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Biomedical subjects

F Merlo

Publications and source records attributed to F Merlo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of the characteristics and performance of an automatic sphygmomanometer (Omega 1400)].

24 hour pressure monitoring is a newly developing technique potentially yielding important informations in hypertensive patients. Numerous automated devices are available whose performance characteristics are poorly documented. To evaluate an automated sphygmomanometer commonly used in our Division (Omega 1400, Invivo Research Laboratories), we performed a series of measurements, simultaneously recording blood pressure in the opposite arm with a common sphygmomanometer. Each measure was then repeated reversing the position of the two devices (manual and automated), thus abolishing possible differences between the two arms. We observed a mean underestimation of 1.90 mmHg of systolic pressure and of 4.82 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure by the automated device. We conclude that the device by us evaluated is not advisable in the basal blood pressure evaluation, but useful in monitoring inpatients.

Automation↗
PubMed1991

[Blood pressure monitoring during hospital convalescence].

Blood pressure ambulatory monitoring has provided numerous and interesting informations on the clinical as well as investigational setting of arterial hypertension. The vast majority of data have been obtained registering blood pressure during the normal daily activities of the patients and surprisingly few studies have been undertaken to evaluate blood pressure behaviour in inpatients. We observed the 24 hours pattern of blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive inpatients, using an automated sphygmomanometer (Omega 1400), whose performance was previously evaluated by us. The results demonstrate that blood pressure monitoring in inpatients could be a useful tool in managing hypertensive patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Improved therapeutic index of cisplatin by procaine hydrochloride.

The local anesthetic procaine hydrochloride (P.HCl) had little effect on the sensitivity of P388 leukemic cells to cisplatin (DDP) in vitro, but the simultaneous administration of DDP and P.HCl (40 mg/kg) to BDF1 mice produced 50% lethal dose (LD50) and 90% lethal dose (LD90) values approximately two times higher than those observed with DDP alone. DDP-P.HCl diluted in water and administered intraperitoneally (IP) on day 1 and on days 1 and 5 to BDF1 mice bearing P388 leukemic cells produced 33% and 50% cure rates, respectively, at the maximum tolerated dose (16 mg/kg for the single administration and 10 mg/kg given on days 1 and 5). In contrast, under the same conditions, the cure rates obtained with DDP alone (10 mg/kg for the single administration and 8 mg/kg given on days 1 and 5) were 17% and 9%, respectively. Protection from DDP nephrotoxicity seems to be the explanation for the higher doses of DDP that mice can tolerate when DDP is given simultaneously with P.HCl. In fact, the increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels observed 4-7 days following a single IP administration of DDP (8 or 16 mg/kg), as well as the tubular degenerative changes detected by light microscopy, were not observed when the same doses of DDP were given simultaneously with P.HCl. Since DDP nephrotoxicity is known to be reduced when the drug is diluted in 0.9% NaCl solution, we compared the combinations DDP-P.HCl in water, and DDP and DDP-P.HCl in 0.9% NaCl solution. The antitumor activity of DDP diluted in water and administered with P.HCl was similar to that observed in mice treated with DDP alone diluted in 0.9% NaCl solution. However, further improvement of the therapeutic index was achieved after the administration of DDP-P.HCl diluted in 0.9% NaCl solution; this regimen produced a cure rate of 67% (12 of 18 animals). The clinical relevance of these findings is strengthened by the observation that similar results were obtained when P.HCl was given by the intravenous route.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed1990

Blood levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione in malignant and non-malignant human colorectal lesions.

Glutathione blood levels were determined in colorectal cancer patients (n = 10), patients with adenomatous colorectal polyps (n = 8), and healthy subjects (control group; n = 10). Mean GSH level (micrograms/ml) was significantly higher in cancer patients [515.4 +/- 76.1 (S.D.)] than in those with polyps [407.7 +/- 90.5 (S.D.), P less than 0.05] and the control group [360.9 +/- 67.9 (S.D.), P less than 0.001]. Statistically significant lower GSSG blood level were observed in cancer patients when compared to the other groups. The highest mean blood GSH/GSSG ratio (log transformed) was observed in cancer patients [2.17 +/- 0.108 (S.D.)] and the lowest in healthy subjects [1.88 +/- 0.032 (S.D.)]. All between-group differences in the GSH/GSSG ratio were statistically significant. These findings suggest that glutathione blood levels as well as GSH/GSSG ratio may have applicability as a guide for following the activity of colorectal diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Antegrade ureterolitholapaxy in the treatment of obstructing or incarcerated proximal ureteric stones.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and retrograde ureterorenoscopy (RU) have transformed the management of ureteric calculi. Nevertheless, patients with obstructing proximal ureteric calculi are not suitable for ESWL or RU. From January 1986 to September 1988, 17 patients with fixed upper ureteric stones underwent antegrade renoureteroscopy and percutaneous surgery. The technique was effective in removing incarcerated proximal ureteric calculi: all patients were stone-free at follow-up 3 months later.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Epidemics of lung tumors in a Biella tannery].

A cluster of 7 lung cancer deaths among workers of a small tannery in Biella is reported. The major process in the plant, until the end of World War II, was chromium and vegetable tanning. A historical cohort study was carried out on a total of 353 male workers. The expected number of death was estimated on the basis of local mortality rates. An SMR for lung cancer of 449 (95% C.L. 180-925) was found for the entire cohort. Excluding workers non specifically employed in tanning operations, the SMR for lung cancer increased to 1087 (95% C.L. 352-2533). In order to control for potential confounders a nested case-control study was planned. The next-of-kin of 8 cases deceased for lung cancer and 32 controls matched by age were interviewed on smoking habits and previous jobs. Logistic regression analysis showed an O.R. of 6.94 (95% C.L. 1.18-40.73), adjusted for smoking habits and occupational history, for subjects involved in tanning operations. A registry of incident cases of cancer was established in order to avoid biased findings based on cluster cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Mortality from specific causes among silicotic subjects: a historical prospective study.

A historical mortality study was conducted among 520 silicotic subjects diagnosed at the Department of Occupational Health of the San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy, between 1961 and 1980. Vital status was ascertained as of 1 January 1982. Age-, sex- and calendar-year-adjusted standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for specific causes were computed using Italian as well as Genoa County male population death rates. The study shows statistically significant increased mortality from all deaths (SMR = 2.92), all cancers (SMR = 2.38), respiratory tract cancers (SMR = 6.85), respiratory tract diseases (SMR = 13.63), and from 'other diseases' (SMR = 6.81). The excess mortality from respiratory tract diseases and from 'other diseases' are mainly attributable to silicosis and silicotuberculosis, respectively. These findings confirm the existence of a causal association between silicosis and increased mortality from both malignant and non-malignant respiratory tract diseases. The high mortality from respiratory tract cancers was still present even after adjustment for smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Anesthesiologic problems in transluminal balloon dilatation of esophageal stenosis in children].

The authors report their anesthesiological experience in 88 cases of transluminal balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in children. The most serious problems are caused by the need to repeat the dilatation process (up to a maximum of 24 times in one patient) and to the risk of extrinsic mechanical compression of the trachea with consequent transient anoxia. Good sedation was achieved using premedication with haloperidol and diazepam, but was not sufficient to avoid the child's anxiety on entering the operating theatre. Anesthesia using ketamine plus fentanyl, combined with tracheal intubation gave good results in almost all cases, but marked bradycardia was observed in several patients during balloon dilatation. In conclusion, although the technique itself is simple to perform, very careful anesthesia is required to avoid the risk of serious intraoperative complications.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1989

Bladder cancer and occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The association between occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and bladder cancer development was investigated in a population-based case-control study carried out in the Bormida valley, Italy. One hundred and twenty-one male cases and 342 male controls, matched age, were collected from local hospitals. Occupational exposure to PAH and aromatic amines (AA) was evaluated by means of a job exposure matrix, constructed specifically for this study. Subjects considered as sharing a "definite exposure to PAH" showed an increased risk even after adjustment for cigarette smoking and exposure to AA (OR = 2.14, 95% CL 0.82-5.60). No elevation in risk was found for the category "possible exposure to PAH" (OR = 1.05, 95% CL 0.45-2.44). The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies indicating PAH as a risk factor for bladder cancer. A possible residual confounding effect due to AA impurities is discussed.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1989

Follow-up of subjects who developed chloracne following TCDD exposure at Seveso.

Three follow-up surveys from 1976 to 1985 were carried out on 193 subjects who developed chloracne following the Seveso accident (1976). A comparison group, age and sex matched, was selected randomly from the list of residents of the town of Varedo (in the same health district but out of the dioxin-contaminated zone). At each follow-up a questionnaire was administered and biochemical tests, skin examination, and electrophysiologic measurements were performed. Biochemical indicators of hepatic function and nerve conduction studies did not show significant differences either between groups or for temporal trends. Chloracne was shown to be clinically reversible: all the chloracne cases (except for one subject) clinically recovered by 1983. The discrepancy between our results and those from other previous experiences can be related to a different type of exposure, the young age of the target population, and the interval since exposure.

Accidents↗
PubMed1989

Medical monitoring of dioxin clean-up workers.

The effectiveness of the safety measures established to protect clean-up workers from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD) exposure during clean-up operations of the most highly TCDD-contaminated area following the Seveso accident was evaluated. Clean-up workers (N = 36) and referent subjects (N = 36) underwent a 2-yr prospective controlled study aimed at detecting whether specific clinical and biochemical outcomes differed between the two groups. No cases of overt TCDD-related clinical disease occurred (i.e., chloracne, liver disease, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda), and no clear-cut differences in biochemical outcomes between clean-up and reference workers were detected. The safety measures that were taken together with worker's compliance during clean-up operations were effective in preventing acute health effects. The safety, industrial hygiene, and health monitoring programs which were established following the Seveso accident should be applied as a minimum in similar situations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Cancer of the prostate. Clinical estimation and results of radical prostatectomy].

The authors present their experience about the accuracy of staging and the results of radical prostatectomy in prostatic cancer. From january 1978 to september 1988, 47 patients with clinically localized prostatic carcinoma underwent staging pelvic lymphadenectomy, of whom 36 had proven negative pelvic lymph nodes and 1 had only a micrometastasis in the obturatory nodes. We reviewed the surgical results and survival of these 37 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. The postoperative complications were compared to those reported in Literature: partial incontinence occurred in 3 patients and there were no symptomatic urethral strictrues. 1 patient died in the early postoperative period by DIC. 35 patients are alive, 27 free of disease, with average follow-up of 36 months. The over-all accuracy of staging was 87%. Our experience suggests that radical prostatectomy with staging bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy can be performed in a safe manner with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1986

[Prognostic value of the detection of ABO surface antigens by indirect immunofluorescence technic in transitional tumors of the bladder].

Experience is described in the use of indirect immunofluorescence to reveal ABO surface antigens in transitional tumours of the bladder on histological preparations from 50 patients given endoscopic resection or demolitive surgery. After an adequate period of follow-up (mean 13.7 months) of the same patients it is concluded that the prognostic validity of the survey still fails to offer sufficient specificity for guaranteed support of therapeutic decisions.

ABO Blood-Group System↗