Biomedical subjects

R Moretti

Publications and source records attributed to R Moretti.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: II. Correlation analysis.

Sexual dysfunction affects a large part of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, but some aspects of its clinical presentation and aetiology are not clearly defined yet. In an unselected sample of 108 patients with definite multiple sclerosis we investigated the relationship between symptoms of sexual dysfunctioning and sphincteric dysfunction, patients' and disease characteristics, disability and neurological impairment, psychological and cognitive functioning. Sexual dysfunction directly correlated with presence of physical disorders (r=0.37, P=0.0004), low educational level (r=0.32, P<0.002), disability (r=0.31, P<0.003), age at onset of symptoms (r=0.30, P<0.003), sphincteric dysfunction (r=0.30, P<0.003), age (r=0.30, P<0.004), depression (r=0.29, P<0.005), fatigue (r=0.29, P=0.005), cognitive deterioration (r=0.26, P<0.01), primary-progressive course of disease (r=0.25, P<0.02), neurological impairment (r=0.25, P<0.02), marriage (r=0.24, P<0.02), anxiety (r=0. 23, P<0.03), male gender (r=0.22, P=0.03) bladder dysfunction (r=0. 29, P<0.04), and unemployment (r=0.21, P<0.04). Sexual dysfunction correlated inversely with relapsing - remitting course of disease (r=-0.31, P<0.002). No correlation was found between sexual dysfunction and bowel dysfunction, duration of disease, secondary-progressive course of disease, number and frequency of sexual intercourses in the last year, number of partners, number of exacerbations in the last year, number of months since last exacerbation, masturbation, and fertility. In conclusion, the association between sexual dysfunction and sphincteric dysfunction indicates a common aetiology corresponding to the frequent involvement of the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis, but the concomitant correlation between sexual dysfunction and other variables suggests the possible aetiological role of physical, psychological and sociological factors as well.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Comparative pathology and pathogenesis of spontaneous and experimentally induced fibropapillomas of green turtles (Chelonia mydas).

Tumor biopsy samples from 25 Floridian and 15 Hawaiian green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with spontaneous green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) and from 27 captive-reared green turtles with experimentally induced GTFP were examined microscopically to differentiate the histologic features that result from GTFP pathogenesis and those that result from incidental factors that may vary according to geographic region. Common histologic features for spontaneous and experimentally induced tumors included fibroblast proliferation in the superficial dermis, epidermal acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, epidermal basal cell degeneration with dermal-epidermal cleft formation, spinous layer degeneration with intraepidermal vesicle and pustule formation, and ulceration. Visceral tumors, found in eight of 10 (80%) free-ranging turtles with cutaneous disease that were examined after death, had extensive interstitial fibrous proliferation. The presence of spirorchid trematode eggs and associated foreign body granulomas, common secondary findings within spontaneous tumors, varied by geographic location, and these findings were not observed in experimentally induced tumors. Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions and intranuclear herpesvirus-associated antigen immunoreactivity were found in 18 of 38 (47%) experimentally induced cutaneous tumors and nine of 119 (7.5%) spontaneous tumors from Floridian but not Hawaiian turtles. The possible involvement of GTFP-associated herpesvirus in the pathogenesis of epidermal degenerative changes and GTFP pathogenesis is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Extrapleural bullectomy or lung volume reduction: air tight surgery for emphysema without strip-patch.

Air leaks after stapled lung resections for emphysema remain the most common postoperative complication. Staple line reinforcement, alone or in association with a parietal pleural tent, is recognised as an effective technique for decreasing the occurrence of air leaks after pulmonary wedge resection. Several materials have been employed for reinforcement, most of them prosthetic and costly. We use the parietal pleural tent covering the pulmonary targets to be excised, as a reinforcement on which the staple is fired (2 LVRS and 6 bullectomy procedures). Air tightness and obliteration of intrapleural space are simultaneously achieved. We named our technique: Extrapleural Bullectomy (EB) or Extrapleural Lung Volume Reduction (ELVR), according to the indication of the operation. No mortality nor significative morbidity, particularly prolonged postoperative air leak, were observed. At the follow-up (3 to 12 months) no pneumothorax or residual spaces have occurred.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

[Treatment of multiple sclerosis. The present and the future. Study Group on Diagnosis and Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis].

The last years have produced a plethora of new information including extensive studies, retrospective analysis and new perspectives on data interpretation on multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Considering how difficult it is to study a disease such MS with its variability, unpredictability and duration, it seems hard to resemble definite results from this experience. However, corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for the management of acute relapses, showing the capacity to shorten the duration of relapses, accelerate the recovery. At present, interferon beta is generally considered to be the treatment of choice for patients with relapsing remitting disease. Glatiramer acetate is still not available in many parts of Europe, but its results demonstrate a reduction of relapses in 30% of cases. Most European experts only consider as alternative treatment the immunosuppressive drugs, chosen if patients demonstrate unacceptable side effects of interferon or clearly do not respond. Very different and even more confusing data still come from experimental trial in secondary progressive MS, where the target of treatment is to slow the progression of disability. Different drugs (methotrexate, mitoxantrone, linomide, steroids and even interferons) are employed, but the results are still debated. Future therapies are being derived from constantly changing and evolving concept of MS immunopathogenesis: therefore many experimental and clinical trials use anti-integrin antibodies or insulin growth factors, metallo-proteinase inhibitors or T-cell vaccination. Some of the above treatment may have a chance of producing the gaining control of the disease without much inner toxicity.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1998

5-Aminomethylquinoxaline-2,3-diones. Part I: A novel class of AMPA receptor antagonists.

A series of 5-aminomethylquinoxaline-2,3-diones have been identified as potent and selective AMPA antagonists. Some of these compounds are also active at the glycine-binding site of the NMDA receptors. A number of these novel, water-soluble quinoxaline-2,3-dione derivatives display protective effects in the electroshock-induced convulsion model in mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis with an additional flow source to the lungs: clinical experience in 21 cases.

The Fontan operation is considered a palliative procedure for the treatment of complex congenital heart diseases with a morbidity and mortality that are not negligible, especially in high-risk patients. In these cases, a bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis with additional source of blood flow to the lungs can represent a valuable surgical option. Between November 1992 and December 1995, 21 patients with univentricular heart physiology were submitted to bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis with additional blood flow the additional flow consisted of an aortopulmonary shunt in 13 cases, pulmonary artery banding in seven cases, and pulmonary artery stenosis in one case. Mean age at operation was 35.5 months (range 4 months to 12 years) and mean body weight 10.9 (range 4-24.4) kg. Hospital mortality was zero. Morbidity (pleuropericardial effusions) was significant in one case. There were three late deaths (14%) caused by worsening atrioventricular valve regurgitation: two of these occurred in patients with right isomerism. Late haemodynamic evaluation documented a significant increase in cardiac output (P < 0.01) and oxygen saturation (P < 0.05) during pharmacological stress testing. Angiographic characterization of blood flow distribution to the lungs showed better results when the additional blood flow was represented by an anterograde source (pulmonary artery banding or native pulmonary artery stenosis). In conclusion, bidrectional cavopulmonary anastomosis with additional blood flow is a good alternative to classic or fenestrated Fontan technique in high-risk patients. Secondly, the diagnosis of isomerism could be a contraindication to this type of surgery, because the persistent volume overload could worsen atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Thirdly, the pharmacological stress testing shows a favourable behaviour of cardiac output and arterial oxygen saturation. Fourth, the type of additional blood flow seems to condition both pulsatility and distribution of pulmonary blood flow.

Child↗

PubMed1997

Effectiveness of a dental preventive program on plaque index results in 8-year-old children of Bergamo, Italy.

The study presents the results of a preventive program based on a children's book and carried out in the elementary schools of Bergamo, Italy. The book was published to improve 8-year-old schoolchildren's knowledge of primary dentition, dental plaque, nutrition, oral hygiene, fluoride and regular dental visits. The study was experimental. A total of 440 schoolchildren were selected to test the effectiveness of the book. They were divided into four groups: two groups underwent the training program and the other two were control groups. Measurements were made using the Quigley-Hein index before and after the program. A significant difference reduction of the plaque index of -0.6 was observed (P < 0.005).

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1997

[Differential types of pulmonary flow in bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis with an additional flow source].

While Fontan operation is considered a palliative procedure for the treatment of complex congenital heart disease, its morbidity and mortality are certainly not negligible, especially in high-risk patients. In our opinion, a bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis with an additional source of blood flow to the lungs (Blalock-Taussig shunt, pulmonary artery banding, native pulmonary stenosis) represents a valuable surgical option in this subset of patients. From November 1992 to September 1994, sixteen patients with complex congenital heart disease underwent bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis, leaving an additional source of blood flow in place (modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in 9 cases, pulmonary artery banding in 6 cases, native pulmonary stenosis in 1 case). Eight of these patients (50%) were reinvestigated after a mean follow-up of 15.7 months (range 1-26 m). It has been possible to differentiate two types of pulmonary blood flow, according to the nature of the additional flow source; in the case of cavo-pulmonary anastomosis and pulmonary artery banding or pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary blood flow was pulsatile and evenly distributed to both lungs, while in the case of bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis and Blalock-Taussig shunt, pulmonary flow was non pulsatile and asymmetric (angiographic criteria). There were no hospital deaths. Late mortality was 12.5% (2 pts) due to worsening of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. In one of these two patients, prolonged pleural and pericardial effusion occurred. In conclusion, bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis with an additional flow source is a good alternative to classic or fenestrated Fontan operation in the treatment of complex congenital heart disease. The best results are obtained with an additional flow source represented by pulmonary artery banding or pulmonary stenosis, due to pulsatility and uniform distribution of blood flow in the pulmonary district. Morbility and mortality compare favorably with the rates observed in classic or fenestrated Fontan operation.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1996

Surgical management of complete atrioventricular canal associated with tetralogy of Fallot.

Between 1984 and 1993, 12 children with an atrioventricular canal and tetralogy of Fallot underwent surgical repair. The mean(s.d.) age at operation was 58(18) months, and the mean(s.d.) body weight 15(4) kg. Nine patients underwent 11 palliative procedures. The ventricular septal defect was closed through a combined (right atrial and right ventricular) approach in nine cases, and through a right atrial approach in three, using a prosthetic patch with a wide anterior extension, secured with a running suture. The 'ostium primum' defect was closed with a separate prosthetic patch in 11 cases (double-patch technique). Right ventricular outflow obstruction was relieved by a composite infundibular patch (seven cases) or a transanular patch (five). There were four hospital deaths (33%). These were caused by low cardiac output in three cases and infection in one (three deaths occurred in patients with a transanular patch). One patient has so far died during follow-up. Assessment at 50(36) months by echo-Doppler showed moderate-to-severe 'mitral' regurgitation in three cases, and moderate 'tricuspid' regurgitation with right ventricular dysfunction in one case. Two patients have required further surgery.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗

PubMed1995

Activation of the intracellular glutathione system by oxydative stress during cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial perfusion.

The glutathione (GSH) system is the main defence of tissues against free radicals and red blood cells (RBC) are the most efficient sites for GSH redox cycle activation. Total GSH was assayed during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in RBC and serum from the coronary sinus, peripheral arteries and veins in 18 children corrected of their cardiac defect. Our conclusions are: (1) RBC-GSH redox cycle is activated during heart ischaemia and reperfusion; (2) the activation of intracellular GSH system is preponderant compared with the extracellular one; (3) variations in intraerythrocytic total GSH during heart ischaemia and perfusion are detectable in peripheral veins and arteries, which can be the convenient sites for monitoring changes in the GSH cycle; and (4) increased total GSH levels are present in RBC before aortic crossclamping: at the beginning of mechanical ventilation in veins and, when CPB is started, also in arteries.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1994

Aortopulmonary septal defects. A review of the literature and report of ten cases.

From 1981 to 1992, 10 infants with aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD) underwent surgical repair. The mean age at operation was 5.6 +/- 5.5 months, and the mean weight 4.6 +/- 2 kg. Intracardiac associated anomalies were as follows: ventricular septal defects (7 cases), tetralogy of Fallot (2 cases), aortic valve stenosis (2 cases), atrial septal defect (3 cases), patent ductus arteriosus (3 cases), pulmonary valve stenosis (1 case). Cardiac catheterization was performed in 8 out of 10 patients. Eight patients had type I (proximal) defect, 1 had type II (distal) defect and 1 had type III (absent aortopulmonary septation) defect. A variety of surgical procedure was employed. APSD closure with hemoclip was feasible in 3 cases with small window. In 6 patients, during a period of cardiopulmonary by-pass, a side biting clamp was positioned on the ascending aorta close the defect; the border of the window was divided leaving a flap of pulmonary wall on the left side to close the aortic defect; the pulmonary artery was repaired by an autologous pericardial patch. In the patient with type III APSD, aortopulmonary septation was carried out through a transwindow approach. Associated anomalies were repaired in all infants except one. Hospital mortality was 10% (1 case). No late deaths occurred. At a mean follow-up of 47 +/- 35 months 8 patients are asymptomatic and 1 is awaiting for repair of associated anomalies. Conclusions. APSD is a rare but nonetheless well identifiable anomaly. Surgery is indicated as soon as the diagnosis is established, regardless of the patient's age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗

PubMed1992

Marine sponge polyketide inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase.

The marine polyketide natural product, halenaquinone, was shown to be an irreversible inhibitor of pp60v-src, the oncogenic protein tyrosine kinase encoded by the Rous sarcoma virus. This compound had an IC50 of approximately 1.5 microM against pp60v-src and also inhibited the ligand-stimulated kinase activity of the human epidermal growth factor receptor with an IC50 of approximately 19 microM. Halenaquinone blocked the proliferation of a number of cultured cell lines, including several transformed by oncogenic protein tyrosine kinases. Halenaquinol, xestoquinone, halenaquinol sulfate, and several simple synthetic quinone analogs were also shown to inhibit pp60v-src.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

A motion correction algorithm for an image realignment programme useful for sequential radionuclide renography.

The correction of organ movements in sequential radionuclide renography was done using an iterative algorithm that, by means of a set of rectangular regions of interest (ROIs), did not require any anatomical marker or manual elaboration of frames. The realignment programme here proposed is quite independent of the spatial and temporal distribution of activity and analyses the rotational movement in a simplified but reliable way. The position of the object inside a frame is evaluated by choosing the best ROI in a set of ROIs shifted 1 pixel around the central one. Statistical tests have to be ful-filled by the algorithm in order to activate the realignment procedure. Validation of the algorithm was done for different acquisition set-ups and organ movements. Results, summarized in Table 1, show that in about 90% of the simulated experiments the algorithm is able to correct the movements of the object with a maximum error less or equal to 1 pixel limit. The usefulness of the realignment programme was demonstrated with sequential radionuclide renography as a typical clinical application. The algorithm-corrected curves of a 1-year-old patient were completely different from those obtained without a motion correction procedure. The algorithm may be applicable also to other types of scintigraphic examinations, besides functional imaging in which the realignment of frames of the dynamic sequence was an intrinsic demand.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1992

Immunological and gadolinium-DTPA MRI evaluation of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

The levels of lymphocytes, blood lymphocytes subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, DR+, CD25+, CD4+, CD45RA+, CD4+, CD29+ cells) and sIL-2r of 10 patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were serially studied. The identification of the activity of the disease was made by gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) MRI. The immunological determinations and the MRI of the brain and spinal cord were performed every 14th day for a period of three months. No significant difference of the immunological values were found between the presence and the absence of Gd-DTPA enhancing areas, except lymphocytes (p < 0.05). These immunological parameters, evaluated in the peripheral blood, are not a marker of disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Effect of Thymomodulin on luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone in male rats.

The effect of Thymomodulin (TMD), a calf thymus derivative, on luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone was studied in male rats after acute and chronic treatment. The results showed that the stimulatory action on prolactin and testosterone secretion after acute (prolactin) or one month chronic (testosterone) treatments completely vanished during six month chronic administration. No effect was observed on luteinizing hormone after acute or chronic treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[Results of the quality control of magnetic resonance images].

The results are reported of an image quality control performed by the Medical Physics Dept. of Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy, after the implementation of an MR unit (Siemens-Magnetom 1.5 T) in the Radiology Department. Image quality parameters were evaluated, with the methods suggested in literature, for test objects images acquired in the conventional projections (axial, sagittal, and coronal) using RF body and head coils. Our aim was to evaluate system evolution during optimization of the equipment and to identify, when possible, eventual situations of stability and the time needed to achieve them. The results obtained for the uniformity and the signal-to-noise ratio parameters are evaluated as time curves with the analysis of linear regressions of parameters evolution over time. The measurements were made over a 14-month period, on a fortnight basis. The long-term variations are emphasized. The uniformity parameter exhibits no significant changes over time, while signal-to-noise ratio tends to increase, mostly due to noise decrease. Noise was observed to stabilize in the last months. A second analysis, with a statistical test on the difference of two subsequent measurements, was carried out to confirm this trend. Stability periods could be identified for all parameters. As for noise, in particular, a stability interval from May to October 1990 confirmed the regression results. A normality range was defined in this period as a reference for subsequent measurements.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging↗

PubMed1991

Resampling algorithms for diagnostic radiology.

The use of digital image resampling can be highly suitable for diagnostic radiology. It can be applied not only to obtain zoom effects but also to solve various problems related to the comparison of images of different origin (NMR, CT, NM). The mathematical approach to this kind of algorithm, based on rational assumptions, can be very wide and diversified. In this work the principles of the stochastic and of the analytical methods have been analyzed. In particular, a complete mathematical treatment of the integral analytical methods, which are both the most theoretically interesting and analytically complex, has been performed. The practice of these techniques has to be determined each time from the analysis of the specific problem to which they are to be applied in the routine, and after a retrospective analysis of the results obtained.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1991

Ouabain-insensitive Na-ATPase activity in homogenates from different animal tissues.

1. Two Na(+)-stimulated ATPase activities were determined in gill homogenates from squid, shrimp and teleost fish; in kidney slice homogenates from teleost fish, bullfrog, toad, iguana, chicken, duck, rat, pig and cow, as well as in homogenates from rat small intestinal cells, brain cortex and liver slices. The two Na(+)-stimulated ATPase activities, the Na- and the Na,K-ATPase, showed a different behavior toward K+ and ouabain. 2. The ouabain-insensitive, K(+)-independent, Na-ATPase activity for all the studied homogenates was completely inhibited by 2 mM furosemide. 3. An increase in cell volume of the kidney, brain cortex and liver slice preparations, as well as of the rat small intestinal cells, produced a concomitant increase of the ouabain-insensitive Na-ATPase.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗