Glucosylceramide synthase protects glioblastoma cells against autophagic and apoptotic death induced by temozolomide and Paclitaxel.

Glioblastoma is a deadly cancer with intrinsic chemoresistance. Understanding this property will aid in therapy. Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is associated with resistance and poor outcome; little is known about glioblastomas. In glioblastoma cells, temozolomide and paclitaxel induce ceramide increase, which in turn promotes cytotoxicity. In drug-resistant cells, both drugs are unable to accumulate ceramide, increased expression and activity of GCS is present, and its inhibitors hinder resistance. Resistant cells exhibit cross-resistance, despite differing in marker expression, and cytotoxic mechanism. These findings suggest that GCS protects glioblastoma cells against autophagic and apoptotic death, and contributes to cell survival under chemotherapy.

Anharmonic oscillation effect on the Davydov-Scott monomer in a thermal bath.

The dynamics of Davydov-Scott monomer in a thermal bath with higher order amide-site's displacement leads to anharmonic oscillation effect is investigated using full-quantum approach and the Lindblad formulation of master equation. The specific heat is calculated based on the thermodynamic partition function using the path integral method. The temperature dependence of the specific heat is studied. In the model the specific heat anomaly as pointed out in recent works by Ingold [Phys. Rev. E 79, 061105 (2009)] is also observed. However, it is found that the anomaly occurs at high-temperature region, and the anharmonic oscillation restores the positivity of specific heat.

[Cryptorchidism and fertility: evaluation in adult age]. / Criptorchidismo e fertilità: valutazione in età adulta.

Impairment of fertility rate has been found to be associated with cryptorchidism. In this study we assessed the fertility of 172 adult subjects with unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism who underwent surgical correction in pediatric age. Fertility has been evaluated by sperm analysis. Moreover test of function of spermatozoa membrane (swelling-test) and the research of antisperm antibodies (spermmar test) were carried out. The report presents data demonstrating that the fertility rate in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism is markedly reduced if compared with subjects affected by unilateral cryptorchidism. Azoospermia is present in 18% of bilateral cryptorchidism. The timing of surgery and the anatomical position of the cryptorchid testes do not seem to affect the fertility rate.

Fertility rates after successful correction of varicocele in adolescence and adulthood.

Vast epidemiologic studies have shown that varicocele becomes manifest at the beginning of sexual maturation and its incidence gradually increases in patients between 10-16 years. This percentage is 16-18% in adolescents and is comparable to that of the adult male population. Since varicocele first appears in early adolescence and its gonadotoxic effect increases with age, the possibility of improved fertility rate with early varicocelectomy has been suggested. We report the results of a comparative follow-up study to value the efficacy of surgical correction in two groups of adolescent and adult patients. Our study shows that early recognition and treatment of a severe varicocele provide a higher fertility rate and can prevent the reduced fertility rate associated with delayed varicocelectomy.

Effects of captopril and nadolol on renal hemodynamics in patients with essential hypertension.

The randomized single-blind study was designed to compare the effects of captopril (Cap) and nadolol (Nad) on renal hemodynamics in 60 patients with essential hypertension. They were divided into two groups at random. Cap was given in dosage of 37.5-75 mg/d per os and Nad 40-80 mg/d. The results show that both drugs increase the blood volume distributed to the kidneys from cardiac output (renal blood flow/cardiac output), Cap increasing 10% (P < 0.05) and Nad 8% (P < 0.05). Renal vascular resistance (RVR) is lowered by the two drugs, 13% (P < 0.05) by Cap and 11% (P < 0.05) by Nad. These suggest that both drugs facilitate the maintenance of renal blood circulation in patients with essential hypertension, being beneficial for long-term treatment of hypertension.

[Cryptorchidism and fertility: an assessment in adulthood]. / Criptorchidismo e fertilità: valutazione in età adulta.

Impairment of fertility rate has been found to be associated with cryptorchidism. In this study we assessed the fertility of 172 adult subjects with unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism who underwent surgical correction in pediatric age. Fertility has been evaluated by sperm analysis. Moreover test of function of spermatozoa membrane (swelling-test) and the research of antisperm antibodies (spermmar test) were carried out. The report presents data demonstrating that the fertility rate in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism is markedly reduced if compared with subjects affected by unilateral cryptorchidism. Azoospermia is present in 18% of bilateral cryptorchids. The timing of surgery and the anatomical position of the cryptorchid testes do not seem to affect the fertility rate.

[Small size breast cancer conservative surgical therapy and subsequent radiotherapy]. / Il cancro mammario di piccole dimensioni: terapia chirurgica conservativa e successiva radioterapia.

From february 1980 to december 1985, 115 breast carcinomas were treated with QU.A.RT. with limited surgery and following radiotherapy. Median age was 51 years (range 25 to 75). Surgical approach was quadrantectomy with axillary nodes dissection. Irradiation of residual breast was performed by an anterior high energy electron beam. 50 Gy in 25 fractions was the minimal dose to whole breast. In pN+ patients systemic adjuvant therapy was done. Local control was obtained in 111 cases. Local recurrence appeared in 4: 1 menopausal pT1 pNO and 3 premenopausal (1 pT1 pNO and 2 pT1 pN+) at respectively 31, 19, 22 months from diagnosis. Distant metastases appeared in 10 patients. 7 died for cancer and 3 are still alive. Cosmetic results were scored as good in 52, better than mastectomy in 26, unsatisfactory in 3, and not stated in 34. Our results are comparable to those of other Centers. Youth, axillary metastases and delay between surgery and radiotherapy appears to influence the risk of recurrence also in our series.

[Diagnostic aspects of aneurysm of the splenic artery (description of a case)]. / Aspetti diagnostici dell'aneurisma dell'arteria splenica (descrizione di un caso).

A case of splenic artery aneurysm with ultrasonic examination discovered is reported and analyzed. The aneurysm pas asymptomatic and founded as incidental finding during standard x-ray. Arteriography was required to confirm the diagnosis and indicate the correct surgical treatment.

[Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder: ultrasonic features (remarks on 8 cases)]. / Il carcinoma primitivo della colecisti: aspetti ecotomografici (considerazioni su otto casi).

The authors illustrate the ultrasound features of gallbladder carcinoma after reviewing literature and basing upon their own experience. The diagnosis of this neoplasia is formulated more frequently today by introduction of scanning means, but it remains very difficult on initial phase because of its precocious lymphatic and hilar infiltration.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the duodenum (description of a case and review of the literature)]. / Leiomiosarcoma del duodeno (descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura).

The Authors report on a case of duodenal leiomyosarcoma of small dimensions in a paravaterian site and presenting a low degree of histological malignity. They summarize the main anatomoclinical features of the neoplasm and conclude by indicating less aggressive surgical therapy as adequate in such cases, accompanied, however, by a protracted post-operative follow-up.

[Hepatic angioma: a bothersome presence during staging of neoplasms of the digestive system]. / L'angioma epatico: una scomoda presenza in corso di stadiazione di neoplasie dell'apparato digerente.

On reviewing a consecutive series of 1,200 ultrasonic tomographies of the liver to assess the incidence of liver angiomas, the authors describe their sonographic, tomodensitometric and angiographic characteristics. They emphasise the fact that such lesions, though usually not constituting a serious clinical or diagnostic problem, as a simple sonographic follow-up will suffice to clarify the situation, may nevertheless, in certain particular clinical situations such as in the course of tumour staging of the digestive apparatus, require full diagnostic investigation using all the techniques available (ultrasonic tomography, CAT, liver arteriography, sonographically guided thin-needle biopsy.

[Epidemiology and monitoring of closed abdominal injuries]. / Epidemiologia e monitoraggio dei traumi addominali chiusi.

The authors review the epidemiological and aetiopathogenetic characteristics of abdominal blunt injuries (118 cases) monitored in a homogeneous manner. The relatively young age of the patients, the diagnostic difficulties encountered and the frequent presence of associated lesions call for the rigorous application of a predetermined clinico-diagnostic protocol.

[Ductal adenoma of the breast: correlations between clinico-radiologic and histo-pathologic aspects (considerations on a case)]. / L'adenoma duttale della mammella: correlazioni tra aspetti clinico-radiologici ed isto-patologici (considerazioni su di un caso).

The authors report on a case of ductal adenoma of the breast, pointing out that routine clinico-instrumental diagnostic signs, though suggesting a picture of malignancy, may actually relate to this rare benign form of tumor. In the presence of cases of this type, we therefore advise a cautions approach to surgery, in that oncological radicality is subordinate to confirmation in the form of a traditional histological preparation, as freezer examinations are unable to provide wholly reliable responses.

[Clinico-diagnostic aspects of aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelvis and perineum]. / Aspetti clinico-diagnostici dell'angiomixoma aggressivo della pelvi e del perineo.

The authors report on a case of aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelvis and perineum in a 46-year-old female patient. After reviewing the cases described in the literature, they examine the clinical characteristics of this rare form of neoplasia, which tends to occur more frequently in patients of female sex and in the young to middle-aged age bracket and is characterized by slow growth, non-infiltration of adjacent organs and a tendency to recur owing to incomplete excision. Metastases have never been reported. Failure to recognize the tumor at first approach may be due to the fact that it is easy to confuse it clinically with other more common diseases of the perineum. The authors conclude by advising systematic anatomicopathological identification of all perineal tumors, even when apparently benign.

["Wandering spleen": preoperative diagnosis by echotomography of the abdomen (review of the literature and report of a case)]. / "Wandering spleen": diagnosi pre-operatoria mediante ecotomografia dell'addome (revisione della letteratura e communicazione di un caso).

Splenic wandering is a rare condition of upset position of spleen, due to congenital fault or to excessive looseness of the supporting apparatus of this organ. The literature reports about 180 cases thereof, few of which recognized as such before operation. Ultimate investigations, in this limited number of preoperative diagnoses, resulted angiography and hepato-splenic scintigraphy; only three times the diagnosis was correctly placed through ultra-sounds. The authors show a case, confirmed by the operative report, where the ultrasonic test allowed to place the diagnosis with certainty, and, due to a particular lot of circumstances, proved to be better than TAC.

Neuropathy in Tangier disease: A clinicopathologic study and a review of the literature.

A new case of Tangier disease is described. It is the 33rd case in world literature and only the 2nd in Italy. A 52-year-old man showed a widely spread neuropathy with facial diplegia, bilateral wasting of hand muscles and dissociated loss of pain and temperature sensation sparing the distal parts of the lower limbs. Clinical and laboratory data were typical of Tangier disease. A histological and ultrastructural study of the patient's superficial peroneal nerve and brevis peroneus muscle was carried out. A revision of the clinical and neuropathological aspects of the neuropathy of Tangier disease allowed our case to be included within a particular neurological description. Four patients with similar clinical characteristics had been noted previously. Clinical, morphological and biochemical data suggest the hypothesis that there are two different neuropathic forms of Tangier disease.

Metabolic effects of physical training in subjects with oral glucose intolerance.

A group of normal weight subjects with oral glucose intolerance was studied for 4 months before, during, and after a physical training program (8 km/day/run). There were no significant differences in weight, basal blood glucose, lactate, and total cholesterol during and after training as compared with before training. Serum triglycerides significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased during the training period, and cholesterol-HDL significantly (P less than 0.01) increased during and after the physical program. Our data show that in previously inactive subjects with oral glucose intolerance physical training improves serum lipid patterns and thereby reduces atherosclerotic risk.

Maturation-related change of the protein kinase activity in the rabbit red blood cells.

The protein kinase activity of rabbit reticulocyte and erythrocyte hemolysate is due to multiple forms (casein kinases and histone kinases) which have been partially purified by Sepharose 6B filtration followed by phosphocellulose chromatography in the presence of 0.2% Triton X-100. The casein kinase activity is resolved by such a procedure into two forms differing in catalytic properties: i.e. the casein kinase TS phosphorylates both serine and threonine residues of casein, while the casein kinase S phosphorylates only serine residues. The comparative results indicate that during differentiation and maturation of rabbit red blood cells multiple cytosol protein kinase activities markedly decrease, while the casein kinase S does not change significantly.