Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Lemma

Publications and source records attributed to F Lemma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

The use of armspan measurement to assess the nutritional status of adults in four Ethiopian ethnic groups.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of armspan as a proxy for height in the assessment of nutritional status using body mass index (BMI) for four ethnic groups in Ethiopia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Four regions in Ethiopia, namely Oromia, Amhara, Tigre and Somali Region. SUBJECTS: A total of 1706 (884 males and 822 females) Ethiopians aged 18-50 y from four different ethnic groups. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and armspan) were obtained using standard techniques. BMI using height (BMI-ht) and using armspan (BMI-as) were calculated, t-tests were used to compare means, and linear regression to investigate the relationship between BMI-ht and BMI-as. RESULTS: Ethnic and sex differences in the relationship between height and armspan, and their derived variables (BMI-ht and BMI-as), were found. Armspan and height (r=0.83-0.9), and BMI-ht and BMI-as (r=0.89-0.97), were highly correlated in all ethnic groups. BMI-as cut-offs equivalent to the conventional BMI-ht classification of chronic energy deficiency were similar in the Oromo, Amhara and Tigre, but substantially higher in the Somalis. CONCLUSION: Armspan can be used as a proxy for height to estimate BMI, but the relationship between the two measures varies considerably with ethnicity and sex. Unless sex- and ethnicity-specific cut-offs are applied, the use of BMI-as using conventional cut-offs will overestimate the prevalence of underweight in these populations. SPONSORSHIP: HelpAge International.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Esophageal leiomyoma: ultrasonographic endoscopic diagnosis].

Leiomyoma is the most frequent benign neoplasia of the esophagus. It is generally diagnosed, accidentally during a radiologic examination (filling defect with clear and regular margins) or endoscopically (sessile, hemispheric, covered by pink mucosa). Recently, to the above conventional exams, endoscopic ultrasonography has been added allowing to identify the single layers of the esophageal wall, thus furnishing useful informations on the morpho-structural characteristics of the leiomyoma. From October '94 to May '96, at the Endoscopy Service of the Institute of Oncology of the University of Messina, 12 patients, 8 males and 4 females, ranging from 39 to 69 years of age (median age 55.4) underwent EUS for suspect leiomyoma. An Olympus EU-M20 echoendoscope was used with a radial scan transducer of 12 Mhz. In 8 patients the leiomyoma was located in the III mid-esophagus, while in 4 patients the III inferior portion was interested. The Authors observed lesions ranging in size from 0.5 to 2.5 cm. In their experience, a suspect of leiomyoma represents a good indication for an endoscopic ultrasonography, which shows high sensitivity and specificity.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Approach to male breast cancer. Our experience].

Male breast cancer is a rare neoplasia and represents only 1% of all forms of breast cancer. The etiopathogenesis of breast carcinoma is still unknown in both males and females, but an altered hormonal metabolism may play a role in its genesis. The prognosis of breast cancer is slightly worse in males, especially in cases with axillary lymph node metastases. The paper discusses the therapy administered to 8 patients with male breast cancer who were treated by the authors between January 1983 and April 1990.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

[Use of endoscopic ultrasonography in the staging of esophageal tumors].

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) was performed in 15 patients with esophageal and cardial carcinoma with the aim to evaluate intramural or extraesophageal invasion and regional lymph node metastases. In 10 patients the Authors correctly evaluated the tumoral depth invasion. In 5 patients mediastinal lymph node metastases were observed. It is concluded that EUS is a useful diagnostic method in the staging of esophageal carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Xerophthalmia and malnutrition among pre-school children in Agaro town south-west Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Agaro town to determine the magnitude of xerophthalmia and malnutrition in January 1993. 434 children (aged six months to six years), were selected randomly and by using the proportionate probability sampling technique from the eight 'kebeles' of the town. Data were collected by interviewing mothers/ care-takers of index children and by ocular and anthropometric examinations. From the total subjects studied, the proportion of males (54.6%) was higher than females (45.3%). Few mothers/ care-takers (24.5%) were found to be illiterate. According to the Waterloo classification, 18.6% were either wasted, stunted or both. The overall prevalence of xerophthalmia was 6.2%. Being malnourished and earning less than 700 birr / year were significantly associated with xerophthalmia (chi 2 = 6.23; P < 0.05). Finally, children with clinical signs of xerophthalmia and other eye diseases were treated accordingly and advice was given to mothers/care-takers of malnourished children.

Child↗
PubMed1994

[Current trends in the treatment of perforated colonic diverticulitis].

The authors, after having examined the cases of complicated diverticulitis operated between 1985 and 1993, confirm that the surgical treatment for this particular pathology is strictly dependent on the local or general seriousness. In the light of this they consider an operation for resection and anastomosis 1st stage justifiable only in selected cases; colostomy and drainage in particularly serious cases, preferring Hartmann's method of operation for the 3rd and 4th stages of Chappuis and Chon. The results obtained agree in a satisfactory manner with the data in the literature.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[The usefulness of cytodiagnosis in nonpalpable breast lesions].

The paper underlines the importance of early diagnosis in the treatment of breast tumours and emphasises the value of cytodiagnosis as a very sensitive and specific predictive method for detecting impalpable lesions. In conclusion, the Authors affirm that cytodiagnosis, together with the introduction of new diagnostic instruments such as the TRC Mammotest, allows the diagnostic and therapeutical approach to impalpable breast tumours to be improved. It adds to the already high sensitivity of mammography and to the high predictive specificity of cytology, thus contributing to the reduction of the so-called "bioptic cost".

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Unilateral polycystic renal dysplasia].

The Authors report two cases of unilateral multicystic kidney dysplasia comparing the etiopathogenetic and clinical characteristics with those of polycystic kidney disease. They conclude with some considerations on the current therapeutic trend in these cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Indications and limitations of subcutaneous mastectomy in the treatment of breast carcinoma].

The reasons that led to subcutaneous mastectomy in some initial stage breast cancer patients are reported. After removal of the mammary gland, this surgical technique provides for prosthetic reconstruction and should therefore be confined to women with initial stage cancer who for psychological or aesthetic reasons refuse more destructive operations. The technique is described and results obtained discussed, recalling that this type of non-destructive operation will be increasingly in demand in the future but needs preclinical diagnosis of the local disease and its systemic diffusion.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in early gastric cancer].

A ten-year series of early gastric cancer is reported, stress being laid on the diagnostic and therapeutic problems associated with the condition. The importance of intensified mass screening programmes, particularly in populations at risk, is underlined to enable these potentially dangerous conditions to be treated in time.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1989

[Clinical remarks on acute volvulus of the cecum].

On the basis of a case of acute volvulus of the caecum, the rarity of the condition is stressed and its aetiopathogenetic and clinical aspects analysed, particular emphasis being laid on therapy.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

[Gastric volvulus. Clinical contribution].

After discussing the classification of the various types of gastric volvulus, the aetiopathogenetic factors that occur in this rare stomach pathology are reviewed. The personal series is reported and the clinical, radiological and above all therapeutic aspects connected with the pathology discussed. It is concluded that, in these cases too, the aims to pursue are the formulation of early diagnosis and implementation of quick, correct treatment for the purpose of eliminating the basic pathology and preventing necrosis of the gastric wall setting in.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[The inguinal hernia today. Technical notes].

Following a short introduction on Bassini's operation, alternative surgical techniques are discussed: Postempski, Halsted, Mugnai-Ferrari, Anson-McVay, Marcy, Ferguson, Shouldice with their indications, advantages and disadvantages. Personal experience in the surgical treatment of 516 patients suffering from inguinal hernia is then reported and stress is laid on the need for precise anatomic knowledge of the inguinal region and skill in one technique in particular to limit the risk of recurrences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Use of mebendazole in the treatment of pulmonary hydatidosis].

After recalling the various therapeutic aids proposed for the treatment of hydatid disease, personal experience in the use of mebendazole in patients suffering from pulmonary hydatidosis is reported. On the basis of the results obtained, it is concluded that mebendazole represents a useful therapeutic approach provided it is administered in full doses and for a long period in well selected cases, namely patients with cysts of limited dimension and, probably, of comparatively recent onset.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Prognostic factors in gastric cancer. A clinical contribution].

The Authors, after pointing out how incidence of gastric cancer has been reducing last decades, dwell upon environmental and genetic factors that may be linked to the occurrence of such neoplasia. After reporting the data of a retrospective study, they consider the survival rates related to the clinical stage and site of the tumor as well as the therapeutic treatment adopted. They conclude that, even though today gastric cancer is a neoplasia with a still unfavourable prognosis, an early diagnosis and a proper therapeutic procedure may give sufficient guarantees of success.

Adenocarcinoma↗