Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 596
Filter
1.
Psychol Med ; 53(9): 3908-3919, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35348051

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anhedonia is apparent in different mental disorders and is suggested to be related to dysfunctions in the reward system and/or affect regulation. It may hence be a common underlying feature associated with symptom severity of mental disorders. METHODS: We constructed a cross-sectional graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) network and a relative importance network to estimate the relationships between anhedonia severity and the severity of symptom clusters of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety sensitivity (AS), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a sample of Dutch adult psychiatric patients (N = 557). RESULTS: Both these networks revealed anhedonia severity and depression symptom severity as central to the network. Results suggest that anhedonia severity may be predictive of the severity of symptom clusters of MDD, AS, ADHD, and ASD. MDD symptom severity may be predictive of AS and ADHD symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that anhedonia may serve as a common underlying transdiagnostic psychopathology feature, predictive of the severity of symptom clusters of depression, AS, ADHD, and ASD. Thus, anhedonia may be associated with the high comorbidity between these symptom clusters and disorders. If our results will be replicated in future studies, it is recommended for clinicians to be more vigilant about screening for anhedonia and/or depression severity in individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, ADHD and/or ASD.


Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Depressive Disorder, Major , Adult , Humans , Anhedonia , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology , Syndrome , Cross-Sectional Studies , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology
2.
Braz J Biol ; 84: e248411, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35544785

ABSTRACT

The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model's chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo's model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Status Epilepticus , Animals , Dopamine/adverse effects , Epilepsy/chemically induced , Male , Muscarinic Agonists/adverse effects , Oxidopamine/adverse effects , Pilocarpine/toxicity , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Seizures/chemically induced , Seizures/metabolism , Status Epilepticus/chemically induced
3.
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 51(12): 1520-1524, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35523694

ABSTRACT

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma are each rare but aggressive diseases of the head and neck. A case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma occurring simultaneously with a basaloid squamous cell carcinoma originating from the oral cavity is described in this report. The diagnosis of these pathologies can be challenging but is important, as staging and treatment recommendations differ from those for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Mouth Neoplasms , Humans , Mouth Floor , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
4.
J Affect Disord ; 295: 1005-1011, 2021 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34706408

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although anxiety and depression are highly comorbid disorders, it remains unclear whether and how a concurrent depression affects the outcome of anxiety treatment. METHOD: Using anonymized routine outcome monitoring (ROM) data of 740 patients having received specialized treatment for an anxiety disorder, OCD, or PTSD, this study investigates whether a comorbid diagnosis of depression and/or self-reported depression severity levels relate to the patients' improvement following anxiety treatment. RESULTS: The results show that both the patients with and those without comorbid depression had profited similarly from the anxiety, OCD, or PTSD treatment, regardless of whether depression was merely diagnosed prior to treatment or based on self-reported severity (and assuming a smallest effect size of interest of d = 0.35/r = .2). Importantly, the post-treatment reductions in self-reported depressive symptoms were strongly and positively related to the reductions in self-reported anxiety symptoms and disorder-related disability. LIMITATIONS: Causal inferences cannot be made due to the retrospective cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes obtained in a naturalistic patient sample support current treatment guidelines recommending evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD in patients with and without a comorbid depression. Future treatment studies are recommended for investigate the (bi)directionality of anxiety and depressive symptoms throughout treatment.


Subject(s)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis , Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression , Humans , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/diagnosis , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/epidemiology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnosis , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/therapy
5.
Behav Processes ; 193: 104506, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34551364

ABSTRACT

In biparental species like the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), paternal presence and care contributes to offspring survival with lasting consequences on brain development and social behavior. Paternal retrieval behavior may be particularly important since it protects young from dangers outside of the nest. We have previously shown that paternal retrievals influence social behavior of adult female and male offspring, as well as the expression of hormones associated with parental behavior. In male offspring, paternal retrieval influences future parenting, but whether paternal retrievals affect maternal behavior in adulthood is unclear. Here, we manipulated the experience of paternal retrieval during development and then assessed maternal behavior of adult female offspring. We did not detect group differences in maternal behavior during undisturbed observation or following pup displacement. However, following pup displacement we observed a moderate positive correlation between paternal retrievals experienced in development and maternal retrievals performed in adulthood. Further analysis revealed that the likelihood of females being a high or low retriever is influenced by their developmental experience. These findings suggest that although female California mice engage in similar levels of maternal behavior regardless of paternal care environment, there may be variation in retrieval behavior that is informed by paternal retrieval experience.


Subject(s)
Paternal Behavior , Peromyscus , Adult , Animals , Fathers , Female , Humans , Male , Maternal Behavior , Social Behavior
6.
HNO ; 68(1): 32-39, 2020 Jan.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31712877

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extranodal lymphomas occurring in the head and neck region account for 12-15% of all malignant tumors of this locality. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a rare subtype, representing around 1% of all lymphomas in Waldeyer's ring. Cases diagnosed in the Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology at the Pathological Institute of the University of Würzburg were further analyzed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological subtype and EBV association of 21 cases were reviewed in conjunction with clinical data. RESULTS: Data of 12 male and 9 female patients with an average age of 51 years (median 45; 35-72) were reviewed. All samples were taken from the lymphatic tissue of the Waldeyer's ring (nasopharynx n = 15, palatine tonsils n = 5, lingual tonsils n = 1). The most common symptoms leading to a consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist were otalgia, swelling, or impaired nasal breathing. Only four patients showed typical B­symptoms. In 6 cases (29%), an isolated extranodal manifestation was found, 15 patients (71%) showed simultaneous infiltration of cervical lymph nodes during staging, and 6 cases (29%) were EBV positive. CONCLUSION: An exclusively extranodal manifestation of cHL in Waldeyer's ring is rare, whereas infiltration of extranodal tissue in the case of a primary manifestation of lymphoma in cervical nodes can occur more frequently and may often remain undiagnosed. Therefore, a specialized ENT consultation could be a reasonable complementary module in tumor staging to determine the correct tumor extent.


Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Hodgkin Disease , Female , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Hodgkin Disease/diagnosis , Hodgkin Disease/pathology , Humans , Lymph Nodes , Male , Middle Aged , Neck , Neoplasm Staging
7.
Sci Rep ; 8(1): 4786, 2018 03 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29555974

ABSTRACT

Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease. About 30% of the patients are heterozygous for mutations in the MYH7 gene encoding the ß-myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Hallmarks of HCM are cardiomyocyte disarray and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, the symptoms range from slight arrhythmias to sudden cardiac death or heart failure. To gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of the diseases' etiology we aimed to generate genome edited pigs with an HCM-mutation. We used TALEN-mediated genome editing and successfully introduced the HCM-point mutation R723G into the MYH7 gene of porcine fibroblasts and subsequently cloned pigs that were heterozygous for the HCM-mutation R723G. No off-target effects were determined in the R723G-pigs. Surprisingly, the animals died within 24 h post partem, probably due to heart failure as indicated by a shift in the a/ß-MyHC ratio in the left ventricle. Most interestingly, the neonatal pigs displayed features of HCM, including mild myocyte disarray, malformed nuclei, and MYH7-overexpression. The finding of HCM-specific pathology in neonatal R723G-piglets suggests a very early onset of the disease and highlights the importance of novel large animal models for studying causative mechanisms and long-term progression of human cardiac diseases.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Myosins/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/pathology , Gene Knock-In Techniques , Mutation , Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics , Alleles , Animals , Base Sequence , Gene Editing , Nuclear Transfer Techniques , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Swine
9.
Hum Reprod ; 33(3): 482-493, 2018 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29408962

ABSTRACT

STUDY QUESTION: Does ibuprofen use during the first trimester of pregnancy interfere with the development of the human fetal ovary? SUMMARY ANSWER: In human fetuses, ibuprofen exposure is deleterious for ovarian germ cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In utero stages of ovarian development define the future reproductive capacity of a woman. In rodents, analgesics can impair the development of the fetal ovary leading to early onset of fertility failure. Ibuprofen, which is available over-the-counter, has been reported as a frequently consumed medication during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the ovarian germ cells undergo crucial steps of proliferation and differentiation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Organotypic cultures of human ovaries obtained from 7 to 12 developmental week (DW) fetuses were exposed to ibuprofen at 1-100 µM for 2, 4 or 7 days. For each individual, a control culture (vehicle) was included and compared to its treated counterpart. A total of 185 individual samples were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Ovarian explants were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Endpoints focused on ovarian cell number, cell death, proliferation and germ cell complement. To analyze the possible range of exposure, ibuprofen was measured in the umbilical cord blood from the women exposed or not to ibuprofen prior to termination of pregnancy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Human ovarian explants exposed to 10 and 100 µM ibuprofen showed reduced cell number, less proliferating cells, increased apoptosis and a dramatic loss of germ cell number, regardless of the gestational age of the fetus. Significant effects were observed after 7 days of exposure to 10 µM ibuprofen. At this concentration, apoptosis was observed as early as 2 days of treatment, along with a decrease in M2A-positive germ cell number. These deleterious effects of ibuprofen were not fully rescued after 5 days of drug withdrawal. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was performed in an experimental setting of human ovaries explants exposed to the drug in culture, which may not fully recapitulate the complexity of in vivo exposure and organ development. Inter-individual variability is also to be taken into account. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Whereas ibuprofen is currently only contra-indicated after 24 weeks of pregnancy, our results points to a deleterious effect of this drug on first trimester fetal ovaries ex vivo. These findings deserve to be considered in light of the present recommendations about ibuprofen consumption pregnancy, and reveal the urgent need for further investigations on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the effect of ibuprofen on fetal ovary development.


Subject(s)
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Embryonic Development/drug effects , Ibuprofen/pharmacology , Ovary/embryology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Female , Humans , Organ Culture Techniques , Ovary/drug effects , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First
10.
Transbound Emerg Dis ; 65(1): 278-280, 2018 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28406577

ABSTRACT

Equine mortalities suspected to be due to African horse sickness (AHS) were reported from the arid Khomas Region, Namibia, in 2008. The area was previously considered a localized AHS-free area. Hartmann's mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae), a potential but unconfirmed reservoir host of African horse sickness virus (AHSV), occurs in the region. Between 2009 and 2010 serum, blood and tissue samples from 31 culled E. z. hartmannae were analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (n = 31) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (n = 18) to determine the presence of AHSV and/or antibodies against AHSV. The presence of antibodies against AHSV was demonstrated in all 18 samples assayed, and AHSV double stranded RNA was detected in 26% of the animals. This is evidence that E. z. hartmannae can become infected with AHSV.


Subject(s)
African Horse Sickness Virus/isolation & purification , African Horse Sickness/virology , Disease Reservoirs/veterinary , Equidae/virology , African Horse Sickness/epidemiology , African Horse Sickness Virus/genetics , African Horse Sickness Virus/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Disease Reservoirs/virology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Namibia/epidemiology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
11.
HNO ; 63(8): 552-6, 2015 Aug.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26160005

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Head and neck tumors are rare entities in neonates. Hamartomas are benign congenital neoplasms. To date, there is a lack of sufficient epidemiological data concerning hamartomas in the field of otorhinolaryngology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed experiences at the Charité over the past 10 years in an ICD-10-based manner. Our otorhinolaryngology department maintains close cooperation with the level 1 perinatal center on our campus. RESULTS: The authors identified 3 patients suffering from fibrous hamartomas. This corresponds to an incidence of 2-3/30,000 newborns. The clinical aspects and courses are described in detail. Experiences with the management of hamartomas obstructing the upper aerodigestive tract are described. CONCLUSION: Head and neck hamartomas are very rare malformations. They possess the ability to cause otorhinolaryngological emergencies in newborns. Interdisciplinary management and histological assessment are mandatory. Anmerkung.


Subject(s)
Academic Medical Centers/statistics & numerical data , Hamartoma/epidemiology , Hamartoma/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/epidemiology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Child, Preschool , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Risk Assessment
12.
Eur J Cancer ; 51(4): 514-521, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25623438

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Increases in incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in countries with falling tobacco use have been attributed to a growing role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the carcinogenesis. Trends of HPV prevalence in populations with persistently high portions of smokers are poorly characterised. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Registry data from East Germany were used to determine incidence trends between 1998 and 2011. Data from patients treated at the Charité University Medicine Berlin between 2004 and 2013 (cohort 1, N=436) were used for estimation of trends in HPV prevalence, smoking and survival. HPV prevalence was prospectively confirmed in cohort 2 (N=213) comprising all primary HNSCC cases at the Charité in 2013. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2011 incidence of both OPSCC and non-OPSCC increased. An increase in HPV prevalence (% of HPV+ cases in 2004-2006 versus 2012-2013: 27% versus 59%, P=0.0004) accompanied by a moderate decrease in the portion of current smokers was observed in OPSCC but not in non-OPSCC. The change in disease epidemiology in OPSCC was associated with significant improvement in overall survival. Increased HPV prevalence in OPSCC (48%) compared to non-OPSCC (11%) was confirmed in cohort 2. CONCLUSIONS: Despite clear differences to the United States in terms of tobacco use, the increase in OPSCC incidence in a European population was also mainly attributed to HPV, and the HPV status significantly affected prognosis. For clinical trial design it is important to consider the large group of smokers within HPV-induced OPSCC.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/epidemiology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/epidemiology , Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification , Smoking/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/etiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/virology , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Head and Neck Neoplasms/etiology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/virology , Humans , Incidence , Male , Smoking/epidemiology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
13.
Ophthalmologe ; 112(6): 525-8, 2015 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25520143

ABSTRACT

A 65-year-old patient presented with increasing loss of vision in the right eye. A relative afferent pupillary defect as well as visual field perimetry deficits in an otherwise unremarkable eye led to the presumed diagnosis of ischemia of the optic nerve; however, further imaging revealed an extensive necrotic bronchial carcinoma in the left upper lobe metastasizing to the orbit with compression of the optic nerve. The clinical and histological features are discussed with respect to possible primary origins of orbital metastases.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/diagnosis , Nerve Compression Syndromes/etiology , Optic Nerve Diseases/etiology , Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/diagnosis , Orbital Neoplasms/diagnosis , Orbital Neoplasms/secondary , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , Nerve Compression Syndromes/diagnosis , Optic Nerve Diseases/diagnosis , Orbital Neoplasms/complications
14.
Ann Behav Med ; 49(1): 66-73, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24838871

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anxious people show an attentional bias towards threatening information. PURPOSE: It was investigated whether an attentional bias exists for cancer-related stimuli in breast cancer survivors and if different levels of fear of cancer recurrence would lead to different patterns of selective attention. METHODS: Breast cancer survivors with high (n = 35) and low (n = 32) fear of cancer recurrence were compared to 40 healthy female hospital employees. Specificity of attentional biases was investigated using a modified Emotional Stroop Task. Self-report measures were used to assess depression and anxiety, feelings of fatigue, and experienced traumas. RESULTS: Compared to control participants, breast cancer survivors with both high and low levels of fear of cancer recurrence showed increased interference for cancer-related words, but not for other word types. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a specific attentional bias for cancer-related words in breast cancer survivors that is independent of level of fear of cancer recurrence.


Subject(s)
Attention , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Fear/psychology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Aged , Anxiety/psychology , Emotions , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Self Report , Women's Health
15.
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol ; 382: 29-50, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25116094

ABSTRACT

Members of the extended Fc receptor-like (FCRL) family in humans and mice are preferentially expressed by B cells and possess tyrosine-based immunoregulatory function. Although the majority of these proteins repress B cell receptor-mediated activation, there is an emerging evidence for their bifunctionality and capacity to counter-regulate adaptive and innate signaling pathways. In light of these findings, the recent discovery of ligands for several of these molecules has begun to reveal exciting potential for them in normal lymphocyte biology and is launching a new phase of FCRL investigation. Importantly, these fundamental developments are also setting the stage for defining their altered roles in the pathogenesis of a growing number of immune-mediated diseases. Here we review recent advances in the FCRL field and highlight the significance of these intriguing receptors in normal and perturbed immunobiology.


Subject(s)
B-Lymphocytes/physiology , Receptors, Fc/physiology , Animals , Humans , Ligands , Receptors, Fc/analysis , Signal Transduction/physiology
16.
Genes Brain Behav ; 13(5): 508-16, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24589356

ABSTRACT

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes are relevant candidates for depression. Variation in these genes is associated with stress sensitivity and depressotypic cognitive biases. The interaction between genes and stressful events is considered as an important mechanism in the development of depression. This study examined the effects of the BDNF and COMT genes on biased processing and the interaction with childhood stress in vulnerable individuals. A total of 198 remitted depressed individuals performed an n-back task with emotional facial stimuli (happy and sad). Childhood events were measured with a questionnaire. Genotype by childhood events interactions were analyzed for happy and sad expressions for BDNF (Val66Met; rs6265) and COMT (Val158Met; rs4680), individually and combined. BDNF and COMT both interacted significantly (P = 0.006 and P = 0.014, respectively) with childhood trauma on reaction time for happy faces. For both genes, Met-carriers with childhood trauma showed less positive bias for happy faces than those without childhood trauma. Val-carriers did not show a differential bias. Individuals with childhood trauma and 3 or 4 risk alleles (BDNF and COMT combined) showed less positive bias than those without childhood trauma (P = 0.011). The BDNF × COMT × childhood trauma interaction yielded a P = 0.055, but had limited power. A potential weakness is the measurement method of the childhood events, as negative bias might have affected participants' recall. Our findings endorse the association of BDNF and COMT with stress and depression and provide a possible intermediate, i.e. biased processing of positive information. Tailoring treatment to specific risk profiles based on genetic susceptibility and childhood stress could be promising.


Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics , Catechol O-Methyltransferase/genetics , Depression/genetics , Stress, Psychological/genetics , Adult , Child , Child Abuse/psychology , Depression/etiology , Depression/psychology , Emotions , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Stress, Psychological/complications , Visual Perception
17.
Strahlenther Onkol ; 190(3): 250-5, 2014 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24322993

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In this study, the acute toxicity and long-term outcome of a hyperfractionated accelerated chemoradiation regimen with cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2000-2002, 38 patients with stage III (5.3 %) and stage IV (94.7 %) head and neck cancer were enrolled in a phase II study. Patients received hyperfractionated-accelerated radiotherapy with 72 Gy in 15 fractions of 2 Gy followed by 1.4 Gy twice daily with concurrent, continuous infusion 5-FU of 600 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 6 cycles of weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m(2)). Acute toxicities (CTCAEv2.0), locoregional control (LRC), metastases-free (MFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed and exploratively compared with the ARO 95-06 trial. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 11.4 years (95 % CI 8.6-14.2) and mean dose 71.6 Gy. Of the patients, 82 % had 6 (n = 15) or 5 (n = 16) cycles of cisplatin, 5 and 2 patients received 4 and 3 cycles, respectively. Grade 3 anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 15.8, 15.8, and 2.6 %, respectively. Grade 3 mucositis in 50 %, grade 3 and 4 dysphagia in 55 and 13 %. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year LRC was 65, 53.6, and 48.2 %, the MFS was 77.5, 66.7, and 57.2 % and the OS 59.6, 29.2, and 15 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chemoradiation with 5-FU and cisplatin seems feasible and superior in terms of LRC and OS to the ARO 95-06C-HART arm at 2 years. However, this did not persist at the 5- and 10-year follow-ups.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy , Chemoradiotherapy , Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms/therapy , Adult , Aged , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Cisplatin/adverse effects , Disease Progression , Disease-Free Survival , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Fluorouracil/adverse effects , Humans , Infusions, Intravenous , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms/mortality , Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms/pathology , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Radiation Injuries/etiology
18.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 28(6): 771-80, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23651052

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Skin blistering diseases due to autoantibodies are typically treated with high dose systemic corticosteroids and other conventional immunosuppressants. However, in severe cases, this treatment may not be sufficient to achieve disease control or contraindicated because of comorbidity. METHODS: We describe 15 patients (pts.) with such diseases: 6 pts. with pemphigus vulgaris, 3 pts. with bullous pemphigoid, 3 pts. with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), one being anti-laminin-332-MMP (AL332-MMP), 2 pts. with pemphigus foliaceus and 1 pt. with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). Patients were treated with a combination of protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA, 3-21 treatments) and rituximab (3-6 treatments) in addition to low dose conventional immunosuppression. RESULTS: All patients showed rapid clinical improvement starting within the first 4 weeks and decline of circulating autoantibody levels. Complete/partial remission was 88%/12% in pemphigus and 71%/29% in subepidermal blistering diseases. Overall relapse rate was 13% with an average follow-up of 22 months. In the AL332-MMP pt. the PAIA/rituximab treatment was stopped because of an oesophagus cancer considered as the paraneoplastic cause of the skin disease. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with PAIA and rituximab showed rapid and long-lasting response, thereby allowing substantial reduction of dosage of concomitant immunosuppressive medication. We hereby confirm data from other investigators that PAIA/rituximab treatment is a promising therapeutical modality for pemphigus, pemphigoids and EBA, characterized by a favourable ratio of beneficial efficacy and minimized long-term adverse effects.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/administration & dosage , Autoimmune Diseases/therapy , Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/immunology , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/therapy , Sorption Detoxification , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Clinical Protocols , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Humans , Immunosorbent Techniques , Male , Middle Aged , Pulse Therapy, Drug , Retrospective Studies , Rituximab , Severity of Illness Index , Staphylococcal Protein A
19.
Conserv Biol ; 27(2): 292-302, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23521668

ABSTRACT

Marine spatial planning provides a comprehensive framework for managing multiple uses of the marine environment and has the potential to minimize environmental impacts and reduce conflicts among users. Spatially explicit assessments of the risks to key marine species from human activities are a requirement of marine spatial planning. We assessed the risk of ships striking humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales in alternative shipping routes derived from patterns of shipping traffic off Southern California (U.S.A.). Specifically, we developed whale-habitat models and assumed ship-strike risk for the alternative shipping routes was proportional to the number of whales predicted by the models to occur within each route. This definition of risk assumes all ships travel within a single route. We also calculated risk assuming ships travel via multiple routes. We estimated the potential for conflict between shipping and other uses (military training and fishing) due to overlap with the routes. We also estimated the overlap between shipping routes and protected areas. The route with the lowest risk for humpback whales had the highest risk for fin whales and vice versa. Risk to both species may be ameliorated by creating a new route south of the northern Channel Islands and spreading traffic between this new route and the existing route in the Santa Barbara Channel. Creating a longer route may reduce the overlap between shipping and other uses by concentrating shipping traffic. Blue whales are distributed more evenly across our study area than humpback and fin whales; thus, risk could not be ameliorated by concentrating shipping traffic in any of the routes we considered. Reducing ship-strike risk for blue whales may be necessary because our estimate of the potential number of strikes suggests that they are likely to exceed allowable levels of anthropogenic impacts established under U.S. laws.


Subject(s)
Animal Distribution , Balaenoptera/physiology , Conservation of Natural Resources , Fin Whale/physiology , Humpback Whale/physiology , Animals , California , Ecosystem , Models, Biological , Pacific Ocean , Population Dynamics , Risk Assessment , Seasons , Ships , Time Factors
20.
Diabetes Obes Metab ; 15(8): 721-8, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23398530

ABSTRACT

AIM: This Phase IIb, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Four hundred and eight patients (treatment-naïve or after a 4-week wash-out period) were randomized to receive empagliflozin 5, 10 or 25 mg once daily, placebo or open-label metformin for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 12 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks' treatment, empagliflozin showed dose-dependent reductions in HbA1c from baseline [5 mg: -0.4%, 10 mg: -0.5%, 25 mg: -0.6%; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.09%)]. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) decreased with empagliflozin [5 mg: -1.29 mmol/l, 10 mg: -1.61 mmol/l, 25 mg: -1.72 mmol/l; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.04 mmol/l)]. Body weight decreased in all empagliflozin groups (all doses p < 0.001 vs. placebo). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar in the placebo (32.9%) and empagliflozin (29.1%) groups. The most frequently reported AEs on empagliflozin were pollakiuria (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo), thirst (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo) and nasopharyngitis (2.0% vs. 1.2% for placebo). AEs consistent with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were reported in four (1.6%) patients on empagliflozin vs. one (1.2%) on placebo. Genital infections were reported in five (2%) patients on empagliflozin vs. 0% on placebo. No UTIs or genital infections led to premature discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin resulted in dose-dependent, clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and FPG, and reductions in body weight compared with placebo. Empagliflozin was well-tolerated with a favourable safety profile.


Subject(s)
Benzhydryl Compounds/administration & dosage , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Glucosides/administration & dosage , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Metformin/administration & dosage , Nasopharyngitis/chemically induced , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Urination Disorders/chemically induced , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Argentina/epidemiology , Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects , Blood Glucose , Body Weight , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Double-Blind Method , Drug Therapy, Combination , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Glucosides/adverse effects , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Nasopharyngitis/epidemiology , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Russia/epidemiology , Taiwan/epidemiology , Thirst , Treatment Outcome , Ukraine/epidemiology , Urination Disorders/epidemiology , Weight Loss
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...