Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Ricci

Publications and source records attributed to E Ricci.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Adhesion molecules in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: possible indication of prognosis].

Thirty patients with laryngeal tumors were divided into two groups on the basis of whether clinical and pathological features indicated good or bad prognosis. Samples of each tumor group were selected and examined by immunohistochemistry using mAbs, raised against integrin chains (beta 1, beta 4, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6) and their ligands laminin 1 and 5, collagen type IV, two fibronectin isoforms (ED-A and ED-B) and two isoforms of tenascin known to be associated with neoplasm. Controls were provided by samples of tumor-free laryngeal mucosa removed during the surgical procedure. The normal topographical integrin pattern and the continuity of the basement membrane components was altered in both groups but the extent of these changes was significantly greater in those tumors with poor prognosis. Therefore, the groups could easily and reliably be distinguished by simply observing their immunohistochemical features. It is suggested that performing immunohistochemical analysis on biopsies may aid in early diagnosis as well as in adopting the proper therapeutic strategy to follow for these tumors. The above molecules may become one of the diagnostic tools available for head and neck surgical pathologists.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A novel mitochondrial DNA point mutation in the tRNA(Ile) gene is associated with progressive external ophtalmoplegia.

We report a new mutation, a T-->C transition at nt.4285 in the mitochondrial tRNA(Ile) gene, in a sporadic case of progressive external ophtalmoplegia (PEO) and ragged-red fibers (RRF). The mutation, involving a highly conserved base-pair in the anticodon stem, was detected in high percentages (91%) in muscle, but not in blood. It has never been reported in literature in normal subjects and it was not found in any of 80 controls studied in our laboratory. The absence of the mutation in leukocytes in this case with pure muscle involvement confirms the importance of performing mtDNA studies in PEO patients preferentially on muscle rather than blood, which could give false negative results. Other mutations in the tRNA(Ile) gene associated with different phenotypes have been previously reported. Thus, tRNA(Ile) gene is confirmed to be another "hot spot" region for mtDNA mutations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Correlates of oral contraceptive use in Italian women, 1991-93.

In order to understand the determinants of oral contraceptive (OC) use in Italy, we analyzed data on 1577 women aged under age 60 (median age 50 years) admitted as controls in a case-control study of breast cancer. Included in this group were women with acute, non-neoplastic, non-gynecologic, non-hormone-related diseases, admitted between 1991 and 1994 to a network of hospitals in six Italian centres. A total of 275 (17.4%) women reported ever OC use. Oral contraceptive use was strongly related to the level of education: in comparison with women reporting < 7 years of schooling, the multivariate odds ratios (OR) of ever OC use were 2.2 and 3.5, respectively, in women reporting 7-11 and > or = 12 years of schooling (chi 1(2) trend 40.87 p < 0.001). OC use was inversely related to body mass index (BMI): in comparison with leaner women (BMI, Kg/m2, < 25), the OR of being an ever OC user was 0.8 and 0.7, respectively, in women with BMI 25-< 30 and > or = 30 (chi 1(2) trend 3.36, p = 0.07). Parous women more frequently tended to be OC users than nulliparous ones, the estimated OR being 2.4 and 2.3, respectively, in women reporting 1 or 2 and 3 or more births in comparison with nulliparae. Likewise, women with history of induced abortions were more frequently ever OC users (OR for > or = 1 induced abortions vs no induced abortion, 1.8, 95% Cl 1.2-2.6). However, no relationship emerged between OC use and history of spontaneous abortions. Finally, there was no relation between pill use and history of hypertension, cholelithiasis, thyroid diseases, hyperlipidemia, family history of breast cancer, uterine fibroids and benign breast disease. Women with a history of diabetes were less likely to be OC users (OR 0.6), but the finding was not significant. The results of this analysis are comparable with those of a study conducted in the same population in the early 1980's, and suggest that sociodemographic and reproductive factors, rather than medical history, are major determinants of OC use in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Attitudes and clinical practice of Italian gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy during hysterectomy for benign conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the attitudes of Italian gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy in women who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to 490 physicians in charge in 42 obstetric and gynecologic centres affiliated to the Association of Italian Obstetrics and Gynecologists. RESULTS: About 80% of gynecologists perform prophylactic oophorectomy for women aged more than 50, but this percentage decreases to 50% for patients aged 45-50. Most gynecologists avoid prophylactic oophorectomy in women aged less than 40. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the wide variability in attitudes of gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy in women aged 40-50 who undergo hysterectomy for benign conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Menstrual and reproductive factors and hip fractures in post menopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the relationship between menstrual and reproductive history and risk of hip fractures in post-menopausal women using data from an Italian case-control study. METHODS: Cases were 206 post-menopausal women admitted for fractures of the hip proximal femur to a network of teaching and general hospitals in Milan, Italy. The comparison group consisted of 590 post-menopausal women admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, non-neoplastic, non-hormone-related conditions, other than traumatic or orthopedic disorders. Odds ratios (OR) of hip fracture were derived from unconditional multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: No relation emerged between risk of hip fractures and age at menarche, lifelong menstrual cycle pattern and age at menopause. In comparison with women with age at menopause > or = 53 years, the multivariate OR of hip fractures were 1.2, 1.1, 1.2 and 0.5 in women with menopause at 50-52, 45-49, 40-44 and before 40 years (X2(1) trend 0.21). In comparison with nulliparae, the estimated age-adjusted OR was 0.6 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.4-0.9) for parous women, but the multivariate estimate was not significant (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.3) and the multivariate trend in risk with number of births was not significant either. No relation emerged between hip fractures and age at first and last birth, and history of abortions. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no relevant influence of menstrual and reproductive factors on the risk of hip fractures in post-menopausal women. However, this is not in contrast with the observation of a short-term effect of menopause and more in general. female hormone levels on osteoporosis and hence on hip fractures.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors for pregnancy-induced hypertension in women at high risk for the condition. Italian Study of Aspirin in Pregnancy Group.

To analyze determinants of the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) with or without proteinuria, we compared characteristics of women enrolled in the Italian Study of Aspirin in Pregnancy who developed PIH and those who did not. A total of 756 women were included in the present analysis; of these, 132 women (17%) developed PIH during the trial. The risk of developing PIH tended to increase with maternal age: in comparison with women age 20-25 years, the odds ratio (OR) estimates of risk ratio were 3.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-7.1] in women age 26-30 years and 4.2 (95% CI = 1.9-8.8) in those age > 30 years. There was little relation between development of PIH and education. PIH risk increased according to nonpregnant body mass index; in comparison with women with Quetelet's index (kg per m2) < 25, the OR estimates were 1.7 (95% CI = 1.1-2.7) and 2.1 (95% CI = 1.3-3.6), respectively, for women with a value for Quetelet's index of > 25-30 and > 30. Parous women were at decreased risk of PIH: in comparison with nulliparas, the ORs were 0.7 (95% CI = 0.4-1.0) and 0.5 (95% CI = 0.3-0.9), respectively, in women reporting 1 or > or = 2 births. There was no important relation between previous spontaneous or induced abortion and PIH risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Reproductive factors and risk of uterine fibroids.

We analyzed the relation between reproductive history and risk of uterine fibroids using data from a case-control study. Cases were 621 women with histologically confirmed diagnosis of uterine fibroids. Controls were 1,051 non-hysterectomized patients. Compared with nulliparae, parous women had a relative risk (RR) of fibroids of 0.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4-0.6], and the risk declined with number of births. The risk of fibroids also decreased with number of induced abortions (RR = 0.8 and 0.6 for women reporting one or two or more abortions, respectively). A total of 24 cases (3.9%) and 19 controls (1.8%) reported a history of infertility (RR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.1-3.7).

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Sexually transmitted diseases and risk of HIV infection.

We have analyzed the association between sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV infection, using data from a cross-sectional survey of subjects attending STD clinics in Northern Italy conducted since 1988. A total of 1,711 subjects (1,259 males, 452 females), who had referred themselves to three STD clinics in Northern Italy for suspected STD or STD treatment, were included for the study. Out of these, 145 subjects (113 males and 32 females) were HIV-positive. A total of 58 HIV-positive and 368 HIV-negative subjects reported a history of STD; the corresponding odds ratio (OR) was 2.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-3.6) for subjects reporting a history of STD. Considering various STD in details, the estimated OR was 1.8 (95% CI 0.8-3.8) for a history of gonorrhoea and 1.5 (95% CI 0.8-2.7) of syphilis, and the OR was 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.2) and 2.2 (95% CI 1.3-3.8), respectively, for a positive TPHA and VDRL test. The results of the test for HbsAg were available in 50 HIV-positive and 1,028 HIV-negative subjects; the OR of HIV infection in subjects with HbSAg was 3.9 (95% CI 1.7-9.0). Presence of genital ulcers at clinical examination was not significantly associated with the risk of HIV infection (OR yes vs no genital ulcers 1.5, 95% CI 0.6-2.8).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors for functional ovarian cysts.

We evaluated risk factors for functional ovarian cysts using data from a case-control study conducted in Milan. Cases were 68 women with histologically confirmed functional cysts. Controls were 272 women admitted to hospital for acute conditions. Compared with women who were 11 years of age or younger at menarche, women who experienced menarche at 12-13 years or at 14 years or later had odds ratios (ORs) of 0.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5-1.6] and 0.4 (95% CI = 0.2-0.9). In comparison with women reporting menstrual cycles lasting less than 26 days, the OR was 1.8 (95% CI = 0.7-5.0) in women reporting cycles lasting 26-30 days, 1.8 (95% CI = 0.4-7.4) in those reporting cycles greater than 30 days, and 1.9 (95% CI = 0.4-7.7) in those with totally irregular cycles. Body mass was inversely related to the risk of functional ovarian cysts: compared with women with a Quetelet index below 20, the OR was 0.9 (95% CI = 0.5-1.7) in those with an index in the range from 20-24 and 0.5 (95% CI = 0.2-1.2) in those with an index of 25 or more. We found little relation between the risk of functional ovarian cysts and education, smoking, marital status, or age at first marriage. For oral contraceptive use, we found an OR of 1.3 (95% CI = 0.7-2.6).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of risk factors in oncologic surgery].

The Authors carried on a retrospective study of risks factors in oncologic surgery based on a univariate analysis. The study includes 337 patients hospitalized for neoplastic pathology from January 1991 to June 1995. In agreement with Literature the most important risks factors were represented by associated pathologies, TNM staging and ASA classification. The opportunity of a correct preoperative evaluation of risks factors is recommended to assure the best conditions for the surgical patient and to rescue to surgery patients otherwise considered not surgically manageable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Treatment of skin lesions with Katogel].

The author analyses a series of 41 heterogeneous skin lesions treated with Katogel for a period ranging between 3 and 6 months. The wounds were divided into two broad groups: acute and chronic, and the latter were then analysed according to pathological category. This dressing showed excellent local performance, although it did not detract from the importance of general treatment, together with good tolerance, ease of use and comfort.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Genetic homogeneity between childhood-onset and adult-onset autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy.

Molecular diagnosis of childhood proximal spinal muscular atrophy has been enhanced by the discovery of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, which is absent or truncated in 98.6% of patients. To determine whether deletion analysis of the SMN gene may also be diagnostic for adult-onset disease, we studied six patients and found deletions in all. This finding will facilitate the diagnosis of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy, and provides evidence for genetic homogeneity between the clinically diverse adult and childhood forms of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Phenotype-genotype correlations in skeletal muscle of patients with mtDNA deletions.

Large-scale deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been associated with a subgroup of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies, usually characterized by progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) and mitochondrial proliferation in muscle fibers. We and others have shown that muscle from patients with mtDNA deletions have variable cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency and reduction of mitochondrially-synthesized polypeptides in affected muscle fibers. The present work summarizes the phenotype-genotype correlations observed in patients' muscle. In situ hybridization revealed that, while most COX-deficient fibers had increased levels of mutant mtDNA, they almost invariably had reduced levels of normal mtDNA. PCR quantitation of both deleted and wild-type mtDNAs in normal and respiration-deficient muscle fibers from patients with the "common deletion" showed that deleted mtDNAs were present in normal fibers (31 +/- 26%), but their percentages were much higher in affected fibers (95% +/- 2%). Absolute levels of deleted mtDNA were also increased in affected fibers, whereas absolute levels of wild-type mtDNA were significantly reduced. Taken together, our results suggest that although a specific ratio between mutant and wild-type mitochondrial genomes is probably the major determinant of the respiratory chain deficiency associated with mtDNA deletions, the reduction in the absolute amounts of wild-type mtDNA may also play a significant pathogenetic role.

Chromosome Deletion↗
PubMed1995

Alcohol and endometrial cancer risk: findings from an Italian case-control study.

Using data from a case-control study conducted in Northern Italy, we analyzed the relation between alcohol drinking and risk of endometrial cancer. Cases were 726 patients, < 75 years of age, admitted to the Ospedale Maggiore (including the 4 largest teaching and general hospitals in the Greater Milan area), the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, and the National Cancer Institute of Milan with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer. Controls were 2,123 nonhysterectomized patients, < 75 years of age, admitted for acute nongynecological non-hormone-related nonneoplastic conditions to the same network of hospitals where cases had been identified. When total consumption of all alcoholic beverages was considered, 68.2% of cases and 63.9% of controls were drinkers and 12% of cases and 9.3% of controls reported > or = 2 drinks/day. Considering total alcohol drinking, the relative risk for alcohol drinkers vs. nondrinkers was 1.3 (95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5), and the RR estimates for subsequent levels of intake were 1.1, 1.4, and 1.6 for women drinking > 0 < or = 1, > 1 < or = 2 drinks/day (chi 2(1) trend 11.33, p < 0.001). The estimates were similar when wine only (which represents the large majority of all alcohol intake in Italy) was considered, whereas data were less informative for beer and spirits intake only. No relation emerged between duration of alcohol consumption and risk of endometrial cancer. These findings suggest a potential link between alcohol drinking and endometrial cancer risk and are, in any case, inconsistent with a protective role of alcohol in endometrial carcinogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗