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Biomedical subjects

V Messina

Publications and source records attributed to V Messina.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Considerations in planning vegan diets: children.

This article reviews research on the growth and nutrient intake of vegan children and provides guidelines for counselling parents of vegan children. Although diets of vegan children meet or exceed recommendations for most nutrients, and vegan children have higher intakes of fiber and lower intakes of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than omnivore children, some studies indicate that they may be low in calcium. In addition, bioavailability of zinc and iron from plant foods can be low. Protein needs are slightly higher for vegan children but are easily met with a varied diet that provides adequate energy. Special attention should be given to dietary practices that enhance absorption of zinc and iron from plant foods. Further, good sources of the omega-3 fatty acid linolenic acid should be emphasized to enhance synthesis of the long-chain fatty acid docosahexanoic acid. Dietetics professionals who counsel vegan families should help parents identify good sources of vitamin B-12, riboflavin, zinc, calcium and, if sun exposure is not adequate, vitamin D. This should not be problematic, due to the growing number and availability of fortified vegan foods that can help children meet all nutrient needs. Therefore, with appropriate food choices, vegan diets can be adequate for children at all ages.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Considerations in planning vegan diets: infants.

Appropriately planned vegan diets can satisfy nutrient needs of infants. The American Dietetic Association and The American Academy of Pediatrics state that vegan diets can promote normal infant growth. It is important for parents to provide appropriate foods for vegan infants, using guidelines like those in this article. Key considerations when working with vegan families include composition of breast milk from vegan women, appropriate breast milk substitutes, supplements, type and amount of dietary fat, and solid food introduction. Growth of vegan infants appears adequate with post-weaning growth related to dietary adequacy. Breast milk composition is similar to that of non-vegetarians except for fat composition. For the first 4 to 6 months, breast milk should be the sole food with soy-based infant formula as an alternative. Commercial soymilk should not be the primary beverage until after age 1 year. Breastfed vegan infants may need supplements of vitamin B-12 if maternal diet is inadequate; older infants may need zinc supplements and reliable sources of iron and vitamins D and B-12. Timing of solid food introduction is similar to that recommended for non-vegetarians. Tofu, dried beans, and meat analogs are introduced as protein sources around 7-8 months. Vegan diets can be planned to be nutritionally adequate and support growth for infants.

Child Development↗
PubMed2000

Soyfoods, soybean isoflavones, and bone health: a brief overview.

Soyfoods have received considerable attention during the past 5 years for their role in disease prevention, especially in relation to heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. However, limited research also suggests that soy protein favorably affects renal function. Much of the research interest in soy is aimed at establishing the physiological effects of isoflavones. Isoflavones are diphenolic compounds that have a very limited distribution in nature. Soybeans and soyfoods are, for practical purposes, the only nutritionally relevant dietary sources of isoflavones. Isoflavones are weak estrogens in that they bind to estrogen receptors, but they also have important nonhormonal properties as well. Initial speculation that soyfoods, and in particular isoflavones, might promote bone health was based on the estrogenic properties of isoflavones and the similarity in structure between isoflavones and the osteoporosis drug, ipriflavone, which is a synthetic isoflavone. In ovariectomized rodents, isoflavones retard bone loss almost as effectively as estrogen. Most research, but not all, also indicates that soyfoods rich in isoflavones favorably affect bone turnover and spinal bone mineral density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, studies conducted thus far have been of short duration and involved small numbers of subjects. Furthermore, no studies have actually examined the effect of soy feeding on fracture risk. Thus, although the data in general are encouraging, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between soy consumption and bone health. In addition to a possible direct effect of isoflavones on bone tissue, soy protein when substituted for animal protein may indirectly enhance bone strength. Several studies have found that in comparison with animal protein, soy protein decreases calcium excretion, a result of the lower sulfur amino acid content of soy protein. Although the high potassium content of soy is a consideration, the evidence clearly indicates that clinicians should consider recommending that their renal patients incorporate soyfoods into their diet.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[HIV Antigens as complement fixing circulating immune complexes].

To detect HIV antigens in circulating complement fixing immune complexes (ICs) we assessed an ELISA using wells of microtitre plates coated with F(ab)2 anti-C3b and monoclonal antibodies anti-HIV gp120 and anti-HIV p24. We tested 24 anti-HIV positive subjects (Group A), 10 anti-HIV negative subjects at risk of acquiring HIV infection (Group B), 20 normal controls (Group C) and 2 seroconversion panels. We found HIV antigens in ICs in all sera from seroconversion panels, in 25.5% of sera from subjects in Group A, in 28.6% of sera from subjects in Group B and in no serum from subjects in Group C. A subject in Group B acquired HIV infection during the observation. HIV antigens in ICs by our assay were detected 8 months before Anti-HIV and Ag by commercial ELISA.

English Abstract↗
PubMed1996

Nutritional implications of dietary phytochemicals.

Although increasing the levels of phytochemicals in foods via traditional breeding or genetic engineering would appear to pose less of a risk, there is still the possibility of over consumption given the ease with which phytochemical content can be increased. According to the recent position paper by the American Dietetic Association on phytochemicals, "the dietetics professional ... is the specialist who should make recommendations concerning appropriate dietary intake to optimize the potential benefits of phytochemical-rich or functional foods in overall health." For dietitians to make these recommendations, it will be necessary for the nutrition community to make a concerted effort to incorporate information on phytochemicals into nutrition manuals and professional resources. As it is, most of the research and discussion of phytochemicals is conducted by professionals not related or only peripherally related to the field of nutrition. This is truly an exciting time to be involved in the nutrition field. We have moved a head from thinking that only a relatively small number of dietary factors possess biological activity to recognizing that there are hundreds and perhaps thousands of such factors. It will be many years before our understanding of phytochemicals approaches our knowledge of vitamins and minerals- and it is worth nothing that our knowledge of vitamins and minerals is still incomplete. But it does appear that the phytochemicals help explain why plant-based diets, in general, are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. And in fact, his may be the most important outcome from use of phytochemicals. The nutrition community now has more reasons for encouraging consumers to eat plant-based diets.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1994

Effects of hypertension on intimal-medial thickness, left ventricular mass and aortic distensibility.

The aim of the study was to evaluate arterial distensibility, intimal-medial thickening of the common carotid artery, left ventricular mass and the eventual correlations among these parameters in the hypertensive state. Our study population consisted of 89 hypertensive patients aged 35 to 80 years (mean age 60.8 +/- 10.6 years), and 76 normotensive subjects aged 45 to 85 years (mean age 61.2 +/- 11.1 years). Those patients constantly presenting systolic blood pressure values > or = 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg were diagnosed as hypertensive. Each patient underwent a B-mode echotomographic examination of the extracranial carotid tract performed with a Vingmed CFM 750 echotomographer with a 7.5 MHz probe and M-mode echocardiography with a Vingmed CFM 750 device equipped with a 3.0 MHz transducer. The results show the intimal-media thickness value in hypertensive patients (0.90 +/- 0.22 mm on the right and 0.92 +/- 0.22 mm on the left), was significantly greater than that in normotensive subjects (0.64 +/- 0.13 mm on the right and 0.64 +/- 0.13 mm on the left, p < 0.001); in hypertensive subjects, interventricular septum thickness (12.1 +/- 1.25 mm) was significantly greater than that in normotensive patients (9.1 +/- 0.77 mm, p < 0.001). In conclusion, we can say that hypertensive subjects have higher values of common carotid artery intimal-medial thickness than normotensives and that this finding is associated with the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and with a reduction in arterial compliance. Vascular ultrasonography, as well as echocardiography and arterial mechanography can show, in hypertensive subjects, cardiac and vascular abnormalities in a non invasive way.

Aorta↗
PubMed1993

Non responders to interferon therapy among chronic hepatitis patients infected with hepatitis C virus.

We studied a series of 268 chronic hepatitis C patients (31 chronic persistent hepatitis CPH, 69 mild chronic active hepatitis CAH, 125 severe CAH, and 43 active cirrhosis) enrolled from 1988 to 1991 in different therapeutic protocols using lymphoblastoid or recombinant interferon (IFN) at a dosage of 3 mega units (M.U.), three times a week for 12 months. Of these patients 54.8% showed a complete response (normalization of aminotransferases), 14.2% a partial response (decrease in aminotransferases of over 50%), 27.6% no response, and 3.4% a substantial progressive increase in the liver enzymes during IFN (becoming worse). The prevalence of non responders was lower in CPH (9.7%) than in CAH patients (31.9% in the mild form and 20.8% in the severe), and significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis (53.5%). No correlation was observed between non response and the baseline aminotransferase level or the patient's sex. Patients under 35 had a better response to IFN when compared with patients 36-50 years. This is probably due to the higher prevalence of CPH patients with a good response to IFN in the youngest group. No effect was gained in non responders by increasing the dose or shifting from recombinant to lymphoblastoid IFN; three patients were then treated with steroids, but only one benefitted. For 5 of the 9 patients who became worse, steroids were started after discontinuation of IFN therapy, and they induced a favorable response only for the 3 who had developed autoantibodies during IFN treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of nicardipine on intimal-medial thickness and arterial distensibility in hypertensive patients. Preliminary results after 6 months.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nicardipine, at the dosage of 80 mg/day in two administrations, on blood pressure, intimal-media thickness of the common carotid artery and on arterial distensibility after 6 months of therapy. The study population consisted of 23 patients, 13 male and 10 female, mean age 61.7 +/- 10.1 years, with systolic blood pressure 170.4 +/- 14.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 98.3 +/- 5.7 mmHg, affected by essential arterial hypertension of slight to moderate degree. Twenty-three subjects underwent high resolution B-mode echotomography of the common carotid artery, performed twice by the same operator within a one-week period. Treatment for 6 months with slow release Nicardipine at a dosage of 80 mg in two daily administrations was seen to be efficient in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. It also reduced the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. The results of our study show that 6 month's treatment with slow-release Nicardipine at 80 mg in two daily administrations, in effective reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, and, to a slightly significant degree, in reducing the value of the intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid. Naturally the data which emerge from our study are preliminary and require a definitive analysis at the end the study, which is foreseen after a two year period from the enrolment of at least one hundred patients.

Carotid Artery, Common↗
PubMed1992

[The evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions of the extracranial carotid arteries in hypertensive subjects. A study by B-mode and pulsed Doppler echotomography].

Arterial hypertension is considered an independent atherosclerotic risk factor. In hypertensive patients it increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk. The aim of the study was to emphasize the presence of atherosclerotic lesions at the level of extracranial carotid tree in patients with essential arterial hypertension. In 110 hypertensive patients (63 males, 47 females) mean age 66 +/- 16 years, and in 100 normotensive patients (66 males, 34 females) mean age 65 +/- 15 years, high-resolution B-mode pulsed wave Doppler echotomography of internal, external and common carotid artery of both sides was performed. The value of the intimal-medial complex thickness of common carotid was measured, and the stenosis percentage evaluated by B-mode pulsed wave Doppler echotomography. Atherosclerotic plaques were classified according to their echogenic characteristic and surface; their localization was then evaluated. In hypertensive patients we observed the presence of common carotid intimal-medial thickening in 75.4%, atherosclerotic plaques in 60.9% and stenosis in 17.9%; 58.3% of these ones were localized at internal carotid, 33.3% at common carotid and 8.3% at external carotid. We observed that 36% of the 100 normotensive patients presented common carotid intimal-medial thickening (p < 0.001 versus hypertensives), 25% atherosclerotic plaques (p < 0.001 versus hypertensives) and 8% stenoses; 50% of these stenosis were localized at internal carotid, the second half at external carotid. In conclusion, high-resolution B-mode echotomography study with pulsed wave Doppler spectral analysis represents a necessary method to evaluate the condition of the extracranial carotid tree in patients with hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Increasing use of soyfoods and their potential role in cancer prevention.

The United States produces approximately half of the world's soybeans. Although most of what is produced is used as animal feed, soy-protein products (eg, soy-protein flour, concentrates, and isolates) are used extensively by the food industry, primarily for their functional characteristics, such as emulsification. During the past decade, however, there has been a marked increase in the use of both traditional soyfoods, such as tofu and soymilk, and second-generation soyfoods, products which generally simulate familiar American dishes. Recently, attention has focused on the possible role of soybean consumption in reducing cancer risk. Soybeans contain, in relatively high concentrations, several compounds with demonstrated anticarcinogenic activity. Two of these compounds--protease inhibitors and phytic acid--have traditionally been viewed as antinutrients. The scientific community has begun to appreciate the potential importance of nonnutritive dietary compounds (phytochemicals) in foods such as soybeans. Dietitians need to become more aware of the phytochemical content of foods and the possible effect of phytochemicals on health and disease.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1989

Decision-making ability and advance directive preferences in nursing home patients and proxies.

We studied 39 nursing home patients and proxies to assess their decision-making capability and preferences regarding advance directives (ADs) or "living wills." Most patients willingly stated preferences; over half opted to forego burdensome measures when death appeared imminent. Patients perceived as decisionally capable were more likely to forego life-sustaining measures than those of questionable capability. The vast majority of proxies disapproved of using life-sustaining measures, even in some cases with limited knowledge of patients' preferences.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Plasma somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide responses to an oral mixed test meal in obese patients.

Ten obese and 10 control subjects were studied in basal conditions and after ingestion of a standard mixed test meal. Blood glucose, insulin, somatostatin (SLI) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) concentrations were determined before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min after the start of the meal. Basal SLI levels in the obese (14.4 +/- 0.7 ng/l) were not significantly different from those in the controls (15.5 +/- 0.8 ng/l), whereas after the meal a blunted secretory response was recorded. Baseline plasma VIP levels were higher in the obese (29.7 +/- 1.5 ng/l) than in the control subjects (19.8 +/- 1.3 ng/l) and, similarly to the controls, were unaffected by meal ingestion. Data suggest that in the course of obesity an enhanced VIP secretion in association with a diminished SLI responsiveness to meals occurs.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Evaluation at midterm of the clinico-instrumental efficacy and tolerance of picotamide in patients with obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs].

After a 4-week wash-out period, picotamide was administered to 25 patients affected by chronic arteriopathy of the lower limbs (scale 2 according to Fontaine) at a dose of 900 mg/die for 90 days, and then at a dose of 600 mg/die for a further 90 days, in order to assess its efficacy according to the following parameters: duration of gait, residual pressure index (RPI) resting the ankles, hematochemicals, electrocardiogram. At the end of the study a statistically significant increase was observed in the duration of gait and RPI at the ankles and, of the hematochemical parameters, in an increase in fibrogenic degradation products. Adverse reactions were only observed in 3 patients and regressed spontaneously. In conclusion, picotamide was found to be efficacious in patients affected by chronic obliterating arteriopathy of the lower limbs with the possibility of reducing the dose after 3 months of therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Diurnal pattern of plasma and cerebrospinal-fluid vasopressin levels in hydrocephalic patients: absence of a circadian rhythm and of a correlation between plasma and cerebrospinal-fluid variations.

The arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations were determined in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during a 24-hour period in 7 male patients suffering from hydrocephalus of differing etiologies. Blood and ventricular CSF samples were simultaneously collected every 2 h during the day (08.00-22.00) and every hour during the night (24.00-07.00). In both plasma and CSF, the AVP levels did not show significant time-related circadian variations. No significant correlation was found between the plasma and CSF AVP values during the 24-hour period. The data obtained indicate the absence of the plasma and CSF AVP circadian rhythm in hydrocephalic patients and suggest that in these patients, and possibly in healthy humans, physiological stimuli which are able to induce variations in the plasma AVP concentration during daily life do not alter the CSF AVP content.

Arginine Vasopressin↗
PubMed1987

Possible role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on prolactin release during suckling in lactating women.

The effect of suckling on plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) values was evaluated in 6 nursing women on the 3rd to 4th day postpartum. Plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations were also measured. Plasma VIP values (20.6 +/- 3.2 pg/ml in baseline) significantly (p less than 0.05) increased, reaching a maximum (53.5 +/- 10.9 pg/ml) 20 min after the starting of suckling. A possible role of VIP in the suckling-induced PRL release in humans cannot be excluded.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Somatostatin in the elderly: diurnal plasma profile and secretory response to meal stimulation.

Plasma somatostatin levels were determined during a 24-hour period and after a meal test in 7 and 5 elderly subjects (76-90 years), respectively. The data obtained were compared with those recorded in young adult subjects (22-30 years). Increased basal somatostatin values were found in elderly subjects (20.0 +/- 1.5 pg/ml) when compared to young adults (14.1 +/- 0.6 pg/ml; p less than 0.01). Also, the mean 24-hour somatostatin levels were higher in the elderly (21.3 +/- 0.8 pg/ml) than in young adults (16.7 +/- 0.5 pg/ml; p less than 0.01), and minor diurnal variations were found in the former group. The response to the meal test was less evident in the elderly than in the control group. The data obtained indicate an increased basal somatostatin production associated with a diminished variability throughout the 24-hour period and in relation to meals.

Adult↗