Proapoptotic function of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein.

The retinoblastoma protein (pRB) tumor suppressor blocks cell proliferation by repressing the E2F transcription factors. This inhibition is relieved through mitogen-induced phosphorylation of pRB, triggering E2F release and activation of cell-cycle genes. E2F1 can also activate proapoptotic genes in response to genotoxic or oncogenic stress.

Initial experience with sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy in breast cancer. Preliminary results on 80 consecutive patients.

Sentinel node biopsy, in breast cancer, is a promising surgical technique for predicting histological findings in the remaining axillary lymph nodes, especially in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer. 80 patients with breast cancer were evaluated for enrollment in this study. For mapping procedure 32 patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy in combination with an injection of vital blue dye, while 48 utilized only vital dye.

Prognostic factors in breast cancer: the predictive value of the Nottingham Prognostic Index in patients with a long-term follow-up that were treated in a single institution.

The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) is an index, derived from a retrospective multivariate study, that is able to predict survival in patients with breast cancer. The index is based on tumour size, lymph node stage and histological grade and allows the stratification of patients into three different prognostic groups. The aim of this study was to verify, according to our experience with a long-term follow-up, the effect of some prognostic variables on survival and to establish the independent influence of each of them by means of a survival regression analysis.

Sleep apnea in adults with traumatic brain injury: a preliminary investigation.

Objective: To determine the occurrence and nature of sleep-related breathing disorders in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: Prospective, observational, consecutive sample enrollment of subjects admitted for rehabilitation after TBI.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation and subacute rehabilitation units of a tertiary care university medical system.

[Pica in psychotic patients: an unusual cause of acute abdomen].

Pica is a pathologic craving for substances not commonly regarded as foods. In this study the authors report their experience about five cases presented with an acute abdomen following foreign bodies ingestion by patients mentally handicapped. Therapeutic treatment was emergency laparatomy with postoperative morbidity of 40% and mortality of 40%.