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Biomedical subjects

G Battista

Publications and source records attributed to G Battista.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment of carcinoma of unknown primary origin.

PURPOSE: Metastatic cancers of unknown primary origin are characterised by a poor prognosis, with a survival rate from diagnosis of approximately 12 months. Conventional radiological imaging allows detection of 20%-27% of primary cancers, whereas the detection rate with positron emission tomography (PET) is 24%-40%. The aim of this study was to assess the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) in the identification of occult primary cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 38 consecutive patients with histologically proven metastatic disease and negative or nonconclusive conventional diagnostic procedures. All patients were studied by 18F-FDG PET performed according to the standard procedure (6 h of fasting, intravenous injection of 370 MBq 18F-FDG, and image acquisition with a PET/CT scanner for 4 min per bed position). RESULTS: 18F-FDG-PET/CT detected the occult primary cancer in 20 cases (53%), showing higher sensitivity than that reported for any other imaging modality, including PET. CONCLUSIONS: The encouraging results, if validated by larger series, support the use of PET/CT in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary origin and negative conventional imaging results.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Predictive role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the outcome of lymphoma patients.

An extensive analysis of the reliability of positron emission tomography (PET) after induction treatment in patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) or aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). In all, 75 untreated patients with HD (n=41) or aggressive NHL (n=34) were studied with both PET and CT scans following standard chemotherapy induction therapy (ABVD or MACOP-B) with/without radiotherapy. Histopathological analysis was performed when considered necessary. After treatment, four out of five (80%) patients who were PET(+)/CT(-) relapsed, as compared with zero out of 29 patients in the PET(-)/CT(-) subset. Among the 41 CT(+) patients, 10 out of 11 (91%) who were PET(+) relapsed, as compared with 0 out of 30 who were PET(-). The actuarial relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 9 and 100% in the PET(+) and PET(-) subsets, respectively (P=0.00001). All five patients who were PET(+)/CT(-) underwent a lymph node biopsy: in four (80%) cases, persistent lymphoma and was confirmed at histopathological examination. Two HD patients who were PET(-)/CT(+) (with large residual masses in the mediastinum or lung) were submitted to biopsy, which in both cases revealed only fibrosis. In HD and aggressive NHL patients, PET positivity after induction treatment is highly predictive for the presence of residual disease, with significant differences being observable in terms of RFS. PET negativity at restaging strongly suggests the absence of active disease; histopathological verification is important in patients who show PET positivity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Traumatic injuries: imaging of thoracic injuries.

Chest trauma is one of the most important causes of death, in particular in individuals under the age of 40 years. The mortality rate for chest trauma, often related to motor vehicle accidents, is approximately 15.5%; it increases dramatically to 77% with associated shock and head injury (Glasgow scores of 3-4). The accurate diagnosis of pathologies consequent to blunt chest trauma depends on a complete knowledge of the different clinical and radiological manifestations. The first diagnostic approach is classically based on chest X-ray often carried out on supine position at the hospital admission. A CT study must then be performed in all chest trauma patients in whom there is even the smallest diagnostic doubt on plain film. In particular, spiral CT (SCT) assumes a fundamental role in the demonstration of mediastinal hemorrhage and direct signs of aortic lesions. At present, SCT is routinely part of a diagnostic evaluation which also includes scans of the brain and the abdomen in polytraumatized patients. Magnetic resonance is the ideal method for visualizing diaphragmatic lesions. Furthermore, recent reports have demonstrated the high diagnostic value of MR in evaluating aortic injuries. The purpose of this article is to review the most common radiological patterns related to chest trauma.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2002

Role of HRCT in the identification of atypical pulmonary mycobacteriosis.

AIM: 1) To identify the principal radiological signs of atypical pulmonary mycobacteriosis by means of X-rays and CT/HRCT; 2) to compare the two methods in order to evaluate their reliability with particular interest for the diagnostic role of HRCT in the identification of the disease; 3) to establish any significant differences in the pathology between AIDS and immunocompetent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chest X-rays and CT/HRCT of 28 atypical pulmonary mycobacteriosis patients (16 with AIDS and 12 immunocompetent) have been studied. The subjects were examined during the period of October 1993 to May 2000 and were found to be positive for atypical mycobacterium and consequently underwent a standard chest X-ray. Twenty cases were followed-up with a chest CT/HRCT; of these only 17 were performed within 30 days of the traditional chest X-ray which was considered to be the time limit in order to validate the comparison between the two methods. RESULTS: The significant semeiotical findings were the parenchymal consolidations observed in 25 patients (89%) by standard chest X-rays; the CT/HRCT confirmed the findings in 4 cases while in 13 it enhanced the evaluation of their extensions. In 9 cases the standard chest X-ray established the presence of cavitations which were confirmed by the CT/HRCT in only 7 cases. Lymphadenopathy was observed in 3/28 patients (10.7%) through standard X-rays and in 15/17 cases (82%) through CT/HRCT. The latter method revealed to be extremely useful in the identification of this pathology. Nodules and micronodules were seen in 5 patients with traditional X-rays and in 9 cases with CT/HRCT. Bronchogenic spread signs of disease became visible only with CT and in particular with HRCT (11/17 patients = 65%). Comparing the two groups (AIDS and immunocompetent) taken into consideration, the most frequent lesion present in both was parenchymal consolidation resulting more bilateral in the AIDS subjects. Cavitation and pleural edema were seen more often in the AIDS group while bronchiectasia, bronchogenic spread and signs of previous pleuro-parenchymal suffering were more frequent in the immunocompetent patients. Lymphadenopathy was frequently found in the total study population but appeared slightly prevalent for the group not afflicted with AIDS. CONCLUSION: Radiological study of the chest permitted the identification of signs useful in the diagnosis of mycobacteriosis in all the patients studied. The application of CT/HRCT added helpful elements in almost all of the cases examined demonstrating to be more effective than the standard chest X-ray not only in terms of improved evaluation of known lesions but also in the identification of lesions which are difficult to determine by means of traditional radiology.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2001

Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BHF) of the cheek: CD 68-KP1 positivity.

We present a case of fibrous histiocytoma of the cheek in a 32-year-old male with no evidence of any regional invasion or distant metastasis. Pathologic analysis and diagnosis of these lesions is often challenging, and usually based on a combination of light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. In this study the diagnosis was confirmed using immunostaining with the antibody CD 68-KP1 that is positive in any lesion containing lysosomal granules or phagolysosomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Longitudinal follow-up evaluation of pulmonary emphysema using high-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) study and pulmonary function tests].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of HRCT in the identification of longitudinal progression of emphysema and to establish the sensitivity of HRCT compared with functional tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 ex-smokers with chronic obstructive lung disease were studied, using two consecutive HRCT examinations (t1 and t2); emphysema was evaluated by HRCT visual score and, at the same time, pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: As a whole, the extension of emphysema with HRCT presented a good correlation with Tiffeneau index (IT). At t1 a significant correlation between HRCT and IT was almost reached; it was achieved between HRCT and PaCO2, FEV1 and IT. At t2, there was a significant correlation between HRCT and IT, FEV1 and IT, FEV1 and PaO2, FEV1 and PaCO2, IT and PaO2. In the interval between t1 and t2 there was a significant worsening of HRCT visual score and IT, with no modification of FEV1, PaO2 and PaCO2. The change in HRCT visual score had a significant correlation with FEV1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: HRCT is able not only to identify and quantify anatomic emphysema, but also to evaluate progression of the disease. In the middle-short term anatomic emphysema worsens significantly and visual score HRCT is more sensitive than functional tests for longitudinal evaluation because emphysematous destruction is faster than decline in function. Furthermore emphysematous destruction in smokers progresses even after smoking cessation. The usefulness of combining HRCT with functional tests in the follow-up remains to be established. Longitudinal examination by HRCT could allow us to identify the smokers that tend to develop earlier and more seriously the symptoms of chronic obstructive lung disease.

Female↗
PubMed2000

A calculus clinical study comparing the efficacy of two commercially available dentifrices.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study, conducted in harmony with the Volpe-Manhold design for studies of dental calculus, was to compare the effect on supragingival calculus formation of a dentifrice containing pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base (Test Dentifrice), to that of a commercially available calculus-inhibiting dentifrice containing tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, disodium pyrophosphate, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base (Positive Control Dentifrice). Adult male and female subjects from the Northern New Jersey area were entered into the study, provided a full oral prophylaxis and assigned the use of a placebo (non-calculus-inhibiting) dentifrice for eight weeks. At the completion of this initial period, subjects were assessed for baseline Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index scores, provided another full prophylaxis and stratified into two treatment groups which were balanced for age, sex and baseline calculus. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for dental calculus were again performed after twelve weeks' use of the study dentifrices. Eighty-nine (89) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the entire study. At the three-month examination, the Test Dentifrice group exhibited a statistically significant 31.0% reduction in the mean Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index score compared to the Positive Control Dentifrice group. The results of this clinical study support the conclusion that a new calculus-inhibiting dentifrice containing pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base is efficacious for the control of the development of supragingival calculus, and provides a level of benefit greater than that provided by a commercially available calculus-inhibiting dentifrice containing tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, disodium pyrophosphate, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A twelve-week clinical comparison of two tartar control dentifrices.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study, conducted using the Volpe-Manhold evaluation method for dental calculus, was to compare the effect on supragingival calculus formation of a dentifrice containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base (Test Dentifrice), to that of a commercially available calculus-inhibiting dentifrice containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base (Positive Control Dentifrice). Adult male and female subjects from the northern New Jersey area were entered into the study based on a pre-test (baseline) Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index score of 7.0 or greater, provided a full oral prophylaxis, and stratified into two treatment groups which were balanced for age, sex and baseline calculus scores. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for dental calculus were again performed after twelve weeks' use of the study dentifrices. Seventy-three (73) subjects complied with the protocol, and completed the entire study. At the twelve-week examination, the Test Dentifrice group exhibited a statistically significant 43.5% reduction in mean Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index scores compared to the Positive Control Dentifrice group. The results of this clinical study support the conclusion that a new calculus-inhibiting dentifrice, containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base, is efficacious for the control of the development of supragingival calculus, and provides a level of benefit greater than that provided by a commercially available calculus-inhibiting dentifrice containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Mortality due to asbestos-related causes among railway carriage construction and repair workers.

The objective of this study was to further clarify the cancer risk associated with asbestos exposure in railway carriage construction and repair. The cohort included 734 subjects employed between 1 January 1945 and 31 December 1969. Vital status was ascertained at 31 December 1997. Mortality was investigated in the time span 1970-97. Forty-two subjects (6%) were lost to follow-up and eight causes of death (4%) could not be ascertained. The overall mortality was not above the expected value. Among neoplastic diseases, excesses were observed for lung ştandardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 124; 90% confidence interval (CI) = 87-172; 26 obs), pleura (SMR = 1,327; CI = 523-2,790; 5 obs), larynx (SMR = 240; CI = 95-505; 5 obs), liver (SMR = 241; CI = 126-420; 9 obs), pancreas (SMR = 224; CI = 98-443; 6 obs) and multiple myeloma (SMR = 429; CI = 117-1,109; 3 obs). The observed excess of lung and pleural neoplasms can be causally related to asbestos exposure in the manufacture of railway carriages. A causal role of asbestos exposure in the raised SMRs from laryngeal and pancreatic neoplasms and multiple myeloma cannot be conclusively proven.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis presenting with Wells grade III. Can imaging methods help predict further progression of disease?].

PURPOSE: Three different grades of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be identified by HRCT pattern. Patients with predominant ground-glass opacity (grade I) usually improve after treatment and may have a better prognosis. The subjects with a predominant reticular pattern and honeycombing (grade III) have irreversible fibrosis and usually do not improve after immunosuppressive therapy. Nevertheless, these patients may worsen even in the absence of HRCT features of the so-called alveolitis. We investigated the predictive role of some noninvasive imaging methods (HRCT with visual score of disease extent; Gallium scintigraphy; DTPA scintigraphy) in patients with idiopathic fibrosis and a prevalent macroscopic fibrosis at HRCT study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen former smokers with grade III idiopathic fibrosis were examined. None of the patients had been treated. They were all submitted to HRCT, lung function studies, Gallium and DTPA scintigraphy, both at presentation (T0) and follow-up sessions (T1: mean one year post-diagnosis). The HRCT extent of disease was evaluated by means of the visual score as the fraction of the total lung volume. The patients were divided into two groups, using a cut-off value of 50%. All the patients underwent a Gallium scintiscan (using a fixation index of 160 as cut-off) and a ventilatory scintigraphy with DTPA-aerosol, with radionuclide clearance assessment. The lung function tests considered were vital capacity (VC), arterial blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and the diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). RESULTS: After one year of follow-up, the HRCT extent score increased (from 46.6% to 50%) and lung function worsened (VC from 66.8% to 63.4% of predicted; DLCO from 37.6% to 27.1%; PaO2 from 77 to 71 mmHg). The patients presenting with HRCT extension score > 50% had a worse lung function at T0 and showed a significant deterioration of PaO2 and HRCT at T1. On the other hand, VC and DLCO significantly worsened in the subjects with HRCT score < 50% at presentation. The patients with a Gallium fixation index > 160 significantly deteriorated in HRCT score, VC and DLCO. Those with Gallium index < 160 had major worsening only for diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide. Thirteen of 14 patients had an abnormal value of DTPA clearance at presentation. No variation was observed at T1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with idiopathic fibrosis are grade III at presentation. They can further deteriorate both in HRCT extent of disease and lung function impairment. After one year of follow-up HRCT extent score increased in 64% of the patients, with a mean increase of 5%. HRCT worsening was more apparent in the patients with a HRCT score > 50% at presentation. In the remaining patients, the worsening of lung function tests was more apparent than the anatomoradiological changes. DTPA clearance had no predictive value in this series. Gallium scintigraphy was a useful prognostic index. The patients with Gallium fixation index > 160 had better lung function and lower HRCT extent score at T0 but significantly deteriorated at T1. A positive Gallium scan at presentation could be considered a useful index of persisting active "alveolitis" in patients with grade III disease, not visible at HRCT study, due to overwhelming fibrosis. These patients, who were untreated, exhibit quicker radiological and functional worsening.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The clinical anticalculus efficacy of a tartar control whitening dentifrice for the prevention of supragingival calculus in a three-month study.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study was to compare the effect of a new dentifrice (Colgate Tartar Control Plus Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste) for the prevention of supragingival calculus, with that of a commercially available calculus-inhibiting dentifrice (Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste). The study involved adult male and female subjects who had pre-qualified for participation by developing sufficient supragingival calculus (greater than 7.0 on the Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index) during an eight-week screening period. Subjects received a full oral prophylaxis, and were stratified into two treatment groups balanced for age, sex and qualifying calculus score. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for dental calculus were performed after twelve weeks' use of the study dentifrices, using the Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index, Fifty-eight (58) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the entire study. The Colgate Tartar Control Plus Whitening group exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.001) 34.6% reduction in mean calculus score compared to the Crest Tartar Control group.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Cohort study of art glass workers in Tuscany, Italy: mortality from non-malignant diseases.

This investigation studies cause-specific mortality of art glass workers employed in 17 industrial facilities in Tuscany, Italy. A cohort of 3,390 workers employed for at least 1 year was enumerated from company payrolls. Follow-up was between the start of employment in each factory and 31 December 1993. The cause-specific expected mortality was computed relative to Tuscany rates and specified for gender, 5-year age groups and calendar year. Separate analyses were carried out for the jobs of makers and formers and for batch mixers. Among males (3, 180 individuals) observed mortality for non-cancer causes was higher than expected for hypertensive disease [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 178, 90% confidence interval (90% CI) = 96-301], pneumoconiosis (SMR = 200, 90% CI = 94-376) and diseases of the genitourinary system (SMR = 169, 90% CI = 95-279). Increases for the above causes were shown also among makers and formers: hypertensive disease (SMR = 182, 90% CI = 85-341), pneumoconiosis (SMR = 250, 90% CI = 109-493) and diseases of the genitourinary system (SMR = 224, 90% CI = 121-380). For batch mixers an increase was present for cerebrovascular disease. The observed mortality for cancer causes was above the expected for cancers of the larynx, lung, stomach and brain. This study points to the existence for Tuscan glass workers of health effects in addition to cancer; previously observed carcinogenic effects were also confirmed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Cancer mortality of art glass workers in Tuscany, Italy.

OBJECTIVES: This study considers the cause-specific mortality from cancer among art glass workers employed in 17 industrial facilities in Tuscany, Italy. METHODS: A cohort of 3390 workers, 3180 men and 210 women, employed at least 1 year, was taken from company payrolls. It was followed between the year each factory started operation, mostly the mid-1950s, and 31 December 1993. The cause-specific expected mortality from cancer was computed for men relative to Tuscany rates, specified for gender, 5-year age groups, and calendar year. Separate analyses were carried out for the job title of maker and former and for batch mixers. RESULTS: For 3180 men, the observed mortality was above the expected for larynx [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 166, 90% confidence interval (90% CI) 90-282], lung (SMR 123, 90% CI 100-151), stomach (SMR 105, 90% CI76-142), and brain (SMR 150, 90%CI 71-282) cancer. Increases for these causes were also found for the makers and formers. Mortality from larynx and lung cancer increased with latency, and significantly increased SMR values were observed for > or =21 years since first exposure. The increasing pattern was also present after adjustment for smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed consistently increased mortality from larynx and lung cancer in the overall cohort and among makers and formers. Stomach and brain cancer was also increased in the overall cohort and among the makers and formers.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Clinical efficacy of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate: a 12-week calculus clinical study in adults.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study, conducted following the Volpe-Manhold design for studies of dental calculus, was to investigate the efficacy of a dentifrice containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a silica base (zinc citrate dentifrice) as compared to a control dentifrice containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a silica base (control dentifrice). Adult men and women from the Northern New Jersey area were provided a full oral prophylaxis and assigned the use of a control (non-tartar-control) dentifrice for 8 weeks. At the completion of this initial period, participants were assessed for baseline Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index scores, provided another full prophylaxis, and stratified into two treatment groups that were balanced for age, sex, and baseline calculus. Participants were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for 1 minute with their assigned dentifrice, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for dental calculus were again performed after 12 weeks' use of the study dentifrices. Seventy-five participants complied with the protocol and completed the entire study. At the 12-week examination, the zinc citrate dentifrice group exhibited a statistically significant 31.9% reduction in mean Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index score as compared to the control dentifrice group. Thus, the results of this clinical study support the conclusion that a dentifrice containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a silica base is efficacious for the control of the development of supragingival calculus.

Adolescent↗