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Biomedical subjects

G Andreoni

Publications and source records attributed to G Andreoni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Functional assessment of the lumbar spine through the optoelectronic ZooMS system. Clinical application.

AIM: The radiographic method remains the main imaging technique for the physiological, anatomical and possibly pathological analysis of the spine thanks to its ease of use, precision and reliability. Despite this, the technique is inadequate for functional and dynamic studies. This paper aims to apply a dedicated noninvasive methodology based on optoelectronic techniques for the functional evaluation of the lumbar spine. METHODS: A reference data set for typical movements (i.e. flexion/extension, lateral bending, axial rotation) of the lumbar spine has been developed. Twenty healthy subjects have been recruited (10 males and 10 females) to create the databases of healthy subjects; one subject who suffers from lumbar spine diseases has been analyzed and his mobility has been compared to healthy subjects. RESULTS: Two databases have been created: in the former, the entire movement is normalized in time with respect to its duration; in the latter, all movements are classified in characteristic phases and each single phase is normalized to a defined duration. These databases include both the global movement of the lumbar tract of the spine and the movement of the single functional units (2 vertebrae, the intervertebral disk and the intervening surrounding soft tissues). Moreover, these databases are divided into male and female databases according to the natural differences in range of motion and pattern of movement. A clinical application for pathologic subjects is shown demonstrating the applicability and usability of this protocol. CONCLUSION: This method allows to assess both the quality and the quantity of lumbar spine movement (both global and metameric level) of the subject and to distinguish the patient from the healthy subject.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2005

ZooMS: a non invasive analysis of global and metameric movement of the lumbar spine.

AIM: The assessment of spine mobility is an important parameter to define its functionality. In the last decades a lot of research has been carried out mainly through radiographic investigations; non invasive methods demonstrated not to be sufficiently accurate, not to allow free movement, not to provide metameric assessment and suitable for everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study is the development of a new experimental non invasive protocol, called Zoom on mobility of the spine (ZooMS) to assess the mobility of lumbar spine, from the 11th thoracic to the sacrum bone and the pelvis, with the possibility of identifying the metameric contribution of each rotation around all the axes correlated to the global movement. METHODS: We developed a dedicated non invasive methodology based on optoelectronic techniques for 3D target recording to be applied to the functional evaluation of the mobility of the lumbar spine in young healthy males. Ten subjects participated in the method validation, performing free rotations (flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation) from standing to the maximum excursion and back. RESULTS: The comparison of the range of motion (RoM) with those presented in literature was satisfactory, although some differences were shown (above all in axial rotation, which however gives the minor contribution to the mobility of the lumbar spine). The validation of the protocol was successful in terms of intraoperator, interoperator and circadian remarking, the 3 factors eventually affecting its repeatability. CONCLUSION: The RoM of the whole lumbar spine and of each functional unit, together with the pattern of movement may so represent an innovative and important aspect in clinical applications.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of head-to-trunk control in whiplash patients using digital CranioCorpoGraphy during a stepping test.

We used digital-CranioCorpoGraphy (dCCG) to document whiplash effects on head-on-trunk stabilization while subjects walked on the spot (Fukuda test). Twenty-five healthy subjects were compared with 33 whiplash patients. Whiplash patients were classified as chronic (more than 6 months after injury) and recent (less than 6 months after injury). Clear differences between healthy subjects and patients were seen and three different strategies were detected. Pattern A appeared similar to normals but quantitative analysis showed significant differences with paradoxical head over-stabilization (collar-effect); pattern B decreased head stability; pattern C decreased head stabilization with reduced displacements of the body. Due to the complexity of the data analyzed for each marker, a coefficient of performance (CP) was calculated to simplify the cut-off between normal and pathological tests. CP clearly identified an abnormal stepping pattern. Our findings indicate that firstly dCCG identified a specific vestibular task in whiplash patients, secondly whiplash did not always provoke vestibular involvement and thirdly dCCG could be a tool to discriminate patients with and without vestibular involvement after whiplash.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Kinematics of head-trunk movements while entering and exiting a car.

The study of free and natural accessibility movements for a medium-sized car was carried out, recording the motor performances of ten participants by means of a motion analysis system. The experimental protocol used passive markers to implement a two-segment biomechanical model for the analysis of the head-trunk complex. The kinematic variables quantify the motor patterns, and showed specific features that can be related to the individual anthropometric characteristics and to the car geometry differences: tall participants used a neck flexion and a leftwards bending of the head, while short participants extended the neck and bent the head to the right. The different seat positions (short participants move forwards the seat) along with the principal need to avoid any body interference with the car, can explain the observed strategies. From the wider analysis of the movements in relation to the vehicle's features and to the anthropometric size of the participants, this approach could lead to an extension of the design criteria for those structural components of the car which have been demonstrated to significantly influence the human-machine interaction.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2000

Quantitative analysis of neutral body posture in prolonged microgravity.

The experiment was performed during a 6-month space flight and focused on the quantitative three-dimensional description of the Neutral Body Posture (NBP) and of subjects' spine anthropometry in Erect Posture (EP). The NBP joint angles' configuration is described along the long-term microgravity exposure and compared with respect to previous in-flight collected data. Observed spinal length modification during EP in-flight is related to on-ground investigations focused on circadian anthropometrical fluctuations. The flattening of the spinal lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis is also described. Even though only two subjects were studied, this analysis points out the maturity of the opto-electronic technology for the quantitative analysis of posture in microgravity and confirms the need of enriching the anthropometrical database of human postures in weightlessness for the design optimization of permanently inhabited space modules.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Changes in diastolic function and collagen content in normotensive and hypertensive rats with long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

We investigated the relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and interstitial collagen content in the endocardium, mesocardium and epicardium of transverse sections of the heart, using an image analysis system in normotensive and hypertensive long-term streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetes was characterised by elevated blood glucose, polyuria, polydypsia and loss of body weight. In vivo systolic blood pressure was 165 +/- 4, 136 +/- 3 and 129 +/- 7 mmHg in hypertensive and normotensive diabetic rats and age-matched controls, respectively. Heart rate was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in diabetic rats (283 +/- 8 and 280 +/- 10 beats min-1 in normotensive and hypertensive rats, respectively) than controls (393 +/- 18 beats min-1). Pressure-volume (P-V) curves were studied in isolated Langendorff perfused hearts at rest and after 20 min global ischaemia and 30 min reperfusion 6 months after induction of diabetes. Left ventricular volumes were significantly smaller in diabetic rats than age-matched controls, but volumes normalised for heart weight were higher in normotensive (by 28%) and hypertensive (by 10%) diabetic rats. Slopes of end-diastolic P-V curves were similar between groups in basal conditions, but left ventricular systolic P-V curves were steeper in normotensive and flatter in hypertensive diabetic hearts. Post-ischaemic left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly higher than the pre-ischaemic value at comparable increments of volume in each group. Collagen content significantly increased in the heart of rats with STZ-diabetes both in the free left ventricular wall and septum, and suggested this may play a role in the cardiac defects in contractility and relaxation in our experimental conditions. These results indicate that diabetes, irrespective of associated hypertension, can cause major changes in cardiac performance and susceptibility to ischaemia and reperfusion.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Densitometric quantification of neuronal viability by computerized image analysis.

A new method is presented for the quantification of cell viability based on densitometry with computerized image analysis. Neuronal cells were stained with crystal violet and densitometric analysis was performed with an IBAS 2.0 image analyzer (Kontron/ Zeiss), using specially implemented dedicated software which integrates the optical density of the culture in each well with the area covered by the stained cells. To test the reliability of the densitometric method cortical cells were plated at different concentrations (5 x 10(4)-10(6)/ml); the standard curve obtained by analysis of crystal violet staining showed a linear proportion between cell number and optical density signal. The validation and accuracy of the method were assessed and compared with other methods using rat cortical cells cultured in vitro for 10 days and exposed to kainic acid (250 microM) for 24 h. Neuronal viability was reduced by 40-50% and comparison with direct cell counting, MTT assay, and spectrophotometric analysis confirmed that the method is simple, quick, and reliable.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Phase I-II study of vinorelbine in combination with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: a regimen with a low subjective toxic burden.

BACKGROUND: Vinorelbine, is an active drug in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and has a favorable toxicity profile. Its combination with other effective and well-tolerated cytotoxics may thus be beneficial. We investigated the therapeutic effect of a combination of vinorelbine plus 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in this phase I-II study and treated with 5-fluorouracil (350 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 to 3), folinic acid (100 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 to 3) and vinorelbine given on days 1 and 3 at the dose of 25 mg/m2 (dose level 1), or 30 mg/m2 (dose level 2). Therapy was given on an outpatient basis every three weeks. RESULTS: Phase I: Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred at the second dose level of vinorelbine (30 mg/m2), with two out of three patients developing severe constipation ('ileus-like syndrome' grade 4), and fever (grade 2). Consequently, the dose evaluated in the phase II study was 25 mg/m2. Phase II: Objective responses were observed in 24 of 39 evaluable patients (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 47% to 77%). There were seven complete responses (18%), 17 partial responses (44%), and for nine patients (23%) disease was stable. Only six patients (15%) experienced disease progression. The median response duration was 10 months (range 6 to 24+) and the median time to progression was eight months (range 2 to 24+). Granulocytopenia was the most frequently observed side effect, with a grade 4 nadir being observed in 30 patients (77%), with four hospital admissions due to febrile neutropenia. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia were mild to moderate and reported by less than half of the patients. Alopecia was moderate and occurred in about one-third of the patients. The other side effects were mild and easily manageable. CONCLUSIONS: This effective combination chemotherapy of vinorelbine, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid is comparable to other first-line regimens in terms of efficacy, and is subjectively well tolerated, thus deserving a test in randomized trials in the advanced and adjuvant settings.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[HIV infection in northwestern Sardinia].

The prevalence of anti HIV antibodies was investigated in the sera of 150 drug addicts and of 62 patients not drug addicts hospitalized in the Institute of Infectious diseases of the University of Sassari in the years 1980-86. No seropositivity was detected in not drug addicts patients in the years of observation and in the drug addict ones in the years 1980-81-82. The seropositivity discovered in 1983 in 24% of drug addicts raised to 75% in the first 8 months of 1986. As regards the prevalence of anti HIV antibodies in 1986 the sera of different categories were investigated. Seropositivity was detected in 55% of 20 drug addicts prisoners, in 6.25% of 16 homosexual men, 13 of which prisoners and 3 drug addicts, in 3.7% of 27 transfused individuals, 26 of which under dyalitical treatment, and in 33.3% of sexual partners of HIV positive patients. Anti HIV antibodies were not detected in the sera of 20 laboratory workers, 22 prisoners with a negative history for homosexuality and drug addiction, 45 prison guards and 100 individuals taken at random from general population. The stages of infection in 27 drug addicts were classified according to Atlanta CDC criteria as follows: 63% of cases asymptomatic, 22.2% persistent generalized lymphoadenopathy, 7.4% minor clinical features, 3.7% serious clinical picture, 3.7% full clinical picture of AIDS.

Blood Transfusion↗
PubMed1986

[Blood ammonia evaluation in acute hepatitis A and B].

The significance of blood ammonia levels was assessed in 100 cases of viral hepatitis (82 cases of AVH B end 18 cases of AVH A). No valid correlation was noted between the course of blood ammonia levels and that of clinical symptoms or the other blood chemical parameters considered (transaminase, prothrombin time, bilirubinemia and parameters strictly related to the clinical course).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

[Bacampicillin vs amoxicillin in respiratory pathology].

Clinical research was conducted to evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy in respiratory pathology of 800 mg X 2 per diem bacampicillin v. 1000 mg X 2 per diem amoxicillin, both orally administered. The results were more or less identical and are interpreted as indicating the better constant absorption of the precursor, hence its higher concentration gradient that produces a higher antibiotic concentration in the lungs.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

[Cephalosporins and enzymuria].

Urinary enzyme excretion was studied in 56 patients treated with cephalosporins in order to evaluate their potential nephrotoxicity. Only in 4 out of 56 patients (7%) was increased NAG, gamma-GT, AlP excretion seen. A rapid return to normal values was observed just after the end of the therapy.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1986

Clinical epidemiological survey of Legionella pneumophila infections in Italy.

A clinical epidemiological survey of Legionella pneumophila infections occurring in Italy between 1 December 1985 and 31 May 1986 was carried out to evaluate the incidence of sporadic, epidemic and nosocomial L. pneumophila pneumonia. A total of 355 cases of pneumonia were studied of which 11.5% were due to Gram positive bacteria, 11% were due to Gram negative bacteria, 7.9% were due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 4.5% were due to L. pneumophila and 8.5% were due to sundry aetiological agents. The remainder (45.6%) could not be diagnosed accurately. In addition, the anti L. pneumophila antibody titres were assessed. The results are discussed in terms of the occurrence of the disease in Italy and regarding the importance of considering the possibility of legionellosic aetiology when diagnosing pneumonia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[Etiologic determination of chronic liver diseases].

Sixty patients with chronic liver conditions (mostly cirrhotic) were examined for HBV markers. The percentage of markers identified, far higher than in samples of healthy subjects, suggests that HBV either alone or in association with other causes may be implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1983

[Anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies in Kaposi's sarcoma].

16 patients with Kaposi's Sarcoma were examined with in vitro tests for cellular immunity and with determination of antibody titres to Cytomegalovirus. It was stated that the Cytomegalovirus antibodies were related with new viral infections favoured by the immunosuppression.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

[Piperacillin: microbiological and clinical studies].

A microbiological and clinical study of the action of piperacillin is presented. The drug showed an excellent in vitro antibacterial action on gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. Its in vitro action on Ps. aeruginosa (70.8% of strains inhibited) was also extremely interesting, making it the second most effective of the antibiotics tested after polymyxin B and colistin, polypeptides unsuitable for clinical use. In vivo, the administration of piperacillin achieved a clinical and bacteriological cure in 35 out of 40 patients and a clinical cure in 2 out of 40. It was only therapeutically unsuccessful in 3 cases. It is concluded that its microbiological, kinetic and tolerance features make piperacillin suitable for a wide range of therapeutic purposes.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1983

[Microbiological, kinetic and clinical study on a new cephamycin: cefotetan].

Microbiological, kinetic and clinical studies were conducted on a new cephamycin, cephotetan. In vitro the antibiotic was found to be very effective against all strains tested. It had a particularly strong action against Gram negative bacteria too. Kinetically speaking, an intravenous bolus produced a high plasmatic concentration with a half life of about 4 hours. Elimination via the kidneys was fastest in the first 3 hours after administration (49.82%) and the slowed down. 82.76% of the dose administered was excreted within 24 hours. This antibiotics is particularly indicated in cases of urinary, respiratory and biliary infections.

Adolescent↗