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Biomedical subjects

F Basile

Publications and source records attributed to F Basile.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: report of three cases and review of the literature].

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are the most common mesenchimal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis of these tumours is difficult to establish, because symptoms are vague and traditional diagnostic tests are not specific. Natural history remains poorly defined and many criteria have been correlated with prognosis; for instance, some authors have found that GIST localization influences clinical behavior, that has not been confirmed by other authors; actually, tumour size, mitotic rate and complete resection seem to be the main prognostic factors. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, with little efficacy reported for irradiation, conventional cytotoxic agents or both. Nevertheless, imatinib mesylate has recently demonstrated significant activity and tolerability in the treatment of malignant unresectable or metastatic GIST. Three cases of GIST, complicated by intestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction respectively, are presented and a review of the literature is made.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of three different epidural solutions in off-pump cardiac surgery: pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Immediate extubation using thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) has become more popular after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). In this randomized prospective double-blind study, we present the first comparison of preoperative and postoperative haemodynamics during different regimens of TEA for immediate extubation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing OPCAB were enrolled in this study. TEA was installed >1 h before application of heparin at levels T2-T4. Analgesia was provided by bupivacaine 0.25%, 8 ml, 15 min before surgery and extubation, and at 10 ml h(-1) during surgery and up to 72 h afterwards using one of the following regimens: bupivacaine 0.125% alone, bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 3 microg ml(-1) or bupivacaine 0.125% with clonidine 0.6 microg ml(-1). Patients were block-randomized for one of the three treatments. Pain scores and infusion rates of TEA were assessed up to 48 h after surgery. Respiratory function was assessed by Pa(o2) and Pa(o2) immediately after surgery, and haemodynamic stability was recorded in the form of heart rate and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Patient characteristics, respiratory function and haemodynamic stability did not vary between the three groups. Pain control was very good and was not significantly different between the groups using similar infusion rates after surgery. Paraesthesia in dermatomes T1 or C8 occurred equally in all three groups. There was no neurological complication related to TEA in this study. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that immediate extubation after OPCAB using TEA is feasible with different TEA regimens. Respiratory function, haemodynamic stability and pain control are not different between TEA with bupivacaine alone, bupivacaine with fentanyl or bupivacaine with clonidine.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Measurement device for ankle joint kinematic and dynamic characterisation.

The paper describes a measurement device for obtaining the kinematic characterisation and isometric loading of ankle joints under different working conditions. Non-invasive, in vivo experiments can be conducted with this experimental apparatus, the potential of which could be usefully exploited in basic biomedical research, prosthesis design, clinical applications, sports medicine and rehabilitation. The device determines the 3D movement of the foot with respect to the shank and evaluates the torques and moments around the three articular axes in relation to any desired angular position of the ankle complex. When integrated with superficial electromyographic techniques and electrical stimulation, it allows the assessment of the functionality of the lower leg in both mechanical and myo-electrical terms. The paper reports the main mechanical and electronic features of the device (high linearity; maximum moment ranges +/- 300 Nm for flexion-extension, +/- 35 Nm for both pronation-supination and internal-external rotation; angular ranges: +/- 100 degrees of dorsi-plantar flexion, +/- 50 degrees of internal-external rotation and prono-supination; linear ranges: +/- 25 mm along each axis). Results from a healthy volunteer, under voluntary or stimulated conditions, helped in testing its operatability, reliability, robustness, repeatability and effectiveness. Preliminary simplified protocols have been also applied to 20 healthy volunteers, and the main results were 80.8 +/- 11.9 degrees of internalexternal rotation, 46.2 +/- 9.1 degrees of prono-supination and 74.6 +/- 13.1 degrees of flexion-extension. Torques and moments were normalised with respect to a body mass index of 30. The maximum plantar flexion moment (57.5 + 21.3 Nm) was measured with the foot at 150 of dorsal flexion; the maximum dorsal flexion moment (50.2 + 20.3 Nm) was measured with the foot at 150 of plantar flexion.

Ankle Joint↗
PubMed2003

The place of Belsey Mark IV fundoplication in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic fundoplication to correct or avoid gastroesophageal reflux decreased Belsey Mark IV fundoplication (BMIV) dramatically worldwide. The purpose of this paper was to determine the role of BMIV and its current indications. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent fundoplication between April 1997 and December 2001. All patients underwent a complete work-up included barium meal, endoscopy, 24-h pH-metry and manometry preoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive fundoplications were performed. There were 23 males and 39 females. Forty-six patients were treated by laparoscopic approach (37 patients with total and nine patients with partial fundoplication). BMIV was preferred in 16 patients with the following indications: reoperations for failed oesophageal surgery (5), hiatal hernia fixed in the chest (4), epiphrenic oesophageal diverticula (3), diffuse oesophageal spam (2), hiatal hernia associated with bullous emphysema (1), leiomyoma of the oesophago-gastric junction (1). Excellent to good results were reported in 14 patients and poor in two. Follow-up was completed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: BMIV remains a valid fundoplication although the current indications are now limited. The technique is to be considered an additional, but necessary, weapon for thoracic surgeons with interest in oesophageal disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Body composition, eating behavior, food-body concerns and eating disorders in adolescent girls.

AIMS: Dieting is a behavioral phenomenon which is becoming more frequent among adolescents and the search for weight loss, through dieting, may result in an unbalanced nutrition both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our study intended to look at the eating habits and behavior on a cohort of adolescent girls to verify the presence of unbalanced diets and the prevalence of eating disorders with particular attention to the partial syndromes (EDNOS). METHODS: A cross-sectional double-stage study was carried out on a group of schoolgirls in the suburbs of Naples. We assessed anthropometrical measures, body composition (skinfolds and bioimpedance analysis), dietary intake by means of 3-day food records and we administered the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 and Psychosocial Factor Risk Questionnaire. A multidisciplinary and double-stage approach had been used to get a better diagnosis of eating disorders in our sample. RESULTS: 156 adolescent girls, 14-18 years old, took part in our study. Height, weight, and BMI were 160.38 cm, 58 kg and 22.6, respectively. Analysis of food intake showed that all the values reported, with the exception of lipids and sodium, were below the recommendations by LARN. We observed a prevalence of 1.28% of bulimia nervosa, 1.28% of binge eating, and 10.25% of eating disorders not otherwise specified. EDI 2 and PRFQ confirmed how important drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction dimensions are when we deal with adolescent girls and with the phenomenon of dieting. The study confirmed the validity of the PRFQ questionnaire to evaluate mass media influence on body perception and eating behavior of adolescents. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary and well-designed studies are needed to systematically and accurately study eating habits and behavior of adolescents to tackle more efficiently the increasing spread of eating disorders and obesity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Detection of bacteria from biological mixtures using immunomagnetic separation combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A rapid method for identifying specific bacteria from complex biological mixtures using immunomagnetic separation coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been developed. The technique employs commercially available magnetic beads coated with polycolonal antibodies raised against specific bacteria and whole cell analysis by MALDI-MS. A suspension of a bacterial mixture is mixed with the immunomagnetic beads specific for the target microorganism. After a short incubation period (20 mins) the bacteria captured by the beads are washed, resuspended in deionized H(2)O and directly applied onto a MALDI probe. Liquid suspensions containing bacterial mixtures can be screened within 1 h total analysis time. Positive tests result in the production of a fingerprint mass spectrum primarily consisting of protein biomarkers characteristic of the targeted microorganism. Using this procedure, Salmonella choleraesuis was isolated and detected from standard bacterial mixtures and spiked samples of river water, human urine, and chicken blood.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

On-probe sample pretreatment for the detection of proteins above 15 KDa from whole cell bacteria by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A rapid methodology is described for the enhancement of the signal-to-base-line (S/B) ratio of high molecular weight protein signals from whole cell bacteria analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). The procedure involves depositing growing bacteria colonies from culture dishes directly onto the MALDI probe followed by treatment of the sample spot with a 2 microL aliquot of 40% ethanol prior to the addition of a ferulic acid matrix solution (12.5 mg dissolved in 17% formic acid/33% acetonitrile/50% H(2)O). Protein signals of more than 20 kDa were routinely produced from both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria prepared in this manner. Moreover, a substantial number of intense protein signals were also produced in the more 'conventional' fingerprint region extending from 4 to 20 kDa. This approach is rapid, easy to implement into existing methodologies, and does not require any special hardware.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2000

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its economic burden.

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing: The number of people with type 2 diabetes is expected to double in the next 2 decades, and diabetes will be more prevalent in younger populations than in the past. To keep pace with these increases, managed care organizations will have the challenge of improving the management of diabetes. New therapies with enhanced efficacy and safety will be a factor in that improvement; their use may reduce costly long-term diabetes-related complications and short-term side effects, such as hypoglycemia. Epidemiologic studies and cost analyses are also discussed in this presentation.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1999

The effects of electron and chemical ionization modes on the MS profiling of whole bacteria.

Free fatty acid profiling of whole bacteria [Francisella tularensis, Brucella melitensis, Yersinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis (vegetative and sporulated), and Bacillus cereus] was carried out with direct probe mass spectrometry under 70-eV electron ionization (EI) and isobutane chemical ionization in both the positive (CI+) and negative modes (CI-). Electron ionization produced spectra that contained molecular ions and fragment ions from various free fatty acids. Spectra acquired with isobutane chemical ionization in the positive mode yielded molecular ions of free fatty acids as well as ions from other bacterial compounds not observed under EI conditions. Spectra obtained with negative chemical ionization did not contain as much taxonomic information as EI or CI+; however, some taxonomically significant compounds such as dipicolinic acid and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) did produce negative ions. All ionization modes yielded spectra that could separate the bacteria by Gram-type when observed with principle components analysis (PCA). Chemical ionization in the positive ion mode produced the greatest amount of differentiation between the four genera of bacteria when the spectra where examined by PCA.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1998

Direct mass spectrometric analysis of in situ thermally hydrolyzed and methylated lipids from whole bacterial cells.

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were generated in situ, during pyrolysis, from whole-cell bacterial samples and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). The FAME profiles obtained by an in situ thermal hydrolysis methylation (THM) step were compared with gas chromatography (GC) and MS analyses of the chemically extracted and methylated fatty acids. This correlation was based on the ability of each technique to differentiate a representative group of 15 bacteria at the species level as predicted by principal component analysis. All three analyses, GC/FAME, pyrolysis-MS/FAME, and in situ THM-MS/FAME differentiated the studied bacterial sample set into three discrete clusters. The bacteria comprising each cluster were the same for all three analyses, showing that taxonomic information of the lipid profiles was preserved in the Py-MS/FAME and in situ THM-MS/FAME analyses of whole cells. Contributions from saturated, unsaturated, cyclopropyl, and branched bacterial fatty acids to the differentiation of microorganisms were identified for all three analyses. The in situ THM-MS/FAME approach is simple, requires small samples (approximately 2 x 10(6) cells/profile), and is rapid, with a total analysis time under 5 min/sample.

Esters↗
PubMed1997

Catheter-assisted totally thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of performing totally thoracoscopic internal mammary-to-coronary artery bypass grafting with the assistance of radiologically guided catheter intervention. METHODS: Fourteen dogs were subjected to mobilization of the internal mammary artery and anastomosis of it to the left anterior descending coronary artery over an angiographic catheter inserted into the internal mammary artery under fluoroscopy. The anastomosis was completed over the catheter using sutures and the application of fibrin glue. Eight animals underwent the anastomosis after their sacrifice. The other 6 animals were put on closed chest cardiopulmonary bypass and had their anastomosis done after intraaortic balloon occlusion and cardioplegic arrest of the heart. All animals had an angiographic and pathologic examination at the completion of the anastomosis. RESULTS: Anastomosis was completed in all dogs. Three anastomoses leaked and two were noted to be stenosed at completion of the anastomosis. One leak was sealed by application of fibrin glue. Both stenotic anastomoses were caused by suturing of the back wall when a short angiographic catheter could not be positioned across the anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic mammary-to-coronary artery bypass grafting with catheter assistance is feasible. Technical improvement and appropriate instrumentation are required to minimize anastomotic failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Thrombosis of the renal artery of traumatic origin].

On the basis of a case study which was referred to their attention, the authors make a critical review of international literature on the physiopathological aspects and subsequent complications of renal artery trauma. The aspect that is most carefully evaluated refers to the types of therapeutic technique adopted by various authors in an attempt to resolve post-traumatic thrombosis whilst preserving kidney function. In view of the results obtained over the years and on the base of their own experience, the authors confirm the validity of angioplastic surgery, where possible, or nephrectomy in cases where renal function is excluded.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1996

A rapid approach for the detection of dipicolinic acid in bacterial spores using pyrolysis/mass spectrometry.

Curie-point pyrolysis/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and micro-tube furnace pyrolysis/quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry have been used to detect dipicolinic acid (DPA) in sporulated whole bacteria. DPA in whole cells of sporulated Bacillus anthracis reacted in situ during pyrolysis with tetramethylammonium hydroxide to form the dimethyl ester derivative of DPA, dimethyl-2,6-dipicolinate (mDPA). The mDPA was identified by its positive-ion electron ionization fragmentation pattern and confirmed with tandem mass spectrometry. In an oxidative pyrolysis/quadrupole ion trap instrument, the mDPA mass spectrum showed characteristic positive-ion electron ionization fragmentation along with a significant [M+1]+ ion due to self-chemical ionization. The characteristic collision-induced dissociation fragments of mDPA were used to establish the presence of sporulation in B. anthracis whole cells at a concentration of 2.2 x 10(7) CFU (colony-forming units)/mL using the triple quadrupole instrument. The total time for analysis, including sample preparation, was less than 10 minutes for both instruments.

Bacillus anthracis↗
PubMed1995

Microorganism gram-type differentiation based on pyrolysis-mass spectrometry of bacterial Fatty Acid methyl ester extracts.

Curie-point pyrolysis (Py)-mass spectrometry has been used to differentiate 19 microorganisms by Gram type on the basis of the methyl esters of their fatty acid distribution. The mass spectra of gram-negative microorganisms were characterized by the presence of palmitoleic acid (C(inf16:1)) and oleic acid (C(inf18:1)), as well as a higher abundance of palmitic acid (C(inf16:0)) than pentadecanoic acid (C(inf15:0)). For gram-positive microorganisms, a signal of branched C(inf15:0) (isoC(inf15:0) and/or anteisoC(inf15:0)) more intense than that of palmitic acid was observed in the mass spectra. Principal components analysis of these mass spectral data segregated the microorganisms investigated in this study into three discrete clusters that correlated to their gram reactions and pathogenicities. Further tandem mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that the nature of the C(inf15:0) fatty acid isomer (branched or normal) present in the mass spectrum of each microorganism was important for achieving the classification into three clusters.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Hypocalciuria in overt and subclinical celiac disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate indices of calcium (Ca) homeostasis in celiac disease (CD). METHODS: Urinary Ca excretion rate, intestinal absorption of strontium (Sr) (used as index of intestinal Ca absorption), and other variables related to these end points were measured in newly diagnosed, untreated adult patients (n = 32) with overt and subclinical CD and compared with those of healthy controls (n = 27). Subclinical CD was defined by the absence of diarrhea (> or = 3 bowel movements/24 h), steatorrhea (fecal fat excretion > 6 g/24 h), and low body mass index (weight/height, kg/m2 < 21). RESULTS: Compared with controls, untreated celiac patients had 2 x lower Ca excretion (p < 0.0001) in 24-h and overnight urine (fed condition) but normal Ca excretion in urine samples collected under fasting (2-h) condition; the increase in urinary Ca excretion from fast to fed condition was 4 x lower in untreated celiac patients (p < 0.0001). Patients with overt and subclinical CD did not have significantly different urinary Ca excretion rates. Sr absorption rate was 45% lower in untreated patients than controls (p < 0.0001). Patients with overt and subclinical CD did not have significantly different Sr absorption rates. Sr absorption rate (r = 0.576, p < 0.0001) related to the increase in urinary Ca excretion from fast to fed condition. In celiac patients, 24-h urinary Ca excretion increased by 52% (p < 0.0001) over baseline after 6 months of gluten-free diet, and urinary Ca excretion under fasting condition did not significantly change. CONCLUSIONS: Overt and subclinical CD is associated with low urinary Ca excretion under fed condition, which relates to low intestinal absorption.

Adult↗