Publications by authors named "Alfano C"

Soft tissue reconstruction in the lower limbs presents a significant challenge, particularly when addressing defects in the distal third of the leg, ankle, and foot. The reverse sural flap reliant on the perforating branches of the peroneal artery has emerged as a versatile option, offering a solution for patients for whom microsurgical techniques are not feasible. Despite its advantages, the procedure carries inherent risks, especially in populations with underlying conditions, such as venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as in elderly patients, where the likelihood of flap necrosis is elevated.

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: Abdominoplasties are prevalent surgical procedures for improving lower abdominal contours, necessitating effective pain management. Insufficient management can increase opioid usage, dependency risks, and adverse effects. This review investigates various strategies in abdominoplasty pain management, aiming to reduce opioid dependence and improve patient care.

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  • - The study analyzed the presence of polyphenols in carob pods from Southern Italy using a reliable LC-HRMS method, revealing high levels of Apigenin and Myricetin.
  • - Significant variations in polyphenol content, especially in hesperidin and myricetin, were found between different sampling areas, indicating that geochemical and climatic factors influence these variations.
  • - This research is the first to document the phenolic content of carob pods in this region after harvest and highlights their potential health benefits in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.
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  • This study examines the effectiveness of SAFE-T, a telehealth-based sleep intervention, for toddlers and preschoolers in foster care compared to a control group receiving Sleep Education Support.
  • A total of 45 caregivers participated, and assessments were conducted before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention, using parent-reported sleep diaries.
  • Results showed that children in the SAFE-T group experienced significant improvements in sleep duration, fewer nighttime awakenings, and better emotional and behavior outcomes, with these benefits largely maintained over time.
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Early indicators of metastatic cancer response to therapy are important for evaluating new drugs and stopping ineffective treatment. The RECIST guidelines based on repeat cancer imaging are widely adopted in clinical trials, are used to identify active regimens that may change practice, and contribute to regulatory approvals. However, these criteria do not provide insight before 6 to 12 weeks of treatment and typically require that patients have measurable disease.

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In 2019, the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus emerged in China, causing the pneumonia named COVID-19. At the beginning, all research efforts were focused on the spike (S) glycoprotein. However, it became evident that the nucleocapsid (N) protein is pivotal in viral replication, genome packaging and evasion of the immune system, is highly immunogenic, which makes it another compelling target for antibody development alongside the spike protein.

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Background: Abdominoplasty is a common operation, used for a range of cosmetic and functional issues, often in the context of divarication of recti, significant weight loss, and after pregnancy. Despite this, patient-surgeon communication gaps can hinder informed decision-making. The integration of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare offers potential for enhancing patient information.

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Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction was described for the first time in 2000s. Recently, ADMs have been used not only in reconstructive surgery but also in cosmetic breast surgery for both primary and revision indications. Therefore, the matrices represent an important support to recent surgical techniques for breast augmentation in treatment or prevention of complications.

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  • - Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is a rare, benign skin growth often not linked to HPV, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a more aggressive skin cancer associated with UV exposure and HPV.
  • - A case involving a 64-year-old man found CCA and keratinized SCC in the same lesion, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing and treating these conditions together.
  • - Limited research suggests a connection between HPV and CCA, necessitating further study to better understand their relationship and improve treatment approaches for patients with both conditions.
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Despite advances in clinical cancer care, cancer survivors frequently report a range of persisting issues, unmet needs, and concerns that limit their ability to participate in life roles and reduce quality of life. Needs assessment is recognized as an important component of cancer care delivery, ideally beginning during active treatment to connect patients with supportive services that address these issues in a timely manner. Despite the recognized importance of this process, many health care systems have struggled to implement a feasible and sustainable needs assessment and management system.

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Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is often impaired in lung cancer survivors. To inform personalized survivorship care, we identified associations between HR-QoL scores and patient-, tumor-, and treatment-factors over time.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated HR-QoL scores provided at diagnosis, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years from the Yale Lung Cancer Biorepository.

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Study Objectives: Sleep disruption is prevalent and persistent among children who experience maltreatment/interpersonal trauma. Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years as a potential nonpharmacological intervention for improving sleep in various populations, but their efficacy has not been examined among maltreated children. The current study used a randomized, within-subjects, crossover design to examine whether the use of a weighted blanket improves objective and/or subjective indices of sleep among 30 children, ages 6-15 years (mean = 9.

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: Distal lower extremity reconstruction is challenging. This study aims to propose a protocol for the treatment of traumatic soft tissue defects. The key concept is to combine the surgical armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon with the advantages provided by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

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Menstruating individuals experience an increased risk for sleep and affective disorders, attributed in part to monthly oscillations in sex hormones. Emotional functioning and sleep continuity worsens during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. This study examined the interactive effects of sleep, menstrual phase, and emotion in healthy women.

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It is now generally accepted that macromolecules do not act in isolation but "live" in a crowded environment, that is, an environment populated by numerous different molecules. The field of molecular crowding has its origins in the far 80s but became accepted only by the end of the 90s. In the present issue, we discuss various aspects that are influenced by crowding and need to consider its effects.

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An evolved model of comprehensive cancer care is needed that begins at cancer diagnosis to proactively manage cancer treatment toxicities and optimize patient health, function, and well-being. Building new care models requires connecting oncology, primary care, and specialized clinicians from many disciplines including cancer rehabilitation. Having a vision for an evolved standard of comprehensive cancer care is a requirement, but it is not enough to bring an innovative clinical program to life and sustain it over the long term.

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In this study, we investigate the role of microwave cooking in reducing mycotoxin contamination in plant-based food matrices, with a focus on veggie burgers (purchased and home-made) and their ingredients (soybean, potatoes, zucchini, carrots). Two different conditions were studied (Max-Min) that were 800 W for 60 s and 800 W for 90 s, respectively. The degradation patterns of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3), trichothecenes (T2, HT2, ZEA), and ochratoxin A (OTA) were studied.

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Objectives: Sleep disruption is prevalent among children placed in foster care, elevating risk for a range of deleterious outcomes. Theoretically, achieving permanency via adoption may have a positive influence on children's sleep via the presence of various factors, but little is known about the sleep health of children adopted from foster care, including predictors and moderators of sleep health.

Method: The current study included 226 parents who adopted a child from foster care in the U.

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Background: Lower lip reconstruction is crucial to restore oral integrity post-cancer excision. A perfect balance between form and function should be achieved. With an aging demographic, adapting surgical methods to meet the unique needs of the elderly becomes imperative.

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