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Prevalence and Characteristics of Chemsex: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Eur Addict Res 2023; 30:43-51. [PMID: 38151006 DOI: 10.1159/000534898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemsex has been defined until now as the use of specific psychoactive substances during sexual activities in men who have sex with men (MSM) contexts to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the experience. Many studies have investigated this phenomenon in specific communities, such as MSM, or have explored the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of chemsex in an Italian group and describe its main characteristics. Additionally, the study aimed to suggest prevention strategies addressing the risks associated with drug use. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional observational study. The survey was conducted among 1,828 individuals residing in Italy. Data were collected through a self-completed online survey consisting of 44 questions. RESULTS 248 people (13.6%) disclosed that they had practiced chemsex, 89 of which (35.9%) were female. Moreover, 13 people (5%) defined themselves as addicted to chemsex; 173 people (69.8%) would like to have more information about the risks related to chemsex, and 79 people (31.8%) would like to talk about this to a professional working in the addiction field. DISCUSSION The prevalence found in our Italian survey is consistent with findings from other studies. Notably, our survey reveals the presence of chemsex among women. Our results emphasize the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of chemsex, highlighting the significance of engaging specialized services such as addiction units, STD outpatient clinics, and mental health services. These healthcare facilities can effectively share information and implement risk prevention campaigns focused on chemsex.
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First Dark Matter Search Results from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:041002. [PMID: 37566836 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.041002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment is a dark matter detector centered on a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. This Letter reports results from LUX-ZEPLIN's first search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with an exposure of 60 live days using a fiducial mass of 5.5 t. A profile-likelihood ratio analysis shows the data to be consistent with a background-only hypothesis, setting new limits on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon, spin-dependent WIMP-neutron, and spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross sections for WIMP masses above 9 GeV/c^{2}. The most stringent limit is set for spin-independent scattering at 36 GeV/c^{2}, rejecting cross sections above 9.2×10^{-48} cm at the 90% confidence level.
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First Dark Matter Search with Nuclear Recoils from the XENONnT Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:041003. [PMID: 37566859 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.041003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
We report on the first search for nuclear recoils from dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with the XENONnT experiment, which is based on a two-phase time projection chamber with a sensitive liquid xenon mass of 5.9 ton. During the (1.09±0.03) ton yr exposure used for this search, the intrinsic ^{85}Kr and ^{222}Rn concentrations in the liquid target are reduced to unprecedentedly low levels, giving an electronic recoil background rate of (15.8±1.3) events/ton yr keV in the region of interest. A blind analysis of nuclear recoil events with energies between 3.3 and 60.5 keV finds no significant excess. This leads to a minimum upper limit on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section of 2.58×10^{-47} cm^{2} for a WIMP mass of 28 GeV/c^{2} at 90% confidence level. Limits for spin-dependent interactions are also provided. Both the limit and the sensitivity for the full range of WIMP masses analyzed here improve on previous results obtained with the XENON1T experiment for the same exposure.
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Searching for Heavy Dark Matter near the Planck Mass with XENON1T. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:261002. [PMID: 37450817 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.261002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Multiple viable theoretical models predict heavy dark matter particles with a mass close to the Planck mass, a range relatively unexplored by current experimental measurements. We use 219.4 days of data collected with the XENON1T experiment to conduct a blind search for signals from multiply interacting massive particles (MIMPs). Their unique track signature allows a targeted analysis with only 0.05 expected background events from muons. Following unblinding, we observe no signal candidate events. This Letter places strong constraints on spin-independent interactions of dark matter particles with a mass between 1×10^{12} and 2×10^{17} GeV/c^{2}. In addition, we present the first exclusion limits on spin-dependent MIMP-neutron and MIMP-proton cross sections for dark matter particles with masses close to the Planck scale.
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Search for New Physics in Electronic Recoil Data from XENONnT. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:161805. [PMID: 36306777 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.161805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We report on a blinded analysis of low-energy electronic recoil data from the first science run of the XENONnT dark matter experiment. Novel subsystems and the increased 5.9 ton liquid xenon target reduced the background in the (1, 30) keV search region to (15.8±1.3) events/(ton×year×keV), the lowest ever achieved in a dark matter detector and ∼5 times lower than in XENON1T. With an exposure of 1.16 ton-years, we observe no excess above background and set stringent new limits on solar axions, an enhanced neutrino magnetic moment, and bosonic dark matter.
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783TiP Phase I study of HFB301001, a novel OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody, in patients with solid tumors selected via Drug Intelligence Science (DIS). Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. C, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 2022; 82:618. [PMID: 35859696 PMCID: PMC9288420 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-022-10549-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6 × 6 × 6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.
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Material radiopurity control in the XENONnT experiment. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. C, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 2022; 82:599. [PMID: 35821975 PMCID: PMC9270421 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-022-10345-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The selection of low-radioactive construction materials is of the utmost importance for rare-event searches and thus critical to the XENONnT experiment. Results of an extensive radioassay program are reported, in which material samples have been screened with gamma-ray spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$^{222}$$\end{document}222Rn emanation measurements. Furthermore, the cleanliness procedures applied to remove or mitigate surface contamination of detector materials are described. Screening results, used as inputs for a XENONnT Monte Carlo simulation, predict a reduction of materials background (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\sim $$\end{document}∼17%) with respect to its predecessor XENON1T. Through radon emanation measurements, the expected \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$^{222}$$\end{document}222Rn activity concentration in XENONnT is determined to be 4.2 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$^{+0.5}_{-0.7}$$\end{document}-0.7+0.5) \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\upmu $$\end{document}μBq/kg, a factor three lower with respect to XENON1T. This radon concentration will be further suppressed by means of the novel radon distillation system.
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222 Rn emanation measurements for the XENON1T experiment. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. C, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 2021; 81:337. [PMID: 34720714 PMCID: PMC8550029 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-08777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The selection of low-radioactive construction materials is of utmost importance for the success of low-energy rare event search experiments. Besides radioactive contaminants in the bulk, the emanation of radioactive radon atoms from material surfaces attains increasing relevance in the effort to further reduce the background of such experiments. In this work, we present the 222 Rn emanation measurements performed for the XENON1T dark matter experiment. Together with the bulk impurity screening campaign, the results enabled us to select the radio-purest construction materials, targeting a 222 Rn activity concentration of 10 μ Bq / kg in 3.2 t of xenon. The knowledge of the distribution of the 222 Rn sources allowed us to selectively eliminate problematic components in the course of the experiment. The predictions from the emanation measurements were compared to data of the 222 Rn activity concentration in XENON1T. The final 222 Rn activity concentration of ( 4.5 ± 0.1 ) μ Bq / kg in the target of XENON1T is the lowest ever achieved in a xenon dark matter experiment.
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Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. C, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 2021; 81:322. [PMID: 34720713 PMCID: PMC8550327 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-021-09007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.
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Grants
- MR/T019530/1 Medical Research Council
- MR/T041323/1 Medical Research Council
- MSMT, Czech Republic
- NRF, South Korea
- Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
- SERI, Switzerland
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
- U.S. Department of Energy
- CERN
- Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu
- The Royal Society, United Kingdom
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- U.S. NSF
- FCT, Portugal
- CEA, France
- CNRS/IN2P3, France
- European Regional Development Fund
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- H2020-EU, European Union
- IPP, Canada
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- CAM, Spain
- MSCA, European Union
- Instituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare
- Fundacção de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
- Fundacion “La Caixa” Spain
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Search for Coherent Elastic Scattering of Solar ^{8}B Neutrinos in the XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:091301. [PMID: 33750173 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.091301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We report on a search for nuclear recoil signals from solar ^{8}B neutrinos elastically scattering off xenon nuclei in XENON1T data, lowering the energy threshold from 2.6 to 1.6 keV. We develop a variety of novel techniques to limit the resulting increase in backgrounds near the threshold. No significant ^{8}B neutrinolike excess is found in an exposure of 0.6 t×y. For the first time, we use the nondetection of solar neutrinos to constrain the light yield from 1-2 keV nuclear recoils in liquid xenon, as well as nonstandard neutrino-quark interactions. Finally, we improve upon world-leading constraints on dark matter-nucleus interactions for dark matter masses between 3 and 11 GeV c^{-2} by as much as an order of magnitude.
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Validation of the Transition Readiness and Appropriateness Measure (TRAM) for the Managing the Link and Strengthening Transition from Child to Adult Mental Healthcare in Europe (MILESTONE) study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e033324. [PMID: 32580979 PMCID: PMC7312331 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young people moving from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS) are faced with significant challenges. To improve this state of affairs, there needs to be a recognition of the problem and initiatives and an urgent requirement for appropriate tools for measuring readiness and outcomes at the transfer boundary (16-18 years of age in Europe). The objective of this study was to develop and validate the Transition Readiness and Appropriateness Measure (TRAM) for assessing a young person's readiness for transition, and their outcomes at the transfer boundary. DESIGN MILESTONE prospective study. SETTING Eight European Union (EU) countries participating in the EU-funded MILESTONE study. PARTICIPANTS The first phase (MILESTONE validation study) involved 100 adolescents (pre-transition), young adults (post-transition), parents/carers and both CAMHS and AMHS clinicians. The second phase (MILESTONE cohort study and nested cluster randomised trial) involved over 1000 young people. RESULTS The development of the TRAM began with a literature review on transitioning and a review of important items regarding transition by a panel of 34 mental health experts. A list of 64 items of potential importance were identified, which together comprised the TRAM. The psychometric properties of the different versions of the TRAM were evaluated and showed that the TRAM had good reliability for all versions and low-to-moderate correlations when compared with other established instruments and a well-defined factor structure. The main results of the cohort study with the nested cluster randomised trial are not reported. CONCLUSION The TRAM is a reliable instrument for assessing transition readiness and appropriateness. It highlighted the barriers to a successful transition and informed clinicians, identifying areas which clinicians on both sides of the transfer boundary can work on to ease the transition for the young person. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN83240263 (Registered 23 July 2015), NCT03013595 (Registered 6 January 2017); Pre-results.
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Phase (Ph) II study of MBG453 + spartalizumab in patients (pts) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma pretreated with anti–PD-1/L1 therapy. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz253.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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P1.04-32 Phase I/II Study of the A2AR Antagonist NIR178 (PBF-509), an Oral Immunotherapy, in Patients (pts) with Advanced NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.08.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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An exploratory, open-label, randomized, multicenter study to investigate the pharmacodynamics of a glycoengineered antibody (imgatuzumab) and cetuximab in patients with operable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2017; 28:2827-2835. [PMID: 28950289 PMCID: PMC5834084 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, anti-EGFR antibodies of the IgG1 'subtype' can induce a complementary therapeutic effect through the induction of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Glycoengineering of therapeutic antibodies increases the affinity for the Fc-gamma receptor, thereby enhancing ADCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated the changes in immune effector cells and EGFR pathway biomarkers in 44 patients with operable, advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with two preoperative doses of either glycoengineered imgatuzumab (GA201; 700 or 1400 mg) or cetuximab (standard dosing) in a neoadjuvant setting with paired pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsies. RESULTS Significant antitumor activity was observed with both antibodies after just two infusions. Metabolic responses were seen in 23 (59.0%) patients overall. One imgatuzumab-treated patient (700 mg) achieved a 'pathological' complete response. An immediate and sustained decrease in peripheral natural killer cells was consistently observed with the first imgatuzumab infusion but not with cetuximab. The functionality of the remaining peripheral natural killer cells was maintained. Similarly, a pronounced increase in circulating cytokines was seen following the first infusion of imgatuzumab but not cetuximab. Overall, tumor-infiltrating CD3+ cell counts increased following treatment with both antibodies. A significant increase from baseline in CD3+/perforin+ cytotoxic T cells occurred only in the 700-mg imgatuzumab group (median 95% increase, P < 0.05). The most prominent decrease of EGFR-expressing cells was recorded after treatment with imgatuzumab (700 mg, -34.6%; 1400 mg, -41.8%). The post-treatment inflammatory tumor microenvironment was strongly related to baseline tumor-infiltrating immune cell density, and baseline levels of EGFR and pERK in tumor cells most strongly predicted therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS These pharmacodynamic observations and relationship with efficacy are consistent with the proposed mode of action of imgatuzumab combining efficient EGFR pathway inhibition with ADCC-related immune antitumor effects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01046266 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GLOMERULONEPHRITIDES 2. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome with underlying glomerulopathies. A case series and a review of the literature. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013; 28:2246-59. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Methotrexate plus prednisone in patients with relapsing chronic periaortitis. Presse Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2013.02.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and thrombotic michroangiopathies (TMA): A retrospective histological study. Presse Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2013.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Mineral and bone disease - CKD 1-5. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfs219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Phase I PK/PD study of RO5083945 (GA201), the first glycoengineered anti- EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb) with optimized antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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EBV-associated leukoencephalopathy with late onset of central nervous system lymphoma in a kidney transplant recipient. Am J Transplant 2010; 10:947-951. [PMID: 20420644 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a rare posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which usually has a poor outcome. To date, no specific conditions predisposing to this complication have been identified. We here describe the case of a renal transplant patient who was initially diagnosed as having Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated leukoencephalopathy and ultimately developed EBV-positive CNS lymphoma. The patient was a young lady who, 2 years after transplantation, presented with focal neurological and electroencephalographic abnormalities and diffuse white matter lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging. EBV-DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by polymerase chain reaction. After acyclovir therapy and immunosuppressive drug tapering, the symptoms and electroencephalographic abnormalities subsided, and EBV-DNA disappeared from the CSF. Ten years later, a bulky cerebral mass was found. After excision, a diagnosis of EBV-positive, Hodgkin-like monomorphic B-cell PTLD was made. This case illustrates the potential pathophysiological relationships between EBV infection, leukoencephalopathy and CNS lymphoma; although a long time elapsed from the initial neurological illness to CNS lymphoma, a link between these two conditions cannot be excluded. Therefore, a careful long-term follow-up of EBV-related encephalopathy is advisable.
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Abstract
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare disease often causing obstructive uropathy. We evaluated the clinicopathologic features of 24 patients with IRF to characterize the histopathology of the disease and to provide a framework for the differential diagnosis with other retroperitoneal fibrosing conditions. Retroperitoneal specimens were analyzed by light and electron microscopy and by immunohistochemistry. Most patients presented with abdominal/lumbar pain, constitutional symptoms, and high acute-phase reactants. Overall, 20 had ureteral involvement and 13 developed acute renal failure. The retroperitoneal tissue consisted of a fibrous component and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate with the former characterized by myofibroblasts within a type-I collagen matrix. The infiltrate displayed perivascular and diffuse patterns containing lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and eosinophils. The perivascular aggregates had a central core of CD20(+) cells and a mantle of CD3(+) cells in equal proportions. In the areas of diffuse infiltrate, CD3(+) cells outnumbered the CD20(+) cells. Most plasma cells were positive for the IgG4 isotype. Small vessel vasculitis was found in the specimens of 11 patients. Our study indicates that a sclerotic background with myofibroblasts associated with a diffuse and perivascular infiltrate mainly consisting of T and B lymphocytes may be a pathological hallmark of IRF.
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NGRhTNF, a new vascular targeting agent with a dual mechanism of action: preliminary clinical results. J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
13052 Background: NGRhTNF is a vascular targeting agent (VTA) exploiting a tumour homing peptide (CNGRCG) selectively binding solid tumor (lung, renal, and colorectal) neovasculature. NGRhTNF specific binding relies on dynamic interactions with TNF-receptors, aminopeptidase N (CD13) and a specific integrin: a combination of receptors expressed by the tumor neovasculature endothelium, but not on normal vessels. This combination provides NGRhTNF with unique biological properties: at low dose, increased tumor vascular permeability, and massive tumor necrosis at high dose. Mouse preclinical data confirmed these properties, revealing also strong synergy between low dose NGRhTNF and cytotoxic agents (antracyclines, platinum based compounds, etc.). Methods: Based on these data, a series of studies were designed. A multicentre phase I study with NGRhTNF as single agent -still in progress- aims at defining MTD and preliminary anticancer activity, within the EORTC network (EORTC 16041). A single center phase I study exploiting the low dose range (0.2–1.6 μg/m2) aims at defining safety and NGRhTNF activity on the tumor vascular permeability using DCE MRI (HSR NGR002). Results: Twelve advanced neoplastic patients were enrolled in the HSR NGR002 study. Up to the dose of 1.6 μg/m2, the only common toxicity was represented by constitutional symptoms such as infusion-associated chills (40%) of mild to moderate intensity. At the tested doses, NGRhTNF increased vascular permeability, as shown by changes in DCE MRI parameters (Ktrans and Kep), and modulated the expression of chemokines possessing antiangiogenic activity. NGRhTNF achieved stable disease in about 45% of highly refractory treated patients, and still ongoing long lasting disease control in 2 cases (7 and 9 months along with sharp decline of CA125 and VEGF). Conclusions: NGR-hTNF, a VTA with a unique mechanism of action, combines activity on tumor vascular permeability and direct anti-cancer effect. Preliminary data in humans confirm its favourable safety profile along with remarkable anticancer activity, thus rendering the agent suitable for a development program alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Phase II low dose combination studies will begin in 2006. [Table: see text]
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Post-treatment residual tissue in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: active residual disease or silent "scar" ? A study using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23:231-4. [PMID: 15895895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medical treatment is often effective in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) but frequently leads to residual retroperitoneal masses that may represent active disease or simply consist of inactive fibrotic tissue. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging modality that reliably assesses disease activity in a number of inflammatory diseases including IRF. We used 18F-FDG PET to evaluate the metabolic activity of residual masses in a series of IRF patients. METHODS We studied 7 consecutive IRF patients, all of whom presented constitutional symptoms and/or pain, and had high acute-phase reactant levels; 6 had ureteral involvement. IRF was diagnosed by means of computed tomography (CT), which revealed a peri-aortoiliac mass in all cases. Three patients underwent surgical ureterolysis and 2 received ureteral stents. Subsequently, 5 patients received prednisone, one sequential treatment with prednisone and tamoxifen, and one prednisolone plus methotrexate. All of the patients underwent 18F-FDG PET at varying times after the end of treatment. RESULTS The presenting signs/symptoms improved in all patients and the levels of acute-phase reactants significantly decreased or normalised. Ureteral obstructive disease resolved in all cases. Post-treatment CT revealed a considerable reduction in the amount of IRF but all of the patients had a residual retroperitoneal mass. PET revealed slight aorto-iliac 18F-FDG uptake in only one patient; all of the others were negative. No patient relapsed during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Post-treatment residual masses are frequent in IRF patients but, in most cases, probably represent metabolically inactive tissue.
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Abstract
The antineoplastic compound aplidine, a new marine-derived depsipeptide, has shown preclinical activity in vitro on haematological and solid tumour cell lines. It is currently in early phase clinical trials. The exact mechanism of action of this anticancer agent still needs to be clarified. We have previously reported that aplidine blocks the secretion of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by the human leukaemia cells MOLT-4, suggesting a possible effect on tumour angiogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the antiangiogenic effect of aplidine. In vivo, in the chick embryo allantoic membrane (CAM) assay, aplidine inhibited spontaneous angiogenesis, angiogenesis elicited by exogenous VEGF and FGF-2, and induced by VEGF overexpressing 1A9 ovarian carcinoma cells. In vitro, at concentrations achievable in the plasma of patients, aplidine inhibited endothelial cell functions related to angiogenesis. It affected VEGF- and FGF-2-induced endothelial cell proliferation, inhibited cell migration and invasiveness assessed in the Boyden chamber and blocked the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) by endothelial cells. Finally, aplidine prevented the formation of capillary-like structures by endothelial cells on Matrigel. These findings indicate that aplidine has antiangiogenic activity in vivo and inhibits endothelial cell functional responses to angiogenic stimuli in vitro. This effect might contribute to the antineoplastic activity of aplidine.
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[Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis]. GIORNALE ITALIANO DI NEFROLOGIA : ORGANO UFFICIALE DELLA SOCIETA ITALIANA DI NEFROLOGIA 2004; 21:132-8. [PMID: 15351947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon disease, characterized by the replacement of normal retroperitoneal tissue with fibrosis and/or chronic inflammation. In two thirds of the cases retroperitoneal fibrosis is idiopathic (IRF), whereas in the remaining ones it is secondary/associated to cancer, infections, drugs, autoimmune disease and vasculitis. IRF appears as a dense, fibrous plaque that usually arises between the level of the lower aorta and the common iliac arteries. As the plaque progresses, it engulfs the adjacent structures (e. g., ureters). In its early stages IRF is characterized by a rich infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages interspersed within fibroblasts and collagen bundles. In its advanced stages it becomes relatively avascular and acellular with abundant collagen bundles and scattered calcifications. The pathogenesis is unknown: some Authors suggest that IRF is a consequence of a local autoimmune reaction against atherosclerotic plaque antigens whereas others propose that it is the manifestation of a systemic autoimmune disease. The presenting signs and symptoms are non-specific; systemic manifestations (fever, anorexia, weight loss), often associated with local symptoms, are usually found to be related to the entrapment of retroperitoneal structures. The most common local symptom is lumbar and/or abdominal pain. The treatment can be surgical and/or medical: the former is required when obstructive complications are present; the latter, associated or not with surgery, can significantly improve the outcome of IRF patients and usually modifies the natural history of the disease. Steroids and tamoxifen are the most used drugs, whereas other agents such as azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporine are usually given to non-responder patients.
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Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in the plasma of patients with ovarian carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2003; 39:1948-56. [PMID: 12932675 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(03)00427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We measured the levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases type 2 and type 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the plasma of patients with ovarian carcinoma (n=40), in other gynaecological pathologies (n=30) and in the plasma of healthy volunteers (n=26). MMP-2 and MMP-9 (pro and active forms) gelatinolytic activity was measured by zymography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to assay soluble VEGF and TIMPs. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in healthy volunteers (P<0.0001) or patients with a benign gynaecological pathology (P<0.0001). The expression of pro-MMP-9 was higher in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients than in the plasma of women with non-malignant disease (P=0.01) or healthy women (P<0.0002). Pro-MMP-2 was detected in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients, but levels did not differ from those in non-malignant disease or healthy donor samples. Plasma TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian carcinomas than in healthy volunteers (P<0.0001 and P=0.006, respectively) or in the patients with a non-malignant pathology (P<0.0001 and P=0.002, respectively). Sub-group analysis showed that VEGF and pro-MMP-9 were higher in the plasma of patients with serous carcinomas than other histological types. Furthermore, plasma VEGF and pro-MMP-9 levels were higher in the plasma of cancer patients with thrombocytosis. Throughout the study, and in the univariate analysis, no correlation was found between the VEGF, MMP and TIMP levels. Only TIMP-1 was associated with a poor survival and mortality risk.
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Abstract
Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a disease of unknown aetiology that has sometimes been reported in association with connective tissue disorders and systemic vasculitis. We report here two cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive RPF showing clinical evidence of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Although treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide led to a remission of RPF in both cases, renal function was restored in only one patient and the other progressed to chronic renal failure. The paper reviews the literature concerning ANCA-positive RPF and discusses the relationship between ANCA-positive vasculitis and RPF.
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Possible evolution of human parvovirus B19 infection into erythroleukemia. Haematologica 1999; 84:957-9. [PMID: 10509050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
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Mesalazine-associated interstitial nephritis: twice in the same patient. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1997; 12:2031. [PMID: 9306372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Characterization of the biophysical properties of human erythroblasts as a preliminary step to the isolation of fetal erythroblasts from maternal peripheral blood for non invasive prenatal genetic investigation. Haematologica 1997; 82:5-10. [PMID: 9107075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Fetal erythroblasts in maternal circulation represent a valuable source of fetal cell material which can be obtained with non-invasive procedures that do not endanger the fetus. Physical separation techniques have been invaluable in the isolation and characterization of different cells. There are basically two principles that have been used most successfully: separation according to density and separation according to size. In order to determine whether physical separation procedures are capable of purifying human erythroblasts, the biophysical characteristics of these cells were determined. METHODS Bone marrow particles were obtained from formal adults and peripheral blood buffy coats from blood banks. A single cell suspension was initially fractionated by buoyant density gradient centrifugation. Fractions enriched in erythroblasts were pooled and further processed by velocity sedimentation in order to take advantage of the differences in size of erythroblasts and other cells. RESULTS Density distribution curves were drawn after density gradient centrifugation for the different cell types present in the starting cell samples. Separation of the erythroblast-enriched density fractions by velocity sedimentation was successful and a highly purified population of erythroblasts was obtained. Cell size distribution of the different cell types was determined. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS This initial study defines the biophysical properties (size and density) of human erythroblasts in bone marrow and peripheral blood and is a necessary preliminary step in setting up the optimal procedure for the isolation of fetal erythroblasts from maternal peripheral blood in sufficient amounts and purity for prenatal non-invasive genetic investigation.
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Abstract
Twenty-one nephrectomized patients with metastatic renal cell cancer were treated with recombinant interleukin 2 (rlL-2) and interferon alpha (rIFN alpha). rIL-2 was administered s.c. at a dose of 1 x 10(6) IU m(-2) every 12 h on days 1 and 2, followed by 0.5 x 10(6) IU twice daily on days 3-5; rIFN alpha-2 was given i.m. as 1.8 x 10(6) IU m(-2) on days 3 and 5 of each week for 4 consecutive weeks. The cycle was regularly repeated at 4-month intervals and continued ad libitum in patients showing some response and in patients with progressing disease. Of 20 patients evaluable for treatment response, one (5%) had a complete response and three (15%) showed partial response. Three patients (15%) achieved stable disease and 13 (65%) were evaluated as having progressive disease. The estimated actuarial 44-month survival rate was 44%. Toxicity was limited to WHO grades 1 and 2 only.
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Immunotherapy and metastic renal cell cancer. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1996; 11:1890. [PMID: 8918650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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Immunotherapy and metastic renal cell cancer. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1996. [DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.ndt.a027696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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