Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Costantini

Publications and source records attributed to S Costantini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Dynamics of bone aluminum over one year of functioning renal graft.

The concentration of aluminum (Al) in serum, urine, and bone, as well as bone histomorphometry parameters were studied before and 1 year after kidney transplantation (Tx) in 20 dialyzed patients. One year after Tx, serum Al fell significantly from 50.3 +/- 8.8 to 23.9 +/- 2.7 micrograms/l, (53% fall). Bone Al content also decreased significantly from 62.9 +/- 9.0 to 36.5 +/- 7.0 micrograms/kg bone weight, but urine Al excretion was still above normal. The repeat bone histomorphometric examination showed a good recovery of bone resorption which correlated well with serum parathyroid hormone levels, but poorer recovery of indices of bone formation and of the extent of Al deposits in the bone as shown by aluminum staining.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Some aspects related to the presence of aluminium in waters.

Aluminium is present in very small amounts in living organisms but it is abundant in the environment, where it exists in forms with low availability to man and most biological species. Despite its abundance in the earth's crust only a small amount of aluminium is present in waters, with concentrations varying from a few tens to some hundreds of micrograms per liter. High levels of aluminium in drinking water are in most cases due either to acid precipitation or water treatment with aluminium salts. The presence of aluminium in dialysis fluids has been recognized as the major reason for development of aluminium toxicity in patients with renal failure. In subjects with normal renal function, high concentrations of this element in drinking water (> 80 micrograms/l) have been related to an elevated incidence of Alzheimer's disease, even though the real contribution of the element in the development of the disease has not yet been clarified.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1992

Deferoxamine test and PTH serum levels are useful not to recognize but to exclude aluminum-related bone disease.

The use of noninvasive diagnostic tools, like the deferoxamine (DFO) test and serum iPTH, to identify aluminum-related bone disease has proved to be inadequate due to false-negative cases; therefore, bone biopsy becomes a necessary diagnostic procedure. Our purpose was to verify whether these non-invasive parameters, appropriately used, may result valid in the identification of patients not at risk of Al toxicity, therefore restricting the need for histologic evaluation. We studied 68 hemodialyzed patients, aged 49.0 +/- 11.6 years, with a M/F ratio of 37/31 and a dialytic age of 85.0 +/- 47.0 months, by means of bone biopsy, DFO test and serum C-PTH. 19.1% of the cases had positive stainable Al and/or high bone Al content (greater than 60 mg/kg/dw) and could be intoxicated. To obtain the highest sensitivity, we selected the following limit values: the lower limit of increment so far proposed for DFO test positivity (greater than 150 micrograms/l) and a value capable of selecting patients with pathologic osteoclasia for C-PTH (greater than 15 ng/ml). With these limits, four different groups of patients were recognized: group A, DFO test positive and PTH high, n = 12; group B, DFO test positive and PTH low, n = 6; group C, DFO test negative and PTH high, n = 30; group D, DFO test negative and PTH low, n = 20. In group B, which could be anticipated as being at higher risk, we actually found the highest (p less than 0.05) bone Al content as compared to other groups, associated with a reduced bone formation rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Surgical treatment of traumatic lesions of the middle and lower cervical spine with Roy-Camille plates.

The authors report their experience in surgical treatment of traumatic lesions of the middle and lower cervical spine using the Roy-Camille method, discussing in detail the mechanism of injury according to the previously reported classification as well as the surgical technique. Special mention is given to the treatment of separation fracture of the articular mass and the results achieved with the "en-tuile" plate. The authors conclude that the Roy-Camille method yields satisfactory short and long-term results provided that the indications are closely followed.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1992

[Serum creatinine assay: results of a multicentric study with 16 analytical systems].

During a multicenter evaluation, 16 methods for creatinine measurement have been tested according to the guidelines of the Société française de biologie clinique (SFBC) protocol. Kinetic Jaffé methods, widely used in France, performed on different analytical systems (Astra Beckman, IL 508, RA 1000 Technicon, Hitachi 704, 705, 717 Boehringer, Fara Roche, Progress Kone, Kem-O-Mat Coulter, Perspective France Monitor) have been compared to a continuous flow method with aqueous standards, to enzymatic methods using creatinine amidohydrolase with a colorimetric measurement (Boehringer and Ektachem Kodak) and to an HPLC method. Reproducibility, estimated with four different control sera, proved to be unsatisfactory in some cases as compared to current criteria for imprecision (less than +/- 10 mumol/l for intralaboratory and less than +/- 20 mumol/l for interlaboratory imprecision). The same selected patients sera covering the whole range of physiopathological concentrations have been analyzed with each method, and compared with the continuous flow results. Differences are more dependent on the sample than on the calibrators. The influences of haemolysis, bilirubin, acetoacetate, albumin, lipids, glucose, and some cephalosporins have been evaluated with spiked human sera. Haemolysed, turbid and jaundiced patient samples have been analyzed as well. The results vary according to the analytical procedure. This study took place in the implementation of a selected method for routine purpose with special regards to interferences and an acceptable imprecision. The method must satisfy the physicians' demands in the renal function exploration, especially in kidney-transplant patients.

Biological Assay↗
PubMed1992

Inorganic element concentrations in cataractous human lenses.

We evaluated the presence of calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium in human lenses (53 cataractous and 10 clear lenses). The determinations of these elements were done using atomic absorption spectrometry techniques, namely flame and flameless methods, after acidic digestion of the samples. Compared with the results obtained from samples of normal lenses (zinc, 16.5 +/- 2.5 mg/kg dry weight; copper, 0.53 +/- 0.08 mg/kg dry weight; selenium, 0.83 +/- 0.18mg/kg dry weight; potassium, 10,306 +/- 1232mg/kg dry weight, and calcium, 9.9 +/- 2.7mg/kg dry weight), the mean concentration values of the cataractous lenses showed some significant changes. Increases were found for zinc, copper, and calcium; the potassium concentration decreased. No significant changes occurred in selenium values. A positive correlation was found between zinc and copper concentrations (y = 0.030x + 0.007, r = .79). An inverse correlation was evident between calcium and potassium values (y = -0.097x + 1141, r = -.65).

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Serum selenium concentration and disease progress in patients with HIV infection.

The selenium concentration in the serum of 67 patients with HIV infection was measured to determine whether selenium deficiency occurred in the different stages of the disease. In the first stage of the study, patients were divided into four groups: symptom-free subjects, PGL (persistent generalized lymphadenopathy), ARC (AIDS related complex), and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Selenium concentrations were normal in HIV antibody positive symptom-free subjects (1.18 +/- 0.27 mumol/L) and lower than normal in the other three groups (p less than 0.001). There was a significant correlation (p less than 0.001) between selenium levels and values of hemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Selenium deficiency was in no case associated with a lack of zinc in serum (also determined in all patients). In the second stage of the study, 12 patients were treated for a period of two months with low doses of selenium to assess whether such supplementation was able to restore their impaired immunological and hematological functions. The therapy increased serum selenium concentrations (from 0.77 +/- 0.23 to 1.44 +/- 0.41 mumol/L) and symptomatic improvements were noted. However, no changes were observed in the immunological and hematological parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonographic diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: clinical implications.

Thirty-five patients attending an emergency room with a positive pregnancy test and suspected ectopic pregnancy underwent an ultrasonographic examination with both the transabdominal and the transvaginal techniques. Twenty-four out of 26 ectopic pregnancies were correctly diagnosed on admission, combining results of the two techniques, the sensitivity of the two techniques used separately being 88.4% (transvaginal) and 76.9% (transabdominal). In our unselected symptomatic patients, the transvaginal technique showed to be advantageous but not essential in the management of ectopic pregnancy. The surgical outcome of these patients suggested that a prompt diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy did not warrant a conservative treatment.

Emergencies↗
PubMed1990

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog therapy of uterine fibroid: analysis of results obtained with buserelin administered intranasally and goserelin administered subcutaneously as a monthly depot.

From January 1987 to February 1988 patients affected by uterine fibroid were offered medical treatment with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs as an alternative to surgery. The aim was to compare results obtained with two different analog formulations. 42 patients were randomly assigned to receive either intranasal buserelin, preceded by a short period of subcutaneous injections (500 micrograms thrice daily for 10 days) or subcutaneous goserelin. Treatment was always started in the luteal phase. Response to therapy was evaluated through periodic clinic, endocrine and echotomographic controls. There were no significative differences in fibroid reduction between the two treatment groups. After 6 months of treatment, a fibroid reduction of more than 30% of the initial volume was observed in 16 patients in the buserelin group and in 18 patients in the goserelin group. The fibroid regrowth observed in all patients during the follow-up period severely limits the usefulness of this medical approach to selected clinical cases.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of endometriosis with goserelin depot, a long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist analog: endocrine and clinical results.

Thirty-two patients with laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis were treated for 6 months with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist goserelin depot. Hormonal and clinical evaluations were conducted during treatment and for a 6-month follow-up period. Serum 17 beta-estradiol levels were sharply suppressed. Luteinizing hormone was also decreased, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone, after an initial fall, gradually rose to pretreatment levels. Ovarian androgenic production was less inhibited, total testosterone being the only significantly suppressed hormone. There was a marked improvement of signs and symptoms of endometriosis and a 47.3% reduction of laparoscopic score. The results of this study suggest that goserelin depot provides a very good suppression of ovarian estrogen production and is highly effective in decreasing the symptoms of endometriosis with an acceptable compliance by the patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist on uterine fibroids and bone density.

Bone density (BD) was evaluated by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) in 18 women treated with Buserelin a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue, for uterine fibroids. Buserelin was administered for a period of 6 mth. Amenorrhoea and oestradiol levels in the follicular-phase range were recorded in all patients during treatment. Fibroid volume was evaluated by means of ultrasound. SPA was performed at the 1/3 proximal radius and at the 1/10 distal radius sites before starting therapy and every 2 mth subsequently for 12 mth. BD was also measured in a control group of 18 normally-menstruating premenopausal women, matched for age and body mass index. No significant changes in BD at the proximal or distal radius sites were observed in either the cases or the controls during the study. Moreover, comparison of the data on the cases and the controls revealed no differences in BD at 0, 6 or 12 mth. Thus, although LHRH analogue treatment proved effective in reducing fibroids, it did not cause any significant changes in BD.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Distribution of aluminium following intraperitoneal injection of aluminium lactate in the rat.

An animal experiment was performed to evaluate the absorption and distribution of aluminium in serum and tissues of normal rats. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with an aluminium lactate solution at a pH adjusted to 7.0. Before starting, a short preliminary study was carried out in order to verify the validity of the treatment with aluminium lactate instead of aluminium chloride at endogenous pH 3.4. Thirty-one rats were used in the main experiment, divided in four groups. In treated animals, the total Al-administered dose was 75.6 mg during 78 days of treatment. Furthermore, to evaluate the influence of the parathyroid hormone on Al absorption and/or distribution, 200 USP/rat of parathyroid hormone extract (PTH) were also administered during the last 5 days of the experiment. Aluminium content in serum, tibia, rib, brain, liver, muscle, kidney and spleen was determined. Calcium analysis in serum and bone was also performed. The highest concentrations of aluminium were found in liver and spleen, whereas the lowest level was found in the brain. The PTH effect on Al absorption was evident in brain and bone.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1989

Ultrasound examination in ovarian cancer patients. A comparison with second look laparotomy.

A series of 129 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III-IV ovarian cancer, were evaluated with ultrasound examination and second look surgery. Results of both modalities were correlated in order to assess the reliability of ultrasound in detecting residual disease. After six cycles of chemotherapy, ultrasound was negative in 94 patients and positive in 35 patients. At second look, 57 patients were in complete pathologic remission, 16 had microscopic residual disease, 23 had macroscopic disease less than 2 cm, and 33 had macroscopic disease greater than 2 cm. Correlating ultrasonography and laparotomy, high correlations were seen in patients with no residual disease (92.2%); on the other hand, ultrasound examinations exhibited poor sensitivity and specificity in patients with microscopic disease (6.2%) and residual disease less than 2 cm (8.6%). Using ultrasound discrimination among patients with no residual disease, microscopic disease, or macroscopic disease less than 2 cm does not appear possible. Our suggestion is that ultrasound is not able to replace second look laparotomy in the detection of minimal residual disease in ovarian cancer patients.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1989

Predictive value of serum aluminium levels for bone accumulation in haemodialyzed patients.

Uremic patients undergoing long-term dialysis risk accumulating tissue aluminium burdens and developing aluminium-related syndromes, such as dialysis encephalopathy and osteomalacia. A statistical retrospective study on 253 uremic subjects was carried out to verify the predictive value of serum aluminium levels on bone aluminium accumulation. Serum and bone samples collected at the same time were analyzed for aluminium content. Analyses were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption technique. The results verified bone aluminium concentrations of less than or equal to 60 mg/kg d.w. (dry weight) in 144 patients and greater concentrations in 109 patients. The statistical discriminant analysis showed that serum levels can be predictive in aluminium bone accumulation (lower or greater than 60 mg/kg) with about a 7% margin of error. This value may be further reduced to about 2% if two threshold limits are used (53-81 micrograms/l). The specificity and sensitivity of the test were 89.6% and 83.5%, respectively.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1989

Mercury, cadmium and lead levels in marine organisms (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk.) collected along the Italian coasts.

The growing importance assumed in the last ten years by contamination of the marine environment caused by heavy metals has evidenced the necessity to constantly deepen the knowledge of pollutant concentration that can reach man through the food chain. Particularly interesting is the determination of potentially toxic elements in marine organisms which through accumulation and concentration processes can provide a direct correlation with the ecosystem's degree of contamination. The present study takes into account the determination of mercury, cadmium and lead in samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. collected in 41 sites along the Italian coast, between August 1986-April 1987. Analyses were performed using both the electrothermal (cadmium and lead) and the cold vapour (mercury) atomic absorption spectrometry techniques. Results showed that, in general, the degree of contamination is low, with a few exceptions where the concentration values were greater than the mean values.

Animals↗