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Biomedical subjects

G Canale

Publications and source records attributed to G Canale.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparison between sex and age class on some physiological, thermal, and hematological indices of the cerrado's marmoset (Callithrix penicillata).

There are few papers about physiological indices in Callithrix penicillata, an increasing primate model in biomedicine. We investigated levels of plasmatic cortisol, plasmatic glucose, free fatty acids, blood cells, tympanic temperature, rectal temperature in C. penicllata, under a fast restraint. Measures of body and weight were accomplished. Males and females were not different regarding any measurements. Body measurements indicated differences between adults and juveniles. Adults showed higher hematocrit and a tendency for higher free fatty acids than juveniles. Right tympanic temperature was higher in adults than juveniles. This result suggests a higher reaction metabolism in adults than juveniles under a restraint stress. Due to the short-time of collecting the data, plasmatic cortisol did not influence physiological parameters. Therefore, we suggest that present results could be considered referential values of C. penicillata physiology.

Age Factors↗

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients paced for atrioventricular block. Comparison between DDD and VDD single-lead pacing system.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias have been frequently detected in patients paced for atrioventricular block. However, it is not yet clear which is the actual incidence of such arrhythmias and if they were preexisting but not recognized, or if they could be related to the device. METHODS: One hundred and forty-five patients with a diagnosis of second or third degree atrioventricular block were enrolled into the study. One hundred and twenty-four received a pacemaker Medtronic Thera DDD and 21 a Medtronic Thera VDD. High rate atrial episodes were evaluated for 3 months after enrollment. Atrial electrograms documenting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were stored and programming of atrial sensitivity and pacemaker diagnostics was very strict in order to exclude short and false positive AF episodes. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (35%) in the DDD group and 8 (42%) in the VDD group presented with AF (p = NS). The mean number o

Aged↗

A physical-based model for the simulation of neoplastic growth and metastasis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is possible to formulate models capable of reproducing the main details of the physical processes involved in the evolution of biological systems. The complexity of the problem requires to begin with a simple and universal model for the description of the cellular growth, to be adapted successively to the local conditions found in clinically observed neoplastic growths. METHODS: A model based on the Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA) has been formulated for the simulation of growth, diffusion, and metastasis of neoplasms. The vascularization is described by a blood vessel located on one edge of the specimen in which a constant and homogeneous flow is assumed. A nutrient density is defined to mimic the blood flow within the tissue. RESULTS: Photograms taken at proper times may identify the main characteristics of the tumor evolution and describe its volume variations in a transversal section. Furthermore, it is possible to monitor constantly the volume of the neoplasm and of the necrotic tissue as a function of time, as well as the portion of cells that have migrated in the blood vessel. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of strong simplifying assumptions, the model presents good qualitative agreement with clinical data, which may be further improved by more detailed information about cancer cells properties or local vascular system patterns.

Animals↗

Enoximone coupled to very low dose dobutamine echocardiography detects myocardial viability in akinetic and dyskinetic post-myocardial infarcted areas.

Dobutamine and enoximone stimulate independently inotropic reserve by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The potential of enoximone (0.75 mg/kg body weight over 10 minutes) followed by very low dose (2.5 microg/kg/min) dobutamine echocardiography to predict recovery of ventricular function in akinetic and dyskinetic postinfarcted areas was studied. We enrolled 22 patients with previous Q-wave myocardial infarction and regional wall motion abnormalities related to left anterior descending arterial disease, left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, and all scheduled for myocardial revascularization. A 10 microg/kg/min dobutamine test was performed 48 hours before the study protocol. Test images obtained at peak of pharmacodynamic effects were compared with those obtained at 4 months after myocardial revascularization. We used a 16-segment ventricular model and a 5-grade scoring system. Resting regional myocardial dysfunction graded > or =2 was present in 267 of 352 segments evaluated. Contractile reserve (decrease in resting wall motion score > or =2 grades) at peak effect of enoximone infusion was present in 34 of 112 severely hypokinetic, 42 of 117 akinetic, and 14 of 38 dyskinetic segments. The inotropic reserve evaluated after very low dose dobutamine was observed in 34 of 112 severely hypokinetic, 49 of 117 akinetic, and 20 of 38 dyskinetic segments. After revascularization, recovery of function was observed in 31 of 112 severely hypokinetic, 49 of 117 akinetic, and 21 of 38 dyskinetic segments. Overall, there was a significant correlation between absolute score changes of segments which were abnormal at baseline (n = 267) to enoximone peak effects (r = 0.49, p <0.001) to predict absolute changes after revascularization; after dobutamine there was progress toward identity (r = 0.62, p <0.001) and the difference was significant among correlation slopes of dobutamine alone, enoximone alone, and enoximone plus very low dose dobutamine echocardiograophy (0.45+/-0.04, 0.51+/-0.04, and 0.63+/-0.04, respectively, F = 5.25, p = 0.005). Therefore, enoximone followed by very low dose dobutamine may assess myocardial viability of postinfarcted akinetic and dyskinetic areas. This test may be useful when evaluating patients with more severe cardiac failure and/or life-threatening arrhythmias.

Adult↗

Radiation late effects in children treated for orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The experience resulting from large cooperative studies shows that correct radiation therapy at doses adequate to the tumor bulk are crucial for local control of rhabdomyosarcoma. The aim of the present study was to document the correlation between modalities and doses of radiotherapy and radiation side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1997, 19 patients affected by primary orbital rhabdomyosarcoma have been followed at the University Federico II of Naples. All but three patients, who received 45, 54 and 55 Gy respectively, have been treated by immediate radiation at the dose of 60 Gy, delivered in 2 Gy fractions, five times per week, by cobalt 60 megavoltage equipment. Combined chemotherapy using vincristine and vincristine plus dactinomycin on alternate weeks was also administered as part of induction therapy. RESULTS: An overall survival rate of 94.7% was registered. In our patients the majority of radiation late effects were paid by orbit and ocular adnexa. Side effects to lens and ocular structures were fewer and of low grade. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy is still essential for local control of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, however radiation side effects have to be carefully considered together with the therapeutic goal to be obtained.

Child↗

Characterization of 'faecal streptococci' as indicators of faecal pollution and distribution in the environment.

The recent revision of the taxonomy of 'faecal streptococci' prompted us to verify the importance of identifying the species of this group of cocci. During a study carried out to assess the hygienic quality of environmental samples from a variety of sources, we isolated 198 strains named faecal streptococci on the basis of conventional international tests (EVA broth multiple tube test) used for Public Health purposes. The predominant species were Enterococcus faecalis (39%) and Ent. faecium (29%), followed by Ent. durans/hirae, Ent. casseliflavus/gallinarum, Ent. raffinosus, with a different prevalence of the species depending on the source. Eighty-four per cent of isolates were true faecal species. Only one isolate was identified as belonging to the Streptococcus genus. The authors stress the opportunity to identify the species. This may help to clarify the ecological and epidemiological characteristics of intestinal enterococci and streptococci in the environment, in drinking and recreational waters and their meaning as indicators of faecal pollution. All isolates were tested for their susceptibility to some antimicrobial agents widely used in medical therapy and the pattern was compared with the pattern of isolates from clinical specimens.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Lymphnode metastasis in head and neck squamous cells carcinoma: multivariate analysis of prognostic variables.

Cervical lymphnodes metastatization by the squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is well known as a prognostic negative factor as far as survival is concerned. Multivariate analysis has been used on 207 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) in order to identify the possible prognostic significance of a group of clinical and histopathological characteristics, aiming to find a correlation with the possible occurrence of cervical lymphnodes. Two hundred and seven patients (168 males and 39 females, mean age: 62 years) with SCCHN were studied. They underwent surgery alone and radiotherapeutic associated treatment. Variables regarding the patient, carcinoma and histology were analysed: age, sex, smoking and alcohol consumption, performance status, concomitant internal pathologies (cardiopathies, hepatopathies, broncho-pneumopathies, metabolic disorders), site and size of primary tumor (T stage), number and size of laterocervical lymph node localization (clinical N stage), grading, vascular permeation, perineural infiltration. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed using BMDP's PLR programme. Some variables showed a great risk of lymphnode metastasis; among sites: supraglottic larynx (p = 0.05), base of the tongue (p = 0.04), hypopharynx (p = 0.05); some histological parameters as lower degree of histological differentiation (p = 0.02), the presence of vascular permeation (p = 0.06) and perineural invasion (p = 0.07) appear to represent predisposing factors for the onset of adenopathies. By considering prognostic factors as shown, it is possible to better identify metastasis risk cases, that leads to improved therapeutical strategies.

Adult↗

[Annular wedge tympanoplasty: a variation of overlay myringoplasty].

Myringoplasty has been increasingly refined in recent years and today the most frequently employed are the "overlay", the "underlay" and the "interlay". Of these the overlay technique appears to best guarantee graft stability. However, with this technique there is the risk of blunting and neotympanum lateralization which can compromise functional recovery. To obviate these drawbacks, the authors propose a modification of the classical overlay technique. This modification consists of detachment of the anterior portion of the Gerlach annulus and the adjacent protympanum mucosa in order to insert the graft between the bony and fibrous portions of the annulus. This technique is defined as the "Annular Wedge Tympanoplasty" (AWT). From January 1993 to July 1994 a total of 74 tympanoplasties were performed using the AWT technique to reconstruct the tympanic membrane. In 71 (96%) of these, the opening closed completely. As regards incomplete healing, 2 cases showed signs of blunting, 3 showed posterior lateralization and 1 full lateralization with a reduction in the hearing level recovery. The work is not conclusive although it does present a technique which is easy to perform and which provides good functional recovery.

Adolescent↗

Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the maxilla, a rare and curable localization: report of two new cases, successfully treated by radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.

Primary maxillary localization of Ewing's sarcoma is unusual. Involvement of facial bones is characterized by clinical and radiological features distinct from those commonly observed in other sites. Because of the above peculiarities a delay in diagnosis and thus in starting treatment is very probable in such cases. We report here two new cases of Ewing's sarcoma localized to facial bones, successfully treated by local high dosage radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Our experience suggests that, especially for particular sites not suitable to radical surgery, radiation therapy can represent an effective tool to achieve local control of the tumor.

Adult↗

[Autonomic nervous system disturbance as a possible cause of vertigo or dizziness].

In the present study possible interactions between dizziness, or vertigo, and eventual malfunctioning of the Autonomic Nervous System were evaluated. Two groups of ten patients each were patients each were tested. All the patients had vertigo or dizziness of uncertain etiology and ten had arterious hypotension. A careful anamnestic research was carried out in order to individualize symptoms or elements which could induce dysautonomia. A series of 6 tests aimed at evaluating cardiovascular responses was performed in all the patients. Alterations were present in 65% of the test responses. In particular, results were altered in patients with arterious hypotension. The Authors, underline the effectiveness of an adequate anamnesis in identifying patients with possible dysautonomia and affirm the validity of cardiovascular tests (non-invasive, specific and sensitive in obtaining information concerning the etiology of particular forms of dizziness.

Adolescent↗

Carcinoma of the external auditory meatus and middle ear. Results of the treatment of 28 cases.

AIMS: The authors report their experience on the treatment of 28 cases of middle ear (3) and external auditory meatus (EAM) cancers (25) with surgery and/or radiation therapy. According to histologic type, there were 23 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 basal cell carcinomas and 1 adenocystic carcinoma. METHODS: Surgery alone was performed in 2 cases, surgery combined with radiotherapy in 11 cases, and radiotherapy alone in 15 cases. Postoperative radiation therapy dose ranged between 4500 and 5500 cGy; the definitive dose was 6000-7000 cGy. The median follow-up was 61 months. RESULTS: Complete response rate 6 weeks after the end of the treatment, evaluated by CT scan, was 85.7% (24/28). Definitive local control was obtained in 20/28 cases for the primary site and in 26/28 cases for the neck. Nine of the 10 recurrences were retreated with low-dose radiotherapy combined with surgery, chemotherapy or hyperthermia. A new local control was obtained in 2 cases. Four patients were lost during the follow-up at 13, 14, 17 and 23 months after the end of the treatment. The survival rate was 54% (13/24); disease-free survival was 50% (11/22). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a not very aggressive treatment, our results are quite good.

Adult↗

Salmonella brandenburg: a novel cause of acute suppurative thyroiditis.

A patient with suppurative thyroiditis due to infection with Salmonella brandenburg is reported. Localization of the infection occurred to a pre-existing thyroid nodule after Salmonella bacteremia. S. brandenburg was isolated in pure culture from the fluid obtained by needle aspiration of the suppurated thyroid nodule. Surgical drainage followed by subtotal thyroidectomy was required to cure the disease. No evidence of pyriform sinus fistula was found. Suppurative thyroiditis due to Salmonella ubiquitous serotypes is an extremely rare condition, and infection to the thyroid produced by S. brandenburg is reported now for the first time. Indeed, the isolation rate of S. brandenburg from all human sources is low, and this microorganism is an uncommon agent of bacteremia.

Adult↗

Hip deformity and dislocation in spina bifida.

A group of 118 patients with spina bifida treated between 1960 and 1988 was reviewed with a focus on the problem of hip deformity and dislocation. Deformity can be avoided by physical therapy and correct posture. Hip dislocation often occurs in cases of high or mid-lumbar lesions; at lower levels subluxation is more common. In choosing appropriate treatment, the most important consideration is the patient's true functional potential. If the patient is either not ambulatory or severely impaired, his or her condition will not be exacerbated by a dislocated hip.

Adolescent↗

Surgical treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Thirty-two patients (out of 52 undergoing surgery) with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCP) were examined retrospectively to assess the efficacy of surgical treatment on epiphyseal morphology at the primary healing. The analysis of the clinical results of the 33 hips considered indicated that it is necessary to operate above all on 3rd grade hips. For these the most frequent operation indicated is osteotomy of the pelvis. Femoral osteotomy must be limited to cases with only a slightly deformed femoral epiphysis in patients below the age of 7-8 years.

Arthrography↗

Multidisciplinary treatment of primary orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. A single-institution experience.

Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for one-fourth of the primary tumors in the head and neck region. Modern treatment modalities have led to a 2-year survival rate of about 90% in these patients. However, new therapeutic trials are designed to reduce complications and salvage more than 90% of orbital cases. Between 1979 and 1990, 12 children affected by primary orbital rhabdomyosarcoma have been diagnosed and treated at the University of Naples. Ten of them have been uniformly treated by biopsy, followed by immediate radiation and combined chemotherapy. All 12 patients are alive and free of detectable disease, from a minimum of 7 months to a maximum of 123 months after diagnosis. In all children, ocular structures have been spared and the complications observed until now have been few. The above results suggest that the association of immediate radiation therapy and chemotherapy might represent an optimal tool for treatment of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.

Adolescent↗