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AIM: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a standard treatment for small-HCC (<3 cm). However, some features such as proximity to intrahepatic vascular structures (perivascular location) seem to be related to short- and long-term outcomes. The aims of the study were to investigate the features related to ablation success and local tumor progression (LTP) in patients submitted to percutaneous ablation for perivascular-HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to May 2021, 132 perivascular-HCC nodules ablated with US-guided single probe percutaneous RFA were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariable Cox regression model were used to identify factors that were independently related to ablation success and LTP-free survival. RESULTS: The overall ablation success rate was 71.9% (n=95). Morbidity and mortality rates were 4.0% and 0.0%. The features related to ablation success: nodule size (≤20 mm vs. >20 mm) (OR 2.442, p=0.031), major vascular structures diameter (3-5 mm vs ≥ 5 mm) (OR 2.167, p=0.037) and liver parenchyma (cirrhosis vs no-cirrhosis) (OR 2.373, p=0.033). The following features resulted independently related to better LTP-free survival: nodule size ≤20 mm (HR 2.802, p=0.003), proximity to glissonean pedicles (HR 1.677, p=0.028), and major vascular structure diameter <5 mm (HR 1.987, p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Perivascular location confirmed to be a difficult and unfavorable indication for percutaneous ablation for HCC nodules. However, perivascular nodules not suitable for surgery with low-risk features (size <20 mm, proximity to glissonian pedicles and vascular diameter <5 mm) may be treated with RFA with satisfactory outcomes.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico por imagem , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/cirurgia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico por imagem , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Idoso , Fígado/irrigação sanguínea , Fígado/cirurgia , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Ablação por Radiofrequência/métodos , Ablação por Cateter/métodos , Ultrassonografia de Intervenção/métodos , AdultoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronarovirus-2 associated still causes a significant number of deaths and hospitalizations mainly by the development of respiratory failure. We aim to validate lung ultrasound score in order to predict mortality and the severity of the clinical course related to the need of respiratory support. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter hospital-based cohort study, all adult patients with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, performed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were included. Upon admission, all patients underwent blood gas analysis and lung ultrasound by expert operators. The acquisition of ultrasound scan was performed on 12 peculiar anatomic landmarks of the chest. Lung ultrasound findings were classified according to a scoring method, ranging 0 to 3: Score 0: normal A-lines. Score 1: multiple separated B-lines. Score 2: coalescent B-lines, alteration of pleural line. Score 3: consolidation area. RESULTS: One thousand and seven patients were included in statistical analysis (male 62.4 %, mean age 66.3). Oxygen support was needed in 811 (80.5 %) patients. The median ultrasound score was 24 and the risk of having more invasive respiratory support increased in relation to higher values score computed. Lung ultrasound score showed negative strong correlation (rho: -0.71) with the P/F ratio and a significant association with in-hospital mortality (OR 1.11, 95 %CI 1.07-1.14; p < 0.001), even after adjustment with the following variables (age, sex, P/F ratio, SpO2, lactate, hypertension, chronic renal failure, diabetes, and obesity). CONCLUSIONS: The novelty of this research corroborates and validates the 12-field lung ultrasound score as tool for predicting mortality and severity clinical course in COVID-19 patients. Baseline lung ultrasound score was associated with in-hospital mortality and requirement of intensive respiratory support and predict the risk of IOT among COVID-19 patients.
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BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the second-line treatment of patients with progressive high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs G3) and large-cell lung neuroendocrine carcinoma. These patients generally have poor performance status and low tolerance to combination therapy. In this trial, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temozolomide given every other week in patients with advanced platinum-pretreated NENs G3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This trial is an open-label, non-randomized, phase II trial. Patients with platinum-pretreated metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma were treated with 75 mg/m2/day of temozolomide for 7 days, followed by 7 days of no treatment (regimen one week on/one week off). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety and tolerability. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04122911. RESULTS: From 2017 to 2020, 38 patients were enrolled. Among the patients with determined Ki67, 12 out of 36 (33.3%) had a Ki67 index <55% and the remaining 24 out of 36 (66.6%) had an index ≥55%. Overall response rate was 18% (7/38), including one complete response and six partial responses. The median PFS was 5.86 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.8 months-not applicable) and the median OS was 12.1 months (95% CI 5.6-20.4 months). The 1-year PFS rate was 37%. No statistically significant difference in median PFS [hazard ratio 1.3 (95% CI 0.6-2.8); P = 0.44] and median OS [hazard ratio 1.1 (95% CI 0.5-2.4); P = 0.77] was observed among patients with Ki67 <55% versus ≥55%. Only G1-G2 adverse events were registered, the most common being G1 nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: One week on/one week off temozolomide shows promising activity in patients with poorly differentiated NEN. The good safety profile confirmed the possibility of using this scheme in patients with poor performance status.
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Carcinoma Neuroendócrino , Temozolomida , Humanos , Masculino , Temozolomida/uso terapêutico , Temozolomida/farmacologia , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Carcinoma Neuroendócrino/tratamento farmacológico , Idoso , Adulto , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/uso terapêutico , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/farmacologia , Esquema de Medicação , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Intervalo Livre de ProgressãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment of intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) is determined by several different combinations of specific cognitive alterations. People with IDD present a rate of mental health problems that is up to 4 times higher than that of the general population. Despite this, the relationship between specific cognitive dysfunctions and co-occurring mental disorders has not been adequately studied. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the association between specific cognitive dysfunctions and specific psychiatric symptoms and syndromes in people with IDD. METHODS: One hundred and twenty adults with mild to moderate IDD living in residential facilities underwent a clinical and instrumental assessment for specific cognitive and psychopathological features. RESULTS: Participants with IDD and ASD have significantly lower scores compared to those without respect to who has not the diagnosis on the Processing Speed Index (PSI) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) on the WAIS-IV and higher time scores on the TMT A. Moreover, there is a significant association between years of hospitalisation and TMT B and TMT B A time scores; the longer a participant with IDD was hospitalised, the worse their performance on the TMT. Although not statistically significant, many psychopathological clusters showed substantial cognitive profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Although further research is needed, neuropsychological and IQ tests scores seem to be differently associated to various psychopathological conditions co-occurring with IDD, and with ASD especially. Cognitive assessment seems to support diagnosis and treatment of psychopathological co-occurrences in persons with IDD, also in consideration of indirect implications including a better knowledge of the patient's characteristics beyond IQ deficit.
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Disfunção Cognitiva , Deficiência Intelectual , Humanos , Adulto , Criança , Estudos de Coortes , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento , Psicopatologia , Hospitalização , Deficiência Intelectual/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Behçet Syndrome (BS) has a significant psychological and social impact on patients, caregivers and families. The present study aims at exploring disease perception in BS patients, using both a co-designed survey and the narrative medicine (NM) approach. METHODS: An ad-hoc questionnaire was co-designed by clinicians expert in BS, BS patients and caregivers and BS adult patients were invited to answer the online questionnaires. Cluster analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and to identify groups of patients with diverse disease perception. To further explore real-life perspectives, the stories of illness of a smaller group of adult BS patients were anonymously collected online and analysed by means of text, sentiment and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven patients answered the survey and forty-three stories were collected. The cluster analysis highlighted that accepting or not the disease has a strong impact on the daily life, on how BS patients perceive themselves and in terms of hope for the future. The stories revealed that patients often address common issues, such as the long and complex journey faced from the disease onset until the BS diagnosis, which was strongly connected to the concept of time and perceived as an exhausting period of their lives. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study that addressed disease perception also applying the NM principles in BS. The current perception that BS patients have of their disease should encourage the BS scientific and patient community in joining forces in order to improve the journey of BS patients.
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Síndrome de Behçet , Medicina Narrativa , Adulto , Humanos , Síndrome de Behçet/diagnóstico , Inquéritos e Questionários , PercepçãoRESUMO
Mass spectrometry is uniquely suited to identify and quantify environmentally relevant molecules and molecular clusters. Mass spectrometry alone is, however, not able to distinguish between isomers. In this study, we demonstrate the use of both an experimental set-up using a differential mobility analyser, and computational ion mobility calculations for identification of isomers. In the experimental set-up, we combined electrospray ionisation with a differential mobility analyser time-of-flight mass spectrometer to separate environmentally relevant constitutional isomers, such as catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone, and configurational isomers, such as cyclohexanediols and fatty acids (i.e., oleic and elaidic acids). Computational ion mobility predictions were obtained using the Ion Mobility Software (IMoS) program. We find that isomer separation can be achieved with the differential mobility analyser, while for catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone, the computational predictions can reproduce the experimental order of the ion mobilities between the isomers, confirming the isomer identification. Our experimental set-up allows analysis both in the gas and liquid phase. The differential mobility analyser can, moreover, be combined with any mass spectrometry set-up, making it a versatile tool for the separation of isomers.
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Isomerismo , Espectrometria de Massas/métodosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced most of the Italian population into lockdown from 11 March to 18 May 2020. A nationwide survey of Italian Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Services (Obesity Centers or OCs) was carried out to assess the impact of lockdown restrictions on the physical and mental wellbeing of patients with obesity (PWO) who had follow-up appointments postponed due to lockdown restrictions and to compare determinants of weight gain before and after the pandemic. METHODS: We designed a structured 77-item questionnaire covering employment status, diet, physical activity and psychological aspects, that was disseminated through follow-up calls and online between 2 May and 25 June 2020. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,232 PWO from 26 OCs completed the questionnaires (72% female, mean age 50.2 ± 14.2 years; mean BMI 34.7 ± 7.6 kg/m2; 41% obesity class II to III). During the lockdown, 48.8% gained, 27.1% lost, while the remainder (24.1%) maintained their weight. The mean weight change was +2.3 ± 4.8 kg (in weight gainers: +4.0 ± 2.4 kg; +4.2% ± 5.4%). Approximately 37% of participants experienced increased emotional difficulties, mostly fear and dissatisfaction. Sixty-one percent reduced their physical activity (PA) and 55% experienced a change in sleep quality/quantity. The lack of online contact (37.5%) with the OC during lockdown strongly correlated with weight gain (p < 0.001). Using MCA, two main clusters were identified: those with unchanged or even improved lifestyles during lockdown (Cluster 1) and those with worse lifestyles during the same time (Cluster 2). The latter includes unemployed people experiencing depression, boredom, dissatisfaction and increased food contemplation and weight gain. Within Cluster 2, homemakers reported gaining weight and experiencing anger due to home confinement. CONCLUSIONS: Among Italian PWO, work status, emotional dysregulation, and lack of online communication with OCs were determinants of weight gain during the lockdown period.
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COVID-19 , Adulto , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis , Feminino , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Obesidade/psicologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Inquéritos e Questionários , Aumento de PesoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Educating patients and caregivers on their disease can improve their knowledge and promote the active involvement in the therapeutic decision-making process. Naturally, patient education programmes are critically important in rare systemic autoimmune diseases, where relevant knowledge and expertise still remain scattered. Behçet's disease (BD) represents a challenging rare condition, characterized by a variable spectrum of disease profile and a relapsing course. RESULTS: Recently, BehçeTalk, an educational programme tailored for BD patients, families and caregivers with, was launched. BehçeTalk, entirely co-designed with BD patients, is offering educational on-line webinars on different aspects of the disease, as well support groups for patients and caregivers coordinated by a psychologist with specific expertise in BD. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutical management of BD is often challenging and frequently includes off-label treatments. Considering the specificities of BD, providing a specific education on the disease to patients will lead to empower them in being part of the decision-making processes, in the self-management and in improving their quality of life.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women who experience resolution of low placentation (low-lying placenta or placenta previa) are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered at Mount Sinai Hospital between 2015 and 2019, and who were diagnosed with low-lying placenta or placenta previa on transvaginal ultrasound at the time of the second-trimester anatomical survey, with resolution of low placentation on subsequent ultrasound examination. Women undergoing second-trimester anatomical survey who had normal placentation on transvaginal ultrasound 3 days before or after the cases were randomly identified for comparison. The primary outcome was the rate of postpartum hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes included the need for a blood transfusion, use of additional uterotonic medication, the need for additional procedures to control bleeding, and maternal admission to the intensive care unit. Outcomes were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 1256 women were identified for analysis, of whom 628 had resolved low placentation and 628 had normal placentation. Women with resolved low placentation, compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy, had significantly higher mean age (33.0 ± 5.4 years vs 31.9 ± 5.5 years; P < 0.01) and lower mean body mass index at delivery (27.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2 vs 30.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2 ; P < 0.01), and were more likely to have undergone in-vitro fertilization, be of non-Hispanic white race, have posterior placental location (all P < 0.01) and have private/commercial health insurance (P = 0.04). Patients with resolved low placentation vs normal placentation had greater odds of postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.5 (95% CI, 2.0-6.0); P < 0.01), use of additional uterotonic medication (aOR, 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.1); P < 0.01) and increased rates of additional procedures to control bleeding (aOR, 4.0 (95% CI, 1.3-11.9); P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite high rates of resolution of low-lying placenta and placenta previa by term, women with resolved low placentation remain at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Placenta Prévia , Hemorragia Pós-Parto , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Placenta , Placenta Prévia/diagnóstico por imagem , Placenta Prévia/epidemiologia , Placentação , Hemorragia Pós-Parto/etiologia , Gravidez , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: A polymorphism in the type 2 deiodinase (Thr92Ala-DIO2) gene has been associated with behavioral and cognitive dysfunction as well as neurodegeneration and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To test whether the minor allele (Ala92) frequency (MAF) is increased in children in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and whether carriers of the minor allele exhibit more severe symptoms and/or worse adaptive behavior. STUDY DESIGN: ASD children were evaluated at baseline and yearly throughout the study by psychologists using the following tools: autism behavior checklist, Vineland Adaptative Behaviour Scales II, non-verbal intelligence test SON-R 21/2-7, SON-R 6-40, Weschler scale for intelligence, and autism treatment evaluation checklist. SETTINGS: Academic outpatient mental health facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: ASD boys and girls younger than 18 years of age. 132 consecutive ASD children, mostly boys (~ 80%); ~ 50% was classified as verbal. Exclusion criteria were coexistence of sensory and/or physical impairment, or any associated genetic syndromes. RESULTS: Median follow-up was for an uninterrupted period of 937 days (139-1375 days), which did not vary significantly among the genotypes. The MAF was 47% in ASD patients vs. 51% in a local reference population with similar ethnic background; the clinical severity and progression were not affected by the minor allele. Carriers of the minor allele exhibited higher adaptive behavior in the domains "daily living skills" and "communication", which correlated positively with the dose of the minor allele. CONCLUSION: The MAF is not different in ASD children, but carriers of the Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism exhibited higher adaptive behavior.
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Adaptação Psicológica/fisiologia , Transtorno do Espectro Autista , Iodeto Peroxidase/genética , Adolescente , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/diagnóstico , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/epidemiologia , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/genética , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/psicologia , Sintomas Comportamentais/diagnóstico , Sintomas Comportamentais/etiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Sistema Nervoso Central/metabolismo , Criança , Cognição/fisiologia , Feminino , Frequência do Gene , Hormônio Liberador de Gonadotropina , Humanos , Testes de Inteligência , Masculino , Estresse Oxidativo , Polimorfismo Genético , Iodotironina Desiodinase Tipo IIRESUMO
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory-driven demyelination. Symptoms in MS manifest as both physical and neuropsychological deficits. With time, inflammation is accompanied by neurodegeneration, indicated by brain volume loss on an MRI. Here, we combined clinical, imaging, and serum biomarkers in patients with iron rim lesions (IRLs), which lead to severe tissue destruction and thus contribute to the accumulation of clinical disability. Objectives: Subcortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement using an automatic segmentation pipeline for 7 Tesla (T) MRI, serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels, and neuropsychological performance in patients with MS with IRLs and non-IRLs were assessed. Methods: In total 29 patients with MS [15 women, 24 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and five secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)] aged 38 (22-69) years with an Expanded Disability Status Score of 2 (0-8) and a disease duration of 11 (5-40) years underwent neurological and neuropsychological examinations. Volumes of lesions, subcortical structures, and lateral ventricles on 7-T MRI (SWI, FLAIR, and MP2RAGE, 3D Segmentation Software) and sNfL concentrations using the Simoa SR-X Analyzer in IRL and non-IRL patients were assessed. Results: (1) Iron rim lesions patients had a higher FLAIR lesion count (p = 0.047). Patients with higher MP2Rage lesion volume exhibited more IRLs (p <0.014) and showed poorer performance in the information processing speed tested within 1 year using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (p <0.047). (2) Within 3 years, patients showed atrophy of the thalamus (p = 0.021) and putamen (p = 0.043) and enlargement of the lateral ventricles (p = 0.012). At baseline and after 3 years, thalamic volumes were lower in IRLs than in non-IRL patients (p = 0.045). (3) At baseline, IRL patients had higher sNfL concentrations (p = 0.028). Higher sNfL concentrations were associated with poorer SDMT (p = 0.004), regardless of IRL presence. (4) IRL and non-IRL patients showed no significant difference in the neuropsychological performance within 1 year. Conclusions: Compared with non-IRL patients, IRL patients had higher FLAIR lesion counts, smaller thalamic volumes, and higher sNfL concentrations. Our pilot study combines IRL and sNfL, two biomarkers considered indicative for neurodegenerative processes. Our preliminary data underscore the reported destructive nature of IRLs.
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BACKGROUND: The choice of inhaler device for asthma patients depends upon multiple attributes. We investigated factors that may drive general practitioners (GPs) and respiratory specialists in the prescription of inhaler devices for asthma patients who initiated inhalation therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed prescriptions by GPs and respiratory specialists to asthma patients commencing inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting ß2-agonist combination therapy available as both pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Patient characteristics were compared by device and multivariate analysis was used to model the likelihood of receiving a pMDI as opposed to a DPI in order to identify drivers for prescription. A sample of the respiratory specialists completed an ad-hoc survey of their perceived success in achieving asthma control in their patients and barriers to attaining full control. RESULTS: Prescription of a particular inhaler device was unrelated to the characteristics of the patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the main driver for the choice of inhaler device was the medication (Odds Ratio and 95% Confidence Interval, respectively for GPs and specialists: 0.19 [0.16-0.23]; 0.17 [0.08-0.37]). Specialists perceived asthma as being inadequately controlled in 41% of their patients, and considered patients' difficulties in using DPIs and pMDIs as instrumental in this, citing a need for a novel, more effective inhaler technology. CONCLUSION: Physicians choose inhaler devices according to the prescribed drugs and not to the characteristics of the individual patient. This may reflect a lack of confidence in existing inhaler devices and underlines the need for technologies, which are more reliable and easier to use by patients.
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Corticosteroides/administração & dosagem , Antagonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/administração & dosagem , Asma/tratamento farmacológico , Inaladores de Pó Seco , Inaladores Dosimetrados , Prescrições , Administração por Inalação , Preparações de Ação Retardada , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Plastic materials are being used in art: in Italy, for instance, two Art Museums are already presenting only plastic artefacts. As organic matter, plastic suffers degradation and chemical and biological attacks beyond obvious ageing process. Here, we propose an electrochemical approach aiming at the evaluation of the conditions of a plastic object, so giving the opportunity of protection and conservation strategies. The method is very cheap, easy to be handled and absolutely non-invasive, and is based on the monitoring of acidity emitted by a degrading plastic basing on corrosion potential of target metals acting as sensors.
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Artefatos , Técnicas Eletroquímicas , Plásticos/química , Ácidos/metabolismo , Arte , Corrosão , Itália , MuseusRESUMO
Computer generated holograms (CGHs) are powerful optical elements used in many fields, such as wavefront shaping, quality testing of complex optics, and anti-counterfeiting devices. The Lee algorithm is the most used to generate binary amplitude Fourier holograms. Grayscale CGHs are known to give a higher reconstruction quality than binary holograms, but they usually require a cumbersome production process. A very simple and straightforward method of manufacturing rewritable grayscale CGHs is proposed here by taking advantage of two key components: a digital micro-mirror device (DMDs) and a photochromic plate. An innovative algorithm, named Island algorithm, able to generate grayscale amplitude Fourier CGHs, is reported and compared with the standard Lee approach, based on 9 levels. A crucial advantage lies on the fact that the increase or decrease of the quantification does not affect the spatial resolution. In other words, the new coding leads to a higher spatial resolution (for a given CGH size) and a reconstructed image with an order of magnitude higher contrast with respect to the classical Lee-coded hologram. In order to show the huge potential of our approach, a 201 level Island hologram is designed, produced and reconstructed, pushing the contrast to values higher than104. These results reveal the potential of our process as well as our algorithm for generating programmable grayscale CGHs.
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BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory, neurodegenerative disorder. Many studies are investigating the potential role of body fluid biomarkers as prognostic factors for early identification of patients presenting with clinical isolated syndrome (CIS) at high risk for conversion to MS or to recognize RRMS patients at high risk for progression. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between levels of BAFF, chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), sCD163, Osteopontin (OPN), both on serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and the disease activity and progression. We also want to explore a possible relationship between serological and CSF biomarker's levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 82 patients between June 2014 and June 2016. Seventy-one received a diagnosis of demyelinating disease of CNS (46 RRMS and 25 CIS), while 11 were affected by other neurological diseases. All patients underwent a neural axis MRI, lumbar puncture and blood samples. Levels of BAFF, CHI3L1, sCD163, OPN on serum and CSF were analyzed by Luminex xMAP system, with a kit 11-plex ad hoc. RESULTS: The CSF CHI3L1, sCD163 and OPN levels were significantly higher in MS patients than in controls. We did not find significant differences in serum CHI3L1, sCD163 and OPN levels, nor CSF or serum BAFF levels between patient and control groups. We found significantly higher CSF level of sCD163 and CHI3L1 in all patients' subgroups compared with controls, while OPN was higher in CIS and RR subgroups. We did not find significant differences for serum and CSF levels of all the markers between patients with or without clinical or radiological disease activity. CSF sCD163 and CHI3L1 levels was significant higher in CIS patients who converted to MS (p < 0.05). Using ROC curve analysis, CSF sCD163 resulted the best predictive factor. CSF CHI3L1 and OPN levels resulted useful independent predictors too. Combined ROCs of those three analytes demonstrated a better predictive value, with sCD163 and CHI3L1 resulting as the best combination. CONCLUSIONS: CSF sCD163 CHI3L1 and OPN levels were higher in MS patients whereas serum CHI3L1, sCD163 and OPN levels did not show differences compared with controls. This finding confirms the high CSF specificity with regards to the analysis of processes, inflammatory and non-inflammatory, that occur within the CNS.
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Biomarcadores/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Doenças Desmielinizantes/diagnóstico , Esclerose Múltipla/diagnóstico , Adulto , Antígenos CD/sangue , Antígenos CD/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Antígenos de Diferenciação Mielomonocítica/sangue , Antígenos de Diferenciação Mielomonocítica/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Fator Ativador de Células B/sangue , Fator Ativador de Células B/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína 1 Semelhante à Quitinase-3/sangue , Proteína 1 Semelhante à Quitinase-3/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Doenças Desmielinizantes/sangue , Doenças Desmielinizantes/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Esclerose Múltipla/sangue , Esclerose Múltipla/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Osteopontina/sangue , Osteopontina/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Prognóstico , Receptores de Superfície Celular/sangueRESUMO
INTRODUÇÃO: No conceito do Continuo da Doença Cardiovascular, a sequência de eventos seria iniciada por vários fatores de riscos progredindo por vias e processos fisiopatológicos até o desenvolvimento da lesão cardíaca final, no caso a Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) em fase avançada. Cuidado Paliativo (CP) é uma abordagem interdisciplinar de tratamento que se concentra em melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes nos diferentes estágios da IC.O racional para implementação de CP com planejamento avançado de cuidados por toda a progressão da doença e no luto , em pacientes com IC avançada ,inclui os seguintes: prognóstico limitado , elevada carga de sintomas , rehospitalizações, baixa qualidade de vida, comorbidades e estresse dos cuidadores OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar o perfil clínico dos pacientes cardiopatas incluídos para abordagem paliativa (AP), associado ao tratamento farmacológico da IC. MÉTODOS: Análise de 116 pacientes com IC incluídos para uma AP, entre fevereiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018. RESULTADOS: Idade média de 74±12,7 anos, com 54% do sexo masculino. Diagnósticos etiológicos da miocardiopatia: incluíram: isquêmica 27%, valvar 25%, arritmogênica 13%, hipertensiva 8,6%, chagásica 8,6% e congênita 2,5%. Diagnósticos mas relevantes no momento da AP foram: insuficiência renal 78%, choque séptico 39,6%, IC 41,4%, choque cardiogênico 30,1%, acidente vascular cerebral 18,1% e pós parada cardiorrespiratória 9,4%, a média de fração de ejeção do VE por ecocardiograma 40%±16,5%. Performances nas atividades cotidianas: 64,6% com dependência total na escala Kartz, 37,9% com necessidade de suporte de vida na escala Karnofsky e 34,5% com alta dependência de cuidados pela Palliative Performance Scala. O intervalo de tempo entre a hospitalização e o óbito vario entre 3 e 405 dias (média de 29 dias). O intervalo de tempo entre a internação e a solicitação e indicação de uma AP variou entre 1 a 177 dias(média de 15 dias). Desfechos clínicos: 12% receberam alta hospitalar, e 7,7% estão em seguimento clínico. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes alocados e incluídos no programa de AP encontravam-se em estádios avançado da IC, em fase final de vida, mostrando que a AP foi iniciada tardiamente, caracterizado pelo tempo prolongado de internação , alta dependência de cuidados. DESCRITORES: Cuidados Paliativos, Cardiologia, Cuidados Paliativos na fase final de vida, Insuficiência Cardíaca. (AU)
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Humanos , Cuidados Paliativos , Insuficiência CardíacaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, a phenomenon known as "vaccine hesitancy" has spread throughout the world, even among health workers, determining a reduction in vaccination coverage (VC).A study aimed at evaluating VC among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 10 Italian cities (L'Aquila, Genoa, Milan, Palermo, Sassari, Catanzaro, Ferrara, Catania, Naples, Messina) was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Annex 3 of the Presidential Decree n. 445 of 28 December 2000 was used to collect information on the vaccination status of HCWs. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated with regard to the quantitative variable (age), while absolute and relative frequencies were obtained for categorical data (sex, professional profile, working sector, vaccination status). The connection between VC and the categorical variables was evaluated by chi-square method (statistical significance at p < 0.05). The statistical analyses were performed by SPSS and Stata software. RESULTS: A total of 3,454 HCWs participated in the project: 1,236 males and 2,218 females.The sample comprised: physicians (26.9%), trainee physicians (16.1%), nurses (17.2%) and other professional categories (9.8%). Low VC was generally recorded. Higher VC was found with regard to polio, hepatitis B, tetanus and diphtheria, while coverage was very low for measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, chickenpox and influenza (20-30%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed low VC rates among HCWs for all the vaccinations. Measures to increase VC are therefore necessary in order to prevent HCWs from becoming a source of transmission of infections with high morbidity and/or mortality both within hospitals and outside.
Assuntos
Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros/estatística & dados numéricos , Médicos/estatística & dados numéricos , Cobertura Vacinal/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Pessoal de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa do Profissional para o Paciente , Itália , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Adiponectin (Acrp30) plays an important role in energy metabolism and inflammation. Recently, in vivo serum Acrp30 levels have been reported to be correlated to risk of developing several types of cancers such as lung cancer, and in vitro studies have demonstrated a role for Acrp30 in the control of cell proliferation and survival. However, the molecular effects of Acrp30 on lung cancer have not yet been clearly defined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of Acrp30 on the A549 human alveolar epithelial cell line, an in vitro model of lung adenocarcinoma. A549 cells were exposed to various concentrations of Acrp30 and successively, proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were evaluated by MTT test, caspase activity assay, flow-cytometry and western blotting analysis. Our results demonstrated that Acrp30 causes, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, a reduction of cell viability and duplication together with an increase in cell apoptosis rate. In addition, we found that Acrp30 induces an increase of lipid peroxidation evaluated by TBARS assay and a concomitant reduction of nitric oxide release, both markers of cellular oxidative stress. Taken together, our data on A549â¯cells provides new insight into potential involvement of Acrp30 on physio-pathologic mechanisms of lung diseases through interference with proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative status.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma de Pulmão/patologia , Adiponectina/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Estresse Oxidativo , Células A549 , Adiponectina/administração & dosagem , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Western Blotting , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In Italy there are no rules concerning the establishment of a hospital hygiene structure in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and the hospital organization plans vary widely. The aim of the survey, carried out by the Italian Study Group of Hospital Hygiene of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive medicine and Public health, was to evaluate the presence in the hospital organization plan of a structure referred to as Hospital hygiene, or including in its denomination the words "hygiene" or "hospital hygiene", the activities carried out, the relation to other areas, like patient safety, the type and quantity of professionals involved, the strengths and the critical aspects. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to Healthcare Trusts representing all Italian Regions through the members of the above Study Group. RESULTS: 35 Trusts, 13 in Northern, 8 in Central, 14 in Southern Italy (including Sicily and Sardinia), completed the questionnaire. In 19 Trusts (54.3%) a structure whose denomination included the words "hospital hygiene" or "hygiene" was present. The activities related to the management of infectious risk were most represented, carried out autonomously or in collaboration, but many other activities were covered. In all hospitals the activities of the Hospital Hygiene Unit inter-linked with those of the clinical risk, with different forms of collaboration. CONCLUSION: This survey, even though on a limited sample, provided a picture of hospital hygiene at a national level, showing a considerable heterogeneity and highlighting critical issues but also strengths. It is essential to share organizational and management models that enhance and promote hospital hygiene, to ensure the appropriateness of healthcare practices offered in a safe and comfortable environment to patients, operators, and visitors.