Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Galli

Publications and source records attributed to L Galli.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Prostatic UroLume Wallstent for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients at poor operative risk: clinical, uroflowmetric and ultrasonographic patterns.

The prostatic UroLume Wallstent was positioned in 30 poor operative risk patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Preoperatively, 12 patients (40%) could still void spontaneously (group 1), while 18 (60%) had an indwelling catheter (group 2). Preoperative and postoperative assessment included scoring of subjective symptoms, physical examination, uroflowmetry with maximum flow nomogram, transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate, determination of residual urine volume and cystourethroscopy. All but 1 patient could void spontaneously after insertion of the stent. In group 1 preoperative and 1-year followup mean (plus or minus standard error) peak flow rates were 8.0 +/- 0.7 ml. per second and 15.8 +/- 1.8 ml. per second, respectively (p < 0.01), the mean residual urine volumes were 127 +/- 27 ml. and 38 +/- 11 ml. (p < 0.05), respectively, and the mean maximum flow nomograms (plus or minus standard deviation) were -2.6 +/- 0.1 and -1.4 +/- 0.4, respectively. In group 2 the 1-year followup mean peak flow rate, residual urine volume and maximum flow nomogram were 13.2 +/- 0.8 ml. per second (standard error), 32 +/- 14 ml. (standard error) and -1.5 +/- 0.1 (standard deviation), respectively. According to the maximum flow nomogram values all patients were nonobstructed postoperatively. At 1 year the stent was completely covered by prostatic epithelium in 90% of the patients, while in the remainder it was still partially visible at urethroscopy. Transrectal ultrasonography had an essential role in patient followup by accurately assessing the position of the stent. Placement of this prostatic stent is safe and effective for selected benign prostatic hyperplasia patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment due to poor operative risk.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Deranged platelet calcium homeostasis in poorly controlled IDDM patients.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet hyperfunction frequently occurs in IDDM. As in many other cellular systems, cytosolic free Ca plays a key role in platelet activation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We measured cytosolic free Ca concentration ([Ca2+]i) by means of the fluorescent probe fura-2 in 60 IDDM patients (mean age 30.8 yr, range 18-50 yr) and in 31 age-matched healthy control subjects. Platelets were studied in both resting conditions and after stimulation with thrombin at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 U/ml. RESULTS: No differences were noted between control subjects and diabetic patients, as a whole. Patients with a poor metabolic control (HbA1c > 8%) had significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.03) higher [Ca2+]i in resting platelets. The presence or absence of retinopathy did not modify resting platelet [Ca2+]i. After stimulation with thrombin, a significantly (P < 0.009) higher rise of platelet [Ca2+]i was observed only in those patients who were both free from complications and had good metabolic control. A highly significant (P < 0.001) correlation was found between resting [Ca2+]i and both blood cholesterol and HbA1c in the diabetic patients. Platelets from 10 young healthy subjects also were studied after in vitro incubation with various glucose concentrations (from 1.68 to 56 mM): resting and thrombin-stimulated platelet [Ca2+]i and thrombin-induced aggregation were not modified. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that platelet hyperfunction is present in IDDM patients who have unsatisfactory metabolic control, and give evidence that such an activation involves Ca homeostasis. Acute variations of blood glucose concentration are probably not influent, in this respect.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

An Italian population-based study of the prevalence of diabetes: some methodological aspects.

The aim of the present study, which is part of a larger population survey, is to provide an Italian estimate of the total prevalence of diabetes taking into account the fraction of known diabetes among the non-responders. The study consists of a population survey. Out of the population aged over 40 ys. of two municipalities, Casalbuttano and Vescovato, in the Health District of Cremona, a random sample of 2,229 subjects was selected to undergo an OGTT. In addition, a series of anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected for each individual. Overall response rate was 63%. Prevalence of known diabetes was 7.8% (6.5%-9.1%, 95% CI), (F = 7.9%, M = 7.6%). The comparison between responders and the telephone-interviewed non-responders showed an unpredictable and age- and sex-dependently varying frequency of known diabetes, even if the overall differences were not statistically significant. This suggests that, to avoid biases, many efforts should be spent to collect information about diabetes also for non-responders. Prevalence of unknown diabetes was 3.2% (2.2%-4.2%, 95% CI), (F = 4.0%, M = 1.8%) and total diabetes was 10.9% (9.3%-12.5%, 95% CI) (F = 11.9%, M = 9.4%). In contrast to other countries, the relationship between unknown and known diabetes was less than 1 to 2, and the proportion of unknown diabetes was almost negligible below the age of 70. A positive family history and a lower level of triglycerides were associated with awareness of the disease (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.006, respectively), thus suggesting different behaviour towards one's own health between known and unknown diabetic subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Fish allergy in children.

Fish allergy is a relevant clinical problem in fish eating and/or processing communities but, because of the technologic advances of the preserved food industry, it may now be said to be a worldwide problem. Among 558 consecutive children referred for atopic diseases, 25 (4.48%) subjects skin test- and RAST- positive to cod were recorded and we extrapolated that about 4-5/1000 children have allergy to cod in our areas. As a group, children with cod allergy seem to manifest a higher atopic condition and more severe clinical manifestations. IgE level z-score (mean +/- SD) was significantly (P < .001) higher in 68 cod-positive children (14.27 +/- 3.87) than in 533 children positive to other inhalant and/or food allergens (8.12 +/- 4.06). In spite of a smaller median age (59 months), cod-positive children had a higher frequency of asthma (41/68 = 60.2%) than children with other allergies, and age at the onset of asthma was significantly (P < .001) younger in the former (32 months) than in the latter (41 months) subjects. In addition, urticaria-angioedema was more frequently recorded in cod-allergic children (23/68 = 33.8%) than in patients with allergy to inhalants (26/410 = 6.3%; P < .01), inhalants and foods different from cod (11/74 = 14.8%; P < .01), or foods different from cod (6/49 = 12.2%; P < .01). The male:female ratio in cod-allergic children (3.53) was significantly higher than that observed in children with allergy to inhalants (1.78; P = .037) or foods (0.68; P < .0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Presurgical identification of hibernating myocardium by combined use of technetium-99m hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile single photon emission tomography and fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography in patients with coronary artery disease.

We tested the possibility of identifying areas of hibernating myocardium by the combined assessment of perfusion and metabolism using single photon emission tomography (SPET) with technetium-99m hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) and positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG). Segmental wall motion, perfusion and 18F-FDG uptake were scored in 5 segments in 14 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), for a total number of 70 segments. Each subject underwent the following studies prior to and following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): first-pass radionuclide angiography, electrocardiography gated planar perfusion scintigraphy and SPET perfusion scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI and, after 16 h fasting, 18F-FDG/PET metabolic scintigraphy. Wall motion impairment was either decreased or completely reversed by CABG in 95% of the asynergic segments which exhibited 18F-FDG uptake, whereas it was unmodified in 80% of the asynergic segments with no 18F-FDG uptake. A stepwise multiple logistic analysis was carried out on the asynergic segments to estimate the postoperative probability of wall motion improvement on the basis of the preoperative regional perfusion and metabolic scores. The segments with the highest probability (96%) of functional recovery from preoperative asynergy after revascularization were those with a marked 18F-FDG uptake prior to CABG. High probabilities of functional recovery were also estimated for the segments presenting with moderate and low 18F-FDG uptake (92% and 79%, respectively). A low probability of functional recovery (13%) was estimated in the segments with no 18F-FDG uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Coronary Artery Bypass↗
PubMed1992

Transrectal microwave hyperthermia for benign prostatic hyperplasia: long-term clinical, pathological and ultrastructural patterns.

Transrectal microwave hyperthermia of the prostate was administered to 191 patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia who were either at poor operative risk or who refused surgery. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to age and they underwent either 5 or 10, 60-minute sessions of hyperthermia, with a calculated intraprostatic temperature of 42.5 plus or minus 0.5C. Light and electron microscopy showed no irreversible damage at the glandular epithelium but did demonstrate a significant increase in neoformed intraprostatic capillary-like vessels. At 1, 12 and 24 months residual urine volume was significantly decreased in the majority of patients but only a minor amelioration of urinary flow rates and subjective symptoms was observed. According to maximum flow nomograms all patients were still obstructed postoperatively. Transrectal hyperthermia cannot be considered a genuine alternative to surgery for patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Transrectal microwave hyperthermia for advanced prostate cancer: long-term clinical results.

Transrectal microwave hyperthermia was applied to 46 stages D1 and D2 prostate cancer patients to treat urinary symptoms and local pain unrelieved by total androgen ablation therapy. Hyperthermia was administered in 10, 60-minute sessions twice a week for 5 weeks. A calculated intraprostatic temperature of 43.5 +/- 0.5C was maintained throughout the treatment. At 2 years the mean residual urine volume was significantly decreased (p less than 0.05), while the mean peak flow rate and maximum flow nomogram were improved but not significantly. The majority of patients reported a notable amelioration of subjective symptoms and quality of life. The only complication was a prostatorectal fistula that was cured by leaving a urethral catheter in place for 4 weeks. Prostatic hyperthermia is a safe and effective palliative procedure for bladder outlet obstruction due to advanced prostate cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Transrectal hyperthermia-induced histological and ultrastructural changes of human benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue.

This prospective study evaluated the tissutal, cellular and intracellular effects of transrectal microwave hyperthermia on human benign prostatic hyperplasia. Forty-eight patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent ten 60-min-long sessions of transrectal hyperthermia with an intraprostatic calculated temperature of 42 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Ultrasound-guided transperineal biopsies of the prostate were taken before and 1 month after completion of treatment. Postoperatively, morphometric analysis of bioptic specimens showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of intraprostatic arterioles and capillary-like vessels. Diffused inflammatory infiltrates were also noted. Postoperative integrity of intracellular organelles and cellular membranes was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Our regimen of transrectal prostatic hyperthermia did not cause any irreversible histological or ultrastructural damage to the prostatic tissue. Hyperthermia-induced increase in blood flow could enhance drug delivery to the prostate gland.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

[Long-term results of treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy by trans-rectal prostatic hyperthermia].

From November 1987, 250 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent transrectal prostatic hyperthermia. Forty-six patients had an indwelling catheter while 204 patients were obstructed but could still void spontaneously. Hyperthermia was administered in 5 or 10 sixty-minute sessions, with a calculated intraprostatic temperature of 42.5 or 43 degrees C. At the two-year follow-up, residual urine volume was significantly decreased while peak flow rate, maximum flow nomogram and subjective symptoms were only slightly improved, i.e. patients were still obstructed postoperatively. Transrectal prostatic hyperthermia cannot be considered as a first choice therapy for symptomatic benign hyperplasia but it can be offered only to carefully selected patients who cannot undergo any alternative therapeutic procedure.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

HIV-1 transmission through breast-milk: appraisal of risk according to duration of feeding.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk of HIV-1 transmission through breast-milk in children born to infected mothers, and to determine the relationship between duration of breast-feeding and risk. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study population included 168 breast-fed and 793 bottle-fed children born to seropositive mothers. All subjects were enrolled and followed-up in the Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children; HIV sero-status was defined in all children. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model. Independent variables included biological factors (duration of breast-feeding, gestational age, clinical condition of mother at delivery, mode of delivery, birth-weight and sex). Year of birth and age when HIV infection was diagnosed were also considered in the analysis attempting to control for possible selection biases. RESULTS: Breast-feeding increased the risk of HIV-1 transmission. The estimated adjusted odds ratio for 1 day of breast- versus bottle-feeding was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.28). The infection odds ratio of breast- versus bottle-feeding increased with the natural logarithm of the duration of practice. CONCLUSIONS: These results are the first to provide an appraisal of the additional risk of HIV-1 transmission associated with a seropositive mother breast-feeding her child. Biological significance of this route of transmission was supported by demonstration of a relationship between duration of breast-feeding and risk of HIV-1 transmission.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1992

[Nutrients, anthropometric characteristics and osteoporosis in women in the recent and late postmenopausal period].

Bone mineral content (BMC) at two different radial sites (mid-diaphysis and ultra-distal epiphysis), anthropometric measurements (Body Mass Index, Lipidic Area, and Muscular Area) and nutrients intake were measured in two populations of women selected on the basis of early (< 9 years) or remote (> 15 years) menopause. The results show the presence of positive relationships between BMC, and protein and lipid intakes in the population of women in early menopause; in the other population no relationships were found. Glucid, fibre and calcium intakes were not related to the BMC of both populations. The positive relationships between BMC, and protein and lipid intakes in the population of women in early menopause is likely mediated by anthropometric characteristics as Body Mass Index and Muscular Area.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the vertebrae: determining which vertebrae should be scanned].

This study was aimed at verifying whether bone mineral density (BMD) and its loss with aging are different in the lumbar vertebrae and whether the region of interest--which is usually limited to the L2-L4 segment--may be extended to L1-L4. BMD was measured by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 1000) in 74 women, aged 37 to 78 years, not affected with any disease or subjected to any treatment known to interfere with bone metabolism. The relationship between age and BMD was expressed by the following equations for L1, L2, L3: BMD-L1 = 1181.68-7.85 x age, BDM-L2 = 1251.57-7.70 x age, BMD-L3 = 1231.66-6.57 x age, as shown by linear regression analysis. The behavior of the bone density of L4 with age appeared to be different and could not be described by linear regression curves and was therefore not comparable with that of the other vertebrae. BMD was different in the four lumbar vertebrae as shown by: a) the diversity of the intercept of the regression lines describing age-bone density relationships (F = 7.7, p < 0.001); b) the bone density of L1 being lower than the mean bone density of the L2-L4 region (p < 0.005); c) the bone density of L4 being higher than the mean bone density of the L1-L3 region (p < 0.001). In order to evaluate the effect of senile degenerative changes of the vertebrae on the relevant bone density, two groups of women were considered, according to age--i.e., pre- or iuxtamenopausal and late postmenopausal. It appeared that the BMD of L1 was always more correlated to the bone density of L2 and L3 than the BMD of L4. Our results suggest that L1 is homogeneous to the L2-L3 region, relative to both bone density and its loss with aging. Therefore, L1 should be included in the region of interest during the examination. Even though the bone mineral content of L4 and its loss with aging seem to be different, our results do not allow the exclusion of L4 from the scanned area.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1992

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1: risk of infection and correlates of transmission.

One thousand eight hundred eighty-seven children born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive mothers, including 1045 infants prospectively followed up from birth, were studied. Intravenous drug use was the most frequent maternal risk factor, although the percentage of women infected by sexual contact increased from 5.8% in 1985 to 28.5% in 1990. Of the 551 first children followed up from birth and older than 15 months of age, 101 (18.3%) acquired infection and seroconverted to HIV-1. Another 31 (5.6%) asymptomatic seronegative children showed the presence of viral markers, for an apparent mother-to-offspring transmission rate of 23.9%. Overlapping results were seen in 22 second-born children followed up from birth. Of 59 sibships with definite infection status, when the first child was infected, 14 (40%) of 35 second children were infected, whereas when the first child was not infected, only 2 of 24 (8.3%) second children were infected. Discordance in HIV-1 transmission was found in 1 of 18 pairs of twins. Univariate and multivariate analyses of possible risk factors for HIV-1 transmission performed on the entire population of children and in the cohort of those followed up from birth were basically in agreement in indicating that the development of symptoms in the mother before delivery and breast-feeding (indeed adopted in only 22 infants in whom HIV-1 infection was identified at birth) were significantly and independently associated with a higher transmission rate. In addition, girls were more frequently infected than boys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Breast Feeding↗