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Biomedical subjects

A C Frati Munari

Publications and source records attributed to A C Frati Munari.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Lowering glycemic index of food by acarbose and Plantago psyllium mucilage.

BACKGROUND: A study was designed to evaluate the effect of acarbose and Plantago psyllium mucilage on glycemic index (GI) of bread. METHODS: Twelve patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and ten healthy volunteers were studied. Three meal tests with an intake of 90 g of white bread (50 g of carbohydrates) were performed on each subject. In one test, 200 mg of acarbose was given, while 15 g of P. psyllium mucilage was given in another test, and only bread was ingested in the control test. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations were measured every 30 min from 0-180 min. Net area under curve (AUC) concentrations of glucose and insulin, GI and insulinic index were calculated. RESULTS: In NIDDM patients, AUC-glucose in the test with acarbose (1.9 +/- 0.7 mmol/L) and with P. psyllium (4.3 +/- 1.2 mmol/L) were significantly lower than in the control test (7.4 +/- 1.5 mmol/L) (p < 0.01). GI of bread plus acarbose was 26 +/- 13, and of bread plus P. psyllium, 59 +/- 10 (p < 0.05). AUC-insulin and insulinic index behave similarly. In healthy individuals, AUC-glucose and GI did not significantly change with the treatments; however, insulinic index with acarbose was 17 +/- 16, and with P. psyllium was 68 +/- 15 (p < 0.05). Acarbose or P. psyllium decreased GI of bread in NIDDM patients and diminished insulinic index in NIDDM and in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Adding acarbose or P. psyllium to meals may reduce glycemic index of carbohydrate foods and may help diabetic control.

Acarbose↗
PubMed1996

Monounsaturated fatty acid (avocado) rich diet for mild hypercholesterolemia.

To assess the effect of a high monounsaturated fatty acids (MFA) diet on serum lipids, 30 healthy adult normolipidemic volunteers and 37 adult patients with mild hypercholesterolemia (5.4-9.3 mmol/l), 15 of them also with hypertriglyceridemia (2.3-4.8 mmol/l), were studied. Fifteen healthy and 30 hypercholesterolemic subjects (15 of them with associated type 2 diabetes mellitus) received an avocado enriched diet (2000 Kcal, lipids 53% MFA 49 g saturated/unsaturated ratio 0.54), and seven non-diabetic hypercholesterolemic individuals received an isocaloric control diet (MFA 34 g, saturated/unsaturated ratio 0.7). Serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured before and after a 7-day diet period. In healthy individuals a 16% decrease of serum total cholesterol level followed the high MFA diet, while it rose after the control diet (p < 0.001 between diets). In hypercholesterolemic subjects a significant (p < 0.01) decrease of serum total cholesterol (17%), LDL-cholesterol (22%) and triglycerides (22%), and increase of HDL-cholesterol (11%) levels occurred with the avocado diet, while no significant changes were noticed with the control diet. High lipid, high MFA-avocado enriched diet can improve lipid profile in healthy and especially in mild hypercholesterolemic patients, even if hypertriglyceridemia (combined hyperlipidemia) is present.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The importance of Scotochromogenous mycobacteria in the urine].

In order to find the significance of the presence of Scotochromogenous Mycobacteria in the urine, 155 cases with this finding and without other Mycobacteria were analyzed. Most had urinary symptoms (91.6%), abnormal urine analysis (62.5%), negative urine culture (71.7%), and changes in intravenous pyelograms (89.5%). Clinical and laboratory improvement was noticed in 70% of those who received antituberculous drugs and in 30% of those who did not receive them (P less than 0.01). All of the foregoing characteristics were present in each 23 patients with repeated isolations of Scotochromogens in the urine, and could be cases of urinary-tract disease due to Scotochromogens. In other patients this Mycobacteria could coexist with M. tuberculosis, or be a contaminant, although Scotochromogens were not found in the urine of 100 control subjects, a significant difference to these patients (P less than 0.0001).

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Atypical Mycobacterias in Mexico. Incidence and epidemiology in a general hospital].

All the cultures for mycobacteriae taken from 1967 to 1973 at the Hospital General del Centro Médico Nacional del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social were reviewed. From 802 positive cultures, 361 (44.2 per cent) were atypical mycobacteriae. 89 per cent of them were scotochromogen, 10.3 per cent of rapid growth, one non-chromogen, and none were photochromogen. These data are in contrast with those observed in other countries. Isolation sources varied also from other reports, in this series the most common isolation were from urine specimens, sputum, feces and bone marrow. A possible explanation for that in this hospital there are very few pulmonary patients. The percentage of atypical mycobacteriae was greatest in the last two years. In bacterioscopic examination atypical micobacteriae were detected less frequently than M. tuberculosis.

Bacteriuria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Increase in neuroendocrine secretion granules in submaxillary and parotid glands in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus].

The amount of neuroendocrine granules in microgranular cells of salivary glands were investigated in necropsies of 20 non-insulin dependent diabetics (NIDDM) and in 20 non-diabetic subjects with Grimelius and Fontana-Masson stainings. Granules in serous acini, and intercalated ducts were observed in both groups; however, a significant higher number of granules and microgranular cells were observed in NIDDM subjects as compared with non-diabetics. Both parotid and submaxillary glands were significantly heavier in NIDDM than in the non-diabetic group. These granules may be related to immunoreactive glucagon which has been found in submaxillary glands of rodents and might play a role in the pathogenesis of NIDDM. Further investigations should be performed to clarify whether these cells are the site of glucagon synthesis and also clarify the pathogenesis of NIDDM.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of nopal capsules in diabetes mellitus].

To find out if commercial capsules with dried nopal (prickle-pear cactus, Opuntia ficus indica may have a role in the management of diabetes mellitus, three experiments were performed: 30 capsules where given in fasting condition to 10 diabetic subjects and serum glucose was measured through out 3 hours; a control test was performed with 30 placebo capsules. OGTT with previous intake of 30 nopal or placebo capsules was performed in ten healthy individuals. In a crossover and single blinded study 14 diabetic patients withdrew the oral hypoglycemic treatment and received 10 nopal or placebo capsules t.i.d. during one week; serum glucose, cholesterol and tryglycerides levels were measured before and after each one-week period. Five healthy subjects were also studied in the same fashion. Opuntia capsules did not show acute hypoglycemic effect and did not influence OGTT. In diabetic patients serum glucose, cholesterol and tryglycerides levels did not change with Opuntia, but they increased with placebo (P < 0.01 glucose and cholesterol, P = NS triglycerides). In healthy individuals glycemia did not change with nopal, while cholesterol and triglycerides decreased (P < 0.01 vs. placebo). The intake of 30 Opuntia capsules daily in patients with diabetes mellitus had a discrete beneficial effect on glucose and cholesterol. However this dose is unpractical and at present it is not recommended in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Treatment of Sydenham's chorea with perphenazine].

Symptomatic therapy in Sydenham's chorea has not been satisfactory. Perphenazine was tested as an alternative to diminish abnormal movements. A Syndenham's chorea comparative double-blind study (17 patients) using it, with reserpine and placebo as controls, was designed. Perphenazine was tried also in another open-study (13 patients with Syndenham's chorea). Out of the 2 groups, those which received perphenazine improved earlier and in a greater proportion than controls, with statistical significance (p is less than 0.01).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Study of the immune system in relatives of children with dermatomyositis].

In view of the fact that relatives of patient with other connective tissue diseases may show immunologic abnormalities, we investigated cellular (PPD, SK-SD, candidine and diphteria-tetanous toxoid cutaneous tests) and humoral (IgG, IgM, IgA. CH50, C3, rheumatoid factor and ANA) immune responses in first degrees relatives (parents and siblings) of children with dermatomyositis. Of the 53 subjects tested, 19 had high values of one or two immunoglobulines; however, the mean Ig value was not different from that of the general population (p greater than 0.1), CH50, C3, rheumatoid factor and ANA were normal or negative. Cutaneous tests made on 46 subjects did not reveal abnormalities. Therefore our conclusion is that first degree relatives of children with dermatomyositis have not significant immunologic abnormalities.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Chronic peptic ulcer among students and adolescents].

The clinical records of 13 school-age children and of 22 adolescents with chronic peptic ulcer were reviewed. There was a predominance of the male sex and duodenal localization showed greater frequency than the gastric. The duration of symptoms previous to the diagnosis was greater in adolescents and repeated X-ray studies were required in school-agers to confirm the presence of an ulcer niche. The common symptoms were abdominal pain and vomiting. However, in 43% of the patients, abdominal pain was not typical of ulcer; therefore, all school-age children and adolescents with recurrent abdominal pain should be submitted to careful investigation. Anxiety and depression were found in 92.3% of the cases. Special ulcer diets and antiacids were given to all patients, but 8 cases showed no improvement. Psychiatric treatment and administration of psychodrugs may be useful. Diazepam was given to 50% of the patients who recovered and to one who did not recover.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Psoas abscess in children. Report of 6 cases].

Six children with abscess of the psoas muscle are presented. Previous trauma pain, claudication and antalgic position of a lower limb, fever, abdominal tenderness and leukocytosis were prominet features. Four patients improved and two died. Treatment included surgical drainage and antibiotics. Differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis are discussed.

Abscess↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Dermatomyositis in pediatrics].

The study included 19 children with dermatomyositis. All showed frequently atypical cutaneous disords which in most cases were the initial manifestation. In every case there was some clinical evidence of proximal myopathy. Arthralgias were frequently found and sinusal tachycardia was present in 10 cases. The correct diagnosis was made from the beginning only in 6 cases. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the main cause of confusion. The differential diagnosis between these two entities cannot be made only by the presence or not of nephropathy, even if this disease was evident in 42% of patients with dermatomyositis. The most useful laboratory tests for the diagnosis and management were CPK, aldose and serum TGO. Electromyography was abnormal in every case where it was practiced. Muscular biopsy was valuable in 15 of the 19 patients. All were treated with prednisone and in most cases with good results.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and scleromalacia perforans].

A 13 year-old-boy with poliarticular seronegative juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and bilateral scleromalacia perforans is described. Ocular lesions were thought to be seconadry to vasculitis. Improvement was obtained with systemic and local corticosteroid therapy, and with subconjunctival auto-graft of fascia lata. This is the first report in the literature about scleromalacia perforans in JRA.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Thrombocytosis in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis].

To find out the possible relationship between thrombocytosis and JRA, 2 to 11 platelet counts (every 1 to 6 months) were performed in each of 26 patients with active JRA, and were compared with figures for hemoglobin, WBC, sedimentation rate and articular index. Thrombocytosis was found in 88% of the cases. There was positive correlation, with statistical significance, among thrombocytosis, anemia, and sedimentation rate. Significant relationship was also found among thrombocytosis, the presence of articular inflammation and leukocytosis. There was no parallelism between platelets types of the disease. We conclude that in active JRA, thrombocytosis is a frequent finding in relation with anemia and the inflammatory activity of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cause of arthritis in childhood. Relation to age, sex and affected joints].

In a retrospective study (1963--1976) out of 514 children with the general diagnosis of arthritis, the diagnoses most frequently established were; pyogenic arthritis (45.9%), rheumatic fever (18.7%) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (17%). Less frequent were tuberculous arthritis (5.8%), systemic lupus erythematosus (3.9%), hemophilic hemarthrosis (2.1%), and other connective tissue diseases (1.5%). Age of onset was significantly lower in patients with pyogenic arthritis. Pyogenic, tuberculous and hemophilic arthritis in most cases were characterized by large joint monoarthritis. Acute polyarthritis was common in rheumatic fever. Chronic polyarthritis was a frequent feature in the other cases. It is concluded that age of onset, number and site of affected joints, as well as evolution time may be useful in the diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Scleroderma in children].

Fifteen children, ten with localized forms of scleroderma and five with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), were reviewed. Age of onset was 2 to 11 years. Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. Localized forms were: "en coup de sabre" in two cases, lineal scleroderma of extremities in five, morphoea in one, and combined lesions in two patients. None of them had systemic symptoms, although two had transient arthritis. Affected skin became atrophic in three cases, "En coup de sabre" lesions were removed surgically in two cases, and there were not recurrences. The other patients continued the same or worse. All five patients with PSS showed extracutaneous symptoms. Three of them with acrosclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon and dysphagia. One patient died because of pulmonary fibrosis in less than a year. Disease remained unchanged in the other patients. The course of disease does not seems to be affected by treatment with several drugs (asiaticoside, colchicine, diphenyldantoin).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Juvenile rheumatoid artritis (a single or various diseases?].

Some characteristics of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that appeared in recent literature have led us to think that it can be divided into the following four groups: I. Seronegative poliarthritis, with more or less systemic symptoms. With the same characteristics it may appear in adulthood. II. Seropositive poliarthritis, identical to the adult rheumatoid arthritis. III. B-27 negative oligoarthritis, complicated frequently with chronic uveitis and autolimited course. IV. B-27 positive oligoarthritis evolving to ankylosing spondylitis. These groups may represent different diseases.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗