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Biomedical subjects

P D'Amico

Publications and source records attributed to P D'Amico.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Patient-oriented assessment of back pain in pregnancy.

Back pain is a common symptom in women during the last period of pregnancy. Only a few studies using validated patient-oriented tools have been undertaken on this topic. We report on a multicenter study on back pain in women during the last period of pregnancy, which involved seven Italian institutions. Seventy-six women in their 8th and 9th months were studied using the Italian validated version of the Roland questionnaire -- a disease-specific patient-oriented tool for low back pain. Sixty-two percent of the women had gone through at least one previous pregnancy, and clinical data concerning both the period before all pregnancies and the period before the current pregnancy were acquired. The study found that 31% of the women had no back pain symptoms (Roland score 0), 40% scored from 1 to 4, 21% scored from 5 to 10, and 8% scored more than 10. With regard to the predictive factor, history of back pain and sciatica before the pregnancy were found to be associated with occurrence of back pain symptoms during pregnancy. Unexpectedly, our results showed that male sex of the fetus seems to be related to occurrence of back pain symptoms during pregnancy. However, back pain was not associated with having gone through previous pregnancies, nor was the Roland score related to the weight before pregnancy or to increment of weight during pregnancy. Evaluation of the patient's perspective made it possible to identify predictive factors for occurrence of back pain, thereby furnishing important information for the clinical approach to pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A new clinical scale of carpal tunnel syndrome: validation of the measurement and clinical-neurophysiological assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a new clinical scale of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The scale is based on clinical history and physical examination findings and includes two figures. The first is a score determined by clinical history and objective findings. The second evaluates the presence/absence of pain as a dichotomous categorical score. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive idiopathic CTS hands were studied in two centers (Rome, Siena). We compare the results of the historical-objective scale (Hi-Ob scale) with the results of other validated measurements of CTS severity: (1) the Italian version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, (2) the neurophysiological classification adopted by the Italian CTS study group. Furthermore, for the Hi-Ob scale the intra-observer and inter-observer evaluations were assessed. RESULTS: The main Hi-Ob parameter was positively related to the conventional validated measurements. Conversely, the category 'PAIN' of the Hi-Ob scale appeared unrelated to the other clinical and electrophysiological parameters. Intra- and inter-observer evaluation showed the reproducibility of the Hi-Ob assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the Hi-Ob scale is a reliable measurement which may be useful in CTS evaluation either for clinical or for scientific purposes.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Neurophysiological classification of ulnar entrapment across the elbow.

Ulnar nerve entrapment across the elbow (UAE), a common entrapment, requires neurophysiological evaluation for a diagnosis, but a standardised neurophysiological classification is not available. The aim of our study was to evaluate the validity of a neurophysiological classification of UAE, developed by us. To this end, we examined whether sensorimotor deficits, as observed by the physician and as referred by the patients, increased with the neurophysiological severity according to the classification. We performed a multiperspective assessment of 63 consecutive arms from 52 patients with a clinical diagnosis of UAE. Neurophysiological, clinical and patient-oriented validated measurements were used. The neurophysiological classification is based on the presence or absence of evoked responses and on the normality or abnormality of conduction findings. A strict relationship was observed between the degree of neurophysiological severity and the clinical findings (sensorimotor deficits). Moreover, a significant positive correlation between hand functional deficit and neurophysiological classification was observed. Conversely, a clear correlation between neurophysiological pattern and symptoms was not found. The neurophysiological classification is easy to use and reliable, but further multicentric studies should be performed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A useful electrophysiological test for diagnosis of minimal conduction block.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness, sensitivity and specificity of a new neurophysiological test for partial conduction block. METHODS. In 17 patients (17 nerves) with clinical pictures strongly suggesting the presence of motor conduction block and 20 healthy subjects (40 nerves), motor nerve conduction studies were performed with the conventional surface technique and with a new technique developed by us: the single fiber EMG (SFEMG) conduction block test. Moreover, we also evaluated patients with other neurological diseases. The recent American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) consensus criteria for partial conduction block were used for the standard conduction block tests. RESULTS: According to AAEM consensus criteria, 5/17 cases presented 'definite' partial conduction block and 6 presented 'probable' partial conduction block. In contrast, 16/17 cases (94%) presented evidence of conduction block at the SFEMG conduction block test. The 5/6 cases that did not fulfill in the AAEM criteria and that presented abnormal findings at SFEMG nerve conduction test could be considered affected by minimal conduction block. The sensitivity of this new test was greater than conventional test. The specificity was 100% (no abnormal findings in healthy subjects or patients with diseases other than neuropathy). CONCLUSIONS: The SFEMG conduction block test is a sensitive, complementary, technique for diagnosis of minimal conduction block in patients with normal findings in standard nerve conduction studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Multiperspective assessment of peripheral nerve involvement in diabetic patients.

To assess the relationship between peripheral nerve involvement and the patient's perception of his own quality of life, we studied 36 consecutive out-patients affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus without other diabetic complications other than neuropathy (20 men, 16 women; mean age 39.1 years). We used clinical (Semmes-Weinstein, vibration perception threshold, muscle strength, osteotendinous reflexes), neurophysiological (sural, peroneal and ulnar nerves), metabolic (glycosylated haemoglobin) and patient-oriented (SF-36 and NASS questionnaires) measurements. Patient-oriented physical scores were significantly related to: (1) neurophysiological findings of the inferior limbs; (2) conventional measurements of sensitivity; (3) metabolic assessment. Conversely, patient-oriented mental scores were significantly related only to metabolic assessment. The patient-oriented measure provided an important perspective of the severity of the disease often closely related with the biological parameters and suggested new ways of interpreting conventional biological measurements. In particular, the peripheral nerve picture appeared strictly related with the physical aspects of the patients' quality of life, while the metabolic picture appeared related with both the mental and physical aspects of the quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Peroneal mononeuropathy: predisposing factors, and clinical and neurophysiological relationships.

The most common mononeuropathy in the lower extremity involves the nerve. We retrospectively evaluated the etiological predisposing factors and clinical-neurophysiological features of 36 patients affected by peroneal mononeuropathy (PM). In 30 patients, a clear predisposing factor was identified. PM was more frequently perioperative (11 cases), associated with axonal involvement. Unexpectedly, PM was not only due to surgery close to the peroneal region, but was mostly associated with hip surgery and, rarely, with thoracic-abdominal surgery. A postural predisposing factor of PM was also frequently observed, usually associated with a pure conduction block. Conversely, most patients with bedridden predisposing factor presented axonal involvement, which was rarely associated with conduction block. In 25 of 36 PM cases, a long-term follow-up lead to an improvement (12 cases) or to good recovery (13 cases) of PM. In conclusion, our study shows that: (1) in most PM cases it is possible to identify a predisposing factor; (2) there is a good correlation between predisposing factor and neurophysiological involvement, and (3) PM usually has usually a good prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Specificity of substrate recognition by Pseudomonas fluorescens N3 dioxygenase. The role of the oxidation potential and molecular geometry.

Pseudomonas fluorescens N3 is able to grow on naphthalene as the sole carbon and energy source. The mutant TTC1, blocked at the dihydrodiol dehydrogenase level, which can transform the hydrocarbon into the corresponding dihydrodiol, has been used to produce bioconversion products. To rationalize the different grades of conversion obtained with different substrates, a study was performed using non-naphthalene derivatives, including benzenes, conjugated benzenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The corresponding diols obtained by bioconversion have been isolated and characterized. A theoretical model that considers both energy and geometry factors has been proposed to rationalize the experimental data. Good agreement has been found between the calculated values and the experimental results.

Benzene Derivatives↗
PubMed1997

Influence of information related to child physical abuse on professional ratings of adjustment and prognosis.

The study investigates the influence of access to information of a history of physical maltreatment on the evaluative responding of social service and clinical psychology professionals. Written vignettes were used in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design to manipulate the: (a) presence/absence of abuse history; (b) presence/absence of behavior problems; and (c) gender of the child. Professionals rated children presented in 12 case vignettes along five treatment-related dimensions: (a) overall adjustment; (b) predicted 6 months temporal stability of behavior; (c) likelihood of treatment referral; (d) expected home intervention success; and (e) expected school intervention success. Four dimensions related to social functioning were also rated, including likelihood of the child being: (a) recommended to serve as assistant to teacher; (b) elected as a school activity team leader; (c) elected as a class officer; and (d) nominated as a candidate for successful completion of a summer camp program. The findings verified the influence of information related to a history of maltreatment of professional judgments, despite matched vignette content for all factors other than maltreatment status. The results suggests a possible failure to recognize that some children have been buffered from the negative effects of abuse and point to the risk of erroneous judgments that may be directed toward maltreated children.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Lectin histochemistry of the Drosophila embryo.

A selection of lectins was used to characterise changes in the distribution of glycoconjugates during the embryonic development of Drosophila melanogaster. The blastoderm of pre-gastrulation embryos bound low levels of the lectins LPA, UEA-I and PNA. The germ line progenitors (pole cells) bound ConA, PNA and LPA. The yolk granules, the trachea, and the gut bound GSA-I. All lectins had detectable labeling of the ectoderm. The somata of the nervous system bound ConA and LPA. Electron microscopic analysis of PNA labeling of the nervous system revealed exclusive binding to the axon tracts and ensheathing glia. Hyaluronate lyase digestion of oligosaccharides revealed gut and nervous system binding with WGA and UEA-I. This study revealed useful biochemical probes of gut, epidermal and nervous system development that identify the distribution of likely ligands for as yet uncharacterised endogenous lectins.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Clinical usefulness of intravenous human immunoglobulins in invasive group A Streptococcal infections: case report and review.

The spectrum of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) infections includes bacteremia, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis or myositis. We report the successful use of intravenous immunoglobulins in conjunction with antibiotics and surgery in a case of necrotizing myositis, toxic shock, and bacteremia. A literature review revealed that three other patients with invasive group A streptococcal infections had been treated with immunoglobulins: one adult patient had toxic shock syndrome, one had necrotizing fasciitis, and one child had septic arthritis. On the basis of this report and the review, we suggest that intravenous immunoglobulins may be useful in the treatment of all forms of invasive group A streptococcal infections associated with toxic shock syndrome.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

Radiolabelled granulocytes in inflammatory bone disease.

Inflammatory lesions in 7 patients have been investigated using labelled in vivo granulocytes. Targeting of white cells was done with a monoclonal antibody, mouse IgG1 reacting with NCA (non-specific crossreacting antigen) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) (BW 250/183) labelled with 99mTc. All inflammatory lesions were visualized, with excellent quality scintigram, between 3-6 and 24 h after the injection. Because the antibody can be stored in a freeze-dried form and labelled at any time with 99mTc without cell separation being necessary, the method appears to be suitable even for use in acute diagnosis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Enzyme profile of rat bile ductular epithelial cells in reference to the resistance phenotype in hepatocarcinogenesis.

An extensive bile ductular cell hyperplasia with the formation of well-differentiated bile ductules is the most prominent feature of rat liver at 6 to 15 weeks after bile duct ligation. We have improved our previous cell isolation procedure and are now routinely able to obtain from such livers high yields of viable bile ductular epithelial cells. These cells were characterized with respect to their specific activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and beta-glucuronidase and of select Phase I and Phase II enzymes of biotransformation. At the time of their isolation, only a very small number of the bile ductular epithelial cells were observed to be in DNA synthesis. In addition, in histological sections prepared from intact hyperplastic bile ductular tissue isolates, only the bile ductular epithelial cells exhibited histochemical staining for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. Typically, greater than 95% of the cells isolated from this tissue were also found to be histochemically positive for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, and no hepatocytes were seen contaminating this cell population. Biochemically, the isolated bile ductular cells exhibited a gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase specific activity that was 100 times higher than that of hepatocytes isolated at the same time from the bile duct-ligated rats and more than 300 times higher than the specific activity of the enzyme of freshly isolated normal rat hepatocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

A prospective imaging study of 131I-B72.3 monoclonal antibody in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer: preliminary report.

Twenty patients with known ovarian cancer have been investigated in this pilot study to verify the clinical usefulness of radioimaging using the B72.3 monoclonal antibody labelled with iodine-131. No adverse reactions occurred after intravenous injection of B72.3 MoAb. The radioimaging results were compared with those obtained with other diagnostic methods, including computed X-ray tomography and ultrasound. A sensitivity of 85% in the detection of primary ovarian cancers and collections of ascites, and of 84% in the detection of abdominal and extraperitoneal metastases has been demonstrated using this radioiodinated antibody in vivo. No false localization occurred. Immunohistochemical studies showed no cross-reactions between B72.3 MoAb and mesothelial cells, confirming the high specificity of binding between B72.3 MoAb and neoplastic cells in ascites. Negligible uptake of radiolabelled B72.3 MoAb has been demonstrated in the unaffected ovary. The major advantage of using this monoclonal antibody is related to the expression of a recognized antigen (called TAG 72) in mucinous, serous and in differentiated adenocarcinomas of the ovary.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗