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Biomedical subjects

G Olivero

Publications and source records attributed to G Olivero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Absence of gene mutations in a case of concomitant presence of carcinoid of the ampulla of vater pheochromocytoma and Von Recklinghausen disease.

The rare association between Von Recklin-ghausen's disease (VRD) and tumours other than in central nervous system is well recognized. However, the concomitance of VRD, a carcinoid of the ampulla of Vater, and a pheochromocytoma has been described very rarely in literature. Furthermore, the possible role of the genes usually involved in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, in this association, is unclear. We report the case of a patient affected by VRD and extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, operated on in the past for a carcinoid of the ampulla of Vater. To determine if genes involved in MEN syndromes might play a role in this particular triad, we investigated the presence of somatic or germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and menin gene by non isotopic polymerase chain reaction single stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and heteroduplex gel electro-phoresis. The results demonstrated that no somatic or germline mutations in the MEN-1 and MEN-2 genes were involved in the pathogenesis of these tumours.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). A clinical and genetic entity].

The first description of hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer goes back to Warthin's study in 1895. In 1966 two families with autosomal dominant predisposition to colon and endometrial cancer were found. This condition was defined initially as familial neoplasm syndrome, then Lynch syndrome, and at last hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC is classically subdivided into Lynch syndrome I (characterized by predisposition to colorectal cancer with early age of onset, to cancer of the proximal colon, and excess of synchronous and metachronous cancer), and Lynch syndrome II (characterized by similar colic phenotype with augmented risk of extracolonic neoplasm). If all clinical characteristics are present, it is possible to suspect HNPCC: however, diagnosis is difficult. Histological and genetic features of colon cancer confirm the diagnosis of HNPCC. Surgical therapy of colic neoplasm is total colectomy. A careful screening of HNPCC family members is one of the cardinal point in prevention. Follow-up of these surgical patients is the same as for sporadic neoplasms.

Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis↗
PubMed2002

[The role of apoptosis in hepatic graft rejection].

In 1965, Kerr described a type of death, apoptosis, with different characteristics from necrosis. Apoptosis has an important role in the development and cell homeostasis. Excessive or insufficient apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of pathology like ischemia, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, viral infection, and tumor growth or regression. Apoptosis is subdivided into four sequential phases: order of death; death of cell; phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies and degradation of apoptotic bodies. Death programs converge on sequential activation of a proteases family, caspases. Some aspects of graft rejection can be interpreted as failure of apoptosis in host immunity cells; sometimes rejection involves induction of apoptosis. Apoptotic-type lesions were found in early vascular occlusions, one of the cause of graft failure. Then, an augmented apoptosis in hepatic graft biopsy can be used like a signal of early vascular occlusion. In hepatic transplantation, apoptosis is followed by a proteolytic cascade, which causes sequential activation of caspases. Synthetic inhibitor of caspases can be used, then, in the prevention and/or treatment of pathologies with implication of apoptosis due to ischemia-reperfusion. These inhibitors are not enough for prevention of hepatic lesions, even if caspases inhibitor can be a strategy for treatment of hepatic graft rejection.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

[Cancer immunotherapy. A future therapeutical choice?].

The idea that there might be an immune response to cancer has been around for many years. Immunotherapy has a long history, but is only rarely considered as the treatment of choice. Immunotherapy has encountered a number of intrinsic difficulties in cancer, such as the antigenic resemblance between the tumour and normal cells, the rapid kinetic proliferation of tumour cells and their reduced immunogenicity. There are various types of immunotherapy. Aspecific immunotherapy augments the body s immune response without targeting specific tumoral antigens. In adoptive immunotherapy, cells are administered with antitumoral reactivity to mediate neoplasm regression. Specific active immunotherapy is based on the principle that neoplasm cells contain immunogenic sites against which an antitumoral immune response can be induced in an attempt to stimulate the immune system to target specific tumoral antigens. Vaccines against cancer cells are based on a more precise identification of the tumoral antigen components. Passive immunotherapy was limited by the difficulty of obtaining high titering and specificity in early attempts using polyclonal antisera; monoclonal antibodies are currently used alone or in association with radioactive substances and cytotoxic agents. Enormous progress has been made this century in the use of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. It seems likely that the next century will see its increased afficacy, making it one of the possible therapeutic options.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

[Treatment of pain in the oncologic patient].

Around 65-85% of cancer patients suffer from pain at advanced stages. Pain is often inadequately treated, although it can be controlled simply in the majority of cases. It is important to try and achieve a number of targets, including pain control at night, resting pain and pain during movement. Pain can be divided into somatic pain caused by the stimulation of traditional nociceptors, visceral pain and neuropathic pain caused by damaged nervous fibres. All three types may exist in the same patient. Drugs are the main method used to control oncological pain. The three main classes of drugs (FANS, opioid analgesics and adjuvant analgesics) are used individually or in combination. Given that the collateral effects of opioid analgesics may limit their value, they must be monitored to ensure careful treatment. The appropriate use of invasive treatment in patients with advanced disease who do not respond to oral therapy may alleviate cancer pain in 10-30% of cases. These adjuvant procedures are classified as blockades of autonomous nervous tissue, peripheral nerves and neuraxis. In conclusion, the ability to give an overall evaluation of a patient with pain, to ensure the component administration of analgesic drugs and to inform the patient and the family forms the basis of the treatment of pain in cancer.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1997

[Hemolysis and multiple trauma. A clinical case report].

A patient is described who presented hemolysis after a chest and head trauma. We checked out every possible cause of anemia and our conclusion is that trauma itself was the cause of hemolysis. As an explanation, we suggest that red blood cells were broken in lung capillaries because of endothelial damage due to pulmonary injury.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1996

[Treatment of esophageal reflux by insertion of Angelchik prosthesis: analysis of the follow-up in 26 patients].

The authors report a retrospective analysis of the immediate and long-term results of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux refractory to medical therapy using the insertion of Angelchik's prosthesis in a group of 26 patients operated at the Institute of Emergency Surgery of Turin University from January 1980 to December 1993. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative endoscopy and were then controlled using esophagogastric X-ray, esophagogastroscopy, esophageal manometry and pH-metry in the event of disorders of esophageal motility. Operative mortality was nil and no major surgical complications were reported. Postoperative endoscopy showed the resolution of esophagitis in 23 patients (88.4%); symptoms of slight esophagitis persisted in 2 cases, and moderate esophagitis in another. Eighteen patients were monitored over time with a minimum follow-up of more than 2 years: persistent dysphagia appeared in 3 cases (16.6%), and in one patient this led to the need for endoscopic dilatations. Two patients (11.1%) presented "gas bloat syndrome" which gradually improved. It was never necessary to remove the device. No cases were observed of erosion, migration or destruction of the prosthesis. Follow-up exceeded 10 years in 7 patients, at present asymptomatic. Angelchik's prosthesis proved to be efficacious, rapid and simple to insert, and characterised by a lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative course. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia makes only it is use indicated only in patients with a high operative risk, obese subjects and in case of recidivation of reflux after fundoplication.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1994

[Treatment of traumatic injuries of the spleen. Retrospective analysis of 164 cases].

Increased awareness of the spleen's immunologic function and the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis has aroused interest in methods of splenic preservation in patients with abdominal trauma. During an 8-year period, 164 patients with documented blunt splenic injuries were treated in accordance with an evolving therapeutic program. Definitive treatment included nonoperative management in 19 patients (group I, 11.6%), repair in 50 (group II, 30.5%) and splenectomy in 95 (group III, 57.9%). Mortality and morbidity were higher in group III (6.3% and 34.3% respectively) according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS 33.3 +/- 13). In group II one patient died from severe head injuries. Only one patient failed nonoperative management and required laparotomy with resultant splenectomy on hospital day 10. Observation without surgery has proved to be safe and effective in children (failure incidence less than 10%); success rates in adults would not parallel the experience reported in children because of differences in anatomy and mechanism of injury. Selective criteria, including hemodynamic stability after initial fluid challenge, normal level of consciousness, lack of peritoneal signs, transfusion requirements of less than 4 units of blood, CT demonstration of minor splenic lesion and exclusion of associated abdominal injuries requiring surgery, make eligible for nonoperative management 12 to 18% of adults with anticipated success in over 75%. Operative repair or partial splenectomy can be employed in many patients, both adults and children, with a 1% incidence of rebleeding necessitating reoperation.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1994

[A double-blind study of neostigmine versus placebo in paralytic ileus as a result of surgical interventions].

A fully randomized double-blind study, stratified according to diagnosis, was carried out in order to assess the effect of endonasal neostigmine in the treatment of post-laparotic paralytic ileus. A total of 40 patients (16 M, 24 F), aged between 22 and 76 years old, were admitted to the study; of these 20 were cholecystectomized and 20 had undergone emergency surgery. According to a special randomization list, 10 patients from each pathological group were treated with 6% neostigmine en (1 puff = 5.4 mg) and the other ten were treated with placebo. Both treatments were administered at a dose of 2 puffs, one per nostril, at the end of surgery and then repeated every 4 hours up to a maximum of 6 puffs/day. Treatment was continued for 4 days or until canalization of feces and gas was achieved. The mean daily dose of endonasal neostigmine found to be efficacious was 4 puffs/day, equivalent to 24.7 mg in cholecystectomized patients and 23.5 mg in patients undergoing emergency surgery. In over-all terms the canalization of gas and feces was observed in 74% of patients treated with neostigmine and in 45% of those receiving placebo and the difference was statistically significant.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1994

[Lesions of the spleen caused by blunt trauma. Proposal of a classification based on CT and correlation with prognosis and treatment].

The use of CT scan has had a profound influence on the evaluation and treatment of closed abdominal injuries, enabling a progressive reduction to be achieved in the total number of emergency laparotomies. The authors review CT performed over the past two years in adult hemodynamically stable patients with traumatic splenic lesions. In 19 cases it was possible to commence non-surgical treatment which was successful in 18/19 cases. A simple and precise scoring system was elaborated on the basis of data obtained from CT by evaluating 4 parameters: extent of free intraperitoneal effusion, concomitant lesions to other abdominal organs, severity and site of splenic lesion. This classification gives a high degree of prognostic accuracy and provides a useful guideline in the choice of the most appropriate treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Artificial nutrition in the injured patient].

Current knowledge of physiopathology allows better understanding of the metabolic and immunological alterations that occur after trauma, thus allowing more adequate treatment. Nutritional support is recognized as an important therapeutic intervention to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection and improve survival. The patient with severe trauma needs nutritional support from the beginning of treatment. The early administration of enteral nutrition is an important factor in the reduction of gut bacterial translocation and thus of septic complications. In the early phase, the parenteral route is capable of providing a sufficient calorific and protein support, whilst awaiting the recovery of the enteral route.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

[Indications for the surgical treatment of esophageal varices hemorrhage].

The authors present their experience in the treatment of acute bleeding from oesophageal varices. From 1983 to 1991, 596 patients underwent sclerotherapy during diagnostic endoscopy; a stop to bleeding was achieved in 512 cases (86%). Twenty-seven surgical emergency decompressive shunts were performed, 14 total portal-systemic and 13 selective; operative mortality was 64% and 54% respectively. One patient was submitted to oesophageal-gastric devascularization. Hundred-sixty elective shunts were performed, 99 total portal-systemic and 61 selective; operative mortality was 8% and 11% respectively. Since 1990 3 patients received liver transplantation. The 5-year survival rate of patients submitted to selective shunts was 46%; the 5-year survival rate of nonalcoholic cirrhotics submitted to shunt SRD was 73%.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1992

[Cholelithiasis. Ultrasonography and other diagnostic methods. Usefulness, indications, and limitations].

It is reported that 12.5% of the Italian population suffer from cholecystopathy. The Authors carried out a retrospective analysis of the cases observed over an 18-month period. It was found that ultrasonography was the most appropriate screening method to reveal cholecystic pathologies and diseases of the biliary tract since it is specific and sensitive and also enables adjacent organs to be examined (liver, kidneys, aorta, pancreas, spleen).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A study of 3H-PK 11,195 binding to "peripheral-type" benzodiazepine receptors on human lymphocytes. Evidence of decreased binding in hepatic encephalopathy.

In an attempt to assess the involvement of the "peripheral-type" benzodiazepine receptors (pBDZR) in hepatic encephalopathy (HE), we examined the binding of the isoquinoline carboxamide derivative 3H-PK 11,195 to lymphocyte membranes from a group of patients with liver cirrhosis with or without clinical signs of HE and normal controls. Lymphocyte 3H-PK 11,195 binding is saturable, with high affinity and presents the pharmacological specificity corresponding to pBDZR. A significant 40% decrease in the number of 3H-PK 11,195 binding sites, without a concomitant change in the apparent affinity, is observed in the group with HE as compared to the controls, but not in that with liver diseases without HE. The decrease in binding capacity correlates significantly with the clinical grading of HE, but not with age, sex, aetiology of cirrhosis or presence of surgical shunt. In contrast to the reduction of pBDZR, 3H-N-methylscopolamine binding to lymphocyte muscarinic receptors is not affected in HE. These findings are consistent with a role for pBDZR in HE and may stimulate studies of endogenous modulators and pharmacological agents for these receptors in the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Imipenem-cilastatin in the treatment of hospital infections.

Imipenem was tested on 65 gram-negative bacterial strains consecutively isolated in patients affected by hospital infection and used as empiric therapy in 52 patients presenting a hospital infection suspected of gram-negative origin. More than 96% of the tested strains resulted sensitive to imipenem. This antibiotic showed a good clinical result in more than 80% of the cases when used as therapy. Therefore imipenem could be considered the drug of first choice in patients with a severe prognosis and a nosocomial infection suspected to be due to a gram-negative microorganism.

Cilastatin↗
PubMed1990

[Traumatic perforation of the duodenum. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems].

The treatment of traumatic ruptures of the duodenum is one of the greatest controversies in surgery. The injury mechanisms, diagnostic criteria and factors underlying the prognosis are analysed and indications suggested for the various types of intervention. The problem relating to the operating technique are specified.

Duodenum↗
PubMed1990

[Traumatic perforation of the duodenum: report of 5 cases].

The results of surgery in 5 cases of traumatic rupture of the duodenum are presented. The site of the laceration, the time between trauma and operation, associated lesions, diagnostic routine and type of operation are specified. The mortality encountered (40%) should be related to the seriousness of the lesions.

Adolescent↗