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Biomedical subjects

C Macchi

Publications and source records attributed to C Macchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Exploring mental status in Friedreich's ataxia: a combined neuropsychological, behavioral and neuroimaging study.

Despite much evidence of cognitive and affective disorders in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), the nature of mental status in FRDA has received little systematic attention. It has been proposed that the cerebellum may interfere indirectly with cognition through the cerebello-cortical loops, whereas the role of pathological changes in different areas of the central nervous system is still undetermined. In the present study, 13 patients with molecularly determined FRDA and a group of matched controls were evaluated by a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. A repetitive task of simple visual-reaction times was used to investigate implicit learning in all subjects. Pathological changes in cortical areas were explored comparing cerebral activations of patients and controls during finger movements (functional MRI). The intelligence profile of FRDA patients is characterized by concrete thinking, poor capacity in concept formation and visuospatial reasoning. FRDA patients show reduced speed of information processing. The learning effect seen in controls was notably absent in patients with FRDA. The patients' personality is characterized by some pathological aspects and reduced defensiveness. Patterns of cortical activation during finger movements are heterogeneous in patients compared to controls. Cognitive impairment, mood disorders and motor deficits in FRDA patients may be the result of the cumulative damage caused by frataxin deficiency not only in the cerebellum and spinal cord but also in other brain areas.

Adolescent↗

Aluminium hydroxide-induced granulomas in pigs.

The effect of intramuscular injection of 40 mg/2 ml aluminium hydroxide in the neck of pigs was examined in a number of ways. The investigation followed repeated slaughterhouse reports, according to which 64.8% of pigs from one particular farm were found at slaughter to have one or more nodules in the muscles of the neck (group slaughtered). The pigs had been injected with a vaccine containing 40 mg/2 ml dose of aluminium hydroxide as adjuvant. Research consisted of two phases: first, an epidemiological study was carried out, aimed at determining the risk factors for the granulomas. The results indicated that the vaccine was to be held responsible for the formation of granulomas. A clinical trial was then performed to further substantiate the initial hypothesis, by comparing pigs, which were aseptically inoculated twice with either the original vaccine or the adjuvant alone (groups vaccine and adjuvant) to pigs inoculated twice with apyrogenic bi-distilled water (group water) and to pigs inoculated once with the adjuvant and once with apyrogenic bi-distilled water (group adjuvant/water). Both studies agreed in their conclusions, which indicate that the high amount of aluminium hydroxide was the cause of the granulomas.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Classical swine fever in wild boar in the Lombardy region of Italy from 1997 to 2002.

In 1997, outbreaks of classical swine fever occurred in wild boar and domestic pigs in the Italian province of Varese (Lombardy region). Statutory animal health measures were imposed, and a control plan aimed at preventing the virus from spreading outside the infected hunting zone of 108 km2 was implemented. However, in 1998, virologically positive wild boar were found outside this zone, including within Swiss territory. The infected zone was then enlarged to include the three other hunting areas of the northern province of Varese and the neighbouring Swiss territory. Italian and Swiss veterinary services initiated a joint policy to control the disease by hunting young wild boar and conserving older, immune animals. The percentage of virologically positive animals gradually decreased, the last being found in July 2000. The seroprevalence initially increased, but in 2000 and 2001 it decreased from 42.2 per cent to 8.8 per cent, indicating that the wild boar population had had no further contact with the virus.

Animals↗

Relationship between the calibre of carotid arteries and the configuration of the circle of Willis in healthy older persons.

AIM: Recent papers have pointed out that the severity of brain damage that follows carotid occlusion is largely influenced by the state of integrity and functionality of the circle of Willis. In spite of this, duplex scanning investigation of carotid arteries has traditionally been focused on the assessment of the degree of the stenosis, while other features, such as the calibre of carotid arteries and their possible asymmetry, have often been neglected. The aim of the present paper was to verify, in a cohort of older persons, whether, based on the calibre of internal carotid arteries and their possible asymmetry, abnormalities of the circle of Willis can be predicted. Such information could be used to identify high risk patients in whom the status of the circle of Willis should be investigated by MR angiography. METHODS: We studied 118 healthy older persons with both duplex scanning investigation of carotid arteries and MR angiography of the circle of Willis. RESULTS: We found that the finding of abnormal internal carotid artery calibres was always associated with abnormalities of the precommunicating segments either of the anterior or of the posterior cerebral arteries. Abnormalities of communicating arteries did not affect the calibre of internal carotid arteries, but abnormalities of anterior communicating arteries could always be detected by contralateral common carotid artery compression manoeuvres. CONCLUSION: In conclusion our findings show that, in healthy older persons, duplex scanning investigation of carotid arteries may provide useful information about the integrity and functionality of the circle of Willis. Future studies should confirm our findings in patients with atherosclerotic lesions of internal carotid arteries.

Aged↗

Is the percentage of stenosis of the internal carotid artery a reliable measure of the risk of ischemic stroke? A morphometric study by duplex ultrasound of aortic arch branches in 500 normal adults.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of stenosis has been considered for the last 20 years, and still continues to be, the main criterion of choice between a surgical and a medical treatment of the atherosclerotic lesions of the aortic arch branches, particularly as regards the internal carotid artery. On the other side, it has been demonstrated that the risk of adverse acute cerebrovascular events, besides being related to the characteristics of the plaque, such as softness, subintimal haemorrhage or surface ulcer, is strictly related to the actual residual lumen of the internal carotid artery. The pre-eminent role of the percentage of stenosis in the choice of the treatment, hence, presumes a narrow range of variation of the original calibre of the vessel, yet to be proven. METHODS: Five-hundred normal adults underwent the measurement of the internal calibre of the aortic arch branches by duplex ultrasound in order to find out their actual range of variation. RESULTS: The range of variation of the internal calibre of the aortic arch branches, expressed as the ratio between the maximum and the minimum value found for each vessel, was very wide in all cases (from 180% for the right common carotid artery to 340% for the right vertebral artery). With reference to the internal carotid arteries, the range of variation was 219% for the right internal carotid artery and 241% for the left internal carotid arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the wide range of variation of the original calibre of the aortic arch branches, the percentage of stenosis alone cannot be considered an accurate measure of the severity of the stenosis, and hence a reliable criterion of choice of the treatment.

Adult↗

Collateral circulation in internal carotid artery occlusion. A study by duplex scan and magnetic resonance angiography.

BACKGROUND: Clinical effects of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion may range from the absolute absence of symptoms to lethal hemispheric stroke. In this paper symptoms of patients with ICA occlusion have been related to the development of collateral circulation, different types of developed collateral circulation have been assessed, and the degree of sensitivity and specificity of duplex scan has been appraised. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with ICA occlusion or subocclusion, 24 males and 24 females, aged between 50 and 83 years (67.7+/-7.15), underwent duplex scan and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Nineteen patients were completely asymptomatic, 20 patients showed permanent neurological symptoms and 9 patients had shown transient symptoms. RESULTS: Twelve patients (25%) did not show any collateral circulation, 29 patients (60%) showed collateral circulation through homolateral external carotid artery branches and 7 patients (15%) showed collateral circulation through other circuits. Of the 20 patients with permanent symptoms only 8 showed collateral circulation. On the contrary, all the 19 asymptomatic patients and the 9 patients with transient symptoms showed collateral circulation. Eventually, duplex scan showed 78% sensitivity, 100%, specificity and 83% diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show: 1) a clear-cut prevalence of collateral circulation through homolateral external carotid artery branches with respect to other possible collateral circulation; 2) an inverse relationship between the development of collateral circulation and the appearance of permanent symptoms; 3) a good diagnostic accuracy of duplex scan in revealing collateral circulation in the case of ICA occlusion.

Aged↗

The circle of Willis in healthy older persons.

BACKGROUND: The current indication for carotid surgery is based upon the percentage of stenosis of the internal carotid artery. This approach shows many limitations, one of which is to presume the anatomical completeness of the circle of Willis in all patients who are evaluated. On the contrary, there is increasing evidence of a great natural variability in the configuration of the circle of Willis. METHODS: The aim of the present paper was to investigate, by magnetic resonance angiography, the variability of the circle of Willis in a cohort of 118 healthy older persons. RESULTS: The circle of Willis showed an entirely complete configuration in 47% of the subjects, a complete configuration of its anterior part in 90% of the subjects, and a complete configuration of its posterior part in 48.5% of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the great variability of the circle of Willis even in healthy older persons and suggest that, in indicating carotid surgery, the configuration of the circle of Willis should also be taken into account.

Age Factors↗

Consequences of anthelmintic resistance on liveweight gain of lambs on commercial sheep farms.

AIM: To assess the consequences of anthelmintic resistance on commercial sheep farms on liveweight (LW) gains and susceptibility to diarrhoea of growing lambs. METHODS: Five farms with a history of resistance to benzimidazole drenches were selected. On each farm, 150 ewe lambs were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups (n=50). Group 1 was treated 5 times at 28-day intervals with oxfendazole (to which nematode resistance had been demonstrated); Group 2 was treated 5 times at 28-day intervals with levamisole or levamisole + oxfendazole (to which nematode resistance had not been demonstrated) and; Group 3 was treated with a combination of slow-release albendazole capsules and oral moxidectin (intended to totally suppress nematode infection). Differentiated faecal egg counts (FECs), FEC reduction tests (FECRT), LW gain and degree of faecal soiling around the breech (dag scores) were determined and compared between groups. RESULTS: Pre-treatment FECs in Group 1 were similar to or slightly lower than those of Group 2. Efficacy of oxfendazole in Group 1 varied between farms and over time within farms, the reduction in FECs after treatment varying from 0% to 95%. The genera identified as resistant on each farm also varied over time. Lambs from Group 3 had lower FECs, lower dag scores and higher growth rates than lambs from Group 2, which in turn had higher LW gains than lambs from Group 1. The overall LW gains during the 5 months of the study were 7.03+/-0.27 kg for Group 1, 8.33+/-0.27 kg for Group 2, and 9.91+/-0.31 kg for Group 3 (mean+/-SEM; means differed significantly from each other, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in growth rates associated with the continued use of an incompletely effective anthelmintic were surprisingly small in situations where all lambs grazed together.

Journal Article↗

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), acting via CGRP type 1 receptors, inhibits potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion and enhances basal catecholamine secretion from rat adrenal gland.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent hypotensive peptide, that acts via two main subtypes of receptors, named CGRP1 and CGRP2. CGRP belongs to a regulatory-peptide family, that includes adrenomedullin (ADM) whose aldosterone antisecretagogue and catecholamine secretagogue actions are well demonstrated. Quantitative autoradiography showed the presence of [125I]CGRP binding sites in both rat adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) and medulla. Binding was displaced by the CGRP1-receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37), but not by the CGRP2-receptor agonist [cys(Et)2,7]-alphaCGRP (CGRP2-A). CGRP concentration-dependently inhibited 10 mM-stimulated (but not basal) aldosterone secretion from dispersed rat ZG cells, and enhanced basal catecholamine secretion from rat adrenomedullary fragments. The responses to the maximal effective concentration of CGRP (10-8 M) were blocked by 10-7 M CGRP(8-37). CGRP2-A (10-7 M) neither altered aldosterone response to 10 mM K+ nor enhanced basal catecholamine secretion. The conclusion is drawn that CGRP, like ADM, inhibits agonist-stimulated aldosterone secretion and stimulates basal catecholamine release in the rat, exclusively acting via CGRP1 receptors.

Adrenal Glands↗

Cerebellin stimulates the secretory activity of the rat adrenal gland: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Cerebellin is a 16-aminoacid peptide widely distributed in the central nervous system, where it exerts neuromodulatory functions. Cerebellin is contained in human adrenal medulla, and it has been recently demonstrated that cerebellin elicits catecholamine release by human adrenal in vitro. Aim of the present study was to ascertain whether cerebellin affects adrenal function in the rat. Cerebellin concentration-dependently (from 10(-9)to 10(-7)M) increased norepinephrine (but not epinephrine) and cyclic-AMP production by adrenomedullary tissue in vitro. The norepinephrine response to 10(-7)M cerebellin was blocked by the protein kinase (PK) A inhibitor H-89, but not by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 or the PKC inhibitor calphostin-C. Cerebellin did not affect aldosterone and corticosterone secretion of dispersed zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata-reticularis adrenocortical cells. Cerebellin concentration-dependently (from 10(-8)to 10(-7)M) enhanced norepinephrine release by in situ perfused rat adrenals. Cerebellin (10(-7)M) also elicited a significant rise in aldosterone and corticosterone output, and this effect was annulled by either the beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist l -alprenolol or H-89. Collectively, the present findings allow us to conclude that cerebellin 1) directly stimulates norepinephrine release via the adenylate cyclase/PKA-dependent signaling pathway; and 2) indirectly enhances adrenocortical secretion in vivo, through a paracrine mechanism involving medullary catecholamine release.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Subsystems contributing to the decline in ability to walk: bridging the gap between epidemiology and geriatric practice in the InCHIANTI study.

BACKGROUND: Older patients are often referred to geriatricians because of complaints of progressive difficulties in walking. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these patients is complex. Multiple physiologic subsystems may influence the ability to walk, and no standard criteria are currently available to establish whether these subsystems are functioning within the normal range. To address this lack of knowledge we conducted the InCHIANTI study. OBJECTIVE: To identify measures that clinicians can use to understand the causes of walking difficulties in older persons. DESIGN: A population-based study of persons living in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy). PARTICIPANTS: 1,453 persons (age-range 20-102 years; 91.6% of the eligible) selected from city registry of Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli (Tuscany, Italy), using a multistage sampling method. MEASUREMENTS: Factors that influence walking ability were classified into six main physiologic subsystems: central nervous system, perceptual system, peripheral nervous system, muscles, bone/joints, and energy production/delivery. Measures of the integrity and functioning of each of these proposed subsystems were identified and administered to all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Data collected in InCHIANTI will be used to identify the main risk factors that influence loss of the ability to walk in older persons, to define physiologic subsystems that are critical for walking, to select the best measures of their integrity, and to establish critical ranges in these measures that are compatible with "normal" walking ability. The final goal is to translate epidemiological research into a geriatric clinical tool that makes possible more precise diagnosis and more effective treatment in patients with walking dysfunction.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Comparison of the signaling mechanisms involved in the ETB receptor-mediated secretagogue action of endothelin-1 on dispersed zona glomerulosa cells and capsule-zona glomerulosa preparations of the rat adrenal gland.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a hypertensive peptide, which is expressed in the rat adrenal gland, where it stimulates aldosterone secretion from zona glomerulosa (ZG) by activating the ETb receptor subtype. A higher effectiveness of ET-1 has been frequently observed when the integrity of adrenal tissue is preserved. Hence, we compared the aldosterone secretagogue action of ET-1 on dispersed rat ZG cells and capsule-ZG strips. ET-1 concentration-dependently raised aldosterone output by both preparations with similar potency. However, the efficacy of the maximal effective concentration of ET-1 (10-8 M) was about 2.7-fold higher in capsule-ZG strips. The ETb-receptor antagonist BQ-788 (10-7 M) abolished aldosterone response to 10-8 M ET-1 in both ZG preparations, while the ETa receptor antagonist BQ-123 was ineffective. The aldosterone secretagogue action of 10-8 M ET-1 on dispersed ZG cells was concentration-dependently suppressed by the protein kinase (PK) inhibitor calphostin-C. Conversely, both calphostin-C and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) evoked a concentration-dependent partial reversal of the aldosterone response to 10-8 M ET-1 of capsule-ZG strips. The NO donor L-arginine enhanced basal aldosterone yield of capsular strips, but not dispersed ZG cells. The PKA, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors H-89, indomethacin and phenidone, as well as the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist l-alprenolol, were ineffective. Collectively, these findings allow us to conclude that in the rat i) the ETb receptor-mediated PKC activation is the main signaling mechanism involved in the direct stimulatory effect of ET-1 on ZG cells; and ii) the higher responsiveness of capsular strips to ET-1 may be accounted for by the ETb receptor-mediated release by stromal elements of NO, which in turn increases aldosterone secretion from ZG cells in a paracrine manner.

Adrenal Glands↗

Proximal long saphenous vein valves in primary venous insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To verify some of the previous findings of venous valves described in the literature, their pathophysiological significance and clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The elementary components of 65 proximal valves of the long saphenous vein and their interrelationships were subjected to histopathological examination. Valves were taken from patients subjected to long saphenous vein surgical removal for varicose veins of the lower limbs. Measurements and morphological evaluations were performed by optical microscopy. RESULTS: The valvular sinus, agger and proximal portion of the cusp underwent parallel variations of thickness. Thickening of the proximal portion of cusp was related to increase in smooth muscle cells in the agger and to elastic layer dissociation. Thickening of the distal portion of cusp depended on the collagen component; sometimes it was shortened, crumpled and led to the formation of a thickened border. The vein wall in a commissural aneurysm was usually thinner than in the valvular sinus. Alterations in the intima, in the elastic membrane and in the media were found in the 98% of the valvular annulus. Ectasis and asymmetry of the venous wall were mainly related to the muscular hypoplasia of the media. CONCLUSIONS: The development of primary venous insufficiency seems to be due to the following tissue alterations: dilatation of the valvular annulus and hypotrophy of the cusp. The hemodynamic mechanical injury increases the tissue damages of both annulus and cusps. This pathophysiologic interpretation of venous insufficiency suggests the need for detailed diagnostic procedures before reparative surgery of valves.

Humans↗

Economic evaluation of three anthelmintic strategies for lamb flocks affected by benzimidazole-resistant nematodes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the profitability of three anthelmintic strategies in growing lambs in flocks with nematodes resistant to benzimidazole anthelmintics. METHOD: A partial-budgeting analysis was carried out by means of a stochastic simulation model, which allows inputs to be described as distributions rather than as fixed values, and hence permits variation between farms to be considered in the analysis. RESULTS: The results show that control of nematode parasites by use of an effective anthelmintic provides the highest net returns, yielding a margin over ineffectively treated lambs of A$114 per 100 lambs on average. Suppressive treatment based on the administration of two controlled-release capsules and monthly with moxidectin resulted in an average loss of A$131 per 100 lambs in comparison with animals treated with an ineffective anthelmintic. Analysis of the results from capsule-treated lambs did not take into account the unmeasured benefits associated with less contamination of pastures. Sensitivity analysis using a stochastic model indicates that apart from the effect of treatment on weight gain variation in carcase price greatly influences the profitability of all the parasite control programs examined. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that it is economically important for farmers to adjust their strategy in the presence of anthelmintic resistance. But as a result of uncertainty in the factors influencing economic return, the expected economic benefit is likely to vary substantially.

Animals↗

Mechanisms and receptor subtypes involved in the stimulatory action of endothelin-1 on rat adrenal zona glomerulosa.

Endothelin (ET)-1 is the prototype of a family of 21-amino acid residue hypertensive peptides, acting through two subtypes of receptors, named ETA and ETB. ETs and their receptors are expressed in the adrenal cortex and medulla, and ET-1 enhances both corticosteroid and catecholamine release. ET-1 concentration-dependently (from 10(-11) to 10(-8) M) increased aldosterone secretion of both dispersed rat zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells and adrenal slices containing a core of medullary chromaffin tissue, but the response of the latter preparations was significantly more intense than that of the formers. The stimulatory effect of 10(-8) M ET-1 on dispersed ZG cells was blocked by the ETB-receptor antagonist BQ-788 (10(-7) M), but not by the ETA-receptor antagonist BQ-123 (10(-7) M); conversely, both ET-receptors antagonists counteracted aldosterone response of adrenal slices to ET-1. The -adrenoceptor antagonist l-alprenolol (10(-6) M) did not affect aldosterone response of dispersed ZG cells to ET-1 (10(-8) M), but it significantly lowered that of adrenal slices. l-Alprenolol also counteracted the aldosterone response of adrenal slices to the pure activation of ETB or ETA receptors, as obtained by using the selective ETB-receptor agonist BQ-3020 (10(-8) M) or ET-1 (10(-8) M) plus BQ-788 (10(-7) M). ET-1 concentration-dependently (from 10(-9) to 10(-8)/10(-7) M) stimulated catecholamine release by adrenal slices, and the effect was counteracted by both BQ-123 and BQ-788 (10(-7) M). Collectively, our findings suggest that, when the integrity of adrenal tissue is preserved, a two-fold mechanism underlies the aldosterone secretagogue action of ET-1 in the rat: i) a direct mechanism mediated by ETB receptors located on ZG cells; and ii) an indirect mechanism involving the ETA and ETB receptor-mediated local release of catecholamines, which in turn stimulate ZG cells in a paracrine manner.

Aldosterone↗

Acute effects of recombinant murine leptin on rat pituitary-adrenocortical function.

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is an adipose-tissue secreted hormone, which regulates satiety, metabolic rate and thermogenesis. Many lines of evidence suggest the existence of mutual relationships between leptin and adrenal-cortex secretion, but in vivo studies gave rather conflicting results. Therefore, we have investigated the acute effect of the systemic bolus administration of leptin (5 or 10 nmol/kg) on the function of rat pituitary-adrenocortical function. The blood concentrations of ACTH, aldosterone and corticosterone were measured by specific RIA 60 or 120 min after the leptin injection. Leptin did not affect the blood concentrations of ACTH and aldosterone at 60 min, but at 120 min the lower dose of the peptide increased them. In contrast, the blood level of corticosterone was markedly enhanced by both doses of leptin at 60 and 120 min. Collectively, these findings indicate that leptin exerts a moderate acute activation of the pituitary-adrenocortical function in rats. They also suggest that the adrenocortical secretagogue action of leptin is not only mediated by the enhanced pituitary ACTH release, but is also consequent to a direct stimulatory effect of the peptide on adrenocortical cells.

Adrenal Cortex↗

[From the anatomical desk to virtual anatomy].

Teaching of gross Anatomy, the oldest between medical sciences, today suffers the lack of cadavers for notomization, therefore this subject is more theoretical than practical in medical school. The computer techniques could be very useful in this field. Is it possible nowadays to get a software of Virtual Anatomy? The answer is yes. We present in this work a review of the state-of-art of these techniques mainly based on data acquired by computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from human. Serial slices obtained from imaging (CT or MRI) can be reconstructed using computers in order to generate a realistic view of the surface of an anatomical object.

Anatomy↗

Reparative surgery of valves in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. External banding valvuloplasty versus high ligation or disconnection. A prospective multicentric trial.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study was performed in order to compare results obtained in the treatment of early and/or limited primary varicose veins of the lower limbs using two different procedures: external valvuloplasty and high ligation or disconnection of the sapheno-femoral junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 116 limbs (113 patients) were selected. 57 with normal cusps in dilated valves were subjected to external valvuloplasty with Silicone prosthesis under Doppler control (intraoperative angioscopy in 16 cases); 59 limbs were subjected to high ligation or disconnection of the junction; 57 limbs out of 116 were subjected to complementary procedures. Duplex and photoplethysmographic examinations were performed before and after the surgical procedures in all patients. Doppler venous pressures were measured in 36 limbs and invasive pressures in 40 limbs. Patients were postoperatively followed up every 4 months until the 12th month. RESULTS: Indications for valvuloplasty were found in 8.2% of cases and in 66.3% of the early varices. Clinical results were slightly superior in the reparative surgery group. Thrombotic occlusion of the proximal long saphenous vein was significantly higher in the ligation-disconnection group. Results from photoplethysmography and venous pressure measurements indicated that both operations are equally effective in the elimination of reflux in the junction.

Adult↗