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Abenavoli L, Montori M, Svegliati Baroni G, Argenziano ME, Giorgi F, Scarlata GGM, Ponziani F, Scarpellini E. Perspective on the Role of Gut Microbiome in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1427. [PMID: 37629716 PMCID: PMC10456509 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Its incidence has increased due to metabolic-associated liver disease (MAFLD) epidemics. Liver transplantation and surgery remain the most resolute measures. Despite the optimistic use of multi-kinase inhibitors, namely sorafenib, the co-existence of chronic liver disease made the response rate low in these patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising hope for certain advanced solid tumors and, also, for advanced HCC. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients with HCC fail to respond to immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, gut microbiota, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Results: ICIs are a promising and sufficiently safe treatment option for HCC. In detail, they have significantly improved survival and prognosis in these patients vs. sorafenib. Although there are several highlighted mechanisms of resistance, the gut microbiota signature can be used both as a response biomarker and as an effect enhancer. Practically, probiotic dose-finding and fecal microbiota transplantation are the weapons that can be used to increase ICI's treatment-response-reducing resistance mechanisms. Conclusion: Immunotherapy has been a significant step-up in HCC treatment, and gut microbiota modulation is an effective liaison to increase its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Michele Montori
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Polytechnics University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (M.M.); (M.E.A.)
| | | | - Maria Eva Argenziano
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Polytechnics University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (M.M.); (M.E.A.)
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Oncology Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy;
| | | | - Francesca Ponziani
- Digestive Disease Center (C.E.M.A.D.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emidio Scarpellini
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (T.A.R.G.I.D.), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Hepatology Outpatient Clinic, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
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Gianferri R, Sciubba F, Durazzo A, Gabrielli P, Lombardi-Boccia G, Giorgi F, Santini A, Engel P, Di Cocco ME, Delfini M, Lucarini M. Time Domain NMR Approach in the Chemical and Physical Characterization of Hazelnuts ( Corylus avellana L.). Foods 2023; 12:foods12101950. [PMID: 37238768 DOI: 10.3390/foods12101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
'Tonda Gentile Romana' and 'Tonda di Giffoni' (Corylus avellana L.) are two Italian hazelnut cultivars, recognized under the quality labels "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) and "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI), respectively. Hazelnut seeds are characterized by a complex microstructure and the presence of different physical compartments. This peculiarity has been studied and evidenced by Time Domain (TD) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. This technique allowed the assessment of the presence of different diffusion compartments, or domains, by evaluating the distribution of the spin-spin relaxation time (T2).The aim of this research was to develop a method based on 1H NMR relaxometry to study the mobility in fresh hazelnut seeds ('Tonda di Giffoni' and 'Tonda Gentile Romana'), in order to determine differences in seed structure and matrix mobility between the two cultivars. TD-NMR measurements were performed from 8 to 55 °C in order to mimic post-harvest processing as well the microscopic textural properties of hazelnut. The Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) experiments showed five components for 'Tonda Gentile Romana' and four components for 'Tonda di Giffoni' relaxation times. The two slowest components of relaxation (T2,a about 30-40% of the NMR signal, and T2,b about 50% of the NMR signal) were attributed to the protons of the lipid molecules organized in the organelles (oleosomes), both for the 'Tonda Gentile Romana' and for the 'Tonda di Giffoni' samples. The component of relaxation T2,c was assigned to cytoplasmic water molecules, and showed a T2 value dominated by diffusive exchange with a reduced value compared to that of pure water at the same temperature. This can be attributed to the water molecules affected by the relaxation effect of the cell walls. The experiments carried out as a function of temperature showed, for 'Tonda Gentile Romana', an unexpected trend between 30 and 45 °C, indicating a phase transition in its oil component. This study provides information that could be used to strengthen the specifications underlying the definitions of "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) and "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Gianferri
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Sciubba
- Department of Environmental Biology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Durazzo
- CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Gabrielli
- CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giorgi
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Santini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Petra Engel
- Council for Research in Agriculture (CREA), Office for International and Institutional Cooperation, Via Archimede 59, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Enrica Di Cocco
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Delfini
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Lucarini
- CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Stangalini M, Baker D, Valori G, Jess DB, Jafarzadeh S, Murabito M, To ASH, Brooks DH, Ermolli I, Giorgi F, MacBride CD. Spectropolarimetric fluctuations in a sunspot chromosphere. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2021; 379:20200216. [PMID: 33342387 PMCID: PMC7780142 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The instrumental advances made in this new era of 4 m class solar telescopes with unmatched spectropolarimetric accuracy and sensitivity will enable the study of chromospheric magnetic fields and their dynamics with unprecedented detail. In this regard, spectropolarimetric diagnostics can provide invaluable insight into magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) wave processes. MHD waves and, in particular, Alfvénic fluctuations associated with particular wave modes were recently recognized as important mechanisms not only for the heating of the outer layers of the Sun's atmosphere and the acceleration of the solar wind, but also for the elemental abundance anomaly observed in the corona of the Sun and other Sun-like stars (also known as first ionization potential) effect. Here, we take advantage of state-of-the-art and unique spectropolarimetric Interferometric BIdimensional Spectrometer observations to investigate the relation between intensity and circular polarization (CP) fluctuations in a sunspot chromosphere. Our results show a clear link between the intensity and CP fluctuations in a patch which corresponds to a narrow range of magnetic field inclinations. This suggests the presence of Alfvénic perturbations in the sunspot. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Stangalini
- ASI, Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
- INAF-OAR National Institute for Astrophysics, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - D. Baker
- University College London, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NT, UK
| | - G. Valori
- University College London, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NT, UK
| | - D. B. Jess
- Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - S. Jafarzadeh
- Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - M. Murabito
- INAF-OAR National Institute for Astrophysics, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - A. S. H. To
- University College London, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NT, UK
| | - D. H. Brooks
- College of Science, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - I. Ermolli
- INAF-OAR National Institute for Astrophysics, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - F. Giorgi
- INAF-OAR National Institute for Astrophysics, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
| | - C. D. MacBride
- Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
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Paz-Elizur T, Leitner-Dagan Y, Meyer K, Markus B, Giorgi F, O’Reilly M, Kim H, Evgy Y, Fluss R, Freedman L, Rintoul R, Ponder B, Livneh Z. P1.11-04 Utilizing DNA Repair Activity Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Risk Assessment and Early Detection. J Thorac Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.08.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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5
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Bascioni R, Esperide B, Di Fabio F, Giorgi F. The Miracle Drug. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1002-1003. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Romeo Bascioni
- Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice, Montegranaro (FM), Fermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Esperide
- Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice, Montegranaro (FM), Fermo, Italy
| | - Fiorinda Di Fabio
- Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice, Montegranaro (FM), Fermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy
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Abstract
Aims and Background Various attempts have been made to prevent 5-fluorouracil-induced stomatitis, with unsatisfactory results. Sucralfate is an aluminum hydroxide, complex of sulfated sucrose commonly used in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers. We used the compound in a phase II study to reduce and minimize the stomatotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy administered in a multiple-day schedule. Methods Fifty-two patients entered the study, and 129 cycles of chemotherapy were evaluated. Seven patients refused sucralfate rinses for taste intolerance. Results A low level of stomatotoxicity was recorded: grade 2 stomatitis was observed after 14 cycles (10.8%) and grade 3 after 3 cycles (2.3%). Conclusions Sucralfate administration could have a role in the prevention of 5-fluorouracil-induced stomatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Giorgi
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an organochlorine known for its pesticide properties and for its negative effects on human health. It was banned in most countries for its toxicity to the endocrine system, but due to its persistence at clinically relevant concentrations in both soil and animal tissues, DDT is still linked to several health and social problems. METHODS We have previously shown that DDT exposure is causally related to the extracellular release of vesicular organelles such as microvesicles and/or exosomes by using immunocytochemistry with gold-tagged antibodies and various fluorescent membrane markers. RESULTS It is now well recognized that microvesicles and/or exosomes organelles are implicated in cell-to-cell communication, and that they are fundamental elements for transferring proteins, RNA, DNA, lipids and transcriptional factors among cells. In this short review, we discussed the role of extracellular vesicle formation in the thyroid-disrupting mechanism of DDT. In particular, we described how DDT, by dislodging the thyrotropin hormone (TSH) receptor from the raft containing compartments of the cells, prevents its activation and internalization. CONCLUSION Based on our earlier finding and on the large body of evidence here reviewed, we propose that DDT-induced formation of extracellular vesicles containing the TSH receptor could be directly involved in the development of autoimmune responses against the TSH receptor and that, therefore, their release could lead to the development of the Graves' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rossi
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A R Taddei
- Section of Electron Microscopy, Great Equipment Center, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - I Fasciani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - F Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeo Bascioni
- 1 Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo & Hospice di Montegranaro (FM) , Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- 2 Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso , San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy
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Franceschilli L, Varvaras D, Capuano I, Ciangola CI, Giorgi F, Boehm G, Gaspari AL, Sileri P. Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using biologic mesh for the treatment of obstructed defaecation syndrome and/or faecal incontinence in patients with internal rectal prolapse: a critical appraisal of the first 100 cases. Tech Coloproctol 2015; 19:209-19. [PMID: 25577276 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-014-1255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) is gaining wider acceptance as the preferred procedure to correct internal as well as external rectal prolapse associated with obstructed defaecation syndrome and/or faecal incontinence. Very few reports exist on the use of biologic mesh for LVR. The aim of our study was to report the complication and recurrence rate of our first 100 cases of LVR for symptomatic internal rectal prolapse and/or rectocele using a porcine dermal collagen mesh. METHODS Prospectively collected data on LVR for internal rectal prolapse were analysed. Surgical complications and functional results in terms of faecal incontinence (measured with the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index = FISI) and constipation (measured with the Wexner Constipation Score = WCS) at 3, 6 and 12 months were analysed. It was considered an improvement if FISI or WCS scores were reduced by at least 25 % and a cure if the FISI score decreased to <10 and the WCS decreased to <5. RESULTS Between April 2009 and April 2013, 100 consecutive female patients (mean age 63 years, range 24-88 years) underwent LVR. All patients had internal rectal prolapse (grade III [n = 25] and grade IV [n = 75] according to the Oxford classification) and rectocele. Mean operative time was 85 ± 40 min. Conversion rate to open technique was 1 %. There was no post-operative mortality. Overall 16 patients (16 %) experienced 18 complications, including rectal perforation (n = 1), small bowel obstruction (n = 2), urinary tract infection (n = 8), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 3), wound haematoma (n = 2), long lasting sacral pain (n = 1) and incisional hernia (1). Median post-operative length of stay was 2 days. Ninety-eight out of 100 patients completed follow-up. At the end of follow-up, the mean FISI score improved from 8.4 (±4.0 standard deviation (SD) p = 0.003) to 3.3 ± 2.3 SD (p = 0.04). Incontinence improved in 37 out of 43 patients (86 %), and 31 patients (72 %) were cured. Similarly, the mean WCS score improved from 18.4 ± 11.6 SD to 5.4 ± 4.1 SD (p = 0.04). Constipation improved in 82 out of 89 patients (92 %), and 70 patients (79 %) were cured. No worsening of continence status, constipation or sexual function was observed. Fourteen patients (14 %) experienced persistence or recurrence of prolapse. CONCLUSIONS LVR using biologic mesh is a safe and effective procedure for improving symptoms of obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence in patients with internal rectal prolapse associated with rectocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Franceschilli
- Department of General Surgery, Tor Vergata Polyclinic, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Cozzi M, Giorgi F, Marcelli E, Pentimalli F, Forte IM, Schenone S, D’Urso V, De Falco G, Botta M, Giordano A, Indovina P. Antitumor activity of new pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine SRC kinase inhibitors in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines and its enhancement by WEE1 inhibition. Cell Cycle 2014; 11:1029-39. [DOI: 10.4161/cc.11.5.19519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Bascioni R, Esperide B, Miandro S, Bregoli J, Gucciardino C, Borriello MR, Basirat F, Rastelli F, Giustini L, Giorgi F. Family caregivers' attitude toward inpatients hospice enrollment: An exploratory study. J Clin Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.32.15_suppl.e20507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Indovina P, Marcelli E, Di Marzo D, Casini N, Forte IM, Giorgi F, Alfano L, Pentimalli F, Giordano A. Abrogating G₂/M checkpoint through WEE1 inhibition in combination with chemotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach for mesothelioma. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:380-8. [PMID: 24365782 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.27623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related neoplasm of the serous membranes, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the introduction of new drug combinations, such as cisplatin plus pemetrexed/gemcitabine, has determined an improvement in the patient quality of life, MM remains a universally fatal disease. The observation that key G 1/S checkpoint regulators are often functionally inactivated in MM prompted us to test whether the use of G 2/M checkpoint inhibitors, able to sensitize G 1/S checkpoint-defective cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, could be successful in MM. We treated six MM cell lines, representative of different histotypes (epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid), with cisplatin in combination with MK-1775, an inhibitor of the G 2/M checkpoint kinase WEE1. We observed that MK-1775 enhanced the cisplatin cytotoxic effect in all MM cell lines, except the sarcomatoid cell line, which is representative of the most aggressive histotype. As expected, the enhancement in cisplatin toxicity was accompanied by a decrease in the inactive phosphorylated form of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key substrate of WEE1, which is indicative of G 2/M checkpoint inactivation. Consistently, we also observed a decrease in G 2/M accumulation and an increase in mitotic entry of DNA-damaged cells and apoptosis, probably due to the loss of the cell ability to arrest cell cycle in response to DNA damage, irrespectively of p53 mutational status. Notably, this treatment did not increase cisplatin cytotoxicity on normal cells, thus suggesting a possible use of MK-1775 in combination with cisplatin for a safe and efficient treatment of epithelioid and biphasic MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Indovina
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Eleonora Marcelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Marzo
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Casini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Alfano
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA; Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
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Kotoni D, Piras M, Cabri W, Giorgi F, Mazzanti A, Pierini M, Quaglia M, Villani C, Gasparrini F. Thermodynamic and kinetic investigation of monoketo-aldehyde-peroxyhemiacetal (MKA), a stereolabile degradation product of dihydroartemisinin. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra00879k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Theβ⇆αepimerization process ofMKAhas been studied under a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view in several solvents. LSER analyses and molecular modeling calculations allowed an effective rationalization of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Kotoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco
- Sapienza Università di Roma
- 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - M. Piras
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco
- Sapienza Università di Roma
- 00185 Roma, Italy
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics
- Institute of Medical Sciences
| | - W. Cabri
- Analytical Development
- R&D Department
- Sigma-Tau S.p.A
- 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - F. Giorgi
- Analytical Development
- R&D Department
- Sigma-Tau S.p.A
- 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - A. Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale “T. Montanari”
- Università di Bologna
- 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - M. Pierini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco
- Sapienza Università di Roma
- 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - M. Quaglia
- Analytical Development
- R&D Department
- Sigma-Tau S.p.A
- 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - C. Villani
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco
- Sapienza Università di Roma
- 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - F. Gasparrini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco
- Sapienza Università di Roma
- 00185 Roma, Italy
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14
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Di Marzo D, Forte IM, Indovina P, Di Gennaro E, Rizzo V, Giorgi F, Mattioli E, Iannuzzi CA, Budillon A, Giordano A, Pentimalli F. Pharmacological targeting of p53 through RITA is an effective antitumoral strategy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cell Cycle 2013; 13:652-65. [PMID: 24345738 DOI: 10.4161/cc.27546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma, a very aggressive tumor associated to asbestos exposure, is expected to increase in incidence, and unfortunately, no curative modality exists. Reactivation of p53 is a new attractive antitumoral strategy. p53 is rarely mutated in mesothelioma, but it is inactivated in most tumors by the lack of p14(ARF). Here, we evaluated the feasibility of this approach in pleural mesothelioma by testing RITA and nutlin-3, two molecules able to restore p53 function through a different mechanism, on a panel of mesothelioma cell lines representing the epithelioid (NCI-H28, NCI-H2452, IST-MES 2), biphasic (MSTO-211H), and sarcomatoid (NCI-H2052) histotypes compared with the normal mesothelial HMC-hTERT. RITA triggered robust caspase-dependent apoptosis specifically in epithelioid and biphasic mesothelioma cell lines, both through wild-type and mutant p53, concomitant to p21 downregulation. Conversely, nutlin-3 induced a p21-dependent growth arrest, rather than apoptosis, and was slightly toxic on HMC-hTERT. Interestingly, we identified a previously undetected point mutation of p53 (p.Arg249Ser) in IST-MES 2, and showed that RITA is also able to reactivate this p53 mutant protein and its apoptotic function. RITA reduced tumor growth in a MSTO-211H-derived xenograft model of mesothelioma and synergized with cisplatin, which is the mainstay of treatment for this tumor. Our data indicate that reactivation of p53 and concomitant p21 downregulation effectively induce cell death in mesothelioma, a tumor characterized by a high intrinsic resistance to apoptosis. Altogether, our findings provide the preclinical framework supporting the use of p53-reactivating agents alone, or in combination regimens, to improve the outcome of patients with mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Di Marzo
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy
| | - Paola Indovina
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit; Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale" - IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Rizzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy
| | - Eliseo Mattioli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy; National Cancer Research Centre; Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II"; Bari, Italy
| | - Carmelina Antonella Iannuzzi
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy; Experimental Pharmacology Unit; Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale" - IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Italy
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Sileri P, Capuano I, Franceschilli L, Giorgi F, Gaspari AL. Modified laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy. Tech Coloproctol 2013; 18:591-4. [PMID: 24258391 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-013-1094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We present a modified laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy procedure using biological mesh and bilateral anterior mesh fixation. The rectopexy is anterior with a minimal posterior mobilization. The rectum is symmetrically suspended to the sacral promontory through a mesorectal window.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sileri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy,
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeo Bascioni
- Romeo Bascioni and Barbara Esperide, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice di Montegranaro, Montegranaro; and Francesca Giorgi, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Romeo Bascioni and Barbara Esperide, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice di Montegranaro, Montegranaro; and Francesca Giorgi, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Barbara Esperide
- Romeo Bascioni and Barbara Esperide, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Hospice di Montegranaro, Montegranaro; and Francesca Giorgi, Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
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Sileri P, Boehm G, Franceschilli L, Giorgi F, Perrone F, Stolfi C, Monteleone G, Gaspari AL. Collagen matrix injection combined with flap repair for complex anal fistula. Colorectal Dis 2012; 14 Suppl 3:24-8. [PMID: 23136821 DOI: 10.1111/codi.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several biomaterials have been proposed to treat anal fistula alone or in combination with other surgical procedures aiming to reduce recurrence rates while minimizing continence impairment. More recently a porcine dermal matrix injection has been proposed as infill biomaterial to treat fistulae. We propose an approach consisting of non-cutting seton positioning followed several weeks later by flap repair associated with dermal matrix injection into the fistula tracts. We report our experience with this two-staged procedure on 24 consecutive patients with complex anal fistulae with a median follow up of > 12 months. In our experience this two-stage approach seems to be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sileri
- Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Giorgi F, Marinucci MR, Visconti G. A 2XCO2 climate change scenario over Europe generated using a limited area model nested in a general circulation model 2. Climate change scenario. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/92jd00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Marinucci MR, Giorgi F. A 2XCO2 climate change scenario over Europe generated using a limited area model nested in a general circulation model: 1. Present-day seasonal climate simulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/92jd00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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21
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Giorgi F. Consciousness in the biosemiotic perspective. Int J Psychophysiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.06.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Di Marzo D, Forte I, Indovina P, Di Gennaro E, Giorgi F, Rizzo V, Mattioli E, Budillon A, Giordano A, Pentimalli F. 1056 Pharmacological Targeting of p53 Effectively Induces Apoptosis in Malignant Mesothelioma Cell Lines. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)71667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bascioni R, Giorgi F, Esperide B, Basirat F, Borriello MR, Brugni M, Scriboni S, Rastelli F, Appignanesi R, Picciotti G, De Signoribus G, Giustini L. Medical oncologist’s commitment in the end of life (EoL) care of cancer patients: The caregiver's perspective. J Clin Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.9098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
9098 Background: Optimizing the impact of EoL care on cancer patients (pts) and their caregivers should be a primary goal of an oncology unit. In this study we evaluated satisfaction of family caregivers when the medical oncology team assisted pts until death. Methods: Two oncology units were reorganized to ensure continuity of care; oncologists trained in palliative care medicine assisted pts until EoL. The model assumes that the medical oncologist (MO) is the physician in charge throughout the entire disease trajectory. Relatives of pts assisted at home or at an inpatient hospice underwent a semistructured phone interview conducted by a psychologist or a social worker > 1 month after pts' death. Satisfaction was evaluated for symptoms control, communication, psychological support, overall quality of care and continuity of therapeutic relationship with the MO. A final open-ended question was included for any additional comment. Satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale ranging from very dissatisfied to very satisfied and converted to a 0-to-100 scale. Results: Relatives of 65 pts were contacted, 55 accepted the interview (27 spouses, 22 sons, 5 in-laws, 1 parent); 50/55 were the leader caregiver. Patients were followed at home (41) or at an inpatient hospice (14), for 1-24 wks. Satisfaction mean scores were: symptoms control 76/100, communication 85, psychological support 82 and overall quality of care 87; a specific question on the relevance of the MO in EoL care produced a score of 87, with no negative or neutral responses recorded for this item. Of note, a common perception among caregivers was the appreciation of the MO's commitment during EoL in addition to the technical quality of the intervention. The overall satisfaction score was higher than in our previous study in which a continuity of care model was not formally adopted, with a score improvement from 55 to 87/100. Conclusions: A care pathway where the MO is involved in EoL management of cancer pts improved satisfaction of caregivers.When a longstanding and trusting relationship has been established, the pts-MO connection should not be lost to prevent feelings of abandonment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Manuela Brugni
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
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Giampieri R, Scartozzi M, Maccaroni E, Mandolesi A, Biagetti S, Alfonsi S, Giustini L, Loretelli C, Faloppi L, Bianconi M, Bittoni A, Del Prete M, Cascinu S, Giorgi F. Phosphorylated Akt and MAPK expression in primary tumors and in corresponding metastases and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients receiving irinotecan-cetuximab. J Clin Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e14086 Background: Other than the well-known EGFR pathway activation via the Ras-Raf-MAP-kinase, a possible role of other potential biomarkers could be relevant in determining resistance to anti-EGFR treatment, such as the protein-serine/threonine kinase Akt. We tried to assess the role of Akt and MAPK expression in metastatic colorectal cancer patients and their relationship with outcome for patients receiving Irinotecan-Cetuximab. Methods: Eligible patients were metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated in 2nd or 3rd line setting with a irinotecan-cetuximab based regimen. Patients were tested for K-ras status and subsequently assessed by immunoistochemistry for pAkt and MAPK expression, both in primary tumours and metastases whenever sufficient tissue was available. The role of pAkt and MAPK expression was evaluated for K-ras wild type patients for different likelihood of response, overall survival and progression free survival. Response was evaluated by RECIST criteria. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan-Meier method. Results: In metastases pAkt correlated with RR (9% vs. 58%, p=0.004), PFS (2.3 months vs.9.2 months p < 0.0001) and OS (6.1 months vs.26.7 months p < 0.0001) and pMAPK correlated with RR (10% vs, 47%, p = 0.002), PFS (2.3 months vs.8.6 months p < 0.0001) and OS (7.8 months vs.26 months p=0.0004). At multivariate analysis pAkt and pMAPK in metastases were able to independently predict PFS. pAkt in metastases independently correlated with RR as well. Conclusions: pAkt and pMAPK expression in metastases may modulate the activity of EGFR-targeted antibodies. We could speculate that in patients with pAkt and pMAPK metastases expression targeting these factors may be crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Giampieri
- A. O. Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, A. O. Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Maccaroni
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandolesi
- Anatomia Patologica, A. O. Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Biagetti
- Anatomia Patologica - Ancona Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Alfonsi
- Anatomia Patologica - Ancona Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Cristian Loretelli
- Centro Regionale di Genetica Oncologica, A. O. Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Faloppi
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maristella Bianconi
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bittoni
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Del Prete
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Oncologia Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, A. O. Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Mariotti L, Coppola E, Sylla MB, Giorgi F, Piani C. Regional climate model simulation of projected 21st century climate change over an all-Africa domain: Comparison analysis of nested and driving model results. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010jd015068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Botta R, Lisi S, Pinchera A, Taddei AR, Fausto AM, Giorgi F, Marinò M. Binding, uptake, and degradation of internalized thyroglobulin in cultured thyroid and non-thyroid cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2011; 34:515-20. [PMID: 20959721 DOI: 10.3275/7297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone release requires degradation of thyroglobulin (Tg) by thyroid epithelial cells, which occurs mainly in the lysosomal pathway following Tg endocytosis. Non-specific fluid-phase endocytosis is thought to be the main route of Tg uptake leading to degradation, whereas receptor- mediated endocytosis is believed to lead to post-endocytic pathways other than degradation. To gain more insights into these issues, we investigated handling of Tg by various cell types. Tg bound similarly to thyroid (FRTL-5, FRT) and non-thyroid (COS-7, IRPT) cells, indicating the presence of membrane-binding sites, presumably receptors, in both cell types. Tg was internalized and degraded by all cells and degradation paralleled uptake, with the exception of FRTL- 5 cells, in which a lower proportion of Tg was degraded, suggesting that in FRTL-5 cells mechanisms that target Tg to the various post-endocytic pathways (either receptors or postreceptorial factors) are differently represented. Immunoelectronmicroscopy showed a common path of endocytosis in FRTL-5, COS-7, and IRPT cells, namely the formation of pseudopods engulfing Tg, followed by internalization and accumulation of Tg in cytoplasmic vesicles and lysosomes. The fastest rate was observed in COS-7 cells, probably reflecting a lower impact of endocytic receptors. Our findings suggest that Tg uptake and degradation are not thyroid-specific, that Tg binding sites exist in different cell types, and that uptake and/or degradation are differently regulated in differentiated thyroid cells, presumably because of a different impact of endocytic receptors or post-endocytic mechanisms, which are probably responsible for the regulation of hormone release.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Botta
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Giorgi F, Bascioni R. Bearing the unbearable. J Palliat Med 2011; 14:247-8. [PMID: 21314581 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2010.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Giorgi
- Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy.
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Gabrielli A, Giorgi F, Morsani F, Villa M. Development and simulation results of a sparsification and readout circuit for wide pixel matrices. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysbps.2011.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bascioni R, Giorgi F, Rastelli F, di Pietro Paolo M, Brugni M, Basirat F, Mulattieri S, Giuliodori L, De Signoribus G, Silva RR, Giustini L. Impact of hospice and palliative home care on chemotherapy use at the end of life (EOL). J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e16611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Indovina P, Giorgi F, Rizzo V, Khadang B, Schenone S, Mattioli E, Tomei V, Dimarzo D, Forte IM, D'Urso V, Botta M, Giordano A, Pentimalli F. Abstract LB-227: New SRC inhibitors induce p27-mediated apoptosis in mesothelioma cell lines. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-lb-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor of the serous membranes for which there is currently no specific curative modality. Recent data suggest that hyperactivation of the tyrosine kinase SRC has a key role in MM development and therefore this kinase represents an important molecular target for MM therapy. We tested new pyrazolo-[3,4-d]-pyrimidine SRC inhibitors on a panel of MM cell lines expressing the active form of SRC. These SRC inhibitors exerted a significant proapoptotic effect on MM cells without affecting the normal mesothelial cell line MET-5A, supporting a possible use of these SRC inhibitors for a safe treatment of MM. We also showed that SRC inhibitor-induced apoptosis occurred concomitantly with an increase in the nuclear stability of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27. This finding is remarkable considering that loss of nuclear p27 expression is a well-established adverse prognostic factor in MM and p27 nuclear localization is crucial for its tumor suppressive function. Consistently, SRC inhibition seems to promote the increase in p27 nuclear level also by inactivating the AKT kinase and downregulating cyclin D1, which would otherwise delay p27 nuclear import and provoke its cytoplasmic accumulation. To determine whether p27 stabilization has a direct role in apoptosis induced by SRC inhibition, we stably silenced the CDKN1B gene, encoding p27, in MSTO-211H and REN mesothelioma cells by transduction with lentiviral vectors expressing short hairpin RNAs against the CDKN1B transcript. Strikingly, p27 silencing was able to suppress the apoptosis induced by these SRC inhibitors in both MM cell lines, suggesting that p27 has a crucial proapoptotic role in MM cells treated with SRC inhibitors. Our findings reveal a new mechanism, dependent on p27 nuclear stabilization, by which SRC inhibition can induce apoptosis in MM cells and provide a new rationale for the use of SRC inhibitors in MM therapy.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-227. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-227
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iris M. Forte
- 3CROM Cancer Research Center Mercogliano, Avellino, Italy
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Baklanov A, Lawrence M, Pandis S, Mahura A, Finardi S, Moussiopoulos N, Beekmann M, Laj P, Gomes L, Jaffrezo JL, Borbon A, Coll I, Gros V, Sciare J, Kukkonen J, Galmarini S, Giorgi F, Grimmond S, Esau I, Stohl A, Denby B, Wagner T, Butler T, Baltensperger U, Builtjes P, van den Hout D, van der Gon HD, Collins B, Schluenzen H, Kulmala M, Zilitinkevich S, Sokhi R, Friedrich R, Theloke J, Kummer U, Jalkinen L, Halenka T, Wiedensholer A, Pyle J, Rossow WB. MEGAPOLI: concept of multi-scale modelling of megacity impact on air quality and climate. Adv Sci Res 2010. [DOI: 10.5194/asr-4-115-2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The EU FP7 Project MEGAPOLI: "Megacities: Emissions, urban, regional and Global Atmospheric POLlution and climate effects, and Integrated tools for assessment and mitigation" (http://megapoli.info) brings together leading European research groups, state-of-the-art scientific tools and key players from non-European countries to investigate the interactions among megacities, air quality and climate. MEGAPOLI bridges the spatial and temporal scales that connect local emissions, air quality and weather with global atmospheric chemistry and climate. The suggested concept of multi-scale integrated modelling of megacity impact on air quality and climate and vice versa is discussed in the paper. It requires considering different spatial and temporal dimensions: time scales from seconds and hours (to understand the interaction mechanisms) up to years and decades (to consider the climate effects); spatial resolutions: with model down- and up-scaling from street- to global-scale; and two-way interactions between meteorological and chemical processes.
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Sylla MB, Gaye AT, Jenkins GS, Pal JS, Giorgi F. Consistency of projected drought over the Sahel with changes in the monsoon circulation and extremes in a regional climate model projections. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jd012983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Scartozzi M, Loretelli C, Bearzi I, Mandolesi A, Galizia E, Pistelli M, Bittoni A, Berardi R, Giorgi F, Cascinu S. Correlation of tumor integrins and peritoneal carcinosis capability of gastric cancer. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.e14539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Bascioni R, Esperide B, Iacopini D, Basirat F, Rastelli F, Acito L, Bisonni R, Giustini L, Giorgi F. Continuity of care for cancer patients at the end of life (EoL). J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.6145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Indovina P, Acquaviva A, De Falco G, Rizzo V, Onnis A, Luzzi A, Giorgi F, Hadjistilianou T, Toti P, Tomei V, Pentimalli F, Carugi A, Giordano A. Downregulation and aberrant promoter methylation of p16INK4A: a possible novel heritable susceptibility marker to retinoblastoma. J Cell Physiol 2010; 223:143-50. [PMID: 20039270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
RB loss has long been recognized as the causative genetic alteration underlying retinoblastoma but it is increasingly evident that other alterations are required for the tumor to develop. Therefore, we set out to identify additional inheritable susceptibility markers and new potential preventive and therapeutic targets for retinoblastoma. We focused on the p16INK4A tumor suppressor gene because of its possible role in retinoblastoma pathogenesis and its involvement in predisposition to familial cancer. p16INK4A expression was analyzed in tumor samples from retinoblastoma patients by immunohistochemistry and in peripheral blood cells from both patients and their parents by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Since promoter methylation is a common mechanism regulating p16INK4A expression, the methylation status of its promoter was also analyzed in blood samples from patients and their parents by methylation-specific PCR. A downregulation of p16INK4A was observed in 55% of retinoblastoma patients. Interestingly, in 56% of the cases showing p16INK4A downregulation at least one of the patients' parents bore the same alteration in blood cells. Analysis of p16INK4A promoter methylation showed hypermethylation in most patients with p16INK4A downregulation and in the parents with the same alteration in p16INK4A expression. The finding that p16INK4A was downregulated both in patients and their parents suggests that this alteration could be a novel inheritable susceptibility marker to retinoblastoma. The observation that p16INK4A downregulation seems to be due to its promoter hypermethylation opens the way for the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies using demethylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Indovina
- Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Bascioni R, Giorgi F, Safi M, Giustini L, De Signoribus G, Silva R. Chemotherapy in very elderly cancer patients (85 years and over): A retrospective study. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.e20632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e20632 Background: Elderly cancer patients (pts) population is expanding due to demographic changes. Currently 2.4 % of Italian population is older than 85, with this group accounting ∼8 % of all cancer pts in our geographic area. Since very elderly (85 years and over) cancer pts are generally excluded from clinical trials, few data are available about tolerability of chemotherapy in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of cancer pts aged 85 years and over receiving chemotherapy for advanced disease in the years 2005–2007 in three Oncology Unit of the Regione Marche, Italy. Results: We identified 50 patients (26 males, 24 females) with a mean age of 86.4 (range 85–95), ECOG PS 0 (4 pts) 1 (25 pts) 2 (13 pts) 3 (8 pts). Type of cancer (pts): NSCLC (13), colorectal (11), breast (5), prostate (4), gastric (3), NHL (3), bladder (2), head-neck (2), ovarian (2), vulvar (1), skin (1), pancreas (1), GIST (1), UPT (1). Main co-morbidities included hypertension (18 pts), COPD (8 pts) and heart disease (6 pts). The median number of cycles in first line chemotherapy were 6 (1–44); 20 pts received 2 or more lines of chemotherapy (range 2–5). Dose reductions were planned in all pts: in 26 dose reduction was 30 %, in 22 was 50%, in 2 > 50 %. Most used drugs were: vinorelbine os or iv (14 pts), capecitabine (9 pts), gemcitabine (7 pts). Target agents were used in 7 pts (5 erlotinib, 2 gefitinib, 2 rituximab, 1 sunitinib). Ten partial responses were observed; main toxicities were: grade 3–4 neutropenia (10 %), grade 3 diarrhea (5 %), and 1 pts had grade 3 hand-foot syndrome. No treatment related deaths were observed. Conclusions: Very elderly cancer pts (85 years and over) in good PS and few co-morbid conditions receiving dose reduced chemotherapy experienced acceptable toxic effects; a partial response was documented in 10 out of 50 pts. The expanding use of chemotherapy and target therapy in this clinical setting has profound influence on health care management and costs. Prospective studies specifically designed for this pts population could clarify the benefit, in terms of quality of life and survival, of an interventionist instead of a supportive care only approach. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Bascioni
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - F. Giorgi
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - M. Safi
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - L. Giustini
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - G. De Signoribus
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - R. Silva
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Giorgi
- From Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto; and Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy
| | - Romeo Bascioni
- From Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto; and Unità di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy
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Picchietti S, Belardinelli M, Taddei AR, Fausto AM, Pellegrino M, Maggio R, Rossi M, Giorgi F. Thyroid disruptor 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) prevents internalization of TSH receptor. Cell Tissue Res 2009; 336:31-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-008-0749-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Konare A, Zakey AS, Solmon F, Giorgi F, Rauscher S, Ibrah S, Bi X. A regional climate modeling study of the effect of desert dust on the West African monsoon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jd009322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Martinet V, Guigui B, Glacet A, Zourdani A, Giorgi F, Kuhn D, Coscas G, Soubrane G. 306 Description et évolution de l’œdème maculaire des occlusions veineuses rétiniennes : aspects clinique, tomographique (OCT) et angiographique. J Fr Ophtalmol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0181-5512(08)70903-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Piani C, Sanderson B, Giorgi F, Frame DJ, Christensen C, Allen MR. Regional probabilistic climate forecasts from a multithousand, multimodel ensemble of simulations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jd008712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lindegårdh N, Giorgi F, Galletti B, Di Mattia M, Quaglia M, Carnevale D, White NJ, Mazzanti A, Day NPJ. Identification of an isomer impurity in piperaquine drug substance. J Chromatogr A 2006; 1135:166-9. [PMID: 17046006 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2006.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2006] [Revised: 09/10/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A significant contaminant of the antimalarial drug piperaquine (1,3-bis-[4-(7-chloroquinolyl-4)-piperazinyl-1]propane) has been identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 2D NMR spectroscopy (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, 1H-13C HMBC). The impurity was identified as the positional isomer 1-[(5-chloroquinolin-4)-piperazinyl]-3-[(7-chloroquinolin-4)-piperazinyl]propane. The impurity is formed because of contamination of batches of 4,7-dichloroquinoline (a precursor in the synthesis of piperaquine) with 4,5-dichloroquinoline. The amount of impurity (peak area impurity/peak area piperaquine using LC-UV at 347 nm) in old batches of piperaquine and in Artekin (the combination of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine) ranged from 1.5 to 5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lindegårdh
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Battelli N, Massacesi C, Braconi C, Pilone A, Manzione L, Dinota A, Cobelli S, Scanni A, Sturba F, Giacomini G, Morale D, Giorgi F, Tummarello D, Cascinu S. Paclitaxel and epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil for patients with stage IIIC breast cancer with ten or more involved axillary lymph nodes. Am J Clin Oncol 2006; 29:380-4. [PMID: 16891866 DOI: 10.1097/01.coc.0000221356.81769.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a combination of epirubicin and paclitaxel followed by intravenous (iv) cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracile (CMF) as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer patients with 10 or more metastatic axillary lymph nodes. METHODS Forty-four patients entered this multicenter study and received 4 cycles of epirubicin (E 120 mg/m2 day 1, q3 weeks) and paclitaxel (T 135 mg/m2 day 1, q3 weeks), followed by 4 cycles of iv CMF (days 1 and 8, q4 weeks). Patients with positive hormonal receptors received sequentially tamoxifen associated with LH-RH analogue if premenopausal. The endpoints were the evaluation of the feasibility of this schedule and disease free survival (DFS). RESULTS Median age of patients was 55; median number of positive axillary nodes was 14 (range, 10-47). Hormonal receptor status was positive in 57% of patients. The combination of epirubicin and paclitaxel was well tolerated; NCI grade 3/4 events were: leucopenia in 27% of patients, neutropenic fever in 5 patients, anemia in 7%, thrombocytopenia in 7%, nausea in 18%, vomiting in 14%, and neurotoxicity in 4%. CMF regimen caused a few cases of grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity. No cardiac toxicity was recorded. With a median follow-up of 59 months, 18 (41%) patients relapsed. Sites of relapse were mainly bone, skin/soft tissues, liver, and lung. Median DFS was 78 months, with a 5-year rate of 60%. CONCLUSIONS The combination of paclitaxel at low dose and epirubicin followed by CMF is a feasible regimen, which seems to be effective in high-risk node positive breast cancer patients and requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Battelli
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento di Oncologia e Radioterapia, Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-G. M. Lancisi-G. Salesi, Polo Ospedale-Università, Ancona, Italy.
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White MA, Diffenbaugh NS, Jones GV, Pal JS, Giorgi F. Extreme heat reduces and shifts United States premium wine production in the 21st century. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:11217-22. [PMID: 16840557 PMCID: PMC1544068 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0603230103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Premium wine production is limited to regions climatically conducive to growing grapes with balanced composition and varietal typicity. Three central climatic conditions are required: (i) adequate heat accumulation; (ii) low risk of severe frost damage; and (iii) the absence of extreme heat. Although wine production is possible in an extensive climatic range, the highest-quality wines require a delicate balance among these three conditions. Although historical and projected average temperature changes are known to influence global wine quality, the potential future response of wine-producing regions to spatially heterogeneous changes in extreme events is largely unknown. Here, by using a high-resolution regional climate model forced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emission Scenarios A2 greenhouse gas emission scenario, we estimate that potential premium winegrape production area in the conterminous United States could decline by up to 81% by the late 21st century. While increases in heat accumulation will shift wine production to warmer climate varieties and/or lower-quality wines, and frost constraints will be reduced, increases in the frequency of extreme hot days (>35 degrees C) in the growing season are projected to eliminate winegrape production in many areas of the United States. Furthermore, grape and wine production will likely be restricted to a narrow West Coast region and the Northwest and Northeast, areas currently facing challenges related to excess moisture. Our results not only imply large changes for the premium wine industry, but also highlight the importance of incorporating fine-scale processes and extreme events in climate-change impact studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A White
- Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, 5210 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
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