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Biomedical subjects

F Russo

Publications and source records attributed to F Russo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[A computerized multivariate analysis in the assessment of the prognosis of breast cancer after surgical excision].

BACKGROUND: The prognostic parameters most universally accepted as indicative for the assessment of 5 and 10 year survival in breast cancer are considered. METHODS: The aims of this study were to elucidate the relationships among these parameters and to determine the specific interrelations of these prognostic factors. These parameters (age, grading, tumour size, lymphatic and vascular invasion, necrosis, lymph node status and number of nodes positive) are analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis on a series of 75 patients. RESULTS: The analysis performed confirms prognostic accuracy of age, tumor size, number of nodes positive (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.003, respectively) when considered singularly but the impossibility of deriving any benefit from the study of their reciprocal interrelations. CONCLUSIONS: This is due to the importance of each parameter assumes independently from the other and to the reciprocal compensation that occurs when all possible interactions are considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Revascularization of the corpora cavernosa in vasculogenic impotence].

The vasculogenic erectile impotence, caused by occlusion and/or stenosis of arteries supplying the penis, is the most common cause of erectile failure in men over 40 years. The vasculogenic impotence is more found by peripheral vasculopathies like diabetes mellitus and nicotine abuse. It is important that the precise site of vascular lesion is established with selective arteriography of the hypogastric-internal pudendal axis. The specific aim of surgery is to increase the cavernosal arterial perfusion pressure and blood inflow in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction secondary to pure arterial insufficiency. There have been multiple revascularization techniques described for the treatment of proximal or distal occlusion with variable results. Microsurgery is important for distal lesions and we think that the best candidates for the Michal II procedure seem to be those with localized obstruction of the internal pudendal, while venous arterialization is the preferred procedure for patients with pathological cavernous or dorsal penile arteries. In this paper the most important procedures to restore physiological erection are presented; however no single revascularization procedure has been generally accepted as a definitive answer to this problem. There is a need for further prospective studies with longer follow-up and more objective investigations.

Erectile Dysfunction↗
PubMed1999

[Pharmacology of ritodrine].

Tocolytic drugs are used in order to delay or to abolish preterm labour. These drugs inhibit uterine contractions and have different pharmacological properties. The most used tocolytic agents today are beta 2-adrenergic agonists (isoxuprine, ritodrine). The pharmacological actions, pharmacokinetics, toxicological and clinical aspects of ritodrine, a synthetic beta 2-adrenergic agonist with tocolytic properties are described. Findings of many clinical trials are also discussed.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1999

[Microsurgical repair of iatrogenic injuries of the recurrent laryngeal nerve].

In this retrospective study the functional results of microsurgical repair of iatrogenic recurrent nerve lesions (10 patients) faced during years 1983 through 1995 have been analysed. Different parameters were considered (thyroid disease, previous thyroid surgery, microsurgical reconstruction technique, time between surgical damage and microsurgery). Furthermore, a thorough review has been made on the medical literature on subjects such as surgical anatomy of the cervical region, microsurgical nerve repair techniques, and clinical results of microsurgery in different authors experiences.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Synthesis of novel 4,5-diphenylthiazole derivatives as potential acyl-CoA:cholesterol O-acyltransferase inhibitors.

Several novel N-(4,5-diphenylthiazol-2-yl)-N'-aryl or alkyl (thio)ureas and N-(4,5-diphenylthiazol-2-yl)alkanamides were prepared as potential acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors. Synthesis was accomplished by reaction of 2-amino-4,5-diphenylthiazole with the suitable isocyanate, isothiocyanate or acyl chloride. Some analogues without the 5-phenyl substituent or both the phenyl groups in 4 and 5 position of the thiazole ring were also prepared. Moreover, some bioisosters of the title compounds in which the thiazole ring was replaced by an imidazole were synthesized starting from the 2-amino-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole. The ability of synthesized compounds to inhibit ACAT was evaluated in vitro by measuring the formation of cholesteryl[14C]oleate from cholesterol and [1-14C]oleoyl-CoA in rat liver microsomes. Among the tested compounds, only some thiazole ureas were able to inhibit ACAT in a reasonable degree. N-(4,5-diphenylthiazol-2-yl)- N'-[2,6-bis(2-methylethyl)phenyl] urea (11) and N-(4,5-diphenylthiazol-2-yl)-N'-n-butyl urea (16) were the most active compounds in the series showing IC50 values in the low micromolar range.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Cerebral blood flow velocity during and after sustained isometric skeletal muscle contractions in man.

1. Twenty-seven young subjects used their right hand to perform sustained, isometric contractions at 40% of maximum for 2 min while lying supine. 2. During the last 30 s of exercise, mean arterial blood pressure increased by 38 +/- 4 mmHg (mean +/- S.E.M.) and heart rate by 27 +/- 2 beats/min. 3. Nineteen of the subjects respired eucapnically during exercise, increasing ventilation by 4.1 +/- 0.5 litres/min. Eight subjects hyperventilated (7.1-19.6 litres/min) and decreased end-tidal PCO2 by 8.2 to 15.1 mmHg during the last minute of exercise. 4. In the eucapnic subjects mean flow velocity in the right (i.e. contralateral to the activated cortex) middle cerebral artery increased by 11.4 +/- 1.0 cm/s, a change of 17%, during the contraction. This represents an increase in volume flow to the territory of this vessel, but an increase in global flow to the brain cannot be inferred. 5. In the eight subjects who hyperventilated during exercise, there was no rise of flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery, and in some subjects there was a fall during the first 2 min of recovery. These findings suggest that if subjects hyperventilate during handgrip exercise there could be a fall in volume flow to many regions of the brain during and after the exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the gastric mucosal content of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, and their common receptor.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and that of their receptor (EGF-R) in the Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa has not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the interplay between H. pylori colonization and gastric mucosal growth factor content. METHODS: By means of a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF-R levels and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) content, which is considered a marker of chronic inflammation, were evaluated in the antral mucosa of 24 H. pylori-positive patients before and 8 weeks after eradication therapy. RESULTS: After therapy H. pylori was eradicated in 19 patients. The eradication was accompanied by a significant decrease in IL-1beta content and an increase in EGF and TGF-alpha levels. On the other hand, in the five patients in whom the bacterium was not eradicated EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF-R levels were quite similar to those assayed before therapy, whereas IL-1beta content was still high. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that H. pylori exerts an inhibitory effect on the mucosal expression of EGF and TGF-alpha, which are likely involved in the gastric mucosa repair process.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF-R in human colorectal adenocarcinoma.

The over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), EGF and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) could be a mechanism for colorectal tumor cells to escape normal growth controls. Our aims were: (i) to evaluate EGF, TGFalpha, and EGF-R concentrations in neoplastic tissue and surrounding mucosa from 40 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, and (ii) to assess the expression of these growth factors and their receptor in relation to the tumor site. EGF, TGFalpha, and EGF-R were detected in either colorectal neoplastic tissue or surrounding mucosa. Significantly increased levels of EGF and EGF-R were present in neoplastic samples compared to surrounding mucosa. Furthermore, a significant increase in TGFalpha and in EGF levels was observed in the left-sided surrounding mucosa and left-sided neoplastic tissue, respectively. EGF-R stimulation by its ligands may play an important role in colorectal neoplastic tissue. Moreover, the higher content of growth factors in the left-side than the right-side colon suggests different growth properties in the proximal and distal colon.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

A decrease in renal medullary tonicity stimulates anion transport in Henle's loop of rat kidneys.

To investigate the effect of reduction in renal medulla osmolality on loop of Henle (LOH) net bicarbonate reabsorption, clearance and microperfusion experiments were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats. The decrease of renal medulla osmolality was induced by intravenous infusion of either a large dose of mannitol (mannitol protocol) or a hypotonic solution (hypotonic protocol) delivered at a rate to match the sodium and bicarbonate load of the control period. During the mannitol protocol, clearance data demonstrated a rise in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow, urine pH, and fractional bicarbonate excretion. On the contrary, microperfusion experiments, performed in the absence of mannitol in the tubular perfusate, revealed a significant increase both in the absolute and fractional LOH bicarbonate transport. During the hypotonic protocol, there was a decrease in GFR, associated with an increase in fractional excretion of bicarbonate. In the microperfusion experiments, hypotonic saline, similar to mannitol, stimulated absolute and fractional LOH bicarbonate transport. Net reabsorption of chloride, measured under the same experimental conditions, was also found to be activated. Therefore, the intravenous infusion of hypotonic solution affected the LOH transepithelial net reabsorption of both bicarbonate and chloride. We hypothesize that the increase in the transport rate of these two anions, along the same segment and in similar experimental conditions, may be mediated, at least in part, by decreased medullary tonicity, which is one factor common both to hypertonic mannitol and hypotonic saline infusion.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical procedures: a survey from an Italian university hospital.

The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate the surgical prophylaxis regimens adopted by surgeons of the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the 2nd University of Naples during the period January-March 1996; 2) to compare uses of antibiotic prophylaxis carried out in surgical departments to standard international guidelines; 3) to assess the cost of surgical prophylaxis. Data from 1,085 surgical patients from January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1996, were collected, reporting surgical department, type of surgery, antibiotics used, dosage, and length of the prophylactic treatment. Collected data underwent computer-assisted evaluation and comparison to the international guidelines. Four-hundred and twenty-five patients with concomitant diseases, who did not meet inclusion criteria into standard guidelines, were excluded from the study. The remaining patients (N = 660) underwent clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures. Two-hundred and twenty patients underwent clean surgical procedures, with prophylactic antibiotic treatment lasting from 1.1 +/- 0.3 to 4.6 +/- 2.8 days. Four-hundred and forty patients underwent a clean-contaminated surgical procedure, with antibiotic prophylaxis lasting from 3.6 +/- 2.4 to 5.2 +/- 3.7 days. Third generation cephalosporins were the most frequently used antibiotics both in patients undergoing clean (163 patients = 74.1%), and clean-contaminated surgical procedures (321 patients = 73%). The resulting costs were about ten-fold higher than costs of antibiotic prophylaxis carried out according to international guidelines. In conclusion, our research highlights the habit of non-compliance with standard guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis both in terms of drug choice and treatment duration.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗
PubMed1998

[Deep venous insufficiency of the lower extremities].

Lower limbs chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread pathologic condition. Prevalence of venous ulcer in Europe ranges between 0.5% and 1.0%. Venous ulceration can be due to insufficiency of the superficial system, although deep venous insufficiency is responsible for 75% of the cases. Morbidity and socio-economic costs are exceedingly high especially because of frequent recurrences. CVI recognises mainly two causes: 1) increased influx, due to arteriovenous fistulas; 2) difficult outflow usually secondary to postphlebitic or primitive valvular incompetence. The prevalence of CVI and venous ulceration is difficult to assess. Surgical treatment tends to cure the underlying hemodynamic problem. Homans in 1916 first introduced surgical treatment of CVI and venous ulceration: excision of the cutaneous lesion and ligature suprafascial of the communicating veins. Since then different various techniques have been introduced in the clinical practice: Linton in 1938 supported subfascial interruption of the perforating veins but still reported a recurrence rate of 47%. Stripping of internal saphenous vein associated with division of perforating veins is still controversial, because lacks evidence of its real effectiveness in preventing recurrences. Felder's surgical technique is preferred by some authors to Linton's technique, because of the possibility to divide and section incompetent perforating veins without a cutaneous incision in the severely diseased postphlebitic tissues. In personal experience (56 patients) treated by Felder's techniques, we reached a cutaneous ulceration healing rate of 36% has been obtained. Subfascial interruption of perforating veins under endoscopic vision associated to the stripping of the internal saphenous vein could be a valuable option in the treatment of CVI because of the shorter duration of the operation and hospital stay and lesser postoperative complications. Repair and/or replacement of deep venous valves, originally described by Kistner in 1968, could be curative of venous hypertension due to primitive valvular insufficiency (primitive or postphlebitic): the same author in 1975 reported positive results (80% at 5 years). Major advantages of indirect valvuloplastic surgical technique are: 1) venotomy is not necessary; 2) it does not introduce extraneous material in the vasal lumen; 3) clamping of the vein is avoided; 4) heparine or other antithrombotic measures are usually not necessary. Although preliminary encouraging results, subsequent clinical experiences have demonstrated that correction of the reflux of the main axial venous system alone is not curative and durable resolution of venous symptoms also depends on the concomitant correction of all incompetent perforating veins. Venous valves transplantation is theoretically good to correct the deep long reflux and to improve calf pump function, although clinical results are still limited and follow-up not prolonged enough in terms of symptoms resolution and complete ulcer healing.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

[Prevalence of simple sporadic goiter in relation to other non-neoplastic thyroid pathologies in an internal medicine department].

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Thyroid pathologies, in particular goiter, are commonly found in everyday clinical practice in hospitalised patients. METHODS: The authors carried out a prospective type survey lasting 80 months in a mountain community with about 30,000 inhabitants with uniform socio-demographical characteristics. A total of 8,034 subjects (4,131 males and 3,903 females) were included in the study who were hospitalised in an Internal Medicine Department. All patients underwent screening using standard diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: Thyroid pathology was identified and classified into its various forms. There was a net prevalence of goiter which, owing to the unique features identified by the study, was defined as the sporadic form. The study demonstrated a marked prevalence in females, the familial pattern, the homogeneity of distribution throughout the area, the progression of disease with age and its evolution into immersed forms, the prevalence in both sexes in adults, the frequent use of surgery and its inherent problems, the inadequacy of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The authors affirm that this pathology is regularly underestimated because it is not adequately identified, treated and monitored. They suggest a clinical and methodological approach based on a correct nosological definition, adequate diagnostic and prognostic stratification, an appropriate therapeutic protocol and clinical controls performed over time.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Synthesis of new thieno [2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

A series of new 1,3-disubstituted thieno[1,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones were prepared to investigate their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of synthesized compounds were investigated by the phenylquinone-induced writhing syndrome test, carrageenan rat paw oedema test and acetic acid-induced peritonitis assay. Most of the new compounds were found to be superior to mefenamic acid, as they were devoid of any ulcerogenic activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid gland].

From 1986 to 1996 the Authors have surgically treated 34 patients affected with Hürthle cell neoplasm of the thyroid (23 benign and 11 malignant). Preoperative diagnosis was obtained mainly by fine needle aspiration biopsy. In thyroid surgery we routinely prepare laryngeal nerve and take great care to avoid devascularization fo the parathyroid glands. Operative procedures performed were hemithyroidectomy plus isthmectomy (18), subtotal thyroidectomy (2) and total thyroidectomy (14). No cervical lymph node dissection was requested, neither we observed post-operative morbidity. Mean follow-up was 116 months. During observation period we documented. No hematogenous metastasis was observed. All patients are now well and alive free of disease. This series stresses the favourable behavior of Hürthle cell neoplasm of the thyroid--even through a prolonged follow-up. A thorough review of the Literature on the topic is conducted. The Authors are in favour of total thyroidectomy as first choice procedure for lesions larger than 40 mm in order to reduce the need of completion thyroidectomy and the potential morbidity.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Bioavailability of timolol and aceclidine after ocular instillation in the rabbit.

The bioavailability of timolol and aceclidine after the ocular instillation of each drug (timolol 0.5% or aceclidine 2%) or both combined (timolol 0.5% + aceclidine 2%) has been evaluated in rabbits. 15 male albino rabbits were treated by the instillation of timolol and aceclidine alone or combined in the conjunctival sac of the right eye. Timolol concentrations in humor aqueous were assayed at 10 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr and 6 hr after instillation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Aceclidine was assayed by a pharmacodynamic method: pupillary diameter at the following time intervals 0 (basal value), 1 min, 5 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, 6 hr after treatment. Our results demonstrated that no differences in timolol and aceclidine bioavailability were found between simple-drug preparations and their combination.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1998

[Hospital intensive monitoring of adverse reactions of ACE inhibitors].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors represent one of the most important pharmacological instruments for the treatment of arterial hypertension and are currently also used for other cardiovascular indications. The actions of ACE-inhibitors mainly depends on blocking the ACE enzyme in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. However, the ACE enzyme also has a kinase activity. The inhibition of this enzyme may also cause an accumulation of tissue mediators (bradykinin) responsible for a number of adverse reactions. METHODS: An intensive hospital monitoring programme of adverse reactions to drugs, known as MIO[symbol: see text]'96, was carried out by the Centre of Pharmacoepidemiology of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the Second University of Naples during the period 25 March-18 April 1996. The main aims of the programme were to highlight the incidence of adverse reactions to the drugs monitored and the definition of the risk/benefit ratio taking account of the main physiological and pathophysiological variations of patients. This paper reports the results of the programme of adverse effects correlated to the use of ACE-inhibitors. A total of 175 records were compiled for 105 patients receiving antihypertensive treatment with a number of ACE-inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril); a very high mean incidence of adverse events was documented (22%) without any severe undesirable effects. RESULTS: The following adverse events were documented (the cumulative incidence is given in brackets): dysgeusia (17%), flush (8%), headache (33%), exanthema (17%), diarrhoea (8%), vertigo (8%), xerostomia (8%). Coughing was not reported in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Further periods of intensive monitoring will be required to obtain a greater quantity of data from the Intensive Monitoring of adverse events through the MIO[symbol: see text]'97 programme.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗