Recent developments in extracting and processing biological and clinical data are allowing quantitative approaches to studying living systems. High-throughput sequencing, expression profiles, ...proteomics, and electronic health records are some examples of such technologies. Extracting meaningful information from those technologies requires careful analysis of the large volumes of data they produce. In this note, we present a set of distributions that commonly appear in the analysis of such data. These distributions present some interesting features: they are discontinuous in the rational numbers, but continuous in the irrational numbers, and possess a certain self-similar (fractal-like) structure. The first set of examples which we present here are drawn from a high-throughput sequencing experiment. Here, the self-similar distributions appear as part of the evaluation of the error rate of the sequencing technology and the identification of tumorogenic genomic alterations. The other examples are obtained from risk factor evaluation and analysis of relative disease prevalence and co-mordbidity as these appear in electronic clinical data. The distributions are also relevant to identification of subclonal populations in tumors and the study of the evolution of infectious diseases, and more precisely the study of quasi-species and intrahost diversity of viral populations.
AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (AIDS-NHL) are classified into Burkitt's lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL), and body cavity based lymphoma. The molecular pathogenesis of AIDS-NHL is ...complex and involves the genetic alteration of several cancer related genes, including the BCL-6 proto-oncogene. BCL-6 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor which is selectively expressed by germinal center (GC) B-cells, but not by pre-GC or post-GC B-cells. Genetic alterations of BCL-6 occur frequently among B-cell NHL and comprise gross rearrangements as well as small mutations of the 5′ noncoding region of the gene. Gross rearrangements of BCL-6 among AIDS-NHL cluster with 20% AIDS-DLCL. Conversely, mutations of the 5′ noncoding region of BCL-6 occur at sustained frequency throughout the clinico-pathologic spectrum of AIDS-NHL and represent the most common genetic alteration presently detectable in these lymphomas. The frequency of BCL-6 mutations, as well as their location in the proximity of the BCL-6 regulatory regions, suggest that they may play a pathogenetic role in AIDS-related lymphomagenesis. Beside their pathogenetic implications, the occurrence of BCL-6 mutations among AIDS-NHL bears histogenetic relevance because BCL-6 mutations are regarded as a marker of B-cell transition through the GC. Thus, it is conceivable that a large fraction of AIDS-NHL is histogenetically related to GC or post-GC B-cells. This notion is further confirmed by the observation that AIDS-NHL frequently express the BCL-6 protein, which stains selectively GC B-cells throughout B-cell differentiation.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Implementing intraoperative assessment of sentinel lymph nodes by one-step nucleic acid amplification in early breast cancer can reduce the surgical burden to the patient and the costs to the health ...system. However, only limited data are available in terms of long-term disease-free survival and overall survival. Therefore, this study aims to compare disease-free survival and overall survival between one-step nucleic acid amplification, frozen section, and definitive histology. These results could impact the healthcare community, adding further proof to the body of evidence supporting the broader adoption of this innovative technology that enables a safe reduction in patient surgical burden and healthcare costs.
The one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) system is a novel molecular technique, which consents to quick intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph node metastases by the amplification of cytokeratin 19 mRNA. Our study aims to evaluate the OSNA method in comparison with frozen section (FS) and definitive histological examination of the sentinel lymph node biopsy among early breast cancer patients considering disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
In this study, we included all women who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancers classified as TNM stage I and II in our center between January 2005 and January 2017, and the follow-up was collected up to January 2019. We divided patients among three groups based on SLNB evaluation: definitive histological examination, intra-operative FS, or OSNA.
We included 2412 SLNBs: 727 by definitive histological examination, 697 by FS, and 988 by OSNA. Isolated tumor cells were found in 2.32% of cases, micrometastasis in 9.12%, and macrometastases in 13.64%. Surgical procedure duration was significantly shorter in OSNA than in FS (42.1 minutes ±5.1 vs. 70.1 minutes ±10.5, p <0.05). No significant differences have been observed among the three groups regarding OS, DSF, cumulative local, or distant metastases. In particular 5-year DFS was 96.38% in definitive histology (95% C.I. 95.02-97.75%), 96.37% in FS (95% C.I. 94.98-97.78%), and 96.51% in OSNA group (95% C.I. 95.32-97.72%).
No difference in OS and DFS was found comparing OSNA, FS, and definitive histology. Furthermore, reduced operative time was found in the OSNA group.
Cigarette smoking is a key factor in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and it has also been associated with the loss of muscle strength and an elevated risk of pulmonary diseases. Thus, ...this study aimed to analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle structure of postmortem samples.
Immunohistochemical techniques were used for muscle remodeling (metalloproteinases 2 and 9), inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), and vascularization (vascular endothelial growth factor). Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used for histopathological analysis and Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers.
Cigarette smokers had an increase of diaphragm muscle remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascularization compared to non-smokers.
Diaphragm muscle structure may be negatively affected by cigarette smoking.
BACKGROUND/AIMSSmoking is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and it has also been associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength leading to ...sarcopenia. The aim of this is study is to analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle histopathology of postmortem samples from patients without respiratory diseases. METHODSDiaphragm samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. RESULTSCigarette smokers had an increase of histopathological alterations as abnormal cytoplasm, abnormal fiber size and shape, and central nucleus. Additionally, smokers had an increase of collagen fibers on diaphragm muscle. CONCLUSIONSmoking may influence in a negatively fashion the diaphragm musculature.
Studying the effects of smoking intensity is important to evaluate the risk of tobacco use on a range of illnesses, such as as sarcopenia among the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the ...effects of pack-years of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) histopathology of postmortem samples.
Subjects were divided into three groups: never-smoker (
= 46); less than 30 pack-years of smoking (
= 12); and more than 30 pack-years of smoking (
= 30). Diaphragm samples were stained with Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin stain for general structure.
Participants with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking had a significant increase in adipocytes, blood vessels and collagen deposit, as well as an increase in histopathological alterations.
Pack-years of smoking was associated with DIAm injury. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Sarcopenia is characterized as aging-related weakness and atrophy, which decreases the diaphragm force generating capacity leading to a decrease of expulsive non-ventilatory motor behaviors, which ...are critical for airway clearance. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the histopathology of the diaphragm in postmortem samples. Thirty individuals were included. Diaphragm samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. We observed a positive association between advancing age and histopathological findings in the diaphragm structure. We suggest that age is a key factor in increasing diaphragm muscle histopathology. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Objectives: The treatment of acute pain in the prehospital emergency setting remains a significant problem. We evaluated the incidence, site, and possible cause of acute pain in the prehospital ...period and also the current state of prehospital pain management by evaluating analgesic availability in emergency vehicles in Italy.
Methods: First aid volunteers documented the presence, intensity, and site of acute pain by questionnaire for over 3 months. Emergency service operations completed a questionnaire on analgesic availability in ambulances and helicopters.
Results: Pain symptoms were present in two‐thirds of the patients (n = 383) and ranked as moderate to unbearable in 41.75%. Results of the analgesic availability survey indicate that 10.6% of the ambulance services carry no pain killers (including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs NSAIDs and/or paracetamol) and 11.5% are without an opioid. The emergency helicopter survey showed a significant difference in analgesic availability compared with ambulances, with 97.6% having at least one opioid agent available (weak or strong). A wide geographical variation in the availability of analgesic agents in ambulance and helicopter services was seen.
Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of pain among patients receiving prehospital emergency treatment in Italy and treatment for acute pain during emergency treatment of trauma patients is inadequate. All emergency vehicles, without distinction, should carry opioids and other analgesic drugs (NSAIDs and paracetamol) and there should be no geographic differences in the availability of pain medications.
Anticoagulant poisoning is a common rodent control method in urban areas, but rodents may exhibit versatile feeding behavioural habits in varying environmental conditions. This study has been ...conducted to determine those environmental factors that could directly influence bait consumption and which therefore may affect an urban rodent control plan carried out with chemical methods. In the city of Bologna (Italy), 2500 bait stations have been monitored in various urban biotopes and the bait consumption studied in relation to several environmental factors, using both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results reveal that the rodent patch distribution triggers the avoidance of baits placed outside of their home-range, hence the importance on bait placement. The logistic regression model confirms that vegetation, harbourage and water supplies are important variables in determining bait consumption, probably because they may spatially and temporarily facilitate the agoraphobic rodent movement, ensuring undisturbed bait consumption. The role of predators (dogs and cats) and food competitors (synanthropic birds) remains insignificant. However, bait eating invertebrates may consume part of the bait. For a proper rodent control plan the first real need is to minimize the alternative food sources, which may compete with baits. Weather conditions in which rodents could possibly pass unnoticed (fog and rainfall) may encourage bait consumption, vice versa with a cold climate. The considered environmental factors have satisfactorily explained bait consumption, highlighting the importance of human influence. The study of environmental factors may be useful in categorizing several site-specific conditions where rodent control efforts should be targeted, enhancing any intervention by matching the correct and specific strategy.
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