Biomedical subjects

G Campus

Publications and source records attributed to G Campus.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Ethics: problems of clinical conduct.

The study provides a framework for ethical medical conduct. A number of articles of International Law, the Italian Constitution, the Penal Code and the Medical Code of Conduct have therefore been taken into consideration. Art. 32 of the Italian Constitution, relating to the ''right to health'' is examined, paying particular attention to certain parts, and is related to Art. 35 of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights. In considering Art. 43 of the Penal Code, which addresses the psychological element of criminal acts, reference is made to the Medical Code of Conduct and to the Hippocratic Oath. The considerations made point up the importance of a relationship of trust and esteem between doctor and patient in clinical practice, and that this approach must be cultivated starting from the first year of university studies.

Ethics, Clinical↗

PubMed2004

Oral health condition in an Italian preschool population.

AIM: This was to describe caries experience in Sardinian kindergarten children and the possible association with social, behavioural and dietary factors. METHODS: 418 kindergarten children (209 males, 209 females), aged 2.5-6.5 years, were enrolled. Dental status (dmft, dmfs) and presence of plaque were recorded by one calibrated examiner. Social, behavioural and dietary factors were investigated with an ad hoc prepared questionnaire. STATISTICS: These were descriptive and associations between caries experience and background variables were tested using chi square test. Logistic regression models were built up to assess the odds ratios (ORs) of caries prevalence and background variables. RESULTS: The caries experience rate was 29.9% of the total sample. The mean dmfs index was 3.26+/-7.37. The ds mean value was statistically higher in males at 3.41 versus 2.23 in females. Dmfs and sub indices were very high skewed in the total sample and in all age groups. Presence of plaque was recorded in 142 subjects (34.0%) and it was related to caries experience (20.1% without caries and 13.9% with caries) but not statistically significant. In logistic analysis, the socioeconomic status families were positively associated with caries experience OR=1.4 (95% CI: 1.2-1.9). Subjects with high sweet foods consumption showed a higher risk (60%) of caries experience than those not OR=1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.3). Children who cared for themselves regarding oral hygiene habits showed a lower risk for caries (OR=0.4 95% CI: 0.2-0.7). CONCLUSION: This study documented widespread neglect of dental health of preschool children in Sardinia. Untreated decayed teeth dominated the dmfs score among examined population, indicating a high rate of treatment needs.

Child↗

PubMed2003

Periodontal status in an Italian young adult population. Prevalence and relationship with periodontopathic bacteria.

To determine the prevalence of periodontitis in an Italian young adult population and the relationship with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in subgingival plaque. A full-mouth periodontal and oral examination was performed in 70 subjects. Dental and behaviour habits were assessed with a standardised questionnaire. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest pocket of the first molars in each quadrant with a sterile curette. A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction. At subject level, the prevalence of bleeding on probing, calculus, normal pocket depth (PD), PD > 5mm and bacterial positivity were 44.8%, 43.3%, 22.9%, 11.4% and 95.7%, respectively. At quadrant level bacterial prevalence was 79.4%; P. intermedia was the most common bacteria (79.0%); A. actinomycetemcomitans had a prevalence of 40.8%. A significant linear trend across categories of gingival conditions (healthy, bleeding on probing, calculus presence) was detected for P. intermedia (p = 0.0038) and A. actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.00005) proportions. No significant association was observed between pathogenic bacteria and PD, nor with behavioural attitudes. Gingival conditions are found to be a good predictors (VPP = 85%) for periodontopathic bacteria. For the Italian population, as no data are present, prospective longitudinal studies are needed to examine the relationship between PD and bacteria presence with periodontal disease onset and/or progression.

Actinobacillus Infections↗

PubMed2001

Impact of early pelvic floor rehabilitation after transurethral resection of the prostate.

We examined the results of teaching pelvic floor muscle exercises (PME) on micturition parameters, urinary incontinence, post-micturition dribbling, and quality of life in patients after transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). Fifty-eight consecutive patients who were selected to undergo TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were admitted into the study: 28 were randomly assigned to a control group (A), 30 formed the investigational group (B) during an initial visit conducted before surgery. In group B patients, perineal exercises were demonstrated in detail, and tested for their correct use via simultaneous rectal and abdominal examination. After the removal of the urethral catheter, these patients were instructed to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises at home and were evaluated before the exercises and at weekly intervals postoperatively. The American Urological Association Symptom Score improved significantly after TURP in both groups. The average quality of life score improved more significantly in group B after TURP, from 5.5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The grade of muscle contraction strength after 4 weeks of PME increased from 2.8 to 3.8 in group B (P < 0.01); it was unchanged in the group A. The number of patients with incontinence episodes and post-micturition dribbling was significantly lower in the group B at weeks 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.01). Our results show that pelvic floor muscle re-education produces a quicker improvement of urinary symptoms and of quality of life in patients after TURP. Its early practice reduces urinary incontinence and post-micturition dribbling in the first postoperative weeks. The exercises are simple and easy to perform in the clinical setting and at home, and therefore should be recommended to all cooperative patients after TURP.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Salivary levels of mutans streptococci associated with restorations: a case-control study.

Our aim was to estimate whether restorative therapy with amalgam and composite resin could decrease salivary mutans streptococcal level, thus also decreasing the risk for other caries development. We selected a case group of 93 children with detectable salivary mutans levels (i.e., at least 1x10(4) cfu/ml), and a control group (n=93 subjects) with undetectable levels. Children had the same age (12 years), no extracted teeth, crowns, temporary fillings, and restorations other than amalgam and composite resin, and the two groups had similar gender distribution. We clinically examined children and recorded active caries, restorations and oral hygiene level by means of gingival bleeding on probing; we also investigated sucrose intake at breakfast. The case group had statistically significant higher prevalence of restorations (36.6% vs. 18.3%), active caries (44.1% vs. 12.9%), and bad oral hygiene (84.9% vs. 68.8%) than the control group. However, the logistic regression analysis showed that presence of active caries was the only significant variable associated with mutans streptococci (OR=4.0; p=0.0002), while the effects of sucrose intake and of restorations were marginally significant. This apparent contrast between statistical analyses was due to the concomitant presence, in children with detectable mutans streptococci level, of restorations and decayed teeth at the same time, and, on the basis of the multivariate analysis, presence of mutans streptococci in these children was explained by the presence of active caries, more than restorations.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2000

Caries experience and streptococci and lactobacilli salivary levels in 6-8-year-old Sardinians.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to compare clinical data regarding oral status (DMFT/DMFS indices) and streptococci or lactobacilli counts in stimulated whole saliva in two groups of children, aged 6 and 8 years. METHODS: Seventy-nine boys and 93 girls aged 6 (84 subjects) and 8 (88 subjects) years old were selected. DMFT/dmft, DMFS/dmfs and OHI-S indices were recorded. Mutans streptococci (Sm) and lactobacilli (Lb) salivary levels were assessed using commercially available strip tests and were rated from 0 to 3 and from 0 to 4 in the group as a whole. RESULTS: Mean dmfs was 9.06 +/- 10.80, made up of ds = 7.28 +/- 9.54, fs = 1.19 +/- 3.64 and ms = 0.59 +/- 3.47. Mean DMFS was 0.73 +/- 1.91, made of DS = 0.54 +/- 1.29, FS = 0.08 +/- 0.56 and MS = 0.11 +/- 0.56. Statistically significant differences were found for both Sm and Lb scores between those with and without caries in the primary teeth (P < 0.05). The different Lb scores were also significant in relation to caries in permanent teeth in older children. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of children had some caries experience, and were in need of treatment.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2000

[Mercury determination in human amniotic fluid].

BACKGROUND: One of the components of Ag amalgam is mercury which, owing to its organic derivatives, can pass into the organs and biological fluids. One particularly interesting but worrying aspect of this transition is the possibility that mercury may pass through the placental barrier and reach the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of total mercury in human amniotic fluid and compare it with the number and occlusal extension of fillings using Ag amalgam. METHODS: A group of 56 pregnant women were selected due to undergo amniocentesis. A dental check-up was carried out in each patient to identify the number and extension of amalgam fillings. Mercury levels in the amniotic liquid were assayed using a spectrophotometer with atomic absorption and a FIAS-amalgam technique. RESULTS: Mercury concentrations in the samples examined ranged from a minimum of 0.00 ng/ml to a maximum of 2.55 ng/ml, mean 0.44 +/- 0.53 ng/ml. The correlations between the variables examined were evaluated by calculating the coefficient of linear regression. No direct relationship was found with mercury levels. The data obtained were used to construct a model of logistic regression showing scant statistical significance (p = 0.05) between the number of fillings and mercury levels, whereas the occlusal extension of dental repairs was significantly correlated with metal concentrations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend that silver amalgam should be used with considerable caution during pregnancy.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Evaluation of morbidity of multi-channel pressure-flow studies.

This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the morbidity and complication rate of invasive urodynamics of the lower urinary tract after receiving oral antibiotic prophylactic treatment. A total of 105 patients, 55 men and 50 women, were included in the study and underwent pressure flow study (PFS) as part of the diagnostic assessment. Clinical diagnosis was prostatic obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men and stress urinary incontinence or voiding dysfunction in women. Urine was screened for infection both before and after testing, and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI), dysuria, and other complications were assessed at 1-week follow-up to evaluate post-investigation morbidity. Dysuria of mild degree was experienced by 33% of patients, with no significant difference between male and female patients. Post-investigational UTI and fever were reported in 3.6% of men and 4% of women. Six patients had macroscopic hematuria of mild degree. No patient had urinary retention or severe complaints after the investigation and no patient required hospitalization. Post-void residual volume was higher in men with BPH obstruction compared to women; a significant difference between post-investigational UTI and residual volume could not be demonstrated (P = 0.8). We conclude that the objective morbidity rate of invasive urodynamic investigation is low. Mild dysuria is common, while severe complications, fever, and hematuria are seldom reported, and the risk of developing UTIs is low with antibiotic prophylaxis, with no significant difference between men and women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 18:647-652, 1999.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Urodynamic analysis of voiding dysfunction in orthotopic ileal neobladder.

We examined the urodynamics, particularly voiding dysfunction, in patients with a neobladder. Free uroflowmetry, pressure-flow study, and voiding cystourethrography were performed in 22 patients (mean age 65 years) at a mean of 21 months after ileal neobladder substitution. The results of free uroflowmetry were used to divide patients into two groups: the good voiders and the poor. Daytime continence was achieved in all patients, while 10 (45%) had nighttime continence. To void 250 ml urine the good voiders strained 2 +/- 1.5 times, and the poor voiders 6 +/- 5 times. The neobladder neck was at the most caudal portion of the reservoir in good voiders, and there was wide funneling. In the group with poor emptying ability, the outlet was not located at the most dependent position. The principal factors for ensuring good voiding function in neobladder patients are the ability to perform effective straining and the location of the neobladder neck.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Variables affecting salivary Streptococcus mutans counts in a cohort of 12-year-old subjects.

BACKGROUND: Several factors such as toothbrushing, diet, acidogenic potential of the mutans streptococci strain and site of the carious lesion can modify the salivary Streptococcus mutans (Sm) counts. In the present investigation the effect of some behavioural, clinical and microbiological variables on Sm salivary counts was evaluated in a cohort of 12-year-olds. METHODS: Forty subjects were examined by two calibrated examiners (GC, AL). The number of surfaces either decayed occlusal, decayed smooth or filled and the number of bleeding sextants, (clinical index for oral hygiene) were reported. Saliva was collected using a tongue depressor and was plated onto mitis salivarius agar with bacitracin and 20% sucrose. The presumptive Sm colonies were counted and the concentrations were logarithmically transformed. One Sm strain per subject was identified and the cariogenic potential evaluated as the minimum pH value recorded, during 5 hrs of incubation in 5% sucrose solution. The children's parents or guardians completed a questionnaire concerning the frequency of toothbrushing, the consumption of sweet foods and soft drinks and at what age the children started brushing their teeth. The effect of the explanatory variables on Sm count logarithms was evaluated by stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The regressors with significant additional explanatory power were cariogenic potential (b = -1.335, p = 0.00001, R2 increment = 0.312), decayed smooth surfaces (b = -0.456, p = 0.009, R2 increment = 0.114) and bleeding sextants (b = -0.113, p = 0.004, R2 increment = 0.062), whereas the power of filled surfaces was marginally significant (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, it is suggested that acidogenicity is not only a cariogenic factor, but also a factor promoting colonization of oral sites by Sm, especially in subjects with a high frequency of sugar consumption.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1998

Bioreactivity and biocompatibility of a vitamin E-modified multi-layer hemodialysis filter.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to test the biocompatibility of a new vitamin E-modified multi-layer membrane (CL-E filter), as well as its ability to protect against oxygen free radicals during hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: We investigated, both in vitro and in vivo, the bioreactivity of the filter with respect to the blood antioxidants and its ability to prevent lipoperoxidation. The effects on the leukocyte respiratory burst were also studied. Cuprammonium rayon was used as a comparison material (CL-S filter). RESULTS: The in vitro results demonstrated that, under controlled conditions, CL-E is able to preserve blood antioxidants, and particularly vitamin E, from the spontaneous consumption observed in the incubation with CL-S filters and in control incubations. In accordance with this observation, the rate of the oxidative demolition of lipids either in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) or from rat brain homogenate decreased after the exposure to CL-E filters in comparison with the CL-S filter. Moreover, in the absence of any significant cytotoxic effects due to both the types of material studied, the production of oxygen free radicals and nitric oxide (NO) by leukocytes was higher after their in vitro exposure to CL-S, but was quite similar to that of the control leukocytes after exposure to CL-E. In vivo, a one-month treatment with the CL-E filter increased plasma vitamin E by 84.3% with respect to treatment with CL-S; this gain slightly decreased to 68.9% when CL-E treatment was prolonged to three months. In the RBC, vitamin E was found to have increased by 76.7% and 113.4% at one and three months, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH) levels determined at three months were significantly increased from 0.10 +/- 0.02 to 0.33 +/- 0.12 mumol/ml, while the erythrocyte GSH was only slightly increased. The leukocyte function estimated as responsiveness to soluble chemical stimuli in CL-S-treated patients was significantly improved both qualitatively and quantitatively after CL-E treatment. The presence of an increased number of mononuclear cells undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in CL-S-treated patients (18.8 +/- 1.7% vs. a control value of 6.5 +/- 2.3%) as well as the apoptogenic effect of their plasma in vitro on U937 cells was significantly corrected after CL-E treatment (mean decrease in apoptotic mononuclear cells at 24 hours of culture, 25.5% and 27.1% at 1 and 3 months, respectively). The anti-apoptogenic effect of CL-E treatment showed a close dependence on the increase in vitamin E in the blood cell compartment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that this vitamin E-modified membrane can be considered a highly biocompatible material, the antioxidant properties of which can exert a site-specific and timely scavenging function against oxygen free radicals in synergy with a hypostimulatory action on the PMN respiratory burst.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Evaluation of results using different urodynamic parameters.

We studied the obstruction-relieving capabilities of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP) in 32 symptomatic patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urodynamic studies with pressure-flow analysis were performed before and 6 months after treatment. All 32 patients showed significant improvement of both subjective and objective obstruction parameters. There were few postoperative irritative symptoms and one patient required recatheterization. In conclusion, TVP is a promising modification of performing transurethral resection of the prostate, and it is indeed capable of relieving bladder outflow obstruction.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: is there a relation with disease-related parameters?

The lower urinary tract is affected by multiple sclerosis in many patients. We screened urologically and neurologically 120 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The mean age was 42 years (range 22 to 69 years). Urodynamic investigation as well as neuro-urophysiological investigations were performed in all patients. Renal ultrasound was used to study morphology, and excretory urogram (IVU) was used to assess renal function and the upper urinary tracts in 105 patients. Obstructive symptoms were found more commonly than irritative symptoms. The urinary symptoms were found to be related to disease duration and not to disability status. Urodynamic abnormalities were statistically significantly related to disease duration (X2 = 38.51; P = 0.0001), and to the disability status (X2 = 76.70; P = 0.0001). Few patients, only 3.3%, had upper urinary tract dilatation. With medical management, hydronephrosis disappeared in all of the patients and did not recur. A combination of oral pharmacological agents and clean intermittent catheterization was used in the majority of the patients. We conclude that lower urodynamic abnormalities can be present in every patient with multiple sclerosis, and appear to be related to disease duration and disability status, thus early treatment based upon urodynamic evaluation and close follow-up can reduce morbidity and improve the quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Oxidative damage during hemodialysis using a vitamin-E-modified dialysis membrane: a preliminary characterization.

A comparison of the oxyradical exposure during hemodialysis (HD) carried out with vitamin-E-modified cellulose (CL-E) or conventional membranes, studying red blood cell (RBC) and plasma lipoperoxidation and RBC glutathione metabolism, was done. In this preliminary characterization of a new and original approach to the prevention of free radical damage in HD, the results obtained indicate that lipoperoxidation in plasma and RBC is decreased and therefore oxidative damage can be significantly decreased using CL-E dialysis membranes instead of conventional membranes.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Results of treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis with intravesical hyaluronic acid.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic benign disease of the bladder that causes bothersome and debilitating symptoms and mainly affects women. Since interstitial cystitis (IC) might result from a defective glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder epithelium, we conducted a trial of hyaluronic acid (HA), used intravesically, to test its activity in the treatment of this disease. A total of 10 patients with typical findings of IC were included. Following bladder catheterisation, the patients received a dose of 40 mg, weekly for 6 weeks, and then monthly. Response to therapy was evaluated by comparing the pre-treatment and post-treatment symptom scores and voiding diaries. There was a 30% positive response rate at week 6, which was maintained until week 24. No significant local or general side-effects were noted during the course of treatment. Although we recorded a low incidence of success in our group of patients, the results of our limited study were satisfactory in the group of responsive patients (30%), who had no relapses during the observation period of 6 months. The intravesical administration of HA was well tolerated in all cases.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed1994

Behaviour and urodynamic properties of orthotopic ileal bladder substitute after radical cystectomy.

The study included 18 men, submitted to urodynamic investigation 9-18 months after cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer and bladder substitution with a detubularized ileal segment as described by Studer-Zingg. Sixteen patients were continent by day and 3 were incontinent during the night so as to require the use of a condom catheter. The residual urine was over 100 ml in 3 patients, while it was low or absent in the remainder. Micturition was performed by straining, and maximal flow rates were normal, although the pattern was intermittent. The incidence of nocturnal incontinence was 55.5%. Measurement of the urethral pressure profile revealed a shortened functional length, and low pressure was found in 3 patients, with a maximum urethral closure pressure < 45 cm H2O. During extramural ambulatory urodynamic monitoring, pressure values in the neobladder usually ranged below 20 cm H2O and exceeded 34 cm H2O in only 2 patients who complained of daytime and nocturnal incontinence. The urodynamic features of the neobladder in patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy and bladder replacement with a detubularized ileal segment indicate low pressure at high-level filling.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Reconstruction of the lower lip with a full thickness nasolabial island flap.

We have used a full thickness nasolabial island flap to reconstruct the lower lip after excision of its median or paramedian part for carcinoma in 12 patients. The flap is transposed through a subcutaneous tunnel over the modiolus without interrupting the muscle fibres of the commissura. All the patients were men who smoked, with a mean age of 64 years, and they have been followed up for a mean of 18 months (range 6-36). Functional and aesthetic results were good in all cases; there have been no recurrences or lymph node metastases, and the only postoperative complications were two cases of superficial necrosis of the distal part of the flap which healed spontaneously without scarring. We think that the full thickness nasolabial island flap is a satisfactory technique for reconstruction of the lower lip.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1991

[Ureteral lithotripsy with rigid ureteroscopy and pulsed dye laser].

Pulsed dye laser lithotripsy represents nowadays a new approach to ureteral stones. 27 patients were treated with a pulsed dye laser unit (Pulsolith TM) at our department from november 1989 to january 1990. 21 had a single stone and the remaining a multiple ureteral lithiasis. The pulsed dye laser operated at a wave length of 504 nm, energy ranged between 90 and 160 mj with pulse of 1,5 ms. A 320 theta diameter quartz fiber with Helium Neon red laser (to visualize the top of the fiber) introduced in a rigid 9.5 ureteroscope (Wolf) was used during the procedure. Spinal, peridural or general anesthesia was done in all patients and the time of the procedure ranged between 8-150 minutes. Fiber was inserted in a 4 Ch ureteral catheter which provided easier manipulation of the fiber. Complete fragmentation was achieved in 88.9% of the patients, and combined manoeuvres were requested in another 3.7%. Failures were 7.4%. Minimal lesions of the ureter, due to ureteroscope advancement subsided spontaneously after placement of double F catheter. Pulsed dye laser lithotripsy seems to be a safe and useful procedure for treatment of impacted ureteral calculi and seems to offer low morbidity in respect of ultrasonic or electrohydraulic procedures especially when the stone location does not permit an ESWL approach.

Coloring Agents↗