Nuoro

Acute intoxications are a significant public health concern, especially in children who are more vulnerable and at higher risk for unintentional and preventable poisonings. This research aims to study the patterns and social and care-related factors of acute intoxications in children to improve diagnosis and treatment approaches nationally. The study is a prospective, non-profit, multicenter observational cohort focusing on acute intoxications in pediatric patients, conducted by AMIETOX at Poison Control Centres and pediatric emergency rooms. The study observes children aged from 1 month up to 16 years who have experienced acute intoxication, defined as exposure to toxic substances or harmful amounts of substances via unintended routes. There are no specific treatments or interventions administered as it is an observational study. Participants are identified through visits or telephone contacts to participating centers. The study spans an average duration of one year to gather incidence and prevalence data. Participants will be monitored throughout the study to collect data on the occurrence and characteristics of acute intoxications. Researchers will assess the incidence and prevalence of intoxication in pediatric patients during the study period. Data collection includes social and care factors related to each case. The study ensures informed consent is acquired before including any child. Safety and follow-up are integral to the observational process to understand and eventually improve management of acute intoxications in children.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of timing for minimally invasive surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer. The study aims to determine whether delaying surgery from the standard 8 weeks to 12 weeks after chemoradiation influences the rate of complete tumor response and impacts disease-free and overall survival. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial involves 332 patients and will recruit over 5 years with follow-up continuing for 5 years after the last patient is enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to undergo robotic-assisted or standard laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery either 8 weeks or 12 weeks after completing chemoradiotherapy. Both groups will receive minimally invasive surgery techniques such as low anterior resection, intersphincteric resection, or abdominoperineal resection. The study includes a detailed preoperative workup and standard neoadjuvant chemo and radiation therapy. Surgical timing is the main variable being compared between the two groups. During the trial, participants will complete baseline questionnaires before starting treatment and will be monitored throughout the study. Researchers will assess pathological complete response approximately 8 to 12 weeks after treatment, along with disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life. Follow-up will continue for 5 years to evaluate long-term outcomes. Safety and adherence to treatment will be closely observed during the study period.