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Biomedical subjects

M De Angelis

Publications and source records attributed to M De Angelis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Study of the diuretic efficacy and tolerability of therapy with Rocchetta mineral water in patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones].

The diluition of urine decreases the risk of stone formation by lowering the concentration of calcium, oxalate and uric acid, but involves a simultaneous decrease of the concentration of the inhibitors of crystallization. On the other hand the ion content of the drinking water used for stone prevention could by itself modify urine composition. We tested the effect of the administration of a mild-calcium high-bicarbonate content water on urine composition of a group of calcium renal stone formers. A group of 40 calcium renal stone formers was instructed to drink 3 l/day of a mild-calcium (57 mg/l) and high-bicarbonate (180 mg/l) content water (Rocchetta) for a 7 day period. A 24-h collection was obtained before and after water administration for analyses of calcium, magnesium, oxalate and citrate. Urine volume was significantly increased after water administration (1601 +/- 357 vs 1878 +/- 339). Daily urinary calcium, magnesium and citrate were significantly increased, whereas daily urinary oxalate was unchanged after water administration. In conclusion the mild-calcium high-bicarbonate content water administration seems suitable for stone prevention because of the increased excretion of urinary inhibitors counterbalancing increased urinary calcium excretion.

Diuretics↗

Antiandrogens: a summary review of pharmacodynamic properties and tolerability in prostate cancer therapy.

This article provides a summary of the pharmacodynamic properties of major antiandrogens as well as an extensive review of their tolerability. Presently there are two classes of androgen receptor antagonists: the so-called pure, non-steroidal antiandrogens which include flutamide, nilutamide and the more recent bicalutamide and the steroidal antiandrogens cyproterone acetate, megestrol acetate and WIN 49596. Although non steroidal and steroidal compounds have been found to be equally effective in the treatment of prostate cancer presently no studies comparing the use of steroidal or non steroidal antiandrogens with chemical or surgical castration have evaluated quality of life per se. The only advantage of cyproterone acetate on pure antiandrogens seems to be the low incidence of hot flushes; a commonly reported adverse effect of androgen ablative therapy. However, hepatotoxicity associated with long term daily doses of 300 mg daily and the unacceptably high incidence of cardiovascular side effects (10%) should restrict its use to patients who are intolerant of pure antiandrogen compound. In contrast to steroidal compound nonsteroidal compounds let sexual potency to be retained, which is an important consideration with respect to the quality of life of some patients and, at present, the main indication for monotherapy with the pure antiandrogens. As regard as pure antiandrogens clinically important adverse events including gastrointestinal events, particularly diarrhea and occasional disturbances of liver function related to flutamide treatment and antabuse effect, problems with light-dark adaptation and rare interstitial pneumonitis related to nilutamide indicates the bicalutamide, due to its better tolerability profile, together with its once-daily oral administration regimen, could be considered the antiandrogen of first choice in the treatment of prostatic cancer.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate concentration during a normal training session of an aerobic dance class.

The aim of this research was to investigate the physiological responses and, in particular, the participation of lactic acid anaerobic metabolism in aerobic dance, which is claimed to be pure aerobic exercise. In contrast to previous studies, that have put subjects in very unfamiliar situations, the parameters were monitored in the familiar context of gymnasium, practice routine and habitual instructor. A group of 30 skilled fairly well-trained women performed their usual routine, a combination of the two styles: low (LI) and high impact (HI), and were continuously monitored for heart rate (HR) and every 8 min for blood lactate concentration ([La-]b). Of the group, 15 were tested to determine their maximal aerobic power (VO2max) using a cycle-ergometer. They were also monitored during the routine for oxygen uptake (VO2) by a light telemetric apparatus. The oxygen pulses of the routine and of the corresponding exercise intensity in the incremental test were not statistically different. The mean values in the exercise session were: peak HR 92.8 (SD 7.8)% of the subject's maximal theoretical value, peak VO2 99.5 (SD 12.4)% of VO2max, maximal [La-]b 6.1 (SD 1.7) mmol x l(-1), and mean 4.8 (SD 1.3) mmol x l(-1). Repeated measures ANOVA found statistically significant differences between the increasing [La-]b values (P < 0.001). In particular, the difference between the [La-]b values at the end of the mainly LI phase and those of the LI-HI combination phase, and the difference between the samples during the combination LI-HI phase were both statistically significant (both P = 0.002 and P = 0.002). The similar oxygen pulses confirmed the validity of the present experiment design and the reliability of HR monitoring in this activity. The HR, VO2 and, above all, the increase of [La-]b to quite high values, showing a non steady state, demonstrated the high metabolic demand made by this activity that involved lactic acid metabolism at a much higher level than expected.

Adult↗

Anaerobic contribution to the time to exhaustion at the minimal exercise intensity at which maximal oxygen uptake occurs in elite cyclists, kayakists and swimmers.

Using 23 elite male athletes (8 cyclists, 7 kayakists, and 8 swimmers), the contribution of the anaerobic energy system to the time to exhaustion (t(lim)) at the minimal exercise intensity (speed or power) at which maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) occurs (IVO2max) was assessed by analysing the relationship between the t(lim) and the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). After 10-min warming up at 60% of VO2max, the exercise intensity was increased so that each subject reached his IVO2max in 30 s and then continued at that level until he was exhausted. Pre-tests included a continuous incremental test with 2 min steps for determining the IVO2max and a series of 5-min submaximal intensities to collect the data that would allow the estimation of the energy expenditure at IVO2max. The AOD for the t(lim) exercise was calculated as the difference between the above estimation and the accumulated oxygen uptake. The mean percentage value of energy expenditure covered by anaerobic metabolism was 15.2 [(SD 6)%, range 8.9-24.1] with significant differences between swimmers and kayakists (16.8% vs 11.5%, P < or = 0.05) and cyclists and kayakists (16.4% vs 11.5%, P < or = 0.05). Absolute AOD values ranged from 26.4 ml.kg-1 to 83.6 ml.kg-1 with a mean value of 45.9 (SD 18) ml.kg-1. Considering all the subjects, the t(lim) was found to have a positive and significant correlation with AOD (r = 0.62, P < or = 0.05), and a negative and significant correlation with VO2max (r = -0.46, P < or = 0.05). The data would suggest that the contribution of anaerobic processes during exercise performed at IVO2max should not be ignored when t(lim) is used as a supplementary parameter to evaluate specific adaptation of athletes.

Adult↗

Plasma level determination of 1,4-butanedisulphonate by ion chromatography and conductimetric detection.

A rapid, specific and reproducible liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of 1,4-butanedisulphonate in plasma. The method involves protein precipitation with perchloric acid, precipitation of perchlorate ions by addition of potassium carbonate followed by ion chromatography on an ion-exchange column connected with a conductimetric detector. Calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range 2.5-25 micrograms/ml; the intra-assay precision was < or equal to 3.6% and the inter-assay precision was < or equal to 5.8%. The analyte was stable in plasma and in perchloric acid at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The assay procedure was applied to monitoring plasma levels in animals receiving chronic intravenous and oral administration of the analyte.

Alkanesulfonates↗

Immunocytochemical staining of serous effusions with the monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4.

Cytospin preparations were made from 102 serous effusions for immunocytochemical staining using a panel of monoclonal antibodies including a new monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4. On cytological examination, 32 fluids were reported to contain tumour cells consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma; 66 contained benign cells only and three were reported to contain cells suspicious of malignancy. One effusion contained tumour cells consistent with malignant mesothelioma. Positive staining of the tumour cells with Ber-EP4 was observed in the 32 effusions (100%) which contained adenocarcinoma cells. No staining of the mesothelial cells in these 32 specimens was observed. Carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen Ca2 and CD15 staining of tumour cells was noted in 53%, 50%, 50% and 9% of these cases, respectively. None of the mesothelial cells in the benign effusions stained with Ber-EP4. Nor did the malignant mesothelial cells in the only case of malignant mesothelioma. These findings suggest that Ber-EP4 is a valuable addition to antibodies available for the differential diagnosis of mesothelial cells and adenocarcinoma cells in serous effusions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Stereochemical pharmacokinetics of the 2-arylpropionic acid non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug flunoxaprofen in rats and in man.

Stereospecific serum assays of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug flunoxaprofen (S(+)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-a-methyl-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid, Priaxim) were performed in rats after the oral administration of 10 mg/kg b.w. of the different enantiomeric forms of the drug or of the racemate in order to establish the occurrence and the rate of biotransformation of R(-)-flunoxaprofen to the S(+)-enantiomer, which is the pharmacologically active form. Preliminary observations of the enantiomeric blood levels were also made in man after a single oral dose (100 mg) of R(-)-flunoxaprofen or of the racemate. Blood was withdrawn at different time intervals up to 120 h in rats and up to 48 h in man and serum levels of flunoxaprofen enantiomers were determined by a HPLC method. The results obtained in the rat show that S(+)-flunoxaprofen serum levels following the administration of a single oral dose of flunoxaprofen reach about the same values (between 24 and 30 micrograms/ml at 18 h) whichever form was dosed (i.e. 10 mg/kg b.w. of S(+)- or R(+)-, or 5 mg/kg b.w. of S(+)- as the racemate). On the contrary, R(-)-flunoxaprofen serum concentrations fall to values lower than 5 micrograms/ml either after the administration of 10 mg/kg R(-)- or of 5 mg/kg R(-)- as the racemate; these serum R(-)-flunoxaprofen values are close to those observed after the administration of S(+)-flunoxaprofen which contains 5% R(-)- as an impurity (i.e. 0.5 mg/kg b.w.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacokinetic study in man with the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug flunoxaprofen. Serum concentration-time profile after oral or topical preparations.

A clinical study on normal volunteers was performed in order to establish the pharmacokinetic pattern of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug S-(+)-2-(4-fluorophenyl-a-methyl-5-benzoxazole-acetic acid (flunoxaprofen, Priaxim, FLU) after oral administration or after transcutaneous absorption. Six subjects (3 men and 3 women) received FLU orally (a single dose of 200 mg) and 6 subjects (4 men and 2 women) were treated by cutaneous application on the shoulder of 1.5 g of a gel preparation containing FLU 5%. Blood samples were withdrawn before and at several time intervals after the treatments up to 48 h after oral administration and up to 24 h after cutaneous application. Serum FLU concentrations were determined by a HPLC method. The results show that a single oral dose of FLU 200 mg follows a kinetic pattern very similar to that obtained with a 100 mg dose as referred to in the literature, without significant differences of t1/2 beta, Vd and clearance values in comparison with those after FLU 100 mg. The dose-related parameters (Cmax and AUC) were higher after FLU 200 mg than after FLU 100 mg. The cutaneous application of a flunoxaprofen gel preparation did not cause detectable systemic absorption of the drug. In conclusion FLU shows favourable pharmacokinetic parameters after 200 mg oral dose, since serum values of the drug exclude the risk of accumulation; moreover the topical application of a FLU gel preparation is a safe transcutaneous treatment for inflammation and pain due to lacking systemic absorption of the drug.

Administration, Oral↗

Double-blind crossover trial with oral sodium cromoglycate in children with atopic dermatitis due to food allergy.

Thirty-one children with atopic dermatitis, aged 6 months to 10 years, were selected for this trial. All had historical, clinical, and laboratory evidences that allergy to food was the cause of exacerbations of eczema. Either oral sodium cromoglycate (SCG) or a matching placebo was administered orally for 8 weeks, followed by the alternative treatment for a further 8-week period. During the first 4 weeks of each treatment period, patients remained on an exclusion diet. During the second 4 weeks, the offending food(s) was reintroduced into the diet. The severity of the eczema and the changes in severity as a result of diet or challenge were measured both by the clinician (using body diagrams) and by parents (using a daily diary card). Analysis of the clinician's scoring and the patient's diary card scores demonstrated a statistically significant difference in favour of SCG, especially in the group where the placebo preceded the active treatment. Sodium cromoglycate does seem to reduce the exacerbations of atopic dermatitis caused by food allergens.

Administration, Oral↗

[Effects of calcium antagonists on pancreatic endocrine secretion].

The influence of Verapamil, a calcium antagonist, on circulating levels of glucose, insulin and glucagon has been evaluated in 5 normal subjects and in 5 patients with non insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). An oral glucose tolerance test was performed both in basal conditions and during intravenous infusion of the drug (5 mg/h). Administration of Verapamil didn't induce any significant change on the three parameters. The small decrease of glycemia in patients affected by NIDDM and treated with Verapamil was not related to reduction of glucagonemia.

Adult↗