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Biomedical subjects

G Assennato

Publications and source records attributed to G Assennato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Chronic glomerulonephritis and exposure to solvents: a case-referent study.

To evaluate the risk of chronic glomerulonephritis in subjects exposed to solvent vapours, a case-referent study was carried out. The case group, including 60 patients (44 men and 16 women) with non-systemic chronic glomerulonephritis, established by biopsy, was compared with 120 control subjects (60 patients with traumatic fractures and 60 patients affected by nephrolithiasis) matched by sex and age. Information on occupational and non-occupational exposure to solvent was obtained by questionnaire. The exposure scores drawn from questionnaires were significantly higher in the case group than in the referent groups for both total and occupational solvent exposure. No significant differences in non-occupational exposure were found. The odds ratio of chronic glomerulonephritis for occupationally exposed (score > 0) was 3.9 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.64-8.33). When IgA nephropathy patients (n = 27) were separately evaluated, an increased risk was found for both total and occupational exposure. Using a logistic regression model, a dose-response effect for occupational exposure was seen. The results support the hypothesis that chronic glomerulonephritis may be related to environmental factors such as exposure to hydrocarbons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Development of an integrated system of family medicine--pathologic anatomy service to start epidemiologic studies on tumors occurring in an area of southern Italy. First results].

In Italy there are eight tumor Population-Based Registries (PBRs) that publish incidence data, and only one of them (Ragusa) provides data for Southern Italy. Usually, PBRs are based on data collection from Pathologists and medical records. Our integrated system differentiates from traditional PBRs because the information comes from the General Practitioners (GPs) and is completed with the diagnosis provided by the Pathologists (Ps). During two years we have registered 1,057 new cancers on a middle period population of 212,644. GPs and Ps signed 395 and 879 incident cases, respectively. GPs alone provided 16.8%, Ps alone 62.6%, and either source 20.6% of total cases. After excluding non melanotic skin cancers and bladder carcinoma, the GPs-Ps integrated system counted 828 new cases in two years. These incidence data are the first in our region (Puglia). The 178 cases signed by GPs alone should have been lost if the informations of our PBR had been based only on local Ps' records. Moreover, 94 of GPs cases (11% of total cancers registered) were subjects who moved outside the area for diagnosis and treatment. Even if this article evaluates the effect of under-registration attributable to Ps or GPs, the cancer incidence data and the active involvement of GPs indicate that they could be usefully involved in the registration of cancer data.

Epidemiologic Methods↗
PubMed1991

Multivariate analysis of metastasis risk in laryngeal carcinoma. I. Tumor factors.

A multivariate analysis with a logistic regression model was performed in 181 cases of patients affected by laryngeal cancer, in order to evaluate the histologic tumor factors in predicting metastatic risk. The patterns used were: grading, localization, extension to the extralaryngeal structures, mode of growth. Nodal metastases are less influenced by the localization and the differentiation grade of the tumor. Cancer extended to the extralaryngeal tissues and with "infiltrating" type of growth are significantly correlated with nodal involvement. Multivariate analysis seems to be the best method to identify the exact value of each histological parameter used in prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed1991

Multivariate analysis of metastasis risk in laryngeal carcinoma. II. Immune response.

The presence of inflammatory reaction, plasma cells, and eosinophils in peritumoral connective tissue and in neoplastic stroma was evaluated with morphometrical method in 181 patients affected by laryngeal carcinoma. A logistic multiple regression model was applied making it with the use of an independent variable represented by the "infiltrating" or "expansive" types of tumor growth, in order to evaluate the probability of nodal metastatsis of each parameter. The results suggest an inverse correlationship between plasma cells and inflammatory infiltration and incidence of nodal metastatsis only in the comparison of the extreme conditions: those with scarce infiltration versus the ones with large infiltration. Inflammatory or plasmacellular infiltration may represent both a defense mechanism against cancer and an aspecific or allergic reaction. The eosinophilic infiltration shows no value in the prevention of nodal involvement.

Eosinophils↗
PubMed1990

[Hip prosthesis: idea, indications, development].

The authors describe the evolution and the successive stages that were necessary until the present total substitution of the hip joint could be worked out. The earliest attempts were made in 1923, but only in 1953, professor Marino Zuco, of Rome University Orthopedic Department started to carry out operations of arthroplasty, after 3 years of experimental research. In 1960, Charnley introduced the use of cement (methyl methacrylate), thus initiating the practice of total hip substitution. This surgery is indicated in a variety of joint pathologies of which osteoarthritis is the most frequent one. The implant of a cemented or non cemented prosthesis is conditioned both by the patient's age and by bone structure. Differences between the two types of prostheses are illustrated as well as the causes of failure or subsequent pathology and their diagnosis.

Arthritis↗
PubMed1990

[Surgical treatment of gonarthrosis].

Gonarthosis, a frequent complaint in women over 50, brings about changes in the knee which alter its macro and micro structure and are responsible for alteration of the anatomical axis of the lower limb. The most frequent consequence is knock-knee leading to overloading of the medial compartment and reduction of the internal interosseous space. Whereas in the initial forms symptomatic therapy is the treatment of choice, in severe and advanced cases with complete articular blockage arthroprosthesis is the alternative and in cases with minor limitations of joint movement the best results are obtained by osteotomy intended to restore the correct axis. In order to evaluate which of the surgical techniques available is the most appropriate, the authors analyzed 40 cases of tibial osteotomy performed between 1974 and 1984. On the basis of the results obtained, cupuliform osteotomy above the tuberosity appears to lead to the highest success rate.

Humans↗
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↗
PubMed1987

[Follow-up of patients with chloracne in the Seveso area].

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 municipal list of Varedo (in the same health district but out of dioxin polluted 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 either significant differences between groups or 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 the previous experiences can be related to: different type of exposure, target population and interval since exposure.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Total and partial O2 and CO2 ductances in workers exposed to inhalation of cement-asbestos].

The aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of the respiratory system in ensuring the correct dynamics of respiratory gases in subjects chronically exposed to the inhalation of asbestos-cement dust but not yet suffering from parenchymal asbestosis, via measurement of total and partial O2 and CO2 ductance coefficients (Du). Two groups of male workers of working age were selected, the first consisting of 22 workers employed on the manufacture of asbestos-cement products, the second consisting of 26 workers who had never been exposed to the inhalation of significant concentrations of occupational respiratory irritants. The two groups were comparable for age, smoking, and normal spirometric parameters for FVC, FEV1 and PEF, and were free of any type on interstitial lung disease according to ILO standards. In the exposed group, all O2 and CO2 ductance coefficients were significantly lower than in the non-exposed, except DuBCO2 (alveolar-capillary ductance for CO2). Measurement of O2 and CO2 lung ductances at rest thus revealed an impairment of the diffusion and of the interpulmonary exchange of blood and air in subjects chronically exposed to the inhalation of asbestos-cement dust. In the sample under study, such impairment preceded lung damage detectable by spirometric and radiological tests and was an obstacle not only to oxygen intake but also to the elimination of carbon dioxide.

Adult↗