bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of False-Negative and Underreported Smears in the Florence District Screening Program for Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Confortini Massimo , Ciatto Stefano , Bonardi Lucia , Bulgaresi Paolo , Cariaggi Maria Paola , Carozzi Francesca , Cipparrone Gioia , Minuti Paola Anna , Rubeca Tiziana , Biggeri Annibale 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background To review false-negative or underreported (reactive changes, squamous or glandular atypia) smears performed in women developing histologically proven CIN2 or more severe lesions within 24 months and evaluate error causes. The study setting was the Florence District cervical cancer population-based screening: about 60,000 women age 25–60 years screened per year. Methods 118 false-negative or underreported cases were identified at screening files-cancer Registry matching, and the original smears were reviewed by six independent readers to judge smear adequacy and error type. Results Sampling errors (reported as inadequate, negative or less severe than CIN1 at review) accounted for 74% and screening/interpretation errors (reported as CIN1 or more severe at review) accounted for 26% of studied cases. Screening/interpretation errors were more likely ascribed to misinterpretation and underreporting than to mis-perception of cellular abnormalities. Conclusions Quality control should above all address the problem of sampling adequacy. Due to the rarity of misperceived abnormalities (true screening errors), manual or automated rescreening of negative smears would not be an effective procedure for quality control.
Sentinel Node Biopsy and Selective Dissection for Melanoma Nodal Metastases
Authors: Belli Filiberto , Lenisa Leonardo , Clemente Claudio , Tragni Gabrina , Mascheroni Luigi , Gallino Gianfrancesco , Cascinelli Natale 
Published: April 2018

Background Early detection of nodal metastases still represents an important goal in the management of melanoma patients. A sentinel node is defined as the first colored node in the regional lymphatic basin following injection of blue dye in the site of the primary melanoma. Sentinel node biopsy may represent a feasible technique for early identification of occult disease. A therapeutic dissection is then performed only in patients with proven nodal disease, thus introducing the concept of selective dissection. Methods At the National Cancer Institute of Milan from February 1994 to October 1996, 74 patients with a melanoma of the trunk or limbs and without clinically detectable node metastases were submitted to sentinel node biopsy and eventual selective dissection. Results The sentinel node was identified in 67 patients (90%). Nodal metastases were detected in 11 patients (16%); 5 of these were identified by an intraoperative frozen section examination. In all but one case, only the sentinel node was affected at radical dissection. Incidence of positive sentinel nodes was correlated with depth of infiltration of the primary lesion. Mapped nodal basin failures were observed in 3 patients with negative sentinel node biopsy. All patients but one, presenting distant metastases, are alive at this writing and free of disease with a follow-up ranging from 2 to 34 months. Conclusions Our study adds to accumulating evidence supporting the efficacy of sentinel node biopsy in detecting occult localizations and the potential of the technique to better select the group of patients that may benefit from nodal dissection.
Analysis of Interleukin-2/Interleukin-2 Receptor System in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: De Vita Ferdinando , Turitto Giacinto , Di Grazia Maria , Frattolillo Adele , Catalano Giuseppe 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The purpose of the study was to investigate the IL-2/IL-2 receptor system in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods Sera from 40 subjects and 80 patients with stage III and IV NSCLC were assayed for soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating CD25+ cells were analyzed by flow cytoflorimetry. The data were related to clinical status by comparing the levels of slL-2R and IL-2 at diagnosis and during the treatment. Results The mean slL-2R concentrations of the NSCLC patients were significantly higher than the control population (P=0.0001); the patients with metastatic disease had significantly higher levels than those with locally advanced disease (P=0.02). No correlation was seen between circulating CD25+ cells and slL-2R levels. Disease progression was associated with an increase in slL-2R levels and a decline in IL-2; the sIL-2R/IL-2 ratio showed a gradual increase with tumor progression. Conclusions Our study demonstrates in a large series of patients that in advanced NSCLC there is an imbalance of the IL-2/IL-2 receptor system. Furthermore, circulating slL-2R levels and the sIL-2R/IL-2 ratio may be useful as markers of disease activity and treatment response, suggesting a potential prognostic value.
Primary Plasmacytoma of the Testis. A Case Report
Authors: Ingletto Daniela , Compagnucci Mario , Grillo Lucia Rosalba , Montuoro Aldo 
Published: April 2018

The authors describe a case of multiple myeloma that developed several extraskeletal localizations. They evaluated the relation between the onset of the testicular tumor and the following myeloma characteristics: tumor burden, clinical phase, response to therapy and prognostic significance. The patient presented a rapid and dramatic clinical evolution of the disease with extensive spread also to the soft tissues of the abdominal wall. Chemotherapy did not achieve any effect and the patient died due to progression of the myeloma.
Haemostatic Changes; Plasma Levels of Alpha2-Antiplasmin-Plasmin Complex and Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complex in Female Breast Cancer
Authors: Özyılkan Özgür , Baltalı Eşmen , Özdemir Oktay , Tekuzman Gülten , Kirazlı Şerafettin , Fırat Dinçer 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Disorders of hemostasis in patients with malignancies are based on several mechanisms, such as ability of the tumor to alter the coagulation system by producing blood clotting factors or decreasing their inhibitors by increasing fibrinolysis, and by inducing an alteration of blood vessels in relation to the state of local invasion. We investigated the fibrinolytic system marker alpha2-antiplasmin-plasmin complex (APP) and clotting system marker thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) in patients with breast cancer and compare them with CA 15-3, the most well-known breast cancer antigen. Methods Plasma levels of APP and TAT and serum level of CA 15-3 were determined in 57 patients with breast cancer (28 in remission and 29 with active breast cancer) and 13 healthy women. Results In patients with active breast cancer, plasma APP levels were significantly elevated compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). In addition, we observed a poor but positive correlation between plasma levels of APP and those of CA 15-3 (r=0.24; P=0.038). Plasma TAT levels, which reflect the activation of thrombin, were also significantly elevated in patients with active breast cancer (P<0.01), and there was a significant correlation between CA 15-3 and TAT (r=0.24; P=0.041). Conclusions We demonstrated that increased APP and TAT levels might reflect enhanced activation of coagulation and the fibrinolytic system in patients with active breast cancer.
A Pilot Clinical Trial of Postoperative Intensive Weekly Chemotherapy Using Cisplatin, Epi-Doxorubicin, 5-Fluorouracil, 6S-Leucovorin, Glutathione and Filgrastim in Patients with Resected Gastric Cancer
Authors: Graziano Francesco , Cardarelli Nadia , Marcellini Massimo , Menichetti Ettore Tito , Catalano Giuseppina , Cascinu Stefano 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The study was performed to assess the feasibility and activity of an intensive chemotherapeutic regimen as adjuvant treatment for patients with resected gastric cancer at high risk of recurrence (PT2N1-2; pT3-4Nany M0). Patients and methods Starting 21 to 28 days after potentially curative surgery for primary gastric cancer, 25 patients received 8 weekly cycles of cisplatin 40 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, epidoxorubicin 35 mg/m2, 6S-stereoisomer of leucovorin at a dose of 250 mg/m2, and glutathione at a dose of 1.5 g/m2. From the day after to the day before each cycle of chemotherapy, filgrastim was administered by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 5 μg/kg. Results After a median follow-up of 33 months, 80% of the patients were alive and disease-free. Five patients had relapsed: three in the liver, one in the peritoneum and one in the lymph nodes. Toxicity was mild: five patients experienced WHO grade III toxicity (three leukopenia, two thrombocytopenia); no toxic deaths occurred. Conclusion Intensive weekly chemotherapy is a feasible postoperative treatment option for patients with resected gastric cancer at high risk of relapse. These data, together with recent results in advanced disease, make this approach of interest for the development of new programs of adjuvant therapy in this setting.
LA TRASFUSIONE DI SANGUE NELLA CHIRURGIA ONCOLOGICA: RUOLO DELLA ERITROPOIETINA RICOMBINANTE UMANA (rHuEPO)
Authors: Mercuriali Francesco , Inghilleri Giovanni 
Published: April 2018

Anemia is common in cancer patients. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, however the most common cause is the anemia of chronic diseases (ACD). In 20-50% of cancer patients, anemia restricts physical activity and quality of life and requires transfusion support. The percentage of patients necessitating transfusion dramatically increases when patients require surgery. The traditional belief that blood transfusion is an effective and safe therapy has been challenged by a heightened awareness of the infectious and immunologic risks associated with allogeneic blood administration. In cancer patients transfusion-induced immunomodulation may have the potential to significantly increase postoperative infections and cancer recurrence so that it seems reasonable to minimize allogeneic blood exposure. Several strategies have been adopted to reduce allogeneic transfusion in surgical patients, however to properly select the appropriate blood conservation strategies the blood transfusion requirements for each patient should be defined. Allogeneic blood transfusion in surgery can be reduced by the introduction of autologous blood (AB) programmes and by the use of rHuEPO, alone or in association with AB techniques. AB donation is currently a standard of care for elective surgical patients but its efficacy is limited by anemia that prevents the donation of the optimal number of AB units. rHuEPO has been shown to significantly increase the volume of AB that anemic patients can predeposit or, used perisurgically, to expand the circulating RBCs mass before surgery. Moreover clinical trials employed rHuEPO in anemic cancer patients with various solid tumors both on and off chemotherapy reporting a significantly increase in Hct in more than 50% of the treated patients. Recently different studies have shown the efficacy of rHuEPO in increasing the volume of AB also in patients with ACD and cancer, thus proving to be a useful addition to existing strategies of blood conservation to minimize exposure to allogeneic blood in surgical cancer patients.
LE TERAPIE DI SUBPPORTO IN ONCOLOGIA
Authors: Olmi Patrizia , Fallai Carlo , Ausili-Cefaro Giampiero , Marmiroli Luca 
Published: April 2018

It is extremely important to deliver treatments, both in medical oncology and in radiation oncology, in compliance with the due dose intensity, in order to achieve the best results in terms of clinical response and local control and, often, also in terms of survival. Supportive care is one of the tools for the achievement of this goal, permitting the delivery of aggressive therapies and the improvement of Quality of Life. It is the aim of the Tsonc study to evaluate what the main therapeutic trend is, on the ground of a survey performed in 105 medical oncology, radiation oncology, and haematology centres. For this assessment the WHO/INH and RTOG common toxicity criteria were adopted, even knowing that these score systems had been developed for reporting acute/subacute toxicity and not to choose the therapeutic approach. However, these scales give us the possibility to refer to highly validated systems and provide participants with a common language. Thirty-two items of toxicity were listed, and each item included 2 to 4 degrees of severity so to report supportive care accordingly. The present paper reports the criteria of choice of the scales and symptoms and the schedule of the queries.
Different Expressivity of two Adjacent Mutations of the APC Gene
Authors: Presciuttini Silvano , Gismondi Viviana , Scarcello Edoardo , Sala Paola , D'Elia Francesco , Rossetti Carlo , Caroti-Ghelli Cristina , Molina Francesco , Groden Joanna , Mosca Franco , Bertario Lucio , Varesco Liliana 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The phenotypic expression of different APC mutations in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is variable: two to three variants of the disease have been defined based on the severity of colonic manifestations. Age of onset and number of polypectomies per person-year of postsurgical follow-up were compared in two FAP families with very close mutation sites in the APC gene, in order to ascertain mutation-specific variation of expressivity. Families and APC mutations Family A (5 patients) carried a newly characterized mutation, a four bp deletion at codon 843. Family B (5 patients) carried a previously identified mutation at codon 835. Results Mean age of onset was 49.7 years in family A and 30.5 years in family B; number of polypectomies per person-year of follow-up was 1.05 for family A and 10.1 for family B (P <0.001). Conclusions There is significant variation of expressivity (allelic heterogeneity) in FAP between two mutations separated by only eight codons, located at the 5’ extremity of APC gene exon 15.
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Doxifluridine in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zampino Maria Giulia , Colleoni Marco , Bajetta Emilio , Stampino Corrado Gallo , Guenzi Alberto , de Braud Filippo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Doxifluridine is a new fluoropyrimidine that has excellent absorption by the gastrointestinal tract when given orally. The aim of the study was to determine the disposition of doxifluridine and fluorouracil when the former is given orally for 5 days and to assess whether their pharmacokinetics are influenced by demographic or biologic parameters. Methods and study design Twenty colorectal cancer patients received levo-leucovorin, 25 mg orally on days 1–5, followed 2 hrs later by doxifluridine, 1200 mg/m2; the cycle was repeated every 10 days. Doxifluridine and fluorouracil levels were measured by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography during the first cycle of therapy. The lowest dose given over the first 24 hrs was 1750 mg and the highest was 2500 mg. Results The distribution of doxifluridine parameters remained the same between days 1 and 5, with an AUC that ranged between 72.2 and 74.5 mmol h/l and a C max that remained in a narrow band of 67.1 to 68.3 mmol/l. In contrast, the variability of fluorouracil parameters increased from day 1 to day 5, with an AUC of respectively 5.46 and 7.52 mmol h/l and a C max that increased from 5.81 on day 1 to 7.34 mmol/l on day 5. A significant correlation between the AUC of doxifluridine and fluorouracil was found on day 1 and on day 5 (P <0.001). None of the demographic or biologic parameters considered was significantly related to pharmacokinetic parameters. Fluorouracil levels remained low in comparison with levels measured after classical fluorouracil therapy, although detectable for a longer time. Conclusions A large interpatient pharmacokinetic variability was observed without any significant correlation with the clinical parameters studied.
Chemo-Immunotherapy of Advanced Aids-Related Kaposi'S Sarcoma
Authors: Aversa Savina Maria Luciana , Cattelan Anna Maria , Salvagno Luigi , Meneghetti Francesco , Francavilla Ermenegildo , Sattin Andrea , Sasset Lolita , Cadrobbi Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplastic complication of HIV infection and AIDS. Multiple cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens have been used with various response rates. We have evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of low-dose chemotherapy in patients with poor-prognosis AIDS-related KS and the role of interferon alpha (IFN-α) in complete responders. Methods Twenty-five previously untreated patients with advanced KS received bleomycin (BL) 10 mg/m2 and vinblastine (VB) 6 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15 every two weeks. After six cycles, patients in complete remission received IFN-alpha (3 million U s.c. 3 times/week) combined with antiretroviral therapy. All patients were evaluated for toxicity using the World Health Organization (WHO) toxicity schedule. Both Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) response criteria were used to evaluate response and survival. Results The overall response rate was 84% (95% confidence interval, 51–117%) with six complete remissions (24%) and 15 partial remissions (60%) by ECOG criteria, and 92% (95% confidence interval: 58–128%) with 17 partial remissions (68%) by ACTG criteria. The median duration of response on IFN-alpha treatment was 4.5 months (range, 2–10). The overall median survival duration for all 25 patients was 9 months (range, 2–39). Grade 3–4 anemia was observed in five patients and grade 3–4 neutropenia in two patients. No other clinically significant (> grade 3) toxicities were observed. Conclusions Combination of BL and VB is effective and well tolerated, even if new therapeutic options are developing. This disease remains a challenging problem, so larger studies using the combination of chemotherapy and/or IFN-alpha with antiretroviral treatment are warranted.
Surgical Resection of a Cerebral Metastasis from Cervical Cancer: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cormio Gennaro , Colamaria Antonio , Loverro Giuseppe , Pierangeli Enrico , Di Vagno Giovanni , De Tommasi Antonio , Selvaggi Luigi 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Central nervous system metastasis from cervical carcinoma is uncommon. Case report We report the case of a 51-year-old woman who developed a solitary cerebral metastasis 29 months after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for a stage IB, grade III cervical cancer. The patient suddenly complained of headache, confusion and dizziness; she was submitted to emergency surgical resection of a 2×3 cm metastasis in the right frontal lobe. The postoperative course was uneventful and she completely recovered from her neurological deficit. Following surgery the patient underwent careful restaging. Massive bilateral involvement of the pelvic wall was diagnosed, and the patient received three courses of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. She developed liver and lung metastases and died 10 months later of progressive disseminated disease, without, however, any sign of recurrent or persistent cerebral involvement. Conclusion Neurosurgical resection should be considered in cervical cancer patients with solitary brain metastasis in the absence of systemic disease.
SÉCuRE: A clinical tool for comprehensively assessing home safety of people with mental illness
Authors: Désormeaux-Moreau Marjorie , Aubin Ginette , Larivière Nadine 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionPeople with severe mental illness benefit from a growing number of measures aimed at supporting independent housing. The purpose of the study was to develop a comprehensive home safety assessment tool.MethodThe tool's elaboration was done in three phases. The planning phase was intended to circumscribe the phenomenon, providing input for the development phase, which consisted of creating and enhancing the tool's prototypes. The evaluation phase then featured the tool's translation validity (relevance, exhaustiveness, clarity, and apparent clinical utility), with four successive rounds of expert consultation ( n = 20). Changes were made to the tool according to the experts' suggestions.FindingsThe proposed tool, SÉCuRE, adopts a structured professional judgment approach that is designed to be used collaboratively and interprofessionally, with a specific role for occupational therapists. It aims to systematize the assessment of contributive factors (risk and protective), all stakeholders' expectations and needs and the identification of potential ethical issues. The findings supported the translation validity and acceptance of the tool by clinicians.ConclusionSÉCuRE was developed to assist with clinical judgment regarding home safety interventions. It is hoped that its use may ultimately foster home safety in the context of recovery.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with migraine: A case-control study
Authors: Rubino Elisa , Rainero Innocenzo , Garino Francesca , Vicentini Costanza , Govone Flora , Vacca Alessandro , Gai Annalisa , Gentile Salvatore , Govone Guido , Ragazzoni Federico , Pinessi Lorenzo , Giordana Maria Teresa , Limone Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Background Recent studies suggested a potential association between both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and migraine. Aims of this study were to estimate the comorbidity of migraine in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and to evaluate associated clinical characteristics. Methods Using a case-control strategy, 151 consecutive subclinical hypothyroidism patients (mean age 48.36 ± 15.86 years) and 150 controls (mean age 50.86 ± 9.19 years) were recruited. In all subjects, migraine characteristics were collected through a direct interview. Clinical and biochemical parameters (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and anti-thyroid antibodies) were compared between subclinical hypothyroidism patients in comorbidity with migraine and subclinical hypothyroidism patients without migraine. Results The prevalence of lifetime migraine was significantly higher in subclinical hypothyroidism patients in comparison with controls (46% vs. 13%, p < 0.001; OR 5.80; 95% CI = 3.35–10.34). Both migraine without and with aura were significantly higher in subclinical hypothyroidism patients than controls ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Thyroid hormones and concentrations of antibodies did not differ between subclinical hypothyroidism patients with and without migraine. Interestingly, a comorbidity for autoimmune diseases was observed in subclinical hypothyroidism patients with migraine in respect to those without migraine ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Our data suggest that migraine is more frequent in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in respect to controls. Further studies are needed in order to confirm this association.