1,721,202 research outputs found
TNF and cancer: the two sides of the coin
No full textIF 2,771
Abstract
Despite its name, discovery history and approval as anticancer agent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated in both cancer development and progression in some preclinical models. In particular, as a central mediator of inflammation, TNF might represent one of the molecular links between chronic inflammation and the subsequent development of malignant disease. Furthermore, deregulated TNF expression within the tumor microenvironment appears to favor malignant cell tissue invasion, migration and ultimately metastasis formation. On the other side, TNF clearly possesses antitumor effects not only in preclinical models but also in the clinical setting. In order to reconcile these conflicting findings, we provide readers with an overview on the most relevant available evidence supporting anticancer as well as cancer-promoting TNF effects; on the basis of these data, we propose a model to explain the coexistence of these apparently paradoxical TNF activities
Proposte metodologiche per lo studio dei nomi di vaso nei grandi testi dell’Italia antica
No full textNouns for pots and vessels represent one of the best-attested areas of the lexicon of the languages of ancient Italy. For this reason, scholars have been tackling the topic for some decades; nevertheless, they have mostly focused on those nouns that are attested in short inscriptions written on pottery, rather than on the ones transmitted in the long texts of ancient Italy, such as the Iguvine Tables and the Liber Linteus. Herein three case studies (θapna, uesclo- and spanti) will be analysed and a number of methodological considerations preliminary to the study of vessel nouns in the long texts will be put forward: in particular, four methodological tools are identified (etymology, qualifiers, contents and usages of the vessels). It is observed that, despite some limits, the long texts can provide a valuable contribution to the study of this area of the lexicon and that, conversely, vessel nouns can play a role in the understanding of these texts
RNA interference: ready to silence cancer?
No full textRNA interference (RNAi) is considered the most promising functional genomics tool recently developed. As in other medical fields, this biotechnology might revolutionize the approach to dissecting the biology of cancer, ultimately speeding up the discovery pace of novel targets suitable for molecularly tailored antitumor therapies. In addition, preclinical results suggest that RNAi itself might be used as a therapeutic weapon. With the aim of illustrating not only the potentials but also the current limitations of RNAi as a tool in the fight against cancer, here we summarize the physiology of RNAi, discuss the main technical issues of RNAi-based gene silencing, and review some of the most interesting preclinical results obtained so far with its implementation in the field of oncology
Circulating tumor cells in solid cancer: tumor marker of clinical relevance?
No full textCirculating tumor cells (CTC) can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients with a variety of solid cancers. Because of their very low frequency, these tumor cells are not easily detected using conventional cytology methods. In the past decade, numerous groups have attempted to detect CTC of solid malignancies using the highly sensitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, which has been shown to be superior to conventional techniques. However, the biological significance of CTC and the therapeutic relevance of their detection are still debated. This article reviews the most recent findings on this subject, and discusses the potential of identification and molecular characterization of the subset of CTC responsible for metastasis development. Confirming the prognostic value of CTC would provide clinicians with a unique tool for better stratification of patients' risk and provide basic researchers with a new target for the development of novel therapeutic approaches
Towards the development of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) sensitizers: making TNF work against cancer
No full textAlthough TNF antitumor activity has been demonstrated in many preclinical models and in non-comparative clinical trials, no evidence exists that TNF-based treatments increase patient survival. Moreover, due to systemic toxicity, TNF can only be administered through sophisticated locoregional drug-delivery systems in patients with some types of organ-confined solid tumors; as a corollary, the impossibility to administer TNF through the systemic route does not allow to test the effectiveness of this cytokine in other clinical settings for the treatment of a broader spectrum of tumor types. A challenge many researchers are tackling is to dissect the cascade of molecular events underlying tumor sensitivity to TNF so to fully explore the anticancer potential of this molecule. The rationale for the development of strategies aimed at sensitizing malignant cells to TNF is to exploit tumor-specific molecular derangements to modulate TNF biological activities and ultimately maximize its tumor-selective cytotoxicity. This would not only enhance the anticancer activity of current TNF-based locoregional regimens, but would also open the avenue to the systemic administration of this cytokine and thus to a much wider clinical experimentation of TNF in the oncology field.
In this review we first summarize the molecular biology of TNF and its cancer-related properties then, the available findings regarding some among the most promising and best characterized TNF sensitizers are overviewe
Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and the Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textIt has been hypothesized that polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene affect the risk of developing melanoma. However, results often are conflicting, and no meta-analysis has been performed to date on published data. Six studies (cases, 2152; controls, 2410) that investigated the association between 5 VDR polymorphisms (Taql, Fokl, Bsml, EcoRV, and Cdx2) and the risk of melanoma were retrieved and analyzed. The model-free approach was applied to meta-analyze these molecular association studies. Available data Suggested a significant association between the BsmI VDR polymorphism and melanoma risk (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.53; P = .002; heterogeneity Cochran Q test, P > .1), and the population-attributable risk was 9.2%. In contrast, the Fokl polymorphism did not appear to be associated with such risk (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.99-1.21; P = .07; heterogeneity Cochran Q test, P > .1). For the Taql and the EcoRV polymorphisms, significant between-study heterogencity did not support genotype data pooling. Only 1 study investigated the Cdx2 variant, and the findings were negative. Current evidence is in favor of an association between 1 VDR gene polvinorphisin (Bsml) and the risk of developing melanoma. The current findings prompt further investigation oil this subject and indirectly support the hypothesis that sun exposure may have ail antimelanoma effect through activation of the vitamin D system. Cancer 2008;113:2398407. (C) 2008 American Cancer Society
The prognostic value of serum S100B in patients with cutaneous melanoma: a meta-analysis
No full textS100B protein detected in the serum of patients with cutaneous melanoma has been long reported as a prognostic biomarker. However, no consensus exists on its implementation in the routine clinical setting. This study aimed to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the evidence on the suitability of serum S100B to predict patients' survival. Twenty-two series enrolling 3393 patients with TNM stage I to IV cutaneous melanoma were reviewed. Standard meta-analysis methods were applied to evaluate the overall relationship between S100B serum levels and patients' survival (meta-risk). Serum S100B positivity was associated with significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.92-2.58, p < 0.0001). Between-study heterogeneity was significant, which appeared to be related mainly to dissemination bias and the inclusion of patients with stage IV disease. Considering stage I to III melanoma (n = 1594), the meta-risk remained highly significant (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.8-2.89; p < 0.0001) and studies' estimates were homogeneous. Subgroup analysis of series reporting multivariate survival analysis supported S100B as a prognostic factor independent of the TNM staging system. Our findings suggest that serum S100B detection has a clinically valuable independent prognostic value in patients with melanoma, with particular regard to stage I-III disease. Further investigation focusing on this subset of patients is Justified and warranted before S100B can be implemented in the routine clinical management of melanoma. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss. Inc
L’analisi dell’impatto dei beauty standard sulla salute mentale delle persone socializzate come donne tramite la ricerca e le testimonianze delle arti visive
No full textThe aim of the following study is both to analyse and evalu-
ate the impact of beauty standards on feminine presenting
people’s mental health through visual arts as well as by
utilising a qualitative and quantitative methodological ap-
proach. The project will have two bibliographical parts: the
first one will have an art history insight and will be focused
on the role of women’s bodies in arts, which will be ana-
lysed through visual arts depicting women; it will also look
at how society and arts looked and viewed women, creating
an intersection between gender studies and social art history
through a feminist perspective; the second part will be fo-
cused on gender studies, specifically, the objectification of
feminine presenting people’s bodies by society – especially
by heterosexual men – the discrimination they went through
because of their gender identity and how chasing beauty and
being considered attractive is a constant in the lives of femi-
nine presenting people compared to masculine-presenting
ones. The methodology that will be used to carry the study
comprehend the conduction of two surveys: one addressed
to feminine-aligned and presenting people and the other to
masculine-aligned and presenting ones in order to evaluate
the differences in the impact of and the importance given to
beauty standards and also how much beauty pressure affects
their daily lives and life choices in general (e.g. deciding
against going to the sea, eating certain foods, going on a diet
or not wear some kind of clothes)
La ricerca azione partecipata come metodologia per ampliare pratiche sostenibili in azienda
No full textParticipatory Action Research (PAR) is a research approach that actively involves stakeholders, such as community members or company participants, throughout the research process. This method is based on the idea that individuals directly engaged in the situation under study possess valuable knowledge and firsthand experience, which can significantly contribute to understanding the problem and identifying effective solutions. In a corporate context, Participatory Action Research can be utilized to promote sustainable practices in various ways: Employee Engagement: Actively involving employees in identifying challenges and developing solutions. Identifying Problems and Opportunities: Through the direct participation of employees and stakeholders, it is possible to more accurately and comprehensively identify areas where the company could improve its sustainable practices and pinpoint opportunities for innovation. Design and Implementation of Interventions: By collaborating, employees and researchers can develop and test targeted interventions to promote sustainability, tailoring them to the company’s specific needs and resources. Evaluation and Monitoring of Results: Ensuring the effectiveness of initiatives and their alignment with sustainability goals. Promoting a Sustainable Corporate Culture: By involving employees in the design and implementation of sustainable practices, it is possible to foster a corporate culture that values sustainability’s importance. In summary, Participatory Action Research provides a collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing complex Disciplinary Methodologies for Research challenges and promoting sustainable practices within companies. It leverages employees’ knowledge and experience to drive change and achieve tangible results
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