia del percorso di tirocinio e il potenziale di apprendimento degli studenti-tirocinanti. In questo contributo si presentano il quadro teorico e il disegno di una ricerca-formazione avviata nel settembre 2022 presso l’Università degli Studi di Salerno che, sulla base degli esiti dell’analisi dei bisogni, si propone di implementare un modello di Adult Continuing Education (ACE) teso a fornire ai tutor gli strumenti necessari per svolgere il loro ruolo in maniera efficace e a promuoverne l’empowerment.

The production of spherical powders has recently registered a boost due to the need to fabricate new printing materials for Additive Manufacturing applications, from polymers and resins to metals and ceramics. Among these materials, stainless steels powders play a leading role, since they are widely used in industry and everyday life; indeed, micron-sized spherical stainless steel powders have specific characteristics and are considered as one of the best candidates for Additive Manufacturing systems and for application in a wide range of sectors. In this paper, stainless steel 316 L powders were used to explore and identify the best process parameters of a thermal plasma process able to produce spherical powders for Additive Manufacturing applications. X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Particle Size Distribution and Flowability analysis were performed to characterize reagents and products. Powders with a high circularity (>0.8) and improved flowability (

Abstract Background Individuals whose gender identity differs from the biological sex and the social norms are defined as transgender. Sometimes transgender undergo gender affirming hormone therapy, which lasts for the entire life making essential to evaluate its potential long-term effects. Moreover, transgender can represent a susceptible sub-group of population and specific attention is needed in risk assessment, including the development of targeted animal models. Aim of the study is the implementation of a rodent demasculinizing–feminizing model through the setting of appropriate dose of hormone therapy and the selection of specific biomarkers to evaluate the sex transition. Specific attention is paid to thyroid homeostasis due to the close link with reproductive functions. Four male adult rats/group were subcutaneously exposed to three doses plus control of β-estradiol valerate plus cyproterone acetate at: 0.045 + 0.2 (low), 0.09 + 0.2 (medium) and 0.18 + 0.2 (high) mg/dose, five times/week. The doses were selected considering the most recent recommendations for transgender woman. Sperm count, histopathological analysis (testis, liver, thyroid), testosterone, estradiol, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels and gene expression of sex dimorphic CYP450 were evaluated. Results The doses induced feminizing–demasculinizing effects: decreased testosterone serum levels at the corresponding cisgender, increased estradiol, impairment of male reproductive function and reversal of sex-specific CYP liver expression. However, the medium and high doses induced marked liver toxicity and the low dose is considered the best choice, also for long-term studies in risk assessment. The alterations of thyroid indicated follicular cell hypertrophy supported by increased thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels at the higher doses. Conclusions The implementation of animal models that mimic the effects of gender affirming hormone therapy is essential for supporting clinical studies in transgender people and filling data gap in order to ensure an appropriate risk assessment and a more accurate, personalized care for transgender people.

Aldo Pezzuto,1 Alberto Ricci,1 Michela D’Ascanio,1 Alba Moretta,1 Giuseppe Tonini,2 Noemi Calabrò,1 Valeria Minoia,1 Alessia Pacini,1 Giuliana De Paolis,1 Eleonora Chichi,1 Elisabetta Carico,3 Antonella Tammaro4 1Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; 2Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy; 3Clinical and Molecular Medicine Department, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; 4Department of Neuroscience- NESMOS, S.Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, ItalyCorrespondence: Aldo Pezzuto, Email aldo.pezzuto@uniroma1.itBackground: Cigarette smoke exposure is the main preventable cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airflow limitation is closely associated with smoking exposure. Smoking could also interfere with lipid metabolism.Aim: To determine the respiratory functional and metabolic changes after smoking cessation in smokers in the short term.Methods: All patients were current smokers. They were assessed by spirometry and questionnaires such as COPD assessment test(CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) test for dyspnea, Fagestrom’s test for nicotine dependence. Exhaled CO was detected in order to evaluate smoking exposure and smoking cessation (normal value< 7 ppm). A blood sampling was eventually taken for vitamin D and cholesterol assay. All patients underwent therapy with counselling and varenicline as first-line treatment according to its schedule. Detection time: at baseline and one month after smoking cessation.Results: All patients quit smoking during treatment. The mean age was 62 with a prevalence of males. The analysis revealed the following mean values at baseline: CAT mean score was 15, pack-years 35.5, Fagestrom’s Test mean score 5.0. The West’s value was 8.5, whereas Body mass index (BMI) was 25.5.Cigarette daily consumption mean value was 22.5. The comparison before and at follow up one month after smoking cessation about functional and metabolic parameters, show us the following results: FEV 1 was increased by 200 mL (p< 0.02), FEF 25/75 was improved as well as mMRC test. The eCO was dropped to as low as 8 ppM. Interestingly the vitamin D level was increased from 25 to 28 ng/mL without any support therapy. The cholesterol total level was reduced and CAT value and DLCO were also significantly improved.Conclusion: Quit smoking is useful to improve symptoms, respiratory function and metabolic parameters in the short term.Keywords: airflow limitation, smoking cessation, lipid metabolism

Since its beginning, IFLA has been concerned with education and training, creating guidelines and standards for educational quality. Ninety years after the first IFLA Conference, IFLA Satellite returned to the Vatican Library with the aim of stimulating a high-level conversation on the future of librarians. This article is a reflection on the IFLA's role in the past and in the present for education and training and the impact of IFLA Global Vision on the education of new professionals. The main results of the conversation during the Satellite are that librarians are no longer the ones who mediate in a passive role between the communities and the collection but have been transformed into active agents of the community and, within it, "facilitators" of knowledge. The mutability of the global world context means that competencies must be reviewed and adapted to new operative instruments. The IFLA Global Vision and a focus on strong value bases may help librarians outline a more solid mission. Among the new disciplines emergent in the LIS context, technology and informatics are fundamental. The competencies in education have emphasized also the fundamental knowledge of research methods and critical abilities in analyzing the results. Nevertheless, librarians are not only users of research; they actively contribute to research and need practical abilities in programming and realization of research projects. From what emerged during the Rome Satellite, LIS is being enriched by new technological, ethical, and social aspects that should be inserted into future curricula and will become part of the librarian's identity. The very rethinking of professional identity has in itself brought a transformation in the LIS discipline, in which the concepts of digital inclusion, social inclusion, and lifelong learning are central.

Contemporary social, economic and cultural transitions represent a challenge for the continuing education and training system. They must promote education for sustainability and the development of soft skills useful to make them more sustainable (EC, 2020). This contribution talks about Sustainable Assessment (SA) (Boud & Soler, 2015): an assessment approach that supports the link between teaching-learning-evaluation. Furthermore, it is concerned with the impact of learning outcomes on future reality, and not with their immediate verification. It contributes to preparing learners to be lifelong and wide learners (EC, 1995) and to be able to deal with transitions creatively and critically. A device useful for the implementation of Sustainable Assessment practices is peer review (Cartney, 2010; Liu & Carless, 2006). Il Sustainable Assessement come dispositivo per preparare i discenti al futuro. Le transizioni sociali, economiche e culturali contemporanee rappresentano una sfida per il sistema di istruzione e formazione continua in termini di educazione alla sostenibilità e di sviluppo di competenze trasversali utili a renderle più sostenibili (EC, 2020). Nel presente contributo si propone una riflessione sul Sustainable Assessment (SA) (Boud & Soler, 2015): un approccio valutativo che rinsalda il legame tra insegnamento-apprendimento-valutazione e che si focalizza sulla ricaduta dei risultati dell’apprendimento sulla realtà futura, e non solo sul loro immediato accertamento. In tal senso, contribuisce a preparare i discenti ad essere dei lifelong e wide learners (EC, 1995), capaci di affrontare in modo creativo e critico le transizioni. Un dispositivo propedeutico all’implementazione di pratiche di Sustainable Assessment è la peer review (Cartney, 2010; Liu & Carless, 2006).

The contribution intends to illustrate the main characteristics of the concept of sustainability. For this definition, references will be made above all to the main international documents. This contribution underlines the complexity of the term and its antinomic nature which describes the concept of sustainability through a continuous relationship of negotiation between opposing meanings. From this perspective, we explore the relevance of some active teaching methodologies capable of supporting creative, divergent and conscious thinking, capable of promoting an individual who is increasingly aware of his or her own time. Il valore della sostenibilità in campo educativo. Il contributo intende illustrare le principali caratteristiche attraverso cui si definisce il tema della sostenibilità, alla luce dei principali documenti internazionali. In particolare, evidenzia la complessità del termine e la sua natura antinomica che pone il concetto di sostenibilità in continuo rapporto di negoziazione tra i significati opposti da cui è costituito. In tale ottica si approfondisce la rilevanza di alcune metodologie didattiche attive in grado di sostenere un pensiero creativo, divergente e conscio, capaci di promuovere un individuo sempre più consapevole del proprio tempo.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation and in mechanisms of cancer growth and metastases. In this light, miRNAs could be promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers in clinical practice. Therefore, we investigated if specific miRNAs and their target genes contribute to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) development. We found a significant decrease of miR-449a in LSCC patients with nodal metastases (63.3%) compared with patients without nodal involvement (44%). The AmpliSeq Transcriptome of HNO-210 miR-449a-transfected cell lines allowed the identification of IL6-R as a potential target. Moreover, the downregulation of IL6-R and the phosphorylation reduction of the downstream signaling effectors, suggested the inhibition of the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway. These biochemical effects were paralleled by a significant inhibition of invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo, supporting an involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These findings indicate that miR-449a contributes to suppress the metastasization of LSCC by the IL-6 trans-signaling block and affects sensitivity to external stimuli that mimic pro-inflammatory conditions.

En este artículo exponemos algunas observaciones juridico-canonicas para valutar la rilevancia del criterio subjetivo sobre el «metus reverentialis» en los procesos de nulidad del vinculo matrimonial. Después una introducción de carácter general, el estudio examina el temor como causa de nulidad del matrimonio en la legislación canonica vigente. Entonces trata la cuestión de la esencia del «metus reverentialis» que invalida el matrimonio: el «defectus integritatis seu libertatis deminutio». Al final se describen otros medios de naturaleza subjetiva para la prueba del temor reverencial, denominados «strumenti ammenicolari».

Abstract We explore CP-violating (CPV) effects of heavy New Physics in flavour-changing quark dipole transitions, within the framework of Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). First, we establish the relevant dimension six operators and consider the Renormalisation Group (RG) evolution of the appropriate Wilson coefficients. We investigate RG-induced correlations between different flavour-violating processes and electric dipole moments (EDMs) within the Minimal Flavour Violating and U(2)3 quark flavour models. At low energies, we set bounds on the Wilson coefficients of the dipole operators using CPV induced contributions to observables in non-leptonic and radiative B, D and K decays as well as the neutron and electron EDMs. This enables us to connect observable CPV effects at low energies and general NP appearing at high scales. We present bounds on the Wilson coefficients of the relevant SMEFT operators at the high scale Λ = 5 TeV, and discuss most sensitive CPV observables for future experimental searches.

Melanoma affecting glabrous skin is a challenging entity that needs to be managed by an interdisciplinary team of dermatologists, oncologists, and surgeons. The thin subcutaneous layer of glabrous skin, which speeds up its metastatic spread, is one of the key elements that contributes to the aggressiveness of this form of cutaneous cancer when identified in this anatomical region. Acral lentiginous melanoma is a rare melanocytic malignancy that is usually associated with ominous outcomes, especially in those with dark skin. Moreover, more extensive research is needed to elucidate the puzzle of molecular drivers and their relationship with thermal injury. We reported our experience in order to highlight the value of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Penile cancer, while rare, is a critical public health issue due to its profound impact on patients and the complexities of its management. The disease’s multifactorial etiology includes risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic determinants. This article provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these diverse risk factors, aiming to enhance understanding of the disease’s underlying causes. By elucidating these factors, the article seeks to inform and improve prevention strategies, early detection methods, and therapeutic interventions. A nuanced grasp of the multifactorial nature of penile cancer can enable healthcare professionals to develop more effective approaches to reducing incidence rates and improving patient outcomes.