Screening of JAK2 V617F mutation in multiple myeloma.
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Genetic Testing↗
Biomedical subjects
E Rossi
Publications and source records attributed to E Rossi.
Is epirubicin effective in first-line chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after an epirubicin-containing adjuvant treatment? A single centre phase III trial.
The aim of the study was to demonstrate the superiority of docetaxel and epirubicin vs docetaxel alone as first-line therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients pretreated with adjuvant or neoadjuvant epirubicin. We compared single agent docetaxel 100 mg m-2 (D) with the combination of docetaxel 80 mg m-2 and epirubicin 75 mg m-2 (ED). The response rate (72 vs 79%), the progression-free survival (median 9 vs 11 months) and the overall survival (median 18 vs 21 months) were not significantly different between the ED (n=26) and D arms (n=25), respectively. Leucopaenia, nausea and stomatitis were significantly worse with ED. In conclusion, epirubicin should not be administered in combination with taxanes in metastatic breast cancer patients relapsed after an anthracycline-based adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy.
Adult↗
Patient compliance with homeopathic therapy.
The Homeopathic Clinic of the Campo di Marte Hospital, Lucca, Italy (the Homeopathic Reference Centre for Tuscany) registered a total of 1287 patients seen for the first time between September 1998 and 31 December 2004, of these 560 (43.5%) returned for a follow-up visit after a minimum interval of 2 months following the first consultation. In order to ascertain the reasons for patients not returning for follow-up consultations (drop-out) a telephone survey was carried out on every patient who had been seen during the period from 1 June 2002 to 31 May 2003, but had not returned for a follow-up visit. 73/104 eligible patients were contacted. 37/73 referred to the effectiveness of the treatment which led to an improvement in their state of health, naming this as the reason why they did not return for a follow-up visit.
Adult↗
Amputation neuroma following a circumcision: a case report.
We present a case of neuroma formation following the circumcision of an 11-year-old boy. Amputation neuroma is an extremely rare clinical finding. In the literature only a few cases of amputation neuroma have been reported, mainly located in the biliary tract, in the cystic duct, or in the main hepatic duct after cholecystectomy [1, 4, 8]. There are also few reported cases localised at the orbit, on the great auricular nerve [2], and in the neck after radical neck dissection for oral cancer [5, 7]. Neuroma formation has also been reported after digital amputation [6]. The only reported case of genital amputation neuroma is in a 27-year-old infibulated African woman [3].
Child↗
HER3 genomic gain and sensitivity to gefitinib in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is associated with activating mutations and genomic gain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Preclinical data suggested that HER3 overexpression increases sensitivity to TKIs. A total of 82 NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib (250 mg), and previously evaluated for EGFR and HER2 status by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and DNA sequencing, and for Phospho-Akt status by immunohistochemistry, were investigated for HER3 genomic gain by FISH. Patients with high polysomy and gene amplification were considered as HER3 FISH positive (+). HER3 FISH+ pattern was significantly associated with female gender (P=0.02) and never smoking history (P=0.02). Patients with HER3+ tumours (26.8%) had a significantly longer time to progression (3.7 vs 2.7, P=0.04) than patients with HER3- tumours, but not a significantly better response rate or survival. Patients with EGFR+/HER3+ tumours had higher objective response rate (36.4 vs 9.9%, P=0.03) and time to progression (7.7 vs 2.7 months, P=0.03) than patients with EGFR- and/or HER3- tumours, but no significantly longer survival. No difference in response was observed according to HER3 status in patients with EGFR+ tumours. Patients with HER2+/HER3+ tumours had similar outcome as patients with HER2- and/or HER3- tumours. Significantly different clinical end points were not observed between patients with HER3+/P-Akt+ and HER3- and/or P-Akt- tumours. Genomic gain for HER3 is not a marker for response or resistance to TKI therapy in advanced NSCLC patients.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Harm in homeopathy: aggravations, adverse drug events or medication errors?
BACKGROUND: The assessment of harm arising from the use of homeopathic medicine is much discussed, but there is little published data on the subject. AIM: To study prospectively adverse drug events related to homeopathic medicines. SETTING: The data were gathered between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004 during follow-up visits consecutively carried out at the Homeopathic Clinic, Campo di Marte Hospital, Azienda USL 2, Lucca (Italy). They refer to effects following the administration of a homeopathic medicine, prescribed according to the classical homeopathic method. METHODS: Reports collected by a homeopathic doctor (not the prescribing doctor) on the nature and intensity of the effect, dose and frequency of administration, time relationship between the drug use and the adverse events, challenge, unchallenge possible concomitant factors, causality (improbable, unlikely, possible, probable, certain). RESULTS: Out of 335 homeopathic consecutive follow-up visits between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004, nine adverse reactions were reported (2.68%) including one case of allergy to lactose, excipient of the granules. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events to homeopathic drugs exist and are distinguishable from homeopathic aggravations, but are rare and not severe.
Adolescent↗
Fresco paintings studied by unilateral NMR.
Unilateral NMR has been used to monitor the state of conservation of frescoes in the Vasari's house in Florence. The causes of deterioration of ancient frescoes are varied, which result in the detachment and crumbling of the painted film from the supporting plaster and in the outcropping of salts. Unilateral measurements of Hahn echo performed on such frescoes have allowed a perfect identification of the detachment of the painted film from the plaster. The presence of soluble salts on the pictorial film affects the spin-spin relaxation times, T(2). It is then possible using this technique, to characterize the effect of chemical treatments, of cleansing and consolidation procedures using the distribution of T(2) spin-spin relaxation times.
Journal Article↗
The risk of thrombosis in patients with acute leukemia: occurrence of thrombosis at diagnosis and during treatment.
BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism can occur during acute leukemia, especially acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) treated with L-asparaginase. Yet, most reports are anecdotical and scarce data are available on the risk of thrombosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of thrombosis in patients with acute leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three-hundred and seventy-nine consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia were recruited in an observational cohort study conducted from January 1994 to December 2003. Diagnosis was ALL in 69 patients, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; FAB subtype M3) in 31, and non-M3 AML in 279. All first or recurrent symptomatic thromboembolic events objectively diagnosed were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients of the overall 379 (6.3%; 95% CI 4.1%-9.2%) had a first thrombosis, venous in 80% of the cases and arterial in 20%. At diagnosis, thrombosis was a presenting manifestation in 13 cases (3.4% of the whole cohort): 1.4% in ALL, 9.6% in APL, and 3.2% in non-M3 AML patients. Follow-up was carried out on 343 patients without thrombosis at diagnosis and further 11 thrombotic events (3.2%) were recorded. At 6 months from diagnosis, the cumulative incidence of thrombosis was 10.6% in ALL, 8.4% in APL, and 1.7% in non-M3 AML patients. The patients who received L-asparaginase had a 4.9-fold increased risk of thrombosis in comparison with those who did not (95% CI 1.5-16.0). The fatality rate due to thrombosis was 0.8%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute leukemia, the risk of thrombosis is not negligible. Thombosis can be a presenting symptom at diagnosis in a significant portion of cases with APL (9.6%) and non-M3 AML (3.2%); a similar rate of thrombosis can occur during the subsequent course of the disease. The incidence of symptomatic thrombosis at diagnosis is relatively low in ALL patients (1.4%), but is significantly increased by further treatment up to 10.6%. Strategies of antithrombotic prophylaxis should be investigated in this setting.
Acute Disease↗
Fungicide residues in pears and apples after post harvest treatments by drencher.
Aim of this trial was to verify the residues of two fungicides, already authorised for the use in field (the admitted maximum limit of residues have been fixed), after post harvest treatments on pears and apples for defence against main post harvest rots. The use of formulation in post harvest must consider also the technique of product application. In fact there are different systems to carry out the treatments for the protection of the commodities during cold storage. In this trial two formulations of pyrimethanil and imazalil were applied by drencher on pome fruit.
Consumer Product Safety↗
Fungicide residues in pears, apples and grapes after post harvest treatments by thermonebulization.
In the context of trials conducted in cold store, in order to investigate efficacy of fruit protection applying agrochemicals, the fate during the storage of two active ingredients (a.i.): pyrimethanil and imazalil, have been studied. The experimental trials were done on eight varieties of apples and pears and two of grapes. Only field use of named pesticides was already authorised on fruits and maximum residue limits (MRL) fixed. In the present biennial experimentation (apples and pears in the first year; grapes in the second one). Two fungicides formulations were applied and treatments have been executed by thermonebulization technique. The storage cell, had a volume of 110 m3 filled up with the fruits until 80% of its capacity. Each fruit variety constituted one thesis of 4 replicates. For each trial, only one treatment was performed at the beginning of conservation period (72 days for pears and apples, and 57 days for grapes). In order to estimate fungicides persistence, residues determinations have been carried out. From results obtained especially on grape, not homogenous residues distribution on treated commodities was observed. For all theses, residue level has not evidenced statistically significant decrement as function of time, behaviour not as observed in field tests. The following average values of residues have been determined: in apples and pears, 0.7 mg/kg of imazalil much lower than 5 mg/kg (RML fixed for field use), and 1.2 mg/kg of pyrimethanil little higher than 1 mg/kg (RML fixed for field use); in grapes 0.5 mg/kg pyrimethanil much lower than 3 mg/kg (RML fixed for field use).
Consumer Product Safety↗
Reduced breast cancer risk with increasing serum folate in a case-control study of the C677T genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene.
Breast cancer risk may be associated with folate status or the C677T genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. We compared serum folate concentrations and C677T genotype in 141 breast cancer patients and 109 age-matched controls. Serum folate was significantly lower in cases compared to controls (geometric means, 5.7 versus 6.6 microg/l; P=0.005). Breast cancer risk was not associated with C677T genotype. After adjusting for age of menarche, parity, alcohol intake and total fat intake we observed reductions in odds ratios for breast cancer risk comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of serum folate concentrations of 0.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09, 0.54) for the entire group, 0.27 (CI 0.09, 0.80) for the wild-type and 0.08 (CI 0.01, 0.52) for the heterozygous C677T genotype. We conclude that for the whole group, and the wild-type and heterozygous C677T genotypes, increased serum concentrations of folate were associated with reduced risks of breast cancer.
Adult↗
Glycoprotein Ia C807T gene polymorphism and increased risk of recurrent acute coronary syndromes: a five year follow up.
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Angina, Unstable↗
Ring chromosome 10 (p15q26) in a patient with unipolar affective disorder, multiple minor anomalies, and mental retardation.
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Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Neuroprotection by complement (C1) inhibitor in mouse transient brain ischemia.
The authors investigated the effect of the C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), the only known inhibitor of complement C1, in a murine model of transient focal ischemia. Ischemia was induced by intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. After 2 hours, reperfusion was produced by removing the nylon monofilament occluding the artery. The effect of 15 U C1-INH (intravenously) was evaluated in terms of general and focal neurologic deficits, ischemic volume, neutral red staining (to identify the brain areas subject to ischemic damage), and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (to show astrocytic response). Forty-eight hours after ischemia, C1-INH significantly improved general and focal deficits by 36% and 54%, respectively, and significantly reduced infarct volume (CI-INH, 6.69% +/- 2.93%; saline, 24.24% +/- 8.24%) of total brain. Neutral red staining further showed the strong protective effect of C1-INH in cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Astrocyte activation induced by ischemia was not affected by C1-INH. These findings show that C1-INH displayed a potent neuroprotective action by effectively reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Animals↗
The bioinformatics of psychosocial genomics in alternative and complementary medicine.
The bioinformatics of alternative and complementary medicine is outlined in 3 hypotheses that extend the molecular-genomic revolution initiated by Watson and Crick 50 years ago to include psychology in the new discipline of psychosocial and cultural genomics. Stress-induced changes in the alternative splicing of genes demonstrate how psychosomatic stress in humans modulates activity-dependent gene expression, protein formation, physiological function, and psychological experience. The molecular messengers generated by stress, injury, and disease can activate immediate early genes within stem cells so that they then signal the target genes required to synthesize the proteins that will transform (differentiate) stem cells into mature well-functioning tissues. Such activity-dependent gene expression and its consequent activity-dependent neurogenesis and stem cell healing is proposed as the molecular-genomic-cellular basis of rehabilitative medicine, physical, and occupational therapy as well as the many alternative and complementary approaches to mind-body healing. The therapeutic replaying of enriching life experiences that evoke the novelty-numinosum-neurogenesis effect during creative moments of art, music, dance, drama, humor, literature, poetry, and spirituality, as well as cultural rituals of life transitions (birth, puberty, marriage, illness, healing, and death) can optimize consciousness, personal relationships, and healing in a manner that has much in common with the psychogenomic foundations of naturalistic and complementary medicine. The entire history of alternative and complementary approaches to healing is consistent with this new neuroscience world view about the role of psychological arousal and fascination in modulating gene expression, neurogenesis, and healing via the psychosocial and cultural rites of human societies.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Copper as indicator of agroenvironmental effects of various crop protection techniques used in Lazio, Italy. Verification in the areas of Maccarese, Terracina and Cisterna of Latina.
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Copper↗
Presence of plant protection products in three agricultural areas of Regione Lazio.
Aim of the research was to verify the impact of plant protection products on three significant agricultural areas of Regione Lazio: Maccarese, Cisterna di Latina, Sabaudia-Terracina. This research studied the presence of some active ingredients, indicated by technicians as distributed, on soil, water, crop and air samples, the last one in greenhouse; the analysis, carried out by multi-residue methods, allowed to investigate also on a large amount of active ingredients not indicated by technicians. The determinations have been obtained, using internal standards, by GC-NPD, GC-ECD, HPLC-UV, HPLC-DAD, with different columns, conditions and wavelength of adsorption. Taking into account the results we could to assert that only a small part of the molecules searched were found in the samples and that they are typical for the crops and the environment treated. In greenhouse, more persistence was founded in wood greenhouse, treated from the outside, probably for the release of a.i. in time from wood and for a better distribution. The active ingredients more frequently founded must be controlled to avoid possible accumulation or leaching, especially for herbicides in the areas of Maccarese and Cisterna di Latina. Furthermore, the molecule on which more attention must be done when applied, are: linuron on carrots, penconazole on zucchini and cymoxanil, often used inappropriately, particularly on minor crops, like red-radish. Although the number of sampling was limited, it has been possible to outline the situation in the three zones considered, for directing choices, that could be more sensible at sanitary spin-off and at the environment.
Air Pollutants↗
Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological diseases.
BACKGROUND: We reviewed retrospectively the records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) at our institution for a wide range of hematological disorders. We compared our experience to those reported in the literature and analyzed various aspects of the treatment that are still under discussion and in need of confirmation, such as the treatment of malignant blood diseases, the indication in case of splenomegaly, and the adequacy of the detection of accessory spleens. METHODS: Between June 1997 and June 2001, we performed 43 LS. The patients were classified into three groups according to clinical diagnosis: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (n = 23), hemolytic anemia (HA) (n = 5), and hematological malignancy (HM) (n = 15). Statistical analyses were done to compare the three groups. RESULTS: LS was completed in 41 patients, with a conversion rate of 5%. Splenomegaly was present in 37% of all patients (73% of HM). Mean operative time was 128 min. The incidence of accessory spleens was 20%. A concomitant laparoscopic procedure was done in three cases (cholecystectomy). Postoperative complications occurred in eight patients (18%). Duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, transfusions rate, and some demographics features, such as age and spleen weight and length, were significantly different in each group. No deaths were attributed to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The statistical analysis of our series shows that, the laparoscopic approach reliable even in the management of malignant and nonmalignant blood diseases.
Adolescent↗