Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Parisi

Publications and source records attributed to A Parisi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Usage of real-time ultraviolet radiation data to modify the daily erythemal exposure of primary schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Primary schoolchildren in their everyday school life are exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. This may be through time spent outdoors whilst having meal breaks, physical education classes and other class orientated outdoor activities. METHODS: This research investigates the UV exposure of primary schoolchildren and the effect real-time UV irradiances data and an associated software package, UVGUIDE, have on UV exposure. This software utilises scientifically collected data, such as facial distribution of UV, as well as accessing real-time on-line UV irradiances data to estimate the UV distribution to the head region. The students can also enter other parameters such as hat usage and hat type to show the effect of using such a UV protective device on their facial UV distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study found that the average 3-day erythemal UV exposure in late summer and early autumn to the left shoulder was 33% higher for the students not having access to the on-line UV data and software package.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine involvement in the antidepressant action of hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum perforatum is considered an effective alternative to the synthetic antidepressants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Recently, we showed that the effects on neurotransmitter contents in different brain regions of laboratory animals are more evident after administration of hypericum extracts containing a higher concentration of flavonoids, thus suggesting that these compounds are important in the antidepressant action of hypericum perforatum. We studied the effects of Ph-50, a hypericum extract standardized to flavonoids (50%) and containing 0.3% hypericin and 4.5% hyperforin on brain serotonin content, norepinephrine and dopamine by a high-performance liquid chromatography method in discrete brain areas (cortex, diencephalon and brainstem) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of Ph-50 alone or in association with sulpiride (a dopamine receptor antagonist), metergoline (a serotonin receptor antagonist) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA, destroying norepinephrine-containing neurons) using a forced-swimming test in the rat. Hypericum extract (Ph-50; 250-500 mg/kg) with acute oral administration enhanced serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine content in the brain and reduced the immobility time of rats in the forced-swimming test. Sulpiride, metergoline and 6-OH-DA significantly increased the period of immobility in the forced-swimming test for the rats receiving hypericum extract (Ph-50). The results indicate that the neurotransmitters studied could be involved in the anti-immobility effects of hypericum, and suggest that its antidepressant action is probably mediated by serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic system activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Interleukin-6 involvement in antidepressant action of Hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum, a plant widely used as antidepressant has been shown to interact with the immune system. We studied the effects of the administration of the Hypericum perforatum extract Ph-50, a Hypericum extract, standardized to flavonoids (50%) and containing 0.3% of hypericin and 4.5% of hyperforin in a forced swimming test and tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) diencephalic content using a high performance liquid chromatography method in male interleukin-6 (IL-6) knock-out (IL-6(-/-)) and wild type (IL-6(+/+)) mice. Hypericum extract (Ph-50; 500 mg/kg) oral acute administration reduced the immobility time of wild type, but not of knockout mice. Tryptophan content was not modified by Hypericum in all the animal groups. Serotonin and 5-HIAA diencephalic content was increased by Hypericum in both wild type and knockout mice. However, the increase observed in the wild type was greater than in knockout mice. These data indicate that IL-6 could be necessary to the antidepressant action of Hypericum, and that this cytokine (probably) mediates the effects of Hypericum through activation of the serotonin system.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Physical activity as a possible aggravating factor for athletes with varicocele: impact on the semen profile.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of physical exercise on seminal parameters of male athletes with varicocele. Sixty healthy male volunteers (athletes and non-athletes, n = 30 + 30) and 60 volunteers affected by varicocele (athletes and non-athletes, n = 30 + 30) were randomly selected for a clinical study. All subjects provided at least two semen samples for routine microscopic analysis. Determinations for basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, oestradiol, total and free testosterone under resting conditions were also performed. In both groups with varicocele the percentage of total and progressive forward sperm motility and the percentage of normal spermatozoa were significantly reduced. The percentage of both progressive forward motility and normal spermatozoa were significantly lower in athletes with varicocele compared with non-athletes with varicocele (P < 0.05). Only athletes with varicocele had mean left testis volume significantly lower than the contralateral testis (P < 0.05). No modifications of hormonal parameters at rest were observed in any groups. Physical activity might represent an aggravating factor for spermatogenesis in athletes with varicocele. In countries where sport eligibility is granted by an authoritative body, these results suggest the need to establish general medical criteria to guarantee the continuation of an athlete's training whilst at the same time taking care of his reproductive health.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Photosensitization of the sunscreen octyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate by UVA in human melanocytes but not in keratinocytes.

Sunscreens penetrate human epidermis and modify the biology of proliferating cells. This study addressed the question whether the UV response of cultured human cells is affected by direct treatment with nontoxic levels of sunscreens. Cell survival following exposure to UVC or unfiltered UBV was not altered by preincubation with 25 micrograms/mL of octyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate (o-PABA), 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) or oxybenzone. However, UVA or UVB filtered to reproduce the solar UV spectrum penetrating to the basal layer of the epidermis, highly sensitized cells to killing by o-PABA but not by its hydrolysis product, 4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid. Sensitization was found in all cell types tested, except normal keratinocytes, and could be prevented by certain antioxidants particularly pyruvate and the hydroxyl radical scavenger mannitol. o-PABA and EHMC applied without UV reduced the adherence of cells. The results indicate that sunscreens may increase cell mobility and the combination of o-PABA with solar UV may selectively damage melanocytes in the skin.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed2001

Effects of aerobic exercise training on 24 hr profile of heart rate variability in female athletes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on autonomic regulation of heart rate under daily life conditions. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy female athletes (age 24.5 +/- 1.9 yrs) involved in regular physical activity were recruited during a period of yearly rest and randomly assigned to a five-week aerobic exercise training program (n = 13) or to a non-exercise control group (n = 13). MEASURES: Before and after the five-week training, all subjects underwent a bycicle ergometer stress test and a 24-hour dynamic ECG monitoring. Autonomic regulation of heart rate has been investigated by means of both time and frequency domain analyses of heart rate variability (HRV). Spectral analysis of R-R interval variability (autoregressive algorithm) provided markers of sympathetic (low frequency, LF, 0.10 Hz) and parasympathetic (high frequency, HF, 0.25 Hz) modulation of the sinus node. RESULTS: Trained subjects showed a reduced heart rate response to submaximal workload. Before training there was no significant difference between the two groups. After training resting heart rate did not significantly differ between trained and untrained subjects. No significant differences were observed in the different time domain indexes of heart rate variability. The day-night difference in SD and SDRR were significantly less in the trained as compared to the untrained group. Normalized LF and HF components did not significantly differ between trained and untrained subjects, during the awake period. The decrease in the LF and the increase in the HF component during nighttime were significantly less in the trained group. The LF/HF ratio was significantly decreased during the night in the untrained group whereas it was not significantly different from the awake state in the trained group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings of the relative night-time increase in LF and the decrease in the day-night difference in time domain indexes of heart rate variability suggest that, in young female athletes, exercise training is able to induce an increase in the sympathetic modulation of the sinus node which may coexist with signs of relatively reduced, or unaffected, vagal modulation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in brain ischemia are mediated by inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis.

We studied the effects of pre-treatment (15 days) with oral administration of Ginkgo biloba extract (Ph-Gb 37.5-150 mg/kg) on brain malonildialdehyde (MDA), brain edema, brain nitrite and nitrate and delayed neuronal death following transient cerebral ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil. Survival was not modified, however, pre-treatment with Ginkgo biloba significantly and in a dose-dependent way reduced post-ischemic brain MDA levels and post-ischemic brain edema. Delayed neuronal death in the CA1 of the hippocampus was attenuated by the highest dose of the extract. Increase of nitrite and nitrate was observed after cerebral ischemia in the hippocampus and it was dose-dependently reduced in animals pretreated with Ph-Gb, thus suggesting that neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba may be due to an inhibitory action on nitric oxide formation.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Erythropoietin protects against brain ischemic injury by inhibition of nitric oxide formation.

Erythropoietin prevents in vitro glutamate-induced neuronal death and could play a role in the central nervous system. We investigated the in vivo effects of recombinant human erythropoietin after intraperitoneal (i.p.; 25-100 U) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.; 0.25-25 U) administration on survival, brain malonildialdehyde (MDA) levels, brain edema, hippocampal neuronal death and brain nitric oxide (NO) synthesis after bilateral carotid occlusion (5 min), followed by reperfusion in the Mongolian gerbil. Peripheral posttreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin reduced postischemic MDA levels, brain edema and increased survival. Either peripheral or i.c.v. posttreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin significantly reduced hippocampal CA1 neuronal loss, observed 7 days after the ischemic event. Increase of nitrite and nitrate (as an index of NO formation) in the hippocampus, as observed after ischemia, was reduced in animals treated with recombinant human erythropoietin. These data suggest that in vivo recombinant human erythropoietin effects on brain ischemic injury could be due to inhibition of NO overproduction.

Aldehydes↗
PubMed2000

Myocardial stunning in hyperthyroidism.

The cases of two patients with hyperthyroidism and acute left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with segmental wall motion abnormalities resulting in heart failure are reported. Both had electrocardiographic changes mimicking ischemic coronary artery disease. Treatment with antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors rapidly restored LV function. The rapid reversibility suggests a role for myocardial stunning, an important entity to recognize in hyperthyroidism since this form of LV dysfunction can be reversed with appropriate treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

A multicenter, randomized, phase III study of docetaxel plus best supportive care versus best supportive care in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic or non-resectable localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

This was an open-label randomized Phase III study of 207 patients with either unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with docetaxel plus best supportive care (BSC) or best supportive care alone. Patients in the chemotherapy arm of the study received docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) as a 1 h intravenous infusion every 21 days until they showed evidence of progressive disease, or estimated maximum benefit obtained or unacceptable side effects. Patients who received docetaxel were pretreated with oral dexamethasone. Patients in the BSC arm should not receive chemotherapy or anticancer therapy except for palliative radiotherapy. Overall survival obtained in the docetaxel arm was significantly longer than in the BSC arm (P=0.026). Two-year survival in the docetaxel arm was 12%, whereas none of the BSC patients survived after 20 months. The response rate was 13.1% (95% CI, 7.5-18.8%). There was a significantly longer time to progression in the docetaxel versus the BSC arm (P<0.001), and statistically significant improvement of clinical symptoms with docetaxel compared to BSC. The quality-of-life descriptors were in favor of docetaxel, and the difference was significant for pain, dyspnea and emotional functioning. The safety profile of docetaxel for this study was similar to that already reported in this patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The application of shock-waves therapy in the treatment of resistant chronic painful shoulder. A clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwaves therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic painful shoulder. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: a prospective design was used with a short term follow-up. SETTING: data were collected at the Service of Physioterapy in Villa Stuart Clinic-Rome. PATIENTS: 72 patients of both sexes with an average age of 38 years (range 18 to 69) affected by chronic painful shoulder, whose symptoms lasted more than 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: all patients received on average, 2,000 impulses of ESWT at level 5 energy (0.21 mJ/mm2) according to Dornier Epos equipment one session per week for 8 weeks. MEASURES: all cases underwent an instrumental examination with X-ray conventional imaging and clinical assessment of pain (visual analogue scale) and functional limitation of the shoulder, two weeks before the treatment and at one month follow-up. RESULTS: 53% of patient scored excellent results, 14% good, 13% fair and 20% poor. In the group of calcifying tendinitis we had a reduction in 37% and no changes in 63%. CONCLUSIONS: Even with a limited number of cases our early results show the efficacy and safety of ESWT in the treatment of chronic painful shoulder resistant to other conservative approaches.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of objective and subjective refraction before and after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy and reliability of objective and subjective refractions before and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. SETTING: Augenchirurgie und Laserzentrum Hochrum, Innsbruck, Austria. METHODS: In this prospective study, the objective refraction obtained with the Nidek AR-K 900 autorefractor was compared with the subjective refraction in 159 eyes (125 with myopia and 34 with hyperopia) operated on with 2 different lasers. Refractions were done before and 6 months after LASIK. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the objective and subjective refractions correlated better in eyes with low myopia than in those with high myopia (P < .01). Postoperatively, objective refraction was less accurate and reliable than preoperatively. The difference between the objective and subjective spherical refractions was statistically significant (P < .0001) after LASIK in eyes with hyperopia. The correlation between the objective and subjective cylindrical refractions was stronger preoperatively. Especially after LASIK for hyperopia, the objective refraction did not reliably assess the magnitude and axis of the cylinder. The preoperative refractive error did not significantly affect the preoperative and postoperative difference between the objective and subjective refractions or the change between the preoperative and postoperative mean differences. The type of excimer laser used significantly affected the difference between the objective and subjective refractions. CONCLUSIONS: Especially after LASIK for hyperopia, the objective refraction determined with the Nidek AR-K 900 autorefractor delivered erroneous results, which have implications for postoperative care and preoperative measurements for ocular surgery such as enhancement procedures or cataract surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Alkaptonuria.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopia and astigmatism].

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In order to better define the potential advantages and risks of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), we designed a prospective study including 73 eyes. RESULTS: After 6 months, 62 eyes were examined. Myopia was corrected from -6.10 +/- 3.12 (mean +/- standard deviation) to +0.04 +/- 0.66 D, with 54 eyes (87.1%) being within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia. Astigmatism was corrected from -1.07 +/- 1.02 to -0.32 +/- 0.89 D. Uncorrected visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 59 eyes (95.2%) and 1.0 or better in 27 eyes (43.5%) 6 months postoperatively. More than one line in best-corrected visual acuity was lost by 6 eyes (9.7%), with most of these eyes being highly myopic. There was no change or a gain in lines in best corrected visual acuity in 42 eyes (66.1%). Intraoperative complications arose in two eyes (2.7%); in one eye, visual acuity was temporarily decreased. More treatments were performed in 7 eyes (9.6%). Postoperatively, no haze, scars or central islands were detected. Patient satisfaction after LASIK was high: 97.3% were pleased or very pleased with the result. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, LASIK is effective in the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Although complications more frequently occurred in the correction of higher refractive errors, LASIK seems to be relatively safe compared with other refractive methods.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the precision and safety of myopia and astigmatism correction using laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Augenchirurgie und Laserzentrum Hoch-Rum (Sanatorium der Kreuzsch-western), Innsbruck, Austria. METHODS: In this prospective study, LASIK was performed on 66 eyes of 39 patients with myopia ranging from 1.50 to 16.00 diopters (D). Astigmatism, ranging from -0.00 to -3.00 D, was treated simultaneously. Surgery was performed with the Chiron Keracor 117 excimer laser and the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome. During the 6 month follow-up, manifest refraction as well as best corrected and uncorrected visual acuities were measured; corneal topographies were produced and slitlamp biomicroscopy was performed. Changes in visual acuity and corneal topography were evaluated. RESULTS: After 6 months, mean myopia had decreased from 6.78 D +/- 3.48 (SD) to 0.40 +/- 0.98 D. Fifty-one of 63 eyes (81.0%) were within +/- 1.00 D of spherical emmetropia and 61 of 63 (96.8%) within +/- 1.00 D of cylindrical emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all eyes; it was 20/40 or better in 82.5% 6 months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity did not change in most eyes; 9.5% lost two or more Snellen lines. No central islands or corneal scars were detected postoperatively. Haze was noted in only 6 eyes (9.1%); it was transient and less than grade 1. No sight-threatening complications occurred intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis was an exact and predictable procedure for correcting low, moderate, and high myopia and myopic astigmatism.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Laser in situ keratomileusis after automated lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty.

We present three patients who had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) after corneal surgery as follow: 15 months after automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) for hyperopia, 6 months after ALK for hyperopia, and 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Although the first case was uneventful, intraoperative complications arose in the second case because the connection of the ALK-related flap to its stromal bed was insufficient. In the third case, the refractive error caused by PKP was corrected as shown by corneal topography and visual acuity measurement. In conclusion, LASIK after PKP can be considered a precise and safe procedure if 2 to 3 years pass between the procedures. An interval of 6 months between ALK and LASIK was too short, whereas 15 months after ALK for hyperopia, LASIK was performed without problems and delivered a good result.

Adult↗