[Risk stratification nomogram for COVID-19 patients with interstitial pneumonia in the emergency department : A retrospective multicenter study]. / Nomogramm zur Risikostratifizierung von COVID-19-Patienten mit interstitieller Pneumonie in der Notaufnahme : Eine retrospektive multizentrische Studie.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no reliable method to identify which COVID-19 patients in the emergency department will experience rapid disease progression and death. AIM: The aim of this work is to investigate predictive risk factors for 30-day mortality in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) patients with interstitial pneumonia using patient history, and clinical and laboratory parameters and to develop a nomogram for risk stratification in the emergency department. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted in a cohort of 164 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in the emergency departments of hospitals in Merano and Bressanone from 1 March 2020 to 31 March 2020. Patients were diagnosed as positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A nomogram for risk stratification of 30-day mortality of COVID-19 patients was developed based on the parameters studied. RESULTS: In all, 35 (21.3%) of 164 COVID-19 patients with interstitial pneumonia died within 30 days of admission to the emergency department. Multivariate analysis method revealed that cognitive deterioration (odds ratio [OR]: 8.330; p = 0.004), lymphocytopenia (OR: 4.229; p = 0.049), renal function deterioration (OR: 4.841; p = 0.028), peripheral oxygen saturation < 93% (OR: 17.871; p = 0.002), age > 75 years (OR: 2.925; p = 0.032), elevated C­reactive protein (OR: 6.504; p = 0.005), low monocyte count (OR: 0.504; p = 0.004), and comorbidity (OR 5.862; p = 0.019) were associated with 30-day mortality. Using these eight parameters, a nomogram was developed that showed good discrimination with an area under the ROC curve of 0.937. CONCLUSION: The initial evaluation of the patient history, and the clinical and laboratory data collected in the emergency department provides important prognostic information for risk stratification of COVID-19 patients in the emergency department and for early identification of patients with risk for critical disease course.

Induction of interleukin-10 by HIV antigens in peripheral mononuclear cells of health care workers after occupational exposure to HIV-1-positive blood.

Evaluation of HIV-induced IL-2 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and HIV-specific T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in health care workers (HCW) occupationally exposed to HIV reveals a high rate of response to HIV among non-seroconverters. IL-10 is also known to interfere with HIV infection in vitro. To evaluate the induction of IL-10 by HIV antigens in HCW occupationally exposed to HIV, 18 HCW with percutaneous injury were enrolled in this study, 9 of them exposed to HIV-contaminated blood, and 9 exposed to HIV-negative blood. PBMC were incubated on plates coated with HIV-1 antigens, and IL-10 was measured in supernatants by ELISA. Five of nine HCW exposed to HIV-contaminated blood presented HIV-induced IL-10. Two of nine HCW exposed to HIV-negative source patients also had detectable levels of HIV-induced IL-10, one of them in the sample obtained on the day of accidental exposure. There was a relationship between the type of device involved in injury and IL-10 production. Individuals exposed to hollow needles or scalpels presented HIV-induced IL-10, whereas those exposed to solid needles and to digital puncture did not, suggesting a relationship between infectious load and IL-10. Although occupational exposure to HIV leads to a low rate of seroconversion, these individuals can develop an antigen-specific immune response characterized in our study by induction of IL-10 in PBMC in vitro.

Induction of interleukin-10 by HIV antigens in peripheral mononuclear cells of health care workers after occupational exposure to HIV-1-positive blood

Evaluation of HIV-induced IL-2 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and HIV-specific T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in health care workers (HCW) occupationally exposed to HIV reveals a high rate of response to HIV among non-seroconverters. IL-10 is also known to interfere with HIV infection in vitro. To evaluate the induction of IL-10 by HIV antigens in HCW occupationally exposed to HIV, 18 HCW with percutaneous injury were enrolled in this study, 9 of them exposed to HIV-contaminated blood, and 9 exposed to HIV-negative blood. PBMC were incubated on plates coated with HIV-1 antigens, and IL-10 was measured in supernatants by ELISA. Five of nine HCW exposed to HIV-contaminated blood presented HIV-induced IL-10. Two of nine HCW exposed to HIV-negative source patients also had detectable levels of HIV-induced IL-10, one of them in the sample obtained on the day of accidental exposure. There was a relationship between the type of device involved in injury and IL-10 production. Individuals exposed to hollow needles or scalpels presented HIV-induced IL-10, whereas those exposed to solid needles and to digital puncture did not, suggesting a relationship between infectious load and IL-10. Although occupational exposure to HIV leads to a low rate of seroconversion, these individuals can develop an antigen-specific immune response characterized in our study by induction of IL-10 in PBMC in vitro

HIV-1 subtypes among intravenous drug users from two neighboring cities in São Paulo State, Brazil.

In order to assess the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in two neighboring cities located near the epicenter of the HIV-1 epidemics in Brazil (Santos and São Paulo), we investigated 83 HIV-1 strains obtained from samples collected in 1995 from intravenous drug users. The V3 through V5 region of the envelope of gp 120 was analyzed by heteroduplex mobility analysis. Of the 95 samples, 12 (12.6%) were PCR negative (6 samples from each group); low DNA concentration was the reason for non-amplification in half of these cases. Of the 42 typed cases from São Paulo, 34 (81%, 95% confidence limits 74.9 to 87.0%) were B and 8 (19%, 95% confidence limits 12.9 to 25.0%) were F, whereas of the 41 typed cases from Santos, 39 (95%, 95% confidence limits 91.6 to 98.4%) were B and 2 (5%, 95% confidence limits 1.6 to 8.4%) were C. We therefore confirm the relationship between clade F and intravenous drug use in São Paulo, and the presence of clade C in Santos. The fact that different genetic subtypes of HIV-1 are co-circulating indicates a need for continuous surveillance for these subtypes as well as for recombinant viruses in Brazil.

HIV-1 subtypes among intravenous drug users from two neighboring cities in São Paulo State, Brazil

In order to assess the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in two neighboring cities located near the epicenter of the HIV-1 epidemics in Brazil (Santos and São Paulo), we investigated 83 HIV-1 strains obtained from samples collected in 1995 from intravenous drug users. The V3 through V5 region of the envelope of gp 120 was analyzed by heteroduplex mobility analysis. Of the 95 samples, 12 (12.6 percent) were PCR negative (6 samples from each group); low DNA concentration was the reason for non-amplification in half of these cases. Of the 42 typed cases from São Paulo, 34 (81 percent, 95 percent confidence limits 74.9 to 87.0 percent) were B and 8 (19 percent, 95 percent confidence limits 12.9 to 25.0 percent) were F, whereas of the 41 typed cases from Santos, 39 (95 percent, 95 percent confidence limits 91.6 to 98.4 percent) were B and 2 (5 percent, 95 percent confidence limits 1.6 to 8.4 percent) were C. We therefore confirm the relationship between clade F and intravenous drug use in São Paulo, and the presence of clade C in Santos. The fact that different genetic subtypes of HIV-1 are co-circulating indicates a need for continuous surveillance for these subtypes as well as for recombinant viruses in Brazil

Imaging Trypanosoma cruzi within tissues from chagasic patients using confocal microscopy with monoclonal antibodies.

Confocal fluorescence microscopy combined with differential interference contrast imaging of tissues from chagasic patients enabled the unequivocal identification of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Using different monoclonal antibodies that indicate the parasite form and replication stage in conjunction with DNA labelling, specimens derived from distinct clinical forms of the disease were examined. Intracellular amastigote forms of the parasite were clearly detected in heart, brain, skin, lung, and kidney. Dividing amastigotes as well as trypomastigote forms were recognized in samples obtained from patients undergoing either acute-phase or some form of reactivation caused by immunosuppression.

[Epistaxis in Rendu-Weber-Osler disease. The role of brachytherapy]. / L'epistassi nel morbo di Rendu-Weber-Osler. Ruolo della brachiterapia.

Rendu-Weber-Osler disease is a rare autosomic disorder. Its most common symptom is epistaxis with transitory periods of remission and of ingravescent exacerbation compromising normal daily activities and forcing the patient to give up his normal life-style for prolonged periods of time. Often it proves difficult to control the recurrent epistaxis and the treatments available today are not always totally satisfactory. The authors present the results obtained using endonasal brachytherapy in 8 patients (13 treatments) epistaxis stemming from previously diagnosed Rendu-Weber-Osler disease. Brachytherapy employs thin plastic tubes, positioned in the nostril with the heaviest epistaxis. These tubes are then filled with Iridum192. The total dose, prescribed against the reference isodose, strictly adjacent to the nasal fossae mucosa, was 30 Gy over a period ranging from two to four days (average 2.5 days). Four patients required a second treatment to the controlateral nostril as the symptoms returned after a period ranging from 36 to 60 months (average 47.1 months). Only one patient required a second treatment in the same nostril 9 years later. The episodes of epistaxis were scored by symptom severity on a scale from 0 to 5. Of the 13 treatments administered (mono and bilateral treatments), 12 can be considered satisfactory as the epistaxis was reduced from the initial pre-treatment score of 4-5 to 2 or less (5 were reduced to 0, 3 to 1 and 4 to 2). In only 1 case was the score 3. Remission of symptoms lasted for a period ranging from 11 to 108 months with an average of 51.6 months. No complications arose from the use of brachytherapy. Only one patient required embolization 3 years after the endonasal brachytherapy treatment.

[Brachytherapy of epistaxis in Rendu-Osler disease. Indications, technic, results]. / La brachiterapia dell'epistassi nel morbo di Rendu-Osler. Indicazioni, tecnica, risultati.

Rendu-Osler disease is a clinical form characterized by skin, mucous and bowel teleangiectasias causing repeated bleeding, especially in the nasal region. Repeated epistaxis is controlled, however transiently, with electrocoagulation, laser therapy, embolization, mucous transplants and external radiotherapy or, more frequently, brachytherapy. The authors report on a Curietherapy technique based on the use of 192Iridium wires. The wires, which cannot be placed in parallel lines, must be positioned in three places after a fan-wise pattern: the first one on the floor, the second one along the anterior wall and the third one in between. The three wires are inserted into plastic tubes during fluoroscopy. The length of the wires is differentiated for greater dose distribution homogeneity. The dose given to the reference isodose--which is probably in contact with the mucosa--is 30 Gy. We performed 9 maneuvers in 6 patients and three of them were also treated in the contralateral nostril. Complete remission was seen in 4 patients. In 2 patients the response has lasted 18 and 32 months and 2 others have a shorter follow-up. In 5 patients we obtained a good response (mean: 58 months). Our results are in agreement with those in brachytherapy literature. Few trials are reported of external irradiation but in our personal experience, its results are poor. Brachytherapy effect is limited in time but yields major clinical benefits to the patient. Brachytherapy cannot replace other treatment methods and must therefore be considered as a palliative treatment which can improve patient's quality of life in time.

[Brachytherapy in choroid tumors]. / Brachiterapia dei tumori coroidei.

Even though brachytherapy has been used for many years to treat choroidal tumors, it is not a widespread technique because it requires much organization and operators skills. The most common methods use 60Cobalt and 106Rutenium plaques, or custom-made plaques with 125Iodine loaded seeds. Another, less common, technique uses 192Iridium wires loaded on custom-made plaques. The technique we used to treat 4 retinoblastomas and 2 choroidal melanomas uses 192Iridium wires loaded on custom-made plaques. The applicator is made of a quick drying paste poured over a sphere the same size as the eye-ball: plastic tubes are inserted, according to preliminary dosimetric measurements, to house the Iridium wires. The applicator is positioned on the eye-ball corresponding to tumor site by surgery. The Iridium sources are inserted into the plastic tubes at the end of surgical placement: this afterloading technique guarantees maximal staff protection. 192Iridium (320 keV gamma emitter) allows the dose to be transmitted deeper than with 125Iodine (30 keV gamma-emitter) and 106Rutenium (3540 keV beta-emitter). Therefore, with Iridium, the dose delivered is lower on the eye-ball surface for the same tumor dose. On the other hand, the use of 60Cobalt (1250 keV gamma-emitter) gives the healthy surrounding tissues higher doses. To conclude, this method allows us to customize the application to every single case, to reach posterior sites, to ensure radioactive protection to staff thanks to afterloading and to obtain a good depth to surface dose ratio.

[Changes in lymphocyte subsets after radiotherapy]. / Variazione dei subset linfocitari dopo radioterapia.

Radiation therapy seems to induce depletion of lymphocytes, which are very important cells for immunity response. The lymphocyte phenotype was studied in 41 non-pretreated patients with normal immunological parameters who received postoperative radiation therapy for breast, mediastinal or pelvic cancer with at least 50 Gy/25 fractions. The functional immunological assessment was analyzed by Multiskin test (Merieux) too. The lymphocyte phenotype was determined on whole-blood lysate employing an Ortho double-fluorescence cytofluorimeter. All patients, after radiation treatment, exhibited decrement in absolute and percent lymphocyte subpopulations; the Multiskin test demonstrated simultaneous change in skin-test response. The results are highly significant (p 2-tailed area less than 0.0001) for absolute cells count and skin-delayed response test, but percent variations are not significant when verified by t-test.

[Postoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of breast tumors. Evaluation of a 5-year case series]. / La radioterapia post-chirurgica nel trattamento dei tumori della mammella. Valutazione di una casistica di 5 anni.

Between January 1981 and December 1985, 364 female patients underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer in Mestre General Hospital. The pathological stage of the disease was stage I in 60 patients, stage II in 215 patients, stage III A in 30 patients, stage III B in 44 patients and stage IV in 15 patients. The patients with T1-T2 N0 lesions located in the outer quadrants received no additional treatment after surgery, while the others received adjuvant therapy. The patients with stage-IV disease (M+) were treated with chemo and/or hormonotherapy. All patients were followed for an average of 33 months up to December 1986 (range 1-71 months). Local-regional relapses developed in 17 patients, 15 on the chest wall and 2 in the drainage lymph nodes (only 7 within the previously-treated area). A 5-year actuarial survival rate was observed of about 78%, and 66% of relapse-free survival, in the whole group of patients (100% and 92% in stage I; 92.5% and 76% in stage II; 51% and 33% in stage III A; 32% and 19% in stage III B; 31% in stage IV, respectively). As far as our series of patients is concerned, the massive involvement of axillary lymph nodes seems to be the most adverse prognostic factor in survival rates. Even though the short follow-up does not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn, the authors believe such loco-regional treatments as surgery and radiation therapy to be extremely important in the local control of breast cancers, as well as in the patients' survival in the long run.

Three-field isocentric technique for breast irradiation using individualized shielding blocks.

The three-field technique is the most common method used for breast and regional node treatment after conservative surgery. Several variants of this technique, which are characterized by complex geometrical problems, have been described. A possible simplification of this technique and the use of individualized shielding blocks both for anterior and for tangential fields is proposed, thus allowing for the simultaneous shielding of the half beam and the critical areas. Advantages of isocentrical techniques are thereby maintained, but the number of mechanical movements required is minimized and collimators and couch rotations are not needed. Patient set-up time is also greatly shortened. The accuracy of this technique has been verified using both photographic methods and thermoluminescent dosimetry.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to lung neoplasms. Departmental experience at the Mestre Hospital]. / L'approccio diagnostico e terapeutico alle neoplasie polmonari. Esperienza dipartimentale dell'Ospedale di Mestre.

The results are reported of a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic program applied to 381 patients with lung carcinoma from 1983 through 1985 at Mestre General Hospital. Cytologic and/or histologic diagnosis was established in 95% and staging accomplished in 96% of the patients. One-hundred-twenty-nine patients with non-small cell cancer were primarily treated by surgery (lobectomy or pneumonectomy); 3-year survival of this group was 48%. Of the 45 patients with pN1 or pN2 disease, 23 were treated with postoperative adjunctive mediastinal radiotherapy (50Gy/25 F/5Wk); however, survival showed no significant difference in the two groups. Ninety-seven inoperable patients were treated by radiotherapy alone; among those receiving doses of 50-60 Gy in 5 to 6 weeks, 3-year survival was 10%. Chemotherapy (CAMP), used in 23 cases (22 stage IV, 1 stage III), showed no improvement in survival, as compared with a similar series of patients submitted to symptomatic treatment alone. Of the 27 patients affected by small-cell carcinoma, 14 were treated with an aggressive radiochemotherapy protocol and 13 with palliative radiotherapy or low-dose chemotherapy: median survival in the two groups was respectively 45 and 60 weeks. Our study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of interdisciplinary programs routinely applied to a large population of lung cancer patients, and confirms its rationale in terms of early diagnosis, improved staging, and adequate treatment.

Ovarian function after pelvic lymph node irradiation in patients with Hodgkin's disease submitted to oophoropexy during laparotomy.

Staging laparotomy for Hodgkin's disease was carried out on 110 women in fertile age at the General Surgery Department of Padua Medical School from 1972 to 1977. An oophoropexy was done during the operation. According to the stage the patients underwent radiation therapy that was associated in some cases to chemotherapy. Complete evaluation was possible only in 66 patients. Eighteen out of the 66 had mantle field and para-aortic lymph node chain radiotherapy. One case of amenorrhoea (5.5%) and five pregnancies (27.8%), were found among them. Nineteen had the same type of radiotherapy with MOPP. 3 cases of amenorrhoea (15.8%) and 3 pregnancies (15.8%) were found. Five had total nodal irradiation (TNI) according to Kaplan and all of them had amenorrhoea (100%). Twenty four had TNI associated to MOPP with 24 cases of amenorrhoea (100%). Our results slightly differ from those of other Authors. They showed: 1) that the oophoropexy is not effective using standard surgical technique (probably because of the size of the central shielding) as it causes amenorrhoea in 100% of the cases; 2) the incidence of permanent amenorrhoea from chemotherapy with MOPP is the same as reported by other Authors; 3) the absence of teratogenic effects by chemotherapy in newborns of these patients.