Persistent B lymphocyte depletion after an ultralow dose of rituximab for pemphigus vulgaris

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Dropout from physical activity interventions in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Physical activity (PA) interventions have been shown to improve the health of people living with HIV (PLWH), yet treatment dropout poses an important challenge. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and predictors of treatment dropout in PA interventions in PLWH. Electronic databases were searched for records up to September 2016. Randomized control trials of PA interventions in PLWH reporting dropout rates were included. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses were employed. In 36 studies involving 49 PA intervention arms, 1128 PLWH were included (mean age = 41.6 years; 79.3% male; 39% White). The trim and fill adjusted treatment dropout rate was 29.3% (95% CI = 24.5-34.7%). There was a significant lower dropout rate in resistance training interventions compared with aerobic (p = 0.003) PA interventions, in studies utilizing supervised interventions throughout the study period (p < 0.001), and in studies using adequately qualified professionals (p < 0.001). Exerciser/participant variables that moderated higher dropout rates were a lower percentage of male participants (ß = 1.15, standard error (SE) = 0.49, z = 2.0, p = 0.048), a lower body mass index(BMI) (ß = 0.14, SE = 0.06, z = 2.16, p = 0.03), and a lower cardiorespiratory fitness (ß = 0.10, SE = 0.04, z = 2.7, p = 0.006). The dropout from PA interventions is much higher in PLWH than in many other populations with chronic morbidities. Qualified professionals (i.e., exercise physiologists, physical educators, or physical therapists) should be incorporated as key care providers in the multidisciplinary care of HIV/AIDS and should prescribe supervised PA for PLWH in order to enhance adherence and reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS. Special attention should be given men, those with a higher BMI, and those with a lower cardiorespiratory fitness.

Regulation of oxidative stress in response to acute aerobic and resistance exercise in HIV-infected subjects: a case-control study.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects have increased levels of oxidative stress which could impair immunological function and therefore contribute to the progression of AIDS. These characteristics are usually evaluated at rest and responses to exercise have yet to be evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a bout of aerobic exercise followed by resistance exercises on antioxidant system in HIV-infected and non-HIV subjects. There were included 14 cases (HIV-positive) and 14 controls (HIV-negative). The exercise protocol consisted of a single session of 20 minutes on a cycloergometer followed by a set of six resistance exercises. The activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase were measured in plasma samples, total glutathione (TGSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in erythrocytes. T CD4+ cells, T CD8+, viral load, complete blood count, and white blood count were also assessed. All measurements were performed at three times: baseline, after aerobic exercise, and after resistance exercises. At baseline, the HIV group had lower GST activity than controls, but after the exercise session GST values were similar in both groups. Compared to the control group TGSH was significantly lower in the HIV group at baseline, after aerobic and resistance exercises. The control group presented higher TBARS values after aerobic exercise compared to the HIV group. The neutrophil count was lower in the HIV group after aerobic and resistance exercises. These data indicate that HIV-infected subjects had lower antioxidant activity at rest. Physical exercise stimulated the enzymatic activity similarly in both groups.

Incidence of pleural mesothelioma in Liguria Region, Italy (1996-2002).

In this study, incidence of pleural malignant mesothelioma (PMM) in the Liguria Region (Italy) (approximately 1.6 million inhabitants), in the presence of asbestos exposure was investigated. New PMM cases recorded by the Mesothelioma Registry of Liguria, from 1996 to 2002 and interviews reported on a standardised questionnaire were analysed according to demographical and etiological characteristics. Nine hundred and forty five PMM cases were recorded (757 males and 188 females); the age standardised (European population) incidence rates per 100,000 were 8.51 and 1.43, respectively. The rates among the four provinces ranged between 1.18 and 13.7 for males and 0.68 and 1.44 for females. The questionnaire was evaluated for 786 PMM cases (or next-of-kin). Higher incidence rates were reported in the provinces with larger industrial and harbour areas, including shipyards (construction and repair), dockyards, building activities, chemical and heavy industrial activities. Asbestos exposure was unlikely or unknown for 57.5% females and 15% males. A major role of environmental asbestos exposure in the etiology of PMM is hypothesised for females and for a minor proportion of males.

[Occupational exposure to asbestos and recognition of pleural mesothelioma as occupational disease in the province of Genoa]. / Esposizione professionale ad amianto e riconoscimento del mesotelioma pleurico come malattia professionale nella provincia di Genova.

The present study compares the data of pleural mesothelioma (PM) patients resident in the province of Genoa (Italy) who, in the period 1994-1996, applied to the Italian National Insurance Institute for Work Accident (INAIL), for workers' compensation for asbestos-related diseases due to occupational exposure, with the dataset of PM patients collected by the Mesothelioma Registry of Liguria (REM) in the same period and in the same area. As PM is a malignant tumor of a prevalently occupational origin, it is recognized and acknowledged as such by INAIL when clinical and etiological characteristics are matched. Objectives of this study were to describe observed PM cases, to evaluate completeness of collected data and differences between those who requested compensation and those who did not. The REM describes the incidence of PM among Ligurian residents, proposing patients with a specific questionnaire to assess occupational, environmental and indoor asbestos exposures. The REM collected 199 new cases of PM among the residents of both the city of Genoa (1994-96) and the province of Genoa (1995-96). In the same period, INAIL received 48 (24%) applications for compensation. Among these, 43 subjects were included in a subgroup of 98 patients registered in the REM as cases with definite diagnosis and ascertained asbestos exposure; 32 were awarded compensation, while 11 are under evaluation. The data collected by REM do not show proven asbestos exposure and/or PM diagnosis for five other subjects (two compensated and three under judgment). This study reveals that: a) only a 24% of the patients with a diagnosis of PM and asbestos exposure apply for compensation; b) an exchange of information among institutions involved in primary prevention, in the evaluation of occupational exposures to carcinogens and in insurance compensation is useful.

[Mesothelioma registry of the Liguria region. Incidence and occupational etiology in a high risk area]. / Registro mesoteliomi della Liguria. Incidenza ed eziologia professionale in un'area ad alto rischio.

This paper presents the epidemiological analyses based on the first 5 years of activity of the Mesothelioma Registry of Liguria (REM). REM is a population-based cancer registry specialized in the study of both the incidence and etiology of primary pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma in Liguria (Italy). The REM completes normal clinical information with occupational and environmental anamnestic data in order to identify working and living areas at risk for asbestos-related pathologies. The REM started its activity in 1994 describing the incidence of pleural mesothelioma (PM) exclusively in the population resident in the city of Genoa (660,000 inhabitants); since 1996 the REM has studied the entire Liguria Region (1,640,000 inhabitants), where nearly 120 new cases of PM are diagnosed annually (20% are women). In the city of Genoa, between 1986-1987 and 1997-1998, PM crude incidence rate rose from 13.8 to 26.7 per 100,000 males over 40 years old. From 1994 to 1998 the REM registered 495 new patients with histologically (62%) and cytologically (9%) confirmed diagnosis of PM. 54% of them were immunocytohistochemically evaluated. Occupational information has been gathered for 248 subjects, i.e., 61% of cases with sure or probable diagnosis of PM. For 126 patients, occupational asbestos exposure (direct, indirect or only presence in the workplace) was identified on average 40 years before diagnosis. In particular, asbestos exposure was documented in shipyards, docks and cargo handling settings, building trades, iron and steel industries. Interestingly, during the same period (1955-1960), a large fraction of subjects without proved or declared direct asbestos exposure claimed to have worked in the same occupational settings. This suggests a possible unconscious indirect exposure to asbestos fibers in the workplace.

Sources and atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in two Italian towns (Genoa and La Spezia).

The same sampling and analytical methods were used to compare atmospheric pollution due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (Tl, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cr, V, Zr, Ni Cd) in two towns in Italy, Genoa and La Spezia, whose populations are 746, 785 and 112,602 respectively. Knowledge of the organic and inorganic composition of airborne particulates permits a reliable identification of the main sources of pollution which is required in order to identify populations at risk. In the urban area of Genoa and in La Spezia, traffic appears to provide a diffuse source of carcinogenic and toxic compounds in the atmosphere producing high and constant exposures to PAHs and lead along busy streets. In Genoa approximately 70,00 people (10% of residents) are considered to be exposed to the highest concentrations of toxic and cancerogenic pollutants emitted from this source. The highest daily PAH concentrations were found in the industrial areas; in Genoa, coke ovens were identified as the main localised sources of these compounds. According to meteorlogical and orographic characteristics for this area, for approximately 25,00 people (3% of the general population) may be exposed to pollutants emitted from this source over a maximum period equivalent to approximately 3 months each year. The highest individual doses of PAHs due to urban pollution inhaled by the population of Genoa and La Spezia were comparable to those produced by high exposure to passive smoke; the exposure to carcinogenic metals (Cr, NI, Cd) was relatively low. The mean concentrations of the analysed pollutants appeared to depend strictly on urban characteristics; no correlations were found with the size of the town.

Adsorption of proteins by chrysotile and crocidolite: role of molecular weight and charge density.

Transferrin, gamma-globulin, fibrinogen, aldolase, albumin, and cytochrome c at concentration of 0.45 muMole/liter were treated with chrysotile and crocidolite fibers. Specific adsorption for each protein and correlations between protein molecular weight and charge density in experimental conditions were evaluated. Chrysotile showed the highest absorption capability, particularly toward albumin and cytochrome c. Affinity for fibers was poorly linked to protein molecular weight; on the contrary, a good correlation with protein charge density was found. The sign of charge on fibers and proteins seemed to play a minor role in adsorption.

A model to evaluate half-lives of PAHs naturally occurring on airborne particulate.

Constant decay of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed onto airborne particulate collected in glass fibre filters and exposed to sunlight ranged from 1.8 to 4.4 X 10(-3) (min-1), corresponding respectively to a half-life of 100 and 425 min. Half-life of PAHs appeared to be positively correlated with filter loading. Experimental results showed that decay of PAHs adsorbed on airborne particulate was induced by two concomitant reactions; a photochemical reaction involving the outer layers of collected particulate, and a "dark" reaction that may occur in the inner layers. The constant decays of these two reactions were calculated using a simplified mathematical model. The authors suggest the use of this model to compare chemical stability of airborne PAHs exposed, during their permanence in the atmosphere, to different physical (light intensity, temperature, humidity) as well as chemical conditions (oxidant concentration, chemical composition of particulate).

Photochemical degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in real and laboratory conditions.

Studies were carried out on the effects induced by the main components of airborne particulate matter (APM) as soot, inorganic and cyclohexane soluble substances and by glass fiber filters on photodegradation of pyrene, benz(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene exposed to UV and solar radiation. In both experimental models tested hydrocarbons showed a higher photochemical stability when absorbed on APM. Inorganic components of APM slightly enhance UV photodegradation. In real condition (outdoor exposure to solar radiation) PAH half lives generally showed a good linear correlation with mean solar radiation intensity; only degradation rate of benzo(a)pyrene on APM, exposed to sunlight was practically constant. Pyrene, in particular, showed a higher degradation rate when high ozone concentrations (0.2 ppm) occurred.