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Biomedical subjects

G Bono

Publications and source records attributed to G Bono.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Accuracy in naturally occurring anabolic steroid assays in cattle and first approach to quality control in Italy.

This study assessed the accuracy of 16 commercial and three self-produced kits and drew the basis for using an external quality control (EQC) system. The commercial kits were mainly developed for blood sex steroid determination in humans but also have been used in cattle. Parallelism, recovery and precision tests were performed for progesterone (P4), testosterone (T) and oestradiol (E2) assays. Moreover, anonymous QC samples were sent to be analysed to some Italian laboratories. All kits showed a fair degree of parallelism (P < 0.01), even though 2/7 kits for T and 1/6 kits for E2 determination showed a regression coefficient (r2) lower than 0.98. For P4, an acceptable range of accuracy was achieved in the recovery test only by 1/6 kits; two kits showed fair or great overestimation and two kits considerable underestimation. For T, an acceptable range of accuracy was achieved only by 1/7 kits. For E2, 4/6 kits presented a variable degree of underestimation and two kits showed great overestimation. In the intra-assay precision test quite good repeatability was achieved only using samples with high hormone concentrations. While assaying samples with low concentrations we found a number of RSD > 10%. Moreover, the laboratories participating in the EQC produced statistically different (P < 0.05) results, particularly for high and medium concentrations. In conclusion, the use of commercial kits for screening naturally occurring sex steroid concentrations in cattle blood, in the case of suspected illegal treatments, requires preventive validation procedures and the development of an opportune EQC system.

Anabolic Agents↗
PubMed1999

Memory functioning at menopause: impact of age in ovariectomized women.

Estrogens are known to act selectively on some components of memory, exerting beneficial effects on cognitive performances. However, there are few data on the long-term effect of the lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Therefore, we investigated attentive and verbal memory performances in physiological and surgical menopause, drawing attention to the impact of age at menopause, and we compared a well-known aging and estrogen-dependent index, the entity of bone mass loss to memory functioning. No significant differences were found in the mean scores of attentive and psychomotor performances between physiological and surgical menopause, whereas a lower number of recalled words (recency effect = PS2) was found in surgical menopause (p < 0.001) in comparison to physiological menopause. In addition, both the age at the time of ovariectomy (r = 0.47; p = 0. 014) and the years since surgery (r = -0.64; p = 0.000) correlated to short-term verbal memory performance (PS2) with better scores when surgery occurred later in women's lives. Surgical menopause is able to affect short-term verbal memory more than physiological menopause and seems to represent a critical negative event within the female brain, in particular when it occurs prematurely.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The role of morpho-volumetric and memory correlations in the diagnosis of early Alzheimer dementia.

The aim of the present study was to assess selective atrophy of the temporal lobe and amygdala in the early stages of Alzheimer dementia (AD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and the presence of highsignal lesions (HSL) were analysed in 31 patients with mild to moderate probable AD and 22 controls. In the AD group, MRI findings were compared with cognitive variables and specific features of memory functions. Alzheimer patients showed a significant reduction in volumetric measurement compared with controls in the total volume (P < 0.01), temporal lobe (P < 0.01) and amygdala (P < 0.05). The temporal lobe/brain volume ratio was also significantly reduced in AD subjects (P < 0.05). Atrophy of temporal structures was significantly related to the degree of episodic and semantic memory impairment according to a material-specific effect. No significant correlations between amygdala and cognitive variables were found. The results of our study confirm the usefulness of measures of temporal lobe atrophy assessed with MRI in the diagnosis of AD. In contrast, HSL are relatively common in AD patients (12/31 cases) and were not related to volumetric findings, severity of dementia or functional disability.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Enhancement of FSH bioactivity in vivo using site-specific antisera.

The ability of site-specific antipeptide antisera to enhance the biological activity of ovine FSH (oFSH) in vivo was investigated using hypopituitary Snell dwarf mice. These animals were shown to respond to increasing doses of oFSH (3.3-90 micrograms/day), administered in two daily injections over a 5-day treatment period, in a highly significant dose-dependent fashion. The responses measured were increases in uterine weight, ovarian weight and the index of keratinisation in vaginal smears. The dose-dependent response to oFSH confirmed the suitability of this animal model for these investigations and suggested the suboptimal dose of oFSH (20 micrograms/day) for use in enhancement studies. Five peptides derived from the beta subunit of bovine FSH (bFSH) (A, residues 33-47; B, 40-51; C, 69-80; D, 83-94; E, 27-39) were used to generate polyclonal antipeptide antisera. Of these peptides, only A and B produced an antiserum (raised in sheep) capable of recognising 125I-bFSH in a liquid phase RIA. Antisera prepared against peptide A or peptide B were found to significantly enhance the biological activity of 20 micrograms oFSH/day over a 5-day treatment period. The response to antipeptide antisera alone did not differ significantly from that observed in PBS-injected control animals, neither did the response to FSH alone differ from that observed in animals treated with FSH plus preimmune serum. Thus the enhanced responses are dependent upon the presence of FSH plus antipeptide antiserum. Peptides A and B are located in a region thought to be involved in receptor recognition, this may have implications for the mechanism underlying this phenomenon and/or the structure/function relationships of FSH. That FSH-enhancing antisera can be generated by immunisation of animals with peptides A and B suggests that it may be possible to develop these peptides as vaccines capable of increasing reproductive performance, such as ovulation rate. The high degree of sequence homology between ovine, bovine and porcine (and to a lesser extent human and equine) FSH in the region covered by peptides A and B suggests that these peptides could also be used to promote and regulate ovarian function in all of these species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Neurophysiological and neuropsychological monitoring of fatigue during extreme environmental and driving conditions.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the modifications of neurophysiological and neuropsychological variables during extreme environmental and driving conditions. Eight subjects (four drivers and four passengers) were evaluated while driving a four wheels drive across the Big West Algerian Erg. The following procedures were carried out in basal conditions and at the end of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day of driving: surface EMG of masseter and cervical para-spinal muscles during maximum isometric contraction lasting 12 sec; test of simple visual and acoustic reaction times, Cancellation test, Trial Making test. As from the second day, the drivers used appropriate dental plates. In the drivers, EMG spectrum analysis revealed a significant decrease in mean frequency values at the end of the 1st day. This finding was more relevant in masseter muscles. No significant fatigue phenomena were detected on the subsequent controls. On the contrary, the passengers showed a decrease in mean EMG frequency values. No significant modifications in the cognitive variables were detected at the end of the 1st day (initial response to stress), whereas a progressive worsening was observed in the subsequent evaluations. EMG fatigue of masseter muscles seems to be more related to psychic stress. The beneficial effects of the dental plates were also confirmed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Dopamine partial receptor agonists reduce ethanol intake in the rat.

Dopamine neurotransmission is an important neuropharmacological component of ethanol reinforcement in rodents. A recently characterized class of compounds, dopamine partial receptor agonists, appears to possess a unique pharmacological profile on dopamine neurotransmission. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of systemic administration of terguride and SDZ 208-911 (N-[(8 alpha)-2,6-dimethylergoline-8-yl]-2,2-diethylpropanamide), two prototype dopamine partial receptor agonists, in free-feeding, non-deprived rats trained to drink ethanol (10% w/v) and water in 'free-choice' limited access conditions. Both acute and chronic administration of terguride and SDZ 208-911 significantly reduced ethanol intake while water intake was not significantly affected, thus ruling out possible non-specific effects of these drugs on fluid intake. These results suggest that dopamine partial receptor agonists reduce the reinforcing properties of ethanol in the rat, an effect similar to that previously observed with cocaine. Therefore, the pharmacological profile of dopamine partial receptor agonists and their effects in animal models of dependence provide preclinical support to the hypothesis that these compounds may represent a novel pharmacological strategy for intervention in various forms of drug addiction.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1996

An assessment of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning in non-depressed, early abstinent alcoholics.

Chronic alcohol consumption has been shown to be associated with abnormalities in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in humans. However, conflicting data exist in the literature, with particular regard to studies performed in actively drinking or withdrawn alcoholics; in addition, the frequent presence of depressive disturbances in such patients may importantly affect the neuroendocrine findings. In this study, we investigated HPA function in 12 male alcoholics, in whom the presence of depression and other possible confounding factors was excluded, during the first and second weeks after cessation of ethanol intake. The plasma corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH) and cortisol levels in response to both a stimulation test with human corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH; 100 micrograms IV) and an insulin (0.15 UI/kg IV)-induced hypoglycaemia (ITT) were measured; the cortisol response to a standard overnight dexamethasone (1 mg) suppression test (DST) was also tested. While the mean baseline ACTH and cortisol levels, measured in the morning (0800-0830 h), were not different from those of controls, ACTH and cortisol responses to the CRH test were markedly reduced (area of secretion p < .01 and p < .05, compared to controls). Similarly, the patient group showed an almost absent ACTH and cortisol release following insulin infusion (area of secretion p < .01 compared to controls, in either case). In four patients, non-suppression of plasma cortisol levels was seen on the DST, but no significant difference from normal suppressors was noted as far as the clinical features were concerned. These findings suggest that impaired hypothalamic and pituitary responsiveness, unrelated to depressive disturbances, occurs in recently withdrawn chronic alcoholics. While the possible influence of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome should be taken into account, such a pattern may be due to increased activity of the HPA axis, even in the face of preserved basal adrenal secretion. Whether these findings reflect a direct effect of sustained ethanol exposure on the components of the HPA axis, or a non-specific marker of impaired adaptation in chronic alcoholics, deserves further investigation.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1996

Occurrence of steroidogenic enzymes in the bovine mammary gland at different functional stages.

After the incubation of minced mammary tissues from non-lactating/non-pregnant (NL/NP), nonlactating/pregnant (NL/P), fully lactating (FL) and late-lactating (LL) cows with [14C]-labelled pregnenolone or progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the following metabolites were identified at all stages: 20alpha-dihydropregnenolone, progesterone (from pregnenolone), 5alpha-pregnanedione, 5alpha-pregnan-3beta-ol-20-one, 20alpha- and 20beta-dihydroprogesterone (from progesterone), 5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol, 5alpha-androstanedione, 5alpha-androstan-3beta-ol-17-one, androstenedione, testosterone and DHEA acyl ester (from DHEA). These products indicate the occurrence of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4 isomerase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (17beta-HOR), 20alpha- and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, steroid 5alpha-reductase and acyl transferase activities. Incubation of mammary tissue homogenates with [1,2,6,7-(3)H]androstenedione and testosterone confirmed the presence of a 17beta-HOR acting prevalently in a reductive way but failed to show evidence of any aromatase activity beyond background level. When total RNA from mammary tissues of NL/NP and LL cows was reverse-transcribed and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with three sets of primers specific for bovine P450scc, P450c17 and P450arom cDNAs, no fragment of the expected size could be detected on gel. Southern analysis with corresponding digoxigenin-labelled ovarian probes, however, gave a positive signal for P450arom cDNA in five out of eight samples of LL mammary tissue. These data indicate that the bovine mammary gland has very limited steroidogenic capabilities that are essentially compatible with the terminal activation of circulating steroids from steroidogenic endocrines. It is uncertain, however, whether this conclusion applies to anestrous or ovariectomized lactating cows as well.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1996

Longitudinal neuropsychological evaluation of HIV-infected intravenous drug users.

The present study aimed to describe the cognitive status of a group of HIV-positive asymptomatic intravenous drug users (IVDU) and changes which occurred over a 12-month follow-up period. Forty-two HIV positive IVDU were selected and matched for age, sex, educational level and pattern of drug abuse with 39 seronegative IVDU controls. Baseline and follow-up evaluation included neuropsychological tests exploring attention, language, memory, logic and visuomotor abilities, biological markers and clinical parameters. About one-third of both seropositive and seronegative subjects showed at baseline slight cognitive deficits, which did not change during the follow-up period.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMed1996

Pain pressure threshold in cluster headache patients.

Pain perception threshold (PPT) in the head was assessed with a pressure algometer in 58 cluster headache (CH) patients (52M, 6F; 41 episodic and 17 chronic). Fourteen patients in cluster period were retested in remission. Thresholds were assessed at 10 symmetrical points on each side of the head and at the deltoid. Compared with controls (n = 50), CH patients had lower PPT in the head and in the deltoid. PPT was lower on the symptomatic side than on the non-symptomatic side in patients with episodic CH during a cluster period (p < 0.001) and in patients with chronic CH (p < 0.05). This pattern was more evident during a cluster period than during remission (p < 0.05). A reduced PPT did not correlate with illness duration and pain side. The lowest PPT mean values were found at the anterior and intermediate levels of the temporal muscle on the symptomatic side. These results imply a central mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of CH.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Antigen-specific oligoclonal IgG in AIDS-related cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma encephalitis.

UNLABELLED: We retrospectively studied serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from AIDS patients with either Cytomegalovirus (2 cases) or Toxoplasma gondii (5 cases) encephalitis. The samples, which had previously proved to be negative for total IgG oligoclonal bands (OCBs), were investigated for antigen-specific OCBs directed to the disease-related opportunistic agent. MATERIAL & METHODS: Paired serum and CSF samples from the given AIDS patients were considered. We undertook affinity immunoblotting of either virus- or protozoan-specific IgG onto antigen-coated nitrocellulose paper after protein separation by agarose isoelectric focusing (IEF). RESULTS: Antigen-specific OCBs to the disease-related opportunistic agent were detected in serum and in CSF samples from all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: During overt AIDS, routine IEF methods may fail to detect OCBs, probably because nonspecific polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, which is typical of this disease, reduces their visibility. Our IEF/immunoblotting profiles are characterized by identical serum and CSF bands. The detection of antigen-specific OCBs may support the diagnosis of some opportunistic infections of the central nervous system in AIDS.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1996

[Comparison between the CHIVA cure and stripping in the treatment of varicose veins of the legs: follow-up of 3 years].

OBJECTIVE: To assess three-year results following "CHIVA". DESIGN: Comparison between our results and data in the literature following stripping. SETTING: Phlebologic Surgery, 46 Datini Street, Florence, Italy. PATIENTS: 148 consecutive operated patients suffering from varicose veins (166 procedures). INTERVENTIONS: "CHIVA", as described by Franceschi and Bailly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence of visible varicose veins, graded in three categories, according to Hobbs and Einarsson, as shown by clinical examination. RESULTS: Very good results were obtained in 100 cases, who presented without any finding of varicose veins throughout the follow-up. Of the remaining 66, in 1 case we found a new varicose network completely developed, whereas in 65 cases only some visible residual or recurrent vessels were present. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly better results were observed in the CHIVA group compared with stripping groups (P < 0,001).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Combined response of plasma and platelet catecholamines to different types of short-term stress.

Platelet catecholamines (CAs) do not seem to reflect the acute increases in plasma CAs observed during stress, at least over short periods of time. However, it is well known that stress, via the release of plasma CAs, is capable of affecting platelet function. To better address this issue, we studied platelet and plasma levels of free noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), and dopamine (DA) in 10 healthy subjects undergoing three different stress tests: insulin tolerance test (ITT), cold pressor test (CPT) and handgrip test (HT). We also evaluated platelet count and platelet mean volume (MPV). ITT caused a considerable increase in plasma NA and a massive release of plasma A, while CPT and HT induced discrete increases only in plasma NA. ITT induced a significant decrease in platelet DA and a trend toward a decrease in platelet NA, along with a significant increase in MPV. All these changes occurred in coincidence with the peak levels of plasma CAs. No changes in platelet variables were observed in response to both CPT and HT. The modifications observed during ITT are likely to represent signs of an initial platelet activation in response to the acute plasma CA elevations this test was able to elicit. Our data show that platelet CA content does not represent a mere reflection of the circulating concentrations of plasma CAs, but it is the result of a dynamic balance between these two compartments.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Factors associated with pain complaints in a clinical sample of postmenopausal women.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationships occurring between pain complaints and postmenopausal status, and to look at the correlation between such complaints and other symptoms commonly related to the climacterium. A clinical sample of 99 consecutive postmenopausal patients requiring medical help were studied: 36 complained of muscle-skeletal pains whereas 33 presented with headache limiting daily activity. Climacteric syndrome, level of distress, coping style and bone mineral density were assessed with appropriate questionnaires and instruments. Neither bone mineral density, nor body mass index nor time since menopause were associated with either headaches or muscle-skeletal pains. According to the logistic regression being younger, being without a job, suffering from insomnia and having a lower ability in self-support by the means of comforting ideas predicts suffering from headache. A high level of distress and an avoidance behavior to problem facing predict the presence of pain complaints. In such cases the ineffectiveness of the coping mechanism (i.e. avoid the problem) could be the reason for the increased level of psychological distress. These findings indicate that complaining of pains or headache is not dependent upon postmenopausal status. Individual coping strategies and their effectiveness seem the main reasons for the presence of disabling musculoskeletal pains or headache.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Symptomatic headaches.

This paper is aimed to discuss some aspects of so-called symptomatic or secondary headaches with particular reference to the diagnostic criteria proposed by the IHS Classification Committee on headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and other head pain. Symptomatic headaches, in fact, represent an heterogenous group of conditions, sometimes with relevant clinical importance as warning symptoms of major intracranial pathology, sometimes benign in nature and with ill-defined clinical pictures and unclear relationship with the causative factor or event. It is therefore important to establish general principles for a more systematic approach to the problem of this group of headaches, also considering that some particular forms of secondary headaches, may be viewed as reliable "in-vivo" models for pathophysiological investigation in head pain.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

Comparative study with EMG, pressure algometry and manual palpation in tension-type headache and migraine.

According to International Headache Society classification criteria, the presence of pericranial muscle disorder in tension-type headache should be evaluated using one of the following methods: EMG, pressure algometry or manual palpation. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of these three methods in 15 patients with episodic tension-type headache, 29 with chronic tension-type headache and 22 presenting migraine without aura compared to those obtained in healthy individuals. Algometric and EMG recordings at the frontalis muscle during mental arithmetic were more impaired in episodic and chronic tension headache patients than in controls and migraine patients. Chronic tension headache patients were significantly impaired at the trapezius muscle in all three tests compared to controls. Our data indicate that when two or three tests were carried out the diagnostic capacity was significantly improved in comparison to only one test. Moreover, since a different pattern could be seen with pain and without pain, the existence of headache at the time of testing should be taken into consideration.

Adolescent↗