Dubreuilh melanoma: and epidemiologic and prognostic study

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna melanoma is a specific histoclinical type of melanoma. We studied the epidemiologic features of lentigo maligna melanoma (Dubreuilh's melanoma) and compared prognosis with other types of melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 516 cases of cutaneous melanomas, seen from 1985 to 1997, identified 29 cases of lentigo maligna melanoma. Epidemiologic, clinical and prognostic data were collected using a common scoring system for all patients. The chi-squared test, univariate log rank analysis, Cox multiple regression model for multivariate analysis, and actuarial survival curves were applied. RESULTS: The 29 cases of lentigo maligna melanoma (16 women, 13 men) accounted for 5.9 p. 100 of all melanomas. Mean age at diagnosis was 73 years compared with 54 years for others melanomas. Predominant localization was head and neck. There was no prior history of nevi compared with 50 p. 100. Mean delay to diagnosis was 4 years versus 1 year. All patients have had an occupation with to sun exposure. Mean tumoral thickness was 2 mm. Survival was the same as for extensive superficial melanomas and better than for nodular melanomas. Multivariate analysis showed that prognosis was not better in case of lentigo maligna melanoma. Tumoral thickness was the main prognosis factor. DISCUSSION: Our findings confirmed the specific nature of lentigo maligna melanoma and suggested that sun exposure plays an important role. Multivariate analysis did not show that prognosis was any better in case of lentigo maligna melanoma than in other types of melanoma. The thickness of the tumor must be taken into account as for other melanomas.     

Cost-sparing effect of twice-weekly targeted endurance training in type 2 diabetics: a one-year controlled randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of targeted, moderate endurance training on healthcare cost, body composition and fitness in type 2 diabetes patients routinely followed within the French healthcare system. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 25 type 2 diabetic patients was randomly assigned to one of two groups: 13 underwent a training programme (eight sessions, followed by training twice a week for 30-45 minutes at home at the level of the ventilatory threshold [V(T)]); and 12 received their usual routine treatment. Both groups were followed for one year to evaluate healthcare costs, exercise effectiveness and a six-minute walking test. RESULTS: The training prevented loss of maximum aerobic capacity, which decreased slightly in the untrained group (P=0.014), and resulted in a higher maximum power output (P=0.041) and six-minute walking distance (P=0.020). The Voorrips activity score correlated with both V(O2max) (r=0.422, P<0.05) and six-minute walking distance (r=0.446, P<0.05). Changes in V(O2max) were negatively correlated with changes in body weight (r=0.608, P<0.01). Training decreased the insulin-resistance index (HOMA-IR) by 26% (P<0.05). Changes in percentages of fat were correlated to changes in waist circumference (r=0.436, P<0.05). The total healthcare cost was reduced by 50% in the trained group (euro 1.65+/-1 per day versus euro 3.00+/-1.47 per day in the untrained group; P<0.02) due to fewer hospitalizations (P=0.05) and less use of sulphonylureas (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endurance training at V(T) level prevented the decline in aerobic working capacity seen in untrained diabetics over the study period, and resulted in a marked reduction in healthcare costs due to less treatments and fewer hospitalizations.     

Benign lymphoid hyperplasia manifesting as a cecal mass: Report of a case

Summary We have presented an unusual case of benign lymphoid hyperplasia, which manifested as a cecal deformity in a 15-year-old boy. The clinical manifestation may have been related to partial occlusion of the appendiceal orifice. In future cases of benign lymphoid hyperplasia, colonoscopy may be diagnostic, and if it is used for continuing observation, may avert unnecessary surgical procedures in children and young adults.     

Physical activity as a protective factor in relapse following smoking cessation in participants with a depressive disorder

The factors predicting smoking abstinence in depressive smokers, and the role of physical activity in precessation, were investigated. One hundred thirty-three smokers with current major depressive disorders (score ≥10 on the Depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were recruited from a large prospective cohort of smokers (n = 1,119). Over a maximum period of 3 years, regression modeling, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that physical activity was associated with relapse (relapse rate = 0.54, 95% confidence interval = 0.34-0.85, p = .008). Also, antidepressants, anxiolytics, level of education, and number of attempts to quit were associated with relapse. The protective role of physical activity on relapse rate could be a modifiable factor in smoking cessation for smokers with depressive disorders.     

Epidemiological features and specificities of HCV infection: a hospital-based cohort study in a university medical center of Calabria region

The epidemiological status of HCV in Europe, and in particular in Mediterranean countries, is continuously evolving. The genotype distribution is related to improvement of healthcare conditions, expansion of intravenous drug use and immigration. We review and characterize the epidemiology of the distribution of HCV genotypes within Calabria, an area of Southern Italy. We focus on the pattern of distinct HCV genotype changes over the last 16 years; particularly subtype 1b and genotype 4. We collected data by evaluating a hospital-based cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients; in addition, we report an update including new patients enrolled during last eight months.