46 research outputs found
Low cost inkjet fabrication of glucose electrochemical sensors based on copper oxide
No full textThe availability of low cost, efficient and wearable glucose sensors is one of the prerequisites for the development of ubiquitous sensors networks for the efficient monitoring of diabetes epidemiology. Starting from this principle, wet metallization and low cost inkjet printing were employed in the present work to manufacture non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors. CuO nanoparticles were inkjet printed on platinum, which was electrodeposited on stainless steel. The active layer obtained in this way showed an acceptable linear range for glucose detection and a good sensitivity when used as sensor. The influence on performances of interfering species and curvature were investigated, demonstrating a negligible effect for the first and a decrease in linearity of the response and sensitivity for the latter
A non-redundant role of complement protein C1q in normal and adverse pregnancy
No full textAvailability of data and materials: Not applicable.Copyright © The Author(s) 2022. Complement component 1q (C1q) is the recognition molecule of the classical pathway of the complement system that can bind to an array of closely spaced antigen-bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. In addition to its involvement in defence against a range of pathogens and clearance of apoptotic and necrotic cells, C1q has also been implicated in immune and non-immune homeostasis. C1q is locally produced by immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. C1q is also synthesized by decidual endothelial cells, thus acting as a link between decidual cells and trophoblasts, as well as contributing to the remodelling of spiral arteries. Furthermore, C1q is produced by the extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invading the decidua. As a pro-angiogenic molecule, C1q is also important for normal placentation processes as it favors the active angiogenesis in the developing decidua. These observations have been validated by C1q gene knock-out mice which showed pre-eclampsia (PE)-like symptoms, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, glomerular endotheliosis, and increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio, and increased oxidative stress. The role of C1q in normal and adverse human pregnancy is being studied extensively due to its absence or low level as a likely precipitating factor for the development of PE.Funding: Not applicable
Rituximab plus chemotherapy provides no clinical benefit in a peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified with aberrant expression of CD20 and CD79a. A case report and review of the literature
No full textPeripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is the most common entity of mature T-cell neoplasms. PTCL-NOS generally has an aggressive behavior and is often refractory to standard therapy. Only a few cases of PTCL with aberrant expression of B-cell antigens have been reported so far. This phenotypic aberrancy may lead to misdiagnosis as B-cell non- Hodgkin lymphomas and eventual inappropriate patient management, whereas in an accurately diagnosed PTCL, the presence of CD20 may appear as an appealing therapeutic target. In this setting, response to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in combination with chemotherapy has been poorly explored. We describe the case of a 59-year-old male diagnosed by a pathological and molecular approach as PTCL-NOS with aberrant co-expression of the B-cell antigens CD20 and CD79a, which proved non-responsive to the addition of rituximab to standard polychemotherapy. This case highlights that the presence of CD20 in PTCL may be misleading in the diagnosis and also act as a lure for the clinician to adopt a rituximab-based treatment, the effectiveness of which is undefined as the molecular mechanisms underlying B-cell marker expression in PTCL
The Ferroxidase Hephaestin in Lung Cancer: Pathological Significance and Prognostic Value
No full textHephaestin (HEPH) belongs to a group of exocytoplasmic ferroxidases which contribute to cellular iron homeostasis by favouring its export. Down-regulation of HEPH expression, possibly by stimulating cell proliferation due to an increase in iron availability, has shown to correlate with poor survival in breast cancer. The lung is particularly sensitive to iron-induced oxidative stress, given the high oxygen tension present, however, HEPH distribution in lung cancer and its influence on prognosis have not been investigated yet. In this study we explored the prognostic value of HEPH and its expression pattern in the most prevalent histotypes of lung cancers, namely lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In silico analyses, based on UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter bioinformatics, revealed a significant correlation between higher levels of HEPH expression and favorable prognosis, in both cancer histotypes. Moreover, TIMER web platform showed a statistically significant association between HEPH expression and cell elements belonging to the tumor microenvironment identified as endothelial cells and a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, further confirmed by double immunohistochemical labeling with cell type specific markers. Taken together, these data shed a light on the complex mechanisms of local iron handling lung cancer can exploit to support tumorigenesis
Inferior vena cava resection without prosthesis replacement for vena cava sarcoma (with video)
No full textIn this video, we present a case of inferior vena cava (IVC) sarcoma with massive bilateral venous iliac thrombosis managed with caval resection and ligation of the IVC without replacement. Primary leiomyosarcomas of the IVC are rare tumors originating from smooth muscles localized in vena cava wall [1—3]. Surgical resection represents the main treatment for IVC sarcomas. As reported by Wachtel and al. [1], IVC replacement with prosthetic graft is the most frequent procedure (49.2% of cases), whereas ligation of the IVC without replacement has been observed in 20.3% of patients and primarily repair in 21.9%
Rituximab Plus Chemotherapy Provides No Clinical Benefit in a Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma not Otherwise Specified with Aberrant Expression of CD20 and CD79a: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
No full textPeripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is the most common entity of mature T-cell neoplasms. PTCL-NOS generally has an aggressive behavior and is often refractory to standard therapy. Only a few cases of PTCL with aberrant expression of B-cell antigens have been reported so far. This phenotypic aberrancy may lead to misdiagnosis as B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and eventual inappropriate patient management, whereas in an accurately diagnosed PTCL, the presence of CD20 may appear as an appealing therapeutic target. In this setting, response to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in combination with chemotherapy has been poorly explored. We describe the case of a 59-year-old male diagnosed by a pathological and molecular approach as PTCL-NOS with aberrant co-expression of the B-cell antigens CD20 and CD79a, which proved non-responsive to the addition of rituximab to standard polychemotherapy. This case highlights that the presence of CD20 in PTCL may be misleading in the diagnosis and also act as a lure for the clinician to adopt a rituximab-based treatment, the effectiveness of which is undefined as the molecular mechanisms underlying B-cell marker expression in PTCL
Microscopic imaging of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Non-IBD Colitis on digital slides: The Italian Group-IBD Pathologists experience
No full textBackground: The aim of the study is to report the experience of the pathologists of the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (group formed by pathologists with various experience) on the morphological assessment of digital slides pertaining to IBD and Non-IBD colitis underlining the necessity to implement this tool in daily routine and its utility to share opinions on difficult cases. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight histological slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin obtained from ileo-colorectal endoscopic biopsies were digitized using Menarini D-Sight 2.0 system, uploaded onto a website platform and shared among 40 pathologists participating in the study. Information regarding the site of biopsy was disclosed; clinical data were blinded. Each participant was committed to write a comment on microscopic features purposing diagnostic opinion. One month after the last uploaded case, a form was sent to each participant to evaluate the personal experience on digital slide sharing. Results: Sixteen pathologists out of 40 (40%) had consistently accessed to the site,9/40 (22%) commented on all slides, a diagnostic opinion was rendered in 8 slides. Most common critical issues were: A) poor internet connection resulting in ineffective evaluation of the digital slides, B) time-consuming cases raising difficult diagnostic interpretation, C) lack of clinical history. Overall, 24 participants (60%) found the forum valuable for practical training and educational purposes. Conclusions: Sharing scanned slides circulating within a dedicated forum is an effective educational tool in both IBDs and Non-IBDs colitis. Although our results demonstrated a substantial compliance of the participants, their limited participation was an objective shortcoming. Hence, further efforts are needed to encourage this potentially rewarding practice among the pathologist community
Impact of sarcopenia on outcomes after pancreatectomy for malignancy
No full textBackground: Sarcopenia, which is a subclinical loss of skeletal muscle mass as measured by cross-sectional imaging, is commonly observed in patients with malignancy. Few studies have examined the association between the presence of sarcopenia and outcome following surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and to investigate its impact on short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent pancreatectomy for malignancy.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of a pancreatectomy database was performed. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured on preoperative cross-sectional imaging in 144 patients undergoing pancreatectomy for cancer between 2007 and 2014. Sarcopenia was defined, according to the international consensus, as an SMI <52.4 cm2 /m2 and <38.9 cm2 /m2 for men and women respectively. The prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on morbidity, mortality, disease-free and overall survivals was assessed relative to other clinicopathological factors. Results: Mean age was 67.15 years and 51% was female. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma represents 66.7% of all cases. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 114 cases (79.2%). Margin status was R0 in 76.9%. Mean BMI was 24.85 Kg/m2 and mean SMI was 35,43 cm2 /m2 . One hundred and eight (74.5%) were sarcopenic, 37 (43.5%) were overweight/ obese and 43 (29.7%) were both (p = 0.041). Sarcopenia was significantly related to histology, sex, BMI and albumin. Overall morbidity and 90-days mortality were 50.7% and 9.1% respectively. The median follow up was 21 months. Overall and disease-free survival rate were 25,44 months and 11,84 months respectively. Sarcopenia was associated to a not statistically significant increased risk of overall morbidity, mortality and shorter disease- free and overall survivals after pancreatic surgery for cancer. Conclusions: Sarcopenia was found in 74.5% of cancer patients underwent pancreatectomy. It is an occult condition in overweight/obese patients but can be identified using CT scans. This condition, as defined by international consensus, is not associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes after surgery
Comparison between different diagnostic strategies in low-risk reproductive age and pre-menopausal women presenting abnormal uterine bleeding
No full textAbnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common symptom in the female population, with an estimated prevalence of 10 to 30% in fertile age and up to 90% in perimenopausal women. In most cases, AUB is due to a benign cause. However, it can also be a symptom of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer, a more common disease during menopause which can also affect women in their reproductive age. Considering the high prevalence of this symptom an appropriate diagnostic algorithm is needed. Concerns about the risks, pain, and stress associated with an endometrial biopsy and its impact on the healthcare system make the choice of AUB diagnostic strategy extremely relevant. Even if the scientific community agrees on the definition of AUB, International Guidelines show some differences in the management of women of reproductive age with AUB, especially regarding the age cut-off as an independent indication for endometrial biopsy. This study compared different diagnostic strategies to identify a diagnostic pathway with high sensitivity and specificity but low impact on the health system’s resources. The analysis was based on three diagnostic algorithms defined as part of the guidelines of leading scientific societies. Women of reproductive age with AUB (n = 625) and without risk of endometrial cancer were included in the study. Results showed that the best criterion to investigate AUB in women at low risk of endometrial cancer is not age cut-off but the presence or absence of focal endometrial pathology at the ultrasound and the response to the progestin therapy. This approach makes it possible to perform fewer outpatient hysteroscopic biopsies without excluding positive cases from the examination
Cytoproliferative activity in colorectal poorly differentiated clusters: Biological significance in tumor setting
No full textPoorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) have gained a significant prognostic role in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) being associated to high risk of lymph node metastasis, shorter survival time and poor prognosis. The knowledge in PDC biology is not completely clear
