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Biomedical subjects

R Corona

Publications and source records attributed to R Corona.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Prevalence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and condom use among outpatients at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Rome.

To assess the prevalence of HIV-1 infection and study selected risk factors among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in Rome, 1442 outpatients seen consecutively between 20 February and 12 December 1989 were anonymously tested for anti-HIV-1. An evaluation of the trend of the HIV-1 infection was attempted by comparing the results of the present study with those obtained from a similar sample studied in 1986 in the same clinic. The overall estimated prevalence of anti-HIV-1 was 1.2% among heterosexual non-drug user subjects and 16.1% among homosexual or bisexual men. The anti-HIV-1 seropositivity was significantly higher in heterosexual subjects who reported sexual contact with intravenous drug users, as compared with those who did not report such exposure (12.5% vs 0.8%, p less than 0.005). Comparing the present data with those of a study conducted in 1986 in the same clinic, a lower prevalence of anti-HIV-1 was found among heterosexual subjects (1.2% in 1989 vs 6.0% in 1986, p less than 0.001). The availability after 1986 of several outpatient facilities attracting seropositive subjects and a change in the sexual behaviour of anti-HIV-1 positive subjects could explain this finding. Twenty percent of the heterosexual subjects and 62% of the homosexual or bisexual men reported consistent use of condoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Heterosexual and homosexual transmission of hepatitis C virus: relation with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

A seroprevalence study was carried out on 1757 outpatients consecutively seen in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in order to evaluate the sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 1442 consenting patients were tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HCV, HBV, HIV-1) antibodies. The relations between anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV-1 were studied. Of 73 anti-HCV positive reactions, 45 (61.6%) were confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The proportion of individuals with anti-HCV was higher in outpatients with a history of sexually transmitted disease than without. It was 2.8% in non drug user heterosexuals and 2.9% in non drug user homosexuals. Intravenous drug users (IDU) had higher anti-HCV prevalence when a history of STD was taken into account (42.3% in subjects with STD versus 36.7% in subjects without STD). Among non drug user heterosexuals an association was found between anti-HCV and anti-HBc. These data suggest that sexual transmission of HCV occurs, although it seems to be less efficient than other parenteral modes of transmission. When a more sensitive and specific marker of HCV infection become available, a more accurate estimate of the frequency and efficiency of the sexual transmission will be possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Travel-associated hepatitis A: effect of place of residence and country visited.

The association between hepatitis A and domestic or international travel from Italy was investigated. Data from a nationwide surveillance system (SEIEVA) for type-specific acute viral hepatitis were used to compare 1102 hepatitis A cases with 3671 hepatitis B cases. An association between hepatitis A and travel was found in northern Italy, where most young and adult people are susceptible. Estimates of odds ratios vary dramatically according to geographical area of travel. Travellers to Mediterranean countries, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and South and Central America had the highest education and age-adjusted odds ratios for hepatitis A, ranging from 6 to 25. Prophylaxis against hepatitis A for such travellers is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

The effect of cataract severity and morphology on the reliability of the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II).

Data collected from 3646 eyes in the Italian-American Natural History Study of Age-Related Cataract were used to investigate whether the reliability of the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II) by the severity of the opacity that is being graded or is influenced by the presence and severity of coexisting opacities. Reliability was assessed by comparing the slit-lamp gradings of two clinical examiners (346 eyes) and the gradings performed at the slit lamp with gradings of photographs (3646 eyes). The severity of cortical and nuclear opacities did not affect the reproducibility of slit-lamp gradings, but clinical grading of posterior subcapsular opacities became more reliable as the severity of the posterior subcapsular opacities increased. More advanced coexisting opacities decreased the agreement in the slit-lamp diagnosis of nuclear, but not cortical or posterior subcapsular, opacities. Comparisons of clinical and photographic gradings showed very good to excellent agreement for nuclear and cortical opacities, regardless of the severity of the specific opacity or the severity of the coexisting opacities. Agreement in diagnosing posterior subcapsular opacities was decreased in eyes with milder posterior subcapsular opacities and in eyes with more severe coexisting nuclear and/or cortical opacities. The effect of the severity of the opacity being graded and the severity of coexisting opacities on the reliability of the LOCS II must be considered in studies that use the system to classify and grade cataracts.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Seroprevalence of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis IgG in outpatients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Italy.

Prevalence of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis specific IgG antibodies was evaluated in a sexually transmitted disease outpatient population composed of 741 heterosexuals, 470 males and 271 females, and of 147 homosexual-bisexual men. The prevalence rates were 60.0% in heterosexual males, 50.6% in females and 73.5% in homosexuals-bisexuals. A positive association between age and antibody prevalence was found in males. Among heterosexuals there is an increasing trend of seropositivity with number of partners during the previous year. A significant association between anti-chlamydial and anti-herpes simplex, type 2, antibodies has been demonstrated.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Distribution of lens opacities in the Italian-American Case-Control Study of Age-Related Cataract. The Italian-American Study Group.

The Lens Opacities Classification System I (LOCS I) was used to classify lens opacities in the clinic-based Italian-American Case-Control Study of Age-Related Cataract. Data on the distribution of cataract types among the 1008 patients (age range, 45-79 years) are presented. A single type of cataract was found in 65% of all cases in whom both lenses could be graded. Among all patients and among patients with only one type of cataract, cortical opacities occurred most frequently and posterior subcapsular opacities least frequently. In patients with bilateral cataracts there was a high degree of concordance of cataract type and severity. The high degree of concordance of cataract type between eyes and the decreasing prevalence of unilateral cataract with increasing age suggest that patients with unilateral cataract are at high risk of developing the same opacity in the fellow eye. Cortical cataracts were found more frequently in women, and in patients with unilateral cataract, the left eye was more frequently affected. Clinic-based data on the distribution of cataract may be of assistance in planning future clinical studies of cataract.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Decline of incidence of A, B and non-A, non-B hepatitis in Italy. Results of four years surveillance (1985-88). SEIEVA collaborating group.

A specific surveillance system for acute viral hepatitis which uses weekly notification of cases and a standard risk factor questionnaire was started in Italy in 1984. From 1985 to 1988 153 Health Departments (27% of Italian population) joined the system. Estimated incidence of reported viral hepatitis was 30 per 100,000 in 1985 and 14 in 1988. The decline was impressive for hepatitis A, particularly in the south. Reduction of incidence was also evident for hepatitis B and Non-A, Non-B hepatitis, particularly in young adults. The decrease of viral hepatitis in Italy is consistent with recent seroepidemiological data. Shellfish consumption was the most frequent risk factor reported for hepatitis A cases at all ages. Hospitalization, surgical intervention, dental therapy and other percutaneous exposures still play a role in the transmission of parenteral hepatitis in Italy. Blood transfusions seem to be important only for Non-A, Non-B. Interventions other than vaccination to prevent B and Non-A, Non-B hepatitis due to hospitalization, surgical intervention, other percutaneous exposures and dental therapy are needed and can further contribute to the decline of hepatitis virus infection rates in Italy.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

New quantified echographic features of normal kidney. Hydronephrosis classification.

During a period of three months, 400 patients with normal kidneys were examined by ultrasound. An evaluation of 14 parameters was made including renal volume (RV), the correlation RV-weight, RV-height, and RV-age of the patients, the quantitative measurement of the renal parenchyma, and the influence of hydration and bladder distension on the sonographic diagnosis of hydronephrosis. In 40 cases, comparison with an additional contrast urography study permitted us to obtain the radiographic magnification index. We present 10 figures including measurement of the absolute parenchymal thickness, parenchymo-sinusal ratio, pyelocalyceal distension and we illustrate the four grades of our hydronephrosis classification.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Hepatitis B and Delta virus infection among heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexual men.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection rates were estimated in patients attending a venereal disease outpatient clinic: 759 heterosexuals and 154 homosexual-bisexual men. The anti-HBc prevalence was higher in homo-bisexual men (68.8 per 100) than in heterosexuals (41.8 per 100), whereas HBsAg was roughly the same in the two groups (about 6 per 100). The anti-HBc prevalence rate among heterosexuals was higher than that estimated in hospital personnel from the same geographical area. A positive association between anti-HBc prevalence and present or past sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was found among homo-bisexual men. Anti-HBc was also positively associated with herpes simplex type 2 antibodies in both heterosexuals and homo-bisexual men. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that sexual behavior also plays a role in the spread of infection among heterosexuals. Ten of the 46 HBsAg-positive subjects were anti-HDV positive: 6 of the 36 heterosexuals and 4 of the 10 homosexuals. All HDV-positive subjects had present or past STDs. These findings suggest sexual transmission of HDV infection.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Genital herpes infection in outpatients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Italy.

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex, type 2, specific antibodies was estimated in sexually transmitted disease outpatients: 783 heterosexuals and 158 homosexual-bisexuals. The anti-HSV-2 prevalence rates were 69% in the homosexual-bisexuals and 35% in the heterosexuals. In both groups positive association with age of anti-HSV-2 prevalence was found: only in the homosexual-bisexuals negative association with education level was detected. No difference exists between the two groups regarding the symptomatic/asymptomatic ratio of HSV-2 infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

[Double-blind trial of tiapride versus placebo in patients with sub-perennial idiopathic headache].

25 patients with sub-perennial idiopathic headache were given tiapride or a placebo in a double-blind controlled trial, over thirteen weeks. Tiapride was given orally in a dosage of 300 mg per day. Blood was drawn in 10 patients and 10 healthy controls for blood prolactin determination. No significant side-effects were recorded during the trial. Statistical analysis of the results is reported. Tiapride proved effective in reducing the frequency of headache (in 65% of patients), with an improvement rate which was statistically significant in comparison to the placebo. The drug seems to improve the headache index itself, although the difference was not statistically significant; however, the number of patients was small.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Klippel-Feil syndrome. Three-dimensional tomographic images].

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KPS) is characterized by congenital vertebral fusion believed to result from faulty segmentation along the embryo's developing axis. The hallmark phenotypic findings of low hairline, short neck, and limited range of motion of the neck are found as al triad in < 50% of patients. Congenital musculoskeletal and systemic anomalies are commonly found. These include, but are not limited to elevation of the scapula, scoliosis and renal and cardiac abnormalities. Here, we present the three-dimensional images by computed tomography of a 9-year-old boy with multiple fusion of the cervical vertebraes.

Child↗