Biomedical subjects

M Bondi

Publications and source records attributed to M Bondi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Interdisciplinary rehabilitation in morbidly obese subjects: an observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To assess the clinical effectiveness of a interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme (CR), in a population of morbidly obese subjects we have undertaken a observational study. METHODS: The study included fifty-nine adult subjects (18 M, 60+/-10 years, BMI 47+/-8) with sleep-disturbance related symptoms and disabilities. Assessment and correction of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) abnormalities, improvement of exercise tolerance, body weight and associated psychological features were the aims of this CR, which has been carried out over a 1 month period. Lung functions, apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), body weight (BW), quality of life by means of Sat-P questionnaire and serum metabolic data has been recorded at baseline (TO), at the end (Ti) and 6 months after (T2) the CR. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with AHI > 10 declined from 65% (at TO) to 20% (at both T1 and T2). 6MWD and BW significantly improved (p < 0.005) at T1 and still maintained at T2; a significant relationship (r = 0.379, p < 0.01) has been found between changes of BW and 6MWD recorded in between TO and T2. Sat-P item scores dealing with sleep efficiency, problem solving, and social interactions improved (p < 0.01) at T1 and still maintained at T2. CONCLUSIONS: This hospital-based CR provides indication for effectiveness in advanced morbidly obese subjects and warrants further controlled trials to confirm the results.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

A large population of galaxies 9 to 12 billion years back in the history of the Universe.

To understand the evolution of galaxies, we need to know as accurately as possible how many galaxies were present in the Universe at different epochs. Galaxies in the young Universe have hitherto mainly been identified using their expected optical colours, but this leaves open the possibility that a significant population remains undetected because their colours are the result of a complex mix of stars, gas, dust or active galactic nuclei. Here we report the results of a flux-limited I-band survey of galaxies at look-back times of 9 to 12 billion years. We find 970 galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts between 1.4 and 5. This population is 1.6 to 6.2 times larger than previous estimates, with the difference increasing towards brighter magnitudes. Strong ultraviolet continua (in the rest frame of the galaxies) indicate vigorous star formation rates of more than 10-100 solar masses per year. As a consequence, the cosmic star formation rate representing the volume-averaged production of stars is higher than previously measured at redshifts of 3 to 4.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Video laparoscopic surgery: is out-of-hospital thromboprophylaxis necessary?

Despite widespread use of laparoscopic procedures, no adequate data are available to support specific recommendations for venous thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. This prospective, randomized trial is the first to be designed to evaluate a regimen of out-of-hospital thromboprophylaxis after laparoscopic surgery. Consecutive patients admitted for laparoscopic surgery were considered for the study. The thromboprophylaxis regimen used for each patient was based on a risk score. Possible thromboprophylactic measures included elastic stockings and pre- and postoperative Dalteparin or early ambulation. At discharge, patients were randomly allocated either to continue Dalteparin for 1 week, or to receive no further prophylaxis. Patients judged to be at low risk were not randomized. Compression ultrasound of the leg veins was performed in all patients 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Fifty-three patients, all with acute appendicitis, were judged to be at low risk of deep vein thrombosis and were not included in the randomized study. The remaining 209 patients fell into two groups: 104 patients received postdischarge Dalteparin and 105 patients did not. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was 0% (0 of 104) vs. 0.95% (one of 105), respectively (P = 1.00). The risk of postdischarge venous thromboembolism is low in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery who receive in-hospital thromboprophylaxis. Given this low risk, a clinical trial powered to determine if extending prophylaxis in such patients reduces the risk of clinically apparent deep vein thrombosis would be unfeasibly large.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Alginate microparticles for Polymyxin B Peyer's patches uptake: microparticles for antibiotic oral administration.

Microparticles with size less than 3 microm, able to be taken up by M cell of Peyer's patches for the drug delivery to the Gut Associated Limphoid Tissue (GALT), were developed in order to improve oral bioavailability of Polymyxin B (PMB). Less than 3 microm alginate microparticles resistant to gastro-intestinal media were prepared by spray-drying technique and cross-linking by calcium ions and chitosan. The cross-linked microparticles were evaluated for PMB content by spectrophotometric method, alginate/PMB interaction by rheological study, cross-linking degree by EDS analysis and PMB activity by microbiological assay. By modulating the polymer cross-linking degree, cationic PMB interacted on alginate chains leading to a proper PMB loading as well as antibiotic retention in gastric environment and sustained delivery in intestinal fluid. Moreover, the procedure resulted suitable for PMB biological activity preservation.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2004

Hepatic steatosis in obese patients: clinical aspects and prognostic significance.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a new clinicopathological condition of emerging importance, now recognized as the most common cause of abnormal liver tests. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of liver damage: simple steatosis may progress to advanced fibrosis and to cryptogenic cirrhosis through steatohepatitis, and ultimately to hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity is the most significant single risk factor for the development of fatty liver, both in children and in adults; obesity is also predictive of the presence of fibrosis, potentially progressing to advanced liver disease. From a pathogenic point of view, insulin resistance plays a central role in the accumulation of triglycerides within the hepatocytes and in the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. Chronic hepatocellular injury, necroinflammation, stellate cell activation, progressive fibrosis and ultimately, cirrhosis may be initiated by peroxidation of hepatic lipids and injury-related cytokine release. In the last few years, several pilot studies have shown that treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents, anti-oxidants or cytoprotective drugs may be useful, but there is no evidence-based support from randomized clinical trials. Modifications in lifestyle (e.g. diet and exercise) to reduce obesity remain the mainstay of prevention and treatment of a disease, which puts a large number of individuals at risk of advanced liver disease in the near future.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2004

Study of two bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus casseliflavus and Ent. faecalis.

AIMS: The antimicrobial activity of two plasmid-borne bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1 and Ent. faecalis IM 388C and their mating transferability were studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: Both bacteriocins showed antibacterial activity against taxonomically related micro-organisms and Listeria monocytogenes but differ for heat sensitivity, antimicrobial titre, molecular size and class of affiliation. The transferability by mating of the antibacterial properties from producers to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2 revealed that the bacteriocin-phenotype was linked in both strains to genes located on a 34 MDa plasmid. This result was confirmed by loss of antibacterial activity and immunity after curing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Restriction analysis has shown a different profile of the two conjugative plasmids. Enterocin 416K1 and Enterocin 388C could represent natural antilisterial agents to use in food technology. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The transferability of the 34 MDa conjugative plasmids might be considered a possibility for the study of bacteriocins expression in bacterial hosts different from the native strains.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2004

Glycopeptide-resistance transferability from vancomycin-resistant enterococci of human and animal source to Listeria spp.

AIMS: The glycopeptide-resistance transferability from vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) of clinical and animal origin to different species of Listeria was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 36 matings, performed on membrane filter, the glycopeptide resistance was successfully transferred in six attempts, five with donors of animal origin and only one with donors from clinical source. The acquired glycopeptide resistance in Listeria transconjugants was confirmed by the presence of the conjugative plasmid band and by the amplification of the 732-bp fragment of vanA gene in transferred plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lower number of bacteria used in this study, the source of enterococci influenced the outcome of mating. Moreover transferred VanA plasmid induced a different expression in Listeria transconjugants, suggesting that gene expression might be influenced by species affiliation of recipients. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our data strengthen the opinion that enterococci are an important source of resistance genes for Listeria via the transfer of movable genetic elements. As these strains are commonly found in the same habitats, a horizontal spread of glycopeptide resistance in Listeria spp. could be possible.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1, a natural antagonist for control of Listeria monocytogenes in Italian sausages ("cacciatore").

The bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1 (Bac+) isolated from Italian sausages or its bacteriocin Enterocin 416K1, with strong anti-listerial activity, were used in trials to evaluate the effect on Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 10888 in artificially inoculated Italian sausages ("cacciatore"). In trials with Enterocin 416K1 added, L. monocytogenes showed a significant reduction as compared to the control inoculated with L. monocytogenes alone. The elimination of L. monocytogenes was only obtained in sausages added with E. casseliflavus IM 416K1 Bac+.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Enterocin 416K1, an antilisterial bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1 isolated from Italian sausages.

Enterococci (118) from Italian sausages were tested for the production of antimicrobial substances. Of these, 7.6% showed antibacterial activity against one or several closely related microorganisms used as indicators. Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1 in particular produced a bacteriocin (Enterocin 416K1) with strong anti-listerial antagonistic activity. The bacteriocin withstood heating at 90 degrees C for 120 min and storage at 4 degrees C for 6 months. The mode of action was identified as bactericidal. The crude activity of Enterocin 416K1 was linked to a molecule with an apparent molecular weight smaller than 5 kDa. Plasmid analysis of E. casseliflavus IM 416K1 revealed the presence of four plasmids with different molecular weights (34, 11, 7 and 3.3 MDa). All the Bac- variants produced by curing experiments showed loss of the single plasmid of 34 MDa. Bacteriocin activity and immunity production may be linked to genes located on that same plasmid.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Survival of an Aeromonas hydrophila in an artificial mineral water microcosm.

The survival capacity of an Aeromonas hydrophila strain (named SB14) isolated from mineral water was investigated in an artificial mineral water microcosm. The bacterial count of this microorganism was compared with two strains of other species from aquatic environments (Pseudomonas fluorescens SSD and Pseudomonas putida SSC) and a bacterium indicative of faecal pollution (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922). Among the strains, all added to sterile Pyrex glass flasks (1 l) to yield a final bacterial count of about 5 x 10(6) CFU/ml, A. hydrophila SB14 showed a quite strong survival capacity (150 days), even though the Pseudomonas strains were better adapted to this habitat (more than 240 days). E. coli ATCC 25922 was the least well fitted to survive and was no longer detected after 70 days. When A. hydrophila SB14 was inoculated together with one or two of the above strains, its survival appeared to be dependent on interaction with other organisms. A marked decrease in survival by 30 days, possibly due to antagonistic interaction, was observed when this microorganism was associated with E. coli ATCC 25922, and an increase by 30 and 60 days, possibly due to commensalic interaction, was obtained when A. hydrophila SB14 was inoculated with P. fluorescens SSD or P. putida SSC, respectively.

Aeromonas hydrophila↗

PubMed2002

Weight gain in women with breast cancer treated with adjuvant cyclophosphomide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil. Analysis of resting energy expenditure and body composition.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain is a common side effect observed in women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Among possible causes a direct effect of chemotherapy on metabolism has been proposed. Body composition variations after adjuvant chemotherapy suggest the occurrence of sarcopenic obesity, possibly due to ovarian failure. We investigated acute and chronic effects of adjuvant chemotherapy on body weight, resting energy expenditure (REE) and plasma catecholamines in a group of menopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty menopausal women with stage I-II breast cancer were recruited for the study. We measured REE and respiratory quotient (RQ) and body composition at the beginning and after 3 and 6 months of adjuvant cyclophosphomide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF). REE, RQ, and plasma catecholamines were assessed before and after each chemotherapy session. At each session food intake was also assessed in all patients, by a food diary. Seven patients out of the group of 30 were also evaluated after a placebo infusion (saline). RESULTS: A significant weight gain was observed in all women (70.5 +/- 3 v.s. 67.7 +/- 3 kg, p < 0.001), with increase in both fat-free mass (FFM) (45.2 +/- 1.5 v.s. 43.6 +/- 1.3 kg, p < 0.001) and fat-mass (FM) (25.3 +/- 1.7 v.s. 24.1 +/- 1.8 kg, p < 0.005). A decrease in REE and RQ was observed both during CMF and placebo infusion (p < 0.05). During acute CMF and placebo infusion a reduction of plasma levels of noradrenaline was observed at the first and last session. REE increased progressively during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: CMF therapy apparently has no effect on REE either acutely or during a 6-month-period; the increased REE observed in the long-term is likely due to the concomitant increase in FFM. The lack of evidence of sarcopenic obesity, at variance with previous literature, is likely due to different patient selection.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2001

Detection and preliminary characterization of a bacteriocin (plantaricin 35d) produced by a Lactobacillus plantarum strain.

Lactic acid bacteria (134) from Italian sausages were tested for the production of antimicrobial substances (bacteriocins). Six percent of these showed antibacterial activity against one or several closely related microorganisms used as indicators. Lactobacillus plantarum 35d in particular produced a bacteriocin of high activity (320 AU ml(-1)) and a wide range of antimicrobial activity including S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and A. hydrophila. The bacteriocin withstood heating at 80 degrees C for 120 min and storage at 4 degrees C for 6 months. The mode of action was identified as bactericidal. The apparent molecular weight of the bacteriocin extracted with n-butanol was estimated to be 4.5 kDa.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Sympathoadrenal response of postmenopausal women prior and during prolonged administration of estradiol.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease seems to increase after the menopause and is thought to be reduced by estrogen replacement therapy. Among the many studies which have tried to define the multifactorial mechanisms of estrogens cardiovascular prevention, very few have focused on their possible modulation of adrenergic activity. In the present study we investigated whether prolonged estradiol replacement via transdermal patches is able to modulate cardiovascular and adrenergic responses to stimuli. METHODS: Baseline and responses to a cold stimulus and to the upright position of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were investigated in 15 healthy volunteer postmenopausal women both prior to and after 2 months of treatment with patches rated to deliver 50 microg/day of estradiol. RESULTS: Basal norepinephrine levels (P<0.005), as well as their integrated responses to the cold stimulus (P<0.02) were lower during estradiol. By contrast, responses of norepinephrine to the upright test, as well as basal and responses to stimuli of epinephrine and circulatory parameters were not different before and during estradiol. CONCLUSIONS: Estradiol replacement at low doses significantly decreases overall sympathetic output, both in basal conditions and under specific stimuli. These effects whether maintained or magnified in the long term may play a role in the prevention of the postmenopausal cardiovascular risk.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed2000

Metabolic effects of fluoxetine in obese menopausal women.

Our objective was to assess thermogenic action of fluoxetine (FL) in obese menopausal women, evaluating the effect of FL administration on resting energy expenditure (REE) and on glucose-induced thermogenesis both after acute administration (40 mg in single dose the evening before measurements) and after a 12- week period of diet treatment plus FL (60 mg per day) or placebo. It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled design both in acute and in chronic study. The subjects were 32 obese, otherwise healthy, menopausal women. The patients were assigned randomly to three groups, one performing an acute study protocol, in which resting and glucose-induced thermogenesis was measured after FL and placebo administration, performed in randomised order. The other two groups underwent dietary plus pharmacological treatment (FL or placebo, PL). Resting and glucose-induced thermogenesis was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The results showed that acute FL administration caused an increase in resting energy expenditure (PL: 5.35+/-0.18 vs FL: 5.53+/-0.24 KJ/min, p<0.05). A significant decrease of REE was observed in the PL group after 12 weeks (p<0.03), while a slight, but not significant, decrease was observed in the FL group (p=NS). FL did not affect thermic response to oral glucose neither after acute nor chronic administration (p=NS for all groups studied). The conclusion was that our data give support to thermogenic actions of FL after acute administration, suggesting also that chronic FL treatment may restrain to some degree the metabolic adaptation expected during weight loss in obese subjects. At variance with what observed with other drugs, such as dexfenfluramine, an increased thermic effect of oral glucose does not seem to be involved in the thermogenetic action of FL.

Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗

PubMed2000

Virulence profiles and other biological characters in water isolated Aeromonas hydrophila.

Thirty water isolates of A. hydrophila were tested for potential virulence profiles, antibiotic resistance and Bacteriocin-Like Substances (BLS) production. Cytotoxic activity was present in all strains tested, 87% were hemolytic and 70% adhesive. Lysine decarboxylase reactions (LDC) positivity was correlated with virulence factors: 100% versus cytotoxicity, 84% versus adherence, 76% versus hemolytic activity. The correlation was also present in the LDC-negative strains. Hemolytic and cytotoxic activities were frequently associated: high cytotoxicity, corresponding to high hemolytic activity and vice versa. The in vitro susceptibility of A. hydrophila to 28 antibacterial agents showed that cefotaxime was the most active beta-lactam antibiotic, and Cefuroxime inhibited 90% of the strains. Isolates were resistant to Penicillin G, Ampicillin, Carbenicillin, Amoxicillin, Cephalotin and Cefaclor. Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Nitrofurantoine, the quinolones and the aminoglycosides (except Streptomycin) were consistently active. BLS production never emerged against closely-related microorganisms. On the contrary A. hydrophila presented a heteroinhibitory activity against non-taxonomically related genera such as Listeria spp. (L. seeligeri NCTC 11856, L. welshimeri NCTC 11857, L. ivanovii NCTC 11846) and S. aureus ATCC 25923. Although a large number of strains showed virulence determinants together with other biological characters such as antibiotic resistance and BLS production, it was not possible to relate these factors to the observed plasmids.

Aeromonas hydrophila↗

PubMed2000

Resting metabolic rate, fat-free mass and catecholamine excretion during weight loss in female obese patients.

The reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) during weight loss exceeds that accounted for by changes in body composition by 15%, suggesting that factors other than fat-free mass (FFM) explain the metabolic adaptation during food restriction in obesity. Our study aimed to establish if changes in the sympathoadrenal system activity, as inferred from an integrated measure such as 24 h urinary excretion of catecholamines, may play a role in the RMR adaptation observed during dietary restriction in obese patients. Ninety-three obese female subjects consumed a low-energy diet (LED) (2930 kJ/d (700 kcal/d)) for a 3-week period. At the beginning and at the end of the study, 24 h urinary excretion of catecholamines, FFM and RMR were measured. The LED induced a significant reduction in body weight (-3.3 (SEM 0.4) kg; P < 0.01), FFM (-1.9 (SEM 0.7) kg; P < 0.01) and in the fat mass (-1.2 (SEM 0.5) kg; P < 0.01). Noradrenalin excretion (24 h) decreased during the LED from 264 (SEM 26) during a weight-maintenance period to 171 (SEM 19) nmol/24 h after consumption of the LED for 3 weeks (P < 0.001); mean 24 h adrenalin excretion did not change during the LED (22 (SEM 3) during the weight-maintenance period v. 21 (SEM 3) nmol/24 h after consumption of the LED for 3 weeks; NS). The LED induced a significant decrease in RMR (7300 (SEM 218) v. 6831 (SEM 138) kJ/24 h; P < 0.001). The only independent variable that significantly explained variations in RMR both before and after consumption of the LED for 3 weeks, was FFM (r2 0.79 and r2 0.80 respectively). Urinary noradrenalin excretion explained a further 4% of the variability in RMR, but only before the diet, so that a role of sympathoadrenal system on RMR seems to be present in obese patients in basal conditions but not at the end of the LED.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Adrenomedullary response to caffeine in prepubertal and pubertal obese subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether blunted adrenomedullary responsiveness to stimuli is a primary feature of human obesity in childhood and adolescence DESIGN: Comparison of plasma catecholamine response to caffeine in obese and lean subjects before and after puberty onset. SUBJECTS: Twelve lean prepubertal subjects (six males and six females), 15 prepubertal obese subjects (seven males and eight females), 12 pubertal lean subjects (six males and six females) and 24 pubertal obese subjects (12 males and 12 females) MEASUREMENTS: Plasma levels of Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 17beta-estradiol and testosterone were used to validate Tanner score. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and plasma catecholamines before and after caffeine administration (4 mg/kg of ideal body weight). RESULTS: Caffeine administration significantly stimulated adrenaline release in all subjects studied. The incremental area of adrenaline response to caffeine, analysed by multiple comparison test, was lower in pubertal obese subjects with respect to other groups. CONCLUSIONS: At variance with what is observed in adulthood obesity, prepubertal obese subjects show an intact adrenomedullary response to caffeine.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Antimicrobial properties and morphological characteristics of two Photorhabdus luminescens strains.

The biological properties of two Photorhabdus luminescens isolates (MU1 and MU2) of environmental source and the activity of antimicrobial agar diffusible agents (AADA) produced by the same are reported. With regard to cultural features, two variant forms for P. luminescens MU1 and three for P. luminescens MU2 (including an intermediate phase I-like form) have been found. These three forms differ in biological and biochemical properties: beta-lactamase, urease, bioluminescence and antimicrobial agar diffusible substance production associated with the phase I form, were less evident in the intermediate phase I-like MU2 and were absent in phase II form. Antimicrobial activity was present in both strains, with the production of a large amount of a diffusible compound with a wide spectrum of action against bacteria of other genera; a reduced activity against correlated species was also observed. Examination by electron microscopy of MU1 and MU2 purified broth cultures revealed the presence of particles belonging to the class of the phage tail-like bacteriocins, described in recent studies as responsible for antibacterial activity against correlated bacteria, a result never confirmed "in vitro". A plasmid of 21 Mdal was observed in all the form variants of P. luminescens MU2, suggesting that plasmids are not involved in the transition from primary to secondary phase; no plasmid was detected in P. luminescens MU1.

Bacteriocins↗