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G Masala

Publications and source records attributed to G Masala.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Two cases of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Sardinia, Italy confirmed by PCR.

In this work we report the first two cases of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) in Sardinia. In early September 2004, a 69-year-old woman (patient 1) was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Institute of Sassari for rickettsiosis like-syndrome: high fever (39.5-40 degrees C), dyspnea, reduced consciousness, vomiting, and cutaneous rash. In late September 2004, a 30-year-old man (patient 2) with high fever was admitted for an evident palmar and oral erythema, edema of the labium, very intense arthralgia, myalgia, and dyspnea. In these two hospitalized patients, the diagnosis was made through indirect IgM and IgG immunofluorescent technique and confirmed by the presence of the specific DNA in the leukocytes. The two patients were A. phagocytophilum-PCR positive.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Role of Chlamydophila abortus in ovine and caprine abortion in Sardinia, Italy.

Between 1999-2003, 14321 sera and 646 abortion samples (498 foetuses and 148 placentae) were analysed from 807 sheep and goat farms distributed all over the island of Sardinia. After notification of abortion in a flock, sera collected at random from adult animals were examined to detect antibodies specific to Chlamydophila (C.) abortus by ELISA, whereas foetuses and placenta were analysed by PCR assay. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 611 (4.8%) sheep and 106 (5.8%) goats. From a total of 2050 ovine and 151 caprine fetal samples including muscle, liver, abomasum, spleen, brain and placenta, 29 (1.4%) ovine and 1 (0.6%) caprine samples were C. abortus PCR-positive. Placenta was the tissue with the highest detection rate. These results indicate that the seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in sheep and goats is very low in Sardinia, and PCR results demonstrate that C. abortus has no significant role in abortion, especially in goats.

Aborted Fetus↗
PubMed2005

Interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a high-risk Italian population.

OBJECTIVES: Host genetic factors, including the IL1 gene cluster, play a key role in determining the long-term outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between selected IL1 loci polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in an Italian population. METHODS: In a case-control study we compared the IL1B-31 and IL1B+3954 biallelic and IL1RN pentaallelic variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms in 185 gastric cancer patients and 546 controls randomly sampled from the general population of an area at high gastric cancer risk (Tuscany, Central Italy). RESULTS: Genotype frequencies of the IL1B-31 T/C, IL1B+3954 C/T, and IL1RN polymorphisms among our population controls were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In multivariate analyses, no increase in gastric cancer risk was observed for the IL1B-31*C- and IL1B+3954*T- carriers; a significant 50% increase emerged for IL1RN*2 allele carriers (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01-2.21). Analyses based on combined genotypes showed also that the association with IL1RN*2 allele was limited to two-variant allele carriers who were also homozygous for the IL1B-31*T allele (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.18-4.23) with a statistically significant interaction between these two genotypes (p= 0.043). Haplotype analysis showed an increased risk for the haplotype IL1RN*2/IL1B-31*T. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that host genetic factors (such as the IL1RN and the IL1B-31 polymorphisms) interact in the complex process of gastric carcinogenesis in this high-risk Italian population. Overall, this effect appears more modest than previously reported in other populations, supporting the hypothesis that other still-to-be-defined factors are important in gastric carcinogenesis. These findings might be due to a haplotype effect.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2004

Divergent patterns of total and cancer mortality in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients: the Florence IBD study 1978-2001.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Two divergent patterns of mortality for smoking related diseases in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients were suggested in a previous population based study in Florence, Italy. Long term follow up (median 15 years) was completed to re-evaluate mortality in this Mediterranean cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 920 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were followed until December 2001 or death, with seven patients (0.8%) lost to follow up. A total of 14 040 person years were available for analysis; 118 deaths were observed (81/689 in ulcerative colitis and 37/231 in Crohn's disease). Expected deaths were estimated using age, sex, and calendar specific national and local mortality rates; standardised mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Among Crohn's disease patients, mortality was strongly increased for gastrointestinal diseases (SMR 4.49 (95% CI 1.80-9.25)), all cancers (SMR 2.10 (95% CI 1.22-3.36)), and lung cancer (SMR 4.00 (95% CI 1.60-8.24)), leading to a significant 50% excess total mortality. Ulcerative colitis patients showed a significantly reduced total mortality because of lower cardiovascular (SMR 0.67 (95% CI 0.45-0.95)) and lung cancer (SMR 0.32 (95% CI 0.07-0.95)) mortality. No significant excess for colorectal cancer mortality was evident in this extended follow up. CONCLUSIONS: These clearly divergent patterns of mortality correlate with documented differences in smoking habits between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Family doctors and gastroenterologists should consider stopping cigarette smoking a specific priority for Crohn's disease patients; the latter should be offered free participation in structured programmes for smoking cessation, with the aim of reducing smoking related excess mortality. Overall, no evidence of an increased mortality for large bowel cancer emerged in this series.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Survey of ovine and caprine toxoplasmosis by IFAT and PCR assays in Sardinia, Italy.

During the period 1999-2002, we have analyzed 9639 serum samples and 815 aborted samples (670 fetuses and 145 placenta) from 964 ovine and caprine farms distributed over all Sardinia island. After abortion notification, sera collected at random from adult animals were examined to detect simultaneously IgG and IgM antibodies specific to Toxoplasma gondii by indirect immunofluorescence assay, whereas fetuses and placenta were analyzed by a single tube nested PCR assay. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 2048 (28.4%) sheep and 302 (12.3%) goats, specific IgM antibodies were found in 652 (9%) sheep and 139 (5.6%) goats. From a total of 2471 ovine and 362 caprine fetal samples including muscle, liver, abomasum, spleen, brain and placenta, 271 (11.1%) ovine and 23 (6.4%) caprine samples were T. gondii PCR-positive. Although T. gondii DNA was amplified from different types of tissues, placenta was the tissue with the highest detection rate. On the one hand, these results indicate that the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats is relatively high, on the other PCR results demonstrate that T. gondii has a significant role in ovine and caprine abortion. Adequate management might be useful and essential to control the toxoplasmosis in the sheep and goats herds of Sardinia.

Aborted Fetus↗
PubMed2003

Delayed infection, late tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy and adult leukaemia: a case-control study.

In a population-based case-control study among adults in Italy, of 261 lymphoid and 313 myeloid leukaemias and 1718 controls, a later age at adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy (after age 10 years) increased considerably the risk of lymphocytic (but not myeloid) leukaemia (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-16.2). We propose that late infection is a proliferative stimulus for B-cells.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed2003

Ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in a canine population of Northern Sardinia.

Ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis are very common, widespread diseases. These diseases are present in Sardinia year round because its temperate weather permits the survival of many kinds of tick vectors. A thousand dogs were subjected to physical, hematological, biochemical examinations and serological tests. All 1,000 sera were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test to detect antibodies against E. canis and R. rickettsii. A high seroprevalence (about 50%) was detected for both etiological agents, without differences in relation to sex, breed, or usage. A high seroprevalence, corresponding to 62.5% for ehrlichiosis and 64% for rickettsiosis, was observed in the age group of 13-60 months. The mortality was greatest in the males in the age group, which manifested the disease in the chronic phase.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Helicobacter pylori infection, anti-cagA antibodies and peptic ulcer: a case-control study in Italy.

AIM: To evaluate the association between infection with specific strains of Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer in patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: One thousand, six hundred and twenty-six consecutive dyspeptic patients, referred to one Endoscopy Unit in Bologna, Italy, were enrolled. For each participant, a blood sample was obtained for the measurement of distinct immunoglobulin G antibodies against H. pylori lysate and cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA). A case-control study included the whole series: patients diagnosed with duodenal (n=275) or gastric (n=71) ulcer were identified and independently compared with controls with non-ulcer dyspepsia (n=1280). RESULTS: H. pylori seroprevalence (at least one positive marker) was associated with increasing age, male sex and a diagnosis of peptic ulcer. This association was stronger with duodenal ulcer (multivariate odds ratio (OR), 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.5-7.9) than with gastric ulcer (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4). Further analyses showed that H. pylori lysate+/cagA- subjects had a moderately increased risk of duodenal (OR, 3.2), but not gastric (OR, 1.1), ulcer. When cagA+ subjects were separately compared with seronegative patients, there was a six-fold increased risk for duodenal ulcer and a three-fold increased risk for gastric ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: A strong positive association between infection with a cagA+ H. pylori strain and the presence of peptic disease was found. The seroprevalence of anti-cagA antibodies among patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia is so high (41%) to preclude its use as a pre-endoscopic screening test.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Meat consumption in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts: results from 24-hour dietary recalls.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate meat intake patterns in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts. DESIGN AND SETTING: 24-Hour dietary recalls were assessed within the framework of a prospective cohort study in 27 centres across 10 European countries by means of standardised computer-assisted interviews. SUBJECTS: In total, 22 924 women and 13 031 men aged 35-74 years. RESULTS: Mean total meat intake was lowest in the 'health-conscious' cohort in the UK (15 and 21 g day-1 in women and men, respectively) and highest in the north of Spain, especially in San Sebastian (124 and 234 g day-1, respectively). In the southern Spanish centres and in Naples (Italy), meat consumption was distinctly lower than in the north of these countries. Central and northern European centres/countries showed rather similar meat consumption patterns, except for the British and French cohorts. Differences in the intake of meat sub-groups (e.g. red meat, processed meat) across EPIC were even higher than found for total meat intake. With a few exceptions, the Mediterranean EPIC centres revealed a higher proportion of beef/veal and poultry and less pork or processed meat than observed in central or northern European centres. The highest sausage consumption was observed for the German EPIC participants, followed by the Norwegians, Swedish, Danish and Dutch. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate distinct differences in meat consumption patterns between EPIC centres across Europe. This is an important prerequisite for obtaining further insight into the relationship between meat intake and the development of chronic diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

DNA adduct levels and DNA repair polymorphisms in traffic-exposed workers and a general population sample.

Peripheral blood DNA adducts have been considered an acceptable surrogate for target tissues and possibly predictive of cancer risk. A group of 114 workers exposed to traffic pollution and a random sample of 100 residents were drawn from the EPIC cohort in Florence, a population recently shown to present increased DNA adduct levels (Palli et al., Int J Cancer 2000;87:444-51). DNA bulky adducts and 3 DNA repair gene polymorphisms were analyzed in peripheral leukocytes donated at enrollment, by using (32)P-postlabeling and PCR methods, respectively. Adduct levels were significantly higher for traffic workers among never smokers (p = 0.03) and light current smokers (p = 0.003). In both groups, urban residents tended to show higher levels than those living in suburban areas, and a seasonal trend emerged with adduct levels being highest in summer and lowest in winter. Traffic workers with at least 1 variant allele for XPD-Lys751Gln polymorphism had significantly higher levels in comparison to workers with 2 common alleles (p = 0.02). A multivariate analysis (after adjustment for age, season, area of residence, smoking, XPD-Lys751Gln genotype and antioxidant intake) showed a significant 2-fold association between occupational exposure and higher levels of adducts (odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.2), in agreement with recent pooled estimates of increased lung cancer risk for similar job titles. Our results suggest that traffic workers and the general population in Florence are exposed to high levels of genotoxic agents related to vehicle emissions. Photochemical pollution in warmer months might be responsible for the seasonal trend of genotoxic damage in this Mediterranean urbanized area.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Red meat, family history, and increased risk of gastric cancer with microsatellite instability.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs frequently in sporadic gastric cancer (GC) and may define a distinctive molecular pathway of carcinogenesis. We evaluated the role of dietary risk factors in GC according to MSI status. A large series of 382 GC cases and 561 controls were originally identified in a population-based case-control study carried out in the high-risk area around Florence, Italy; 126 GC patients were typed for MSI status. A MSI+ phenotype was detected in 43 of 126 cases (34.1%), whereas 83 cases were classified as MSI-. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to compare the two subgroups of GC classified according to MSI status in the same analysis, with all of the available population controls. A case-case approach was also used. The risk of MSI+ tumors was positively associated with high consumption of red meat and meat sauce and negatively associated with consumption of white meat. A positive association was also seen with total protein and nitrite intake, whereas no relation was found with micronutrient intake. Risk was especially high among subjects reporting both a positive GC family history and a high consumption of red meat (odds ratio, 25.7; 95% confidence interval, 6.4-102.8). For MSI- tumors, a significant protective effect was associated with frequent consumption of citrus and other fresh fruit, garlic, legumes, vegetables, and olive oil and with high intake of beta-carotene and other antioxidants and sugar, whereas positive associations were seen with protein and sodium intake. In summary, a specific dietary pattern emerged for MSI+ gastric tumors, suggesting that factors related to red meat consumption are involved in this pathway, particularly among individuals with a positive family history. In contrast, the risk of MSI- tumors was strongly reduced by the frequent consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The risk of second malignant tumors and its consequences for the overall survival of Hodgkin's disease patients and for the choice of their treatment at presentation: analysis of a series of 1524 cases consecutively treated at the Florence University Hospital.

PURPOSE: To quantify the incidence of second malignant tumors (SMT) as a whole and that of second "solid" tumors (SST) and leukemia (L) in a large series of 1524 Hodgkin's disease (HD) patients (pts) treated at the Florence University Hospital (UFH); to define the clinical and therapeutic features possibly related with SMT occurrence; to evaluate the consequences of SMT for the overall survival of the series studied and for the choice of the treatment of HD at presentation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 1960 to 1991, 1524 pts with HD, Clinical Stage (CS) I--IV have been treated at the UFH. Overall treatment consisted of radiation alone (RT, 36%), chemotherapy alone (CHT, 21%), or both (RT + CHT, 43%). The cumulative probability (CP) of SMT, SST, and L was calculated for the whole series and for the different clinical and therapeutic subgroups, and the results compared with uni- and multivariate analysis ("internal" comparison, IC). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for different SMT types (estimated on the basis of gender, age, period specific incidence rates of the general population) have been also calculated ("external" comparison, EC). The impact of the SMT-related mortality on the survival of the entire series has been estimated. RESULTS: A 14.9% 20-year CP of SMT was registered, along with a SIR of 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2--2.5). Both IC and EC showed a statistically significant relationship between L incidence and treatment with CHT, alone or in combination with RT. A significant excess of breast cancers has been observed in RT-treated patients with longer follow-up (SIR, 2.9); an excess of other common SST (lung, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas) is evident in pts treated with either RT, RT + CHT, or CHT. The actuarial long-term survival of the series would have been better of about 3%, in absence of the SMT mortality possibly due to HD treatment, which is almost equally divided between patients treated with RT alone, CHT alone, and RT + CHT. CONCLUSIONS: SMT represent an important late event in HD long-term survivors. The relationship between L and treatment with CHT seems to be the most clearly defined. The effect of SMT on the survival of the entire series, although not negligible, does not seem to justify by itself substantial alterations in the current standards for the treatment of HD at presentation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Smoking and hematolymphopoietic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Tobacco use is the most prominent cause of respiratory cancers. Little is known, however, about the influence of smoking on hematolymphopoietic malignancies. To evaluate this relation, a population-based case-control study was carried out in 12 areas of Italy. METHODS: Detailed interviews on tobacco smoking habits were administered to 1450 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), 365 Hodgkin's disease (HD), 270 multiple myeloma (MM), and 649 leukemia (LEU) patients occurring from 1990 to 1993, and 1779 population controls. RESULTS: We found a slightly increased risk for NHL in smokers (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0-1.4 for ever smokers), but a consistent positive association was shown only for follicular NHL. In this subtype, a significant excess risk was observed for ever versus never smokers, after adjustment for gender, age, geographic residence, education, and respondent (OR = 1.8, 95%, CI 1.3-2.7), with a positive exposure-response gradient for smoking duration (p < 0.01). The risk for follicular NHL was significantly elevated only among women, with ever smokers showing OR = 2.3 (CI 1.4-3.8), while for men we found OR = 1.3 (CI 0.69-2.3). No major differences were shown according to age. Female subjects also showed significant positive exposure-response trends for duration. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking could be a risk factor for follicular NHL among women. For HD, MM, or LEU, no clear association was observed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The Loiano-Monghidoro population-based study of Helicobacter pylori infection: prevalence by 13C-urea breath test and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: As part of a cross-sectional study on cholelithiasis, 1533 out of 1840 residents in Loiano/Monghidoro, a rural area in Northern Italy (792 men, 741 women, age range 28-80 years), agreed to be further evaluated in relation to their Helicobacter pylori status. METHODS: Each participant performed a 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) and provided information on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The 13C-UBT was positive in 1041 subjects (67.9%; men: 69%; women: 67%) and was positively associated with increasing age (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P < 0.01), a higher number of siblings (P < 0.001) and a personal history of peptic ulcer (P < 0.01), but inversely with a nonmanual occupation (P < 0.001). Overall, H. pylori infection was unrelated to smoking, house pets, and a family history of gastroduodenal diseases. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 72% in subjects reporting one or more dyspeptic symptoms and 65% among asymptomatic participants (P < 0.001); a multivariate analysis showed that only epigastric pain was significantly, although weakly, associated with 13C-UBT positivity. CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based study showed a prevalence of H. pylori infection higher than that reported by serologic surveys in urban areas. Current H. pylori infection was strongly associated with indicators of lower socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption and increasing age. A role of H. pylori infection in determining epigastric pain was suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A multicenter case-control study in Italy on hematolymphopoietic neoplasms and occupation.

We conducted a population-based, case-control study on hematolymphopoietic malignancies in 12 areas in Italy to investigate associations between different hematolymphopoietic malignancies and exposure to solvents and pesticides. We collected all incident cases 20-74 years of age from 12 areas, with a combined population of approximately 7 million residents. The control group was formed by a random sample of the study population. Data presented in this paper refer to 2,737 interviewed cases of 3,357 eligible cases and to 1,779 of 2,391 eligible controls. We analyzed risks associated with occupation using job-title information to evaluate disease pattern according to job category. An earlier publication presented results for women; here, we report the findings for men and discuss the overall patterns in both genders. The most consistent overall finding was an approximate doubling in relative risk for all four types of malignancies among male managers and related occupations. Several additional occupations were associated with elevated risk of one or more malignancies among men. These included cooks, waiters, and bartenders, and building caretakers and cleaners, for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; textile workers and machinery fitters for Hodgkin's lymphoma; metal processors, material handlers, rubber workers, and painters for leukemia; and hairdressers, metal processors, tailors, electrical workers, and plumbers for multiple myeloma. The finding of increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among both male and female cooks, waiters, and bartenders has not been previously reported; nor has the elevated risk of leukemia among material handlers. Among people engaged in agriculture, those employed as tractor drivers and as "orchard, vineyard, and related tree and shrub workers" appeared to be at increased risk for hematolymphopoietic malignancies.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Diet, metabolic polymorphisms and dna adducts: the EPIC-Italy cross-sectional study.

DNA adducts in peripheral leukocytes are considered a reliable indicator of internal dose exposure to genotoxic agents and, possibly, of cancer risk. We investigated their association with diet and other individual characteristics in healthy adults. The prospective study EPIC-Italy, a section of a larger European project, enrolled 47,749 men and women, aged 35-64 years, in 5 centres: all provided individual information about dietary and life-style habits and a blood sample. In a cross-sectional study, approximately 100 volunteers were randomly selected from each of the three main geographical study areas (Northern, Central and Southern Italy). DNA adducts and four polymorphic metabolic genotypes were determined in peripheral leukocytes by using (32)P-postlabelling technique and PCR methods. Among 309 subjects (153 men), 72.8% had detectable levels of DNA adducts (mean: 8.1 +/- 0.6 per 10(9) nucleotides). Strong negative associations emerged with the reported frequency of consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and the intake of antioxidants. DNA adducts were higher in subjects with GSTT1 null genotype (p = 0.05). Significant differences between study centres emerged in multivariate analyses (mean levels: 11.0, 10.0, 7.2, 6.5 and 5.2 for Florence, Naples, Turin, Varese and Ragusa, respectively). A possible opposite seasonal variation was found according to latitude: adduct levels tended to be lower in winter in Florence and the southern centres, and during summer in the two northern centres. Frequent consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables is associated with reduced levels of DNA adducts, possibly contributing to the role of diet in modulating cancer risk.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hodgkin's disease risk is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: All patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) residing in Florence, Italy, in 1978-1992 were identified and included in a population-based study of cancer risk evaluation. METHODS: A total of 920 patients were followed up (median, 11 years), and 64 newly diagnosed malignancies were identified by linkage to the local cancer registry. Expected cases were calculated on the basis of age- and sex-specific cancer incidence rates to estimate relative risks in comparison with the general population. RESULTS: Overall, cancer incidence rates were not increased. A significant excess risk of Hodgkin's disease was observed among patients with UC (standardized incidence ratio, 9.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-23.8). Respiratory tract cancers were significantly reduced to one fourth of the expected rate in patients with UC, but tended to be increased among patients with CD, who had a 50% higher risk of cancer at all sites. Only a nonsignificant, modestly increased risk of colorectal cancer was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A strongly increased risk of Hodgkin's disease was evident in this first cancer follow-up of a representative series of patients with UC in a Mediterranean country. Two divergent risk patterns of respiratory tract cancers, possibly explained by differences in smoking habits, emerged in the 2 inflammatory bowel diseases.

Adult↗