Nutritional intervention for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the consequences of early and systematic nutritional intervention on the clinical conditions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and on the opportunity to maintain a good nutritional status for as long as possible. METHODS: Thirty-three subjects with ALS. Protocol Group: 12 subjects (9 M and 3 F) monitored according to a precise nutritional intervention protocol. CONTROL GROUP: 21 subjects (10 M and 11 F) monitored before applying the protocol. RESULTS: Data recorded at the time of initial assessment were compared and expressed as the mean ± standard deviation for the Protocol Group vs. the CONTROL GROUP: BMI (kg/m2) 23.6 ± 4.1 vs. 21.6 ± 3.5; weight loss as a percentage of usual weight 6.6 ± 7.9 vs. 16.3 ± 8.8 (P=0.003). At six months: weight loss as a percentage of usual weight 4.9 ± 6.2 vs. 16.9 ± 10.2 (P=0.002). At 12 months: weight loss as a percentage of usual weight 7.3 ± 7.1 vs. 17.5 ± 11.1 (P=0.03). At the first follow-up visit, fewer patients in the Protocol Group were receiving enteral nutrition (25%) than patients in the CONTROL GROUP (60%). At six-month follow-up visit: 30% vs. 68%. Standard enteral nutrition formulas were used. One year after initial assessment, the mortality rate was 17% for the Protocol Group, whereas it was 24% at six months and 33% after one year for the CONTROL GROUP. CONCLUSION: If patients are treated before any significant weight loss occurs, early and specific nutritional intervention allows good nutritional status to be maintained for a longer period; if artificial nutrition is required, standard diets are able to ensure adequate clinical results.

A preliminary investigation of the role of the transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ of the Hippo signalling pathway in canine and feline mammary tumours.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Cancer metastases are responsible for the high mortality rate. A small but distinct subset of cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), have the capacity to self-renew, initiate tumour formation, and develop metastases. The CSC content in human breast cancer correlates with the Hippo tumour suppressor signalling pathway. Specifically, the activity of YAP/TAZ, transcription co-activators of the Hippo pathway, sustains the self-renewal and tumour-initiation capacities of CSCs. Little is known about YAP/TAZ in canine and feline mammary tumours, which are very common tumours. The preliminary aim of the study was to investigate the expression of YAP/TAZ in canine and feline mammary tumours by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Increased cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of YAP/TAZ was observed in all carcinomas compared to normal tissues, indicating neoplastic deregulation of the Hippo pathway. Nuclear expression significantly increased in grade III (high grade carcinomas) compared to grade I (low grade carcinomas) tumours, suggesting that YAP/TAZ play a role in the increased aggressiveness of these tumours. Moreover, different scoring systems for immunohistochemical analyses were compared and the H index and the Allred scores were the most significant. In conclusion, YAP/TAZ are expressed in aggressive canine and feline mammary tumours as reported in some human cancers. Further studies might better elucidate the role of the Hippo pathway in prognosis and as a target for new therapies. In addition, tumours in dogs and cats may be a useful model to study this pathway.

[Organisational aspects of a donated breast milk bank: experience of the Treviso hospital]. / Aspetti organizzativi di una banca di latte umano donato: l'esperienza dell'Ospedale di Treviso.

AIM: This study analyses the organisational aspects and the volume of milk managed by the donated breast milk bank (banca del latte umano donato, BLUD) in Treviso. METHODS: The data gathered refer to the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. In particular the hygiene methodology is described in order to obtain a high-quality product from a clinical point of view which is in line with the recent norms regarding the management of food products. RESULTS: During the three-year study 5,647 L of milk were collected (on average: 155 L/month; 5 L/day). Seventy-two percent of breast milk collected was from mothers for their own children; the remaining 28% of milk was from ''donors for the pool''. In the same period 5,053 L of milk was pasteurised and distributed (pool=31%; frozen breast milk=61%; chilled unpasteurized breast milk =8%). Microbiological data show total effectiveness of the methods of pasteurisation used (Holder method). The tracking of the product is possible through the BLUD organisation. CONCLUSION: We propose: 1) that scientific organisations and legislators try to optimise the control of this important product by providing guidelines, indications, microbiological parameters and legal obligations for the correct continuation of the work carried out by BLUDs; 2) that BLUDs create a network for rapid communication, integration and possible collaboration; 3) that a study be carried out regarding BLUDs and population density in order to balance costs and benefits.

Effects of timolol maleate on tear flow in human eyes.

Lacrimal function was studied in 30 patients treated for glaucoma, with 0.25% timolol eye drops. Rose bengal and fluorescein staining disclosed punctate epithelial defects in 11 eyes after one week. During the following weeks there defects disappeared spontaneously in most eyes. Schirmer tests (I and II), tear lysozyme and pre-corneal film break-up time were significantly decreased by the treatment, while tear immunoglobulins were unimpaired. The authors conclude that topical timolol treatment decreases tear production. This effect is quantitatively limited and does not appear dangerous for normal eyes, although it may become so for eyes with an originally low lacrimal secretion.