T1 colon cancer in the era of screening: risk factors and treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for lymph node positivity in T1 colon cancer and to carry out a surgical quality assurance audit. METHODS: The sample consisted of consecutive patients treated for early-stage colon lesions in 15 colorectal referral centres between 2011 and 2014. The study investigated 38 factors grouped into four categories: demographic information, preoperative data, indications for surgery and post-operative data. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the significance of each factor both in terms of lymph node (LN) harvesting and LN metastases. RESULTS: Out of 507 patients enrolled, 394 patients were considered for analysis. Thirty-five (8.91%) patients had positive LN. Statistically significant differences related to total LN harvesting were found in relation to central vessel ligation and segmental resections. Cumulative distribution demonstrated that the rate of positive LN increased starting at 12 LN harvested and reached a plateau at 25 LN. CONCLUSIONS: Some factors associated with an increase in detection of positive LN were identified. However, further studies are needed to identify more sensitive markers and avoid surgical overtreatment. There is a need to raise the minimum LN count and to use the LN count as an indicator of surgical quality.

Cryotop vitrification of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in vitro matured oocytes: effects of cryoprotectant concentrations and warming procedures.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the in vitro developmental competence of in vitro-matured buffalo oocytes after Cryotop vitrification (CTV) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). To optimize parameters, two cryoprotectant (CP) concentrations and two warming-dilution procedures were applied. Oocytes were vitrified in 16.5% ethylene glycol (EG), 16.5% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 0.5 M sucrose in Groups A and C, and in higher CP concentrations (20% EG, 20% DMSO and 0.5 M sucrose) in Groups B and D. Warming was performed in 1.25 M sucrose for 1 min, then in 0.62, 0.42 and 0.31 M sucrose, 30 s each (Groups A and B), or in 0.25 M sucrose for 1 min and in 0.15 M sucrose for 5 min (Groups C and D). After warming, the oocytes were fertilized and cultured in vitro. Survival rate post-warming was lower in Group D (83.6%) than in Groups A and B (92.4 and 92.8%, respectively), while intermediate values were found in Group C (85.7%). Survival rates at 24 h decreased in Groups C and D (52.0% and 50%, respectively) and remained high in Groups A and B (84.0% and 85.6%, respectively), thus indicating that the dilution of CP after warming is critical for buffalo oocyte cryopreservation. Similar differences were also observed in cleavage rates (42.7%, 55.3%, 28.4% and 36.3% for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively) whereas no differences in blastocyst rates were found among groups (6.4%, 7.8%, 5.9% and 6.9% for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively). Blastocyst production after IVF of vitrified oocytes proves the feasibility of CTV in buffalo species.

Effect of osteopontin (OPN) on in vitro embryo development in cattle.

Fertility-related phosphoprotein osteopontin (OPN) is present in the bovine oviduct epithelium and fluid. The objectives were to determine the effects of OPN on percentages of cleavage and embryo development in vitro in cattle, and to assess the ability of OPN to induce in vitro capacitation of bovine sperm. In vitro-matured bovine oocytes were fertilized in the presence of 0, 10, 20, or 40 microg/mL OPN. There were greater percentages (P<0.01) of cleavage and compact morulae-blastocysts (79.7 and 43.3%, respectively) with 10 microg/mL OPN than in the control group (without OPN; 71.2 and 32.1%, respectively). Furthermore, percentages of advanced blastocysts were greater in the group receiving 40 microg/mL OPN versus control (56.4% vs. 42.0%, P<0.05). Capacitation was assessed by the ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction after incubation with lysophosphatidylcholine. Semen from three bulls was incubated for 2h in either TALP medium alone (control) or with TALP medium containing 0.01 mM heparin, or with TALP medium containing 10 or 20 microg/mL OPN. Incubation with 10 and 20 microg/mL OPN produced more (P<0.01) capacitated sperm (14.4 and 13.6%, respectively) than the untreated control group (8.3%), but both untreated sperm and those treated with OPN had significantly fewer capacitated sperm than those treated with 0.01 mM of heparin (30.5%). In conclusion, OPN improved the efficiency of bovine in vitro embryo production and influenced sperm capacitation.

Plant stanol ester and bran fiber in childhood: effects on lipids, stool weight and stool frequency in preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of plant stanol esters and bran fiber on lipids, stool weight and stool frequency in preschool children. METHODS: The present study was a 13 week open cross-over study designed to evaluate the effects of plant stanol ester in healthy two to five year old preschool children. After a one week lead-in, eligible children were randomly assigned to begin with either Diet Phase A (plant stanol ester) or Phase B (wheat bran fiber). Each diet phase was four weeks long, followed by a two-week wash-out, and then cross-over to the alternate diet. During Diet Phase A children consumed three eight-gram servings of a spread, each containing one gram of plant stanols, for total daily dose of three grams. During Diet Phase B, children added five grams of dietary fiber to their diet for the first two weeks and then ten grams for the second two weeks. RESULTS: Overall, for the whole study group, plant-stanol-ester spread use yielded a decrease in total cholesterol of 19.9 mg/dL (12.4% reduction from baseline) and a 14.6 mg/dL decrease in LDL cholesterol (15.5% reduction from baseline). There were no significant changes in HDL-cholesterol or triglyceride levels. A predominately insoluble dietary fiber supplement derived from wheat bran, as expected, yielded a small but non-significant decrease in total cholesterol of 6.1 mg/dL, a four percent reduction from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated that preschool age children could adhere to a program requiring consumption of three daily servings of spread containing plant stanol ester and that this level of consumption resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol after a four week period. In addition, consumption of plant stanol ester was not associated with any short-term adverse health effects.

Nutrient intake of Head Start children: home vs. school.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mean intake of energy and protein, total fat, saturated fat, percent energy from total and saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, zinc, folate, vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and B-12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, sodium and fiber of preschool Head Start children at school and away from school. DESIGN: Twenty-four-hour food intakes for 358 Head Start children were obtained by observing food intake at school and acquiring intake recalls from parents or guardians specifying food their children consumed for the balance of the day. After determining group estimates of energy and nutrient intake, mean intake was compared to standard nutrient recommendations for the entire 24-hour day, i.e., for the time the children were in school and for the remaining hours away from school ("home" intake). SUBJECTS: The 358 Head Start children attended school either half-day (2- to 3-hour AM and PM sessions) or all-day (5 to 6 hours). STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Differences in nutrient intake among class times were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Differences with a p-value <0.05 (two-tailed) were considered to be statistically significant. Total energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, B6, and B12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin as well as folate and magnesium were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances for the 4- to 6-year-old age group. Other standards that were used for comparisons included the National Cholesterol Education Program (fat, saturated fat and cholesterol), the 1989 National Research Council's Diet and Health Report (carbohydrate and sodium) and the recommendation for fiber proposed by the American Health Foundation. RESULTS: At school, half-day children consumed up to 25% of the daily recommendation for energy and nutrients, while all-day children achieved at least a third of the recommended intakes. When intakes at home and school were combined, all three groups of children (AM, PM and all-day) exceeded dietary recommendations for protein, vitamins and minerals. Energy intake remained below 100% of the recommendation, while intake of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol exceeded recommendations. APPLICATION: Further research is required to explore energy needs and determine nutritional status and nutrient needs of minority and low-income preschool children. Strategies are required to increase nutrient density, but not fat density, of meals and snacks served to children who attend day care for part of the day. Finally, school meals and nutrition education programs such as Team Nutrition should broaden their base to include healthful eating habits for all school children, including the very youngest children in preschool programs.

Mutation of RET codon 768 is associated with the FMTC phenotype.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A), type 2B (MEN 2B), and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) are inherited cancer syndromes resulting from mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. Missense mutations of five codons in exons 10 and 11 are found in both MEN 2A and FMTC families, while mutations at codon 768 in exon 13 have been identified in three FMTC families. We report here the results of mutation analysis on a large multi-generation family with multiple cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia and two individuals with isolated adrenal medullary hyperplasia. A mutation in exon 13, which alters codon 768 from a GAG (Glu) to a GAC (Asp), was found to segregate with the FMTC phenotype in this family but not with the adrenal medullary hyperplasia. These findings suggest that the codon 768 mutation does not predispose to adrenal medullary hyperplasia, but is an accurate predictor of the MTC phenotype in this family.

Binding of the Ets factor GA-binding protein to an upstream site in the factor IX promoter is a critical event in transactivation.

Factor IX is an essential vitamin K-dependent serine protease that participates in the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. The protein is expressed exclusively in the liver. The rare Leyden form of hemophilia B (inherited factor IX deficiency) results from point mutations in three proximal promoter elements that decrease factor IX expression. Recovery of expression occurs following puberty, with factor IX protein levels rising into the normal range. We have previously implicated the PAR domain D-site-binding protein (DBP) as well as an upstream element, site 5, as playing important roles in the phenotypic recovery of hemophilia B Leyden. Here we demonstrate that site 5 binds both the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPalpha) and the ubiquitous Ets factor GA-binding protein (GABPalpha/beta). Transactivation of the factor IX promoter by the PAR proteins DBP and hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is dependent on the binding of GABPalpha/beta to site 5, and coexpression of these two factors is required for optimal activation of this promoter. The binding of C/EBPalpha to site 5 also augments the activity of GABPalpha/beta. Analysis of the developmental regulation of site 5-binding proteins in rat liver has shown that C/EBPalpha and the GABPbeta subunit increase markedly in the 2 weeks after birth. These observations establish a functional association between the Ets factor GABPalpha/beta and C/EBPalpha and indicate that the two PAR proteins, DBP and HLF, may play complementary roles in factor IX activation. Given the developmental changes exhibited by these proteins, it is likely that they play a role in regulation of the normal factor IX promoter as well as promoters carrying hemophilia B Leyden mutations.

[Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall]. / Tumori desmoidi della parete addominale.

The authors report their experience in the management of desmoid tumors, rare benign neoplasias, locally aggressive and potentially recurrent after surgery. Etiopathogenetic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of these tumors are analysed and the value of surgery as well as chemo- or radiotherapy is considered.

[Condylomata acuminata: immunological evaluation and interferon therapy]. / Condilomi acuminati: valutazioni immunologiche e terapia con interferone.

The distribution of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in 35 patients aged 16 to 49 years with genital warts was studied. Patients with genital warts were found to be less responsive than a control group, and this deficiency was related to duration of genital wart infection. 11 patients affected with long lasting genital warts were treated with interferon. The results are reported and briefly discussed.