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Biomedical subjects

M Neri

Publications and source records attributed to M Neri.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Magnesium and potassium status in elderly subjects with and without dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Magnesium status was evaluated in healthy elderly people, and in patients affected from dementia of the Alzheimer type. Magnesium levels were determined in plasma, erythrocytes (RBC), lymphocytes (MNC), and granulocytes (PMN), and were compared with measurements in young healthy adults. Significantly lower plasma Mg concentrations were found in elderly people compared to controls, with no difference between cognitively normal and demented subjects. Mg levels in healthy elderly people were higher in MNC and lower in PMN, compared to the younger group. No difference was observed between demented patients and young controls in Mg content of white blood cells, but the patients had higher Mg/K ratios. In addition, significant correlations were found between cognitive impairment and the Mg/K ratio in MNC. When we assessed the philothermal response of granulocytes, a significant correlation was observed in demented subjects between the migration rate of PMNs and the PMN Mg/K ratio.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Methodology of a controlled clinical study for cerebral aging evaluation.

A multicentre study was planned and executed to evaluate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of cerebral aging. Using 42 health centres, whose comparability of methodology was ensured through a training seminar and an instructional booklet on the psychometric battery of tests employed, some 400 elderly patients aged 60-80 years were enrolled using strict selection criteria. Treatment was run in four phases over 150 days. The first phase, serving as the baseline evaluation, defined through a battery of tests, consisted of 30-day placebo treatment. In the second phase of 45 days, daily treatment with 1500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine was given followed by a psychometric evaluation. For the next 45 days the same drug therapy was employed with a complete psychometric evaluation on the final day. In the last phase of 30 days the placebo was again administered and a final assessment made of the residual benefits of the 90-day treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine. Using this plan made it possible to evaluate the placebo effects, perform cross-study comparisons and demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug treatment.

Acetylcarnitine↗
PubMed1990

Stasis syndromes following gastric surgery: clinical and motility features of 60 symptomatic patients.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 60 patients who had been referred for gastrointestinal manometry because of stasis after gastric surgery. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and weight loss were the most common symptoms. Two thirds of these patients had a well-documented history of peptic ulcer before their initial operations; in others, surgery was performed for other reasons, such as obesity (5%) or reflux esophagitis (8%). Twelve patients had undergone truncal vagotomy and a "drainage operation" and 48 had received a partial gastrectomy with a gastroenterostomy: Billroth I (n = 8), Billroth II (n = 11), Roux-en-Y (n = 29). All patients had recordings of gastrointestinal manometry; 16 also had a scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying. Measurements were compared with data from healthy controls. Gastric manometry, which could be assessed only in the group with an intact antrum, was characterized by antral hypomotility (p less than 0.05). Gastric emptying studies showed rapid early emptying of liquids and delayed emptying of solids (both p less than 0.05). In the whole group, fasting jejunal motility was characterized by absence of phase II in 13, presence of bursts of phasic activity in 18, and abnormal propagation of phase III in 8. A significantly increased frequency of phase III of MMC was noted in the patients after Billroth II and Roux-en-Y operations. Postprandially, 19 patients failed to develop a "fed pattern."(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Computerized axial tomography in calcaneal fractures.

The authors illustrate how CAT may be used to obtain a clear picture of fractures of the calcaneus. The first CAT pictures are evaluated at the acute stage with reference to the principal etiopathogenetic theories. Next, the outcome of fractures treated non surgically is evaluated. Lastly, we discuss the outcome of fractures which, on the basis of information provided by CAT, were treated by surgical reduction.

Calcaneus↗
PubMed1989

Motility disorders and stress.

The association between emotion and gastrointestinal dysfunction has been postulated for centuries, and all practicing clinicians have anecdotal experience of the association between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, definite proof of an etiologic link between stress and gut motor dysfunction remains elusive, despite the large number of publications on this topic. A critical appraisal of methodology, use of controls, data interpretation, and significance of findings in the published literature is necessary to assess the present state of knowledge and to develop more meaningful studies in the future. This review attempts to summarize these perspectives.

Colon↗
PubMed1989

Natural resistance in mice against Friend leukemia cells. II. Studies with in vivo passaged interferon-sensitive and interferon-resistant cell clones.

Experiments were designed to test the presence of antitumor natural resistance (NR) in DBA/2 mice against highly oncogenic in vivo passaged histocompatible Friend leukemia cells (FLC-V). NR was measured in vivo as rapid clearance of radiolabeled cells from different organs or as growth inhibition in lethally irradiated mice. Interferon-sensitive (745) or interferon-resistant (3C18) lines were used. Organ clearance studies showed that young recipients eliminate cells more rapidly than old mice. Moreover, depressive (e.g., cyclophosphamide or carrageenen) or enhancing (e.g., poly (I:C) or Friend leukemia virus infection) agents of NR function modulate accordingly leukemia cell clearance. Similar results were obtained testing tumor growth in lethally irradiated hosts, although modulating agents were substantially less effective in this system. Both FLC-745-V and FLC-3C18-V lines were equally susceptible to NR. Therefore, these data provide further support to the hypothesis that exogenous IFN capable of suppressing the growth of both lines could act via enhancement of the NR function.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Immune response to trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in young and elderly subjects.

The antibody response (determined using the single radial haemolysis in gel technique) to inactivated whole-virion trivalent influenza vaccine [A/Leningrad/360/86(H3N2), A/Taiwan/5/87 and B/Ann Arbor/1/86], recommended for the 1987-88 winter season in Italy, in 49 elderly (age greater than or equal to 60 years) subjects was compared with the response in 23 young adult (age less than 60 years) volunteers. The subjects were prevalently healthy and a high percentage of young and old people had been repeatedly immunized against influenza in previous years. No significant differences were detected among age groups; moreover, the immune response measured by seroconversion or by a significant rise in antibody titre was constantly low.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Natural resistance in mice against Friend cells injected intravenously. III. Comparison between in vivo and in vitro passaged interferon-sensitive (745) and interferon-resistant (3Cl8) cell clones.

In vitro (FLC-Vt) or in vivo (FLC-V) passaged Friend erythroleukaemia cells of DBA/2 origin were tested for susceptibility to natural resistance (NR) in vivo or to NK cell activity in vitro. Scarcely oncogenic FLC-Vt cells were highly susceptible to in vivo NR (measured as rapid organ clearance or growth inhibition in lethally irradiated mice) or to in vitro NK attack. Conversely, highly oncogenic FLC-V cells were weakly susceptible to NR and to NK as well. These data seem to point out that natural immunity, which is up-regulated by endogenous or exogenous interferons, can play a significant role in surveillance against mouse leukaemic cells of retrovirus origin.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Comparative study of the effects of cimetropium bromide and atropine on human esophageal motor functions.

The effects of atropine and cimetropium bromide, a new antimuscarinic compound with strong spasmolytic properties, were studied on human esophageal motility. Twenty healthy subjects underwent esophageal manometry with continuous monitoring of lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), and of amplitude, duration and velocity of contractions of the esophageal body. After a 30-min basal period, atropine (12 micrograms/kg) or cimetropium (5 mg) were administered as an intravenous bolus in a cross-over random manner and the recording was continued for another 60 min. Twenty minutes after injection, atropine and cimetropium decreased maximally, in a similar extent, both the amplitude of contractions of the esophageal body (-65% of the basal values) and the LESP (-30% of the basal values). The duration and propagation velocity of the esophageal contractions did not change significantly after both drugs. Sixty minutes after injection of cimetropium, the amplitude of contractions of the esophageal body and LESP returned to basal values while atropine still reduced both variables. These findings indicate that cimetropium bromide has an inhibitory effect on LESP and on the amplitude of contractions of the esophageal body similar to atropine, but its action lasts less time.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

CT scan in a study of the normal anatomy of the hindfoot and midfoot.

The authors use CT scan to describe the anatomy of the hindfoot and midfoot. Initially the bones and related joints are examined, the latter being particularly complex and difficult to evaluate in this area with traditional radiology. Particular emphasis is placed on the description of the subtalar joint complex, to which all the bones of the hindfoot and midfoot contribute with the exception of the cuneiforms. This is followed by a description of the anatomical features of the soft tissues. The components of the five areas into which the hindfoot and midfoot may be subdivided are illustrated, with particular emphasis on the structures of the medial region which contribute to the formation of the tarsal tunnel. Starting from a description of the anatomy of this area, the main neurovascular trunks, the fascial structures, ligaments and muscles in the various sites are defined.

Foot↗
PubMed1988

Gallbladder kinetics in obese patients. Effect of a regular meal and low-calorie meal.

Gallbladder contractility has been studied in 21 obese patients (greater than 130% ideal weight) and 30 nonobese subjects before and at regular intervals after the administration of a regular solid-liquid meal, and after a low-calorie, low-fat meal used conventionally for weight-loss purposes (Modifast). Gallbladder volume was determined by means of real-time ultrasonography, using a linear array scanner with a 3.5 MHZ probe. In seven of the obese patients, gallbladder contractility was also evaluated after a 10-day regimen with Modifast. The obese group showed a statistically significant greater gallbladder fasting volume and blunted contractility than controls both after the ordinary and the low-calorie meal. The 10-day low-calorie regimen was associated with a statistically significant increment in fasting gallbladder volume, while the percent volume reduction after Modifast did not change. It is suggested that, in addition to metabolic factors, gallbladder hypocontractility in the obese may contribute to the high incidence of cholesterol gallstones noted in these patients. A low-calorie, low-fat diet augmenting gallbladder volume may favor bile stasis and therefore the likelihood of developing gallstones.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Effect of ketanserin, a selective antiserotoninergic drug, on human anal canal pressure.

The effect of Ketanserin, a new antiserotoninergic drug, on human anal pressure in vivo was investigated. Anal pressure was recorded continuously in 14 normal subjects by a low-compliance water perfused probe with two recording points at the sphincter level. After a 30-min basal tracing Ketanserin (10 mg IV as bolus) or placebo was administered in a double blind manner, and the recording continued for 1 h. The results show that Ketanserin induced a 30% fall in anal pressure soon after its administration which was statistically significant when compared with the placebo (p less than 0.01). This effect lasted up to 40 min of recording and was followed by a return to control values within 1 h.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Gallbladder contraction and its relationship to interdigestive duodenal motor activity in normal human subjects.

Gallbladder volume and interdigestive gastric and duodenal motor activity were evaluated simultaneously in 12 normal subjects. After overnight fasting, gallbladder volume was monitored every 4 min in each subject by means of real-time ultrasonography, and gastroduodenal motor activity was measured by means of a probe consisting of three polyvinyl catheters with one side opening for each catheter, placed 15 cm apart and constantly perfused with deionized water. Real-time ultrasonography and intestinal manometry were performed by different investigators and continued until at least two consecutive spontaneous phase III activities of migrating motor complexes were observed. The results show a cyclic variation of gallbladder volume, which reached its minimum value before the end of phase II in the proximal duodenum and its maximum in early phase II, 25 min after the beginning of phase III. These results suggest that there is a relationship between the cyclic gallbladder volume changes, which occur during fasting in humans, and with the various phases of duodenal migrating motor complex.

Digestion↗
PubMed1987

Effect of cholinergic agonists and antagonists on gallbladder volume in fasting man.

The effect of direct cholinergic stimulation and blockade on gallbladder volume, determined by real-time ultrasonography (RUS), was evaluated in twenty normal, fasting subjects. Eleven subjects received atropine sulphate or placebo and 9 subjects a series of 3 injection of prostigmine, bethanechol or placebo, randomly assigned, at intervals of 24 h. RUS was performed under basal conditions after fasting for 12 h and every 5 min after drug injection up to 45 min in the atropine study and up to 60 min after prostigmine and bethanechol. There was no significant variation from fasting gallbladder volume after placebo in either group. After atropine sulphate gallbladder volume at first decreased and then significantly increased. With bethanechol and prostigmine, the volume fell significantly to a trough after 30 to 35 min, and then it returned to the basal value within 60 min. It is suggested that cholinergic mediation is involved in maintaining fasting tone in the gallbladder and that cholinergic stimulation causes contraction of the gallbladder by a direct effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

In vivo natural antitumor resistance against murine EL-4 lymphoma cells in lethally irradiated syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice.

Natural resistance has been detected in lethally irradiated C57Bl/6 (B6) mice inoculated intravenously with the ascites form of a syngeneic B6 leukemia. EL-4 cells were injected into lethally irradiated (800 R) B6 mice and tumor cell proliferation was evaluated by 125IUdR uptake in different organs 4 days after the challenge. Differential growth of lymphoma cells was observed when young mice were injected as compared with older mice and when mice were treated with agents known to interfere with natural resistance (e.g., poly(I:C), FLV-P, carrageenan, cyclophosphamide, high doses of irradiated cells). Similar results were obtained by measuring rapid clearance of 125IUdR-labeled EL-4 cells from lungs of intact B6 mice. In vivo cold competition studies, employing EL-4 and several other tumor lines of the same or different haplotype, showed that only EL-4 and RBL-5 cells were capable of inhibiting syngeneic resistance against EL-4 tumor. On the contrary, YAC-1 lymphoma cells, the most susceptible target to natural killer-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, did not compete. These results suggest that EL-4 cells express membrane determinants not detectable on normal H-2b parental bone marrow cells and are susceptible to natural resistance against hemopoietic tumor cells in lethally irradiated syngeneic B6 mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Effect of cisapride on human fasting gallbladder volume: a real-time ultrasonographic study.

The effect of cisapride, a new non-antidopaminergic agent, on human gallbladder volume has been studied in nine normal subjects. In a double-blind crossover fashion, each subject was given a slow i.v. injection of cisapride and placebo after 12-h fasting. Gallbladder volume was monitored every 15 min for 90 min by real-time ultrasonography. After cisapride, gallbladder volume significantly diminished, with a mean reduction of 22.9 +/- 5%, observed 30 min after injection, whereas no significant changes were noted after placebo. A cholinergic mechanism is proposed to explain the effect of cisapride on gallbladder volume.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Dopamine-induced migrating myoelectrical complex-like activity in human duodenum.

The effect of dopamine on human gastric and small intestinal interdigestive motility was investigated in 12 subjects. Intestinal motility was recorded by means of a four-lumen polyvinyl probe with four open tips located 15 cm apart, continuously perfused with distilled water. In each subject during the same study, after recording two consecutive spontaneous phase III of migrating myoelectrical complexes and when a phase II appeared, dopamine was infused intravenously twice in a dose of 5 micrograms/kg/min for 15 min with an interval of 20 min between each infusion. In six subjects, the second dopamine infusion was preceded by a treatment with sulpiride (10 mg, intravenously, as bolus) or domperidone (10 mg, intravenously, as bolus), each considered a highly selective dopamine antagonist. The results show that dopamine stimulates duodenal motility producing a pattern similar to that observed in phase III of spontaneously occurring migrating myoelectrical complexes. The second dopamine infusion reproduced in all cases the same pattern of motility as observed during the first infusion. Sulpiride and domperidone prevented the effect of dopamine in all cases. It is therefore suggested that dopamine-induced duodenal motility may involve specific dopaminergic receptors.

Adult↗