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Biomedical subjects

A Palmieri

Publications and source records attributed to A Palmieri.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Variations of proline-rich kinase Pyk2 expression correlate with prostate cancer progression.

Proline-rich kinase 2 (Pyk2), also known as CAKbeta (cell adhesion kinase beta), is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that is structurally related to focal adhesion kinase. Pyk2 is expressed in different cell types including brain cells, fibroblasts, platelets, and other hemopoietic cells. Pyk2 is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated in response to diverse extracellular signals acting via different post receptor pathways. We have investigated whether this protein kinase is functionally expressed in normal and neoplastic prostate tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that Pyk2 is expressed only in normal epithelial prostate tissue and in benign prostatic hyperplasia, whereas its expression progressively declines with an increasing grade of malignancy of prostate cancer.

Enzyme Activation↗
PubMed2000

[Ultrasound-guided ESWT in Peyronie's disease plaques].

The aim of the study was to check the efficiency of shock waves in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. The instrument, because of its lithotriptic power, already used in the treatment of orthopedic disease and salivary stones, can be used to break plaques in induratio penis plastica. A total of 481 patients affected with Peyronie's disease were entered into a prospective trial. Patients with big plaques or with an initial stage of degeneration were excluded. We divided the patients into three treatment groups: a) shock waves alone in 56 patients; b) a combination of shock waves and calcioantagonist (perilesional injection) in 324 patients; c) calcioantagonist alone in 101 patients. The group of 101 patients (group C) treated during the previous 2 years with a medical therapy based only on the injection of calcioantagonist, was used as a control group. Ultrasound evaluation of the treated plaques showed a reduction of size in 27/56 patients of the group A, in 159/324 patients of the group B and in 39/101 patients of group C. Painful erection improved in the 91.5% of group B, against the 45.7% of group C. Furthermore, we pointed out, with interviews to the patients, a considerable improvement of the pain and of the sexual performances. The therapeutic association of shock waves with calcioantagonist injections is an effective non-operative treatment for the stabilization of Peyronie's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Phase transitions in electrorheological fluids using molecular dynamics simulations.

A parametric study of the properties of electrorheological fluids is conducted using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD model is based on the solution of the Langevin equation for a number of suspended particles. The equations of motion include inertial effects, polarization forces, Stokes' drag, short range repulsion, and Brownian forces. Different polarization forces are considered to include the effect of enhancements at short range due to multipole moments induced by the suspended particles and other effects. The model is used to investigate the structural changes induced by external electric fields and by shear strains imposed on the system. The response times are studied as a function of two characteristic parameters describing the physical status of the system (temperature and external electric field). Finally, the stress-strain characteristics are studied and the yield stress is calculated as a function of the external electric field. The simulated response is compared with experimental findings.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Our experience on the association of a new physical and medical therapy in patients suffering from induratio penis plastica.

OBJECTIVES: To check the efficiency of shock waves in the treatment of induratio penis plastica. The Minilith SL1, successfully used in orthopedic or salivary stones because of its lithotriptic power, can be used to break plaques in Peyronie's disease. METHODS: A total of 130 patients affected with Peyronie's disease were entered into a prospective trial. Patients with completely calcified plaques as determined by ultrasound evaluation were excluded. We divided the patients into three treatment groups: (A) shock waves alone in 21 patients; (B) a combination of shock waves and verapamil (perilesional injection) in 36 patients, and (C) verapamil alone in 73 patients. First, we treated all groups A and B patients 3 times, 20 min each time, with a Minilith SL1, and then only the patients of the second group received a complete cycle of twelve injections of verapamil (10 mg) every 2 weeks for 6 months. The group of 73 patients (group C) treated during the previous 2 years with a medical therapy (only injection of verapamil) was used as a control group. RESULTS: Ultrasound evaluation showed a reduction of plaque in 11/21 group A patients and 7/36 group B patients. The treatment was tolerated very well and only 11 petechiae in some patients were noticed after ESW treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic association of shock waves with verapamil injection is an effective nonoperative treatment for the stabilization of Peyronie's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Intralesional injection of triamcinolone in the treatment of lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intralesional vulvar injections of triamcinolone as an alternative to using topical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This was an open trial, in eight patients, of intralesional injection of triamcinolone in patients with symptomatic lichen sclerosus who could not use primary topical treatments. The patients' pretreatment and posttreatment clinical symptoms and gross physical findings were reviewed. In some patients pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were performed. RESULTS: There was a decrease in severity scores in the categories of symptoms and physical findings. In four patients who consented to posttreatment biopsy, there was a decrease in severity scores on histopathologic findings. CONCLUSION: Intralesional injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide into sites of vulvar lichen sclerosus seems to be an effective alternative to using topical agents.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed1998

Nutritional survey of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele (MMC): overweight associated with reduced energy intake.

UNLABELLED: In patients affected by MMC both neurological and systemic dysfunctions may cause obesity and malnutrition. The aim of this study is a nutritional survey, with anthropometric assessment and dietary evaluation, of patients affected by MMC. CLINICAL MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric assessment, dietary evaluation, and a comprehensive assessment of motor impairment degree (MID) were performed in 100 patients (54 males, 46 females) affected by MMC aged from 6 to 228 months (median 91 months). RESULTS: Fifty-five/100 children and adolescents with MMC were classified as normal or wellnourished and 5 at risk of malnutrition or malnourished, while another 40/100 patients were classified as marked overweight (weight-for-height or BMI above the 95th percentile). Deficit in height-for-age was observed in 34/100 patients; 12 of these patients presented with obesity. Dietary assessment evidenced that the majority of wellnourished patients (48/55) were consuming less than 80% or between 80% to 100% of recommended daily allowances (RDA) of energy. Overweight patients had an energy intake lower than their own RDA: 5 below 80%, 25 between 80% to 100%, and only 10 over 100% of RDA of energy for age and sex. No statistical correlation was found between nutritional status and MID, while there was a statistically significant difference between nutritional status and dietary intake (p = 0.005). DISCUSSION: Overweight is the most frequent nutritional disease in patients affected by MMC. Since in our experience on correlation with MID was found, we can speculate that childhood and adolescent obesity in patients with MMC occurs as a result of complex interactive factors, not strictly related to energy intake and MID. Nutritional surveillance and specific treatment programs for overweight MMC patients are essential to enhance their quality of life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Follow-up of testicular tumors in the metastatic diffusion phase. Current orientation].

Lymphadenectomy in germinal tumors of the testis, in spite of the immediate morbility (postoperative complications) and of the permanent morbility (unejaculation), is still, as regards the group of non-seminoma neoplasms, the most suitable for survival. However, groups of oncologists are seeking the possibility of avoiding this technique at stage I and II of the lesions, with the help, of course, of careful observation by CT, NMR, markers. The use of combined therapies (chemotherapy and radius therapy) has increased survival and the patients' life, allowing a highly satisfying percentage of recovery also in the non-initial stages.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Ketanserin plus prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) as intracavernosal therapy for patients with erectile dysfunction unresponsive to PGE-1 alone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction and who were unresponsive to intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1) alone with a combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin, a peripheral vasodilator antagonizing 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and with mild alpha-blocking effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 98 men with erectile dysfunction all of whom received an intracavernosal injection of 5-40 micrograms of PGE-1. The 45 patients unresponsive to the maximum dose of 40 micrograms were selected for further treatment using a combined dose of 40 micrograms PGE-1 and 2-7 mg of ketanserin. Their erectile response was assessed both subjectively, by interviewing the patient and their partner, and objectively using the 'Rigiscan' monitor. RESULTS: The combined therapy was effective in producing an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse in 34 (76%) of the patients. The combined dose was tolerated well and there were no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study suggest that the combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin may be a therapeutic alternative to the implantation of a prosthesis in patients unresponsive to PGE-1.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed1996

[Mepartricin 150.000 (40 mg) vs mepartricin 50.000 U (13 mg) in the treatment of BIP. Double blind clinical trial].

A group of 25 patients with uncomplicated BPH was treated mepartricin 150,000 U (40 mg) once in the evening for 60 days and the results were compared with those obtained in 25 patients treated with mepartricin 50,000 U (13 mg) t.d.s. Efficacy and tolerance of both treatment schemes were good. In the group treated with on single dose at night some symptoms such as nocturia and pollakiuria regressed more rapidly.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

The subacute levodopa test for evaluating long-duration response in Parkinson's disease.

The clinical relevance of a long-duration response (LDR) to levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been widely recognized. In 25 patients with moderate PD, we measured LDR on motor function after short periods of treatment with levodopa (subacute tests). Each subacute test lasted 15 days and consisted of the oral administration of levodopa at various interdose intervals (IDIs) of 48, 24, 12, 8, 6, and 5 hours. The goal for a subacute test was to achieve a satisfactory antiparkinsonian effect before the last levodopa dose (day 15), i.e., an LDR greater than 50% of the maximal response following an acute levodopa test (LDR-endpoint). Twenty-one patients (84%) reached the LDR-endpoint. The IDI at which levodopa was administered clearly differentiated patients who were otherwise clinically indistinguishable when evaluated at baseline off medication or after an acute levodopa test. The IDI schedule that produced a satisfactory LDR was specific for each patient, since longer DIs failed to produce the required LDR, and a shorter IDI schedule (resulting in larger cumulative dosage of levodopa) did not significantly enhance the response. Also, the LDR decay rate after discontinuation of treatment was individual for each patient and independent of the cumulative amount of levodopa administered. Both the IDI schedule and the LDR decay rate may reflect the ability of nigrostriatal neurons to store and to release dopamine formed from the exogenous precursor. The assessment of the LDR to levodopa by subacute tests is useful for establishing the appropriate dose of the drug, as well as for developing levodopa sparing strategies in PD patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Frequency and cause of aborted laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and cause of aborted laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies (LAVH) at two hospitals of a major obstetrics and gynecology training program. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A university hospital and a university-affiliated county hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight consecutive women who underwent LAVH at our institutions between June 1992 and February 1995. INTERVENTIONS: Data on age, weight, indications for surgery, obstetric and surgical history, concomitant procedures performed, postoperative diagnosis, perioperative complications, operative time, estimated blood loss, uterine weight, and length of hospital stay were collected from patients' hospital records. Univariate analysis of variance to assess statistical significance was performed when appropriate. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eight (11.1%) of 78 procedures were converted to abdominal hysterectomy. The most frequent reason for conversion (5 cases, 6%) was large uterine size with limited mobility and associated inability to visualize the pelvic sidewall structures adequately. The other three procedures were converted because of massive intraperitoneal adhesions (2) and intraoperative severe bleeding (1). The mean uterine weight of these eight women (575 g, range 387-1030 g) was significantly higher than that of patients undergoing successful LAVH (230 g, range 35-612; p <0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In our limited series of 78 patients, only one LAVH was converted to abdominal hysterectomy because of an intraoperative complication. A conversion rate of 11.1% may be appropriate so as to offer the potential benefits of the laparoscopic-assisted vaginal approach to the largest number of women who would otherwise undergo an abdominal hysterectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Natural history of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Recent advances in prognostic parameters and biological behavior].

For many years diagnosis and management of prostatic adenocarcinoma were straightforward. However, with the advent of medical and less invasive therapies for the treatment of prostatic cancer, it has become necessary to know more about the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. For example, hormonal factors, growth factors, stromal-epithelial interactions and aging have all been implicated in the etiology of the disease. The pathology of the disease demonstrates heterogeneity in the ratio of the stroma to the epithelium in any given patient, and the pathophysiology varies. Recognizing this heterogeneity in the disease, it is clear that no one form of medical or interventional therapy should be expected to result in a complete response.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of a Coffin-Siris like syndrome.

Autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of a Coffin-Siris like syndrome: Coffin-Siris syndrome is a rare mental retardation/multiple congenital anomalies syndrome; so far its pattern of inheritance is under debate. We report a child affected by this syndrome, the pedigree of which is consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1994

[Bilateral varicocele: diagnostic implications].

If a varicocele is appreciated on the clinical examination, its presence may then be confirmed by Doppler examination. A pencil-probe Doppler stethoscope is utilized with ultrasonic conduction gel. The patient is examined in the upright position, and conducting medium is applied to the upper aspect of the scrotum. It is important that there is complete acoustic silence prior to having the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver. However, if a clinical varicocele is found on either the left or right side, the opposite side is evaluated for the presence of a "subclinical" varicocele by Doppler examination. When a "subclinical" varicocele is associated with a controlateral clinical varicocele, it is treated at the same time as the coexistent clinical varicocele. Venography is employed for the diagnosis of varicoceles only for patients in whom physical examination and Doppler studies are equivocal but highly suggestive of the presence of a varicocele. In that situation, rather than subjecting the patient to an unnecessary surgical procedure, venography may be employed to confirm the varicocele. Nowadays another diagnostic procedure is successfully used, that consists in a color ultrasound of the scrotum associated with Doppler velocimetry of the spermatic cord.

Humans↗