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Biomedical subjects

G Corradi

Publications and source records attributed to G Corradi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Effect of pyospermia on fertility. Studies by selective leukocyte staining, elastase determination and routine sperm parameters].

The effect of cellular immune response on male fertility was investigated. 92 patients--attending the out patient practice of our Andrological department and 15 patients undergoing vasectomy for sterilisation purpose--were included in this study. For measuring the cellular immune response granulocyte concentration and PMN-elastase level were investigated in ejaculate, former according to WHO manual, and PMN-elastase concentration by ELISA technic. Elastase is a very sensitive non organ specific marker of inflammation. Pathological granulocyte concentration was present in 10.8%, slightly elevated level in 4.3% of cases, totally in 15.1%. Pathological elastase level was found in 17.4%, slightly elevated in 16.3%, totally in 33.7% of cases. High level of correlation was present between the two parameters of inflammation r = 0.695. The incidence of the two parameters in fertile and subfertile patients groups was not significant. Conventional spermaparameters (cell concentration/ml, motility %, intensive motility %, morphology %) were significantly different in the leucospermic and non leucospermic patient groups, except cell concentration. (P = 0.06, P = 0.04, P = 0.03, P = 0.001). The incidence of high elastase level was very similar P = 0.07, P = 0.005, P = 0.03, P = 0.005. As conclusion of our investigation we conclude that cellular response could have a negative influence on male fertility as "side-effect" of the cytotoxic influences of immune defense.

Adult

[Andrologic significance of genital mycoplasma].

The authors investigated the effect of genital mycoplasma infection of fertility. The rate of silent mycoplasma infection was studied in asymptomatic andrological patients (655 persons) and in a control group of so called "chronic prostatitis" (1085) patients with clinical symptoms. In the asymptomatic andrological group the urethral smear was positive in 12.5% of cases, the ejaculate in 22.0% of cases. In the "chronic prostatitic" group mycoplasma infection was present in urethral smear in 34.8% of cases, and in the ejaculate in 37.0% of cases. The isolation showed that 29.2% of positive ejaculate samples contained M. hominis, and 70.8% of samples was infected by U. urealyticum. For investigating the effect of mycoplasma infection on the male fertilization capacity, infected and non infected andrological patients was compared by conventional andrological parameters and by modern functional tests like bovin mucus penetration test, hypoosmotic swelling test and swim up procedure. All the modern parameters and one of the conventional tests (sperm motility) showed a significant difference between the two groups.

Chronic Disease

[Significant bacteriospermia. Value and limits of sperm count in andrology].

The data concerning bacteriospermia--are very different in the literature. Asymptomatic andrologic patients, and as control group--patients of the outpatient department for male adnexitis--were studied. Cultivation of aerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas has been recently accomplished by quantitative bacteriological analysis and chlamydia diagnostic. The microbiological screening of 210 andrologic patients ejaculate has given the following results: 19.6% were sterile, 21.0% were colonised by apathogens, 59.1% were positive: 6.2% Mycoplasma hominis, 15.8% Ureaplasma urealyticum, 13.3% Chlamydia trachomatis, 51.9% other aerobic pathogens. 27.6% of samples contained more then one kind of bacteria strains. Quantitative isolation of aerobics and mycoplasmas in both andrological and male adnexitis patients groups showed the following distribution. In the andrologic groups 14.7% of samples contained 10(4) CFU/ml, 9.6% more than 10(4) CFU/ml aerobic bacteria; in the male adnexitis group nearly twice higher values could be observed (20.2% and 19.5%). The distribution of mycoplasma CFU/ml was the following; andrologie group: 20.1% of samples contained 10(4) mycoplasma CFU/ml, 37.5% more than 10(4) CFU/ml; in the male adnixitis group the identical values: 22.9%, 66.9%. Chi 2 statistical analysis showed significant difference ((p = 0.000) in the distribution of data in the two groups. On the other hand both of the groups contained all kinds of bacteriological concentration and even negative cases. Therefore authors suggest more biochemical investigations for detecting inflammatory diseases. Spermaparameters (motility and progressive motility) of andrological patients, divided by sperm concentration (cell number above and under 20 million/ml) and the degree of infection (non infected, slightly infected, and above 10(4) CFU/ml) were significantly different in the seriously infected group by variance analysis (p = 0.000).

Bacterial Infections

Morphologic analysis of serous effusion cells by scanning electron microscopy.

The authors used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the cells obtained from serous effusions of patients affected with a neoplasm or benign disease. Cellular morphology was studied in non-neoplastic effusions to distinguish benign cells from cancer cells with which they are almost always suspended in malignant effusions. Tumor cells differ in some features such as shape, size, arrangement and especially in surface structures (microvilli), the latter being very noticeable when using this method. The investigation enabled us to note several changes in the cell surface that could reflect particular activities of the cells themselves. For this reason we believe that the technique may be considered very useful to gain knowledge of cellular morphology. However, it cannot be considered suitable for making routine diagnostic conclusions.

Adult

Performance of the mucinous-like carcinoma-associated antigen in serous effusions.

The mucinous-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA), a new tumour marker, was dosed in 150 serous effusions. The levels of MCA were measured by means of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Ninety-seven were pleural effusions, 49 were peritoneal effusions and 4 were pericardial effusions. Thirty-five effusions were caused by breast carcinoma, 19 by ovarian carcinoma, 17 by pulmonary carcinoma, 19 by various cancers, while 60 effusions turned out to be of non-neoplastic origin. The results were considered in comparison with the cytologic examination, and the data obtained were also elaborated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and test efficiency. The EIA showed satisfactory statistical parameters principally regarding ovarian metastatic cancer. On the other hand, less satisfactory results were extrapolated on breast and lung cancers. Even if further studies are necessary, for example to compare MCA with other seric tumour markers, this experience suggests that MCA could be a satisfactory tumour marker in the diagnosis of metastatic ovarian effusions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

[New function tests in andrologic practice].

The authors compared the classical sperm parameters (cell count, motility, morphology) to new functional tests, such as swim up, hypoosmotic swelling test and in vitro fertilization. The results of hypoosmotic swelling test showed a very good correlation with the fertilization in vitro (P = 0.0001). The authors suggest to make the new functional probes together with the classical examination in the routine andrological practice.

Female

Experience with the Peponen capsule in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Sixty patients in Stages I and II of benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with Peponen capsule. Out of them 26 took the drug for 10 months, 22 for at least 7, and 12 for at least 4 months. The daily dosage was 3 x 2 capsules in the first month and 3 x 1 capsule for the rest of the time. On the ground of urodynamic test results and changes in subjective complaints, more than 80% of the patients experienced improvement. The therapy intensified the uroflow, appeased dysuria, the difficult and painful discharge, and reduced the frequency of nocturnal urination.

Humans

Use of monoclonal antibodies to human breast-tumor-associated antigens in the diagnosis of fine-needle aspirates of breast nodules: results of a multicenter study.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is being increasingly employed in conjunction with physical examination and mammography in the pre-surgical diagnosis of breast nodules. In the present study, we have submitted to multicenter validation an immunocytochemical test which employs monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to breast-tumor-associated antigens (BTAA) for the diagnosis of breast cancer. The results of this analysis, which has evaluated 846 FNAs, show that the immunological test has a sensitivity of 88.62%, a specificity of 97.9% and an accuracy of 92.4%. The predictive value of a positive and a negative finding were 98.4% and 85.57% respectively. Comparison between the cytological and immunocytochemical diagnosis displayed a higher sensitivity, accuracy and predictive value of a negative result with the latter method (p less than 0.01). Our findings clearly indicate that immunocytochemical methods can complement and improve the diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology of breast nodules.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

The possibility of applying a monoclonal tumor-restricted antibody in cytologic diagnosis of lung cancer in serous effusions.

Fifty serous effusions resulting from a lung disease have been examined. A tumor-restricted anticarcinoma of the lung (not a small cell lung carcinoma) MAb, termed HuTu-m3, has been used together with conventional cytology to examine the cells. The results achieved by immunocytochemical examination have been compared with cytologic results and the data obtained have been evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and test efficiency. The final analysis suggests that this technique might be helpful in the diagnosis of serous effusions by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cell cytologic detection.

Adult

Immunocytochemical determination of epidermal growth factor receptor with monoclonal EGFR1 antibody in primary breast cancer patients.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to be important in regulating the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo because of its mitogenic action on some breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Immunocytochemical analysis of EGF receptor (EGFr) was carried out on frozen sections in 134 primary breast cancer patients. Overall 68 of 134 (51%) of the tumors were EGFr positive. There was no correlation between EGFr positivity and menopausal status. Regarding the histopathological features, no significant correlations were observed between EGFr expression and tumor size, grading and lymph nodes status. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptors were detected by an immunocytochemical assay and an equal distribution of EGFr was found regarding steroid hormonal receptors expression. Finally, there was only a positive trend between the proliferative activity of the tumors, as measured by Ki-67 antibody, and the amount of EGFr. Our results suggest the presence of a subclass of breast tumors, characterized by the absence of ER and/or PgR and the presence of EGFr, whose growth appears to be mediated by autocrine growth factors rather than by steroid hormones. The overall picture is that of an independent relationship between EGFr expression and the known prognostic factors in breast cancer.

Adult

Application of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis of human breast cancer by fine-needle aspiration cytology.

In the present study the authors have examined 100 breast nodules by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) using the avidin-biotin complex method of immunoperoxidase staining. The monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) employed, B 6.2 and B 72.3, recognize two distinct molecules expressed by transformed breast epithelium. The authors have compared this immunocytochemical reaction with the conventional cytology and the histological examination as well. The data of the MAbs alone or in combination have been evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and test efficiency. The results show that tumor cells are strongly reactive with the MAbs. So the authors believe that this method in conjunction with conventional cytology may be useful in the diagnosis of breast tumor, especially in doubtful FNAC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Clinical value of a new tumor marker (M.C.A.) in the breast cancer follow-up.

The authors evaluated the levels of a mucinous-like carcinoma antigen (M.C.A.) in the serum of 105 follow-up patients with breast carcinoma by means of an enzyme immunoassay. The negative/positive cut-off level determined in a group of healthy women was 13.2 U/ml. 80 patients turned out to be free disease, while 25 patients showed relapse or metastasis. High levels of MCA were observed in 72.0% of the patients with renewal of the neoplastic disease as well as in 12.5% of the free disease subjects. The EIA method appeared to have a good specificity (87.5%) and a fair test efficiency (83.8%). On the contrary, its sensitivity (72.0%) and its predictive value (64.3%) were not completely satisfactory. Therefore we think the matter needs to be studied more deeply and so does the case-report.

Adult

Thymostimuline and uterine cancer satellite lymph nodes. Morphometric comparison between an 8-day-before-surgery and a 14-day-before-surgery single treatment.

The Authors analyse the functional areas (cortical, paracortical, germinal center, medullary, histiocytosis of the sinuses) of regional lymph nodes in women having uterine carcinoma and previously treated with Thymostimuline, and who were operated on respectively 8 and 14 days after inoculation. They also evaluate the degree of significance when compared with a control group treated locally with a physiological solution. The number of lymph nodes examined is at least 5, and the stereological analysis was carried out with the use of a grid: 200 points, actual area 200 cm2, effective area at the level of the preparation 0.32 mm2 (250 X). The Authors examine the results obtained after 8 days' action by Thymostimuline, and, after 14 days, the difference between the 8-day-after and the 14-day-after administration results, and those between the cervical and the endometrial. 4 women with uterine cancer (Stages I and II) and treated with the same doses of physiological saline solution were used as controls.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

Morphometric analysis of peritumoral lymph nodes in patients operated on for uterine cancer, locally treated with a thymic extract.

By means of a morphometric analysis, the authors have evaluated the structure and dimensions of the lymph node functional areas (cortical, medullary, paracortical, histiocytosis of the sinuses, germinal centres) in regional nodes of women with carcinoma of the uterus in the 1st and 2nd stages. Twenty patients were treated 8 days before surgery with a dose of 1.5 mg kg-1 body weight of thymic hormone directly into the uterine portio. Ten patients, on the other hand, were injected with physiological saline solution. The quantitative and qualitative results show that in peritumoral lymph nodes of women treated with thymostimolin there is a marked increase, statistically significant (P less than 0.001), of the paracortical zone and of the number of germinal centres.

Female

The occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the semen of men participating in an IVF programme.

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases. The authors studied the occurrence of C. trachomatis in the semen of 184 asymptomatic men participating in the IVF programme. Twenty-six (14.1%) of the 184 tested were positive for C. trachomatis, these patients and their wives receiving doxycycline capsules twice, 100 mg on the first day and 100 mg/day for the following 13 days. This treatment was effective in 88.5% of the cases and in the rest, treatment continued with erithromycin 250 mg four times/day for 2 weeks. The authors compared the semen parameters (cell count, motility, morphology, bovine mucus penetration and hypo-osmotic swelling test) in the infected and non-infected groups and observed no significant difference between these two groups.

Chlamydia Infections

Steriological analysis of peritumoral lymph nodes in patients operated for cervical and endometrial cancer after being treated with thymostimulin.

We have evaluated, by means of stereological analysis, the dimensions of the lymph node functional areas (cortical, medullary, paracortical, histiocytosis of the sinuses, germinal centers) in regional lymph nodes of women with cervical cancer (15 women) and endometrial carcinoma (6 women) in Ist and IInd stage, treated 8 days before surgery with a dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg of body weight of thymostimulin directly into the uterine cervix. 4 women with cervical and endometrial cancer (stages I and II) and treated with the same doses of physiological saline solution were used as controls. The quantitative results show that in the lymph nodes of women treated with thymostimulin there is a statistically significant marked increase (P less than 0.001), of the paracortical areas.

Female

Melanoma relapse of the upper third of the vagina treated with BCG and beta-interferon.

Faced with a vaginal melanoma relapse in an old cardiac patient operated in May 1985 for melanoma in the upper 3rd of the vagina, we had to solve a therapeutic problem in view of the impossibility of excising a lesion larger than the preceding one and because the patient refused every type of surgery. So we then chose the combined treatment of intralesional BCG and intravenous beta-Interferon. Monthly intravenous administration of beta-Interferon has reached a total of 8,000,000 I/U, while the BCG has been inoculated intralesionally in the submucosa in doses of 0.1 ml after observing the negative result of the PPD test. Our aim was to achieve double immunological stimulation by combining two drugs that are often used separately with satisfactory results. Before and after every therapy cycle, the immunological status was established, and showed a small but constant and permanent increase in T-lymphocytes, both helper and suppressor. Histological results before and after therapy and immunological responses are reported, and the case distinguishes itself by its brilliant results.

Aged

[Immune complexes as markers in breast cancer and melanoma].

During the year 1985 the Authors, using three-monthly blood abstractions, monitored 67 patients affected with carcinoma in order to observe the serum levels of immune complexes using two enzyme immunoassays. They compared the results obtained by the two methods in connection with the type of tumor and moreover they attempted to find a correlation with the neoplastic progression. The final results are nevertheless little encouraging in the use of these methods to observe the development of the disease.

Adult