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Biomedical subjects

A Russo

Publications and source records attributed to A Russo.

At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Unifocal skin location of Kaposi's sarcoma, mimicking melanoma: the role of excisional biopsy for the timely identification of an unusual pathology with potential fatal prognosis].

Kaposi's sarcoma is a mesenchimal malignant tumor with a very low incidence. Generally arising with purple cutaneous lesions, especially located to the limbs or the trunk, it's significantly associated to myelodeficient disorders, either primary or subsequent to viral infections, whose terminal stage it is considered (AIDS). Unique lesion in sporadic disease, without any other pathologies and at early stage, it has its elective treatment in surgical excision, just as in the reported case emphasizing the necessity for differential diagnosis with another malignant oncological disease, such as melanoma.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Renal effects of low doses of mercury].

OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed at investigating early markers of renal damage and dysfunction in subjects exposed to low doses of mercury from different sources. Different groups of subjects were examined with urinary Hg excretion (HgU) ranging from 0.1 to 35.0 micrograms/g creatinine: 122 occupationally exposed workers, 22 subjects living in a non-polluted area, but consuming large amounts of tuna and sword fish, and 197 controls. METHODS: Several markers of renal changes were measured in urine (albumin, fibronectin, beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, tubular antigens, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity) and serum (beta 2-microglobulin and cystatin C). Serum autoantibodies towards collagen, laminin and tubular antigens were assessed in subjects with abnormal renal markers. The role of glutathione-S-tranferases GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms in the inter-individual variability of biological response to Hg was also investigated. RESULTS: Renal markers were not correlated with HgU. None of such markers differed significantly between exposed workers and controls, except for urinary beta 2-microglobulin, which was decreased in Hg-exposed workers (GM = 55.8 vs 86.6 micrograms/g creatinine), in the absence of any changes in serum concentration. Subjects usually eating tuna and sword fish showed an increased urinary excretion of beta 2-microglobulin, albumin and fibronectin. Serum titres of auto-antibodies did not differ between the groups. Neither in controls nor in exposed workers were the observed differences modified by the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes. CONCLUSION: The present study did not provide evidence of any changes in kidney integrity and function in subjects exposed to very low levels of inorganic Hg resulting in urinary Hg lower than 35 micrograms/g creatinine. Nor did we obtain evidence of Hg-induced autoimmunity towards kidney components. The potential modifying role of GST polymorphisms could not be clarified in the absence of effects associated with exposure to the risk factor, i.e., to inorganic Hg. Preliminary data suggesting nephrotoxic effects of organic Hg from a diet rich in large fish resulting in increased levels of both blood and urinary Hg--which however did not exceed 20 micrograms/g creatinine--deserves further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Immunologic effects of exposure to low levels of inorganic mercury].

OBJECTIVE: The immune system is a target for the toxic effects of inorganic mercury, both in humans and animals. In humans it has been observed that occupational and environmental exposure to inorganic mercury may cause both clinical (autoimmunity, hypersensitivity) and subclinical effects (cellular and humoral immunologic variable modifications). To obtain a better definition of these effects with respect to the exposure levels, a multicentre study was performed on 117 workers exposed to very low doses of inorganic mercury and 172 subjects from the general population of the same geographical area with environmental exposure to mercury from dental amalgams and dietary fish intake. RESULTS: The white blood cell count was included in the normality range for all subjects and there was no difference between exposed and non exposed subjects. The immunologic variables studied showed an increase of the CD4+ and CD8+ number in exposed workers compared to non-exposed subjects, with a statistically significance only for CD4+, while no difference was observed regarding CD4+, CD8+, NK+ percentage and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. A significative decrease of serum IL-8 and an inverse correlation between serum levels of this cytokine and HgU were observed in exposed workers compared to non exposed subjects. No association between immunologic variables and both dental amalgams and dietary fish intake was found in subjects not occupationally exposed to inorganic mercury. DISCUSSION: The decrease in IL-8 serum levels observed in exposed workers might suggest an immunosuppressive effect of occupational exposure to very low doses of inorganic mercury. This result suggests the need to revise of current HgU BEI after further definition of its prognostic significance.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Reference values of urinary mercury in the Italian population].

This paper shows the results of a polycentric study performed to assess the reference values of urinary mercury (U-Hg) in Italian population. 374 subjects from four Italian cities (Bari, Brescia, Genova e Siena) have been examined. A questionnaire on life style, dietary habits, occupational or environmental exposure to Hg and clinical history has been administered to every participant and number and surface of dental amalgams have been verified for all subjects. The determination of U-Hg has been performed on urinary extemporary samples by hydride generation atomic absorption method (HG-AAS); urinary creatinine has been determinated to reduce the intraindividual variability. U-Hg reference values were: 0.21-3.20 micrograms/g creat (5 degrees and 95 degrees percentile) and 0.12-6.04 micrograms/g creat (range). Moreover study results have shown that number and surface of dental amalgams, dietary fish intake and body mass index (BMI) influenced significatively U-Hg excretion. U-Hg reference values from this polycentric study resulted comparable to those assessed in other European countries, whereas the mean U-Hg observed in the referent Italian population was lower.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors predicting early response to treatment with recombinant interferon alpha-2a in chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis. Preliminary report of a long-term trial.

To evaluate cost-effectiveness and response predictors of treatment with recombinant interferon alpha-2a in chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis, 263 consecutive patients were enrolled in a multicenter long-term study. A pre-planned analysis aimed at identifying predictors of early response was carried out when all patients had completed the initial 3 months of treatment with 6 MU thrice weekly. Sixty-three percent of the patients enrolled were classified as responders. At multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase levels and cirrhosis were the only independent variables significantly associated with response. The risk of no response after 3 months of treatment was 3.9 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 7.2) in patients with high baseline levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase as compared with patients showing low baseline levels, and it was 2.0 times higher (1.1 to 3.8) in patients with cirrhosis as compared with those without it. We expect that results from this and other studies on large patient populations may help to select those patients who are more likely to benefit from interferon administration.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Care for and maintenance of the quality life in oncological surgery: from psychological reaction to pain control].

Life care and quality life control would be considered as important as diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Surgical phase has a particular aspect in oncology, as the patient himself requires a curative intent from surgery (it's generally well known that alternative therapies for solid tumors, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are thought to be extreme remedies during advanced study); in fact surgeons first, focused their attention upon life quality either of hospitalized or discharged patients. The aim of this article is to illustrate themes of clinical practice such as the complex emotional reaction of the patient and the pharmacological support for pain control.

Analgesics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Liver hemangioma: the need for a well-defined differential diagnosis and the therapeutical timing dilemma].

Liver is frequently affected by hemangiomas originated during the embryonal period from defects in the maturation of the endothelia of the capillary system. These benign tumors may result asymptomatic for the whole life (4-7% of incidental autoptical reports), but in some cases they are liable to a spontaneous or traumatic rupture, with haemorrhagic complications which make an urgent laparotomy necessary. The rupture may be caused by different reasons, such as the critical size reached by the endothelia, the development of the mass due to the continuous pulsatility or the hormonal stimuli (puberty, pregnancy or oral contraceptives).

Adenoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Benign hepatic neoplasms: diagnostic problems and therapeutic approach].

The liver is one of the main targets of metastases arising from other districts, owing to its function to filter the systemic blood circulation and to its being the location of primary malignant processes. What is worth pointing out is the fact that the prevalence and contemporary prognostic severity of malignant tumours of the liver indirectly contributes to the study of benign neoplasms. This is due to the urgency of a differential diagnosis, the therapeutic planning and the prognosis prediction being rather different. The aim of this study is to offer a concise view about clinical arising, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategy of benign tumours of the liver, areas where surgery plays a central role.

Adenoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Assessment of neurobehavioral functions of workers exposed to low doses of metallic lead].

The effects of low-dose lead occupational exposure on neurobehavioral functions are still not well defined by international literature. The objective of this study is to assess by psychometric testing the presence of possible neuropsychological impairment in a group of male Italian workers with low blood lead levels in comparison to an adequate non exposed worker group. Given informed consent to take part to the study, all workers were interviewed about their working and clinical history and underwent determination of blood lead levels (PbB). An internationally validated computerized battery of psychometric tests and a standardized paper-and-pencil version of mood self-rating scale and WAIS-R Vocabulary subtest were also administered to the workers. Exposed workers had a geometric mean of PbB significantly higher than non exposed workers, but rather low (16.4 +/- 1.7 microg/dl). The results of psychometric tests were not significantly different between the two worker groups, even after adjusting for the main confounding factors. In workers exposed to low lead doses no neurobehavioral abnormalities were demonstrated by the administered psychometric test battery.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Could VDT use induce thoracic hyperkyphosis? Preliminary data].

The association between sitting posture and degenerative alterations of intervertebral disks has been widely studied, while the possible relationship between sitting posture and thoracic hyperkyphosis has not been investigated sufficiently. The objective of this study, therefore, is to verify the possible association between video display terminal (VDT) use, which needs a sitting prolonged posture, and thoracic hyperkyphosis. 63 VDT workers and 71 telephone line maintenance workers (control group) have been examined. The two groups were different for the postural load required by the two jobs. A questionnaire about job and clinical history has been administered to workers included in the study. A complete orthopedical examination has been performed for all workers, while radiographic exams have been performed only in the cases requiring of further diagnostic investigations. The two groups have resulted homogenous for age, while were different for working age and body mass index (BMI). The frequency of subjects with rachialgia has resulted higher in VDT users than in maintenance workers. The prevalence of thoracic hyperkyphosis observed in VDT users has been higher than in maintenance workers, with a difference near to be statistically significant, and significantly associated with age in VDT users. The hyperkyphosis of the dorsolumbar tract have resulted significantly more frequent in VDT users than in maintenance workers (p<0.05). Preliminary results of this study suggest that fixed and prolonged sitting working posture would be able to determine thoracic hyperkyphosis, although constitutional factors and age could have a role in its determination. Preventive measures should be proposed for an adequate ergonomic training of VDT users.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Esophacoil for palliation of recurrent malignant esophago-jejunal anastomotic stricture. Case reports.

Recurrent malignancy at esophagojejunal anastomosis represents an incurable stage of disease. Treatment options are limited. Surgery presents a high rate of morbidity and mortality and frequently fails to alleviate symptoms. Radiochemotherapy relieves dysphagia slowly and offers disappointing clinical results. The use of Self Expanding Metallic Stent (SEMS) has shown to be effective, safe and offers a good quality of residual life. We herein report three cases of malignant esophagojejunal anastomotic strictures successfully treated with metallic coil stent (Esophacoil).

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis doubled: a comparison with reconstruction using the patellar tendon.

A total of sixty consecutive cases of anterior chronic laxity of the knee the pre- and intraoperative features of which corresponded to the criteria of inclusion considered, hospitalized in our institute between September and December 1998 and submitted to reconstruction of the ACL were reviewed at a follow-up of 74 months. The series was made up of two groups that were homogeneous in terms of sex, age, degree of preoperative laxity and number and type of associated meniscal lesions; in the first group (20 cases) reconstruction was carried out using the patellar tendon (BPTB) and in the other (40 cases) the doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (DGST) were used with the association in cases with greater rotatory laxity (20 cases) of peripheral reinforcement reconstruction. An accelerated rehabilitation protocol was used in the first group, a more prudent one with immobilization in extension for two weeks was used in the second group. The results, evaluated based on the IKDC form, appeared to be better in the DGST group, with a statistically significant difference; joint stability, evaluated at follow-up with a KT1000 arthrometer also proved to be better in the DGST group, with a difference that was not statistically significant. The present study seems to show that reconstruction of the ACL with DGST, a prudent rehabilitation protocol and peripheral reinforcement reconstruction in selected cases is capable of providing better long-term results as compared to standard reconstruction with the patellar tendon and accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Among methods used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), those that utilize the central third of the patellar tendon (BPTB) or the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (DGST) continue to be those used most frequently. Although the debate between orthopedics is still going on as to which of the two methods is to be preferred, studies that compare the two methods do not seem to report essential differences in medium-term results. In a recent meta-analysis of the most important international literature, to this regard Freedman et al. concluded that despite a significant major presence of anterior pain reconstruction with BPTB is capable of guaranteeing better joint stability and patient satisfaction, with a minor incidence of transplant failure. Nonetheless, if methods of reconstruction with BPTB seem to be rather standardized in terms of the method used to obtain the specimen and that used for stabilization (with very few differences between interference screws and transverse stabilization), and in postoperative rehabilitation (so-called accelerated), when DGST is used there are many technical variables capable of influencing the final results (choice of methods of stabilization, postoperative rehabilitation in particular). For this reason we still cannot obtain an absolute comparison of the two methods, but can only compare reconstruction with BPTB and a particular method used with DGST. It is the purpose of this study to present the medium-term results not so much of ACL reconstruction with the semitendinosus and gracilis doubled, but as a more articulate approach to the pathology of the ACL, so that DGST is only one phase, even if it is the most important one. Because we wished to verify whether it is possible, even in terms of joint stability and patient satisfaction, to improve the results of the so-called gold standard for reconstruction of the ACL, reconstruction by BPTB with transverse femoral reconstruction and accelerated postoperative rehabilitation protocol was chosen as a term of paragon.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intracavitary beta-interferon for the management of pleural and/or abdominal effusions in patients with advanced cancer refractory to chemotherapy.

Twenty-three cancer patients with pleural and/or abdominal effusion refractory to chemotherapy were treated with intracavitary beta-interferon after drainage. The overall response rate at 30 days was 35% for the whole group of patients, 25% for those with pleural effusion, and 40% for those with ascites. In 15 patients the mean time to re-accumulation of fluid after drainage only was 8.7 days, while it approached 30.3 days after intracavitary beta-interferon. This difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.001). The treatment was well tolerated with only mild and transient pain in 3 cases.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma pepsinogens, nutrients, and diet in areas of Italy at varying gastric cancer risk.

In a survey of 930 adults aged 35-74 years randomly sampled from the general population of four areas of Italy at different risks for gastric cancer (GC), plasma levels of pepsinogens (PGI and PGII) and fat-soluble vitamins were assayed. Pepsinogen levels were used to identify individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Severe CAG (PGI < or = 20 pg/liter) affected 5.8% of the population, but the prevalence rose with increasing age and declining social class. Severe CAG was 5 times more common in areas with high compared to low rates of GC. Risk also rose with increasing consumption of salted/dried fish but was inversely related to dietary intake of beta-carotene and to plasma retinol and cholesterol levels. The prevalence of moderate CAG (PGI > 20 pg/liter, but PGI/PGII < or = 2.9) was 6.3%. Moderate CAG was also related to age and social class and increased 1.8-fold in areas where GC rates were high, but was not strongly associated with diet or plasma nutrients. The authors discuss these findings in relation to those from a previous case-control study of GC in the same areas.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Increased serum calcitonin, reduced serum 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D and normal parathormone concentrations in idiopathic hypercalciuria.

Twelve children (5 males and 7 females, mean age 8.5 years) with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH), 9 with absorptive IH (1 type I and 8 type II) and 3 with renal IH, were followed in our outpatient hospital from September 1981 to March 1987. Mean (+/- 1 SD) free diet calciuria was 5.9 +/- 1.66 mg/kg/day. Diagnosis was made measuring urinary Ca/Cr ratio after controlled diet and calcium loading test. Serum parathormone (PTH), 1,25-(OH)2-D3 and calcitonin (TCT) values and renal threshold phosphate concentration (TmPO4/GFR) were also studied. Serum PTH was normal in all children. Serum TCT levels were significantly increased in the patients with IH compared with controls (p less than 0.001) while serum 1,25-(OH)2-D3 levels were significantly reduced compared with controls (p less than 0.001).

Calcitonin↗