The Role of Oncotype DX® Recurrence Score in Predicting Axillary Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Oncotype DX® recurrence score (RS) is well-recognized for guiding decision making in adjuvant chemotherapy; however, the predictive capability of this genomic assay in determining axillary response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has not been established. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), we identified patients diagnosed with T1-T2, clinically N1/N2, estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (ER +/HER2 -) invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast between 2010 and 2015. Patients with an Oncotype DX® RS who received NCT were included. RS was defined as low (< 18), intermediate (18-30), or high (> 30). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed to determine the association between axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) and RS. RESULTS: This study included a total of 158 women. RS was low in 56 (35.4%) patients, intermediate in 62 (39.2%) patients, and high in 40 (25.3%) patients. The majority of patients presented with clinical N1 disease (89.2%). Axillary pCR was achieved in 23 (14.6%) patients. When stratifying patients with axillary pCR by RS, 11 (47.8%) patients had a high RS, 6 (26.1%) patients had an intermediate RS, and 6 (26.1%) patients had a low RS. Comparing cohorts by RS, 27.5% of patients with high RS tumors had an axillary pCR, compared with only 9.7% in the intermediate RS group, and 10.7% in the low RS group (p = 0.0268). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that Oncotype DX® RS is an independent predictor of axillary pCR in patients with ER +/HER2 - breast cancers receiving NCT. A greater proportion of patients with a high RS achieved axillary pCR. These results support Oncotype DX® as a tool to improve clinical decision making in axillary management.

Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Microinvasive Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Microinvasive ductal carcinoma (DCISM), defined as DCIS with a focus of invasive carcinoma ≤ 1 mm, can be managed similarly to pure DCIS; however, management of the axilla in DCISM has been a subject of debate. Reports in the literature differ on the utility and necessity of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for DCISM. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for nodal disease in patients with DCISM, which can help develop a selective approach to SLNB in this patient population. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was used to select patients with DCISM (pT1mi), diagnosed from 2012 to 2015, who underwent SLNB. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine associations between sentinel lymph node metastasis and relevant clinical variables. RESULTS: Our cohort comprised of 2609 patients with pT1mi who underwent SLNB. Of these, 76 (2.9%) were found to have sentinel lymph node metastases on final pathology. Low/intermediate grade tumors were associated with decreased SLN metastasis (OR 0.50, CI 0.28-0.92). Age and receptor status of the tumor did not have a clear association in predicting SLN metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of sentinel node metastases in DCISM is low at only 2.9% in this national study. Tumor grade was identified as influencing the risk of SLN metastases. This information can factor into shared decision-making for SLNB in patients with DCISM.

Impact of geographic distribution of accredited breast centers.

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBCs) is dedicated to improving the quality of care in patients with breast disease. Geographic distribution of health care resources is an important measure of quality, yet little is known regarding breast center allocation patterns concerning population demand and impact on health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of NAPBC programs in the United States (USA) and evaluate the impact on breast cancer survival. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014 data base, we identified the incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer by state. We also determined the concentration of NAPBC programs in each state (ie, the number of centers per 1000 cases of breast cancer). Data were analyzed using Spearman's (nonparametric) rank correlation coefficients. Five hundred and seventy NAPBC programs were identified. Across the United States, there was a mean of 2.8 programs/1000 breast cancer diagnoses. A positive correlation (r = .45) between breast cancer incidence and the number of programs was identified (P = .0009). There was no statistically significant correlation between mortality and NAPBC program concentration (r = -0.20, P = .16). NAPBC-accredited program distribution within the United States correlates with breast cancer incidence per state. However, the number of NAPBC programs per state did not alter overall mortality rates. Added measures beyond survival, as well as further insight into referral patterns to NAPBC programs, may be required to demonstrate the value and impact of NAPBC accreditation.

Breast-Conserving Surgery Alone for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Factors Associated with Increased Risk of Local Recurrence.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was aimed at identifying clinicopathologic characteristics associated with an increased risk for ipsilateral local recurrence (LR) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with wide local excision (WLE) alone without radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: All patients with DCIS treated with WLE alone at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA, between the years 2000 and 2010 were identified. We collected data on demographics, parity, personal or family history of breast cancer, exogenous hormone use, tobacco use, comorbidities, genetic mutation carrier status, imaging interval, and tumor-specific characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 222 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up time was 8 years. LR occurred in 9% of patients, with a recurrence rate of 11.3 per 1000 person-years. The risk of recurrence was lower for patients with nuclear grade (NG) I tumors than for patients with NG II or NG III tumors (3, 8.5, and 19%, respectively; p = 0.01). The median margin width was 1 mm in patients experiencing LR versus 1.8 mm in patients without LR (p = 0.3). Patients who had used exogenous hormones, or patients with a history of tobacco use, had higher rates of LR than those who did not, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that higher NG, narrower margin width, use of exogenous hormones, and smoking history may be associated with an increased risk of LR. The evaluation of these factors may be helpful when considering whether or not to use adjuvant RT for patients with DCIS.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms at the TNFAIP3/A20 locus and susceptibility/resistance to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

The anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory functions of the ubiquitin-editing and NF-kappaB inhibitory protein A20 are well documented in vitro, and in multiple animal models. The high rank held by A20 in the cell's physiologic anti-inflammatory defense mechanisms is highlighted by the striking phenotype of A20 knockout mice, characterized by cachexia, multi-organ failure, and premature death. Even partial depletion of A20, as in A20 heterozygous mice, significantly alters NF-kappaB activation in response to pro-inflammatory activators, even though these mice are phenotypically unremarkable at baseline. A recent burst of genome wide association studies (GWAS), fueled by advances in genomic technologies and analysis tools, uncovered associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the TNFAIP3/A20 gene locus and multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in humans. Interestingly, some of these studies emphasized significant associations between TNFAIP3/A20 SNPs imparting decreased expression or loss of NF-kappaB inhibitory function, and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and coronary artery disease (CAD). These clinical data phenocopy partial loss of A20 in mouse models of inflammatory diseases, thereby incriminating TNFAIP3/A20 deficiency as a pathogenic culprit in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this chapter, we undertook a thorough review of studies that explored association between TNFAIP3/A20 SNPs and human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Beyond the prognostic value of TNFAIP3/ A20 SNPs for assessing disease risk, their implication in the pathogenic processes of these maladies prompts the pursuit of A20-targeted therapies for disease prevention/treatment in patients harboring susceptibility haplotypes.

[Voriconazole compromises renal function in an elderly CDK patient with Candida albicans infection]. / Aggravamento della funzione renale da Voriconazolo in paziente anziano con nefropatia cronica affetto da infezione da Candida albicans.

There has been a progressive increase in the number of intensive care patients being transferred to nephrology units because of improper dosage of drugs, especially patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Voriconazole is a new synthetic triazole derivative with stronger therapeutic activity against fungal infections than fluconazole or itraconazole. Its effectiveness is associated with high nephrotoxicity, affecting patients with CKD in particular. The adverse effects of voriconazole involve several segments of the nephron, particularly the proximal tubule, medullary thick ascending limb, and collecting duct, causing loss of potassium and magnesium and backdiffusion of hydrogen ions. We report the case of an 86-year-old man with moderate CKD who developed acute renal failure as a result of inadequate dosage of voriconazole. He developed oliguria, electrolyte imbalance and fluid overload requiring hemodialysis. Vericonazole withdrawal associated with short daily hemodialysis treatment led to the recovery of diuresis, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. In conclusion, in elderly patients with liver disease and moderate CKD, thorough evaluation is needed before the administration of voriconazole in order to establish the most appropriate dose.

Evaluating the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with DCIS treated with breast conserving surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is limited given the rarity of nodal metastasis in non-invasive disease. Although SLNB is typically a safe procedure, there are potential complications and associated costs. The purpose of this study is to assess national surgical practice patterns and clinical outcomes with respect to the use of SLNB for DCIS in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS). METHODS: Case-level data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was assessed to identify adult patients ≥ 18 with DCIS, who underwent BCS and SLNB. Patient demographics and hospital characteristics were grouped for analytic purposes. A multivariate analysis was performed for patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 15,422 patients with DCIS undergoing BCS in 2015, of which 2,698 (18%) underwent SLNB. A multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between greater frequency of SLNB in patients age range of 60-69, receipt of care at a community facility, and higher nuclear grade DCIS. Positive sentinel nodes metastasis was identified in 0.9% patients undergoing BCS and SLNB for DCIS. CONCLUSION: The role of SLNB in patients with DCIS undergoing BCS is limited and does not routinely provide meaningful information or benefit to clinical management. Despite this, nearly one in five patients undergoing BCS for DCIS had lymph node sampling performed. Given the potential increased morbidity and financial implications, this finding represents an opportunity for further education and improvement in patient selection for SLNB.

Metachronous splenic metastasis from colonic carcinoma five years after surgery: a case report and literature review.

Metastatic lesions of the spleen are a rare finding and are generally associated with widespread disease. Moreover, solitary metastases of the spleen are exceptional. In this paper, we describe the case of a patient who developed an isolated splenic metastasis from colon carcinoma five years after surgery, and was successfully treated by splenectomy. We also review the scant literature experience discussing clinical diagnosis and approaches to this uncommon event.

Sedentary lifestyle in active children admitted to a summer sport school.

Aim of this study was to investigate the sedentary patterns of school-aged active children admitted to a summer sport school. One hundred-twelve children aged 9-11 years were interviewed through a questionnaire about sedentary behaviours and nutrition habits. Seventy-one per cent of children reported they watch TV seven days a week, girls less than boys (84 +/- 45 minutes vs. 110 +/- 75 minutes) (t = 2.056; p = 0.042). The habit of TV viewing during meals was widespread (38% breakfast, 31% lunch, 62% dinner, 18% every meal). The prevalence of overweight or obesity (58.5%) was significantly higher among boys watching TV at dinner compared to the boys viewing TV only in the afternoon (35%) (chi2 = 4.976; p = 0.026). Fifty-seven per cent of children (65% boys) were accustomed to nibble snacks during TV viewing, and this habit was widespread in overweight or obese boys (chi2 = 4.546; p = 0.033). The dietary patterns of children watching TV include more snack foods and fewer fruits than the dietary patterns of the same children exercising (chi2 = 4.199 p = 0.040). Also in active children the habit to watch television is widespread and, in spite of the tendency to physical activity, 46% of them were overweight or obese; in fact the time spent looking at a TV may be associated to overweight/obesity and this relationship could be explained by the amount of high-density foods consumption during inactivity. Playing video games, read a book and listening to music are sedentary lifestyle patterns but these seem not to represent a risk factor for an increased BMI.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: a prospective study from pathology to clinical outcome.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is widely accepted to treat hemorrhoids, but serious complications have been reported. In this prospective audit, we correlated clinical outcome with pathological findings. From January 2003 to April 2007, 94 patients underwent hemorrhoidopexy. Macroscopic appearance of the specimen (shape, size, and depth) was recorded. Microscopically, the presence of columnar, transitional, and squamous epithelium, the involvement of circular/longitudinal smooth muscle, and features of mucosal prolapse were assessed. Clinical outcome was evaluated by a validated questionnaire. Postoperative pain, secretion, and bleeding durations were 12.7+/-10.6, 5.6+/-9.6, and 6.3+/-8.4 days. Patient's return to work averaged 16.7+/-10.7 days. Fissure, skin tags, and anal strictures were observed in 23.4%. Seven patients experienced pain for a significantly longer period of time. All specimens contained columnar mucosa, but 29.8% contained columnar and transitional epithelium and 12.8% contained columnar, anal transitional, and stratified squamous epithelium. Smooth muscle was observed in 62.7%. Pain was significantly increased if transitional epithelium was present in the specimen. No correlation or differences were observed if smooth muscle was present, although postoperative bleeding was more frequent. Hemorrhoidopexy is safe and effective. The specimen should always be sent for pathology examination. Only columnar epithelium should be present and, although the presence of smooth muscle does not influence the outcome in terms of functional results, its presence may play a role in postoperative bleeding.

Medical and surgical treatment of chronic anal fissure: a prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of different medical treatments and surgery in the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF). From 1/04 to 09/06, 156 patients with typical CAF completed the study. All patients were treated with 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment (GTN) or anal dilators (DIL) for 8 weeks. If no improvement was observed after 8 weeks, patient was assigned to the other treatment or a combination of the two. Persisting symptoms after 12 weeks or recurrence were indications for either botulinum toxin injection into the internal sphincter and fissurectomy or lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS). During the follow-up (19 +/- 8 months), healing rates, symptoms, incontinence scores, and therapy adverse effects were prospectively recorded. Overall healing rates were 65.3 and 96.3% after GTN/DIL or BTX/LIS. Healing rate after GTN or DIL were 39.8 and 46%, respectively. Thirty-six patients (23.1%) responded to further medical therapy. Fifty-four patients (34.6%) underwent BTX or LIS. Healing rate after BTX was 81.8%. LIS group showed a 100% healing rate with no morbidity and postoperative incontinence. In conclusion, although LIS is far more effective than medical treatments, BTX injection/fissurectomy as first line treatment may significantly increase the healing rate while avoiding any risk of incontinence.

Effectiveness of Switch to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Biosimilars versus Maintenance of ESA Originators in the Real-Life Setting: Matched-Control Study in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: In hemodialysis (HD), switching from erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) originators to biosimilars is associated with the need for doses approximately 10% higher, according to industry-driven studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy on anemia control of switching from ESA originators to biosimilars in daily clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively selected consecutive HD patients receiving stable intravenous ESA doses, and who had not been transfused in the previous 6 months, from 12 non-profit Italian centers. Patients switched from originators to biosimilars (n = 163) were matched with those maintained on ESA originators (n = 163) using a propensity score approach. The study duration was 24 weeks, and the primary endpoint was the mean dose difference (MDD), defined as the difference between the switch and control groups of ESA dose changes during the study (time-weighted average ESA dose minus baseline ESA dose). RESULTS: Age (70 ± 13 years), male sex (63%), diabetes (29%), history of cardiovascular disease (40%), body weight (68 ± 14 kg), vascular access (86% arteriovenous fistula), hemoglobin [Hb] (11.2 ± 0.9 g/dL) and ESA dose (8504 ± 6370 IU/week) were similar in the two groups. Hb remained unchanged during the study in both groups. Conversely, ESA dose remained unchanged in the control group and progressively increased in the switch group from week 8 to 24. The time-weighted average of the ESA dose was higher in the switch group than in the control group (10,503 ± 7389 vs. 7981 ± 5858 IU/week; p = 0.001), leading to a significant MDD of 2423 IU/week (95% confidence interval [CI] 1615-3321), corresponding to a 39.6% (95% CI 24.7-54.6) higher dose of biosimilars compared with originators. The time-weighted average of Hb was 0.2 g/dL lower in the switch group, with a more frequent ESA hyporesponsiveness (14.7 vs. 2.5%). Iron parameters and other resistance factors remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In stable dialysis patients, switching from ESA originators to biosimilars requires 40% higher doses to maintain anemia control.

Self-monitoring adherence to physical activity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Monitoring blood glucose is essential for good diabetes control and even more important when participating in sports. Many variables can have an effect on blood sugar response to aerobic or anaerobic activities. A moderate exercise produces an average fall in plasma glucose of approximately 40% of baseline values. The majority of hypoglycaemia episodes occurs in children with pre-exercise plasma glucose concentrations < 120 mg/dl, therefore it is advisable to achieve a blood glucose level of at least 120 mg/dl if not higher before starting an exercise in order to prevent hypoglycaemia episodes. Since 15 g of oral glucose result in only about a 20-mg/dl rise in glucose concentrations, 30-45 g of oral glucose may be more appropriate to treat hypoglycaemia during exercise. A sufficient adherence to the physical activity prescribed by the health care professionals it easy to find in the children with Type 1 diabetes. According our experience, 60 per cent of the children report to spend on average 1 hour daily for exercise, proving so to consider physical activity beneficial in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Glycate haemoglobin levels in these motivated patients were better than in children exercising sporadically and shortly either at school or in the spare time. Although the health care professionals effort, only half of the patients referred to monitor blood glucose levels before, after or before and after the exercise. Only one third of the patients reported to regularly adjust insulin dosage to own response to physical activity. Two third of the patients referred to consume added carbohydrate to avoid hypoglycaemia.

Outside-hospital assistance for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Telephone care, Telemedicine, Home care and Diabetic Camps are the most useful ways for Paediatricians to transfer diabetic care outside the hospital. These provide children with diabetes and their parents with an effective and practical tool to solve directly arising therapeutic problems and improve their quality of care and life. The advantages for the National Health Care System could be macroscopic: according to some studies, the Telephone care service allows to save 85% of the hospitalisation costs for children with acute metabolic intercurrent illnesses-related derangements. Telemedicine service, based on telephone line relying on the Internet technology, is a complementary tool to follow children and adolescents with diabetes in out-patient clinic. The rare experiences in this field report a reduction in insulin doses and an improvement of metabolic control and quality of life. The Home care service has to be performed by a nurse and has to be useful for patients and parents to organize the management of diabetes at home and to improve therapeutic adherence. Diabetic camps give the opportunity to children and adolescents with diabetes to verify, outside the family and under health professionals' supervision, their ability to manage the disease, and to increase own self-esteem.

A20 Haploinsufficiency Aggravates Transplant Arteriosclerosis in Mouse Vascular Allografts: Implications for Clinical Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is central to the pathogenesis of transplant arteriosclerosis (TA). We questioned whether physiologic levels of anti-inflammatory A20 influence TA severity. METHODS: We performed major histocompatibility complex mismatched aorta to carotid artery interposition grafts, using wild type (WT) or A20 heterozygote (HET) C57BL/6 (H-2) donors and BALB/c (H-2) recipients, and conversely BALB/c donors and WT/HET recipients. We analyzed aortic allografts by histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and gene profiling (quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). We validated select in vivo A20 targets in human and mouse smooth muscle cell (SMC) cultures. RESULTS: We noted significantly greater intimal hyperplasia in HET versus WT allografts, indicating aggravated TA. Inadequate upregulation of A20 in HET allografts after transplantation was associated with excessive NF-кB activation, gauged by higher levels of IkBα, p65, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CXCL10, CCL2, TNF, and IL-6 (mostly localized to SMC). Correspondingly, cytokine-induced upregulation of TNF and IL-6 in human and mouse SMC cultures inversely correlated with A20 expression. Aggravated TA in HET versus WT allografts correlated with increased intimal SMC proliferation, and a higher number of infiltrating IFNγ and Granzyme B CD4 T cells and natural killer cells, and lower number of FoxP3 regulatory T cells. A20 haploinsufficiency in allograft recipients did not influence TA. CONCLUSIONS: A20 haploinsufficiency in vascular allografts aggravates lesions of TA by exacerbating inflammation, SMC proliferation, and infiltration of pathogenic T cells. A20 single nucleotide polymorphisms associating with lower A20 expression or function in donors of vascularized allografts may inform risk and severity of TA, highlighting the clinical implications of our findings.

Parallel-group 8-week study on chlorthalidone effects in hypertensives with low kidney function.

Short-term effects of chlorthalidone are unknown in low kidney function. The effects of 8-week treatment with 25-mg chlorthalidone on the top of ongoing treatment were compared between control hypertensives and low kidney function hypertensives as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min×1.73 m(2). Screening period consisted of 2 visits for patient selection and pretreatment laboratory evaluations (baseline). Inclusion criteria were uncontrolled hypertension on nondiuretic antihypertensive treatment. Exclusion criteria were chlorthalidone contraindications, refused consent, treatment with >3 antihypertensive drugs, severe hypertension, severe comorbidities, unreliable estimated glomerular filtration rate. Treatment period consisted of 5 visits (weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8). Post-treatment laboratory evaluations were performed 3 to 4 days before week-8 visit. The 2 groups differed for baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (low kidney function and control: n=60 and 60; mean, 39 and 76; range, 15-59 and 60-104) but not for sex, age, and baseline blood pressure. Week-8 blood pressure changes were a decrease in both groups (low kidney function and control: systolic pressure, -20 and -23; 95% confidence interval, -22/-18 and -26/-19; diastolic pressure, -9 and -10, -11/-7, and -13/-8) without significant between-group differences. Incidence of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups (15.0% and 16.7%). Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate did not predict blood pressure changes and adverse events in either groups (P>0.6). In both groups, post-treatment changes were a decrease for estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum potassium, an increase for serum uric acid (P<0.01). Data show that short-term chlorthalidone effects were not reduced in hypertensives with low kidney function.

A hand-made supplementary food for malnourished children.

We tested the possibility to prepare a hyperproteic and hyperenergetic supplementary food for malnutrition rehabilitation in children starting from available ingredients in popular markets in Sierra Leone. Twelve residents in Paediatrics from University of Parma, Italy, prepared in a hospital near the capital Freetown with modest technology a mixture of peanut flour, palm oil, milk powder, sugar and vitamins to which they gave the name of "Parma pap". Three hundred and thirty-two malnourished children (mean age 14±6.3 months) who were receiving Feeding Program Supplementations (FPS), were enrolled in the study: 177 participants received randomly FSP portions only (Group 1), and 159 participants were treated with FSP regimen plus a supplement of "Parma pap" (Group 2). Outcomes of the study were computed as WHZ-score increment (Δ value) by subtracting the discharge WHZ-score from the admission WHZ-score. The best Δ-WHZ-scores (>+4) were recorded among participants of Group 2 (64%) rather than in Group 1 (21%; p=0.040). The children receiving FSP portions plus "Parma pap" recovered faster (5.54 week on average) than those treated with FSP regimen only (8.16 on average). The percentage of children who did not recover was higher in Group 1 (25.3%) than in Group 2 (; 13%; p=0.05). A slight positive correlation has been found between WHZ-scores at admission and at the end of the study (r=0.19; p=0.045). During the experience in Sierra Leone we have had the chance to give "Parma pap" to twenty one malnourished children admitted to Xaverian Mission in Makeni, northern Sierra Leone, not taking other supplementary food. Sixteen of these children recovered in 4.9 week on average and five in 6 to 8 weeks. Mean Δ-WHZ-scores ranged between + 1 and + 5. The data from the present study suggest that "Parma pap" could be an effective additional food to FPS regimen in malnutrition recovering. Further researches are needed on the contrary to prove if "Parma pap" could be defined as a veritable ready to use therapeutic food, although this characteristic seems already to result from the experience in Makeni Mission.

[Atypical mycobacterial infection after kidney transplant: two clinical cases]. / Micobatteriosi atipiche nel trapianto renale: due casi clinici.

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality during kidney transplant. In areas where tuberculosis is not endemic, Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOOT), also known as 'atypical' Mycobacteria, are more frequently involved in mycobacterial infections than M. tuberculosis. The incidence of MOOT infection in renal transplant recipients ranges from 0.16 to 0.38 percent. This low rate of reported incidence is, however, often due to delay in diagnosis and lack of therapeutic protocols. Further difficulty is caused by the interaction of antimycobacterial drugs with the post-transplant immunosuppressive regimen, necessitating close monitoring of plasma concentrations and careful dose modification. We present two cases of Mycobacterium Chelonae infection in kidney transplant recipients which differ in both clinical presentation and pharmacological approach.

Reduction in carotid intima-media thickness after pancreatic islet transplantation in patients with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of islet transplantation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker for atherosclerosis, in type 1 diabetes without kidney disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Consecutive case series of 15 adults (mean age [SD], 49 years [10 years]; 87% female) with type 1 diabetes for ≥5 years (mean duration [SD], 30 years [12 years]; mean HbA(1c) [SD], 7.2% [0.9%]), without kidney disease, presenting with severe hypoglycemic unawareness to undergo allogeneic pancreatic islet transplant(s) (one to three each) in a phase 1/2 and 3 clinical trial. Current follow-up ranges from 1 to 5 years (2005-2011). CIMT of the common and internal carotid arteries was measured before and every 12-16 months after the first transplant (two to six CIMTs each) by one ultrasonographer and one blinded reader. CIMT was analyzed as change from baseline to 12- and 50-month follow-up; a combined CIMT score was calculated as the sum of the standardized IMT scores (SD units [SDs]) of both arteries. RESULTS: All patients achieved insulin independence after one to three transplants. CIMT decreased at 12 months (n = 15) for the common carotid (-0.058 mm; P = 0.006) and combined score (-1.28 SDs; P = 0.004). In those with 50-month follow-up (n = 7), the decrease in the combined score continued from 12 (-1.59 SDs; P = 0.04) to 50 months (-0.77 SDs; P = 0.04). During follow-up, the decreasing slope of change in CIMT was associated with decreasing slopes of change in HbA(1c), lipoproteins, and cardiovascular/inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Islet transplantation may ameliorate diabetes-related atherosclerosis through improved glycemic control consequent to restoring endogenous insulin secretion, and optimal lipid management posttransplant also contributes.