Showing papers by "University of Modena and Reggio Emilia published in 1998"

Malignant granular cell tumor of soft tissue. Diagnostic criteria and clinicopathologic correlation

Abstract: Seventy-three cases of malignant, atypical, and multicentric granular cell tumors of soft tissue were studied to clarify criteria for malignancy and prognostic factors Six histologic criteria were assessed: necrosis, spindling, vesicular nuclei with large nucleoli, increased mitotic activity (> 2 mitoses/10 high-power fields at 200x magnification), high nuclear to cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio, and pleomorphism Neoplasms that met three or more of these criteria were classified as histologically malignant; those that met one or two criteria were classified as atypical; and those that displayed only focal pleomorphism but fulfilled none of the other criteria were classified as benign Hence, 46 cases were classified as histologically malignant, 21 as atypical (3 were multicentric), and 6 as benign (all were multicentric) The patients with benign multicentric and atypical granular cell tumors had no metastases and there were no tumor deaths In contrast, 11 of 28 patients (39%) with malignant granular cell tumor with follow-up information died of disease at a median interval of 3 years; 8 of 28 (29%) were alive with disease, and 9/28 (32%) were disease free (median intervals, 2 and 7 years, respectively) There were local recurrences in 9 of 28 malignant cases (32%) and metastases in 14 of 28 (50%) (median intervals, each 2 years) Forty-eight cases were studied immunohistochemically; 100% expressed vimentin, 98% S-100 protein, 98% neuron-specific enolase, 69% CD57, and 65% CD68 Alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratins (with CAM 52 and KL-1), chromogranin, and HMB45 were not detected The proliferative index with Ki67 (MIB 1) was 10-50% in 14 of 25 malignant tumors (56%), and immunostaining for p53 was detected in 50% or more of tumor cells in 17 of 25 (68%); both of these factors were statistically significant with regard to the histologic classification as benign, atypical, or malignant Ultrastructural examination of 13 benign, atypical, and malignant granular cell tumors showed engorgement of the cytoplasm with complex granules and lysosomes, as well as Schwannian features By flow cytometric DNA analysis, two of six malignant tumors were aneuploid, two were hyperdiploid, and two were diploid One atypical tumor was aneuploid and all 11 benign tumors were either diploid (9 cases) or hyperdiploid (2 cases) Statistically significant adverse prognostic factors with regard to survival included local recurrence, metastasis, larger tumor size, older patient age, histologic classification as malignant, presence of necrosis, increased mitotic activity, spindling of tumor cells, vesicular nuclei with large nucleoli, and Ki67 values greater [corrected] than 10% This study defines clinical and morphologic criteria for malignancy in granular cell tumors and shows that malignant granular cell tumor is a high-grade sarcoma with a high rate of metastases and a short survival

Age-related modifications of the human alphabeta T cell repertoire due to different clonal expansions in the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets.

Abstract: We have studied the effects of a life-long antigen stimulation on the clonal heterogeneity of human peripheral T cell subsets, as defined by their CD45 isoform expression. CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were obtained from healthy donors ranging in age from 20 to 100 years, and sorted into CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ populations. A modified PCR-heteroduplex analysis was then used to directly compare the TCR Vbeta clonal make up of either compartment pair. We find that the CD4+ T cell repertoire remains largely polyclonal throughout life, since CD4+ expanded clones are rare and accumulate predominantly in the CD45RO+ compartment of exceptionally old donors (100 years old). In contrast, the CD8+ T cell subset contains expanded clones which are already detectable in young adults and become very frequent in 70- to 75-year-old donors in both CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ compartments analyzed. Interestingly, some expanded clones are detectable in the CD45RA+ or in both CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ compartments of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that the age-dependent accumulation of expanded clones starts earlier and is more pronounced in the CD8+ than in the CD4+ T cell subset, reinforcing the concept that clonal expansion in the two subsets is controlled by substantially different mechanisms. Furthermore, whereas the finding of expanded CD45RO+ T cell clones is explained by antigen-driven proliferation, the detection of expanded clones in the CD45RA+ or in both CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ compartments would support the hypothesis of reversion from the CD45RO+ to the CD45RA+ phenotype after antigen encounter.

Does Trade Credit Redistribution Thwart Monetary Policy? Evidence From Italy

Abstract: Italy is an ideal candidate for testing the credit view of the transmission mechanism because of a bank-centred financial structure, a sizeable trade debt, and an economy tilted towards small firms. An empirical analysis of trade credit and debt on averaged panel data shows that small firms act as financially constrained and cycle-sensitive, whereas large ones aim at smoothing sales, adopt an integrated management of inventories and receivables and have a higher trade debt to purchases elasticity. On balance, the net trade credit channel does not, as implied by the credit view, shield small firms from a monetary squeeze.

An intelligent approach to information integration

Abstract: Information sharing from multiple heterogeneous sources is a challenging issue which ranges from database to ontology areas. In this paper, we propose an intelligent approach to information integration which takes into account semantic connicts and contradictions, caused by the lack of a common shared ontology. Our goal is to provide an integrated access to information sources, allowing a user to pose a single query and to receive a single uniied answer. We propose a \semantic" approach for integration where the conceptual schema of each source is provided, adopting a common standard data model and language. Description Logics plus clustering techniques are exploited. Description Logics is used to obtain a semi-automatic generation of a Common Thesaurus (to solve semantic heterogeneities and to derive a common ontology) while clustering techniques are employed to build the global schema, i.e. the uniied view of the data to be used for query processing.

TuCSoN: a Coordination Model for Mobile Information Agents

Abstract: The increasing need to access and elaborate dynamic and heterogeneous information sources distributed over Internet calls for new models and paradigms for application design and development. The mobile agent paradigm promotes the design of applications where agents roam through Internet sites to locally access ad elaborate information and resources, possibly cooperating with each other. This paper focuses on mobile agent coordination, and discusses the TuCSoN coordination model for Internet applications based on mobile information agents. The model is based on the notion of tuple centre, a tuple-based interaction space associated to each site and to be used both for inter-agent cooperation and for accessing to local infromation sources. TuCSoN tuple centres enhance tuple spaces because their behaviour in response to communication events can be programmed. This can be used to deal with heterogeneity and dynamicity of the information sources, as well as to ensure some degree of global data integrity. The effectiveness of the TuCSoN model is shown by means of an application example in the area of Internet information retrieval.

Molecular genetics and control of iron metabolism in hemochromatosis

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HC) is an inborn error of iron metabolism that leads to progressive iron overload. Considerable advances in the knowledge of molecular events in iron metabolism have been recently obtained. These molecular findings, the cloning of the gene responsible for HC (HFE gene) and the results of preliminary studies on the HFE protein prompted us to review this topic. INFORMATION SOURCES: The material examined in this review article includes papers and abstracts published in the Journals covered by the Science Citation Index and Medline. The authors have been working in the field of HC for several years and have contributed eleven of the quoted papers. STATE OF ART AND PERSPECTIVE: HC is now recognized as the genetic disease characterized by the homozygosity for the Cys-->Tyr substitution at position 282 (C282Y) of the HFE protein. The mutation abolishes the association of the HFE protein with beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), making the complex unable to gain the cell surface. Thus HC is an example of abnormal trafficking of the corresponding proteins. It is clear by the analysis of its structure that HFE protein is not an iron transporter itself, but has a regulatory role in iron metabolism. Its peculiar localization in the crypt cells of the small intestine suggests an important role in iron trafficking at this level. However, other proteins are involved in iron uptake, as the recently cloned Nramp2, the first iron transporter discovered in mammalians. Nramp2 has a recognized role both in the intestinal iron uptake and in the iron transport within the erythroblast. The relationships between HFE and Nramp2 are still unexplored. The recent association of HFE gene with transferrin receptor (TfR) in trophoblast cells opens new possibilities on its role in cellular iron uptake. The existence of other forms of genetic iron overload suggests that the scenario of iron proteins is not yet fully defined. Further studies in this field will contribute to our knowledge of iron metabolism regulation in humans.

Osteosarcoma of the extremities with synchronous lung metastases: long-term results in 44 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Abstract: Between September 1986 and September 1991, 44 patients with lung metastases originating from an osteosarcoma of an extremity were treated with: primary chemotherapy, simultaneous resection of primary and metastatic lesions (when feasible), and then further chemotherapy. After primary chemotherapy, lung metastases disappeared in 5 patients, whereas in 11 patients they remained surgically unresectable. All 16 patients received local treatment of the primary tumor only. In the remaining 28 patients simultaneous surgical treatment of the primary and the metastatic tumor was performed. The removal of metastatic lesions was complete in 25 and incomplete in 3 patients. With a median follow-up of 8 years (5.5-10.8) all 14 patients who never achieved a tumor-free status died. Of the 30 patients who achieved remission 5 (17%) remained continuously free of disease and 25 developed new metastases, associated with local recurrence in 4 cases. The 5-year overall survival for all 44 patients of the study was 14%, and the 5-year disease-free survival for the 30 patients who reached remission was 17%. These results are significantly worse than those achieved with the same chemotherapy protocol in 144 contemporary patients with localized disease at presentation (73% disease-free and 79% overall survival). We conclude that, despite aggressive chemotherapy which is successful in patients with localized disease, the prognosis remains very poor for patients with osteosarcoma of the extremities with lung metastases at presentation, and justifies the use of novel therapies.

Efficacy of two different ProMACE-CytaBOM derived regimens in advanced aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Final report of a multicenter trial conducted by GISL

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of ProME(Epidoxorubicin)CE-CytaBOM (PE-C) and ProMI(Idarubicin)CE-CytaBOM (PI-C) in the treatment of adult patients with aggressive non Hodgkin's lymphoma in a multicenter randomized controlled trial performed by 18 centers of the Italian Lymphoma Study Group (GISL). DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight and 122 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 6 courses of PE-C or PI-C, respectively. Some patients achieving complete remission with induction therapy participated in another randomized study comparing no further therapy versus maintenance therapy consisting of four blocks of two drugs. RESULTS: The rate of CRs was 62% and 64% for patients treated with PE-C and PI-C, respectively (p = 0.51). The 5-year relapse-free survival was 60% for PE-C and 53% for PI-C (p = 0.29). The estimated relapse-free disease survival rates at 4 years were 75% for patients in the consolidation group and 57% for those in the observation group (p = 0.11). Patients alive in first complete remission 4 years after study entry were estimated to be 39% in the PE-C arm and 38% in the PI-C arm (p = 0.90). The 3-year and 5-year estimated survival rates were 61% and 55% for the PE-C group and 56% and 47% for the PI-C group (p = 0.26). Fatal toxicities occurred in 7 patients (2.9%) with active disease and in 4 patients (1.7%) in complete remission. Stage (p = 0.04), bulky disease (p = 0.02), serum LDH (p = 0.0006), serum albumin (p = 0.0051), hemoglobin (p = 0.0011), performance status (p = 0.0001), International prognostic index (p < 0.0001) and the index proposed by the French group G.E.L.A. (p < 0.0001) were of prognostic value. In a multivariate analysis (Cox regression model) alternatively IPI alone or G.E.L.A. index plus performance status emerged as independent prognostic factors. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that epirubicin and idarubicin in a combined chemotherapy regimen, have similar activities. The toxic profile also indicates the safety of both anthracyclines at the dosages employed, suggesting their possible dose escalation in a combined chemotherapy setting. PE-C and PI-C were both effective and feasible regimens in an outpatient setting, with acceptable cardiovascular toxicity. The trend toward a better outcome in patients undergoing consolidation therapy after the achievement of a complete remission, warrants further investigation.

Wt-p53 action in human leukaemia cell lines corresponding to different stages of differentiation

Abstract: Recent studies support the potential application of the wt-p53 gene in cancer therapy. Expression of exogenous wt-p53 suppresses a variety of leukaemia phenotypes by acting on cell survival, proliferation and/or differentiation. As for tumour gene therapy, the final fate of the neoplastic cells is one of the most relevant points. We examined the effects of exogenous wt-p53 gene expression in several leukaemia cell lines to identify p53-responsive leukaemia. The temperature-sensitive p53Val135 mutant or the human wt-p53 cDNA was transduced in leukaemia cell lines representative of different acute leukaemia FAB subtypes, including M1 (KG1), M2 (HL-60), M3 (NB4), M5 (U937) and M6 (HEL 92.1.7), as well as blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (BC-CML: K562, BV173) showing diverse differentiation features. By morphological, molecular and biochemical analyses, we have shown that exogenous wt-p53 gene expression induces apoptosis only in cells corresponding to M1, M2 and M3 of the FAB classification and in BC-CML showing morphological and cytochemical features of undifferentiated blast cells. In contrast, it promotes differentiation in the others. Interestingly, cell responsiveness was independent of the vector used and the status of the endogenous p53 gene.

The parabrachial nucleus is essential for acquisition of a conditioned odor aversion in rats.

Abstract: Rats with bilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the gustatory zone of the parabrachial nuclei (PBN) failed to acquire a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in Experiment 1. They also failed to acquire a conditioned odor aversion (COA) when the olfactory cue was presented on an odor disk in Experiment 2 or when it was presented in water in Experiment 3. The failure to acquire the COA was not due to an inability to detect or use olfactory stimuli because the lesioned rats displayed neophobia to a novel odor in Experiment 3 and used an olfactory cue to predict the availability of an aversive capsaicin solution in Experiment 4. Together, the results demonstrate that, as with CTA learning, PBN cell bodies are essential for the establishment of a specific association between an olfactory conditioned stimulus and a lithium chloride unconditioned stimulus.

Relevance of age on survival of 341 patients with multiple myeloma treated with conventional chemotherapy: updated results of the MM87 prospective randomized protocol

Abstract: Relevance of age on survival of 341 patients with multiple myeloma treated with conventional chemotherapy: updated results of the MM87 prospective randomized protocol

Evaluation of a Secondary Sex Character in Eutardigrades

Abstract: Secondary sex characters appear in many heterotardigrades and a limited number of species of eutardigrades. In the eutardigrades Milnesium tardigradum and Pseudobiotus megalonyx, males are considered to always have modified claws on the first pair of legs; the basal branch of both claws in Milnesium and of the inner claw in Pseudobiotus is shaped like a robust hook. We examined one gonochoristic population of both Milnesium tardigradum and of Pseudobiotus megalonyx to evaluate the association of the modified claws with the presence of male germ cells in the testis. Three additional populations of Milnesium tardigradum were examined to provide data on the frequency of the modified claw among all individuals. In both species, molting animals were found with normal claws on the front legs of the old cuticle and modified claws on the front legs of the new cuticle. Examination of the gonad revealed that both species may have males with and without the modified claws. The appearance of the modified claw probably occurs at the last molt, and is used in mating when the male attaches to the female during copulation. Since this secondary sex character is not always present during the life of the tardigrade, but appears after a molt, a sex ratio determined only by the presence of the modified claw is not valid. Additional key words: sexual dimorphism, Milnesium, Pseudobiotus, Eutardigrada Males and females of gonochoristic tardigrades can often be distinguished only on the basis of primary sex characters. The testis and the ovary are both unpaired sacklike organs that appear morphologically quite similar to each other. However, males always have two deferent ducts and females have a single oviduct. In some species of both heterotardigrades and eutardigrades, males have a dilation of the proximal or distal portion of each deferens which functions as a seminal vesicle (for review see Pollock 1975; Bertolani 1992). The gonopore of all adult heterotardigrades opens ventrally, anterior to the anus; the male gonopore usually consists of a small rounded tube, whereas the female gonopore consists of six cuticular valves that form a rosette (for review see Pollock 1975; Bertolani 1992). In the eutardigrades, these differences are absent since the gonoducts and hindgut fuse to form a cloaca that is similar in both sexes. Females of many marine species of heterotardigrades have paired ventro-lateral seminal receptacles between the third and fourth pair of legs; these have a predominantly cuticular nature and open exteriorly via an independent a Author for correspondence. E-mail: lorena.rebecchi @unimo.it outlet (for review see Bertolani 1992). Only in Batillipes pennaki MARCUS 1926 has a single internal seminal receptacle been observed (Grimaldi de Zio & D'Addabbo Gallo 1975). In the eutardigrades, females of only a few species have a single, internal, epithelial spermatheca connected to the rectum via a short duct (for review see Bertolani 1992). Secondary sex characters are found in both classes of tardigrades. In adult heterotardigrades size differences have been reported between males and females, with males being much smaller than females. Sometimes there are true dwarf males (Kristensen 1980; Kristensen & Higgins 1984). In some marine species, males have a more massive and elaborated epicuticle morphology than females (Kristensen & RenaudMornant 1983). Moreover, both in Arthrotardigrada and Echiniscoidea the cephalic clavae are much longer and larger in the male than in the female in many species (for review see Bertolani 1992). Secondary sex characters occur in only a very limited number of species of eutardigrades, and they are always associated with the legs. The males of Macrobiotus hufelandi SHULTZE 1834 (or most probably a closely-related species), Ramazzottius oberhaeuseri (DOYERE 1840), and Ramazzottius tribulosus BERTOLANI & REBECCHI 1988 can be distinguished by having the fourth pair of legs This content downloaded from 157.55.39.243 on Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:52:27 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms Eutardigrade secondary sex character with two flattened lateral humps that are larger and more rounded in the female (Baumann 1966; Bertolani & Rebecchi 1988, 1993). Males of Milnesium tardigradum DOYERE 1840 and Pseudobiotus megalonyx (THULIN 1928), which belong to different orders (Apochela and Parachela, respectively), have similarlymodified claws on the first pair of legs. Males of M. tardigradum have the basal branches of both diploclaws on the first leg shaped like a robust hook bearing a small spur, whereas on the other pairs of legs of the male and on all legs of the female the basal branches of the claws are bior tri-forked (Bertolani 1992). Males of P. megalonyx have the basal branch of the inner claw on the front legs shaped like a thick hook bearing two small spurs: one in the middle of the convexity, the other in the concavity at the base of the claw (Bertolani 1976). Morphological differences are noted also between mature specimens of the same sex of a few species. The marine heterotardigrade Tetrakentron synaptae (CUENOT 1892) has two types of dwarf males: a stationary pygmy male with a flattened body, which differs from the juvenile only in having a mature testis, and a vagile male with longer secondary clavae and an unflattened body (Kristensen 1980). The marine heterotardigrade Tholoarctus natans KRISTENSEN & RENAUD-MORNANT 1983 has small males with external claws lacking secondary or accessory spurs and large males with spurs on the external claws (Kristensen & Renaud-Mornant 1983). In the freshwater eutardigrades Pseudobiotus augusti (MURRAY 1907) and P. megalonyx, different patterns of the hind claws are related to reproductive cycle. The females have short thick claws on the hind legs when holding the eggfilled exuvium, whereas they have long thin claws when they are far from oviposition (Bertolani 1976, 1992). Apart from an hypothesis that in P. megalonyx, modified claws of the male may not be present throughout the life-history (Bertolani 1992), there is no comment in the literature on the existence of males without modified front claws in either M. tardigradum and P. megalonyx. The occurrence of amphimictic populations of these two species prompted us to undertake a more in-depth study for the evaluation of the phenomenon and its effect on determining sex ratio.

How to coordinate Internet applications based on mobile agents

Abstract: The paper surveys the possible coordination models for mobile agent applications and evaluates them in the context of a widely distributed application in the area of WWW information retrieval. The analysis outlines the advantages and the drawbacks of each coordination model and shows how reactivity of the coordination media can provide the degree of flexibility and adaptability required by mobile agent applications.

The neuro-immunological interface in an evolutionary perspective: the dynamic relationship between effector and recognition systems.

Abstract: The evolutionary perspective indicates that an immune-neuroendocrine effector system integrating innate immunity, stress and inflammation is present in invertebrates This defense network, centered on the macrophage and exerting primitive and highly promiscuous recognition units, is very effective, ancestral and appears to have been conserved throughout evolution from invertebrates to higher vertebrates It would seem that there was a "big bang" in the recognition system of lower vertebrates, and T and B cell repertoires, MHC and antibodies suddenly appeared We argue that this phenomenon is the counterpart of the increasing complexity of the internal circuitry and recognition units in the effector system The immediate consequences were a progressive enlargement of the pathogen repertoire and new problems regarding self/not-self discrimination Probably not by chance, a new organ appeared, capable of purging cells able of excessive self recognition This organ, the thymus, appears to be the result of a well known evolutionary strategy of re-using pre-existing material (neuroendocrine cells and mediators constituting the thymic microenvironment) This bricolage at an organ level is similar to the effect we have already described at the level of molecules and functions of the defense network, and has a general counterpart at genetic level Thus, in vertebrates, the conserved immune-neuroendocrine effector system remains of fundamental importance in defense against pathogens, while its efficiency has increased through synergy with the new, clonotipical recognition repertoire

The impact of the coordination model in the design of mobile agent applications

Abstract: The paper introduces a taxonomy of the possible coordination models for mobile agent applications and evaluates their impact in the design of a widely distributed application in the area of information retrieval. The analysis outlines the advantages of uncoupled coordination models and points out the need for coordination models based on reactive blackboards.

On the Validity of the Maximum Principle and of the Euler--Lagrange Equation for a Minimum Problem Depending on the Gradient

Abstract: We consider the limiting case $\alpha =\infty$ of the problem of minimizing $$ \int_\Omega (\| abla u(x)\|^{\alpha} + g(u)) dx \hbox { on $u \in u_0 + W^{1,\alpha}_0(\Omega )$}, $$ where g is differentiable and strictly monotone. If this infimum is finite, it is evidently attained; we show that any minimizing function u satisfies the appropriate form of the Euler--Lagrange equation, i.e., for some function p, $$ \div \, p(x) = g'(u(x)) \quad{\rm for}\quad p(x) \in \partial j_B( abla u(x)), $$ where jB is the indicator function of the closed unit ball in the Euclidean norm of ${\Bbb R}^N$ and $\partial$ is the subdifferential of the convex function jB.

Elevata frequenza della infezione da virus dell'epatite C nei pazienti con linfoma non-Hodgkin all'esordio. Risultati preliminari di uno studio multicentrico italiano.

Abstract: 143 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at the onset entered this perspective study on NHL-associated risk factors. They were 87 males and 56 females with a mean age of 52.3 years (range 14.6-82.3). An associated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was found in 16 of the 143 NHL cases (11.2%; 95% CI 6.5-17.5). They were 11 males and 5 females [mean age 59.9] year with disseminated (13/16) or localized NHL disease (3/16)]. The NHL histological subgroup was low grade (6/16), intermediate grade (2/16) or high grade (8/16). The cell origin was B in 15/16 cases and B cell-T cell rich in 1/16. The discovery of HCV infection was contemporary to lymphoma diagnosis in 6/16 cases but preceded the NHL onset in the other 10 patients. In these 10 patients the median time between HCV infection diagnosis and NHL onset was 3.6 years (range 1-14.5). These data confirm that in Italy the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with NHL (11.2%) is significantly higher than expected in the general population (1.3-3.2%). The finding that, in most cases, HCV infection was definitely antecedent to NHL onset, usually by years, adds evidence to the possible causative role of the HCV in lymphomagenesis.

Retrospective analysis of mantle cell lymphoma : Experience of the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio dei Linfomi (GISL)

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mantle cell lymphoma is a recently recognized histologic entity with specific biological and clinical features. Clinically, the reported unfavorable outcome of these patients has focused attention on this category of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). DESIGN AND METHODS: The slide specimens of 69 NHL patients, originally classified as Working Formulation (WF) group B and E, were reviewed. The clinical features at presentation, response to therapy, response duration and survival were analyzed in cases reclassified as MCL. The correlation between clinical and histologic characteristics and the final outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 69 cases, 34 specimens were reclassified as MCL; in 6 patients, previously classified as WF group B, the nodular pattern was confirmed; in 2 instances the blastoid form was recognized. After a median follow-up of 35.7 months, the entire series displayed a median overall survival of 41.2 months; a significantly longer survival was associated with the nodular histologic pattern, IPI score < 2, response achievement, and a higher Hb level. The vast majority of patients received anthracycline-containing combination chemotherapy. Complete remission rate was 38.8% and overall response rate was 67.6%; response achievement was significantly influenced only by Hb level. Median response duration was 23.3 months. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the unfavorable clinical course of MCL and the possible need for an alternative therapeutic strategy for this NHL category. Therefore, the correct identification of MCL at diagnosis appears of relevance.

Semen preparation by standard swim-up versus swim-up with test yolk buffer incubation in intrauterine insemination: a randomized study

Abstract: In order to compare the standard swim-up semen preparation with and without test yolk buffer (TYB) incubation in intrauterine insemination (IUI), we conducted a prospective multicentre randomized trial. A total of 121 infertile couples with male factor (n = 52) or unexplained infertility (n = 69) was randomly assigned to two groups following ovulation induction. Semen was prepared by standard swim-up in group A (n = 64) and by swim-up followed by TYB incubation in group B (n = 57). A maximum of two IUI cycles was performed. A total of 104 cycles was performed in the swim-up group and 90 in the TYB group. Overall, 15 pregnancies were achieved in group A and 23 in group B, with an overall pregnancy rate of 24.8 and 50.0% per patient respectively (chi2(1), P < 0.05). In the male factor group, pregnancy was achieved in six out of 24 couples (25%) following standard swim-up and in six out of 28 (21.4%) following swim-up and TYB incubation (chi2(1), not significant). In the unexplained infertility group, pregnancy was recorded in nine out of 40 couples (22.5%) following standard swim-up and in 17 out of 29 couples (58.6%) following swim-up and TYB incubation (chi2(1), P < 0.05).

Short-term therapy with recombinant growth hormone in polytransfused thalassaemia major patients with growth deficiency.

Abstract: Growth failure is commonly described in polytransfused thalassaemia major patients (Th) with or without growth hormone (GH) releasing hormone-GH axis impairment. We have investigated the efficacy of short-term recombinant GH (rhGH) therapy (Saizen [Serono] 0.1 IU/kg/day 6 evenings/week administered s.c. for 12 months) on growth and predicted final height in 28 (19M, 9F) regularly transfused Th with growth deficiency (aged 14.8 +/- 2.0 yr) on long term desferrioxamine s.c. therapy. All Th had no evidence of congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism or impaired glucose tolerance; in all patients the GH peak (evaluated during both insulin and clonidine test) was < or = 20 mIU/l; hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was excluded in Th with delayed puberty. At the start of therapy height age (HA)/bone age (BA) ratio was 0.92 +/- 0.12. Bone age delay was positively correlated to chronological age (CA), serum ferritin levels (mean of the last three years), the age at the start of chelation therapy, growth velocity calculated for CA during the last year; a positive correlation was also found between circulating IGF-I levels and age at the start of chelation therapy. After 1 year on rhGH therapy there was a significant increase of height calculated for CA (not for BA), of growth velocity calculated for both CA and BA and of circulating IGF-I levels; the HA variation/BA variation ratio was 1.85 +/- 1.71, without any significant difference between predicted final height at the start (-1.08 +/- 1.28 SDS) and at the end of rhGH therapy (-0.88 +/- 1.13). The variation of height calculated for CA was positively correlated to both CA and growth velocity during the last year before rhGH therapy (calculated for CA) and negatively to the height at the start (calculated for CA). There were no side effects and haematological parameters did not show significant changes. In conclusion, our data, obtained in a relatively large group of Th, confirm the emerging results of short-term (12 months) rhGH therapy on growth, as shown by the increase of both growth velocity and height calculated for CA. With regard to final height, although the mean variation of HA/variation of BA ratio was 1.85, no significant increase of the predicted final height was found between the start and the end of rhGH therapy. We are evaluating the effect of long-term rhGH therapy on growth in these patients.

Weekly administration of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone and bleomycin (VEMB) in the treatment of elderly aggressive non Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of VEMB, a short-lasting therapeutic regimen (50 days) which alternates two myelotoxic drugs (cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone) every week with two less hematologically toxic drugs (vincristine and bleomycin) in the treatment of aggressive NHL in the elderly (over 70). DESIGN AND METHODS: Between November 1994 and March 1996, 37 patients aged more than 70 years, with highly or moderately malignant NHL (according to the Working Formulation) have been enrolled into the study. The stage of the disease ranged between II and IV according to Ann Arbor. Mean age was 77 years; 14 patients (38%) had stage IV; 19 patients (51%) had LDH higher than normal; 26 patients (70%) had extranodal and 9 patients (24%) had bulky disease at time of diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of patients achieved a complete and 22% a partial remission. Non-responders amounted to 5%. Four patients (11%) died during the therapy. Nine patients (24%) experienced grade III-IV neutropenia. The most frequently observed event was mild neurotoxicity (43% of cases). The overall survival rate at 30 months was 55%. DFS at 24 months was 66%. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: VEMB is a therapeutic regimen whose efficacy is comparable to that of the other derived MACOP-B therapeutic regimens used in the elderly NHL. It has proved to have a good feasibility, though the number of toxic deaths should not be neglected.

Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects in a Real-Option Evaluation (Aspetti quantitativi e qualitativi nella valutazione di un'opzione di investimento)

Abstract: This paper deals with an investment option depending on two variables, one of which is quantitative and the other one is qualitative. To every value of the quantitative variable, the value of the qualitative variable is determined such that exercise of the option is preferrable. Furthermore, the value of the option is split into quantitative value and qualitative value.

On-the-job search a microeconometric analysis on italian data

Abstract: In this paper we analyse on-the-job search in Italy, the factors (education, seniority, satisfaction with job held, wages, sector, type of job and labour market situation) affecting it and its outcomes (in terms of earnings, job satisfaction and job stability). We have estimated bivariate probits for job search probability conditional on being employed by using the 1993 and 1995 Bank of Italy survey on household income and wealth. Coefficients show instability over the cycle and by gender. During recession the job characteristics which denote a weaker position in the labour market of employees do increase on-the-job search probability.

Quantum Transport Simulation of the DOS function, Self-Consistent Fields and Mobility in MOS Inversion Layers

Abstract: We describe a simulation of the self-consistent fields and mobility in (100) Si-inversion layers for arbitrary inversion charge densities and temperatures. A nonequilibrium Green's functions formalism is employed for the state broadening and conductivity. The subband structure of the inversion layer electrons is calculated self-consistently by simultaneously solving the Schrodinger, Poisson and Dyson equations. The self-energy contributions from the various scattering mechanisms are calculated within the self-consistent Born approximation. Screening is treated within RPA. Simulation results suggest that the proposed theoretical model gives mobilities which are in excellent agreement with the experimental data.

Scattered Notes on the Prisoner's Dilemma (and Others) [Note Sparse Sul Dilemma Del Prigioniero (E Non Solo)]

Abstract: This papers reports some scattered notes on the prisoner's dilemma and on decision theory originated by the reading of Nozick (1993). It aims at highlighting some obscure aspects of decision theory and, in particular, of game theory: excessive abstraction, non-consideration of contexts and cultural and social environments, and focussing on what each player thinks of the other one, neglect of what each player thinks of himself: This induces to propose the principle of probability and aversion, particular cases of which are Nozick's causal and evidential arguments. Decision theory's rationality-with-no emotions may perhaps be integrated by Damasio's (1996) hypothesis of somatic marker, and Magni and Ricci's (1991) indirect utility may be a further step toward a more realistic treatment of decision processes. Sono riportate nel seguente articolo alcune note sparse sul dilemma del prigioniero e sulla Teoria delle decisioni scaturite dalla lettura di Nozick (1993). Esso mira a cogliere (in modo tutt'altro che sistematico) alcuni aspetti oscuri della Teoria delle decisioni e in particolare della Teoria dei giochi. L'eccessiva astrazione, la non considerazione del contesto e dell'ambiente culturale e sociale in cui il gioco ha luogo e l'attitudine a focalizzare l'attenzione su cio che ogni giocatore pensa dell'altro, trascurando cio che ogni giocatore pensa di se stesso, induce a proporre il principio di probabilita e avversione, di cui gli argomenti evidenziale e causale citati da Nozick sono casi particolari. La razionalita senza emozioni tipica della Teoria delle decisioni puo forse essere integrata dall'ipotesi del marcatore somatico di Damasio (1996) e l'utilita indiretta di Magni e Ricci (1991) puo costituire un ulteriore passo verso una trattazione piu realistica dei processi decisionali.

[Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and food allergy: a study on possible correlations].

Abstract: UNLABELLED Eight children affected by idiopathic chronic thrombocytopenia were studied for history of food allergy, anti-platelet antibodies, total IgE, prick test for food antigens, AGA and EMA. They were free of treatment for thrombocytopenia since at least six months before. Three children had in the first year of life intolerance to cow's milk proteins with atopic dermatitis and/or poor growth. None had AGA or EMA positivity. 6/8 had positivity for anti-platelet antibodies. A 15-days oligoantigenic diet was instituted in all of them. Platelet count was unaffected in all but one, in which a sharp increase was noted (from 19x 10(9)/l. to 150x 10(9)/l.). He was a 12-year-old boy with a previous history of cow's milk intolerance and actual skin prick test positivity for casein and lactoglobulin. A one-year follow up for this case was instituted and he was put on two further 15-days periods of oligoantigenic diet, but no change in platelet count was noted any more. CONCLUSION we were not able to correlate chronic thrombocytopenia to food allergy.