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Biomedical subjects

G Intelisano

Publications and source records attributed to G Intelisano.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of sport and low animal saturated fats intake diet on lipid dismetabolisms in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: An important aetiopathogenetic factor leading to menopausal age pathologies (such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and so on) is certainly represented by the worsening of lipid dismetabolism. This condition is generally characterized by an increase in total mean cholesterol levels, LDL-cholesterol (low density lipoprotein-cholesterol), VLDL-cholesterol (very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol), triglycerides, with reduction of HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) mean levels. All these metabolic modifications are triggered or increased by the hypoestrogenemia typical of postmenopausal age. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence on postmenopausal women's lipid metabolism of a low contribution of animal saturated fat diets, associated with physical training. METHODS: We enrolled in our study 36 mild hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women (non smokers and not complaining of hypertension and diabetes) and we put them through aerobic training, consisting of 1 hour of a light continuous run, repeated 4 times per week. The final control of their metabolic status and of their lipid order was executed after 6 months, but during this period, all the women were observed bi-weekly or monthly, to assure a high uniform compliance in the group. None of the women enrolled took specific drugs for the lipid metabolism during the study. RESULTS: After 6 months from the beginning of the diet, with associated physical training, an important weight loss was observed. Increases of HDL-cholesterol mean levels (p<0.05) associated with a decrease of total cholesterol mean levels (p<0.05) were reported in all the subject examined. A statistically non-significant decrease in LDL and VLDL cholesterol mean levels was also noticed. CONCLUSIONS: A mild lipid dysmetabolism in postmenopause may be corrected advantageously by an opportune diet associated with moderate, but constant, physical training.

Cholesterol↗

A prospective study evidencing rhinomanometric and olfactometric outcomes in women taking oral contraceptives.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in olfactory sensitivity of oral contraceptive (pill) users. METHODS: Sixty women underwent rhinomanometric and olfactometric determinations during the follicular, periovular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and at day 7, 14 and 21 of contraceptive intake. Thirty-one women used 30 microg ethinyl oestradiol plus 75 microg gestodene and 29 women used 20 microg ethinyl oestradiol plus 150 microg desogestrel. RESULTS: Rhinomanometry showed higher but not statistically significant values during the periovular phase than in the follicular and luteal phases. Olfactometry showed a higher sensitivity during the follicular and periovular phases than during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The rhinomanometric surveys in pill users were statistically different from those of the luteal phase (P < 0.02) and the follicular and periovular phases (P < 0.001). The olfactometric thresholds during the period of contraceptive use were statistically different from those of the follicular phase for a few odorous substances, and from those of the periovular phase for each odorous substance, but similar to those of the luteal phase (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the rhinomanometric airflow and trans-nasal pressure, the olfactory threshold to odours seems to depend on the variations of the ovarian steroids during the menstrual cycle and on the iatrogenic effects of oral contraceptives.

Adolescent↗

Premenopausal women affected by sexual arousal disorder treated with sildenafil: a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether sildenafil is effective in young premenopausal women affected by arousal disorder. DESIGN: A double-blind cross-over study. SETTING: Centre for Sexological Research, Department of Microbiological and Gynaecological Science, University of Catania, Italy. SAMPLE: Fifty-three volunteer women aged 22-28 years affected by arousal disorders. METHODS: The study consisted of three 4-week periods: sildenafil, washout, placebo, by six possible sequences. sildenafil was used at 25 mg or 50 mg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was assessed at baseline and once monthly by the Personal Experiences Questionnaire based on the 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire quantified subjective arousal (primary endpoint), and orgasm, enjoyment, sexual frequency, and the number of sexual fantasies. RESULTS: Fifty-one women completed the study. Mean (SD) usage of sildenafil 25mg and 50mg was, respectively, 2.8 (0.8) and 2.7 (1.3) times weekly, while mean usage of placebo was 2.8 (1.6) times weekly. During both sildenafil dosages, arousal and orgasm improved with respect to placebo (P < 0.001). Therapeutically significant differences were not noted during the treatment with both 50 mg and 25 mg of sildenafil for arousal and orgasm. The frequency of sexual fantasies and of sexual intercourse, and enjoyment, improved in the women treated with sildenafil (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that sildenafil may improve sexual performance of women affected by sexual difficulties such as arousal disorder, and may indirectly improve other aspects of sexual life. Moreover, further studies need to define the use of PDE type 5 inhibitors in this sexual pathophysiology.

Adult↗

Rhinomanometric and olfactometric variations throughout the menstrual cycle.

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the rhinomanometric values and the changes in the olfactory threshold that occur in women throughout the menstrual cycle. The subjects were 60 healthy volunteer premenopausal women 18 to 40 years of age. We performed rhinomanometric and olfactometric measurements during the follicular, periovular, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Rhinomanometry showed a higher (not statistically significant) airflow during the periovular phase than during the follicular and luteal phases. Olfactometry showed a higher sensitivity during the follicular phase (p < .05) and the periovular phase (p < .001) than during the luteal phase. We conclude that airflow and transnasal pressure during spontaneous respiration, as well as the olfactory threshold to odors, seem to depend on the variations of the ovarian steroids that occur during the menstrual cycle.

Adolescent↗

[Experience with hepatic hydatidosis. Review of 100 cases].

201 cases of hydatid cysts observed in 1964-1984 are analysed. This is followed by a report on 100 cases of hepatic cysts with details of the patients' sex, age, symptoms and occupation. Finally the surgical treatment adopted in response to the site and dimensions of the cysts is described in detail.

Adult↗

[Acute cholecystitis].

Acute cholecystitis is a non-rare disease, the incidence of which was increasing in the last years parallel to biliary lithiasis, which in 90% of cases is the first cause of such pathology. From the anatomopathological standpoint, we distinguish three types of acute cholecystitis: catarrhal, suppurative and gangrenous. The most frequently remarked symptom is ache at right hypochondrium. Only in 30% of cases cholecyst can be palpated, in form of ovoid mass; typical is the positiveness of Murphy's manoeuvre; constant is fever, but not subicterus. The introduction of new methods of ascertainment, exempt from any risks, simple to be performed and remarkably careful, made the diagnostics of acute cholecystites easier: parietal cholecystotomography, hepato-biliary scintigraphy, echotomography (first approach investigation), computerized axial tomography and laparoscopy almost always succeed in dispelling doubts. By using more than one of these investigations, a diagnostic accuracy, touching on 100%, can be reached. The differential diagnosis should be placed with: peptic ulcer, acute pancreatitis, acute appendicitis, gonococcus perihepatitis, virus hepatitis, acute pyelonephritis, right basal pneumonia. The complications an acute cholecystitis can occur are: perforation (localized, in free peritoneum or in a hollow organ), choleperitonaeum, necrosis of hepatic parenchyma, acute pancreatitis. Due to the possible arising of such complications, the mortality unfortunately is not indifferent (5%), especially in patients already weakened by other chronic diseases. Still discussed is the question as to when performing operation. In fact, there are three trends: intervention in immediate emergency, in postponed emergency, or in remote time (preceded by a medical treatment). The Authors prefer the intervention in postponed emergency, as, in their experience, they remarked the poor effectiveness of the delay medical treatment, also involving a greater difficulty in the technical execution of the intervention and a longer stay in hospital. From 1973 up to 1983, 241 cases of acute cholecystitis (158 women and 83 men) were hospitalized at the First Aid Surgical Centre of the Catania University. Eight patients refused the surgical intervention. The remaining 233 underwent, depending upon the seriousness of the affection, the associated diseases and the different reactiveness to the medical treatment, operation: in immediate emergency (26.1%); in postponed emergency (67.8%; in remote time (6.1%). The mortality was 2.2%, with the lowest percentage in the second group.

Acute Disease↗