Biomedical subjects

S Condò

Publications and source records attributed to S Condò.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: role of induction chemotherapy in resectable N2 disease.

Patients with resectable stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer should receive induction chemotherapy before surgery. The aim is to early control systemic disease, eventually cure the mediastinal tumor spread and improve patients' survival. A recent metanalysis of randomized trials with second-generation platinum-based combinations has reinforced the evidence concerning the benefit of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone in resectable disease. Moreover a large number of phase II trials have explored the activity and feasibility of platinum-based combinations with third-generation drugs in the same setting. Still opened questions to address with current clinical research are the eventual role of radiotherapy as induction treatment, the impact of definite chemoradiation versus induction treatment followed by surgical resection on local control and survival and finally the non-easy choice between neo-adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2004

Living donor transplant: wider selection criteria.

The availability of cadaveric donor organs is insufficient for actual needs. The organ demand increases by 20% per year. Living donor transplant (LDT) may be a valid therapeutical alternative provided one uses proper criteria. LDT provides many advantages, like improved patient and organ survival, short waiting time, and the possibility to carefully plan the procedure. Potential risks include perioperative mortality and renal dysfunction in the kidney donor. At present, kidney LDTs in Italy represent 8% of the total, with an organ survival rate of 97% after 1 year (vs 93% for cadaveric transplants) and donors mortality rate of almost null. Most LDTs are performed from kinsmen. Presently, law no. 458, 26 June 1967, is in force in Italy for kidney LDT and law no. 453, 16 December 1999, for liver LDT. The foundations of LDT are, of course, the recipient's condition, the donor's motivation, and the altruism of the donation. It is desirable that in the future an increasing number of LDT be performed, supported by a careful, widespread health education regarding organ donation from living subjects and by the possibility to obtain insurance for the donor, which has been considered but never provided by actual laws.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Polyoma virus BK and renal dysfunction in a transplanted population.

INTRODUCTION: Reactivation of polyoma virus BK (BKV) is increasingly recognized as a cause of severe renal-allograft dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of BKV infection and activity in a population of kidney (KT) and liver (LT) transplant patients and search for a possible correlation with renal dysfunction. METHODS: We studied 118 patients for BKV viruria and, when present, for BKV viremia. We also assessed HCV status. RESULTS: Among 16 patients with BKV viruria (5 LT and 11 KT), eight showed BKV viremia (one LT and seven KT). Among BKV viruria-positive patients, three LT recipients were HCV-positive. All LT BKV viruria-positive patients showed normal renal function with a mean serum creatinine (sCr) blood level of 0.9 mg% and a mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) value of about 36 mg%. The mean transplant age was 2.5 years. In contrast, KT BKV viruria-positive patients showed impaired renal function which was slightly worse in patients who also displayed BKV viremia, namely, a mean sCr blood level 1.7 mg% and a mean BUN value about 80 mg%. The mean transplant age was 7 years. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it seems that BKV viruria in renal allograft recipients may be associated with viremia and related to nephropathy that may lead to allograft rejection. The study will be completed with a 2-year follow-up of positive patients to assess the possible relationship between BKV active infection and eventual decrease of renal function and loss of transplanted organ.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Dowel cores, traditional and alternative. Bond test].

PMF represents today the best solution for the functional rescue of a tooth cured by endodontics. After a careful analysis of the international literature the Authors in this study examined the resistance of four different kinds of PMF under laboratory conditions, applying external pressure to them until a steady rise in lateral direction caused a fracture in the specimens under study. On the basis of the results obtained, the Authors deducted that among different models tested, traditional long modified PMF is the most adapt for tolerating load of compression to preserve the integrity of the dental residual structures.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed1991

[Impression materials. Dimensional stability after pouring].

The Authors wanted to establish which could be for every impression material tested, the most favourable moment for the development of plaster models in a steady environment conditions of temperature and relative humidity. From the analysis of the results obtained, we can clearly conclude that every material examined offers an ideal time interval in which we have to cast the model in plaster. This study aspires to be an invitation to all operator in the sector, to repeat this experience in their work environment to know and better manage the procedures and the materials used, from the taking the impression to the executing of the plaster model.

Colloids↗

PubMed1991

[Cyanoacrylates as a cementation material in fixed prosthodontics].

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare, in the same experimental conditions, the effects and the behaviour of two different materials, using them for cementation of a prosthetic reconstruction: a cianoacrilic compound (B20 cianoacrilate 3M); a traditional cement of zinc phosphate (Harvard Cement). The comparative study with the optical microscope between butilcianoacrilate and traditional cement has shown minimum levels of marginal discrepancy for both materials examinated (about 13 microns). The high resistance of cianoacrilate to traction, compared with the other fixing cement, makes us conclude this study in the hope that further research could confirm and introduce this materials in the practice of prosthetic dentistry.

Cementation↗

PubMed1988

Alteration of T-state binding properties of naturally glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c.

The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the most abundant glycated hemoglobin in human blood, HbA1c, have been studied in detail. They display significant differences as compared to normal hemoglobin, HbA0, in that (1) the shape of the oxygen binding curve of HbA1c in the Hill plot is markedly asymmetrical, with a lower asymptote extending up to approximately 40% oxygen saturation, and the oxygen affinity of the T state being tenfold higher than in HbA0; (2) oxygen pulse experiments on HbA1c show a slower rate of ligand dissociation (k = 25 s-1) even at low levels of oxygen saturation, where the T state is largely predominant; (3) kinetics of CO combination to deoxy HbA1c followed by means of stopped-flow experiments reveal the presence of a quickly reacting component, whose fraction increases upon dilution of hemoglobin. These results show that in contrast to what has been stated by other authors, HbA1c displays functional properties markedly different from HbA0. Analysis indicates that glycation of human hemoglobin affects the T quaternary structure, bringing about a more "relaxed" T state and leading to preferential binding to one type of chain (which is unaffected by chloride ions).

Glycated Hemoglobin↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diuretic therapy in heart failure].

Diuretic therapy is a drug therapy that increases urine volume, but not glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The diuretics act predominantly on tubular sites; the drugs that increase GRF are the aminophyllines, the positive inotropy or vasoactive substances that increase afferent arteriolar flux or intraglomerular pressure. We can divide the diuretics into six categories: 1) carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, methazolamide; 2) osmotic diuretics: glycerol, mannitol, urea; 3) loop diuretics: furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, piretanide, torsemide; 4) thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics: chlorothiazide, trichlormethiazide, indapamide, chlorthalidone, metolazone; 5) potassium-sparers: a) kidney epithelial sodium channel inhibitors: amiloride and triamterene; b) aldosterone receptor antagonists: spironolactone, canrenoate potassium, eplerenone; 6) ADH antagonists: lithium salts, demeclocycline and ethanol. Diuretic therapy is useful in treating acute and chronic renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, overhydration and hypertension. Diuretic therapy increases urine volume, ion loss (except Na+, K+), and modifies diffusion (dilute urine) and convection mechanisms (reduced tubular absorption). Therefore, diuretics are very useful non-dangerous drugs.

Diuretics↗