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G Gorini

Publications and source records attributed to G Gorini.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Immune responsiveness and incidence of reticulum cell sarcoma in long-term syngeneic radiation chimeras.

Long-term syngeneic radiation chimeras displayed a very low incidence of reticulum cell sarcoma as compared with control mice. Immune reactivity of these animals was studied in vivo by anti-dinitrophenyl antibody titer and affinity and in vitro by mitotic responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide. Anti-body titer and affinity as well as the response to T lectins were found to be increased in chimeras. These results were attributed to increased function of mature T2 cells, which could explain the reduced incidence of reticulum cell sarcoma in chimeras.

Animals↗

The human bone-marrow-derived B-cell line CE, susceptible to hepatitis C virus infection.

The euploid-diploid cell line CE, issuing spontaneously from a normal human bone marrow culture, displays B-cell differentiation and activation markers and is positive (> or = 90% of cells) for Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens. CE suspensions were inoculated with serum from a patient chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). After inoculation, the cells were regularly subcultured with a split ratio of 1:2 every 4-6 days. RNA extracted as late as 65 days after infection from the inoculated cells were positive by polymerase chain reaction for the 5' untranslated region of the HCV genome, and viral antigens were detected by immunofluorescence. Virus was also released from the infected cells into the medium. Intracellular HCV could be successfully passaged twice in CE cultures. On the basis of these findings, the CE cell line appears promising as a model for studying HCV replication and persistent infection in vitro.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

[Smoking cessation course organized by the Italian League for the fight against tumors in Milan and Rome: determinants of cessation after the course and after a year].

The Italian League against Cancer organizes a group behaviour therapy program for smoking cessation in Milan and Rome. Groups meet for 8-9 sessions; sessions are managed by a therapist. In the analized courses participants are 43-44 years on the average, with a middle/high level of education. They are heavy smokers with a high level of nicotine dependence and they greatly trust in the program. At the end of the program 67% of participants in Milan and 76% in Rome declare they no longer smoke. One year later, phone interviews show that 22% of participants in Milan and 25% in Rome are still non smokers. At the end of the program quitting-smoking predictors are: attendance at at least 6-7 sessions, smoking less than 30 cigarettes a day before the course and male gender; one year later attendance at at least 6-7 sessions, and scarce nicotine dependence (smoking less than 30 cigarettes a day before the program or a low score at the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire).

Adult↗

[Tuscany mesothelioma registry (1988-2000): evaluation of asbestos exposure].

BACKGROUND: The Tuscany Mesothelioma Register (ARTMM) records pleural malignant mesothelioma cases of Tuscany residents, diagnosed by histological, cytological, or clinical (radiography or computerized tomography) examinations. The ARTMM began in 1988 and estimates mesothelioma incidence in Tuscany and collects information on past asbestos exposure of mesothelioma cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to describe the incidence of pleural mesothelioma cases in Tuscany and to analyse their possible past asbestos exposures. METHODS: We considered pleural mesothelioma cases recorded in ARTMM in the period 1988-2000 and interviews collected for these cases. In order to identify past asbestos exposure in the occupational and non-occupational history of patients, interviews were carried out using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: In the period 1988-2000, 494 pleural malignant mesothelioma cases were recorded in the ARTMM; 82% were males. In the periods 1988-1993, 1994-1997, 1998-2000 the incidence rates, standardised on the Italian population (per 100,000), were respectively 1.15, 1.57, 2.58 among males; 0.29; 0.27; 0.29 among females. Information on occupational history was collected for 418 mesothelioma patients (85% of recorded cases): 173 mesothelioma cases were directly interviewed; for 245 cases relatives or work colleagues were interviewed. Occupational asbestos exposure was ranked as certain, probable or possible in 72% of the interviewed cases (80% of males; 20% of females). Environmental and non-occupational asbestos exposure was identified in 1% of males, and 3% of females. In 24% of the interviewed cases (15% of males; 74% of females) no known asbestos exposure was identified. Occupational asbestos exposure occurred in maritime activities (shipyards, dock work, merchant and regular Navy), the building industry, railway carriage construction and maintenance, rail transport, textile industries (mainly rag sorting), electricity production, asbestos cement manufacture, chemical, iron and steel industries and in glass manufacturing. In Tuscany two areas are distinguished for their well-documented and massive use of asbestos: the coastal areas (Livorno and Massa Carrara) for maritime activities, and the areas of Pistoia and Arezzo for railway carriage construction and repair. Mesothelioma incidence rates in these areas are the highest in the whole region. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is needed in order to identify unknown asbestos uses and consequent exposure, in particular for females. Uncertainty as regards occurrence of asbestos exposure persists in the textile industries where the mesothelioma epidemics have not yet declined. Research hypotheses are addressed on the re-use of jute bags previously containing asbestos, therefore collection of further information on periods and methods of this recycling activity is essential.

Adult↗

[Passive smoking in bars, restaurants, and discotheques in Florence, Italy].

BACKGROUND: "Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure in a sample of European cities" is the first European multicentre project intended to measure ETS exposure in public places in a number of European cities. OBJECTIVES: To present results of measurements of nicotine concentration in a number of bars, restaurants and discotheques in Florence, Italy. METHODS: The ETS marker was vapour-phase nicotine sampled by passive monitors. At least two monitors were placed in each of seven bars (five in hospitals; one at an airport; one at a railway station), and seven restaurants (three with smoking and non-smoking sections), and left in place for several days. In each of four discotheques two nicotine passive monitors were used as personal samplers. RESULTS: The average nicotine concentration in discotheques, restaurants and bars was respectively 26.78 micro/m3, 2.32 microg/m3 and 0.83 microg/m3. In the smoking section of restaurants with separated areas for smokers and non-smokers the average nicotine concentration was 2.54 microg/m3, which was similar to that measured in non-smoking sections (2.14 microg/m3).

Air Pollutants↗

[Assessment of asbestos exposure, mortality study, and health intervention in workers formerly exposed to asbestos in a small factory making drying machines for textile finishing and the paper mill industry in Pistoia, Italy].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Three malignant pleural mesotheliomas occurred among workers of a small factory that manufactured drying machines for the textile and paper mill industries using asbestos cement (crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile) as insulating panels. The Occupational Medicine Unit of the Local Health Unit of Pistoia, Italy, carried out an intervention programme in the plant in order to 1) assess past asbestos exposure via analysis of the fibre content of samples from drying machines, and of dust samples collected in the factory. Information on the characteristics of occupational exposure was also collected; 2) investigate cancer mortality by means of a mortality study of the employees and, 3) carry out a health intervention programme in workers formally exposed to asbestos in the past. METHODS: Samples from the drying machines and dust samples collected in the factory were analysed using X-ray diffractometric methods. Information on the characteristics of occupational exposure were collected by interviewing plant workers. Two-hundred and fifty employees who had worked in the factory between 1962 and 2000 were included in the mortality study. Follow-up was performed from 1962 to 2002. Health intervention in workers exposed to asbestos in the past involved general practitioners and occupational physicians (first level medical examinations); pneumologists and radiologists (second level medical examinations) of the local health unit. RESULTS: Asbestos fibres were found both in samples from drying machines and in dust samples collected in the factory. Interviews with workers showed that asbestos exposure varied considerably. The SMR for mesothelioma and lung cancer in 234 male workers were 37.0 (95%CI: 4.47-130.0), and 1.29 (95%CI: 0.26-3.78), respectively, based on mortality rates for Tuscany region. Sixty-two workers underwent first level medical examinations; 57 second level examinations. Chronic obstructive lung disease was found in 3 workers; restrictive lung disease was found in 3 employees, one of whom had pleural plaques. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is needed in order to identify unknown asbestos exposures in small metal engineering factories.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Epidemiologic surveillance for primary prevention of malignant mesothelioma: the Italian experience.

BACKGROUND: The Italian National Mesothelioma Registry (ReNaM) was set up at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (ISPESL) to estimate Italian incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), define modalities of asbestos exposures, assess impact and diffusion of MM, identify underestimated sources of environmental contamination. OBJECTIVES: To describe ReNaM activity, database dimension and epidemiological characteristics of the caselist. METHODS: Regional Operating Centers (COR) in 16 Italian regions were set up to identify and investigate all cases of MM diagnosed in each region, applying national guidelines. COR collect cases in health care institutions. Occupational history, lifestyle and residence are obtained by direct interview using a standard questionnaire. Exposure modalities are classified by industrial hygienists, evaluating whether work, private life or any particular environmental condition could have involved asbestos exposure. RESULTS: Data refer to 3,446 cases collected in 9 Italian regions during 1993-2001. Pleural mesothelioma affected 94% cases, pleural/peritoneal ratio was 16:1. Gender ratio (M/F) was 2.7:1 (1.3:1 for peritoneum). There was a variety of occupational exposures, some already known as high risk sectors and others unexpected. The most common exposures occurred in building and construction, metallurgy and steel, shipbuilding, and railway stock. High risk categories were encountered such as bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, welders, installers and maintenance workers in metallurgy and the steel industry, general labourers, tool makers and painters in shipbuilding/repair/demolition. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some ReNam's limitations, identification of MM cases and analysis of modality of exposure, with standardized criteria, are a fundamental tool for primary prevention of asbestos related diseases.

Asbestos↗

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in "sine causa" recurrent abortion.

One hundred and one women suffering from "sine causa" recurrent abortion were screened for Chlamydia trachomatis (C.T.) infection by using direct examination, cultural and serological procedures. In this series, C.T. infection did not appear to be related to increased risk of recurrent abortion. The culture-positive and serology-positive rates (14.85% and 34.65%, respectively) did not differ from other unselected populations. Neither time from last abortion nor type of abortion were significantly related to C.T. infection. Nonetheless, the women who underwent examination within one year from last abortion and had a culture-positive partner as well, were more likely to present with a C.T.-positive culture.

Abortion, Habitual↗

[Course on smoking cessation organized by the Italian League against Cancer in Florence: determinants of cessation at the end of the course and after 1 year].

The Italian League against Cancer, section of Florence, organizes courses for smoking-cessation groups. Groups meet for 10 sessions throughout 6 weeks; sessions are managed by a psychologist with a cognitive-behavioral approach. In the 53 analyzed courses registered people (693 persons) are mainly women, aged 31-50, with a middle-high level of education. They are heavy smokers with a high level of nicotine dependence and they greatly trust in the course in spite of their previous quit attempts. At the end of the program 66% of registered people (69% of men; 63% of women; p > 0.05) asserts not to smoke anymore. One year later, phone interviews show that 33% of participants (41% of men; 28% of women; p < 0.01) are ex-smokers. After the end of the program the first three months are the higher risk period of relapsing. At the end of the program quitting-smoking predictors are: attendance at at least 7 sessions (OR = 4.26), no more than a high school educational level (OR = 1.71) and smoking less than 30 cig. a day before the course (OR = 1.56). One year later quitting-smoking predictors are: attendance at at least 7 sessions (OR = 2.08), scarce or medium nicotine dependence according to the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (OR = 1.42) and male gender (OR = 1.40).

Adolescent↗