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Biomedical subjects

G Battista

Publications and source records attributed to G Battista.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Clinical comparison of two tartar control dentifrices: a twelve-week study.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study was to investigate the anticalculus efficacy of a new improved tartar control dentifrice formulation containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, PVM/MA copolymer and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (New and Improved Colgate Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste with Micro-Cleaning Crystals) as the test dentifrice, compared to a previously marketed, American Dental Association-accepted, tartar control dentifrice formulation containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate, PVM/MA copolymer and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Colgate Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste with Micro-Cleaning Crystals), as the positive control dentifrice. Adult male and female subjects were entered into the study based on a pre-test (baseline) Volpe-Manhold calculus index score of 7.0 or greater, provided a full oral prophylaxis, and stratified into two treatment groups which were balanced for age, sex and baseline calculus scores. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for the formation of supragingival dental calculus were performed after twelve-weeks' use of the study dentifrices. Seventy-three (73) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the entire study. At the 12-week examination, the test dentifrice group exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.0008) 44.1% reduction in the mean Volpe-Manhold calculus index score compared to the mean calculus scores of the previously marketed, positive control dentifrice group. Thus, the results of this clinical study support the conclusion that the New and Improved Colgate Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste with Micro-Cleaning Crystals is more efficacious in controlling the development of supragingival calculus formation than the previously marketed Colgate Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste with Micro-Cleaning Crystals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Clinical efficacy of an optimized stannous fluoride dentifrice, Part 2: A 6-month plaque/gingivitis clinical study, northeast USA.

The objective of this 6-month, double-blind clinical study, conducted following the American Dental Association guidelines, was to investigate the efficacy of Colgate Optimized Stannous Fluoride (COSF) dentifrice for the control of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. This dentifrice contains 0.454% stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, polyphosphate, and citrate in a silica base. At the 3- and 6-month study examinations, the COSF dentifrice group exhibited statistically significant reductions in both plaque and gingivitis compared to the control dentifrice group. At the 6-month examination, the magnitude of these percent reductions exceeded 20% for all 4 parameters measured. Thus, the results of this study support the conclusion that the COSF dentifrice is efficacious for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Dynamic computed tomography in the study of bronchiolitis obliterans].

Obliterative or constrictive bronchiolitis is characterized by narrowing of the small airways, due to submucosal and peribronchiolar fibrosis, with chronic obstruction. The vast majority of cases of bronchiolitis obliterans are associated with other diseases and only few cases are idiopathic. We report on the main computed tomography (CT) methods used study obliterative bronchiolitis, the CT findings and the differential diagnosis with other diseases. The dynamic study of alveolar ventilation with CT uses inspiratory and expiratory CT or high-resolution CT (HRCT), spiral dynamic CT or HRCT with advanced image display, ultrafast CT. In abnormal cases HRCT shows direct and indirect signs of small airways disease. The most common (> 80%) sign of obliterative bronchiolitis is the so-called mosaic oligohemia, with low attenuating lobules, caused by air trapping and best seen on expiratory CT, associated with blood flow redistribution to more normal lobules; this finding simulates the ground-glass pattern from infiltrative lung disease. Differential diagnosis is more difficult in the presence of true ground-glass patterns associated with diffuse bronchiolar obstruction and also with mosaic oligohemia due to pulmonary vascular disease and pulmonary emphysema. HRCT can distinguish these diseases and dynamic CT is more sensitive than functional tests in detecting regional abnormalities and air trapping. The combination of HRCT, rapid volumetric scanning and advanced image display is a powerful tool study the normal and abnormal features of bronchiolar function and alveolar ventilation.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans↗
PubMed1997

[Course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis of the Wells grade III at presentation. Study using high-resolution computerized tomography].

PURPOSE: We studied the HRCT and functional evolution of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients presenting with Wells grade III--prevalent fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We sequentially studied the HRCT and functional findings of 16 IPF patients, at presentation and at 1 year. All patients had a typical grade III IPF pattern; those with the most severe clinical presentation were treated (9/16). The main HRCT parameters were the extent of interstitial involvement and emphysema (visual score) and the mean diameter of lung cysts in honeycombing regions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of our grade III IPF patients exhibited a slowly progressive deterioration, with no accelerated parenchymal opacification. Deterioration was found on HRCT images in 56.2% of patients (p = .02), with a mean monthly increase of .56%. Fibrosis extent, evaluated as HRCT visual score at presentation, was significantly correlated with viability and PaO2, values (p = .01). Follow-up HRCT scores were also significantly correlated with viability (p = .004). The mean diameter of honeycomb lung cysts increased in 25% of patients. Emphysema was associated at presentation in 50% of patients--all of them former smokers; it was less diffuse than interstitial involvement (15% of total lung volume versus 46.7% at presentation) and was not seen to progress on follow-up images. The comparison between treated (T) and untreated (NT) patients confirmed more severe HRCT and functional damage in T patients at presentation. Moreover, T patients presented a significantly more rapid deterioration, despite treatment, than NT patients, who had less severe and slower HRCT and functional evolution, excluding DLCO deterioration (p = .01). To conclude, grade III IPF patients can be subdivided into two subgroups, with rather different prognosis and evolution, on the basis of HRCT and functional findings at presentation. The current treatment seems useless in grade III IPF. HRCT findings, integrated with the visual score of disease extent, and lung function tests can be used to monitor grade III IPF evolution.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Art glassware and sinonasal cancer: report of three cases.

In a multicenter study on the occupational etiology of sinonasal cancer (s.n.c.) carried out in Italy, we collected information about three cases which had arisen among glass workers: an adenocarcinoma, a melanoma, and a squamocellular carcinoma. The three men worked many years as mixers and/or batchers in artistic glass factories in Tuscany (Italy). We propose a possible etiological role of arsenic dust.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Monitoring bulky mediastinal disease with gallium-67, CT-scan and magnetic resonance imaging in Hodgkin's disease and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Treatment of both Hodgkin's disease (HD) and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (HG-NHL) with bulky presentation at diagnosis frequently results in residual masses detected radiologically. Conventional diagnostic radiology and computed tomography (CT) are generally unable to detect the differences between tumor tissue and fibrosis. Gallium-67-citrate (67Ga) SPECT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can potentially differentiate residual active tumor tissue and fibrosis. Thirty-three patients with HD or HG-NHL presenting with bulky mediastinal disease were studied with CT, 67Ga SPECT, and MRI (only for 16 patients) at diagnosis, after two-thirds of their chemotherapy, at the end of chemotherapy, and after radiotherapy in order to evaluate the mediastinal region on the basis of persistence of residual masses and activity of pathological tissue. After treatment, all patients with 67Ga-negative (30/33) disease are still in continuous complete response. Among the three 67Ga-positive patients, 2 relapsed within one year and another one is still alive without evidence of disease. Regarding MRI, two patients were found to be positive, one of them concomitant with 67Ga-positivity; both patients survive in complete response. In lymphoma patients with bulky mediastinal presentation, the 67Ga SPECT remains the preferable imaging technique for monitoring and differentiating the eventual active residual tumor. In combination, CT and 67Ga SPECT represent a suitable complete imaging approach to the radiological diagnosis which may be useful in these particular patients. MRI could probably be considered as a second-line method and from our data would be used only in selected cases because of the high cost, accessibility, and lower specificity as opposed to 67Ga SPECT in evaluating potentially active residual disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[The correlation between morphology, electrolytic content and risk factors in breast cysts].

Many studies on the biochemical composition of the liquid aspirated from breast cysts have identified three types of cysts: type I (apocrine) cysts, with a high concentration of K+ and low levels of Na+ and C1-; type II (transudate) cysts, with an electrolytic content similar to that of plasma and high Na+ levels and, finally, type III cysts, with intermediate characteristics. The literature data appear to indicate that the women with type I cysts are at higher risk for breast cancer. The authors report the results of a study carried out on 143 women from October, 1991, through October, 1994, in the Radiology Department of the University of Bologna, to investigate the correlations between some risk factors for breast cancer, the characteristics of cyst fluid and the morphology of the cysts after pneumocystography. Of 186 cysts, 104 (55.9%) were type I, 49 (26.4%) were type II, and 33 (17.7%) were type III. Among the risk factors we considered, only the premenopausal state (41 to 45 years of age) exhibited a statistically significant correlation with the presence of type I cysts. The morphological study of the cysts after pneumocystography showed a surprisingly high correlation between the honeycomb pattern and type I cysts. The constant correlation between cyst morphology and electrolytic content may allow the easy identification of the subgroups of patients eligible for a closer follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Wood dust and sino-nasal cancer: pooled reanalysis of twelve case-control studies.

In order to examine the relationship between wood dust and sino-nasal cancer, data from 12 case-control studies conducted in seven countries were pooled and reanalyzed. The relative risks associated with wood-related jobs and with exposure to wood dust, measured using a job exposure matrix based on occupation and industry titles, were examined using logistic regression. The combined data set consisted of 680 male cases, 2,349 male controls, 250 female cases, and 787 female controls. A high risk of adenocarcinoma among men was associated with employment in wood-related occupations (odds ratio [OR] = 13.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.0-20.0) and the risk was greatest among men who had been employed in jobs with the highest wood dust exposure (OR = 45.5, 95% CI = 28.3-72.9) and increased with duration of exposure. The risk of adenocarcinoma also appeared elevated among women employed in wood-related jobs (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.5-12.3), but the small number of exposed cases precluded detailed analysis. Women in wood dust-exposed jobs appeared to have an excess of squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.8-5.5) which increased with duration of exposure. An increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in men was seen only among those employed for 30 or more years in jobs with exposure to fresh wood (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1-5.0). The results of this analysis provide strong support to the association between exposure to wood dust in a variety of occupations and the risk of sino-nasal adenocarcinoma and are consistent with the results of individual participating studies, although the magnitude of the excess risk varied. The evidence in regard to squamous cell carcinomas was ambiguous and there was a great deal of heterogeneity observed in individual study results. This may be due to differences in risk associated with exposure to hardwoods and softwoods or with other, as yet to be identified, aspects of exposure.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Nasal cancer in leather workers: an occupational disease.

Nasal cancer has a number of causative agents; exposures to most of the established nasal carcinogens occur in the workplace. An increased risk of nasal cancer has been ascertained in shoe-making and shoe-repairing, but the results for leather goods manufacture and leather tanning don't provide adequate evidence of carcinogenicity. Findings from two epidemiological studies carried out in Italy (a case/control study and a case/series report) add further information on this issue. The case/control study was performed in the provinces of Siena (Tuscany), Verona and Vicenza (Venetia) including 96 cases and 378 controls. A significant increased risk (Odds Ratio: 6.8; 90% C.I. = 1.9-25) of sinonasal cancer was found for the employ in the whole leather industry; Odds Ratio of 8.3 (C.I. = 1.9-36) and 5.0 (C.I. = 0.92-28) were associated with shoe-making and leather tanning. The case/series report is based on 110 patients accepted in some Italian hospitals during last three years (1990-1993): 26 cases had worked in the leather industry; adenocarcinoma is the most frequent type observed. Chromium salts and natural tannins are indicated as possible aetiological agents.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1995

[High-resolution computed tomography in the study of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung].

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung is a rare condition requiring an early diagnosis and the accurate assessment of its site and extent since it can be surgically treated with excellent prognosis. This study enrolled 12 patients with suspected congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation examined with high-resolution CT (HRCT) under general anesthesia and after pulmonary hyperinsufflation, to investigate HRCT capabilities in the pathological and topographic characterization of the lesion. In 11 patients HRCT showed features suggestive of cystic adenomatoid malformation and histology confirmed the diagnosis (type I in 9 cases and type II in 2 cases). In contrast, in 1 case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration, only pathology could exclude an associated cystic adenomatoid malformation type III. In all patients HRCT assessed lesion site and extent accurately: the lesions involved only one lobe in 7 patients, whereas in the other 5 more lobes were involved, unilaterally (3/5) or bilaterally (2/5). Associated lesions were found in 6 patients (2 intralobar pulmonary sequestrations, 1 rhabdomyosarcoma, 3 pulmonary inflammations). HRCT allowed the finest anatomic structures to be identified and made it possible to acquire images without movement or reflected dysventilation, which meant better disease assessment and more correct treatment planning. In conclusion, the authors suggest HRCT in the study of cystic adenomatoid malformations and for all lung conditions in the pediatric age.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed1995

Hematocrit has no effect on peritoneal transport indices.

To assess the effect of hematocrit (Hct) on peritoneal transport indices (PTi), we studied the relationship between Hct (mean 28.1 +/- 5.1%, range 19.1-41.3%) and PTi with 118 peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs; 270 min, 1.36%) on 52 stable patients on peritoneal dialysis. Furthermore, considering a Hct 30% as ideal in peritoneal dialysis (PD), 14 patients who had performed a PET both with a Hct <30% and > or = 30% were checked for any variations in the PTi and blood pressure. We analyzed the subsequent PTi: ultrafiltration; creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) clearance and mass transfer area coefficient (MTAC); 120, 240, and 270 min Cr D/P, UN D/P and glucose D/D0. Linear regressions between Hct and the PTi (118 PETs) did not prove statistically significant. The analysis of the PTi in 14 patients who had performed a PET with both a Hct < 30% and > or = 30% did not prove statistically significant, and no change in blood pressure was demonstrated. We do not consider Hct to have a significant influence on PTi.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Bulky mediastinal lymphomas: role of magnetic resonance and SPECT-Ga-67 in the evaluation of residual masses].

A residual mediastinal mass is a common finding during and/or after treatment for bulky mediastinal lymphoma and represents a difficult diagnostic problem. For correct therapy modulation, fibrosis must be distinguished from active disease. To assess diagnostic imaging potentials in the characterization of residual masses, 41 patients with bulky mediastinal lymphoma were examined with CT, MRI and Ga67-SPET; 92 examinations were performed for each technique: 14 before treatment, 42 during and after chemotherapy, 13 after radiotherapy and 23 six months after the end of treatment. CT provides useful pieces of information on tumor size but fails to depict tissue changes: therefore, only MR and SPET results were considered and compared with clinico-biological and follow-up findings. MRI and SPET were often in agreement with each other (78/92 cases) and with clinical data (98.7%); each examination yielded only one false positive. In case of disagreement (14/92 patients), MRI yielded more false-positive findings because it failed to differentiate neoplastic tissue from treatment-related conditions, i.e., granulation tissue, inflammation, necrosis, early fibrosis. In contrast, negative MR results were more reliable, MR negative predictive value being 100%. Ga67-SPET exhibited high sensitivity (97.1%) and specificity (91.2%), with fewer false positives than MRI (5 vs. 10). In conclusion, both examinations were accurate in the characterization of residual mediastinal masses during and after therapy, but MRI had higher sensitivity and Ga67-SPET higher specificity. Therefore, the authors acknowledge the complementary role of these two techniques and the necessity of an integrated approach, i.e., combined MRI and Ga67-SPET or CT and Ga67-SPET.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Cohort mortality study of rock salt workers in Italy.

A cohort mortality study of rock salt workers was carried out in Volterra, Italy. The occupational risk factors identified during environmental hygiene surveys were high noise levels and exposure to dusts and to chrysotile asbestos. The cohort consists of 487 subjects (367 males and 120 females) employed in the mine between 1/1/1965 and 12/31/1989. At the end of follow-up, 387 individuals were alive (295 males and 92 females), and 100 were decreased (72 males and 28 females). For two decedents, the cause of death was unknown. Regional rates were used for the computation of standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). In the entire cohort, observed mortality for all causes was similar to expected (SMR = 98, 100 obs); SMR for all cancer was 127 (41 obs); for lung cancer, the SMR was 146 (10 obs). Two cases of pleural mesothelioma, both in males, resulted in a statistically significant elevation of this cause (SMR = 741, 90% confidence interval (CI) 131-2,332). Two malignant brain tumors were detected (SMR 328, 90% CI 58-1,032); one of these was identified as a secondary neoplasm with consideration of additional clinical information. Among males, mortality for all cancers was significantly increased (SMR = 140, 90% CI 106-192). The observed mortality for malignant tumors of the digestive and the respiratory systems was higher than expected. In women, two cases of malignant ovarian cancer were observed vs. 0.42 expected on the basis of the regional rates. Increased mortality from lung and pleural tumors was consistent with the exposure to asbestos, which has also been shown to play a role in the development of ovarian tumors. The main limitations of this study were the small number of subjects and the definition of exposure solely in terms of duration of employment. Further studies of rock salt workers are needed to elucidate our findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Environmental household exposures to asbestos and occurrence of pleural mesothelioma.

We reviewed the certificates of 39,650 deaths which occurred in the period 1975-1988 in Leghorn and of 45,900 in La Spezia (Italy) in the period 1958-1988. In total 262 cases have been recorded as pleural mesothelioma. The main occupational exposures occurred in the shipbuilding industry. Regarding non-occupational exposures to asbestos, 13 cases of mesothelioma were found in women who had washed the work clothes of their relatives at home; we also found other domestic uses of asbestos which were rarely or never discussed previously in the literature: six cases might be explained by the installation of fireproof or non-conductive materials in the domestic environment. These exposures probably are more frequent than realized until now.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1992

A case-control study of cancer of the nose and paranasal sinuses and occupational exposures.

The association between nasal cancer and various occupations was investigated in a case-control study in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza (northeastern Italy) and Siena (central Italy). Cases of malignant epithelial neoplasm of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses diagnosed in the years 1982-1987 in the hospitals of Verona, Legnago, Bussolengo, Vicenza, and Siena comprised the study. Controls were patients admitted to the same hospitals as the cases, with any diagnosis except chronic rhino-sinusal disease and nasal bleeding. Age, gender, residency, and date of admission were taken into account by matching. Cases and controls, or their next of kin, were interviewed or required to fill in a mailed questionnaire; the overall response rate was 70%. Altogether, 78 cases and 254 controls provided information on occupational history. Significantly increased risks were associated (in males) with work in the wood industry (odds ratio [O.R.]: 5.8; 90% confidence interval [C.I.]: (2.2-16) and in the leather industry (6.8; 1.9-25). Textile workers, furnacemen, construction workers, and workers with possible exposure to organic dusts showed increased risks even if statistical significance was not reached.

Adenocarcinoma↗