Frequency of Blood Types A, B and AB in a Population of Non-Pedigree Domestic Cats from Central Italy

Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and breed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy and estimate the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction and neonatal isoerythrolysis, caused by mismatched transfusion or incompatible random mating, respectively. The AB blood group was determined on non-pedigree domestic feline patients and potential blood donors submitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Teramo (Abruzzo Region, Teramo, Italy) and Perugia (Umbria Region, Teramo, Italy), and visited at veterinary practitioners in Rome (Lazio Region, Teramo, Italy) using commercial immunochromatographic cartridges and commercial agglutination cards. There were four hundred and eighty-three cats included in the study. The frequencies of the blood types were: 89.9% type A, 7.0% type B, and 3.1% type AB. The probability of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction or a neonatal isoerythrolysis was 6.5%. Although the frequency of type B in non-pedigree domestic cats living in Central Italy was relatively low, to reduce the risk of fatal transfusion reactions, blood group typing is recommended before each transfusion

Magnetic resonance imaging in locally advanced rectal cancer : quantitative evaluation of the complete response to neoadjuvant therapy

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for the discrimination of complete responder (CR) from the non-complete responder (n-CR) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing chemotherapy and radiation (CRT). Material and methods: Between December 2009 and January 2014, 32 patients (33 lesions: one patient had two synchronous lesions) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a pre- and post-CRT conventional MRI study completed with DWI. For both data sets (T2-weighted and DWI), the pre- and post-CRT tumour volume (VT2; VDWI) and the tumour volume reduction ratio (ΔV%) were determined as well as pre- and post-CRT apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and ADC change (ΔADC%). Histopathological findings were the standard of reference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare performance of T2-weighted and DWI volumetry, as well as ADC. Results: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) revealed a good accuracy of pre- and post-CRT values of VT2 (0.86; 0.91) and VDWI (0.82; 1.00) as well as those of ΔVT2% (0.84) and ΔVDWI% (1.00) for the CR assessment, with no statistical difference. The AUC of pre- and post-CRT ADC (0.53; 0.54) and that of ΔADC% (0.58) were significantly lower. Conclusions: Both post-CRT VDWI and ΔVDWI% (AUC = 1) are very accurate for the assessment of the CR, in spite of no significant differences in comparison to the conventional post-CRT VT2 (AUC = 0.91) and ΔVT2% (AUC = 0.84). On the contrary, both ADC and ΔADC% values are not reliable

A functional gene expression analysis in epithelial sinonasal cancer: Biology and clinical relevance behind three histological subtypes

Epithelial sinonasal cancers (SNCs) are rare diseases with overlapping morphological features and a dismal prognosis. We aimed to investigate the expression differences among the histological subtypes for discerning their molecular characteristics. We selected 47 SNCs: (i) 21 nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (NKSCCs), (ii) 13 sinonasal neuroendocrine cancers (SNECs), and (iii) 13 sinonasal undifferentiated cancers (SNUCs). Gene expression profiling was performed by DASL (cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, extension, and ligation) microarray analysis with internal validation by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Relevant molecular patterns were uncovered by sparse partial-least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), microenvironment cell type (xCell), CIBERSORT, and gene set enrichment (GSEA) analyses. The first two sPLS-DA components stratified samples by histological subtypes. xCell highlighted increased expression of immune components (CD8 + effector memory cells, in SNUC) and \u201cother cells\u201d: keratinocytes and neurons in NKSCC and SNEC, respectively. Pathway enrichment was observed in NKSCC (six gene sets, proliferation related), SNEC (one gene set, pancreatic \u3b2-cells), and SNUC (twenty gene sets, some of them immune-system related). Major neuroendocrine involvement was observed in all the SNEC samples. Our high-throughput analysis revealed a good diagnostic ability to differentiate NKSCC, SNEC, and SNUC, but indicated that the neuroendocrine pathway, typical and pathognomonic of SNEC is also present at lower expression levels in the other two histological subtypes. The different and specific profiles may be exploited for elucidating their biology and could help to identify prognostic and therapeutic opportunities

Sinonasal Malignancies of Anterior Skull Base: Histology-driven Treatment Strategies

The advances in endoscopy have revolutionized the management of sinonasal and skull base lesions. Many complex cancers that traditionally required open approaches are now amenable to purely endoscopic endonasal resection, providing less invasive surgery with lower morbidity but with comparable oncologic outcomes in terms of survival rates. This article discusses the current evidence for the multimodal management of sinonasal and anterior skull base cancers focusing on the different treatment protocols driven by histologic subtypes

ECTOPIC PRIMARY OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMA: CASE SERIES AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Objective: Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant tumor arising in the upper nasal cleft. Rarely, ONB may originate in ectopic sites and the impact of this on prognosis and treatment strategies continues to be debated. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with ectopic ONB treated between 2000 and 2020 in a tertiary-care referral center for skull base tumors. Three patients were included in this analysis: a 37-year-old female with ONB arising from the bulla ethmoidalis; a 28-year-old male with inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone due to a maxillary sinus ONB; and a 41-year-old male with lacrimal sac ONB. Preoperative workup, surgical approach, adjuvant treatments and post-operative surveillance have been analyzed. Relevant literature published between 2000 and January 2021 was fully reviewed in order to investigate oncological outcomes and delineate the standard of care for such rare tumors. Results: All patients were treated via endoscopic endonasal resection with radical intent, followed by adjuvant treatments when required. No recurrences of disease were observed after a mean follow-up time of 32 months (range, 12-60 months). Data emerging from current literature suggests that a multidisciplinary treatment approach, including free-margins surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy is recommended. Olfactory bulb and dura preservation should be attempted whenever feasible. Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal surgery should be preferred, where possible, to achieve complete excision in order to minimize patients' morbidity. The ectopic site of origin impacts on prognosis and should be considered when selecting the appropriate multimodal treatment strategy

Effect of First Long-Term Training on Whole Blood Count and Blood Clotting Parameters in Thoroughbreds

Training has a strong effect on the physiology of hematological parameters and blood coagulation, both in humans and in horses. Several blood changes have been reported after exercise in horses but available data differ. We aimed to investigate modifications in complete blood count and some hemostatic parameters induced by the first training period in young untrained Thoroughbred racehorses to detect a possible labile blood coagulability in racehorses. Twenty-nine untrained 2-year-old Thoroughbreds were followed during their incremental 4-month sprint exercise schedule. Blood collection was performed once a month, five times (T-30, T0, T30, T60 and T90), before and during the training period for measurement of complete blood count (CBC) and blood clotting parameters (prothrombin time—PT, activated partial prothrombin time—APTT, thrombin clotting time—TCT, fibrinogen—Fb, thrombin–antithrombin complex—TAT). Differences among the time points for each parameter were analyzed (ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.05). In Thoroughbreds, the first long-term exercise workout period was found to induce a statistical increase in red blood cell indexes and lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelet counts, as well as a hypercoagulability state evident at 30 days of training, which returned to basal levels after 90 days. Regular physical exercise seems to blunt the negative effects of acute efforts on hematological and clotting parameters, an effect that may be attributed to the training condition

Multidisciplinary treatment algorithm for the management of sinonasal cancers with orbital invasion: A retrospective study

Sinonasal cancers frequently involve the orbit with resulting controversies on whether to remove or preserve the orbital contents

The current management of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome and the role of radiotherapy: Principles and indications

AimTo evaluate the current treatment of mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) focusing on the role of radiotherapy (RT), its principles and indications, and the perspectives of the novel irradiation technologies.BackgroundMF and SS are rare lymphoproliferative diseases whose incidence is increasing. For a long time RT has been used as a single modality or in integrated treatment programs for these diseases.Materials and methodsThe latest systematic reviews, primary studies and new diagnostic and treatment guidelines on MF and SS were analyzed. Clinical outcomes together with the technical aspects and the role of RT were also evaluated.ResultsNew data are available on pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, classification and staging procedures for MF and SS and several local and systemic therapies are proposed. Localized RT can cure “minimal stage” MF while total skin electron beam irradiation (TSEI) may cure initial-stage disease and may offer important symptom relief (itch, erythroderma) in a more advanced setting. Despite its efficacy, RT is not largely used, mainly because of some technical difficulties but new RT technologies may be proposed to treat large skin surfaces.ConclusionsNew treatment programs offer good results, with median survival of more than 12 years in early-stage MF, but the median survival of 2.5 years or less in advanced stages is still a challenge. RT remains an option for all stages with a good cost/effectiveness ratio in a curative or palliative setting. New RT technologies can overcome some technical problems of treating large skin surfaces

Treatment strategies for primary early-stage sinonasal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective bi-institutional case-control study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate different treatment strategies for primary early-stage (pT1-T2) sinonasal adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. From 2000 to 2011, 61 cases were radically resected using an endoscopic endonasal approach. Surgery as a single treatment modality was adopted for 33 patients (study group) while it was followed by postoperative radiotherapy (poRT) in 28 patients (control group). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 61 and 67 months for the study and control group respectively. Patients were stratified according to the pT classification and no statistically significant differences were found in terms of Overall (OS) and Recurrence-free (RFS) survival. When analyzing the high-grade tumors (47 cases), statistically significant differences were observed between the control and study groups both in terms of OS (90.5%\u2009\ub1\u20096.5% versus 57.6%\u2009\ub1\u200915.4%, P\u2009=\u20090.03) and RFS (92.3%\u2009\ub1\u20097.39% versus 80.2%\u2009\ub1\u20098.88%, P\u2009=\u20090.05). Using multivariate analysis, OS was independently determined by poRT (Hazard Ratio\u2009=\u20090.16; P\u2009=\u20090.03) thus confirming its protective role for high-grade adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that endoscopic endonasal surgery could be used as a single treatment modality for primary early-stage low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma, resected with negative margins. Surgery followed by poRT offers the best treatment strategy not only for advanced-stage lesions but also for high-grade adenocarcinomas, regardless of the stage of disease at presentation

Endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma: Retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND: Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is a rare and locally aggressive occupation-related tumor. Currently, endoscopic-assisted resection and advances in irradiation modalities (3D conformal radiotherapy/intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT]) are emerging as an alternative to traditional open surgery and conventional radiotherapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients affected with sinonasal ITAC, primarily treated by an endoscopic approach followed by 3D conformal radiotherapy/IMRT at a single institution, from 2003 to 2010. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 72.7% \ub1 9.6%, 78% \ub1 9.5%, 67.9% \ub1 10.7%, and 69.2% \ub1 9.4%, respectively (mean follow-up, 48 months). No major complications or serious toxicities were observed. Prognostic factors were stage of disease at diagnosis, development of recurrences, status of surgical margins, grading, tumoral pattern of growth, and proliferative index (Ki-67). CONCLUSION: The low morbidity of endoscopic approaches, the acceptable toxicity of modern irradiation modalities, and these promising survival rates, indicate that this treatment strategy might be considered a safe, minimally invasive, and maximally effective option for treating selected sinonasal ITAC.BackgroundIntestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is a rare and locally aggressive occupation-related tumor. Currently, endoscopic-assisted resection and advances in irradiation modalities (3D conformal radiotherapy/intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT]) are emerging as an alternative to traditional open surgery and conventional radiotherapy.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients affected with sinonasal ITAC, primarily treated by an endoscopic approach followed by 3D conformal radiotherapy/IMRT at a single institution, from 2003 to 2010.ResultsThe 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 72.7% 9.6%, 78% +/- 9.5%, 67.9% +/- 10.7%, and 69.2% +/- 9.4%, respectively (mean follow-up, 48 months). No major complications or serious toxicities were observed. Prognostic factors were stage of disease at diagnosis, development of recurrences, status of surgical margins, grading, tumoral pattern of growth, and proliferative index (Ki-67).ConclusionThe low morbidity of endoscopic approaches, the acceptable toxicity of modern irradiation modalities, and these promising survival rates, indicate that this treatment strategy might be considered a safe, minimally invasive, and maximally effective option for treating selected sinonasal ITAC. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck37: 677-684, 201