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Biomedical subjects

A Pace

Publications and source records attributed to A Pace.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Posterior spinal fusion in scoliosis: computer-assisted tomography and biomechanics of the fusion mass.

Thirty patients who had posterior vertebral fusion for scoliosis, performed without metallic implants, were examined using computer-assisted tomography to study the configuration of the evolving fusion mass. It was observed that the deposition of bone followed lines of force, according to Wolff's Law. The greatest amounts of bone at the apex of the curve on the concave side indicate that flexion-compression forces are greater at this point. Further, it was observed that usually the fusion mass, seen in section, has a hollow "box-section" shape, which means that a resorption of unstressed central bone occurs. The hypothesis that the torsional forces are the predominant forces acting on the scoliotic spine can explain the characteristic "box-section" of the CT scans obtained.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Computerized documentation of scoliosis.

The authors report their experience in the development of a computerized recording system in their scoliosis unit. The form of documentation used must be designed to comply with the memory of the available computer. Following a detailed analysis of the various fields comprising the documentation proforma, the technical methods used to minimise errors while loading the maximum number of cases into the computer are discussed. Complex statistical analyses are possible only with the aid of computerized documentation and it is hoped this will be used more frequently in future in departments specialising in the problems of vertebral deformity. The formulation of a common documentation proforma for scoliosis would unify the terminology, and make it possible to introduce comparability and homogeneity into the clinical data as well as the results of different techniques.

Computers↗
PubMed1980

[Effect of nitrogen fertilization and time of the harvest on the production and content of nitrates in fresh bean pods (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Coco nain)].

French beans were cultivated under different nitrogen fertilizer levels for fresh pods production. Pods were collected after different time intervals. Fresh weight of pods, number and nitrate nitrogen content were determined. Results are presented and discussed. They bring some informations about better cultivation methods to avoid a too high nitrates content in pods.

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lipoprotein(A) levels and apoprotein(a) phenotypes in a Sicilian population.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lipoprotein(a) levels and apoprotein(a) isoform size in determining the low cardiovascular risk of a rural, inland Sicilian population. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein B and AI were measured in a sample of 278 subjects (141 males, 137 females) representative of a population of 1351 subjects (622 males, 729 females). The apoprotein(a) isoforms were also identified. Results indicated that the levels of the common lipo-apoliproprotein parameters were lower than those of other populations, while lipoprotein(a) plasmatic levels and apoprotein(a) isoform distribution were similar to those of other Caucasian populations. The distribution of lipoprotein(a) levels was skewed to the right, with a higher prevalence of low levels, the apoprotein(a) isoforms most strongly represented in our sample were of intermediate size (25-27 kringles IV). Univariate analysis showed that lipoprotein(a) levels were correlated to apoprotein(a) isoform size (R = -0.48, p < 0.001) and to the age of the subjects (R = +0.13, p < 0.01). In a multiple regression analysis, lipoprotein(a) levels were correlated to the apoprotein(a) isoform size of the homozygous isoforms or smaller heterozygous isoforms, while larger heterozygous forms were not correlated. In conclusion, our study showed that in our population, lipoprotein(a) levels and apoprotein(a) isoforms are similar to those of other Caucasian populations. Other factors, such as the physical activity of a rural population or the Mediterranean diet, must be considered in order to explain the lower cardiovascular risk of this population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Recent trends in the therapy of hepatitis C].

The treatment of HCV correlated hepatitis is an important argument, because of the great incidence and prevalence of this disease. At the end of the Eighties, the IFN was the first substance used for HCV correlated hepatitis therapy. The IFN monotherapy with a dose of 3-6 MU for 6-12 months eradicates the infection in the 15% of cases, and cause an histological temporary improvement in a variable number of patients that keep the infection. In the following years, the research on evaluation of the efficacy of the recombinant interferons or interferons made with genetics engineering (IFN alpha 2a, IFN alpha 2b and IFN Consensus) has given results comparable with the results obtained with IFN alpha. Later, it started the experimentations with IFN associated to other substances, for example IFN-ribavirin combination therapy. The treatment IFN-Ribavirin eradicates the infection in 30% of the patients with the genotype 1b and in 60% with the genotype 2 or 3, while this treatment is less efficacious in the patients with the genotype 4. Recently, it started to use the PEG IFN. The pegylation is the combination of a polietylen-glicole molecule with the IFN molecule, so as to prolong its half-life and reduce the dose only one a week, with reduction of the collateral effects. Some studies has shown that the use of PEG-IFN in monotherapy could help the patients with advanced liver complaint. Successive studies are directed to show the efficacy of the PEG-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy. Recent researches put in evidence new substances, that could represent the future for HCV correlated hepatitis therapy. Between these substances we have to highlight the interleukin, the inhibitors of the viral multiplication and the inhibitors of IMPDH (Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase). At the beginning of 2002 has made the improvement of HCV vaccine known. Actually, in the USA there are in progress human experimentations, and the production of gamma-globuline, that could be effective to prevent the infection.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Spa and climate therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases].

The authors remind the main epidemiological and clinical findings of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); the prevalence and incidence of COPD is increasing and COPD is now the IV cause of death in the world. Moreover, it is cause of increasing pharmaceutic and hospital charges. COPD has multifactorial etiology, linked to genetic and exogenous factors, as tobacco smoke, air pollution, microbial infections and cold. The GOLD guide lines of the medical therapy of the COPD are showed. The spa therapy of COPD is based on the inhalation use of mineral water, mainly sulphurous and salsojodic. Sulphurous mineral waters have vasodilating activity on vessels of bronchial mucose, improving its trophic state, and increase the production of secretory IgA and muco-ciliary clearance; they have fluidificant activity on bronchial secretion. Clinical trials showed improvement of cough, sputum and functional indexes as FEV1 and CV. Salsojodic mineral waters increase the fluidity of the bronchial mucus, muco-ciliary clearance and the trophism of the bronchial mucose. The authors remind the properties of sulphate and bicarbonate mineral waters in the spa therapy of COPD. Finally authors refer about some effects of spa therapy and climatic-environmental situations on COPD morbidity.

Aerosols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of brain radiotherapy on the P3 component of ERP's.

Nine patients with lung cancer without brain metastasis were studied pre and post brain prophylactic radiotherapy (30 Gy) to verify the effect of radiation on the cognitive processes. The P3 component of event-related potentials was used in this study. The latencies pre and post-radiation were compared and a significant delay (p less than 0.01) was detected in patients after treatment. These results suggest that brain radiotherapy may produce a cognitive impairment, as reported by many Authors.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evolution and severity markers in 233 MS patients.

Clinical data of 233 patients (202 definite and 31 probable MS) have been examined in relation to the following prognostic indicators: sex, age at onset, poussè frequency, interval between the first two relapses, initial symptomatology. Regression analysis technique and covariate analysis have been used versus the latest Expanded Disability Status Scale of each patients. Onset at younger age and a longer interval between the first two episodes have resulted statistically significant for a more favourable prognosis. The shift from a remitting toward a progressive course appears to happen within the first five years in 60% of the cases.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neurophysiological examination of end-plate function in patients with lung cancer.

Twenty-eight patients affected by lung cancer were studied with neurophysiological and clinical examinations to show the prevalence of alteration of neuromuscular transmission. During repetitive stimulation at 20 Hz we found in 6 cases (22%) an increment (> 20%) and in 4 cases a decrement ( > 10%) of the size of muscle action potentials. In 15 patients (57%) we found low sensory action potential amplitude (< 11 uv). In 3 (11%) of the 6 cases with incremental response the overall examination suggested a disorder of neuromuscular junction such as Eaton-Lambert syndrome. Our results suggest that the peripheral nervous system involvement in patients affected by lung cancer is higher than usually estimated.

Action Potentials↗