Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among High School students in Southern Italy: A cross-sectional survey.

High School students, recognized as a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), were the focal point of an educational campaign in Southern Italy to share information and good practices about STIs and HIV/AIDS. A baseline survey comprising 76 items was conducted via the REDCap platform to assess students' initial knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to STIs and HIV/AIDS. Sociodemographic variables were also investigated. The association between variables and KAP score was assessed by Kruskal-Wallis' or Spearman's test, as appropriate. An ordinal regression model was built to estimate the effect size, reported as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), for achieving higher KAP scores among students features. On a scale of 0 to 29, 1702 participants achieved a median KAP score of 14 points. Higher scores were predominantly reported by students from classical High Schools (OR 3.19, 95% C.I. 1.60-6.33, p<0.001). Additionally, elevated scores were associated with sexually active students (OR 1.48, 95% C.I. 1.12-1.96, p = 0.01), those vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (OR 2.47, 95% C.I. 1.89-3.24, p<0.001), those who had used emergency contraception (OR 1.56, 95% C.I. 1.09-2.24, p = 0.02, Table 2) and those obtaining information from TikTok (OR 1.62, 95% C.I. 1.14-2.30, p = 0.01). Conversely, being heterosexual was associated with an overall lower score (OR 0.48, 95% C.I. 0.32-0.73, p<0.001). High School students, often due to early sexual debut, seek information about HIV and STIs independently using social channels. However, the overall level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices remains low. Urgent school-based interventions are needed for this age group.

Newly formed dust within the circumstellar environment of SN Ia-CSM 2018evt.

Dust associated with various stellar sources in galaxies at all cosmic epochs remains a controversial topic, particularly whether supernovae play an important role in dust production. We report evidence of dust formation in the cold, dense shell behind the ejecta-circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction in the Type Ia-CSM supernova (SN) 2018evt three years after the explosion, characterized by a rise in mid-infrared emission accompanied by an accelerated decline in the optical radiation of the SN. Such a dust-formation picture is also corroborated by the concurrent evolution of the profiles of the Hα emission line. Our model suggests enhanced CSM dust concentration at increasing distances from the SN as compared to what can be expected from the density profile of the mass loss from a steady stellar wind. By the time of the last mid-infrared observations at day +1,041, a total amount of 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10-2 M⊙ of new dust has been formed by SN 2018evt, making SN 2018evt one of the most prolific dust factories among supernovae with evidence of dust formation. The unprecedented witness of the intense production procedure of dust may shed light on the perceptions of dust formation in cosmic history.

Stigma and mental health among people living with HIV across the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health (MH) is extremely relevant when referring to people living with a chronic disease, such as people living with HIV (PLWH). In fact - although life expectancy and quality have increased since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - PLWH carry a high incidence of mental disorders, and this burden has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scenario, UNAIDS has set new objectives for 2025, such as the linkage of at least 90% of PLWH to people-centered, context-specific MH services. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MD in PLWH followed at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of the University of Bari, Italy. METHODS: From January 10th to September 10th, 2022, all PLWH patients accessing our outpatient clinic were offered the following standardized tools: HAM-A for anxiety, BDI-II for depression, PC-PTSD-5 for post-traumatic stress disorder, CAGE-AID for alcohol-drug abuse. Factors associated with testing positive to the four MD were explored with a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: 578 out of 1110 HIV-patients agreed to receive MH screening, with 141 (24.4%) people resulting positive to at least one MH disorder. HAM-A was positive in 15.8% (n = 91), BDI-II in 18% (n = 104), PC-PTSD-5 in 5% (n = 29) and CAGE in 6.1% (n = 35). The multivariable logistic regression showed a higher probability of being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for PLWH who reported severe stigma, social isolation, psychological deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic and for those receiving a dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen. Moreover, history of drug use (OR 1.13; [95% CE 1.06-4.35]), family stigma (2.42 [1.65-3.94]) and social isolation (2.72 [1.55;4.84]) were found to be associated to higher risk for substance use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, stigma was a strong predictor for being diagnosed of a MH disorder among PLWH. Also, the possible role of dolutegravir as a risk factor for the onset of MH disorders should be considered in clinical practice, and MH of patients receiving DTG-containing regimens should be constantly monitored.

Stereochemical Behavior of Pyrrolo-Pyrazole Peptidomimetics Promoting Phase-Selective Supramolecular Organogels.

Supramolecular gels were developed by taking advantage of an assembly of small dipeptides containing pyrrolo-pyrazole scaffolds. The dipeptides were prepared through a robust and ecofriendly synthetic approach from the commercially available starting materials of diazoalkanes and maleimides. By playing with the functionalization of the scaffold, the choice of the natural amino acid, and the stereochemistry, we were able to obtain phase-selective gels. In particular, one peptidomimetic showed gelation ability and thermoreversibility in aromatic solvents at very low concentrations. Rheology tests showed a typical viscoelastic solid profile, indicating the formation of strong gels that were stable under high mechanical deformation. NMR studies were performed, allowing us to determine the conformational and stereochemical features at the base of the supramolecular interactions.

Optimizing the design and geometry of T cell engaging bispecific antibodies targeting CEA in colorectal cancer.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with a 5-year survival rate of only 15%. T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) represent a class of biopharmaceuticals that redirect cytotoxic T cells towards tumor cells, thereby turning immunologically "cold" tumors "hot." The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an attractive tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that is overexpressed in over 98% of CRC patients. In this study, we report the comparison of four different TCB formats employing the antibodies F4 (targeting human CEA) and 2C11 (targeting mouse CD3ε). These formats include both antibody fragment- and IgG-based constructs, with either one or two binding specificities of the respective antibodies. The 2+1 arrangement, using an anti-CEA single-chain diabody (scDbCEA) fused to an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment (scFvCD3), emerged as the most potent design, showing tumor killing at subnanomolar concentrations across three different CEA+ cell lines. The in vitro activity was three times greater in C57BL/6 mouse colon adenocarcinoma cells (MC38) expressing high levels of CEA compared to those expressing low levels, highlighting the impact of CEA antigen density in this assay. The optimal TCB candidate was tested in two different immunocompetent mouse models of colorectal cancer and showed tumor growth retardation. Ex vivo analysis of tumor infiltrates showed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells upon TCB treatment. This study suggests that bivalent tumor targeting, monovalent T cell targeting, and a short spatial separation are promising characteristics for CEA targeting TCBs.

Author's reply: "Assessing ChatGPT and perplexity AI performance".

None.

Development and validation of a score assessing the risk of severe asthma in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the Asthma Severity-Health Search (AS-HScore), predicting severe asthma risk in Italian primary care. According to the current asthma treatment guidelines, the AS-HScore intended to serve as a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for General Practitioners (GPs). METHODS: Using the Health Search Database (HSD), a cohort of 32,917 asthma-diagnosed patients between 2013 and 2021 was identified. The AS-HScore was developed using multivariable Cox regression in a two-part cohort: development and validation. Candidate determinants were estimated and linearly combined to form the score; its predictive accuracy was evaluated in the validation sub-cohort. RESULTS: AS-HScore performance in the validation cohort revealed a 73% area under the curve (i.e. discrimination power) and a 22% pseudo-R2 (explained variation). Calibration slope of 1.07 indicated strong calibration without rejecting the equivalence hypothesis (p = 0.157). Estimating a mean 10% (SD: 6.8%) 1-year risk of severe asthma, GPs might be provided with risk thresholds for patient categorization. CONCLUSION: The AS-HScore emerges as an accurate tool predicting severe asthma risk in the Italian primary care. It therefore shows promising application to enhance asthma care by early identification of severe cases. Implementing a score-based CDSS for Italian GPs holds potential for significantly improving asthma management and patients' outcomes.

Fibromyalgia: one year in review 2024.

Fibromyalgia (FM) remains a condition with a pathogenesis that is not completely understood, affecting a significant portion of the global population. This article summarises the main advances in FM during the last year. Even in 2023, research on FM was notably active. From a clinimetric perspective, studies have been conducted to evaluate the possibilities of interchanging the primary indices of disease severity, primarily for studies with substantial case numbers. Regarding FM pathogenesis, ongoing research focuses on small fiber neuropathy: some studies have documented its association with central sensitisation, while others have revealed distinct sensory profiles in patients with FM and small fiber neuropathy compared to those solely with small fiber neuropathy. Dorsal root ganglia seem to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of FM as they host satellite glial cells, which are targeted by pain-driving immunoglobulin G. These antibodies have been identified in a subset of patients exhibiting high symptom severity. An important study conducted on animal models confirmed the role of neuroinflammation at the level of dorsal root ganglia, in this case mediated by polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Mounting evidence underscores the link between COVID-19 and the persistence of FM symptoms after recovery. In identifying potential biomarkers aiding FM diagnosis, research has also concentrated on studying the expression of specific circulating microRNAs. Recent discoveries have unveiled novel therapeutic strategies for FM, especially focused in non-pharmacological interventions. This includes a focus on non-invasive brain stimulation and exercise programs, all directed towards relieving symptoms and improving functionality in individuals affected by the condition.

Interassay Variability and Clinical Implications of Five Different Prostate-specific Antigen Assays.

Background and objective: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains a critical marker for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and monitoring. Recognising historical variability in PSA assays and the evolution of assay technology and calibration, this study aims to reassess interassay variability using the latest generation of five assays in a contemporary cohort of men undergoing prostate biopsy. Methods: Five different commercially available PSA assays were tested in a blood sample of 76 men before undergoing a prostate biopsy. Total PSA (tPSA) and free-to-total PSA ratio (%fPSA) were compared across assays, using Roche (Basel, Switzerland) as the benchmark, and correlated with biopsy outcome to analyse the impact on PCa diagnosis. The statistical analysis included Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots, with a p value threshold of <0.05 for significance. Key findings and limitations: Among the 76 men, 28 (36.8%) were diagnosed with significant PCa (defined as International Society of Urological Pathology grade ≥2). A high correlation was observed between tPSA and %fPSA values among the different PSA assays tested (r2 ≥ 0.9). The Passing-Bablok analysis showed that tPSA results varied substantially among the assays, with slopes ranging between 0.78 and 1.04. Compared with the tPSA of Roche, tPSA values were on average 20.7% lower by Beckman (Oststeinbeck, Germany), 15.2% lower by Abbott (Chicago, IL, USA), 6.1% lower by Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy), and 9.6% higher by Brahms (Hennigsdorf, Germany; p < 0.001 for all). The %fPSA values by Abbott and Brahms were higher at 15.7% and 10.6%, respectively (p < 0.001), while the Beckman and Diasorin values had minimal differences of -0.3% and 2.3%, respectively (p > 0.05). The variability across assays would have resulted in discrepancies in both the sensitivity and the specificity for tPSA and %fPSA by at least 14%, depending on the cut-offs applied. Conclusions and clinical implications: Despite the use of the latest PSA assays, relevant variability of tPSA and %fPSA results can be observed among different assays. There is an urgent need for standardised calibration methods and greater awareness among practitioners concerning interassay variability. Clinicians should acknowledge that clinically relevant thresholds may depend on the specific PSA assay and that ideally the same assay is applied over time for better clinical decision-making. Patient summary: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a critical marker for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and monitoring. However, significant variations were observed in the results of the latest PSA assays. Thus, standardised calibration methods and greater awareness among practitioners concerning interassay variability are needed.

A Case of Cholecystitis Camouflaging Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy that is hard to detect and resect, due mostly to its location as well as a lack of current screening tests. When found, it is often in the advanced stage as patients are usually asymptomatic during the early course of the disease; the overall prognosis is modest in patients diagnosed at this stage. Here, we discuss the case of a 48-year-old female with no significant past medical history or family history who presented to our hospital with symptoms of acute cholecystitis with a supporting ultrasound. She proceeded to get a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the same, but an ensuing workup and pathology revealed advanced-stage cholangiocarcinoma. The patient ultimately opted for palliative care given her poor prognosis.

Prostate cancer detection and complications of MRI-targeted prostate biopsy using cognitive registration, software-assisted image fusion or in-bore guidance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Three primary strategies for MRI-targeted biopsies (TB) are available: Cognitive TB (COG-TB), MRI-US Fusion TB (FUS-TB), and In Bore TB (IB-TB). Despite nearly a decade of practice, a consensus on the preferred approach is lacking, with previous studies showing comparable PCa detection rates among the three methods. METHODS: We conducted a search of PubMed, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from 2014 to 2023, to identify studies comparing at least two of the three methods and reporting clinically significant PCa (csPCa) detection rates. The primary and secondary outcomes were to compare the csPCa and insignificant prostate cancer (iPCa, ISUP GG 1) detection rates between TB techniques. The tertiary outcome was to compare the complication rate between TB techniques. Detection rates were pooled using random-effect models. Planned sensitivity analyses included subgroup analysis according to the definition of csPCa and positive MRI, previous biopsy status, biopsy route, prostate volume, and lesion characteristics. RESULTS: A total of twenty studies, involving 4928 patients, were included in the quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis unveiled comparable csPCa detection rates among COG-TB (0.37), FUS-TB (0.39), and IB-TB (0.47). iPCa detection rate was also similar between TB techniques (COG-TB: 0.12, FUS-TB: 0.17, IB-TB: 0.18). All preplanned sensitivity analyses were conducted and did not show any statistically significant difference in the detection of csPCa between TB methods. Complication rates, however, were infrequently reported, and when available, no statistically significant differences were observed among the techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This unique study, exclusively focusing on comparative research, indicates no significant differences in csPCa and iPCa detection rates between COG-TB, FUS-TB, and IB-TB. Decisions between these techniques may extend beyond diagnostic accuracy, considering factors such as resource availability and operator preferences. Well-designed prospective studies are warranted to refine our understanding of the optimal approach for TB in diverse clinical scenarios.

The impact of mpMRI-targeted vs systematic biopsy on the risk of prostate cancer downgrading at final pathology.

PURPOSE: Although targeted biopsies (TBx) are associated with improved disease assessment, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) overgrading due to more accurate biopsy core deployment in the index lesion. METHODS: We identified 1672 patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) with a positive mpMRI and ISUP ≥ 2 PCa detected via systematic biopsy (SBx) plus TBx. We compared downgrading rates at RP (ISUP 4-5, 3, and 2 at biopsy, to a lower ISUP) for PCa detected via SBx only (group 1), via TBx only (group 2), and eventually for PCa detected with the same ISUP 2-5 at both SBx and TBx (group 3), using multivariable logistic regression models (MVA). RESULTS: Overall, 12 vs 14 vs 6% (n = 176 vs 227 vs 96) downgrading rates were recorded in group 1 vs group 2 vs group 3, respectively (p < 0.001). At MVA, group 2 was more likely to be downgraded (OR 1.26, p = 0.04), as compared to group 1. Conversely, group 3 was less likely to be downgraded at RP (OR 0.42, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Downgrading rates are highest when PCa is present in TBx only and, especially when the highest grade PCa is diagnosed by TBx cores only. Conversely, downgrading rates are lowest when PCa is identified with the same ISUP through both SBx and TBx. The presence of clinically significant disease at SBx + TBx may indicate a more reliable assessment of the disease at the time of biopsy potentially reducing the risk of downgrading at final pathology.

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomies: a contemporary multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) offers decreased blood loss during surgery, shorter hospital length of stay, and lower risk for thromboembolic events without hindering oncological outcomes. Cutaneous ureterostomies (UCS) are a seldom utilized diversion that can be a suitable alternative for a selected group of patients with competing co-morbidities and limited life expectancy. OBJECTIVE: To describe operative and perioperative characteristics as well as oncological outcomes for patients that underwent RARC + UCS. METHODS: Patients that underwent RARC + UCS during 2013-2023 in 3 centers (EU = 2, US = 1) were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Baseline characteristics, pathological, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were performed using R language version 4.3.1. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included. The median age was 77 years (IQR 70-80) and the median follow-up time was 11 months (IQR 4-20). Ten patients were ASA 4 (14.5%). Nine patients underwent palliative cystectomy (13%). The median operation time was 241 min (IQR 202-290), and the median hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 6-11). The 30-day complication rate was 55.1% (grade ≥ 3a was 14.4%), and the 30-day readmission rate was 17.4%. Eleven patients developed metastatic recurrence (15.9%), and 14 patients (20.2%) died during the follow-up period. Overall survival at 6, 12, and 24 months was 84%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RARC + UCS may offer lower complication and readmission rates without the need to perform enteric anastomosis, it can be considered in a selected group of patients with competing co-morbidities, or limited life expectancy. Larger prospective studies are necessary to validate these results.

Bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty is here to stay: A consecutive series transitioning from manual instrumentation to enabling technologies.

BACKGROUND: Bicruciate-retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has seen renewed interest due to the potential for more natural knee kinematics with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) retention. OBJECTIVE: The present study attempts to determine differences in the 2-year survivorship and patient-reported outcomes between two surgical strategies (traditional instrumentation versus robotics) applied to the extensive use of a modern, 2nd generation BCR TKA design. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study with prospectively collected data of 113 patients who underwent primary TKA between 2018 and 2020 using a 2nd generation BCR TKA implant. Patient demographics, PROMS, and intra/post-operative complications were collected. Patients were also evaluated according to the use or not of robotics. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate revision-free survival at follow up. RESULTS: 102 patients were enrolled: 90 received traditional surgery and 12 robotic-assisted surgery. The mean age was 68 years (SD 7.76) with an average BMI of 29.6 kg/m2 (SD 3.56). The mean follow up (FU) was 32.4 ± 6.2 months (range 24-45 months). Survivorship at 2 years was 98% (95% CI: 92.4-99.5). Revisions/reoperations were performed for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (1/4), pain (1/4), arthrofibrosis (1/4) and acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (1/4). At final FU, 92 patients (90.2%) considered themselves satisfied, showing a mean OKS of 40.6 (SD 5.1) and a mean FKS of 76.7 (SD 11.8). No differences in the outcome were found between traditional and robotic-assisted procedures. CONCLUSION: The modern BCR design evaluated in this study achieved excellent results in terms of implant survivorship, low rate of reoperation and clinical results, independently from the use of enabling technologies.

Raf kinase inhibitor protein expression in smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a diagnostic marker for leiomyosarcoma?

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the expression pattern of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in different subtypes of leiomyoma (usual type, cellular, apoplectic or haemorrhagic leiomyoma, leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and lipoleiomyoma) and leiomyosarcoma specimens, and what is its biological role in leiomyosarcoma cells? DESIGN: Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma specimens underwent immunohistochemistry staining. Leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line was RKIP knocked down and RKIP overexpressed, and cell viability, wound healing migration and clonogenicity assays were carried out. RESULTS: A higher immunohistochemical expression of RKIP was observed in bizarre leiomyomas, than in usual-type leiomyomas. Decreased expression was also found in cellular leiomyoma, with generally absent staining in leiomyosarcomas. Upon RKIP expression manipulation in SK-LMS-1 cell line, no major differences were observed in cell viability and migration capacity over time. RKIP knockout, however, resulted in a significant increase in the cell's ability to form colonies (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: RKIP distinct expression pattern among leiomyoma histotype and leiomyosarcoma, and its effect on leiomyosarcoma cells on colony formation, encourages further studies of RKIP in uterine smooth muscle disorders.

Versatility of Single Port Retroperitoneal Low Anterior Access: early outcomes in multiple procedures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess early outcomes of the single-port (SP) robotic Low Anterior Access (LAA) for all upper urinary tract surgeries. Additionally, it aimed to explore the impact of clinical factors, notably Body Mass Index (BMI), on post-operative outcomes and length of hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 76 consecutive patients underwent SP robotic surgery with LAA involving all upper urinary tract pathologies, with data collected prospectively. Baseline characteristics, intra- and post-operative outcomes, pain levels, and opioid use were analyzed. Statistical methods, including logistic regression and locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) analysis, were used to assess same-day discharge (SDD) predictors and the association between BMI and same-day discharge probability. According to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol, only data recorded in our electronic medical record system were included. RESULTS: Ten different procedures were performed with LAA, with no need for conversion to open surgery and complication rates in line with the literature (30-days: 5%, 90-days: 6.6%). Notably, 77.6% of patients were discharged on the same day. A significant association was found between BMI and prolonged hospital stay, particularly in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Post-operative pain was generally low (median VAS: 4), with over 70% discharged without opioid prescriptions. CONCLUSION: The novel LAA is a versatile approach for various upper urinary tract surgeries, even in obese patients. While achieving satisfactory post-operative outcomes, increased BMI correlated with a reduced likelihood of same-day discharge. Further studies, including larger cohorts and multicenter collaborations, are warranted to explore anesthesiologic management and validate these findings.

Metabolic Profiling as an Approach to Differentiate T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines Belonging to the Same Genetic Subgroup.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive tumor mainly affecting children and adolescents. It is driven by multiple genetic mutations that together define the leukemic phenotype. Interestingly, based on genetic alterations and/or deregulated expression, at least six genetic subgroups have been recognized. The TAL/LMO subgroup is one of the most represented genetic subgroups, characterizing 30-45% of pediatric T-ALL cases. The study of lipid and metabolic profiles is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for comprehending the development and progression of tumors. In this study, metabolic and lipidomic analysis via LC/MS have been carried out on four T-ALL cell lines belonging to the TAL/LMO subgroup (Jurkat, Molt-4, Molt-16, and CCRF-CEM) to identify new potential metabolic biomarkers and to provide a subclassification of T-ALL cell lines belonging to the same subgroup. A total of 343 metabolites were annotated, including 126 polar metabolites and 217 lipid molecules. The statistical analysis, for both metabolic and lipid profiles, shows significant differences and similarities among the four cell lines. The Molt-4 cell line is the most distant cell line and CCRF-CEM shows a high activity in specific pathways when compared to the other cell lines, while Molt-16 and Jurkat show a similar metabolic profile. Additionally, this study highlighted the pathways that differ in each cell line and the possible enzymes involved using bioinformatic tools, capable of predicting the pathways involved by studying the differences in the metabolic profiles. This experiment offers an approach to differentiate T-ALL cell lines and could open the way to verify and confirm the obtained results directly in patients.

The Italian Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI-I).

The importance of social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills is recognized worldwide, but their measurement has always been a challenge. The BESSI measures 32 SEB skills, divided into five domains (social engagement, cooperation, self-management, emotional resilience, and innovation), but its validity must be expanded to new languages and contexts. Across two studies (N1 = 990, N2= 824) we developed the Italian version of the BESSI, provided further support for its convergent and discriminant validity with the Big Five, and expanded its nomological network to procrastination, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation. The BESSI-I showed excellent internal reliability and satisfactory fit indices at the facet, domain, and overarching framework level. We also confirmed the correlations between the SEB skills and the Big Five personality traits and found meaningful correlations with the selected external outcomes. Overall, we confirm that the BESSI-I is a valid and useful instrument to assess SEB skills for research and clinical purposes.