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Biomedical subjects

A Lorusso

Publications and source records attributed to A Lorusso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Infectious canine hepatitis: an "old" disease reemerging in Italy.

Four outbreaks of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) occurring in Italy between 2001 and 2006 are reported. Three outbreaks were observed in animal shelters of southern Italy, whereas a fourth outbreak involved two purebred pups imported from Hungary few days before the onset of clinical symptoms. In all outbreaks canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) was identified by virus isolation and PCR. In three outbreaks, other canine viral pathogens were detected, including canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus or canine coronavirus. The present study shows that CAV-1 is currently circulating in the Italian dog population and that vaccination is still required.

Adenoviruses, Canine↗

Specific inhalation challenge with wheat flour in workers with suspected baker's asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the specific inhalation challenge test (SIC) in 160 subjects with suspected baker's asthma and to assess its relation to total flour dust levels and to personal characteristics such as specific skin sensitisation, non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness (NSBH) and atopy. METHODS: We investigated the outcome of SIC tests performed with wheat flour in six Italian laboratories. For each subject, data was available regarding skin sensitisation to wheat flour, NSBH, atopy, forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) monitoring and airborne flour dust in the challenge chamber measured by the gravimetric method (total dust in mg/m(3)). RESULTS: The SIC test was positive for early asthma in 42 subjects (26%) and for late/dual asthma in 18 (11%). Positive outcome to SIC was significantly associated with NBSH (odds ratio, OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1. 6-7.7) and skin sensitisation to wheat flour (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7. 0). Exposure level to wheat flour was less than or equal to 10 mg/m(3 )in 12% of individuals, ranged between 11 and 30 mg/m(3) in 43% and exceeded 30 mg/m(3) in 45%. The outcome of SIC was always negative among workers not skin sensitised to wheat flour and without NSBH and atopy. An increasing prevalence of positive SIC was observed among workers with one or more of the above-mentioned personal characteristics whose challenge exposure was greater than 10 mg/m(3) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Procedures currently adopted for wheat flour dust exposure during SIC need to be better standardised in order to avoid excessive airborne dust exposure. Over-exposure seems to be of no use for the diagnosis and risks making the asthmatic reaction worse, particularly in patients who are both sensitised to wheat allergens and have NSBH and/or atopy.

Asthma↗

[Systematic biopsy with multiple samples per lobe in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma].

A new fashion of prostate transperineal biopsy (seven cores from each lobe) is described, in order to evaluate a potential increase of prostate cancer detection rate. From June 1996 to PSA. April 1997, 247 patients underwent transperineal biopsy for an abnormal DRE and/or elevated In addition to apex, base and lateral peripheral samples, two more were obtained from middle-lateral peripheral zone and tow more from transition zone of each lobe of the prostate. In 14 patients (13.1%) carcinoma was detected in the additional samples only. This new biopsy fashion seems to be safe and more accurate than sextant biopsy for a significant percentage of cancer that otherwise would have been missed.

Aged↗

[Role of expectant therapy in prostatic carcinoma of low grade and staging].

Low stage and grade prostate cancer can be treated by radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and expectant therapy. Preoperative evaluation with biopsy is in many cases unreliable to pathological stage and grade. In this study we considered 31 patients with prostate cancer, evaluated with directed ultrasound guided biopsy (15) or with sextant biopsy (16). Sextant biopsy showed better results. Grading was confirmed by radical prostatectomy specimen in 62.5%. The role of expectant therapy is then discussed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Echo-guided biopsy of the transitional zone in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma].

Approximately 24% of prostate cancer originate in transition zone. To define the indications for transition zone biopsies from April 1994 to February 1996 we evaluated 112 men ranging in age from 56 to 84 years (mean 67.4). 94 patients presented elevated PSA levels and normal rectal examination (24 with negative prior systematic sextant biopsies). A group included 6 patients with palpable nodularity and normal PSA levels. A third group consisted of 12 men with sonographic abnormalities. Of the 112 patients evaluated 38 (34%) were found to have cancer on the prostate biopsies and 7 (18%) were positive only in sample of transition zone biopsies. We conclude that transition zone biopsies don't substantially improve the cancer detection rates in patients with palpable nodularity or sonographic abnormalities but are useful in patients with elevated PSA levels and/or negative prior systematic sextant biopsies.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Preoperative staging of prostatic carcinoma: evaluation of the role of transrectal echography].

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy (RRP) is the choice treatment for localized prostate cancer. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was used to predict local tumor extension in ninety-one patients prior RRP. In these patients 41% showed histologic evidence of extracapsular spread. These data suggest that ultrasonography is associated with considerable staging errors when used to evaluate men with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Infarction of the sigmoid. Clinical considerations].

The authors present a case of sigma infarction. They examine the etiopathogenesis, underline the clinical and instrumental signs and discurs the vascular anatomy and diagnostic difficulties. Operation is considered to be necessary to reduce the severe of prognosis.

Aged↗

[Staging of spinal metastasis using special techniques of magnetic resonance imaging].

The diagnosis of spine metastasis is a problem of great interest which leaves many questions unanswered. In this field MR imaging plays a fundamental role, as the only technique able to directly demonstrate the changes in bone marrow tissue, bound to tumoral activity. The introduction of gradient-echo (GE) sequences has helped reduce examination time. Moreover, with the accurate choice of pulse-sequence parameters (TR, TE, flip angle) additional information is acquired which is not yielded by conventional spin-echo (SE) sequences. Our study was aimed at evaluating MR sensitivity in the different stages of bone metastatic evolution. The comparative adequacy was evaluated of combined bone scintigraphy and conventional radiology versus MR imaging in 62 patients with vertebral metastases. Time interval between bone scan and/or radiological study and MR exam ranged from 10 days to 8 months. SE and GE T1-weighted images, and SE and GE T2-weighted images on the sagittal plane were employed, and axial images; coronal images were rarely acquired. Metastases were demonstrated by MR imaging at 122 vertebral levels, versus 88 true positives of combined scintigraphy and conventional radiology. Scintigraphic false-positives were observed at 15 vertebral levels, versus 9 with radiography. GE sequences were superior to SE ones in detecting vertebral morphologic lesions and bone marrow involvement thanks to their improved resolution and sensitivity. Moreover, GE sequences demonstrated tumoral bone marrow spread and persistent tumoral activity in the follow-up of spine metastases. Our results point to GE sequences as those of choice because of their higher resolution and sensitivity, which also allow response to treatment to be evaluated.

Humans↗

[A survey on the use of pesticides in the province of Treviso].

The results of a study on a sample of 301 farms of the province of Treviso are here presented. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the quantity of pesticides, considered as active principle, spread over this territory in 1987. Our data stress that arboreal cultivations need the major quantity of fungicides, insecticides and acaricides while the use of herbicides and soil insecticides is almost exclusive to grassy cultures. The fungicides result the most widely used pesticides followed by herbicides and, to a less degree, the other products. In our case they are used nearly exclusively in vine growing. We underline that, although the consumption of pesticides fell within correct agronomic standards, this quantity could be considerably reduced by modern technology.

Agriculture↗

[Ambulatory radicular myelography with iopamidol].

The appearance of side effects was monitored in 70 selected patients who underwent radiculography and myelography. After the examination, a rapid return to normal activity was recommended. In accordance with literature, no greater incidence of side effects was found in patients who were allowed to get up soon after myelography or radiculography, than in patients confined to bed for some hours. These results are essentially attributable to the low toxicity of the contrast medium used in this study (Iopamidol), and to an adequate hydratation of the patients after examination.

Adolescent↗

Multiple meningiomas diagnosed by computed tomography.

This paper reports 11 cases of multiple meningioma diagnosed by CT in the three-year period 1980 to 1983. The pathogenetic problems raised by one case in which von Recklinghausen disease was associated are discussed.

Adult↗

[A retrospective assessment of 19 subjects compensated for the inhalation of aluminum powders (item 48, D.P.R. 482/75)].

A study was made of 19 male subjects, mean age 54.7, S.D. 7.5 years, exposed to risk of aluminium dust inhalation for 16, S.D. 9.7 years, awarded compensation by the local provincial branch of INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Occupational Accidents) in the period 1975-1988, as prescribed by item 48 of Presidential Decree 482/1975. The workers were divided into two groups on the basis of radiological signs of lung fibrosis (3 1/1 cases and 7 1/0 cases according to the ILO classification) or of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (9 cases). Careful examination of the work histories confirmed the previous observations of aluminium pneumoconiosis with moderate functional alterations in alumina production, potroom and casting workers.

Adult↗

[The prevalence of spondylopathies among the crane operators in the port of Venice].

A group of 78 crane operators were examined using the "EPM Research Unit" method for assessing spine function. Crane operators work in a fixed posture characterized by a flexed position of the cervical spine, isometric load of the extensor cervical muscles and increased dorsal kyphosis. The prevalence of spinal disorders was 39.7% for the cervical tract, 37.2% for the dorsal tract and 38.5% for the lumbar region. The results were compared with those concerning a control group. A statistically significant difference was found in the number of cervical and dorsal complaints (O.R. = 3.33 and 2.69), whereas the difference was nearly significant for the lumbar tract (O.R. = 1.65). The results suggest that this category of workers may be subject to an increased risk for the spine.

Adult↗

[Musculoskeletal disorders in piano students of a conservatory].

A four parts questionnaire administered to piano students of Conservatory "T. Schipa" of Lecce, southern Italy, was used to determine the prevalence of instrument-related problems. Among 121 responders, 48 (39.6%) were considered affected according to pre-established criteria. Univariate analyses showed statistical differences for mean age, number of hours spent playing per week, interval without breaks, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria in students with music-related pains compared with not affected pianists. No association with hand site was found in pianists with only upper limbs diseases. The multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression confirmed the independent association for the risk factors age, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria. Differently from several studies older students were more frequently affected and no difference in the prevalence rate was found in females. Findings suggest a probable causal contribution of fixed postures in the development of PRMDs in pianists in addition to repetitive movements of upper limbs.

Adolescent↗

[Occupational fitness of workers with fibromyalgia syndrome].

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal chronic pain and by other clinical manifestations such as stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. The disorder has a considerable impact on the ability to perform work and daily living activities, often reducing workforce participation. Fitness to work, in relation to biomechanically taxing tasks execution, vibration exposure, environmental microclimatic conditions and night shift, is discussed.

Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic↗

[Acute pneumonia caused by aspiration of hydrocarbons in a fire-eater].

Accidental aspiration of fuel in fire eaters can cause an acute chemical pneumonitis known as 'fire-eater's pneumonia". We report a case in a 29 year-old fire-eater. Six hours after aspiration of kerosene, he developed fever up to 39,5 degrees C, dyspnea, cough and chest pain. Chest radiograph showed infiltrates in the middle and lower parts of the lungs and left pleural effusion. He was treated with an antibiotic and antipiretic therapy and then with corticosteroids. The acute stage lasted four weeks and the patient recovered without sequelae within 3 months. Hazard related to main fuels used for fire eating is discussed.

Acute Disease↗