bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Province of Northern Italy: Prevalence of the Risk Factors and Incidence in the Population
Authors: Mels Guido Colloredo , Leandro Gioacchino , Scorpiniti Anna , Cristini Piero , Moretti Giovanni Battista , Di Nolfo Anna Maria , Angeli Giovanni 
Published: April 2018

Aims Epidemiologic studies on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in limited geographic areas of Italy are rare, and most of them derive from autopsies. We retrospectively analyzed the prevalence of risk factors (sex, age, HBsAg, alcoholism, cirrhosis) in 137 HCC diagnosed between 1980 and 1989 in a single centre of northern Italy (Bergamo). Results and conclusions One hundred and nine of the HCC (79.6%) occurred in men (M:F = 3.9:1); 35.8% were HBsAg+ and 41.4% had histories of alcoholism. There were significant differences between men and women as regards prevalence of HBsAg+ (40.4% vs 17.9%; p = 0.046) and alcoholism (47.6% vs 17.9%, p = 0.008). The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years (range, 40-82), with significant differences between men and women (62.4 ± 08 vs 68.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.001), between HCC/HBsAg + and HCC/HBsAg– (59.1 ± 1.1 vs 66.1 ± 0.8, p = 0.00001) and between alcoholics and nonalcoholics (61.6 ± 1.1 vs 64.8 ± 0.9; p = 0.03). Liver cirrhosis was associated with HCC in 104/122 cases (data not available for 15 patients) without differences in distribution of sex, age, HBsAg+ or alcoholism between HCC with cirrhosis and HCC without cirrhosis. Incidence was calculated for the surrounding territory of the hospital center (10 towns, districts 5 and 6, USSL 30). Fifty-four cases of HCC were found in this area over the 10-year period, In according with a mean standardized incidence rate (Lombardy population 1971) of 11.7/100,000 inhabitants/year (c.i. 95%, 1.49-21.86).
Study of the HLA-DPβ1 Locus by the Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique in Patients with Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Pellegris Guseppe , Lombardo Claudia , Cantoni Annelisa , Devizzi Liliana , Balzarotti Monica 
Published: April 2018

Background A number of reports have studied associations between Hodgkin's disease and HLA. Some of them established correlation between several antigens and Hodgkin's disease, and others found no correlations. Methods The HLA DP locus was determined by the polymerase chain reaction method in 31 Hodgkin's disease patients and 58 healthy controls. Results No significant difference between patients and controls was noted. Conclusions Further investigations are needed to confirm the hypothesis of a possible role of the HLA complex as one of the factors involved in Hodgkin's disease.
Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome Associated to Angiosarcoma of the Breast. A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mazzocchi Alessandro , Foschini Maria P. , Marconi Franco , Eusebi Vincenzo 
Published: April 2018

Introduction Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is characterized by the association of a consumptive thrombohemorrhagic disorder and angioma occurring usually in children. In the present study, a case of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome associated to an angiosarcoma of the breast is reported. Clinical History The tumor together with the thrombohemorrhagic disorder manifested in a 28-year-old woman. The patient underwent mastectomy. The tumor recurred in the same site 2 years later. The patient died of severe anemia 8 years after the first appearance of the angiosarcoma. Material and Methods Tissues were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded; in addition, selected sections were immunohistochemically stained. Results and Conclusions A well-differentiated angiosarcoma was visible throughout the removed organ. A review of the literature showed that only 6 cases of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome associated to malignant vascular tumors have been previously reported. All these 6 cases occurred in adult patients. On the contrary, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome associated to benign vascular tumors affects children. This is the first case occurring in the breast.
Use of a Pool of Monoclonal Antibodies in Diagnosing Cells from Serous Cavities
Authors: Cappellari Antonio , Bagarella Mariangela , Ménard Sylvie , Calabrese Marcella , Colnaghi Maria Ines 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The usefulness of monoclonal antibodies that recognize markers of neoplastic lesions in complementing conventional cytology was evaluated by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex, indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Methods In order to enhance the sensitivity of the traditional method, a pool of seven combined monoclonal antibodies (Pool C7), which reacts specifically with cells of epithelial origin and is able to distinguish between mesothelial and malignant cells, was tested on cytologic smears of 262 serous effusions. The effusions were benign or neoplastic, mainly from breast, ovary and lung cancers. Results Immunocytochemical method showed an 100 % specificity and 100 % of predictivity whereas the sensitivity was 98 %, 96 % and 95 % for breast ovarian and lung carcinomas, respectively. Conclusions The results demonstrated that the pool when used together with conventional methods, is useful in analysis of serous effusions in diagnostic investigations.
PCNA/Cyclin and P-Glycoprotein as Prognostic Factors in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer. An Immunohistochemical, Retrospective Study
Authors: Botti Gerardo , Chiappetta Gennaro , D'Aiuto Giuseppe , de Angelis Ernesto , De Matteis Andrea , Montella Maurizio , Picone Alessandro , Cascione Francesco 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The aim of the present study was to determine, retrospectively, whether the immunohistochemical expression of two biologic markers of aggressivity, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and PCNA/cyclin (PCNA), could be related to response to chemotherapy and prognosis in locally advanced breast cancer. Methods PC 10 Mab was used to determine the proliferation index (PCNA) and C-219 Mab to determine P-gp in 25 locally advanced breast carcinomas subjected to preoperative chemotherapy with MDR-related drugs. Results P-gp and PCNA were expressed in 76 % and 100 % of the tumors, respectively. No case of high P-gp expression was associated with good chemosensitivity, and all P-gp-negative cases showed the best chemotherapeutic response. P-gp and PCNA were both highly expressed in patients who developed local-regional or distant metastases. No recurrence was associated with a negative or low P-gp score. Conclusions Statistical analysis showed that high P-gp expression was related to a poor response to chemotherapy and a short disease-free survival. A high PCNA score was not found to be significant for predicting chemosensitivity or survival.
Childhood. Leukemia in Southwest Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Cocco Pierluigi , Bernardinelli Luisa , Biddau Pierfranco , Montomoli Cristina , Murgia Giulio , Rapallo Maurizio , Targhetta Roberto 
Published: April 2018

Aim and background Public concern on an increased incidence of childhood leukemia in SW Sardinia prompted the authors to an epidemiological investigation. Methods Incident childhood neoplasms observed in the Cagliari province (Sardinia - Italy) in 1974-1989 were registered. Expected cases of the most frequent childhood cancers were calculated for each town, based on the sex-and age-specific incidence rates in the province. Results An excess risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was observed in Carbonia, a town located in the SW part of the province. The risk was highest in 1983-85, when 7 cases occurred versus 0.8 expected (RR = 8.7; 95 % C.I. = 4.6, 16.3). No spatial clustering of ALL cases was observed within the town. Conclusions A significantly higher than expected incidence of childhood ALL was observed in the town of Carbonia in 1983-85. In alternative to chance, possible exposure to environmental pollutants from a near industrial settlement is discussed as the cause of the observed excess, but it is far to be proven. Other hypotheses, including a viral infection in a population with increased susceptibility, as suggested for new urban settlements, cannot be discarded.
A Phase III Study of Oral Doxifluridine plus Radiotherapy in Radiosensitive Tumors of the Pelvic Region
Authors: Spagnesi Stefano , Ducci Francesco , Laddaga Michele , Falcone Alfredo , Conte Pier Franco , Pandolfi Alessandra , Stampino Corrado Gallo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and backround Fluoropyrimidines have shown synergic effects in combination with radiotherapy in several tumor types. Doxifluridine is a novel 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) prodrug which is transformed into 5-FU in neoplastic tissue. This would imply enhancement of radiotherapy by 5-FU in neoplastic tissue, where the drug is concentrated higher than in surrounding healthy tissues. Methods A phase I-II study was carried out on 10 patients with radiosensitive tumors of the pelvic area (4 uterine carcinomas). Escalating doses of oral doxifluridine were administered in combination with standard radiotherapy to assess the efficacy and toxicity profile of the combined treatment. The 9 evaluable patients (3 groups of 3 patients each) received oral doxifluridine, at daily doses of 500, 750, or 1000 mg, for 6 consecutive weeks in combination with a standard (1.8-2.0 Gy) dose of radiotherapy. Assessment of physical and laboratory parameters was made at baseline, then weekly up to the end of the treatment and at follow-up. Results At the final evaluation, one patient with a diagnosis of uterine carcinoma showed a complete response that lasted 10 weeks. One patient had a partial response, and 7 patients had no change. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal: 27 episodes of mild to moderate nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. Three patients complained of severe diarrhea of 5-7 days duration: all patients spontaneously recovered. There were no significant changes in laboratory or clinical parameters, and no serious toxicity requiring reduction or interruption of the radiotherapy. Conclusions The maximum tolerated dose of oral doxifluridine in combination with standard radiotherapy was assessed at 1000 mg/patient/day (equivalent to 36-38 g monthly, previously reported as mTD in phase I studies).
Color-Doppler Ultrasound in Ovarian Masses: Anatomo-Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Spreafico Carlo , Frigerio Laura , Lanocita Rodolfo , Spatti G. Battista , Marchianò Alfonso , Milella Marco , Garbagnati Francesco , Böhm Silvia , Damasceni Bruno 
Published: April 2018

Background and aims In the radiologic assessment of ovarian masses, the major difficulty consists in the late recognition and lack of parameters for a differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions, especially in the post-menopause when the incidence of cancer is higher. The use of a transvaginal probe and the color-Doppler examination have recently improved the study of the female pelvis. This study is aimed to verify the possibility of the color-Doppler imaging to differentiate between malignant and benign ovarian lesions during transvaginal echographies, on the basis of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the vascular pattern of the ovarian lesions. Results Twenty-six expansive ovarian lesions were studied: 8/26 showed no vascular signals and were considered benign as confirmed at histology. In the remaining lesions with some vascularization, the resistance index (RI) was evaluated: those with RI > 0.40 were considered benign, those with RI < 0.40 malignant. In 8/9 benign lesions and in 7/9 malignant neoplasms, the results of color-Doppler were coherent with histology. The results showed a sensibility of 87.5 % and a specificity of 88.8 % for the transvaginal examination. Conclusions The main advantages of the color-Doppler transvaginal examination are: the high frequency of visualization of the ovaries, even in postmenopausal patients; the definition of small lesions; the visualization of small parenchymal vessels, both physiologic and pathologic, and their quantitative analysis. The importance of the RI cutoff was critical for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions: we think that a cutoff of 0.50, instead of 0.40 proposed by other authors, would be far more appropriate.
Screening History of Incident Cases of Invasive Carcinoma of the Cervix. Florence District 1988-1989
Authors: Ciatto Stefano , Grazzini Grazia , Cecchini Silvia , Iossa Anna 
Published: April 2018

Background Incident cases of carcinoma of the cervix may be assumed as failures of a population-based cytologic screening program. Monitoring such cases would provide an estimate of screening effectiveness, and evaluating the causes of the failures would improve screening performance. Study design All incident cases of cervicocarcinoma registered in 1988 and 1989 in the Tuscany Tumor Registry were eligible for the study and were reviewed. Results Sixty-nine eligible cases were considered. Non- or irregular attendance (negative smear-to-diagnosis interval > 5 years) for the Pap smear was recorded in 53 subjects. A false-negative smear (smear-to-diagnosis interval < 5 years) and refused or inadequate assessment/treatment at private practices or local hospitals were recorded in 12 cases. False-negative smears by the local screening program were recorded in 4 cases only. Conclusions Non- or irregular attendance was the major cause of screening failures. Since cytologic screening or diagnostic assessment outside the screening program may be inadequate, central screening and follow-up is recommended. Non-attenders showed a strong negative attitude towards screening, and general practitioners and gynecologists need to be further stimulated for systematic screening promotion. Immediate evaluation of the screening history of incident cases of cervicocarcinoma should be mandatory in any screening program.
A Phase I Safety Study of Doxifluridine and Interferon-α-2a in Patients with Advanced Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Antimi Mauro , Majoli Laura , Minelli Mauro , Stampino Corrado Gallo , Pandolfi Alessandra , Papa Giuseppe 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Doxifluridine (RO 21-9738, 5′-dFUR) is a fluoropyrimidine derivative with proven antitumor activity in different experimental models. On the basis of experimental evidence, several clinical trials have been carried out to define the optimal 5′-dFUR dose and route of administration. In general, the maximum monthly dose of 5′-dFUR was 36-38 g. According to these clinical data, we explored the feasibility of a combination of 5′-dFUR and interferon-alpha-2a (IFN-alpha-2a). The aim of the protocol was to confirm the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the drug in combination with a settled dose of IFNα2a. Methods An open-label phase I study with intravenous 5′-dFUR was carried out in 12 patients with a histologically proven diagnosis of advanced gastrointestinal or breast cancer refractory to previous conventional hormone-chemotherapy. Escalating doses of 5′-dFUR were administered as a 2-h intravenous infusion, once a week for at least 4 weeks in groups of 3 patients. IFN-alpha-2a was administered as an intramuscular injection of 3 MU 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Physical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline and then weekly until the end of treatment. Results The treatment with 5′-dFUR was stopped at 5 g/m2, since this level corresponded to the maximum monthly dosage reported in the literature (36-38 g). No severe toxicity was recorded up to this drug level. Conclusions The combination of 5′-dFUR plus IFN-alpha-2a was well tolerated at the level of 5 g/m2. Although the MTD was not reached, it can be stated that the dosage administered in this study could be explored in a larger trial.
Disodium Pamidronate in the Treatment of Bone Metastases from Breast Cancer
Authors: Coileoni Marco , Bochicchio Anna Maria , Nolè Franco , Bajetta Emilio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Symptomatic relief of bone metastases with biphosphonates has been previously reported, but limited data are available on the possibility of the induction of sclerosis in osteolytic lesions. Methods We therefore initiated an open study with disodium pamidronate (45 mg infused over 1 h and repeated every 21 days) in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer pretreated with chemotherapy and/or hormonetherapy. Fourteen patients wiht measurable lytic or mixed bone disease entereted the study. No other systemic therapy for breast cancer was allowed after their Inclusion in the study. Results No radiologic evidence of bone sclerosis of lytic disease was seen. After 2 months of therapy, 9 patients had progressed and 5 had stable disease. The median time to progression of bone disease was 1.6 months (range, 1-9). No significant improvement in terms of symptomatic status or analgesic consumption was recorded. The treatment was well tolerated, and no significant local or systemic toxicity was observed. Conclusions Disodium pamidronate at a dose of 45 mg every 3 weeks is not capable of inducing sclerosis of lytic lesions from pretreated breast cancer. Further trials concentrating on higher dosages of disodium pamidronate are warranted.
Pathological Stage I Endometrial Carcinoma: The Role for Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Barhum Massad , Stein Moshe , Ronsenblatt Eduardo , Dale Janet , Kuten Abraham 
Published: April 2018

Background In order to assess the efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of pathological stage I endometrial carcinoma, we performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients with this diagnosis who after surgery were either treated with radiation therapy or only followed from January 1980 through December 1987. Methods Patients were divided into two prognostic categories, high and low risk, on the basis of three known predictors of survival: histology, differentiation, and depth of myometrial invasion. All patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy but only the high risk group received radiotherapy as well. Results After a median follow up time of 59 months the survival rates of the two groups were similar. The 5-year disease-free survival of the surgery alone group was 92 % compared to 89 % for the postoperative radiotherapy group. Side effects of treatment were minimal. Conclusions Postoperative radiation therapy for high risk pathological stage I endometrial carcinoma is an effective adjuvant therapy and confers an excellent prognosis.
Mammography and Morphobiologic Characteristics of Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Paradiso Angelo , Mangia Annita , Barletta Anna , Marzullo Francesco , Ventrella Vincenzo , Racanelli Angela , Schittulli Francesco , De Lena Mario 
Published: April 2018

Aims A comparative analysis was performed to verify a possible correlation between mammographic features and morphobiologic characteristics of the tumor in a series of 176 invasive primary breast cancer patients. Methods Breast cancers were grouped according to mammographic features as follows: tumor mass with spiculated borders; tumor mass with well-circumscribed borders; tumor with density alteration of parenchyma with no clear borders; a cluster of micro-calcifications as the only sign of tumor presence; tumor without mammographic abnormality. The tumor tissue biologic characteristics investigated were: hormone receptor content, tumor proliferative activity, DNA content and cytohlstologic tumor-grade differentiation. Results Spiculated tumors showed a significantly higher percentage of estrogen-receptorpositive cases with respect to circumscribed tumors, independently of the patient's menopausal status. Tumors with only microcalcifications were all from premenopausal patients and showed a significantly higher percentage of progesterone-receptor-positive cases (83 %). Tumor proliferative activity did not significantly differ in the 5 mammographic breast cancer groups; aneuploidy was less frequent in tumors with spiculated borders than in mammographic types (39 % vs 57 %; p = 0.05); percentages of G1-G2-G3 tumors did not differ significantly among the mammographic groups considered. Conclusions Certain relationships between mammographic features and biologic characteristics could be of potential clinical interest and stimulate more detailed studies on this issue.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of Basement Membrane Type IV Collagen and Laminin in Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Guarino Marcello 
Published: April 2018

Aims To investigate the distribution of basement membrane components type IV collagen and laminin in synovial sarcomas. Methods Paraffin sections from four synovial sarcomas were studied by the peroxidase-antiperoxldase procedure using specific antibodies to type IV collagen and laminin. Results Type IV collagen and laminin immunoreactivity was confined around epithelial areas in biphasic tumors. Several interruptions and discontinuities of the linear basement membrane profile were seen in sites of transition between mesenchymal and epithelial tissue. Moreover, a spot-like immunoreactivity was often observed in the spindle cell component of biphasic tumors. Monophasic tumors were either negative or showed a pericellular staining for both type IV collagen and laminin. Conclusions The distribution of basement membrane components is clearly related to the formation of epithelial elements in biphasic synovial sarcoma. The spot-like immunoreactivity of the spindle cell component, and the basement membrane interruptions at the boundary between mesenchymal and epithelial tissue, are both consistent with early basement membrane formation by developing epithelium. These findings support the concept that synovial sarcomas are basically soft tissue carcinosarcomas and that the epithelial component of the tumors develops by conversion of mesenchyme to epithelium.
Relation between Ovarian Carcinoma-Associated Antigens in Tumor Tissue and Detached Cyst Fluid Cells of Patients with Ovarian Neoplasms
Authors: Bar Julia K. , Harłtozińska Antonina , Sobańska Ewa , Cislo Mieczysłtaw 
Published: April 2018

Aims The expression and potential diagnostic value of ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens were estimated in different types of epithelial ovarian neoplasms. The comparison of antigenic expression was performed on solid tumor tissues and loose cyst fluid cells in individual cases of malignant and benign ovarian neoplasms. Methods All studies were performed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens (OC125, OV-TL3, OV632, 10B, 8C) by 3-step peroxidase-antiperoxidase test. Results All ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens were detected in most serous and endometrioid carcinomas. In mucinous carcinomas as well as in benign ovarian neoplasms these antigens were present only in some cases. Significant inter- and intratumoral immunological heterogeneity was evident; however, the antigens detectable in tissue sections were also found in detached cyst fluid cells. Conclusions Our results show that mAb show OV-TL3 is the best marker for endometrioid carcinomas and confirmed that mAbs OV632, OC125 and OV-TL3 could be good complementary markers for differentiating malignant and benign lesions in the ovary. The percentage content of all ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens in solid tumors and respective cyst fluid cells was comparable.
Ossifying Fibroma of the Skull: Clinical and Therapeutic Study
Authors: Artico Marco , Cervoni Luigi , Salvati Maurizio , Raco Antonino , Ciappetta Pasquale 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Backround Ossifying fibroma is a tumor with benign course that rarely affects the cranial bones. Methods The authors report 5 cases of ossifying fibroma of the skull and analyze the clinical course and treatment of this lesione. Results 3 patients were females and 2 males. The mean clinical history was 3.2 years. 4 patients underwent total removal and 1 partial. At mean follow-up of 19 years, all patients who underwent total removal showed improvement of neurological deficit, whereas the patient who underwent partial removal had clinical regrowth. Conclusion The authors conclude that total removal of fibroma should be extended to normal bone and in cases in which total removal is not possible the residue should be checked for regrowth by serial MRI.