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Biomedical subjects

F La Torre

Publications and source records attributed to F La Torre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Association between burnout and anger in oncology versus ophthalmology health care professionals.

The prevalence of burnout in oncology staff was compared with that of the ophthalmology staff, who normally present a low prevalence of burnout as described in this literature. The correlation of burnout with the emotion of anger was also investigated. Thirty-six subjects working in an oncology department and 32 working in an ophthalmology department were examined using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The oncology group showed higher mean scores on the MBI Emotive Exhaustion and Depersonalization scales with respect to ophthalmology staff. Correlation analysis showed that increasing burnout was associated with higher anger expressed towards the environment and loss of anger control. Anger, as a response to frustration, appears to be a feature constantly associated with the clinical expression of burnout and it should not be underestimated in theoretical and preventive contexts.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Analytical and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography enantioseparation of new substituted 1-thiocarbamoyl-3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-(1H)-pyrazoles on polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases in normal-phase, polar organic and reversed-phase conditions.

The direct HPLC enantioseparation of five pairs of new chiral pyrazole derivatives on coated cellulose- and amylose-based chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak AD, Chiralcel OJ and Chiralcel OJ-RH) and new immobilised amylose-based Chiralpak IA CSP was performed. Very high enantioselectivity factor (alpha) values were achieved in polar organic and reversed-phase conditions by using OJ-RH as CSP. Chiralpak IA exhibited an excellent chiral resolving ability in normal-phase mode and it allowed the enantioseparation of analytes investigated with resolution factors (Rs) >20. Due to its bonded nature, it was successfully employed at analytical and semipreparative scale in combination with normal-phase eluents containing "non-standards" solvents such as acetone.

Amylose↗
PubMed2005

A modified weekly docetaxel schedule as first-line chemotherapy in elderly metastatic breast cancer: a safety study.

Standard dose docetaxel is burdened by severe toxicity. Weekly schedules have been shown to be active as standard scheme with reduced side effects. In 20-30% of elderly patients (pts) the classic 6-week schedule induces grade 3/4 fatigue and other cumulative toxicities. We carried out this safety study in order to evaluate whether a modified weekly docetaxel schedule would improve the toxicity profile. Twenty-one untreated elderly (> or = 70 years) pts suffering from metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Pts were treated with a weekly dose of 35 mg/m2 docetaxel for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest. Further cycles were performed with this modified schedule: docetaxel days 1, 8 and 15 every 29 days. All pts received at least the first cycle (6 weeks). A total of 261 doses were delivered. No toxic deaths occurred. The toxicity was mild: we recorded 1 episode of grade 3 neutropenia and severe asthenia in only 2 pts (10%). We recorded an overall response rate of 33% (1 CR, 6 PR). Our data showed a reduced incidence of severe asthenia (2/21), obtained with a light modification of a weekly docetaxel schedule.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

A new application of stopped-flow chiral HPLC: inversion of enantiomer elution order.

A newly developed procedure to reverse the enantiomer elution order of compounds resolved on chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for HPLC is presented. The optimized analytical protocol is based on the effect of temperature on enantioselectivity and does not involve any changing in mobile phase composition or type of CSP. In essence, the approach entails variable temperature chromatography at two temperatures. The enantiomer separation is performed at a low column temperature, with stopping the flow prior to elution of the less retained enantiomer. Then, the column temperature is changed with the peaks trapped inside the column, followed by elution with the same mobile phase in reverse direction. Under these conditions, the more pronounced loss in free energy of binding for the more strongly bound enantiomer results in an inversion of the elution order. This procedure may be applied to each enantiomer pair that is separated by chiral HPLC under an appreciable enthalpy-control.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2004

Clinical use of micronized purified flavonoid fraction for treatment of symptoms after hemorrhoidectomy: results of a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the combination of micronized purified flavonoid fraction with short-term routine antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy was better at reducing the intensity of postoperative symptoms and wound bleeding after a Milligan-Morgan's open hemorrhoidectomy than antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment alone. METHODS: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive routine antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment alone (control patients) or a combination of micronized purified flavonoid fraction with identical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment (micronized purified flavonoid fraction patients). The evolution of symptoms (pain, tenesmus, pruritus, and bleeding) during the postoperative period was assessed by means of patients' self-questionnaires. Each symptom was scored on a graded severity scale from 0 to 3, daily during the first three days of the immediate postoperative period, then at regular intervals (about every 14 days) until postoperative day 60. A global score for evaluation of each postoperative symptom and bleeding was used. The global score for each symptom was the sum of scores for each patient over the study period. The global score for each symptom was compared between the two groups with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: No significant differences in age, gender distribution, and stage of disease between the two groups were noticed at baseline. Posthemorrhoidectomy symptoms were relieved more rapidly in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group; during the first three postoperative days, the global score for each symptom was significantly more reduced in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group. The global scores for each symptom are as follows: pain after 3 days, 6.16 (SD = 1.9) in the control group vs. 3.48 (SD = 1.8) in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group (P < 0.0001); tenesmus, 5.36 (SD = 1.8) in the control group vs. 1.48 (SD = 1.5) in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group (P < 0.0001); pruritus, 4.04 (SD = 1.9) in the control group vs. 1.84 (SD = 1.4) in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group (P < 0.0001); bleeding, 4.4 (SD = 2.1) in the control group vs. 2.0 (SD = 1.3) in the micronized purified flavonoid fraction group (P < 0.0001). A significant difference (P < 0.0001) between groups was also shown in favor of micronized purified flavonoid fraction patients when global scores were calculated over the entire study period (60 days). CONCLUSION: Micronized purified flavonoid fraction used in combination with short-term antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce both the duration and extent of postoperative symptoms and wound bleeding following hemorrhoidectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Venous damage prevention by defibrotide in vinorelbine-treated patients.

GOALS: The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of venous toxicity induced by vinorelbine administration in patients who received a preventive therapy with defibrotide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 1996 to July 2002 we treated 203 patients with vinorelbine, 51 with vinorelbine alone and 152 with vinorelbine in combination with other drugs via peripheral vein infusion. Of the 203 patients, 123 were male and 80 female with a median age of 67 years (range 18 to 82 years), and 118 were chemotherapy-naive. Defibrotide was delivered i.v. at a dose of 400 mg in 250 ml normal saline. After infusion of 125 ml over about 15 min, vinorelbine mixed with 10 ml normal saline was delivered as quick brief repeated pulses over 5 min through the plastic tube, followed by infusion of the remaining defibrotide. The specific Rittenberg scale was used to assess venous irritation episodes. RESULTS: Among a total of 1336 vinorelbine infusions, with a median of five infusions per patient, the incidence of venous irritation episodes graded according to Rittenberg scale was 1.1% (15), of which 0.6% (8) were grade 2 and 0.5% (7) grade 1. Globally, 15 patients (7.3%) developed venous toxicity after a median of 3 infusions (range 1-14), but no patient had more than one event. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of defibrotide as an effective, safe and low-cost means for preventing vinorelbine-related venous damage.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Conversion of a racemic mixture of 8-chloro-2-(2,6-difluorophenylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepin-4(5h)-one 1,1-dioxide into a single enantiomer via a chromatographic resolution/racemization method.

A simple and efficient strategy to convert the racemic mixture of 8-chloro-2-(2,6-difluorophenylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepin-4(5H)-one 1,1-dioxide, a new anti-HIV-1 agent targeted to reverse transcriptase, into the more active (S)-enantiomer is described. The method utilizes repetition of the following two steps: 1) semipreparative enantioseparation by HPLC on chiral stationary phase; 2) base-induced racemization of the less active (R)-enantiomer.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Enantioselective liquid chromatography of C3-chiral 2,3-dihydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepin-4(5H)-one and thione 1,1-dioxides on polyacrylamide- and polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases.

Optically active synthetic and semisynthetic polymers were utilized as chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for the direct chromatographic enantioseparation of a series of 8-chloro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepin-4(5H)-one and thione 1,1-dioxide. Evaluation of stereochemical integrity of chiral analytes was assessed by enantioselective temperature and flow-dependent HPLC. A stopped-flow high-performance liquid chromatography (sfHPLC) procedure was developed for the determination of the rate constants and free energy barriers of enantiomerization of enantiomers of 8-chloro-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepin-4(5H)-thione 1,1-dioxide (compound 2) in the presence of Chiraspher and Chiralcel OD CSPs. In order to study the chiroptical properties of the individual enantiomers of analytes investigated, semipreparative chromatographic resolutions were performed. The assignment of the absolute configuration was empirically established by comparing the CD spectra of the separated enantiomers with those obtained from structural analogues.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2002

Cytokine induction in murine bladder tissue by type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli.

The local cytokine response to uropathogenic phenotype Escherichia coli KBC211 infection exhibits characteristics of both TH1 and TH2 profiles. Interleukin (IL)-6, MIP-2, IL-12, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are expressed, but IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 are also present at low levels. This is clearly a complex response that should be explored more fully. The relative contributions of the bladder epithelium and other cells of the bladder wall should also be determined. Epithelial cytokine responses may be considerable, and because these cells are the first to encounter the pathogen, they will be of great importance in the immune response to pathogenic E. coli.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Conformational and temperature effects on separation of stereoisomers of a C3,C4-substituted beta-lactamic cholesterol absorption inhibitor on amylose-based chiral stationary phases.

A direct liquid chromatography method was developed for the diastereo- and enantioselective analysis of a C3,C4-substituted beta-lactamic hypolipodemic agent (SCH 48461) and its stereoisomers on two commercially available amylose-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs), namely, Chiralpak AS and Chiralpak AD. The mobile phase composition (type and content of alcoholic modifier) was considered to achieve baseline resolutions in a single chromatographic run. In order to investigate the influence of molecular flexibility on chiral recognition process, beta-lactams were ring-opened and converted into beta-amino esters derivatives. Thermodynamic parameters associated with adsorption equilibria between acyclic and cyclic stereoisomers and CSPs were calculated from chromatographic runs at various temperatures.

Amylose↗
PubMed2001

Multicentre retrospective analysis of the outcome of artificial anal sphincter implantation for severe faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: A new prosthetic device, the Action artificial anal sphincter, has recently been introduced for treating severe faecal incontinence. The results of this procedure in 28 patients are presented. METHODS: The patients underwent operation for severe faecal incontinence in four Italian university hospitals and patients were reviewed after a median follow-up of 19 (range 7-41) months. RESULTS: Early infections occurred in four patients, requiring removal of the device in three. Dehiscence of the perineal wound occurred in nine patients. After activation of the device, the cuff had to be removed in a further four patients (for rectal erosion in two, anal pain in one and late infection in one). The cuff was accidentally broken in one patient. A new anal cuff was repositioned successfully in two patients. Overall, five patients had complete removal of the device and two removal of the cuff only. Twenty-one patients available for long-term evaluation had a major improvement in faecal continence. Median resting anal pressure increased from 27 mmHg before surgery to 32 mmHg after operation. Preoperative squeeze pressure was 42 mmHg while maximum postoperative anal pressure with the activated device was 67 mmHg. The median American Medical System incontinence score decreased significantly from 98.5 to 5.5 (P < 0.001). Similar figures were observed using the Continence Grading Scale (from 14.9 to 2.6; P < 0.001). Twelve patients developed symptoms of obstructed defaecation while two patients complained of anal pain. CONCLUSION: Improved continence was achieved after neosphincter implantation in three-quarters of the patients. Early infection and rectal erosion, together with difficulty in evacuating, are still major concerns with this technique.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in breast cancer patients.

Nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R) has been shown to have antiproliferative, differentiative, or apoptotic effects on some types of tumor cells, whereas in others it may have mitogenic activity. The immunohistochemical distribution of NGF-R was analyzed in a series of tissue samples from breast cancer patients and its relationship with other clinical and pathological parameters was studied. The distribution of NGF-R was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in frozen tissue samples of 46 breast cancer patients (ME20-4 monoclonal anti-NGF-R). NGF-R immunoreactivity was localized in the plasma membrane of myoepithelial cells, differentiated ducts, neoplastic cells, blood vessels, and nerve fibers in 26 patients (57%). Less differentiated neoplastic tissues were usually NGF-R negative. NGF-R immunoreactivity was associated with estrogen receptor (ER) status (p = 0.02), small tumor dimension (pT) (p = 0.04), low histologic grade (G1-G2) (p < 0.05), old age (p = 0.02), menopause (p = 0.02), and long disease-free survival (DFS) (median follow up 86 months; p = 0.03; independently from ER, pT, age, menopause by multivariate analysis, p = 0.0078). The expression of NGF-R immunoreactivity by breast cancer patients with long DFS may represent a crucial step both in the differentiation status of neoplasia and in the host immune mechanism controlling tumor growth and metastasization.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Telomere length maintenance in aging and carcinogenesis.

Normal somatic cells have a finite number of divisions, a limited capacity to proliferate. Human telomeres, the long DNA TTAGGG repeats at the ends of chromosomes, are considered a molecular clock marker. The gradual and progressive telomere shortening at each replicative cycle is associated, through the activation of pRB and p53 pathways and genomic instability, to the replicative senescence, a non-dividing state and widespread cell death. Activation of telomere maintenance [telomerase; or alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanisms (ALT), or other adaptive responses] can revert this program. Although not completely known, several mechanisms and modulating agents may be able to up and down-regulate telomere length and its maintenance. Chemopreventive therapies for the up-regulation of telomerase activity, able to prolong the life of cell cultures in a phenotypically youthful state, could have important applications in research and medicine. On the contrary the therapeutic down-regulation of telomerase activity may be used in cancer therapy. Telomerase expression per se is not oncogenic, but telomere shortening and maintenance seem to be crucial events in tumor formation. Thus a particular focus has been pointed out relatively to the immortalization of normal or potential pre-cancerous cells. With the extension of life span the probability to get in contact with carcinogens increases, genetic instability, oncogene activation and/or onco-suppressor gene inactivation (i.e. p53, pRB, ras): the cancer transformation can be then induced in predisposed cells, depending on their genetic context, by the activation of telomere maintenance. Pharmacological intervention may be able to modulate the rate of living, by increasing life span of few specific target cells, or decreasing it in proliferating . Because of the unknown state of the enormous cell number of the human organism, is it safe to extend the human life span by therapeutic agents?

Aging↗
PubMed2000

[Hemorrhoidectomy with ropivacaine (Naropin) local anesthesia. Preliminary experience].

BACKGROUND: The use of local anesthesia in non-septic anal surgery is now well established. Tolerance to local injection, duration of local effect and the risk of local or systemic complications still represent unsolved issues. Ropivacaine, a new local anesthetic, seems particularly indicated for this kind of surgery because of its pharmacologic properties which reduce patient's discomfort during infiltration and provide good antalgic coverage in the first hours following the operation. METHODS: The first 20 consecutive cases operated with local anesthesia by ropivacaine have been prospectively studied. All patients have been given an 11-point box VAS scale which is used for subjective evaluation of pain. RESULTS: Mean pain score resulted 1.1, 1.6 and 1.4 at 1, 2 and 3 postoperative hours, respectively. Thirty percent of patients subsequently required pain medication up to the first bowel movement. No complications related to the use of ropivacaine has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: This new drug can be safely used in the outpatient or Day-Surgery treatment of hemorrhoids.

Adult↗