Adaptation and Validation of a Portuguese Version of the Sports Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II-P) Showing Invariance for Gender and Sport Type.

In the present cross-sectional study, we adapted and examined the validity of a Portuguese version of the Sport Motivation Scale II (SMS-II-P) within a sample of 1148 Portuguese athletes (women = 546, men = 602) with a mean age of 18.45 years (SD = 5.36), participating in a variety of sports (i.e., football, basketball, swimming, and athletics). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity analysis, and multigroup analysis across participants' sport type (team and individual) and gender. We also examined the correlations between the SMS-II-P behavioral regulations and basic psychological needs satisfaction. The results supported that the SMS-II-P had good psychometric properties and was invariant across gender and sport type. The scale demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity, and the subscales achieved adequate internal consistency. Correlations between the six types of regulation measured in the SMS-II supported the distinction between autonomous and controlled behavioral regulations, and the correlations between these subscales and other measures of autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction provided evidence of the self-determination continuum. Implications of this research for assessing Portuguese athletes and conducting future research are discussed.

Adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the regulation of eating behavior scale (REBSp).

The aim of present study was two-fold: i) to translate and adapt the Regulation of Eating Behavior Scale to Portuguese (REBSp), and ii) to analyze its psychometrics properties (factorial validity with gender invariance analyses, reliability and construct validity). The study sample was composed by 471 Portuguese participants (68.4% females) with a mean age of 30.5 years (SD = 11.2). Structural equation modeling was used to verify the psychometric properties of the scale using SPSS v. 23.0 and AMOS 24.0 software. The analysis showed that the Portuguese 24-item scale presented a good fit, achieving good reliability and convergent validity. Some issues arose with discriminant validity within autonomous and controlled regulations, discussed in light of the simplex pattern expected by self-determination theory literature. Additionally, the scale presented concurrent validity and evidence of gender measurement invariance. Latent mean analysis between genders showed that women presented higher means for intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation when compared to men. In conclusion, analyses suggest that the 24-item Portuguese version of REBS can be used safely to assess the eating regulation in both genders.

Motivational patterns in persistent swimmers: A serial mediation analysis.

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to examine the associations between coach-created task-involving climate and athletes' intentions to continue practicing sport, through a serial mediation analysis that included basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPN), self-determined motivation (SDM) and enjoyment. Methods: Seven-hundred and ninety-nine elite swimmers (450 males, 349 females; aged 12-22 years, M = 16.65, SD = 2.83) participated in the present study. Groups were created according to age, years of experience, and gender. Results: Serial mediation analysis provided support for the proposed model where BPN's and enjoyment represent the most important mediators between task-involving climate and athletes' intentions to continue sport practice. Conclusion: Enjoyment stands out as the most relevant predictor of intention to persist and as a significant mediator in the relation between task-involvement climate, BPN, SDM, and long-term sports practice. The task-involving climate created by coaches appears to set in motion a sequence where the satisfaction of basic needs and SDM lead to more enjoyment and increased persistence among young athletes.

Upper aerodigestive tract cancer and oral health status before radiotherapy: A cross-sectional study of 154 patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine primarily the oral health status of patients with upper aerodigestive tract cancer before radiotherapy, and secondarily the prevalence of risk factors for poor oral status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Marseille University hospital. Assessment criteria were the Decay, Missing and Filled (DMF) Index and periodontal status. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four patients, mean age 60.9years, were included. The most common sites of primary tumors were the larynx (28.6%) and oral cavity (26.6%). Current or past smokers accounted for 80.5% of patients and 67% were alcohol abusers. Most patients (83.8%) did not have xerostomia. They ate three meals a day (61%), with sugar consumption in 40%. The median number of daily tooth brushings was 2, with a manual toothbrush (81.2%). Few patients used dental floss or interproximal brushes. Individual DMF index was 17.6 (D=2.3, M=9.3, F=6.0) and was higher in patients with xerostomia and alcohol abusers (P=0.01). Osseous level was 62.3% and 57.8% of patients had osseous infections, which were more common with poor hygiene (P=0.04). Most patients (85.7%) had periodontal disease, but incidence did not significantly differ according to risk factors. DISCUSSION: The DMF index was higher in presence of periodontal disease and osseous infections. Alcohol and xerostomia were associated with a high individual DMF index and osseous infections were more frequent in patients with poor hygiene. Patients with upper aerodigestive tract cancer are at high risk of osteoradionecrosis if they do not receive dental treatment before radiotherapy.

Under-diagnosis of mood disorders in Canada.

AIMS: Under-diagnosis of mood disorders occurs worldwide. In this study, we characterized and compared Canadians with symptoms compatible with a mood disorder by diagnosis status; and described the associated health impacts, use of health services and perceived need for care. METHODS: Respondents to the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health, a nationally representative sample of Canadians age ≥15 years were assessed for symptoms compatible with mood disorders based on a Canadian adaptation of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (n = 23 504). Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In 2012, an estimated 5.4% (1.5 million) Canadians aged 15 years and older reported symptoms compatible with a mood disorder, of which only half reported having been professionally diagnosed. The undiagnosed individuals were more likely to be younger (mean age: 36.2 v. 41.8), to be single (49.5 v. 32.7%), to have less than a post-secondary graduation (49.8 v. 41.1%) and to have no physical co-morbidities (56.4 v. 35.7%), and less likely to be part of the two lower income quintiles (49.6 v. 62.7%) compared with those with a previous diagnosis. Upon controlling for all socio-demographic and health characteristics, the associations with age and marital status disappeared. While those with a previous diagnosis reported significantly greater health impacts and were more likely to have consulted a health professional for their emotional and mental health problems in the previous 12 months compared with those undiagnosed (79.4 v. 31.0%), about a third of both groups reported that their health care needs were only partially met or not met at all. CONCLUSIONS: Mood disorders are prevalent and can profoundly impact the life of those affected, however, their diagnosis remains suboptimal and health care use falls short of apparent needs. Improvements in mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviours and diagnosis are needed. In light of the heterogeneity of mood disorders in terms of symptoms severity, impacts and prognosis, interventions must be tailored accordingly.

Opposing effects of pericentrin and microcephalin on the pericentriolar material regulate CHK1 activation in the DNA damage response.

Genotoxic stresses lead to centrosome amplification, a frequently-observed feature in cancer that may contribute to genome instability and to tumour cell invasion. Here we have explored how the centrosome controls DNA damage responses. For most of the cell cycle, centrosomes consist of two centrioles embedded in the proteinaceous pericentriolar material (PCM). Recent data indicate that the PCM is not an amorphous assembly of proteins, but actually a highly organised scaffold around the centrioles. The large coiled-coil protein, pericentrin, participates in PCM assembly and has been implicated in the control of DNA damage responses (DDRs) through its interactions with checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and microcephalin (MCPH1). CHK1 is required for DNA damage-induced centrosome amplification, whereas MCPH1 deficiency greatly increases the amplification seen after DNA damage. We found that the PCM showed a marked expansion in volume and a noticeable change in higher-order organisation after ionising radiation treatment. PCM expansion was dependent on CHK1 kinase activity and was potentiated by MCPH1 deficiency. Furthermore, pericentrin deficiency or mutation of a separase cleavage site blocked DNA damage-induced PCM expansion. The extent of nuclear CHK1 activation after DNA damage reflected the level of PCM expansion, with a reduction in pericentrin-deficient or separase cleavage site mutant-expressing cells, and an increase in MCPH1-deficient cells that was suppressed by the loss of pericentrin. Deletion of the nuclear export signal of CHK1 led to its hyperphosphorylation after irradiation and reduced centrosome amplification. Deletion of the nuclear localisation signal led to low CHK1 activation and low centrosome amplification. From these data, we propose a feedback loop from the PCM to the nuclear DDR in which CHK1 regulates pericentrin-dependent PCM expansion to control its own activation.

Comparison of the estimated prevalence of mood and/or anxiety disorders in Canada between self-report and administrative data.

BACKGROUND: To compare trends in the estimated prevalence of mood and/or anxiety disorders identified from two data sources (self-report and administrative). Reviewing, synthesising and interpreting data from these two sources will help identify potential factors that underlie the observed estimates and inform public health action. METHOD: We used self-reported, diagnosed mood and/or anxiety disorder cases from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) across a 5-year span (from 2003 to 2009) to estimate the prevalence among the Canadian population aged ≥15 years. We also estimated the prevalence of mood and/or anxiety disorders using the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), which identified cases using ICD-9/-10-CA codes from physician billing claims and hospital discharge records during the same time period. The prevalence rates for mood and/or anxiety disorders were compared across the CCHS and CCDSS by age and sex for all available years of data from 2003 to 2009. Summary rates were age-standardised to the Canadian population as of 1 October 1991. RESULTS: In 2009, the prevalence of mood and/or anxiety disorders was 9.4% using self-reported data v. 11.3% using administrative data. Prevalence rates obtained from administrative data were consistently higher than those from self-report for both men and women. However, due to an increase in the prevalence of self-reported cases, these differences decreased over time (rate ratios for both sexes: 1.6-1.2). Prevalence estimates were consistently higher among females compared with males irrespective of data source. While differences in the prevalence estimates between the two data sources were evident across all age groups, the reduction of these differences was greater among adolescent, young and middle-aged adults compared with those 70 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: The overall narrowing of differences over time reflects a convergence of information regarding the prevalence of mood and/or anxiety disorders trends between self-report and administrative data sources. While the administrative data-based prevalences remained relatively stable, the self-reported prevalences increased over time. These observations may reflect positive societal changes in the perceptions of mental health (declining stigma) and/or increasing mental health literacy. Additional research using non-ecological data is required to further our understanding of the observed findings and trends, including a data linkage exercise permitting a comparison of prevalence estimates and population characteristics from these two data sources both separately and merged.

Monitoring chronic diseases in Canada: the Chronic Disease Indicator Framework.

INTRODUCTION: The Public Health Agency of Canada developed the Chronic Disease Indicator Framework (the Framework) with the goal of systematizing and enhancing chronic disease surveillance in Canada by providing the basis for consistent and reliable information on chronic diseases and their determinants. METHODS: Available national and international health indicators, frameworks and national health databases were reviewed to identify potential indicators. To make sure that a comprehensive and balanced set of indicators relevant to chronic disease prevention was included, a conceptual model with "core domains" for grouping eligible indicators was developed. Specific selection criteria were applied to identify key measures. Extensive consultations with a broad range of government partners, non-governmental organizations and public health practitioners were conducted to reach consensus and refine and validate the Framework. RESULTS: The Framework contains 41 indicators organized in a model comprised of 6 core domains: social and environmental determinants, early life / childhood risk and protective factors, behavioural risk and protective factors, risk conditions, disease prevention practices, and health outcomes/status. Also planned is an annual release of updated data on the proposed set of indicators, including national estimates, breakdowns by demographic and socioeconomic variables, and time trends. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the evidence related to chronic diseases and theirdeterminants is key to interpreting trends and crucial to the development of public health interventions. The Framework and its related products have the potential of becoming an indispensable tool for evidence-informed decision making in Canada.

TITRE: Surveillance des maladies chroniques au Canada : Cadre conceptuel d'indicateurs des maladies chroniques. INTRODUCTION: L'Agence de la santé publique du Canada a conçu le Cadre conceptuel d'indicateurs des maladies chroniques (le Cadre) dans le but de systématiser et d'améliorer la surveillance des maladies chroniques au Canada en instaurant les fondements d'une information uniforme et fiable sur les maladies chroniques et leurs déterminants. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Des indicateurs de santé nationaux et internationaux, des cadres conceptuels ainsi que des bases de données sur la santé nationale ont été examinés pour identifier les indicateurs potentiels. Pour s'assurer d'obtenir un ensemble complet et équilibré d'indicateurs pertinents en matière de prévention des maladies chroniques, nous avons élaboré un modèle conceptuel comprenant des « champs de référence ¼ pour le regroupement des indicateurs. Plusieurs critères de sélection ont été appliqués pour le choix des mesures clés. Des consultations approfondies avec un large éventail de partenaires du gouvernement, d'organismes non gouvernementaux et de professionnels de la santé publique ont été réalisées pour en arriver à un consensus et pour perfectionner et valider le Cadre. RÉSULTATS: Le Cadre comprend 41 indicateurs structurés autour de 6 champs de référence : les déterminants sociaux et environnementaux, les facteurs de risque et de protection en bas âge, les facteurs de risque et de protection comportementaux, les conditions à risque, les pratiques de prévention des maladies, l'état de santé global et les impacts sur la santé. Nous avons aussi prévu une mise à jour annuelle des données touchant l'ensemble des indicateurs proposés, que ce soit les estimations nationales, les ventilations par variables démographiques et socioéconomiques ou les tendances temporelles. CONCLUSION: Comprendre les données probantes liées aux maladies chroniques et leurs déterminants est nécessaire pour interpréter les tendances et crucial pour élaborer des interventions efficaces en matière de santé publique. Le Cadre et ses produits connexes sont susceptibles de devenir un outil indispensable d'aide à la décision axée sur des données probantes au Canada.

BRCA1 protein levels and PIK3CA mutations as predictive biomarkers for response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: An exploratory analysis.

BRCA1 overexpression and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PIK3CA) pathway activation are involved in the resistance to DNA damaging agents. Thus, we hypothesized that BRCA1 protein expression and activating PIK3CA mutations are potential tumor biomarkers for the chemotherapeutic response to doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide plus docetaxel in locally advanced breast cancer. Informed consent was obtained and clinical, pathological and response data were collected. BRCA1 protein expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry of the archived tissue by two independent pathologists. The PIK3CA mutation status was assessed by nested PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. BRCA1 protein levels and the PIK3CA mutation status were correlated with pathological complete response and a partial response or better using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. Of the 136 eligible participants, 59 samples could be analyzed. There was a trend of relatively low levels of BRCA1 protein achieving a pathological complete response (pCR), although this was not statistically significant [odds ratio (OR)=1.74; p=0.437]. Twenty-eight percent of patients had PIK3CA mutations, but no statistically significant association with pCR (OR=0.977; p=0.971) was noted. Neither BRCA1 protein levels (OR=1.18; p=0.818) nor PIK3CA mutations (OR=1.03; p=0.971) appeared to be associated with the likelihood of achieving a partial response or better from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PIK3CA wild-type mutation status showed a trend towards an increased likelihood of not presenting with inflammatory disease (OR=5.34; p=0.101). In this exploratory study, neither BRCA1 protein expression levels nor the presence of PIK3CA mutations were significantly associated with chemotherapy response in locally advanced breast cancer. However, the relatively small sample size limits the overall interpretation.

Hospitalization of pregnant women with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in Canada.

This article describes the epidemiology of pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in all Canadian pregnant women admitted to hospital, and compares it with historical inter-pandemic influenza activity. We used weekly hospitalization and death counts of laboratory-confirmed pandemic A(H1N1) influenza cases reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) 2009-2010 national pandemic influenza surveillance programme. Pregnant women infected and admitted with the pandemic strain were described and compared with: (1) confirmed admissions of all women of reproductive age; (2) all admitted cases reported to PHAC; and (3) to a historical average of inter-pandemic seasonal influenza admissions, and pneumonia and influenza (P&I) admissions for pregnant women. During the pandemic, 263 pregnant women with confirmed infections were admitted; four died in their third trimester. The median age for admitted pregnant cases was 27.5 years, which is consistent with the median age of the 3-year historical inter-pandemic pregnant comparison group. Aboriginal women appeared to be overrepresented but ethnicity was unavailable for 15.2% of all pregnant cases. Overall admission volumes were higher than those for seasonal influenza in the historical comparison group but were lower than those for P&I admissions. Despite increased admission volumes, severe outcomes in pregnant women were proportionally fewer than in all cases admitted for influenza A(H1N1) infection during the pandemic.

Report summary. Diabetes in Canada: facts and figures from a public health perspective.

"Diabetes in Canada: facts and figures from a public health perspective" is the first comprehensive diabetes surveillance report published by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The report aims to support public health professionals and organizations in developing effective, evidence-based public health policies and programs to prevent and manage diabetes and its complications. The report, developed in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, CNIB, Health Canada and the academic community, uses data from national health surveys and vital statistics, as well as population-based administrative data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS). For the first time, the CCDSS contains data from all 13 Canadian jurisdictions. Using CCDSS data representing cases of diagnosed diabetes among Canadians aged one year and older, Diabetes in Canada presents prevalence and incidence national rates from the fiscal year 2008/2009 and national trends from 1998/1999 onwards. The report also outlines sub-populations at higher risk, ways of reducing the risks of developing the disease and its complications, and estimates of related economic costs. In addition, it contains sections on specific populations, including children and youth and First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations.

Calcium signalling in T-lymphocytes.

Calcium signalling is essential for most of the biological T-cell activities, including in Th2 lymphocytes, a T-cell subset that produce interleukin 4, 5 and 13 and which is involved in allergic diseases. T-cell receptor engagement induces the production of inositol trisphosphate that binds to its receptor, releasing intracellular Ca(2+) stores. STIM in the endo (sarco) plasmic reticulum (ER/SR) is a Ca(2+) sensor that perceives the depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores, localizes near the cell membrane and allows the activation of ORAI, the main calcium channels at the cell membrane. However, other calcium channels at the membrane of intracellular compartments and at the cell membrane can also contribute to the TCR-driven intracellular Ca(2+) rise. Among them, voltage-dependent calcium (Ca(v)1) channels have been reported in several types of T-lymphocytes, although how they are gated in these non-excitable cells remains unsolved. We have shown that Cav1 channel expression was selectively up regulated in Th2 lymphocytes. In this review, we will discuss about the diversity of the Ca(2+) channels responsible for Ca(2+) homeostasis in the different cell subsets and the interactions between these molecules, which can account for the variety of the calcium responses depending upon the functions of effector T-cells.

Breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) protein expression as a prognostic marker in sporadic epithelial ovarian carcinoma: an NCIC CTG OV.16 correlative study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) protein inactivation in sporadic ovarian carcinoma (OC) is common and low BRCA1 expression is linked with platinum sensitivity. The clinical validation of BRCA1 as a prognostic marker in OC remains unresolved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 251 patient samples from the NCIC CTG clinical trial, OV.16, BRCA1 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: For all patients, when BRCA1 score was analyzed as a continuous variable, there was no significant correlation between BRCA1 protein expression and progression-free survival (PFS) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15 (0.96-1.37), P = 0.12] or response rate [HR = 0.89 (0.70-1.12), P = 0.32]. In the 116 patients with minimal residual disease (RD), higher BRCA1 expression correlated significantly with worse PFS [HR = 1.40 (1.04-1.89), P = 0.03]. Subgroup analysis divided patients with minimal RD into low (BRCA1 ≤2.5) and high (BRCA1 >2.5) expression groups. Patients with low BRCA1 expression had a more favorable outcome [median PFS was 24.7 and 16.6 months in patients with low and high BRCA1, respectively; HR = 0.56 (0.35-0.89), P = 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that BRCA1 protein is a prognostic marker in sporadic OC patients with minimal RD. Further research is needed to evaluate BRCA1 as a predictive biomarker and to target BRCA1 expression to enhance chemotherapeutic sensitivity.

Routine BK virus surveillance in renal transplantation--a single center's experience.

BACKGROUND: We started a universal screening of all our kidney transplant recipients for BK virus in 2005. This review of our experience includes patients with ≥6 months' posttransplantation follow-up. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart evaluation of all kidney transplants from January 2005 to February 2010. Urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BK virus was done on all patients starting from 4 weeks after transplantation. If negative, it was repeated monthly for the first 6 months and then every 3-4 months. If the test was positive, a urine and blood BK virus PCR done on the next visit was repeated every 2-4 weeks with a slow reduction in immunosuppression. RESULTS: From January 2005 to February 2010 we performed 173 kidney transplantations with 12 graft losses within the first 6 weeks which were excluded from the analysis. Induction immunosuppression consisted of anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody (n = 102) or antithymoglobulin (ATG; n = 59). In 112 patients (70%), the urine BK virus PCR remained negative; 18 (11%) only the urine was positive and among an additional 31 (19%) BK virus PCR was positive in blood. There was no difference in incidence according to induction therapy. Delayed graft function was observed among 39 patients (24%); there was no difference in the incidence of BK virus with versus without DGF. The mean time to first detection was shorter with ATG induction (mean, 199 days; median, 90 days; range, 26-1198 days) compared with anti-IL-2 (mean, 321 days; median, 195 days; range, 23-1077 days). Urine-only positivity was first detected from 37 to 1198 days (mean, 366 days; median, 227 days) and blood positivity from 23 to 1069 days (mean, 216 days; median, 90 days). Among BK-positive patients, 26 (53%) were detected within the first 6 months and 38 (76%) within the first year. With reduction in immunosuppression, there was gradual reduction or elimination of positive PCR tests in all cases except one, which resulted in graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Routine BK virus surveillance is effective; it tends to detect BK virus replication early, allowing reduction of immunosuppression, which results in good outcomes with renal preservation.

Development of an analytical method and survey of foods for furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran with estimated exposure.

Furan has been found to form in foods during thermal processing. These findings, a classification of furan as a possibly carcinogenic to humans, and a limited amount of data on the concentration of furan in products on the Canadian market prompted the authors to conduct a survey of canned and jarred food products. Methyl analogues of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran, were analysed concurrently with furan via a newly developed isotope dilution method, as these analogues were detected in foods in the authors' earlier work and are likely to undergo a similar metabolic fate as furan itself. The paper reports data on 176 samples, including 17 samples of baby food. The vast majority of samples were packaged in cans or jars. Furan was detected above 1 ng g(-1) in all non-baby food samples with a median of 28 ng g(-1) and concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 1230 ng g(-1). Also, 96% of these samples were found to contain 2-methylfuran above 1 ng g(-1) with a median of 12.8 ng g(-1) and a maximum concentration of 152 ng g(-1), while 81% of samples were found to contain 3-methylfuran above 1 ng g(-1) with a median of 6 ng g(-1) and a maximum concentration of 151 ng g(-1). Similarly, furan was detected above 1 ng g(-1) in all baby food samples with a median of 66.2 ng g(-1) and concentrations ranging from 8.5 to 331 ng g(-1). Also, 100% of these samples were found to contain 2-methylfuran above 1 ng g(-1) with a median of 8.7 ng g(-1) and a maximum concentration of 50.2 ng g(-1), while 65% of samples were found to contain 3-methylfuran above 1 ng g(-1) with a median of 1.6 ng g(-1) and a maximum concentration of 22.9 ng g(-1). Additionally, three coffee samples were analysed 'as is', without brewing, and were found to have high levels of furans, especially 2-methylfuran, at a maximum of 8680 ng g(-1). Using this data set, dietary exposures to furan and total furans were calculated. Average furan and total furan intakes by adults (> or = 20 years) were estimated at approximately 0.37 and 0.71 microg kg(-1) of body weight day(-1) respectively.

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase UGT1A7 genetic polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma: a differential impact according to seropositivity of HBV or HCV markers?

BACKGROUND: We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the role of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 (UGT1A7) polymorphisms in the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The study included 165 patients with HCC, 134 with cirrhosis and 142 controls without liver disease, matched for age and hospital. All were men younger than 75 years. HCC and cirrhosis patients were stratified according to time since cirrhosis diagnosis. RESULTS: We found a positive association between the UGT1A7*3/*3 genotype and HCC when the comparison was restricted to patients whose disease was of viral origin [OR = 3.4 (0.3-45)] but a negative association when it included only alcoholic patients [OR = 0.1 (0.02-0.6), p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that UGT1A7 may play a role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and that this role may differ according to the primary cause of the cirrhosis.

[Early detection of leptomeningeal metastasis in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma: validation of CA 15-3 measurement in cerebrospinal fluid]. / Détection précoce des métastases leptoméningées chez les patientes atteintes de cancer du sein métastatique: validation du dosage du CA 15-3 dans le liquide céphalorachidien.

Fifteen per cent of metastatic breast cancer will develop symptomatic leptomeningeal metastases. The introduction of trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy has improved the response rates of survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer overexpressing HER2. Although previous studies are retrospective and of limited number, involving small study groups and different types of patient management, several authors have reported a 30% incidence of leptomeningeal metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer overexpressing HER2 who were treated with trastuzumab, while 70 to 80% of cases of the disease were controlled systemically. In order to improve control of the disease at the level of the central nervous system (CNS), routine detection of leptomeningeal metastases in high-risk patients could be offered. CA 15-3 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) detection might be useful in helping to diagnose CNS metastases, particularly where cytology results are negative--which applies to 30% of cases--because tumor markers are more sensitive in detecting the tumor process. Our study validate CA 15-3 measurement in CSF and reference values were given.

Toxoplasma gondii in human astrocytes in vitro: interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10 do not influence cystogenesis.

Interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma are major cytokines involved in the immune response against Toxoplasma gondii. Nevertheless, the role of IL-12 and IL-10 in the control of parasite replication and cytogenesis is not known yet, whereas the importance of IFN-gamma is documented. Furthermore, it is of paramount importance to study the interaction between T. gondii and cells from the central nervous system, e.g., astrocytes. In this study, we report that IL-12 and IL-10 have no effect on penetration, replication, or cystogenesis of the T. gondii Prugniaud strain in human astrocytes in vitro and do not antagonize the role of IFN-gamma on cystogenesis.

A novel mutation in the EIF2AK3 gene with variable expressivity in two patients with Wolcott-Rallison syndrome.

Mutations in the EIF2AK3 gene have been identified in patients with Wolcott-Rallison syndrome - a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with permanent neonatal insulin-dependent diabetes. Despite the fact that different mutations have been observed in every single unrelated case reported so far, most patients presented with similar characteristics, such as osteopenia, epiphyseal dysplasia as well as hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. The EIF2AK3 gene was analyzed using a PCR-based sequencing approach in two Wolcott-Rallison patients and their parents. We report two cases from different families carrying the same and novel truncating nonsense mutation in the EIF2AK3 gene that encodes the pancreatic eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha kinase 3. This mutation clearly displays different clinical characteristics in the two patients we examined. Remarkably, the onset of diabetes was different for the two patients, and there was also heterogeneity in other clinical manifestations. These cases illustrate the important role of alternative pathways that could, to some extent, take over or supplement a defective metabolic pathway. This supports the idea that there is no simple relationship among clinical manifestations and EIF2AK3 mutations.