[Modification of the cortical response to plurisensory stimuli during noise].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Acoustic Stimulation↗
Biomedical subjects
G Rossi
Publications and source records attributed to G Rossi.
[Population growth, land development, and stabilization of the slopes: what future for Rwanda?].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Africa↗
A case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: integrated US-CT imaging.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Cholecystectomy↗
[Determination of bone mineral content and correlations with calciotropic hormones in periodic hemodialysis patients].
The investigation on several forms of uremic osteodystrophy by means of bone mineral content (BMC) measurement led to contradictory conclusions. BMC in 27 patients on periodical hemodialysis treatment was measured correlating it to the seric levels of Ca, P, Mg, alkaline phosphatase (AP), calcitonin (Ct), osteocalcin (BGP), intact parathormone (PTHi), c-terminal and mean molecule PTH. Patients on dialysis treatment from a long period of time showed high AP and low BMC levels. This correlation proved significant just for the values recorded at a third distal site of radius. Patients with BMC under the normal range showed higher BGP levels and a longer period of dialytic treatment than those presenting normal BMC. The former showed a Ct inverse correlation as to age and mineralization indexes. Higher values of Ct and BMC have been reported in males rather than in females. Hence BMC is not suited to investigate different kinds of uremic osteodystrophy. Seric PTH dosage is certainly best fitted to discriminate patients affected with hyperparathyroidism from those with low turnover osteodystrophy. BMC determination is a valid support to evaluate the bone mineral loss in patients on haemodialysis treatment. It significatively correlates to the duration of the dialytic treatment; it is higher in female than in male population; it mainly affects cortical components rather than trabecular ones and is related to a seric Ct decrease.
Adult↗
Salivary gland echography in primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.
A series of different ultrasonographic abnormalities detected by salivary gland echography (SGE) were investigated for their discriminant power for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in 53 patients with either primary SS (n = 27) or secondary SS (n = 26), as well as in 90 controls. Among the controls, 26 suffered from dry mouth and/or recurrent or persistent swelling of at least one parotid or submandibular gland due to other selected disorders, while 64 were healthy, asymptomatic subjects. Mild, evident or gross inhomogeneous parenchymal patterns were the only variables selected by stepwise discriminant analysis, when comparing patients to controls. However, a mild submandibular inhomogeneity did not prove useful for such a discrimination. Based on these data, a simplified evaluation and standardised quantification of salivary involvement, as detected by SGE, is proposed using an echographic score (range 0 to 6) which assigns points to the different degrees of glandular inhomogeneity. Score values above 0 showed a sensitivity of 88.8% in primary SS and of 53.8% in secondary SS, as well as a specificity of 84.6% and of 92.2% with respect to either symptomatic or healthy controls. The lower sensitivity of SGE for patients with secondary SS presumably was a result of their milder salivary involvement.
Adult↗
Diagnosis of HCV related acute hepatitis by serial determination of IgM to HCV: a preliminary observation.
OBJECTIVE: To verify whether serial determination of titre of IgM to HCV core protein (HCV IgM) may be useful to distinguish acute hepatitis C (AHC) from reactivation of chronic hepatitis C (r-CHC), we studied 18 consecutive patients with AHC (identified by seroconversion to anti-HCV) and 15 consecutive patients who had been anti-HCV positive for at least one year at the time of reactivation. METHODS: Samples of serum were obtained from all patients on hospitalisation and every 5 days during the follow-up and stored at -80 degrees C: 54 samples of serum for the AHC group and 41 for the r-CHC group. Titres of HCV IgM were calculated as Index values by a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (HCV-IgM EIA 2.0, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: No difference was observed between the two groups of patients as regards age, sex, risk factors for the acquisition of HCV infection, clinical and biochemical data on presentation, prevalence of cases with detectable viremia or distribution of HCV genotypes. HCV IgM was detected with an Index value of 350 or more in only 1 (6.7%) in the r-CHC group and in 17 (94.4%) in the AHC group (p<0.01). Moreover, during the early phase of the illness we observed a wide variation in the HCV IgM Index values in AHC and consistent values in r-CHC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that AHC is characterised by high and variable titres of HCV IgM during the acute phase of the illness, which may be considered diagnostic, whereas in r-CHC the IgM titre remains stable and rarely reaches a high level.
Acute Disease↗
Interferon therapy in intravenous drug users with HIV-associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
BACKGROUND: There is no generally accepted treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)--associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). recombinant alpha interferon (rIFN) has been used in classic ITP with conflicting results. We have tested its activity in a group of intravenous drug users (IVDUs) with HIV-associated ITP, who also had a high prevalence of chronic liver disease. METHODS: Nine patients were treated with a short course of rIFN-2b (3 MU s.c. three times a week for four weeks), and their hematological and biochemical parameters were monitored before (t0), at the end (t1), and one month after discontinuation of rIFN therapy (t2). RESULTS: Platelet counts increased significantly from 15.9 +/- 7.3 x 10(9)/L at t0 up to 67.0 +/- 38.8 x 10S(9)/L at t1 (p < 0.005), but returned to 24.7 +/- 12.7 x 10(9)/L at t2 (t1 vs t2: p < 0.005). The other parameters did not change, with the exception of the alanine aminotransferase levels, which decreased from 105 IU/L at t0 to 42 IU/L at t1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A short course of rIFN is an effective treatment for HIV-associated ITP in IVDUs and may also be beneficial for the frequently concomitant chronic liver disease. Since the efficacy of rIFN on the platelet count is short-lived, long-term rIFN administration would be worth testing.
Adult↗
[Adherence to the screening program for HBV infection in pregnant women and application of the immunoprophylaxis protocol in babies born to HBV carrier women].
The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of the screening for HBV infection in pregnant women and the application of immunoprophylaxis in newborns to HBV carrier women. The study, carried out in 2001 for 2 months, involved 1596 pregnant women consecutively recruited in public and private hospitals of the Sardinia. Information has been collected by a questionnaire: 90.5% of the women underwent HBV screening during pregnancy and 2.6% of them were found positive to HBsAg test. Among the newborns to HBsAg carrier mothers, 89.2% received the immunoprophylaxis protocol (specific immunoglobulin and the first dose of vaccine within 24 hours from birth). Two variables resulted statistically associated with the lack of adherence to HBV screening: the original family size of women (more than 4 members in the household) and the delivery in a private hospital. These findings point out a satisfactory adherence to HBV screening during pregnancy and the application of immunisation protocol in most of the newborns to HBsAg carrier mothers. However, the increase of information programs turned to the population is required to reach the total application of the prevention tools available in Italian public health.
Adult↗
Combination of beta-interferon and tamoxifen as a new way to overcome clinical resistance to tamoxifen in advanced breast cancer.
This paper shows that the response to tamoxifen (T) can be improved and the resistance to the antiestrogen can be overcome, in advanced breast cancer, by a pretreatment with natural beta-interferon (nIFN-beta) followed by the association of nIFN-beta with T. Forty-three patients with advanced breast cancer, both progressive (group A) and stable or partially responsive (group B) to previous treatment with T received nIFN-beta i.m. 3 x 10(6) IU/day for 14 days and, subsequently, T30 mg/day and nIFN-beta once a week. The overall objective response rate was 26% (95% Confidence Interval = 13-39) with 8 PR obtained in group A and 3 CR in group B. The median duration of response was 6 months (range 3-12+). Stabilization of disease was observed in 44% of cases. Toxicity was mild.
Aged↗
Dental anxiety in adolescent people.
AIM: Anxiety in adolescence is a complex phenomenon, but could affect oral hygiene and compliance to dental therapies in young people. METHODS: Owing to the importance of anxiety in coping with odontostomatologic therapy, 2 groups of adolescent subjects (age range 16-20 years) have been compared: a group of patients under treatment at the Policlinico Gemelli (45 subjects, 27 females and 18 males) and a control group of students (39 subjects, 20 females and 19 males). Different aspects of anxiety have been analysed by the STAI Y-I test (state anxiety), STAI Y-2 test (trait anxiety) and the Dental Anxiety Scale, on the basis of the hypothesis that the group of patients should show higher anxiety levels as to state anxiety and dental anxiety. Data were evaluated by the analysis of variance method and Student's t test as regards mean differences. RESULTS: The group of patients showed significantly higher state anxiety than controls, and significant differences as to trait anxiety were also found. In both groups girls were significantly more anxious than boys. Our results confirm the hypothesis that high anxiety levels are related to odontostomatologic treatments. Patients from Policlinico Gemelli showed a significantly better knowledge of dental hygiene than control group. CONCLUSIONS: A better knowledge of dental hygiene is not sufficient to reduce anxiety. Preventive measures that could reduce anxiety and ensure a better compliance in adolescent patients are thus discussed.
Adolescent↗
[Sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) in patients with prevalent systolic heart failure refractory to medical treatment and with chronic renal failure].
Systolic heart failure refractory to conventional medical therapy is the principal cause of the high hospitalization rates and of high mortality risks. When this condition is associated with chronic renal failure it is necessary to treat the body liquid composition alterations, and the alterations in the hemodynamic state without creating low flow conditions, trying to achieve an electrolytic and an acid-base balance to reduce the plasmatic volume and permit refilling between the interstitium and plasm. Sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) is a dialysis technique allowing the maintenance of hemodynamic stability through a reduced ultrafiltration rate, it allows an adequate clearance of small solutes, and with sustained treatment it maximizes the dialysis dose and determines a clinical improvement through the removal of the hydric overload. Our experience suggests that SLED is a substitutive treatment for acute dialysis in patients with systolic heart failure refractory to conventional medical treatment.
Aged↗
[Quality of life in patients with combined treatments for heart failure].
The low quality of life in patients with end-stage heart failure is correlated, above all, to frequent hospitalization and to the awareness of having an illness that limits survival. The quality of life in these patients with heart failure using treatment with sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) is determined through the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) Questionnaire. The reliability of this evaluation system has been examined through consultation with international trials. After 1 yr of this treatment, we observed an improvement in quality of life.
Aged↗
[CT-guided FNAB with 22-g needles of thoracic-abdominal formations].
The authors describe the results of their series of 260 fine (22G) needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thoracic and abdominal lesions. Diagnostic accuracy, technique, eventual complications are valued. They recommend that this diagnostic procedure is performed with 22G needle and scrupulous technique; the FNAB, if so carried out, is a sure, quick and high accurate tool to characterize uncertain lesions, avoiding explorative surgery.
Abdominal Neoplasms↗
A case of congenital hypoplasia of the right external iliac artery.
A 18 years male had congenital hypoplasia of the right external iliac artery and thrombosis of its narrowest part. Congenital megacolon, anal atresia and hyposomical nanism were also present. Surgical intervention was indicated because he was developing arterial insufficiency and muscular hypotrophy of the right leg. A bypass was performed with a reversed autogenous vein between the common iliac artery and the common femoral artery.
Abnormalities, Multiple↗
[Aggressive ulcerous stomatitis due to the herpes simplex virus in an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. A clinical case].
Aggressive ulcerative HSV stomatitis was observed in a patient 10 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The patient was affected by acute myeloid leukemia (LMA) in second remission and, after bone marrow transplantation, supported a severe graft versus host disease. Intravenous acyclovir was administered during 22 days and ulcerative stomatitis completely healed.
Acyclovir↗
[Diurnal worsening in Parkinson patients treated with levodopa].
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients show a good response to levodopa in the morning, and reduced duration or complete failure of response later in the day, but the pathophysiology of this phenomenon remains unclear. We evaluated motor performance hourly over a twelve-hour period in patients treated with levodopa/carbidopa (group A), with bromocriptine (group B), and in "de novo" patients (group C). At 8 am, 12 and 4 pm, group A patients received standard doses of levodopa/carbidopa, whereas patients of group B and C took, respectively, 5 mg bromocriptine and placebo. In "de novo" patients and in patients under bromocriptine we did not observe significant diurnal changes in motor score, whereas in patients under levodopa a progressive daytime worsening, which significantly correlated with progressive increase in 3-O-methyldopa plasma levels, was visible. These data seem to indicate a contributory role of pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic factors related to levodopa assumption, rather than to the underlying disease, in the afternoon worsening in PD.
Bromocriptine↗
Late taste disorders in bone marrow transplantation: clinical evaluation with taste solutions in autologous and allogeneic bone marrow recipients.
The aim of this work was to determine the type and the significance of taste disorders in allogeneic bone marrow transplanted patients. In a retrospective study the taste threshold of a cohort of 15 allogeneic bone marrow transplanted patients, 4-51 months after transplantation (mean: 30.6 +/- 15.8), was compared to the taste threshold of 8 autologous bone marrow recipients, 4-48 months after transplantation (mean: 24.12 +/- 12.18), and to the taste threshold of a group of 20 consecutive normal subjects. Allogeneic bone marrow transplanted patients showed a significant hypogeusia for salt (Pearson's chi square p = 0.0002; Yates' correction p = 0.0007) and sour (Pearson's chi square p = 0.001; Yates' correction p = 0.008). No significant variations were observed for sweet and bitter. Autologous bone marrow recipients did not show any significant variation of taste acuity for sweet, salt or sour; a constant reduction of the taste threshold for bitter was observed, but the values were not significantly different from normal (Pearson's chi square p = 0.47; Yates' correction p = 0.83). So, late and selective taste disorders are observed in allogeneic bone marrow transplanted patients. Since the severity of the disorders is not strictly related to the severity of chronic oral G.V.H.D., taste analysis could discover the slightest, clinically undetectable cases of chronic oral G.V.H.D. The mechanism of immune aggression on the sensorial taste cells is poorly understood. Further trials are needed to define variations of taste acuity not only after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, but also in systemic immune diseases.
Adolescent↗
[The incidence of neurological diseases in Trento Province].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adolescent↗