Investigation of CD69 as a new candidate gene for rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the CD69 gene as a new functional candidate gene for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) genetic predisposition. A case–control association study including 933 RA patients and 800 healthy individuals was conducted. Five haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs929615, rs3176806, rs4763299, rs11052877, and rs3176789) covering the CD69 gene coding, 5' and 3' untranslated regions were selected as CD69 genetic markers and genotyped using a Taqman 5' allelic discrimination assay. No statistically significant differences were observed in the single marker association study with regard to either genotypic or allelic frequencies when considering the rs929615, rs3176806, rs4763299, rs11052877, and rs3176789 CD69 SNPs independently. According to these findings, no statistically significant skewing was observed between the RA patients and the controls in the distribution of CD69 haplotypes. In summary, our results do not support a major role for the CD69 gene polymorphisms in RA genetic predisposition in our population.     

The miR-17-92 cluster and its target THBS1 are differentially expressed in angiosarcomas dependent on MYC amplification

Angiosarcomas (ASs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignant vascular tumors that may occur spontaneously as primary tumors or secondarily after radiation therapy or in the context of chronic lymphedema. Most secondary ASs have been associated with MYC oncogene amplification, whereas the role of MYC abnormalities in primary AS is not well defined. Twenty-two primary and secondary ASs were analyzed by array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and by deep sequencing of small RNA libraries. By aCGH and subsequently confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, MYC amplification was identified in three out of six primary tumors and in 8 out of 12 secondary AS. We have also found MAML1 as a new potential oncogene in MYC-amplified AS. Significant upregulation of the miR-17-92 cluster was observed in MYC-amplified AS compared to AS lacking MYC amplification and the control group (other vascular tumors, nonvascular sarcomas). Moreover, MYC-amplified ASs were associated with a significantly lower expression of thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) than AS without MYC amplification or controls. Altogether, our study implicates MYC amplification not only in the pathogenesis of secondary AS but also in a subset of primary AS. Thus, MYC amplification may play a crucial role in the angiogenic phenotype of AS through upregulation of the miR-17-92 cluster, which subsequently downregulates THBS1, a potent endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis.     

What is the clinical relevance of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis?: findings from a multi-center, prospective study

Acute bronchiolitis (AB) is caused primarily by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Recent laboratory tools have implicated a variety of other pathogens; however, their clinical relevance has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the etiological agents of AB affect its course. A multicenter prospective study was performed in previously healthy children <24?months of age who presented with <4?days duration of AB. Subjects were divided into the following groups: “only RSV,” “also RSV,” “no RSV,” and “no pathogen.” The clinical severity score on admission as well as the overall severity of disease was assessed. RSV was the most common cause of AB (77.5?%). “Only RSV” or “also RSV” patients had a higher clinical score on admission compared to those with “no RSV,” p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.02, respectively. “Only RSV” and “also RSV” patients had a higher disease severity score when compared to patients with “no RSV,” 5.9?±?1.4 vs. 5.1?±?1.5, p?<?0.001, and 5.6?±?1.4 vs. 5.1?±?1.5, p?<?0.02, respectively. Disease severity did not vary as a function of transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or duration of supplemental oxygen, yet, “only RSV” was associated with a longer length of stay (LOS) than “no RSV,” p?<?0.02. “Only RSV”-related AB was associated with a more severe initial clinical presentation and a longer LOS. There appears to be little immediate clinical benefit to diagnosing RSV AB to the individual patient, but the application of these diagnostic methods may have significant cost-saving implications and, thus, deserves consideration by medical professionals and health policy analysts.     

Smoking prevalence and smoking attributable mortality in Italy, 2010

Objective

To provide updated information on smoking prevalence and attributable mortality in Italy.

Method

A representative survey on smoking was conducted in 2010 on a sample of 3020 Italian adults (1453 men and 1567 women). We used SAMMEC software to update smoking attributable mortality in Italy.

Results

In 2010, 21.7% of Italians (23.9% of men and 19.7% of women) described themselves as current smokers. Smoking prevalence was higher in men than in women in all age groups, except for the middle-aged population (45-64 years; 25.6% in men and 25.9% in women). Age-standardized smoking prevalence was higher in men than in women among less educated subjects and in southern Italy. No substantial difference was observed either in educated subjects or in northern and central Italy. Overall, 71,445 deaths in Italy (52,707 men and 18,738 women, 12.5% of total mortality) are attributable to smoking.

Conclusion

The overall smoking prevalence of 21.7% in 2010 is the lowest registered over the last 50 years. Since 1998, smoking related deaths declined by almost 15%. Given that Italy has now reached the final stage of the tobacco epidemic, anti-smoking strategies should focus on support for smoking cessation.     

Is unimpeded marketing for breast milk substitutes responsible for the decline in breastfeeding in the Philippines? An exploratory survey and focus group analysis

Infant mortality and morbidity risk is linked to formula usage. The proportion of Filipino infant formula users rose 6% between 2003 and 2008. It is hypothesized this rise resulted from aggressive formula industry marketing. We conducted a household survey between April and December 2006 and focus groups in April-May 2007 in The Philippines to examine the association between mothers' exposure to advertising and other information sources and formula feeding decisions. Sixteen barangays (communities) were randomly selected from three purposively selected disadvantaged rural, urban and mixed municipalities. A total of 345 households had children under 24-months age: 114, 142 and 89 households from the rural, urban and mixed municipalities, respectively. In addition 38 respondents participated in 3 focus groups of 10-15 participants each, from three selected barangays. After adjusting for education and economic indicators logistic regression analysis showed that, children were more likely to be given formula if their mother recalled advertising messages, or a doctor, or mother or relative recommended it. Those using formula were 6.4 (1.8-23.1) times more likely to stop breastfeeding before 12 months. The focus groups described how television advertisements, doctors and medical representatives enticed them to use formula. We conclude that two factors were strongly associated with the decision to formula feed: self-reported advertising exposure, and physicians' recommendations.