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Biomedical subjects

E Azizi

Publications and source records attributed to E Azizi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Objective and subjective stressors and the psychological adjustment of melanoma survivors.

This study of 300 melanoma survivors examines the relative contributions of objective illness-related factors (stage of illness at diagnosis, time since diagnosis, and change in physical condition) and of subjective factors (cognitive appraisal) to their psychological adjustment. The findings show that lower appraisal of their situation as a threat, higher appraisal of it as a challenge, and higher appraisal of their subjective ability to cope with it all increased their well-being, while lower threat appraisal and higher appraisal of subjective ability to cope also reduced their distress. These findings, which are consistent with Lazarus and Folkman's stress coping theory, suggest that subjective factors may be more important than objective medical factors in predicting patients' adjustment. With this, more advanced stage at diagnosis contributed to reducing distress, while being married contributed both to higher well-being and reduced distress.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

The role of IVIg treatment in severe pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has become a part of the treatment armentarium in pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Some consider IVIg as an adjuvant steroid sparing agent in PV, while others as disease modifying that can be used as monotherapy. METHODS: We report our experience with a series of 12 PV patients with severe disease treated with IVIg as an adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Ten of 12 patients (83%) showed response to six cycles of IVIg, six (50%) having complete remission and four (33%) having a partial response. This response rate is concordant with previous reports. The therapy was well tolerated. In all 12 patients, treatment with IVIg allowed a gradual reduction of prednisone dose compared with baseline levels. CONCLUSION: IVIg treatment was beneficial as a steroid sparing agent in our series of patients with severe PV.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Search for germline alterations in CDKN2A/ARF and CDK4 of 42 Jewish melanoma families with or without neural system tumours.

To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the inherited predisposition to melanoma and associated neural system tumours, 42 Jewish, mainly Ashkenazi, melanoma families with or without neural system tumours were genotyped for germline point mutations and genomic deletions at the CDKN2A/ARF and CDK4 loci. CDKN2A/ARF deletion detection was performed using D9S1748, an intragenic microsatellite marker. Allele dosage at the p14ARF locus was analysed by quantitative real-time PCR employing a TaqMan probe that anneals specifically to exon 1beta of the p14ARF gene. For detecting point mutations, dHPLC and direct sequencing of the coding sequences of CDKN2A/ARF and CDK4 was used. No germline alterations in any of the tested genes were detected among the families under study. We conclude that in the majority of Ashkenazi Jewish families, the genes tested are unlikely to be implicated in the predisposition to melanoma and associated neural system tumours.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of immunotoxicity induced by diazinon in C57bl/6 mice.

Diazinon (DZN), an organophosphate insecticide, has been used in agriculture for several years. It is possible the residue of this compound to be recycled in the biological system. There is no report on DZN immunotoxicity potential. In the present study, we examined the immunotoxic effects of intraperitoneally administered DZN in the C57bl/6 female mice. Diazinon was administered at doses of 25, 2, and 0.2 mg/kg for 28 days (five injections per week). Animals were then sacrificed to observe the cellularity or histopathological changes in thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. Furthermore, humoral and cellular functional responses such as Hemagglutination titration (HA), IgM-Plaque Forming Colony Assay (PFC), Delayed-Type-Hypersensitivity (DTH) to SRBC, and T cell subtyping (CD4/CD8) were determined. The results showed that DZN at 25 mg/kg not only could produce gross histopathological changes in thymus and spleen but also could suppress both humoral and cellular activity of the immune system. At lower doses (0.2 and 2 mg/kg) there were no observable alteration in cellularity or histology of immune tissues. However, DZN at medium dose (2 mg/kg per day) could inhibit RBC-cholinesterase and showed a mild decrease (P < 0.1) in thymus/body-weight ratio and DTH response. At dose of 0.2 mg/kg no histopathological or functional disturbances were detectable. These results indicate that DZN has immunosuppressive effects in the C57bl/6 mice at doses more than 2 mg/kg. The present results however indicate that under recommended Allowed Daily Intake (ADI) limit (<0.02 mg/kg), no observable immunotoxicity effect is expected.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[In vitro effects of acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine and serotonin on tracheal smooth muscle response during hypersecretion and normal secretion of tracheal glands].

It is expressed in vitro answer of the soft musculature of the tracheobronchial system of the newborns from 12 to 18 weeks of the gestation, with the hypersecretion and normosecretin of the tracheal gland. On 30 tracheal preparations taken by autopsy' of the dead children, was followed-up the answer of the tracheal soft musculature (SMT) on acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine and serotonine in the concentrations from 110(-4), 10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1) M/L. The results illustrate that acetylcholyne, and histamine in the mentioned concentrations provoked the statistically significant answers of GMT with the hypersecretion and normosecretion of the tracheal glands (p < 0.01). On the contrary, dopamine and serotonine have not provoked statistically significant answers of these structures (p > 0.1), what illustrates that also dopaminergic and serotoninergic receptors at tracheobronchila system are not sufficient developed in this age of life. The answers of the tracheal-bronchial rings with hypersection of the tracheal glands a little more emphasized than the answers with normosecretion of the glands, but this difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.1).

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2000

Rehabilitation considerations of prosthetic fittings for Kaposi's sarcoma amputees.

PURPOSE: We report on cutaneous limb manifestations of Kaposi's sarcoma and the secondary infection of these lesions that necessitated five lower-limb amputations. METHOD: The cases are briefly described and prosthetic adaptations in respect to pressure, traction and sweating on the skin are considered. RESULTS: All four patients ambulated initially; one lady died, the double amputee stopped walking owing to the excessive physical demand, and two patients ambulate freely. CONCLUSION: Special considerations to the cutaneous/prosthesis interface are necessary in order to provide these patients with optimal ambulatory ability.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Classic kaposi sarcoma: epidemiology and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Although Kaposi sarcoma (KS) initially was described over a century ago, its biology remains enigmatic and conflicting. Whereas the classic type occurs mainly in older men of Mediterranean or Eastern European backgrounds and is not linked to impairment of the host immune response, iatrogenic and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated KS are linked to such conditions. A recently discovered pathogen, KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) (also known as human herpesvirus 8 [HHV8]), is found in tissues from all four forms of KS (classic, iatrogenic, endemic [African], and HIV-associated). This universal detection of KSHV/HHV8 suggests a central role for the virus in the development of KS and a common etiology for all KS types. The epidemiology and risk factors of classic KS, along with the biology of KSHV/HHV8 and the prevalence of the virus among different populations, is presented. METHODS: The current review is based on multiple information sources, electronic health data in all languages from 1966 onward, and previously published scientific reports from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. RESULTS: Nearly 5000 cases of morphologically characterized classic KS have been reported in Europe, Mediterranean countries, and the Americas up to 1998. Geographic location, ethnicity, time interval, age, and gender heavily influence the incidence rate of classic KS. The rate of incidence of nonacquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated KS correlates with the KSHV/HHV8 seroprevalence in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Many contributory factors undoubtedly have etiologic and pathogenic significance in the development of classic KS; however, the interplay between these factors has complicated the understanding of the induction and development of the disease as well as the significance of each factor. As with other cell-transforming human DNA viruses, infection with KSHV/HHV8 alone is not sufficient for the development of KS and additional cofactors are required.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

A graded work site intervention program to improve sun protection and skin cancer awareness in outdoor workers in Israel.

OBJECTIVES: A graded worksite intervention program to improve sun protection and skin cancer awareness of outdoor workers was implemented and evaluated longitudinally over a period of 20 months. METHODS: Outdoor male workers (144/213 recruits) from geographically separated units of the Israel National Water Company were allocated to complete (n = 37), partial (n = 72) or minimal (n = 35) intervention groups. Subsequent to the assignment and training of local safety officers, an educational and medical screening package was provided to the corresponding groups either once, or repeatedly a year later. Personal sun protective gear was provided upon repeated intervention. Outcome measures were evaluated through self-response questionnaires administered prior to the first intervention pulse, and 8 months after the first and second interventions. RESULTS: A 15-61% improvement in sun-protection habits was noted in the entire study population 8 months after initialization, compared to no sunscreen use, 20% sun-exposed skin area and highest mean occupational exposure dose of 1.68 MED/day at pre-test. An even greater use of sunscreen was evident 1 year later in the complete and partial intervention groups, + 80% and + 52%, respectively. The baseline rate of self-examination of the skin in the same two groups (49%) increased significantly at post-test (+ 71% and + 53%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This integrated intervention program led to significantly improved sun protection and skin cancer awareness. Repeated intervention combined with the supply of sun-protective gear contributed to an even greater impact.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Two p16 (CDKN2A) germline mutations in 30 Israeli melanoma families.

Germline mutations in the p16 (CDKN2A) tumour suppressor gene have been linked to inherited predisposition to malignant melanoma (MM). Variable frequencies of p16 germline mutations were reported in different collections of melanoma families but it can be as high as 50%. Here we describe the results of p16 mutation screening in 30 melanoma kindreds in Israel. The entire coding region of the p16 gene, including exons 1, 2 and 3, flanking exon/intron junctions, and a portion of the 3' untranslated (UTR) region of the gene were examined by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct sequencing. Two p16 germline mutations were identified: G101W, which has been previously observed in a number of melanoma kindreds, and G122V, a novel missense mutation. Thus, the frequency of mutations identified in this collection of Israeli families was 7%. Functional analysis indicated that the novel G122V variant retained some capacity to interact with cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) in vitro, yet it was significantly impaired in its ability to cause a G1 cell cycle arrest in human diploid fibroblasts. This partial loss of function is consistent with the predicted impact of G122V substitution on the 3-dimensional structure of the p16 protein.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Use of sunscreen is linked with elevated naevi counts in Israeli school children and adolescents.

Epidemiological evidence indicates that a fair complexion and exposure to solar radiation in early years contribute to the proliferation of naevi and subsequent melanoma risk. To determine whether protection from sunlight is associated with lower naevi counts, we examined the prevalence and risk factors of naevi in a sample of Israeli school pupils. Whole body counts of naevi were recorded in 974 out of 1312 (74.2%) recruited pupils (7 and 12 year olds) from Ramat-Gan and Jerusalem. Host characteristics and habits of sun exposure were obtained using questionnaires. In each age group and geographic area, the mean whole body naevi counts, adjusted for confounders, were higher among males, pupils of European-American descent, and those susceptible to sunburn. The contributions to naevi risk of fair skin colour and frequent recreational sun exposure were higher among 7 year olds. Regular sunscreen use contributed to the naevi risk for both age strata in Ramat-Gan (at age 7, rate ratio [RR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-2.2; at age 12, RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1). Among the younger age group in Ramat-Gan, even seldom compared with no use of sunscreen was associated with higher naevi counts (RR= 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0). Similar patterns were noted with the pupils from Jerusalem. In conclusion, the elevated naevi count with increased sunscreen use indicates that sunscreens apparently do not modify the genetic predisposition to naevi proliferation. For better protection of children and adolescents, including those who use sunscreens, from the naevogenic effect of solar radiation, they should be encouraged to limit their exposure and wear protective clothing when in the sun.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Decreased density of epidermal dendritic cells in melanocytic naevi: the possible role of in vivo sun exposure.

Melanocytic naevi are benign skin tumours that originate in the epidermis. The pathogenesis of naevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma has been linked to sun exposure. This study evaluates alterations in the density of immunologically active epidermal dendritic cells (EDCs) in naevi in response to sun exposure. Immunohistologically stained sections of 266 naevi from patients from Israel (n=135) and Germany (n=131) were evaluated. The proportion of naevi with decreased density of HLA-DR+ (dDR+) and CD1a+ (dCD1a+) EDCs was analysed according to country, last exposure to sunlight, anatomical location and histological subtype. The risk of dDR+ was found to be linked to residence in Israel compared with Germany (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-8.9), suggesting a latitude-dependent effect. Naevi removed in summer had a higher risk of dCD1a+ (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 2.3-9.8) compared with those removed in winter. The most conspicuous dDR+ among the German cases, and dCD1a+ among the Israelis, occurred in naevi located on commonly exposed skin. The similar densities of EDCs in the lesional and perilesional skin of the majority of the naevi indicates that the underlying naevus cells have no effect on EDC density. It is not unlikely that an altered immune response due to dDR+ and dCD1a+ in sun-exposed skin in the vicinity of naevi contributes to the subsequent melanoma risk in highly susceptible individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in Jews living in Israel, 1961-1989: a population-based incidence study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) has been reported to be high in Jewish populations, mostly born in Eastern Europe. OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence on CKS in Israeli Jews and to determine differences in incidence according to their geography origin. DESIGN: We analysed data on 1098 incident CKS cases with known country of origin occurring between 1961 and 1989 in the Jewish Israeli population. Reporting systems were the Israel Cancer Registry, the medical documentation of all-Kaposi's sarcoma cases and the registry of HIV-seropositive patients. Patients who were seropositive for HIV were excluded from the study population. Population figures for groups of migrants and natives were derived from census surveys (1961, 1972, 1983) and inter-census estimates based on the population registry. RESULTS: The overall age-standardized rate of CKS was 16.9 per million in men and 6.3 per million in women. The ratio between genders remained stable during the study period. In both genders, there was a steep increase in CKS incidence between the late 1960s (age-standardized rates per million: 8.0 in men and 2.2 in women) and the early 1970s (17.9 in men and 6.7 in women). No further increase was present after 1971. Overall, immigrants experienced a relative risk (RR) of 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.521 compared with Jews born in Israel. Immigrants from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia had the highest incidence (RR 2.01; 95% CI 1.52-2.65) compared with Jews born in Israel, followed by those born in Iraq (RR 1.74; CI 95% 1.27-2.37). The lowest incidence was experienced by immigrants from Iran (RR 0.37; CI 95% 0.18-0.77) and from Central European countries (RR 0.45; CI 95% 0.30-0.66). Immigrants from other countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe had similar rates as Jews born in Israel. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli Jews present one of the highest incidences of CKS reported from developed countries. The incidence varies according to geographical origin. Countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea represent the area of highest CKS incidence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Cutaneous lymphoma in Israel, 1985-1993: a population-based incidence study.

The incidence rate of cutaneous lymphomas (CL) [including mycosis fungoides (MF) and non-mycosis fungoides (non-MF)] for the period 1985-93 in Israel was determined using data from the population-based Cancer Registry supplemented by a field survey that covered approximately 80% of lymphoma cases. After the field survey, corrected rates were 49% and 24% higher for MF and non-MF respectively (37% for CL overall). The age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 were 1.18 and 0.63 for Jewish men and women respectively. MF rates (0.77 in men and 0.35 in women) were higher than non-MF (0.41 and 0.28 respectively). Rates of CL were significantly lower in non-Jews. There were no significant differences in incidence among Jewish ethnic subgroups. However, the lack of variability in the incidence of these neoplasms among subpopulations is in contrast with findings for cutaneous malignant melanoma; the observed high rates of CL could, nonetheless, be consistent with the sunlight exposure hypothesis, operating perhaps through a different mechanism.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1998

Silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) as a prognostic value in malignant melanoma.

The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are chromosomal loops of DNA and proteins involved in ribosomal synthesis. By silver staining, they can be identified as black dots (AgNORs) in the nuclei. Their size and number reflect cell and nuclear activity. Therefore, AgNOR count may correlate with the proliferative activity of tumors. In malignant melanoma, correlation between AgNOR count and the growth phase was found. However, the value of AgNORs in determining prognosis is disputable. Our purpose was to evaluate the role of AgNORs in predicting the biological behavior of melanoma. Paraffin-embedded sections of 30 cases of primary melanoma, 0.4-5 mm thick (mean, 1.6 mm) were stained with silver. Follow-up of all patients was at least 5 years. For each tumor, at least 50 cells were randomly selected for AgNOR count at a final magnification of 500, and the mean of AgNOR content was calculated. Sample parameters corresponded well to the epidemiology and the natural history of melanoma. AgNOR counts (0.78-4.26; mean, 1.42+/-0.72) correlated with tumor thickness (p = 0.01); thus, most superficial tumors had low AgNOR counts, whereas most deep tumors (> or = 1.5 mm) showed high counts. Patients who had tumors with AgNOR counts lower than the median had longer disease-free interval (DFI) than did patients who had tumors with higher counts (p = 0.02). Furthermore, in a multivariate Cox analysis, AgNOR count was independent of tumor thickness in determining DFI (p = 0.05). Therefore, AgNORs may serve as a parameter to predict more accurately the progression of melanomas (mainly thin ones). Larger studies are needed in order to consolidate these preliminary results and to characterize AgNOR value further as a prognostic factor in melanoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of melanocytic nevi and freckles in young Israeli males. Correlation with melanoma incidence in Jewish migrants: demographic and host factors.

The role of host and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of multiple melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and freckles was studied in 1989 in a random sample of 3,040 Israeli males aged 17 years. Multiple melanocytic nevi were significantly associated with family history of melanoma or multiple melanocytic nevi (odds ratio (OR) = 15.0), fair or lightly pigmented skin color (OR = 2.7 and 2.3, respectively), and affiliation to the high or heterogenous melanoma risk group, determined by the incidence rates of melanoma in Jewish migrants from corresponding origin (OR = 3.1 and 2.1, respectively). An environment-related effect may account for the increased multiple melanocytic nevi risk among second- (OR = 8.2) compared with first-generation, native-born recruits (OR = 3.0) from the high melanoma risk group whose families had been living in Israel the longest. Atypical nevi were associated with fair (OR = 6.1) and lightly pigmented (OR = 3.5) skin color, high and moderate sunburn susceptibility (OR = 4.7 and 2.5, respectively), and family history of melanoma or multiple melanocytic nevi (OR = 4.7). Freckles were significantly associated with sun-sensitive phenotype, family history of melanoma or multiple melanocytic nevi (OR = 1.5). Conservative (OR = 1.9) or nonreligious status (OR = 1.9), and high (OR = 2.4) or heterogenous melanoma risk groups (OR = 1.8). These findings indicate that environmental factors may modify the occurrence of multiple melanocytic nevi and freckles in genetically susceptible ethnic groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Favourable melanoma prognosis associated with the expression of the tumour necrosis factor receptor and the alpha1beta1 integrin: a preliminary report.

Recently we encountered a patient (p1) with a Clark's level IV melanoma associated with recurrent cutaneous metastasis who subsequently experienced a complete remission after a period of therapy with dichloronitrobenzene (DCNB) and interferon-alpha (IFNalpha). Another patient (p2) with a similar Clark's level of disease but with a fatal prognosis and melanoma cells from the Sk-Mel 28 and MeWo cell lines served as control groups. Since cytokines and members of the alpha1 integrin family have been implicated in the growth and metastatic behaviour of melanomas, we evaluated the cytokine effects and integrins expressed by melanoma cells in the patients' tumours. P1, but not p2 nor MeWo melanoma cells, expressed HLA-DR, alpha1beta1 and the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R). Culturing p1 melanoma cells with TNFalpha, but not MeWo or p2 melanoma cells, increased their expression of alpha1beta1 integrin and was cytotoxic for the cells. Significant in vivo growth of metastatic p1 and p2 melanoma explants as well as MeWo cells grafted subcutaneously onto nude mice was noted over 36 days. Intralesional injection of TNFalpha induced complete regression of p1 explants, but not of p2 or MeWo explants. Intralesional injection of IFNalpha or anti-alpha1beta1 integrin arrested p1 graft growth. These results suggest that the slow growth of the melanoma cells in nude mice, as well as the susceptibility to tumour killing by TNFalpha and the dependence of the tumour on signals mediated by the alpha1beta1 integrin are features that may have contributed to the beneficial therapeutic response in patient 1.

Aged↗