Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a growing family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are capable of degrading various components of the extracellular matrix. These enzymes have been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions including embryogenesis and tumour invasion. The synthesis of many MMPs is thought to be regulated by growth factors, cytokines and hormones. In this study, we investigated the effects of five exogenous growth factors known to be expressed by gliomas [epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1,2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in an ependymoma, two grade III astrocytomas, a grade III oligoastrocytoma and a benign meningioma. Zymogram analysis revealed that the effects of the growth factors depended upon the cell lines used in the study. Growth factors generally up-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in the gliomas but were least effective in the meningioma; the effect being most prominent with TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in all the cell lines. It is hypothesized that paracrine growth factor interplay may be crucial in the regulation of MMP expression by glioma invasion of the normal brain. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign

Although data from literature suggest that diabetic women are frequently under screened for gynaecological cancers little is known about screening implementation for other cancers for both genders. This study investigates comprehensive cancer screening practices of diabetics as compared with non-diabetics; analyses screening patterns both by gender and level of evidence and reveals target subgroups that should be paid more attention for screening implementation. 675 diabetics vs. 5772 non-diabetic Greek individuals entered the PACMeR 02 cancer screening study. Diabetic women reported significantly lower performance for the sex-specific evidence-based cancer screening tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) as compared with non-diabetics (P < 0.05). Diabetic women older than 60 years old, of elementary education, housewives and farmers showed the lowest performance rates (P < 0.01). Prostate cancer screening was higher among diabetic men with ultrasound and DRE reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05). Subgroups analysis did not reveal a hidden relationship. Both genders of diabetics reported never performing skin examination at higher rates (P < 0.001), although screening intent is extremely low in both diabetics and non-diabetics (<1%). Evidence-based screening coverage was inconsistent in both genders independently by the diabetic status. Primary care efforts should be provided to implement presymptomatic cancer control.

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The actual opportunistic screening approach presents important deficiencies with displaced priorities in test performance and a low proportion of individuals undergoing recommended tests.

The oral administration of clarithromycin achieved a prostate level much higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration of clarithromycin for the intracellular pathogens of chronic prostatitis. Thus, clarithromycin may be considered for treating chronic abacterial prostatitis.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used for the administration of intravenous chemotherapy in outpatient setting. Nevertheless, outbreaks of catheter-associated bloodstream infections had been reported from oncology centers. We describe a large outbreak of CVCs-associated Klebsiella oxytoca bloodstream infection, occurring in an oncology chemotherapy outpatient unit of northern Greece between October 2006 and May 2007. The outbreak involved approximately 10% of the patients with CVCs who were receiving home-based chemotherapy, and it represents the second larger outbreak of CVCs-associated BSIs due to Klebsiella oxytoca in oncology outpatient centers. We retrospectively analyzed the chain of investigations and prophylactic/diagnostic measures taken to eradicate the infection: (1) patients' chart audit, (2) estimation of the infection among asymptomatic patients, (3) implementation of the level of awareness of medical and paramedical personnel, (4) collection of samples from environment, medications and infusion materials, (5) critical appraisal of chemotherapeutical schemes and (6) cooperation with peripheral institutions. The isolation of Klebsiella oxytoca in a chemotherapy solution (infusional 5-FU in dextrose 5% solution within a 48 h pump) from a peripheral General Hospital and the prompt transmission of the data to the chemotherapy center played a key role for the management of the infection cluster. This is the first report that evidenced the detection of Klebsiella oxytoca within a chemotherapeutical preparation. Data transmission from peripheral hospitals to the central institution resulted in an important feedback that allowed a better estimation of the infection cluster and more tailored actions for the eradication of the infection.

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