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Biomedical subjects

D Serraino

Publications and source records attributed to D Serraino.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Occupation and risk of Hodgkin's disease in north-east Italy.

The relationship between occupation and exposure to several occupational agents and Hodgkin's disease (HD) was investigated in a case-control study of 152 cases and 613 controls with acute diseases admitted to all hospitals in Pordenone province, north-east Italy. Among cases, there was a significant excess of individuals occupied in agriculture (odds ratio, OR for greater than 10 years = 2.2, 95% confidence interval, CI:1.3-3.7), who were exposed to livestock and meat processing (OR = 3.4, 95% CI:1.7-6.6), herbicides and pesticides (OR = 3.2, 95% CI:1.6-6.5). When the relationship between agriculture and specific exposures was assessed, it appeared that contact with some still unidentified animal-related agent involved in livestock farming and meat processing may be at least as important in determining HD risk as exposure to herbicides and pesticides and, probably, more important than occupation in agriculture per se.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Socio-economic indicators, infectious diseases and Hodgkin's disease.

The relationship between socio-economic indicators, family size, history of tonsillectomy, infectious mononucleosis (IM) and other diseases and the risk of Hodgkin's disease (HD) was investigated in a hospital-based case-control study, conducted in the province of Pordenone, North-east Italy, between June, 1985 and March, 1990. One hundred and fifty-two HD cases (88 men and 64 women) and 613 controls (357 men and 256 women) were interviewed. Patients with 14 or more years of education had a 2-fold increased HD risk (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.0-3.9); such risk tended to be higher in patients with nodular sclerosis (NS) HD (odds ratio, OR: 4.4, 95% CI 1.8-11.0). Sibship size, birth order and tonsillectomy were not associated with HD risk. Cases and controls did not differ in the frequency or age at occurrence of common childhood infections. A history of IM, however, was found to be an important predictor of HD risk, in particular among NS HD (OR = 13.1, 95% CI 1.0-176.7). Past episodes of herpes zoster and of skin and genital warts were also associated with significantly increased HD risks. These data lend further support to the role of the IM agent (i.e., the Epstein-Barr virus) and, perhaps, of other viral infections and immunological alterations in the development of HD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Nutrition and cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in north-east Italy.

The relation between dietary indicators and the risk of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx was investigated in a case-control study conducted in Pordenone province, north-east Italy, on 302 cases (266 males and 36 females) and 699 controls admitted to hospital for acute, non-neoplastic and non-digestive disorders. Positive associations were observed, after allowing for occupation, smoking and drinking habits, with more frequent consumption of pasta or rice, polenta, cheese, eggs and pulses (odds ratios - ORs = 1.6, 2.1, 1.9, 1.9 and 2.0 for highest vs. lowest tertile), whereas reduced ORs emerged in subjects reporting more frequent consumption of carrots, fresh tomatoes and green peppers (ORs = 0.6, 0.5 and 0.5, respectively). Higher frequency of daily meals was also associated with a significantly elevated OR (1.7 for greater than or equal to 4 vs. less than or equal to 2 meals). The role of various indicator foods must be assessed in the context of the very high levels of alcohol consumption in the study area (greater than or equal to 8 alcoholic drinks/day in 2/3 cancer cases).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Expression of myelomonocytic antigens is associated with unfavourable clinicoprognostic factors in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The cross-lineage expression of five myelomonocytic antigens (CD11b, CD11c, CD13, CD14, and CD15) was analysed in neoplastic lymphocytes from 100 consecutive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) patients. CD14 antigen was detected on lymphocytes from more than 50% of patients whilst smaller percentages of samples were positive for CD11b (21%), CD11c (26%), CD13 (22%), and CD15 (7%). The presence of the CD13 antigen on neoplastic lymphocytes showed a statistically significant association with the two most important unfavourable clinicoprognostic factors in B-CLL: advanced clinical stage (CD13, P less than 0.01 by the Rai staging system; P less than 0.05 by the Binet staging system) and the diffuse pattern of bone marrow infiltration (CD13, P less than 0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the increased risk for CD13-positive patients (13.7-fold higher than CD13-negative cases; P = 0.001) of presenting a diffuse pattern of bone marrow infiltration is independent of all other prognostic factors analysed including sex, age, lymphocyte counts, and clinical stage. A statistically significant association of CD11c (P = 0.002) and CD11b (P = 0.032) expression with the pattern of bone marrow infiltration was also found. Our results indicate for the first time a statistically significant association of CD13, CD11c, and CD11b antigens with unfavourable prognostic factors in B-CLL. They suggest that the cross-lineage expression of myeloid-associated surface peptidase (CD13-aminopeptidase N) and/or cell adhesion molecules (CD11c-LeuCAMc, CD11b-LeuCAMb) may influence the biological and clinical behaviour of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of B cells.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

Non-occupational risk factors for adult soft-tissue sarcoma in northern Italy.

The role of socioeconomic and anthropometric indicators, tobacco, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and medical history in the etiology of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) was examined in a hospital-based case-control study, conducted in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy, between 1985 and 1990. A total of 88 STS cases (53 males and 35 females; median age: 52 years) and of 610 controls (306 males and 304 females; median age: 54 years) were interviewed. There were significant excess risks associated with a history of herpes zoster infection (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-5.3), chicken pox (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.2-4.3) and mumps in childhood (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.1-3.9). History of diabetes was also linked to a nonsignificant increase in STS risk (OR = 1.8, CI = 0.6-5.4), whereas exposure to radiation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes was not related to the probability of developing STS. None of the investigated socioeconomic and anthropometric indicators seemed to affect STS risk; neither did tobacco smoking, nor consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea beverages. Conversely, among the dietary habits investigated, a significant positive association emerged with an increasing frequency of consumption of dairy products (chi 2 for trend = 6.8, P less than 0.01) and oil (chi 2 for trend = 4.3, P less than 0.05), while a negative association was seen for intake of whole grain bread and pasta (OR for highest cf lowest tertile = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.9).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection in 581 intravenous drug users, northeast Italy, 1984-1988. The AIDS and Related Syndromes Study Group.

Prevalence and risk factors for human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus infection were assessed in 581 heterosexual intravenous drug users (IVDUs), recruited from eight public drug assistance centres in the northeast of Italy, an area at low risk for AIDS. The overall seroprevalence for HIV antibody was rather high, 39% (95% confidence interval (CI): 35-43%). HIV prevalence had risen from 32% in 1984-1985 to 52% in 1987-1988. Thirty-three per cent of female and 41% of male IVDUs had antibodies to HIV (p = 0.07). Seropositivity rates showed a strong east-west geographical gradient (from 16% to 60%, p = 0.005): IVDUs living in the western part of the study area had a nearly sevenfold higher risk of infection (odds ratio (OR) = 6.9, 95% CI: 4.4-13.9) than those living in the eastern part. Sharing of drug injection equipment (OR = 3.6), duration of drug addiction (OR = 2.6), use of heroin in high-incidence cities (OR = 2.3), use of cocaine in addition to heroin (OR = 1.5) and history of prostitution (OR = 2.3) increased the risk of acquiring HIV infection. Over the study period, the ORs associated with area of residence decreased, whereas those associated with the use of heroin in high-incidence cities and with prostitution increased.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Alcohol and breast cancer in an area with high alcohol consumption.

The association between alcohol drinking and breast cancer risk was investigated in 132 breast cancer cases and 499 controls with acute conditions unrelated to alcohol or any of the suspected risk factors for breast cancer, in an area which shows among the highest levels of alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol-related diseases in Europe (i.e. Pordenone Province, Northeastern part of Italy). Compared with non-drinkers, the multivariate odds ratio (OR) for ever drinkers was 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.8-2.6). The risks for wine (the almost exclusive source of alcohol in the present investigation) were 1.2 for up to 1 drink, 1.4 for up to two drinks, 1.9 for up to 3 and 1.6 for over 3 drinks per day. Time-related factors (i.e. drinking habit duration and age at start of drinking) did not seem to be risk indicators.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Smoking and drinking in relation to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus in northern Italy.

A hospital-based case-control study of upper aerodigestive tract tumors was conducted between June 1986 and June 1989 in Northern Italy. One hundred fifty-seven male cases of oral cavity cancer, 134 of pharyngeal cancer, 162 of laryngeal cancer, and 288 of esophageal cancer, and 1272 male inpatients with acute conditions unrelated to tobacco and alcohol were interviewed. Odds ratios for current smokers of cigarettes were 11.1 for oral cavity, 12.9 for pharynx, 4.6 for larynx, and 3.8 for esophagus. For all 4 sites, the risk increased with increasing number of cigarettes and duration of smoking habits and, with the exception of esophageal cancer, decreased with increasing age at the start of and years since quitting smoking. Smokers of pipes and cigars showed a more elevated risk of cancer of the oral cavity and esophagus than did cigarette smokers. Significantly increased risks emerged also in heavy drinkers (odds ratio greater than 60 versus greater than or equal to 19 drinks/week = 3.4, 3.6, 2.1, and 6.0 for oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, respectively), deriving predominantly from wine consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A case-control study of risk factor for renal cell cancer in northern Italy.

A hospital-based case-control study of renal cell cancer was conducted in northern Italy between 1986 and 1989, with 240 cases of renal cell cancer (150 males and 90 females), and 665 controls (445 males and 220 females) chosen on the basis of age, sex, and area of residence. No associations were found between renal cell cancer and: body mass index (BMI); number of cigarettes smoked; age at starting to smoke; years of smoking; consumption of wine, beer, spirits, coffee, decaffeinated coffee; tea; intake of animal protein, fruits, and vegetables; various reproductive factors; hormonal use; sexual habits; sexually transmitted diseases; or selected occupational exposures. The odds ratio (OR) was above unity in smokers (OR = 1.34 for greater than or equal to 15 cigarettes/day), but the trends in risk with dose or duration were not statistically significant. Significant positive associations were found between renal cell cancer and sources of fat intake, especially margarine (OR for highest vs lowest intake = 1.71), and oils (OR = 1.89) whereas carrot intake showed a negative association (OR = 0.62). Also, a history of nephrolithiasis and multiple episodes of cystitis showed weak positive associations (OR = 2.00, 95 percent confidence interval (CI) 1.07-3.73; and OR = 1.60, 95 percent CI 0.95-2.70, respectively).

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Head and neck cancer and ageing: a retrospective study in 438 patients.

To evaluate whether age over 70 years represents a prognostic factor in head and neck cancer, we reviewed all cases observed between 1981 and 1984. Four hundred and thirty-eight (438) patients were considered in relation to three age groups (less than or equal to 59, 60-69, and greater than or equal to 70 years, defined as non-elderly, mid-elderly and elderly respectively). The main parameters analyzed included histological diagnosis (no difference emerged among the three age groups); anatomical site (hypopharyngeal carcinoma was most frequent in non-elderly patients); TNM stage (an higher incidence of early stages was seen in the elderly); performance status (better in the non-elderly); previous illnesses (life-style related diseases were more frequent in the non-elderly); contraindications to surgery (more frequent in the elderly); surgical treatment ('en bloc' resections were more often employed in the non-elderly); post-operative complications and local control (no difference between the three groups); multiple primary malignancies (head and neck, oesophagus and lung were more frequent in non-elderly patients) and survival (no difference). Although age affects several features of head and neck cancer patients, it does not appear from the present study to be an independent prognostic factor for local control and survival. With regard to survival, stage appeared to be the most important prognostic factor.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

[Prevalence and determinants of HIV infection in 581 drug addicts in the Northeastern Italy, from 1984 to 1988].

Prevalence and determinants for human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus infection was assessed in 581 heterosexual intravenous drug users, recruited from public drug assistance centers in the northeast of Italy between 1984 and 1988. The overall seroprevalence rate for HIV antibody was 39% (95% confidence interval-CI-35-43%). HIV prevalence had risen from 32% in 1984-85 to 47% in 1986-88. Age was not associated with HIV infection risk, whereas gender was, women being at lower risk of infection than men (odds ratio-OR- = 0.7, 95% CI: 0,5-1.0). Seropositivity rates showed a strong east-west geographical gradient: intravenous drug users living in the western part of the study area had a nearly sevenfold higher risk of infection (95% CI = 4.4-13.9) than those living in the eastern part. Sharing of drug injection equipment was by far the most important risk factor. IVDUs who reported to always share injection equipment had a fourfold higher risk of HIV infection, as compared with those who never did (95% CI = 1.6-12.7). The duration of drug addiction (odds ratio = 2.6), the use of heroin in high-incidence cities (odds ratio = 2.3) and of cocaine in addition to heroin (odds ratio = 1.5) and the practice of prostitution (odds ratio = 2.3) were also important determinants of HIV infection. Over the study period, the odds ratios associated with area of residence decreased, whereas those associated with the use of heroin in high-incidence cities and with prostitution increased.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy syndrome vs "AIDS"--unrelated malignant lymphoma: comparison of presenting clinical and laboratory findings in 88 patients. AIDS and Related Syndromes Study Group.

The purpose of this report is to document and compare the presenting clinical and laboratory findings of 38 patients, all intravenous drug abusers, with pathologically documented persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), and of 50 patients with AIDS-unrelated malignant lymphoma (30 with Hodgkin's disease and 20 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). All patients, aged 40 years or less, consecutively seen since May 1984 in a single institution in Italy, have prospectively undergone a similar clinico-pathologic approach. In addition to a history of intravenous drug abuse and HIV serology, the results indicate that a history of infection in the previous year, night sweats, weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, beta 2 microglobuline, transaminase, T4/T8 ratio less than 1, and polyclonal hypergamma-globulinemia significantly increased among PGL patients compared with patients with AIDS-unrelated malignant lymphoma. In contrast, patients with malignant lymphoma had a significant increase in mediastinal lymph nodes, sedimentation rate, LDH, fibrinogen and anemia. Therefore, at this time of an AIDS epidemic, after histologic diagnosis of reactive lymphadenopathy has been performed in young patients presenting with generalized lymphadenopathy, a request for a second biopsy and other invasive procedures may be avoided if clinical and laboratory data suggest a PGL syndrome. If not already performed, HIV antibody detection should be carried out in this setting.

AIDS-Related Complex↗