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Amorosi A, Sammartino I. Predicting natural arsenic enrichment in peat-bearing, alluvial and coastal depositional systems: A generalized model based on sequence stratigraphy. Sci Total Environ 2024; 924:171571. [PMID: 38492587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hazardously high concentrations of arsenic exceeding the threshold limits for soils and drinking waters have been widely reported from Quaternary sedimentary successions and shallow aquifers of alluvial and coastal lowlands worldwide, raising public health concerns due to potential human exposure to arsenic. A combined sedimentological and geochemical analysis of subsurface deposits, 2.5-50 m deep, from the SE Po Plain (Italy) documents a systematic tendency for naturally-occurring arsenic to accumulate in peat-rich layers, with concentrations invariably greater than maximum permissible levels. A total of 366 bulk sediment samples from 40 cores that penetrated peat-bearing deposits were analysed by X-ray fluorescence. Arsenic concentrations associated with 7 peat-free lithofacies associations (fluvial-channel, levee/crevasse, floodplain, swamp, lagoon/bay, beach-barrier, and offshore/prodelta) exhibit background values invariably below threshold levels (<20 mg/kg). In contrast, total arsenic contents from peaty clay and peat showed 2-6 times larger As accumulation. A total of 204 near-surface (0-2.5 m) samples from modern alluvial and coastal depositional environments exhibit the same trends as their deeper counterparts, total arsenic peaking at peat horizons above the threshold values for contaminated soils. The arsenic-bearing, peat-rich Quaternary successions of the Po Plain accumulated under persisting reducing conditions in wetlands of backstepping estuarine and prograding deltaic depositional environments during the Early-Middle Holocene sea-level rise and subsequent stillstand. Contamination of the Holocene and underlying Pleistocene aquifer systems likely occurred through the release of As by microbially-mediated reductive dissolution. Using high-resolution sequence-stratigraphic concepts, we document that the Late Pleistocene-Holocene lithofacies architecture dictates the subsurface distribution of As. The "wetland trajectory", i.e. the path taken by the landward/seaward shift of peat-rich depositional environments during the Holocene, may help predict spatial patterns of natural As distribution, delineating the highest As-hazard zones and providing a realistic view of aquifer contamination even in unknown areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Irene Sammartino
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
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D'Ambrosio R, Piccinelli S, Beccalli B, Spinetti A, Puoti M, Fagiuoli S, Magni CF, Vavassori A, Sacchi P, Castaldi S, Bombardieri G, Farina C, Buoro S, Amorosi A, Corradin M, Cereda D, Lampertico P. A territory-wide opportunistic, hospital-based HCV screening in the general population from northern Italy: The 1969-1989 birth-cohort. Liver Int 2023; 43:2645-2656. [PMID: 37715524 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The World Health Organization (WHO) goal of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) elimination by 2030 rose awareness about the need of screening plans, worldwide. In Italy, graduated screening starting from people born in 1969-1989 might be the most-effective strategy. We performed an opportunistic HCV screening study in the general population attending health facilities in Lombardy region, Northern Italy. METHODS This is a prospective, multicenter, territory-wide, opportunistic study supported by the Regional Government of Lombardy, Italy. Between June 2022 and December 2022, all subjects born in 1969-1989, hospitalized or accessing blood collection centres were offered anti-HCV and HCV-RNA tests. Patients with known anti-HCV positivity and/or previous anti-HCV treatment were excluded. Demographic features were uploaded into a regional web-based platform. RESULTS In total, 120 193 individuals were screened in 75 centres. Mean age was 44 (±6) years, 65.2% were females, 83.7% were tested at blood collection centres. Anti-HCV tested positive in 604 (0.50%) subjects: mean age 47 (±5), 51.1% females. HCV seroprevalence was higher in males (p < 0.00001), elderly (p < 0.00001) and in- vs. outpatients (p = 0.0009). HCV-RNA was detectable in 125 out of 441 (28.3%) anti-HCV positive subjects. Actively infected patients were 46 (±6) years old, mainly males (56.8%). The overall prevalence of active HCV infection was 0.10%, higher in elderly (p = 0.0003) and in in-patients (p = 0.0007). Among 93 HCV-RNA positive patients, the median age was 48 years, 58% males, 62% Italian born, median HCV-RNA levels were 6,1 log IU/mL, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values 5.5 (3.1-29.9) kPa and ALT levels 48 U/L. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of active HCV infection in the 1969-1989 population attending health facilities in Lombardy was low. Most viremic patients were Italian-born, with mild liver disease but high-HCV-RNA levels. Due to the higher prevalence in the elderly, the extension of such opportunistic screening programs to lower birth cohorts would be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Angiola Spinetti
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, AAST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Department of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Sacchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Matteo di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Quality Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Bombardieri
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Centre for Liver Disease, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Di Martino A, Carlini G, Castellani G, Remondini D, Amorosi A. Sediment core analysis using artificial intelligence. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20409. [PMID: 37989779 PMCID: PMC10663584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Subsurface stratigraphic modeling is crucial for a variety of environmental, societal, and economic challenges. However, the need for specific sedimentological skills in sediment core analysis may constitute a limitation. Methods based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning can play a central role in automatizing this time-consuming procedure. In this work, using a robust dataset of high-resolution digital images from continuous sediment cores of Holocene age that reflect a wide spectrum of continental to shallow-marine depositional environments, we outline a novel deep-learning-based approach to perform automatic semantic segmentation directly on core images, leveraging the power of convolutional neural networks. To optimize the interpretation process and maximize scientific value, we use six sedimentary facies associations as target classes in lieu of ineffective classification methods based uniquely on lithology. We propose an automated model that can rapidly characterize sediment cores, allowing immediate guidance for stratigraphic correlation and subsurface reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Martino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 1, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Carlini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gastone Castellani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Remondini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 1, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Blandi L, Bertuccio P, Amorosi A, Clemens T, Brand H, Odone A. 20-Year trends of hospitalisation among people with dementia: a region-wide retrospective cohort study from Lombardy, Italy. Public Health 2023; 222:21-28. [PMID: 37499438 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the trends of hospitalisations among people with dementia, linking region-wide hospital and demographic health records. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study was conducted using hospitalisation health records from the Lombardy region in Italy. METHODS The study included people aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of dementia who were hospitalised between 2002 and 2020 in Lombardy, which is the most populated region in Italy with 10 million inhabitants. Using data on resident population, this study computed rates of hospitalisation by calendar year, age, sex and cause of hospitalisation. RESULTS In total, 340,144 hospitalised patients with dementia were included in the study. The rate of hospitalisation was 100.6 per 10,000 in 2002 and progressively decreased to 65.1 per 10,000 in 2020. The average age at hospitalisation in 2002 was 78.9 years for men and 81.8 years for women, which increased to 82.0 years and 84.2 years, respectively, in 2020. Respiratory diseases caused 10.4% of all hospitalisations in 2002 and grew steadily to 26.8% in 2020, becoming the leading cause of hospital admissions since 2017. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalisation patterns for people with dementia have changed over the last 20 years, reflecting evolving epidemiological trends and the impact of healthcare policies. Region-wide administrative health record data analysis should be further utilised to explore the health needs of people with dementia and inform the planning, implementation and monitoring of effective prevention strategies in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blandi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Welfare General Directorate, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy; Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - P Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Amorosi
- Welfare General Directorate, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - T Clemens
- Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - H Brand
- Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - A Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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5
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Blandi L, Amorosi A, Leoni O, Clemens T, Brand H, Odone A. The potential of digital health records for public health research, policy, and practice: the case of the Lombardy Region Data Warehouse. Acta Biomed 2023; 94:e2023121. [PMID: 37695185 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94is3.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Digital health records can provide advantages to healthcare practice, policy, and research. Several countries have established population-based digitalised data collection, integrated through data linkage techniques. In Lombardy (Italy), a regional population-based registry was established in the 2000s. It collects data from the social and health sector, anonymised immediately after their acquisition and restructured in a single repository. Data can be used for public health interest, planning, monitoring, services evaluation, and research. Indeed, data can also be provided to universities and other scientific institutes. The availability of such data enables to explore the epidemiology of infectious, chronic, and rare diseases. Thus, epidemiological research can support policymakers to tackle public health threats. However, analysis of electronic health records comes along with several challenges, including data inaccuracy, incompleteness, and biases. Researchers should take into consideration limits and barriers related to quality of data. Moreover, health data use must adhere to the national and European privacy legislation, at times limiting the potential of data integration. Therefore, even if big data drives innovation and scientific knowledge, ethical issues regarding privacy should be considered in public debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Blandi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Olivia Leoni
- Welfare General Directorate, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy.
| | - Timo Clemens
- Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Helmut Brand
- Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Blandi L, Amorosi A, Bertuccio P, Odone A. Trends of hospital admissions and mortality of patients with dementia: descriptive study in Lombardy. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac131.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In 2017 the amount of people globally affected by dementia was estimated about 50 million and is predicted to increase to 132 million by 2050. Coping with dementia is one of the most important challenges of governmental organizations’ agenda. The objective of this study is to analyse the hospital admissions trends and monitor the overall mortality in a population of older patients with dementia over the last two decades in northern Italy.
Methods
This study is based on the healthcare utilization database of the Lombardy region (Italy), considering on hospital discharge records and death registry flows. Primary or secondary diagnosis at admission of dementia was coded according to the ICD9-CM. We carried out descriptive analyses of hospital admissions’ data from 1 Jan 1999 to 31 Dec 2020 of older patients aged 65 or more. We then conducted a temporal analysis of mortality rate over the study period.
Results
A total of 15,683,024 hospital admissions occurred during the study period. Over the last two decades, the prevalence of dementia among patients admitted to acute care hospitals remained around 1.1-1.3%. Considering the total of 183,268 patients with dementia over the study period, the average age at admission increased from 80.2 in 1999 to 83.3 years old in 2020, whereas annual mortality rate increased from about 1,950 to 3,230 deaths per 10,000 person-years. The mortality rate ratio of patients with versus without dementia fluctuated between 1.28 and 1.70.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that there is an ever-greater appropriateness of hospitalizations over the last two decades, supported by out-of-hospital care that led patients to hospitalization in increasingly late and serious phases of the disease. The present study has a great future potential as well as limitations, due to the dependence on a correct coding of cases by clinicians according to the ICD9-CM system.
Key messages
• We observed an increased mortality among older people with dementia admitted to hospital over the last two decades.
• Our descriptive study, based on the Lombardy regional healthcare database, provides evidence of an increasing appropriateness of hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blandi
- Public Health, Università di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
- Welfare Directorate , Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - A Amorosi
- Welfare Directorate , Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - P Bertuccio
- Public Health, Università di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Odone
- Public Health, Università di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
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Mandić-Rajčević S, Masci F, Crespi E, Franchetti S, Longo A, Bollina I, Velocci S, Amorosi A, Baldelli R, Boselli L, Negroni L, Zà A, Orfeo NV, Ortisi G, Centanni S, Colosio C. Source and symptoms of COVID-19 among hospital workers in Milan. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 70:672-679. [PMID: 33269398 PMCID: PMC7798912 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are commonly infected by SARS-CoV-2 and represent one of the most vulnerable groups. Adequate prevention strategies are necessary to guarantee HCWs’ safety, as well as to prevent dissemination of the infection among patients. Aims To describe a case series of SARS-CoV-2-positive HCWs in a large public healthcare organization in Milan (Italy) during the most devastating weeks of the epidemic and analyse the sources, symptoms and duration of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods This study included 172 SARS-CoV-2-positive HCWs who were infected between the 25th of February and the 7th of April 2020. A nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and RT-PCR were used to indicate. Results Initially, the most common sources of infection were other positive HCWs (49%). Medical doctors and nursing assistants were most frequently infected, with infection rates of 53/1000 and 50/1000, respectively. COVID-19 departments were less affected than internal medicine, surgery, intensive care, or emergency room. The most commonly reported symptom was mild cough, while loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) were reported as moderate and severe by 30–40% of HCWs. The time necessary for 50% of workers to recover from the infection was 23 days, while it took 41 days for 95% of HCWs to become virus-free. Conclusions HCWs are commonly infected due to close contacts with other positive HCWs, and non-COVID departments were most affected. Most HCWs were asymptomatic or subclinical but contact tracing and testing of asymptomatic HCWs help identify and isolate infected workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mandić-Rajčević
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - F Masci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - E Crespi
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - S Franchetti
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy.,Postgraduate School of Occupational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Longo
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy.,Postgraduate School of Occupational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - I Bollina
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - S Velocci
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - A Amorosi
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - R Baldelli
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - L Boselli
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - L Negroni
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - A Zà
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - N V Orfeo
- Central Health Care Management, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - G Ortisi
- Laboratory of Virology and Microbiology Analysis, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - S Centanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Pulmonology, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - C Colosio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, Saints Paolo and Carlo Hospitals, Milan, Italy
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Sarti G, Sammartino I, Amorosi A. Geochemical anomalies of potentially hazardous elements reflect catchment geology: An example from the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy. Sci Total Environ 2020; 714:136870. [PMID: 32018992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Assessing soil contamination by hazardous metals and estimating the extent to which metal concentrations in surficial sediments may pose risks to human health are increasingly important environmental issues. An integrated sedimentological and geochemical study of 57 Holocene beach sands from the shallow subsurface (120-130 cm depth) of the heavily urbanized Tyrrhenian Sea coast of Italy (Tuscany and adjacent coastal stretches) allowed a remarkable compositional heterogeneity to be identified as a function of spatial variations in riverine sediment supply and alongshore sediment dispersal patterns. Concentrations of Cr, Ni, and As exceeding maximum permissible limits for recreational/industrial sites (150 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, respectively) reveal spatial trends that fit the petrography of modern beach sands and closely reflect the geology of river catchments, thus indicating a geogenic origin. Extremely high concentrations of Cr (and Ni), even 10 times greater than threshold values, are interpreted to reflect sediment supply from river catchments rich in ultramafic rocks (ophiolite sequences of Cecina and Campiglia areas), with subsequent transport via the longshore drift. On the other hand, high As concentrations in the Campiglia region and along the southern stretch of coast reflect leaching of felsic volcanic and plutonic parent rocks and hydrothermal products related to the Tuscan and Roman magmatic provinces cropping out in the Fiora, Albegna, and Cornia river catchments. This study shows that coastal sediment derived from particular source rocks is likely to contain potentially harmful metals in predictable proportions, which may easily exceed maximum allowable concentrations. Assessing spatial distribution of such metals based on catchment geology and sediment transport pathways may help separate natural concentrations from the anthropogenic contribution, providing a valuable source of information for appropriate remediation strategies and management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarti
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Nawrot R, Scarponi D, Azzarone M, Dexter TA, Kusnerik KM, Wittmer JM, Amorosi A, Kowalewski M. Stratigraphic signatures of mass extinctions: ecological and sedimentary determinants. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1191. [PMID: 30209225 PMCID: PMC6158527 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stratigraphic patterns of last occurrences (LOs) of fossil taxa potentially fingerprint mass extinctions and delineate rates and geometries of those events. Although empirical studies of mass extinctions recognize that random sampling causes LOs to occur earlier than the time of extinction (Signor–Lipps effect), sequence stratigraphic controls on the position of LOs are rarely considered. By tracing stratigraphic ranges of extant mollusc species preserved in the Holocene succession of the Po coastal plain (Italy), we demonstrated that, if mass extinction took place today, complex but entirely false extinction patterns would be recorded regionally due to shifts in local community composition and non-random variation in the abundance of skeletal remains, both controlled by relative sea-level changes. Consequently, rather than following an apparent gradual pattern expected from the Signor–Lipps effect, LOs concentrated within intervals of stratigraphic condensation and strong facies shifts mimicking sudden extinction pulses. Methods assuming uniform recovery potential of fossils falsely supported stepwise extinction patterns among studied species and systematically underestimated their stratigraphic ranges. Such effects of stratigraphic architecture, co-produced by ecological, sedimentary and taphonomic processes, can easily confound interpretations of the timing, duration and selectivity of mass extinction events. Our results highlight the necessity of accounting for palaeoenvironmental and sequence stratigraphic context when inferring extinction dynamics from the fossil record.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Nawrot
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Daniele Scarponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Azzarone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Troy A Dexter
- Gerace Research Centre, University of the Bahamas, San Salvador, Bahamas
| | - Kristopher M Kusnerik
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jacalyn M Wittmer
- Department of Geological Sciences, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA
| | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michał Kowalewski
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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10
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Buiatti E, Crocetti E, Gafà L, Falcini F, Amorosi A, Milandri C, La Rosa M. Agreement Estimate among three Italian Cancer Registries in the Coding of Multiple Primary Cancers. Tumori 2018; 82:533-8. [PMID: 9061059 DOI: 10.1177/030089169608200604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims The aim of the study was to compare agreement on the coding of multiple primary cancers (MPs) between three Italian cancer registries, the Ragusa Cancer Registry (RCR), the Cancer Registry of Romagna (RTRo), and the Tuscany Tumor Registry (RTT), that adhere to different rules for accepting MPs and to study whether coding according to common international rules (IARC-IACR) increased comparability. Methods One hundred cases were randomly extracted from the archives of each registry from those recorded as having more than one cancer. For each of the 300 patients, the number of independent cancers was attributed independently by one coder from each registry. The coders coded the series twice: once following the local registry rules and once according to the IARC-IACR rules. The agreement was estimated by couples of coders by means of Cohen's kappa statistics. Results The agreement on MP status between coders using local rules and definitions was good between the RTT and RCR (kappa = 0.77) and very good between the RTRo and RCR (kappa = 0.81) and the RTT and RTRo (kappa = 0.96). Exclusion of 23 expected discordant cases increased the agreement. The agreement reached with the use of the IARC-IACR rules was very good (RTRo vs RCR, 0.95; RTT vs RTR, 0.94; RTT vs RTRo, 0.95). Conclusions The comparison among the RTT, RTRo and RCR confirmed that the number of tumors considered MPs may be modified depending on the rules adopted. There were minor differences between the RTT and the RTRo since their rules were very similar. Most differences in agreement were with the RCR since its classification was conceptually different from the other two. The result on agreement with IARC-IACR rules is encouraging from the point of view of conducting a cooperative study among different registries on the incidence of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Buiatti
- Registro Tumori Toscano, Firenze, Italy
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Abstract
Aims To evaluate survival in prostate cancer patients in the Province of Florence where the Tuscany Cancer Registry is active. Methods The survival of 777 patients with prostate cancer diagnosed in the period 1985-87 was evaluated. The observed and relative survival rates 1, 3 and 5 years after diagnosis were computed. Also the prognostic effect of age, disease extension, tumor grade, histological verification, place of residence and year of diagnosis were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results The observed survival was 73.4% 1 year, 42.5% 3 years and 29.2% 5 years after diagnosis. The relative survival was respectively 78.7%, 53.0% and 43.0%. Significant independent risks were evident when the disease was extended out of the prostate, for patients older than 80 years, for high grade tumors and for patients without histological verification. Conclusion The 5-year relative survival rate in the province of Florence is similar to those from other European Registries and the Latina Registry, but much lower than the one reported by the SEER program in the US. Data on histological verification percentage, availability of information on disease extension, and tumor grade are discussed as indicators of the quality of the diagnostic approach in comparison with other registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Crocetti
- U.O. Epidemiologia, Servizio Multizonale di Prevenzione Oncologica USL 10/E Firenze, Università di Firenze, Italy
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12
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Abstract
Metronidazole, which is widely used in the treatment of «Trichomonas vaginalis», «Entamoeba histolytica» and «Giardia lamblia» infections, was administered to BALB/c mice by stomach tube in an aqueous solution at a dose rate of 2 mg/day for 100 days (total 200 mg) to test its carcinogenicity. The treatment induced a significant increase in lung tumors in male mice (p < 0.001) and provoked the appearance of lymphomas in females (p < 0.001). Although there is insufficient evidence to pass judgement on the potential carcinogenicity of metronidazole in man, the results of this and other investigations reported in the literature have demonstrated that metronidazole develops carcinogenic activity in rats and mice.
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13
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Crocetti E, Barchielli A, Amorosi A, Saint Omer FB, Biancalani M, Giannini A, Zolfanelli L. The Availability of Histologic Grading among 5,923 Italian Cancer Patients and Its Relationship with Survival: A Population-Based Study. Tumori 2018; 86:130-3. [PMID: 10855849 DOI: 10.1177/030089160008600204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim The specific goal of the study was to evaluate the availability of the histologic grading of cancer and its effect on survival in an Italian population-based cancer series. Methods Data were drawn from the Tuscany Cancer Registry, active in central Italy since 1985. Among the cases incident during the period 1985 to 1989, bladder, prostate, colon, corpus uteri, rectum and stomach cancers, for which the proportion of graded cases exceeded 50%, were analyzed. Overall, 5,923 cancer cases were included. Ten-year relative survival rates by grade were computed. Results Overall, data on histologic grading was available only for 38% of cases. The sites most frequently graded were urinary bladder (80%), prostate (73%), colon (71%), corpus uteri (69%), rectum (65%) and stomach (56%). For all the cancer sites analyzed, the 10-year relative survival rates increased as the histologic grading improved. The grade distribution resulted related also to the disease extension, more limited the extension higher the proportion of well differentiated cases. Conclusions Due to the evidenced importance of histologic grading as a valuable prognostic factor, it should be requested by clinicians and reported by pathologists more frequently than has been done in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Crocetti
- UO Epidemiologia, Presidio per la Prevenzione Oncologia AO Careggi, Firenze, Italy
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14
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Filippini M, Amorosi A, Campo B, Herrero-Martìn S, Nijenhuis I, Parker BL, Gargini A. Origin of VC-only plumes from naturally enhanced dechlorination in a peat-rich hydrogeologic setting. J Contam Hydrol 2016; 192:129-139. [PMID: 27451056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of vinyl chloride (VC) is often a main concern at sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents due to its high degree of toxicity and carcinogenicity. VC occurrence in aquifers is most often related to the degradation of higher chlorinated ethenes or ethanes and it is generally detected in plumes along with parent contaminants. However, specific combination of stratigraphic, hydrogeologic and geochemical conditions can enhance the degradation of parents and lead to the formation of plumes almost entirely composed of VC (i.e. VC-only plumes). This paper investigates the causes of VC-only plumes in the aquifers below the city of Ferrara (northern Italy) by combining multiple lines of evidence. The City of Ferrara is located on an alluvial lowland, built by the River Po, and is made up of alternating unconsolidated sandy aquifer and silt-clay aquitard deposits of fluvial origin. This region has been strongly impacted by prior industrial activities, with the occurrence of chlorinated compounds at several sites. VC-only plumes with uncertain source location were found at two contaminated sites. The source zone of a third plume composed of chloroethenes from PCE to VC was investigated for high resolution depositional facies architecture and contaminant distribution (contaminant concentration and Compound Specific Isotope Analysis - CSIA). The investigation suggested that degradation of PCE and TCE takes place during contaminant migration through peat-rich (swamp) layers related to the Holocene transgression, which locally act as a "reactor" for stimulating degradation with the accumulation of VC in the strongly reducing environment of the peat. Regional-scale stratigraphic architecture showed the ubiquitous occurrence of swamp layers at distinct stratigraphic levels in the investigated system and their apparent linkage to the in situ creation of the VC-only plumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Filippini
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruno Campo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Herrero-Martìn
- Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department for Isotope Biogeochemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivonne Nijenhuis
- Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department for Isotope Biogeochemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beth L Parker
- G(360) Centre for Applied Groundwater Research, School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alessandro Gargini
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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15
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Kowalewski M, Wittmer JM, Dexter TA, Amorosi A, Scarponi D. Differential responses of marine communities to natural and anthropogenic changes. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282:20142990. [PMID: 25673689 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.2990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses of ecosystems to environmental changes vary greatly across habitats, organisms and observational scales. The Quaternary fossil record of the Po Basin demonstrates that marine communities of the northern Adriatic re-emerged unchanged following the most recent glaciation, which lasted approximately 100,000 years. The Late Pleistocene and Holocene interglacial ecosystems were both dominated by the same species, species turnover rates approximated predictions of resampling models of a homogeneous system, and comparable bathymetric gradients in species composition, sample-level diversity, dominance and specimen abundance were observed in both time intervals. The interglacial Adriatic ecosystems appear to have been impervious to natural climate change either owing to their persistence during those long-term perturbations or their resilient recovery during interglacial phases of climate oscillations. By contrast, present-day communities of the northern Adriatic differ notably from their Holocene counterparts. The recent ecosystem shift stands in contrast to the long-term endurance of interglacial communities in face of climate-driven environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kowalewski
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jacalyn M Wittmer
- Department of Geology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Troy A Dexter
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Daniele Scarponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
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16
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Amorosi A, Guermandi M, Marchi N, Sammartino I. Fingerprinting sedimentary and soil units by their natural metal contents: a new approach to assess metal contamination. Sci Total Environ 2014; 500-501:361-72. [PMID: 25241058 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the major issues when assessing soil contamination by inorganic substances is reliable determination of natural metal concentrations. Through integrated sedimentological, pedological and geochemical analyses of 1414 (topsoil/subsoil) samples from 707 sampling stations in the southern Po Plain (Italy), we document that the natural distribution of five potentially toxic metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) can be spatially predicted as a function of three major factors: source-rock composition, grain size variability and degree of soil weathering. Thirteen genetic and functional soil units (GFUs), each reflecting a unique combination of these three variables, are fingerprinted by distinctive geochemical signatures. Where sediment is supplied by ultramafic (ophiolite-rich) sources, the natural contents of Cr and Ni in soils almost invariably exceed the Italian threshold limits designated for contaminated lands (150 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively), with median values around twice the maximum permissible levels (345 mg/kg for Cr and 207 mg/kg for Ni in GFU B5). The original provenance signal is commonly confounded by soil texture, with general tendency toward higher metal concentrations in the finest-grained fractions. Once reliable natural metal concentrations in soils are established, the anthropogenic contribution can be promptly assessed by calculating metal enrichments in topsoil samples. The use of combined sedimentological and pedological criteria to fingerprint GFU geochemical composition is presented here as a new approach to enhance predictability of natural metal contents, with obvious positive feedbacks for legislative purposes and environmental protection. Particularly, natural metal concentrations inferred directly from a new type of pedogeochemical map, built according to the international guideline ISO 19258, are proposed as an efficient alternative to the pre-determined threshold values for soil contamination commonly established by the national regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marina Guermandi
- Geological, Seismic and Soil Survey, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale della Fiera 8, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nazaria Marchi
- Geological, Seismic and Soil Survey, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale della Fiera 8, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
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17
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Bottoni U, Nisticò S, Amoruso G, Schipani G, Arcidiacono V, Scali E, Tassone P, Greco M, Amorosi A. Ink Spot Lentigo: Singular Clinical Features in a Case Series of Patients. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:953-5. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201302600413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ink spot lentigo, also known as “reticulated black solar lentigo”, is a melanotic macula commonly described in fair-skinned individuals on sun-exposed areas of the body. Clinically it is a darkly pigmented type of solar lentigo; herein the term “ink spot” lentigo. In contrast to common solar lentigines, ink spot lentigo is reported as a unique lesion. However usually ink spot lentigo appears among several common solar lentigines. We report a series of 5 patients who presented ink spot lentigo with typical dermoscopic pattern but singular clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- U. Bottoni
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S. Nisticò
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G.F. Amoruso
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G. Schipani
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - V. Arcidiacono
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - E. Scali
- Dermatology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - P. Tassone
- Medical Oncology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M. Greco
- Plastic Surgery, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A. Amorosi
- Pathology Units, Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, Italy
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18
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Donato G, Nicoletti G, Gabriele A, Conforti F, Zuccalà V, Amorosi A, Tamburi F, Nisticò S, Bottoni U. Neurocutaneous Melanosis in a Woman with Multiple Brain Melanocytomas, Cutaneous Melanocytosis and Oral Involvement. EUR J INFLAMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1301100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 34-year-old female was referred to us for a consultation of her dermatological lesions (pigmented lesions present in her oral cavity and on her right shoulder) in May 2007. These lesions had been present since childhood. Recently, the patient had developed seizures and a headache. An MRI of the brain showed the presence of two intracranial masses. The intracranial tumours were surgically removed whereas skin and mucosal lesions were biopsied. Histological findings of brain tumours were consistent with a diagnosis of “melanocytoma” while cutaneous lesions presented “benign dermal melanocytic infiltrations”. Whole brain irradiation was performed. After 3 months a new melanocytic skin lesion appeared on the scalp with histological picture similar to the other cutaneous ones. At the 5-year follow-up examination no recurrence of intracranial tumour or other skin or mucosal lesions were registered. According to the clinical and histological findings, we classify our case as a form of neurocutaneous melanosis in a young adult patient and we present it for the rarity of this syndrome, for the difficulty of the diagnosis, for the potential aggressive behaviour of intracranial lesions that necessitates a constant attentive follow-up and for the unusual feature of new developing skin lesion during the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Donato
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G. Nicoletti
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A. Gabriele
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - F. Conforti
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - V. Zuccalà
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A. Amorosi
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - F. Tamburi
- Complesso Integrato Columbus, Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Nisticò
- Dermatology Unit, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - U. Bottoni
- Dermatology Unit, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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19
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Calimeri T, Battista E, Conforti F, Neri P, Di Martino MT, Rossi M, Foresta U, Piro E, Ferrara F, Amorosi A, Bahlis N, Anderson KC, Munshi N, Tagliaferri P, Causa F, Tassone P. A unique three-dimensional SCID-polymeric scaffold (SCID-synth-hu) model for in vivo expansion of human primary multiple myeloma cells. Leukemia 2011; 25:707-11. [PMID: 21233838 PMCID: PMC3089835 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2010.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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20
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Perrotta I, Cristofaro MG, Amantea M, Russo E, De Fazio S, Zuccalà V, Conforti F, Amorosi A, Donato G, Tripepi S, Giudice M. Jaw osteonecrosis in patients treated with bisphosphonates: an ultrastructural study. Ultrastruct Pathol 2010; 34:207-13. [PMID: 20594040 DOI: 10.3109/01913121003729806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a severe bone disorder traditionally associated with periodontal disease, local malignancy, chemotherapy, glucocorticoid therapy, or trauma. Recently a growing number of publications reported the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients undergoing treatment with bisphosphonates. The mechanism by which bisphosphonates might contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw is far from being fully elucidated. Suppression of bone turnover, infection, tissue hypoxia and cellular toxicity were proposed as possible mechanisms by which bisphosphonates may exert adverse effects on bone metabolism. Here, we studied 25 consecutive patients treated with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or tumoral pathologies. We provide good evidence of hyperactive osteoclastic bone resorption and suggest a direct cytotoxic effect of bisphosphonates on bone tissue through induction of osteocyte cell death. We also demonstrate that bisphosphonates only have limited adverse effects on bone vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Perrotta
- Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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21
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Donato G, Ferraro G, Signorelli F, Iofrida G, Lavano A, Amorosi A, Maltese L, Perrotta I, Tripepi S, Pardatscher K, Signorelli CD. Chordoid Meningioma: Case Report and Literature Review. Ultrastruct Pathol 2009; 30:309-14. [PMID: 16971356 DOI: 10.1080/01913120600820591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Donato
- Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.
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22
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Greco M, Amorosi A, Vitagliano T, Bottoni U. Eccrine porocarcinoma of the face involving eyelids: a rare case report. Acta Chir Plast 2006; 48:115-8. [PMID: 17294909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Eccrine porocarcinomas (EP) are skin appendage tumors originating from the acrosyringium. Pagetoid form is rare and exceptionally it can involve eyelid. We report a 70-year-old patient presenting a lesion sited on the left cheek region involving the internal canthus, the dorsum of nose and the half inferior eyelid in full thickness. A wide surgical excision was performed and after 2 years of follow up no recurrences have been seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Greco
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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23
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Donato G, Volpentesta G, Lavano A, Ferraro G, Signorelli F, Amorosi A, Maltese L, De Sarro GB, Signorelli CD. Effects of Ginko Biloba and caspase inhibitors on brain ischemia in the Mongolian Gerbil. J Neurosurg Sci 2003; 47:149-55. [PMID: 14618128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Data reported in previous studies and our own previous experience have led us to explore the mechanism of and the degree of protection afforded by Ginko Biloba in a model of cerebral ischemia in the Mongolian Gerbil evaluating histological and neurological effects in this rodent. METHODS Mongolian Gerbils were divided into experimental groups: Group A consisted of animals subjected only to experimental ischemia; 5 minutes occlusion of the carotid arteries. Group B consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of Ginko Biloba, given intraperitoneally immediately before the surgical procedure. Group C consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of Ginko Biloba, given intraperitoneally immediately after the surgical procedure. Group D consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of the caspase inhibitors z-VAD.FMK and z-DEVD.FMK injected intracerebroventricularly through the right hemisphere before the surgical procedure. Group E consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of caspase inhibitors injected after the surgical procedure. Group F consisted of Sham-operated animals. Histological controls were done by H and E and the TUNEL method in the frontal cortex and caudate-putamen. RESULTS The percentage of normal cells was not statistically significant at analysis with H and E, whereas the TUNEL method showed good protection with Ginko Biloba and caspase inhibitors, when the latter is given in the reperfusion phase. These data were in agreement with data obtained at neurological examination. CONCLUSION We could say that cellular morphology is in itself an untrustworthy tool for judging the effects of ischemia and protective drugs; the TUNEL method may add important information about the different components of cellular death; the reperfusion phase may be critical for apoptotic phenomena; Ginko Biloba might protect neurons of the frontal cortex from both necrotic and apoptotic death in this model of ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Donato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, G. Salvatore, Faculty of Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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24
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Dominici A, Nesi G, Mondaini N, Amorosi A, Rizzo M. Skin involvement from micropapillary bladder carcinoma as the first clinical manifestation of metastatic disease. Urol Int 2002; 67:173-4. [PMID: 11490217 DOI: 10.1159/000050979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous metastases from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder occur infrequently. We report the case of a 68-year-old man presenting with an isolated skin nodule a few weeks after local excision of a micropapillary bladder carcinoma. This rare variant of TCC, which is strikingly reminiscent of the histological pattern of ovarian papillary serous carcinoma, is associated with poor prognosis and apparently high metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dominici
- Department of Urology, University of Florence, Italy
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25
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Ciancio G, Nuti M, Orsini B, Iovi F, Ortolani M, Palomba A, Amorosi A, Surrenti E, Ilani SM, Surrenti C. Regression of duodenal gastric metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori positive patients with duodenal ulcer disease. Dig Liver Dis 2002; 34:16-21. [PMID: 11926569 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(02)80054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the extent of duodenal gastric metaplasia is due to Helicobacter pylori and/or acid. AIMS To investigate the role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the regression of duodenal gastric metaplasia in patients with duodenal ulcer maintained in acid suppression conditions. METHODS . Duodenal (anterior, superior inferior walls of first part of duodenum) and gastric antrum biopsies were obtained from 44 Helicobacter pylori positive duodenal ulcer patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by rapid urease test, histology and 13C-Urea Breath Test. Patients were treated with 20 mg omeprazole tid associated with 250 mg clarithromycin and 500 mg amoxycillin four times daily for 10 days and maintained with 20 mg omeprazole daily for 18 weeks. Control endoscopies were performed at 6 and 18 weeks after beginning treatment. RESULTS Duodenal gastric metaplasia regression was observed in all (32/32) patients in whom Helicobacter pylori was eradicated, but in only 3 out of 6 patients in whom eradication was not achieved (p<0. 001). CONCLUSIONS . The present results suggest that Helicobacter pylori eradication associated with prolonged acid suppression may represent a good therapeutic strategy to achieve duodenal gastric metaplasia regression and highlight the combined role of acid and Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of duodenal gastric metaplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ciancio
- Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Florence, Italy
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26
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Bechi P, Bacci S, Cianchi F, Amorosi A, Nesi G, Dei R, Romagnoli P. Impairment of gastric secretion modulation in duodenal ulcer and in long-term PPI treatment: quantitative morphologic findings and pathophysiologic implications. Dig Dis Sci 2001; 46:1952-9. [PMID: 11575448 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010643300277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori affects gastric secretion. This functional effect might have a morphometric counterpart. Therefore, the gastric cell secretory compartment was morphometrically assessed in different pathophysiologic conditions related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Nineteen Helicobacter pylori-positive nonduodenal ulcer subjects, 15 omeprazole chronically treated subjects, and 19 duodenal ulcer patients were studied against 19 controls. Somatostatin, gastrin, enterochromaffin-like, and parietal cell density was assessed in gastric biopsies. No differences in any cell type density were found between Helicobacter pylori-positive nonduodenal ulcer subjects and controls. On the contrary, differences were significant when comparing omeprazole and duodenal ulcer patients to controls (higher density of gastrin, enterochromaffin-like, and parietal cells, lower density of somatostatin cells). In duodenal ulcer a reversion to control values followed Helicobacter pylori eradication and ulcer healing. A direct linear correlation between enterochromaffin-like, gastrin, and parietal cell density was demonstrated. An almost complete map of mucosal cells involved in gastric secretion is provided by this study. The cell density pattern, identical to the omeprazole group, points to an impaired feedback control of secretion in duodenal ulcer. The reversion to control values after Helicobacter pylori eradication and ulcer healing demonstrates the pathogenetic role of Helicobacter pylori-host interaction in these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bechi
- Clinica Chirurgica, University of Florence, Italy
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Barchielli A, Amorosi A, Balzi D, Crocetti E, Nesi G. Long-term prognosis of gastric cancer in a European country: a population-based study in Florence (Italy). 10-year survival of cases diagnosed in 1985-1987. Eur J Cancer 2001; 37:1674-80. [PMID: 11527695 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(01)00179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper analysed, in a population-based series of 1976 gastric cancers diagnosed in Florence (Italy), from 1985 to 1987, the relationship between prognostic variables (demographic, clinical and pathological) and 10-year survival rates. Gastric cancer was mostly detected in elderly patients (mean age: 70.5 years) and at advanced stages (i.e. approximately 50% of the patients could not undergo radical surgery). Ten-year observed survival was 12.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 10.6-13.6%) for the whole series and 20.8% (95% CI: 18.3-23.3%) for resected cases; relative survival was, respectively, 20.9% (95% CI: 18.4-23.4%) and 32.0% (95% CI: 28.1-35.9%). Ten-year relative survival was 86% for stage IA (95% CI: 73-99%) and 67% for stage IB (95% CI: 52-82%). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly better prognosis in females and a significantly worse prognosis in patients aged 65 years or more (reference: < or = 59 years). In addition, an independent prognostic effect was observed for pT in the resected cases (reference: pT3; pT1: RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.34-0.64; pT2 = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.87; pT4: RR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.49-2.75), pN (reference: pN0; pN1: RR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.70-2.68; pN2-3: RR = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.42-4.07; pN+ no. nodes involved unspecified: RR = 4.26, 95% CI: 3.11-5.83) and surgical margin involvement (reference: not involved; involved: RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.72). In addition, the stage, after adjustment for age, gender and surgical margin involvement, showed a strong independent prognostic value (reference: stage II; IA: RR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.57; IB: RR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.98; IIIA: RR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.40-2.33; IIIB: RR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.14-3.72; IV: RR = 3.29, 95% CI: 2.36-4.59). In conclusion, on the basis of a large population-based series, our results confirm the prognostic effect on long-term gastric cancer survival of pathological and demographic variables. In addition, the study shows that Italy had a relatively good, long-term survival when diagnosis was performed at early stages. However, only a few cases were diagnosed at stages when cure by radical surgery is more likely (i.e. stage I accounted for approximately 20% of the resected cases and less than 10% of all incident cases).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barchielli
- Epidemiology Unit, Local Health Unit 10, Viale Michelangelo 41, 50125, Florence, Italy.
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28
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Nesi G, Palli D, Pernice LM, Saieva C, Paglierani M, Kroning KC, Catarzi S, Rubio CA, Amorosi A. Expression of nm23 gene in gastric cancer is associated with a poor 5-year survival. Anticancer Res 2001; 21:3643-9. [PMID: 11848537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The nm23 gene is thought to play a role as an inhibitor of metastatic progression in several human cancers and its down-regulation has been associated with increased metastasis and reduced survival in some studies, though not in others. To better investigate the role of nm23 in gastric cancer (GC), the expression and prognostic impact of this gene was examined in 107 radically operated GC patients in a high risk area. The expression of nm23 was determined immunohistochemically by using the rabbit antibody anti-human nm23 protein. The expression of nm23 was detected in 40.2% (n = 43) of 107 gastric tumours and correlated with a poorer clinical outcome. In a survival analysis at 5 years, patients with nm23-positive tumours had significantly worse prognosis than patients (n = 64) with nm23-negative tumours (p < 0.05). The prognostic significance of nm23 expression was confirmed by multivariate analysis including terms for tumour stage and lymph node involvement. Our results suggest that the expression of the nm23 gene in gastric carcinoma is significantly related to tumour progression and poor prognosis at 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nesi
- Department of Pathology, University of Florence, Italy
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29
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Palli D, Russo A, Ottini L, Masala G, Saieva C, Amorosi A, Cama A, D'Amico C, Falchetti M, Palmirotta R, Decarli A, Mariani Costantini R, Fraumeni JF. Red meat, family history, and increased risk of gastric cancer with microsatellite instability. Cancer Res 2001; 61:5415-9. [PMID: 11454685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Palli
- Epidemiology Unit, Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, 50135 Florence, Italy.
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30
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Rubio CA, Jónasson JG, Filipe I, Cabanne AM, Hojman R, Kogan Z, Nesi G, Amorosi A, Zampi G, Klimstra D. Gastric carcinomas of intestinal type concur with distant changes in the gastric mucosa. A multicenter study in the Atlantic basin. Anticancer Res 2001; 21:813-8. [PMID: 11299849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Population studies in the Pacific Basin showed that gastric carcinomas of intestinal type often concur with distant mucosal changes (DMCs). In the present work, the presence of DMCs was investigated in populations dwelling in the Atlantic Basin. A total of 1737 gastrectomy specimens were reviewed: 627 in New York, 435 in Reykjavik, 198 in Buenos Aires, 186 in Florence, 174 in London and the remaining 117 in Stockholm. A total of 17,282 sections were carefully scrutinized. The following DMCs were investigated: intramucosal glandular cysts, gastric cells with ciliated metaplasia, with large or small mucus negative vacuoles, and extensive intestinal metaplasia (IM). The highest frequencies of DMCs were found in Florence for specimens with intestinal type carcinoma: 41.3% had intramucosal cysts, 22.4% had cells with ciliated metaplasia, 12.9% cells with large vacuoles, and 50.9% had high IM. The highest frequency of gastric cells with small vacuoles was recorded in New York (9.1%), also in specimens with intestinal type carcinoma. Significantly lower DMCs percentages were found in specimens with carcinomas of diffuse type, and miscellaneous gastric diseases. The occurrence of DMCs was not influenced to a significant degree by the number of sections available per gastrectomy. Since environmental factors trigger the evolution of intestinal type carcinomas and as DMCs also occurred in specimens without carcinoma-although at a significantly lower rate--it is conceivable that DMCs are also evoked by environmental factors (before a gastric carcinoma ensues). DMCs were found in specimens having intestinal carcinomas either in the cardia, the corpus or the antrum. Thus, DMCs seem to provide the adequate "soil" for the development of gastric carcinomas of intestinal type, independently of the future localization of that tumor in the stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Rubio
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas is a rare tumor for which only 21 reports appear in the world literature. We describe an additional case of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma in a 76-year-old man, who complained of persistent high fever. Histologic examination revealed a pleomorphic spindle cell tumor. Reactivity for muscle-specific actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and basement membrane components, along with negative staining for epithelial and neural markers, were consistent with a smooth muscle sarcoma. The patient died of disease 1 year after complete surgical excision. This report highlights the need to use a complete antibody panel in order to accurately immunophenotype pleomorphic malignant tumors of the pancreas. A review of the cases compiled in the literature indicates that pancreatic leiomyosarcoma, like its counterpart arising in deep soft tissues, is an aggressive neoplasm characterized by short survival and a high rate of metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nesi
- Department of Pathology, University of Florence, Italy
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32
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Ottini L, Falchetti M, D'Amico C, Amorosi A, Saieva C, Palli D, Mariani-Costantini R. Gastric cancer with mutator phenotype: molecular bases and mechanisms of progression. Dig Liver Dis 2000; 32 Suppl 3:S188-9. [PMID: 11245291 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(00)80274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Ottini
- Department of Oncology and Neurosciences Gabriele D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
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33
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Rubio CA, Befrits R, Jaramillo E, Nesi G, Amorosi A. Villous and serrated adenomatous growth bordering carcinomas in inflammatory bowel disease. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:4761-4. [PMID: 11205214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The histologic phenotype of the dysplastic lesion juxtaposing colorectal carcinomas was assessed in 100 consecutive colectomy specimens: in 50 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in 50 controls (non-IBD patients). Adenomatous growths (AG) were regarded both Dysplasia Associated Lesion or Mass (DALM) and sporadic adenomas. AGs juxtaposing carcinomas were found in 76% (n = 38) of the IBD cases: 52.3% (20 out of 38) were villous, 28.9% (11 out of 38) serrated, 5.3% (2 out of 38) tubular and the remaining 13.2% (5 out of 38) were mixed AGs. Juxtaposing AGs (sporadic adenomas) were also found in 58% (n = 29) of the control cases: 51.7% (15 out of 29) were villous, 6.9% (2 out of 29) tubular, 3.4% (1 out of 9) serrated and the remaining 37.9% (11 out of 29) were mixed. The majority or 81.2% (31 out of 38) of the dysplastic lesions juxtaposing IBD carcinomas were villous or serrated AGs, but only 55.1% (16 out of 29) in control cases. Serrated AGs in particular accounted for nearly 29% of the non-invasive dysplastic lesions abutting IBD carcinomas but only for 3% in control specimens. It would appear that villous and serrated AGs are the most common non-invasive neoplastic lesions from which IBD carcinomas originate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Rubio
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
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34
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the role of diet in gastric carcinoma (GC) causation has been investigated extensively, its association with long term survival has never been explored in detail. METHODS The authors assessed the vital status on December 31, 1997 of a series of 382 patients with GC who were interviewed in 1985-1987 in the framework of a population-based case-control study in a high risk area for GC in Italy. Follow-up information at 10 years was available for all but three patients. The risk of dying was evaluated by Cox proportional hazard models, including patient age, gender, social status, disease stage at diagnosis, and lymph node involvement as confounding variables. RESULTS The overall survival probability was 0.26 at 5 years and 0.18 at 10 years after interview. The most important predictors were disease stage, lymph node involvement, and histopathologic grading (TNM classification). Overall, a high intake of alcohol was associated with an increased risk of dying (P = 0.02). In contrast, survival was increased in patients with a high intake of alpha-tocopherol (P = 0.04). A positive first-degree family history of GC was reported by 84 patients and tended to be associated with a reduced risk of death. A significant protective trend was found with increasing intake of vegetable fat and starch among these familial cases, with a 50% risk reduction. In contrast, this subgroup showed a two-fold increased risk of dying with a high intake of animal protein, animal fat, and preformed N-nitrosodimethylamine. CONCLUSIONS The current results provide evidence that premorbid diet may influence the prognosis of patients with GC, and they suggest that specific pathways for disease progression may exist among familial cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Palli
- Analytical Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology Unit, Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
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35
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Donato G, Amorosi A, Lavano A, Volpentesta G, Chirchiglia D, Iannello AN, Ferraro G, Aloisi M, Maltese L, Pittelli M, Pardatscher K, Signorelli CD. [Histopathologic examination of the intervertebral lumbar disk. Evaluation of its usefulness and limitations]. Pathologica 2000; 92:327-30. [PMID: 11198467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A retrospective clinical-pathological review of 192 lumbar intervertebral discs removed via an interlaminar approach or percutaneous nucleotomy from patients suffering from sciatic pain was carried out in order to assess if routine examination is useful. Only for a case of our series, which showed ill defined features at preoperative neuroradiologic imaging, an intraoperative pathologic examination was necessary. Immunohistochemical study was never required. A routine examination with a hematoxilin-eosin stain was sufficient also to recognize postoperative scar in patients reoperated. In conclusion we think that routine examination of the intervertebral disc is a procedure which is not expensive and useful to assess the nature of the lesion in reoperated patients and in rare cases showing unclear radiologic pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Donato
- Cattedra di Neurochirurgia, Università di Catanzaro.
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36
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the role of diet in gastric carcinoma (GC) causation has been investigated extensively, its association with long term survival has never been explored in detail. METHODS The authors assessed the vital status on December 31, 1997 of a series of 382 patients with GC who were interviewed in 1985-1987 in the framework of a population-based case-control study in a high risk area for GC in Italy. Follow-up information at 10 years was available for all but three patients. The risk of dying was evaluated by Cox proportional hazard models, including patient age, gender, social status, disease stage at diagnosis, and lymph node involvement as confounding variables. RESULTS The overall survival probability was 0.26 at 5 years and 0.18 at 10 years after interview. The most important predictors were disease stage, lymph node involvement, and histopathologic grading (TNM classification). Overall, a high intake of alcohol was associated with an increased risk of dying (P = 0.02). In contrast, survival was increased in patients with a high intake of alpha-tocopherol (P = 0.04). A positive first-degree family history of GC was reported by 84 patients and tended to be associated with a reduced risk of death. A significant protective trend was found with increasing intake of vegetable fat and starch among these familial cases, with a 50% risk reduction. In contrast, this subgroup showed a two-fold increased risk of dying with a high intake of animal protein, animal fat, and preformed N-nitrosodimethylamine. CONCLUSIONS The current results provide evidence that premorbid diet may influence the prognosis of patients with GC, and they suggest that specific pathways for disease progression may exist among familial cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Palli
- Analytical Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology Unit, Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
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37
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Palli D, Trallori G, Bagnoli S, Saieva C, Tarantino O, Ceroti M, d'Albasio G, Pacini F, Amorosi A, Masala G. Hodgkin's disease risk is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterology 2000; 119:647-53. [PMID: 10982757 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2000.16487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Palli
- Analytical Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology Unit, Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
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38
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39
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Orsini B, Ciancio G, Censini S, Surrenti E, Pellegrini G, Milani S, Herbst H, Amorosi A, Surrenti C. Helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island is associated with enhanced interleukin-8 expression in human gastric mucosa. Dig Liver Dis 2000; 32:458-67. [PMID: 11057919 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(00)80001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro studies showed that Helicobacter pylori strains carrying the cag pathogenicity island are able to induce epithelial secretion of Interleukin-8. AIMS To evaluate the assessment of cag pathogenicity island and the expression of Interleukin-8 in the gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected patients and correlate these data with the activity of gastritis and Helicobacter pylori density. METHODS cag status was determined by polymerase chain reaction directly on gastric biopsies from 13 Helicobacter pylori+ patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and 13 Helicobacter pylori+ with duodenal ulcer. Interleukin-8 gene transcription and protein expression were analysed by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, respectively. Gastritis activity and Helicobacter pylori density were also investigated. RESULTS cag was present in 20/26 of Helicobacter pylori+ patients: in 7/13 non-ulcer dyspepsia (53.8%] and in 13/13 duodenal ulcer patients (100%), (p<0.05). Interleukin-8 mRNA and protein expression in epithelial and inflammatory cells was higher in cag+ than in cag- patients (p<0.005). Gastritis activity significantly correlated with cag (p<0.05) and Interleukin-8 expression (p<0.005]. Helicobacter pylori density was enhanced in cag+ [p<0.005] and correlated with Interleukin-8 expression (p<0.0051. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that in Helicobacter pylori-infected human gastric mucosa, cag+ infection is associated with enhanced Interleukin-8 expression, higher levels of active gastritis and bacterial density, and presence of duodenal ulcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Orsini
- Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Florence, Italy
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40
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Shiao YH, Palli D, Caporaso NE, Alvord WG, Amorosi A, Nesi G, Saieva C, Masala G, Fraumeni JF, Rice JM. Genetic and immunohistochemical analyses of p53 independently predict regional metastasis of gastric cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000; 9:631-3. [PMID: 10868700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Either p53 gene mutation or immunohistochemical detection of p53 protein has not been consistently shown to have prognostic significance in human cancers, including gastric carcinomas. One hypothesis to explain this inconsistency is that some p53 mutations and p53 protein accumulation are not indicative of tumor progression. To test this hypothesis, we categorized p53 status in 105 gastric carcinomas according to types of mutations, numerical scores of immunohistochemical staining (IHC), or combinations thereof. The p53 status was then correlated with metastasis to liver or peritoneum. Gastric cancers with no p53 mutations were significantly less likely to metastasize than tumors with mutations. Intermediate IHC scores were inversely associated with metastasis. A substantial number of gastric cancers (31 of 105) showed positive p53 immunostaining without detectable mutations (p53-/IHC+), which suggested an accumulation of wild-type p53 protein, and also a significantly lower risk for metastasis. After adjusting for depth of invasion and lymph node involvement, the p53-/IHC+ combination predicted low metastatic risk better than either p53- or IHC+ with intermediate scores. These findings suggest that an accumulation of wild-type p53 protein occurs in gastric cancer cells and represents a stress-response mechanism that lowers metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Shiao
- Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, NIH, Maryland 21702, USA.
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41
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Donato G, Valentino P, Santucci M, Amorosi A, Pittelli M, Maltese L, Volpentesta G, Lavano A, Chirchiglia D, Iannello AN, Ferraro G, Signorelli CD. Calf pseudohypertrophy in a patient with double neurogenic pathology. Clin Neuropathol 2000; 19:142-4. [PMID: 14606588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A pseudohypertrophy of the calf can be rarely associated with neurogenic pathologies as S-1 radiculopathy, poliomyelitis, spinal muscular atrophy, traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves, intraspinal neurinoma. The causes of this particular phenomenon are unknown. The authors present the case of a 52-year-old man with an enlargement of the left calf suffering from a mild form of spinal paralytic poliomyelitis in the early childhood and episodes of severe left sciatica in the last four years. Electromyography demonstrated a pattern of denervation in both legs and an H-reflex absent when the left tibial nerve was stimulated. An open muscle biopsy of the left calf was performed. Light microscopic and ultrastructural examination of the muscle confirmed the presence of a pattern of "neurogenic type" pseudohypertrophy. Our results could be interesting for the understanding of the mechanism of neurogenic pseudohypertrophy. This case suggests that timing of stimulus or "dose" of denervation may be important factors in such a phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Donato
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Catanzaro, Italy
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42
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Tonelli F, Spini S, Tommasi M, Gabbrielli G, Amorosi A, Brocchi A, Brandi ML. Intraoperative parathormone measurement in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome and hyperparathyroidism. World J Surg 2000; 24:556-62; discussion 562-3. [PMID: 10787076 DOI: 10.1007/s002689910091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Total or subtotal parathyroidectomy is considered the treatment of choice for multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN-I)-associated primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). However, persistent or recurrent HPT is frequently observed. The development of a rapid two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) method for measuring intact parathormone (PTH) has provided a valuable tool for recognizing possible surgical failures. Our experience includes 16 MEN-I patients (10 females, 6 males) of mean age 35.5 years operated on between 1990 and 1996. Total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue was the standard treatment. Blood samples for PTH measurement were drawn at the induction of anesthesia (basal value), 10 and 20 minutes after the removal of each gland, and 60 minutes after TPTX. Rapid PTH measurement, which required only 15 minutes of incubation at 37 degrees C, showed a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001) with the standard method. Circulating PTH levels exhibited a stepwise decrease during TPTX, reaching a mean value of 22.3% of the baseline 20 minutes after removal of the last gland. Two patients showed a prompt decrease of PTH after removal of the single enlarged gland, featuring the kinetics observed in the adenomas. One of these two patients was successfully treated with more conservative surgery. None of the patients showed persistence or recurrence of HPT. In our experience, intraoperative measurement of PTH seems to be a valuable adjunct in both the diagnosis of multiglandular involvement and the prediction of surgical treatment in patients with primary parathyroid hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tonelli
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence Medical School, Italy
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43
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De Feo ML, Colagrande S, Biagini C, Tonarelli A, Bisi G, Vaggelli L, Borrelli D, Cicchi P, Tonelli F, Amorosi A, Serio M, Brandi ML. Parathyroid glands: combination of (99m)Tc MIBI scintigraphy and US for demonstration of parathyroid glands and nodules. Radiology 2000; 214:393-402. [PMID: 10671586 DOI: 10.1148/radiology.214.2.r00fe04393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the appropriate choice of imaging techniques for localization of nodular lesions of parathyroid glands. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, computed tomographic (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasonographic (US), and technetium 99m methoxyisobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphic images in 49 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were retrospectively evaluated. A single-blind, prospective study that included 16 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was then conducted. MR, US, scintigraphic, and color Doppler US images of the neck were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS In the retrospective study, CT, MR imaging, and US had low sensitivity (13%, 17%, and 27%, respectively) and specificity (39%, 65%, and 65%, respectively). Scintigraphy had 57% sensitivity and 85% specificity. In the prospective study, the use of latest-generation MR and US equipment and the participation of experienced operators led to improved sensitivity and specificity for these techniques. The combination of US and scintigraphy resulted in improved sensitivity (96%), specificity (83%), and positive and negative predictive values (88% and 94%, respectively), relative to the results obtained with either method alone. Doppler US was of little help in the setting of small glands. CONCLUSIONS The combination of (99m)Tc MIBI scintigraphy and US performed by well-trained operators with up-to-date instruments appeared to be the best diagnostic tool for the preoperative diagnosis of parathyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L De Feo
- Endocrine Unit of the Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy
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Lionetti P, Pazzaglia A, Moriondo M, Azzari C, Resti M, Amorosi A, Vierucci A. Differing patterns of transforming growth factor-beta expression in normal intestinal mucosa and in active celiac disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1999; 29:308-13. [PMID: 10467997 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-199909000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth-inhibitory autocrine polypeptides such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta may play a role in the control of normal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, TGF-beta has a central role in extracellular matrix homeostasis and regulates the immune response at the local level. In this study immunohistochemistry was used to examine the pattern of TGF-beta protein distribution and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine levels of TGF-beta messenger RNA expression in normal intestinal mucosa and in the flat mucosa of children with celiac disease. METHODS Small intestinal biopsies were performed in children with active celiac disease and in histologically normal control subjects. Frozen sections were single stained using an anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody and were double stained for TGF-beta and T cell, macrophages, and the activation marker CD25. Total RNA was extracted from frozen specimens and competitive quantitative RT-PCR performed for TGF-beta mRNA using internal synthetic standard RNA. RESULTS In normal intestinal mucosa, by immunohistochemistry, TGF-beta expression was most prominent in the villous tip epithelium, whereas in the lamina propria, weak immunoreactivity was present. The celiac mucosa showed weak and patchy epithelial TGF-beta immunoreactivity. In contrast, an intense staining positivity was present in the lamina propria localized mostly in the subepithelial region where T cells, macrophages, and CD25+ cells were detected by double staining. By quantitative RT-PCR, levels of TGF-beta mRNA transcripts appeared to be increased in celiac intestinal mucosa compared with that in control subjects, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that TGF-beta expression is associated with differentiated enterocyte function. In celiac disease the lower TGF-beta epithelial cell expression could be a consequence of the preponderance of a less differentiated epithelial cell phenotype also present in the surface epithelium. In contrast, the prominent TGF-beta positivity of the subepithelial lamina propria suggests an association with the local immune and inflammatory response, as well as a potential role of these peptides in mesenchymal-epithelial cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lionetti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Mincione
- Institute of Anatomic Pathology, University of Florence, Italy
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46
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Romagnani P, Pupilli C, Lasagni L, Baccari MC, Bellini F, Amorosi A, Bertoni E, Serio M. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in vascular and glomerular structures of human chronic allograft nephropathy. J Pathol 1999; 187:345-50. [PMID: 10398090 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9896(199902)187:3<345::aid-path239>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the cytotoxic mechanisms responsible for acute renal allograft rejection, where macrophages produce high levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). By contrast, both the source and the role of NO in chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) are still unclear. In this study, the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein was assessed in the kidneys of patients with graft failure due to chronic rejection. As controls, kidney specimens were obtained from patients undergoing nephrectomies for primary renal tumours, and from patients suffering from IgA nephropathy or mesangial-proliferative glomerulonephritis. In normal kidneys, iNOS production was absent or limited to a low signal, while it was found only in the inflammatory infiltrate of kidneys affected by glomerulonephritis, as assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In contrast, in CAN, iNOS protein was localized not only in inflammatory cells, but also in vascular, glomerular, and, more rarely, tubular structures. Accordingly, in situ hybridization localized iNOS mRNA in both macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as in vascular structures and glomeruli. Double immunostaining for iNOS and a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) or von Willebrand factor (vWf) revealed that smooth muscle cells were the main vascular source of iNOS, while both mesangial and inflammatory cells were immunostained at the glomerular level. These data demonstrate that macrophages and lymphocytes are not the only source of iNOS mRNA and protein in human CAN. Vascular smooth muscle and mesangial cells also synthesize iNOS, raising the question of heterogeneous regulation and function of iNOS in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Romagnani
- Department of Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy
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Ponchietti R, Di Loro F, Fanfani A, Amorosi A. Estimation of prostate cancer volume by endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging vs. pathologic volume. Eur Urol 1999; 35:32-5. [PMID: 9933792 DOI: 10.1159/000019816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since tumor volume is recognized as an important predictor of clinical stage and disease outcome of prostate cancer, accurate preoperative estimation of tumor volume can play an important role in planning the appropriate treatment and establishing a patient's prognosis. We performed this study to evaluate the accuracy of the endorectal coil magnetic resonance (MR) technique for reliable prediction of tumor volume in patients with prostatic cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Endorectal coil MR imaging was performed in 57 consecutive men who were suspected to have prostate cancer. Subsequent ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy revealed prostate cancer in 44 cases. The pathological volume of the surgical specimens of 25 selected patients who underwent radical prostatectomy was retrospectively compared to the volume estimated by endorectal coil MR studies, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS In 15 patients the estimated size of the tumor was within 15% of the true tumor volume; in the remaining 10 cases MR imaging tended to underestimate large tumors and overestimate small ones. A significant correlation between the volumes as determined with MR imaging and measurements of surgical specimens was observed (r 0.94; slope 0.82). To our knowledge, this is the best correlation found between pathological volume and tumor volume as evaluated by any other imaging modality. CONCLUSIONS Endorectal coil MR imaging is a powerful means of evaluating the prostate gland; however, further improvements in imaging and/or volume calculation are required to provide a more accurate preoperative assessment of prostate cancer volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ponchietti
- Department of Urology, University of Florence, Italy
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Caldini A, Gelmini S, Rapi S, Amorosi A, Bruno L, Nesi G, Bartolini L, Pazzagli M, Orlando C. DNA ploidy, S phase fraction and telomerase activity in gastric cancer. Eur J Histochem 1998; 41 Suppl 2:123-4. [PMID: 9859812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Caldini
- Laboratory Dpt., Azienda Ospedaliera Careggi, Florence
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Shiao YH, Palli D, Buzard GS, Caporaso NE, Amorosi A, Saieva C, Fraumeni JF, Anderson LM, Rice JM. Implications of p53 mutation spectrum for cancer etiology in gastric cancers of various histologic types from a high-risk area of central Italy. Carcinogenesis 1998; 19:2145-9. [PMID: 9886570 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/19.12.2145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Examination of p53 mutation spectra may provide clues to molecular mechanisms involved in different histologic types of gastric cancer. A total of 105 gastric cancer cases classified according to the Laurén's system were selected from a high-risk area around Florence, Italy. Exons 5-8 of the p53 gene were examined for mutations by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism technique and DNA sequencing, using DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Mutation frequency was similar in intestinal-type (12/28) and unclassified tumors (9/18), but was significantly lower in diffuse cancers (12/57, P < 0.05). A similar frequency of p53 mutations was observed among tumor stages in both intestinal-type and unclassified cancers, but in diffuse tumors mutations tended to be associated with invasion beyond the muscularis propria. When base changes were considered, G:C-->A:T transitions at CpG sites were the most common mutations for all the three tumor types with 6 of 11 (55%) in intestinal type, 8 of 12 (67%) in diffuse type, and 5 of 8 (63 %) in unclassified tumors. Frequent p53 mutations in both intestinal-type and unclassified tumors support the hypothesis that unclassified tumors represent variants of the intestinal type and suggest that unclassified tumors, like the intestinal type, may also associate with environmental exposures. The predominance of G:C-->A:T transitions at CpG sites, which are associated with methyltransferase-induced DNA methylation at carbon 5 of cytosine, in all three tumor types suggests that the status of DNA methylation may be the major determinant for p53 mutations and may be also equally important in gastric carcinogenesis regardless of histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Shiao
- Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, NCI-FCRDC, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Ottini L, Falchetti M, D'Amico C, Amorosi A, Saieva C, Masala G, Frati L, Cama A, Palli D, Mariani-Costantini R. Mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats in gastric cancer with the microsatellite mutator phenotype. Oncogene 1998; 16:2767-72. [PMID: 9652743 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1201816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We analysed 50 gastric carcinomas (GCs) to verify whether mutations at coding repeats were associated with microsatellite instability (MSI). The tumors included: ten cases with no MSI, 14 cases with MSI = 1 locus, 13 cases with MSI = two loci and 13 cases with MSI > or = 3 loci. We investigated coding repeats within the TGF-beta RII, IGFIIR, BAX, hMSH6, hMSH3 and BRCA2 genes. The TGF-beta RII, IGFIIR, BAX, hMSH6 and hMSH3 repeats were altered in 11 (22%), five (10%), four (8%), 16 (32%) and five (10%) cases respectively. Mutations occurred only in MSI-positive (MSI+) tumors and correlated with increasing MSI levels. No alterations of the BRCA2 repeat were found. Mutations in genes other than hMSH6 were strongly associated to hMSH6 mutations, suggesting a key role of this gene. The non-coding BAT-26 and E-Cadherin 3' UTR poly(A)8/(T)15 repeats were analysed in 44 of the 50 cases. Novel tumor-associated alleles were observed only in MSI-positive GCs and were in most cases associated with mutations at coding repeats. Further investigations with BAT-40 confirmed that four cases manifested mononucleotide repeat alterations restricted to hMSH6 and one case to TGF-beta RII. A subset of tumors with MSI at two or more dinucleotide loci resulted negative for mutations at coding and non-coding mononucleotide repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ottini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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