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Biomedical subjects

M Capelli

Publications and source records attributed to M Capelli.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Naloxone potentiation of 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB 154) effects on GH secretion in man.

The effect of the combined administration of either CB 154 (2.5 mg/osM) or L-DOPA (500 mg/osM) and naloxone have been studied in six normal male volunteers. Naloxone cause a clear-cut potentiation of CB 154 effects on human growth hormone (hGH) secretion and only a slight, statistically non-significant, potentiation of L-DOPA effects on hGH secretion. These results have been discussed in the light of morphofunctional findings showing possible interactions between dopamine (DA) systems and somatostatin-positive and enkephalin-positive nerve terminals.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Hypophyso-gonadal function in the diabetic child.

14 diabetic boys (five with a family history of diabetes and nine without) and 29 "short normal" boys were studied. A gonadal function test (2.000 IU of hCG i.m. for 3 days and plasma testosterone assay before and after the hCG administration) as well as an LH-RH test (50 microgram i.v.) were carried out. While basal testosterone level turned out to be similar in the two groups of children, it was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) after hCG than the mean value of the control group. This difference was mainly observed in those patients with a family history of diabetes. In the diabetic children, basal LH level was normal and the pituitary LH reserve was lower than in the control group. Both basal FSH level and FSH pituitary reserve were lower than in normal children. These data show that an alteration in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal function is already evident in the diabetic child.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical application of the 24-H urinary C-peptide excretion rate and its relationship to metabolic control in diabetics.

In this study, we evaluated in normal subjects, insulin-dependent (IDD) and non-insulin-dependent (NIDD) diabetics, the diurnal urinary C-peptide excretion rate (CPR-U) and its relationship to serum C-peptide concentration and glucose:C-peptide molar ratio, and to the common parameters of metabolic control. The CPR-U (and CPR-U/g creatinine) were significantly lower in IDD and higher in NIDD compared to control subjects. Moreover, a good and significant correlation with serum C-peptide concentrations and the glucose:C-peptide ratio in diabetic subjects as well as in controls and diabetics considered together was found. A slight but significant correlation was present in diabetic subjects between CPR-U and body mass index (r = 0.45), 24-h glycosuria (r = 0.36), HbA1 levels (r = 0.31), post-prandial glucose concentrations (r = 0.26) and per cent glucose variation after each meal (r = 0.34). No differences were found in CPR-U and the degree of metabolic control between obese and non-obese NIDD. In conclusion, CPR-U may be a useful and simple method of defining the secretory activity of the B-cell. Metabolic control in diabetics is slightly correlated to the degree of B-cell function as evaluated by the diurnal excretion rate of C-peptide in urine.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Creatine kinase and myoglobin determination in myocardial infarction (determination of infant size).

In order to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic importance of serum myoglobin (Mb) determination during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) we determined the time of first rise of both CK and Mb, that is the time in hours between the onset of pain and the last normal myoglobin and enzyme determination (TFR for Mb = 2.2 +/- 1.5 h; TFR for CK = 4.0 +/- 2.5 h). We also attempted to evaluate infarct size by mathematical analysis of the serum concentrations of Mb. The average percentage difference between the infarct size calculated from the CK concentrations and Mb concentrations was 35.8 +/- 35.2%. The results show that the determination of serum myoglobin is a useful and sensitive test for the early diagnosis of AML. On the other hand, the serum myoglobin cannot be utilized to evaluate infarct size. The main limitation in the determination of infarct size from the serum Mb concentrations lies in the extreme variability of the disappearance rate (Kd), mainly resulting from the renal elimination of the substance.

Clinical Enzyme Tests↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gonadal and adrenal secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in prepubertal and pubertal subjects.

The Authors have evaluated the relationship between the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHA-S) by the adrenal glands and by the gonads in a group of prepubertal and pubertal subjects ("short normal"), both males and females. In the male subjects of a hCG test and an ACTH test were performed; in the female subjects only the latter test was carried out. The behavior of DHA-S under basal conditions was also assessed in both sexes and related to bone age and chronological age in the prepubertal period and during the early stages of puberty. Plasma levels of DHA-S in both sexes increase progressively with chronological age and bone age. A negative correlation was found between DHA-S and bone delay (expressed in percent relative to chronological age) in prepubertal subjects, both males and females. A significant increase in DHA-S after hCG stimulation was found both in prepubertal and pubertal boys. After ACTH stimulation DHA-S increased significantly in prepubertal and pubertal males and females; throughout the test no difference was found between prepubertal and pubertal subjects nor between male and female subjects. Our data confirm that DHA-S is produced both by the adrenals and by the testes.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of dietary carbohydrates during hypocaloric treatment of obesity on peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism.

The effect of different hypocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) intakes was evaluated in 8 groups of obese patients in order to assess the role of the CHO and the other dietary sources in modulating the peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism. These changes were independent of those of bw. Serum T3 concentrations appear to be more easily affected than those of reverse T3 by dietary manipulation and CHO content of the diet. A fall in T3 levels during the entire period of study with respect to the basal levels occurred only when the CHO of the diet was 120 g/day or less, independent of caloric intake (360, 645 or 1200 calories). Moreover, reverse T3 concentrations were found increased during the entire period of study when total CHO were very low (40 to 50 g/day) while they demonstrated only a transient increase when CHO were at least 105 g/day (with 645 or more total calories). Indeed, our data indicate that a threshold may exist in dietary CHO, independent of caloric intake, below which modifications occur in thyroid hormone concentrations. From these results it appears that the CHO content of the diet is more important than non-CHO sources in modulating peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism and that the influence of total calories is perhaps as pronounced as that of CHO when a "permissive" amount of CHO is ingested.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neonatal screening for 21-hydroxylase deficiency: a microfilter paper method for 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone assay.

A micromethod for measuring 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in blood collected on filter paper has been developed. Our method is rapid, easy and has the specificity, accuracy and precision of the radioimmunoassay in whole blood. The method has been applied for screening patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Fifty samples collected on filter paper were assayed by our method, using 125I as tracer, and results were compared with those obtained for the same samples using a tritium tracer. The agreement between the two methods was particularly good in the area ranging from 15 to 100 pg/disc. In one neonate the diagnosis of CAH was made utilizing the microfilter paper method. Our method is a promising screening test for CAH. An indication of the advantages or disadvantages of this type of screening will become available when an adequate number of infants has been examined.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Increased levels of interferon-gamma in seminal plasma of infertile men.

The role of the cell-mediated immunity in male infertility is still far from clear. Interferon-gamma (INF-gamma), a secretory product of activated T cells and natural killer cells, has been hypothesized to have a toxic effect on sperm function. The presence of INF-gamma was investigated in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile subjects, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in order to study its role in male infertility. Forty-one subjects were studied; 20 had proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 21 showed male infertility for at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). INF-gamma was present in significantly higher levels in the seminal plasma of infertile subjects (6.36 +/- 0.72 fmol ml-1) compared to fertile subjects (3.68 +/- 0.30 fmol ml-1). Moreover, a significant negative correlation between INF-gamma levels and sperm count, motility and morphology was detected, whereas no correlation between INF-gamma levels and leukocyte count was found. These findings (i) confirm INF-gamma to be present in seminal plasma; (ii) show increased INF-gamma secretion in the infertile group; (iii) demonstrate negative correlations of INF-gamma with the main spermiogram parameters and (iv) no correlation with leukocyte count. INF-gamma may therefore play an important role in male infertility.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessing psychological distress in cancer patients: validation of a self-administered questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Screening for psychological distress in cancer patients is important, considering the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders responsive to treatment. The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Psychological Distress Inventory (PDI), a 13-item self-administered questionnaire developed to measure psychological distress in cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PDI was tested in three samples of 434 cancer patients. In the first sample (n = 102) it was administered with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Its validity as a screening method for psychiatric disorders was evaluated through a clinical interview in the second sample (n = 107). The third sample (n = 225) provided information on the ability of the PDI to discriminate among patients in different clinical phases of disease and allowed an estimate of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in these groups of patients. RESULTS: A 0.88 alpha coefficient was obtained in the whole study sample. The correlations with the STAI scales were > 0.70. A positive correlation with neuroticism (r = 0.59) and a negative correlation with extroversion (r = -0.34) was observed. In the second sample, 67 patients (62.6%) received a psychiatric diagnosis according to the ICD-X criteria. The mean PDI scores were significantly lower for the 40 patients with no psychiatric diagnosis (mean 24.5) as compared with the 49 patients with adjustment disorders (mean 36.4) and with the 12 patients with depressive disorders (mean 40.8). The area under curve, estimated through a Receiver-Operating Characteristics analysis, was 0.88. A cut-off of 29 was associated with a 75% sensitivity and a 85% specificity. In the third sample, the lowest PDI scores were in patients with no evidence of disease (mean 24.7, 95% CL 23.0-26.4) as compared to patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment (mean 30.9, 95% CL 28.9-32.9) and to patients under palliative therapy (mean 36.0, 95% CL 34.0-37.9). The estimated prevalence of patients with psychiatric disorders in these three groups were respectively 5.0, 56.6 and 98.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the PDI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring psychological distress in cancer patients and to detect psychiatric disorders through a screening procedure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of mixing short- and intermediate-acting insulins on absorption course and biologic effect of short-acting preparation.

The effects of mixing short- and intermediate-acting insulins (Actrapid MC and Monotard MC) were studied in seven diabetic patients. On different days, 0.16 IU/kg of Actrapid and 0.24 IU/kg of Monotard were administered to each subject in separate injections and combined in the same syringe. Free-insulin curves and the biologic effect of insulin, assessed by the glucose-clamp technique, were compared. The absorption rate of regular insulin was higher when injected separately from the intermediate-acting preparation: the incremental areas of free insulin above basal levels, up to 90 min after the administration of the hormone, were 32 +/- 5 vs. 21 +/- 3 microU X ml-1 X min-1 (P less than .02). In the same period, glucose infused to sustain glycemia showed no significant differences (2.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.3 mg X kg-1 X min-1 after the administration of insulin in separate and combined injection, respectively). The difference in insulin profiles is not translated into a significant difference in glucose requirement. This might be a consequence of a flattening of the insulin dose-response curve due to insulin resistance of diabetic subjects. The slight delay in insulin action of Actrapid when mixed with Monotard is probably irrelevant in clinical practice.

Absorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Interleukin-2 in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

The role of cell-mediated immunity in the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is far from being defined. The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has a key role in T-cell mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of IL-2 in human seminal plasma, to show eventual differences between IL-2 concentrations in fertile and infertile subjects, and to show potential relationship between IL-2 amounts in semen and spermiogram parameters. Forty-three subjects entered the study, 20 with proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 23 with male infertility of at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). IL-2 levels of seminal plasma in infertile subjects (444.3 +/- 40.5 fmol/mL) were significantly higher than those in fertile subjects (251.3 +/- 42.7 fmol/mL). There was a significant negative correlation between IL-2 levels and sperm count, motility, and morphology. No correlation was found between IL-2 levels and leukocyte count. These findings confirm IL-2 to be in seminal plasma, show increased IL-2 secretion in the infertile group, demonstrate negative correlations of IL-2 levels with main spermiogram parameters, and indicate no correlation with leukocyte count. IL-2 concentration in seminal plasma may therefore be considered as a potential marker in male infertility.

Biomarkers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Reconstruction options after extensive ablation of the mouth].

Surgical treatment of the advanced tumors of the oral cavity determines challenging anatomical and functional defects of the involved districts. The aim of our study was to supply reconstructive guidelines for the surgical treatment of the tumors of the oral cavity. Indications and conclusions were drawn following a retrospective review of data of 76 patients undergone oral and oromandibular reconstruction with either pedicled (17) or free flaps (59). The analysis included for both groups the registration of type of selected flap, success rate, early and late complications rate, functional results at 6 months to 1 year, ie oral feeding recovery and quality of oral feeding. The results obtained point out that the anatomical and functional complexity of the oral cavity needs a wide armamentarium of surgical techniques and skills at prompt disposal of the reconstructive surgeon. Free flaps should be kept in mind as the first choice for middle-sized to wide defects. An extended range of options in this group are available, and the selection should be based on type and extent of the defect following surgical oncologic ablation, but also on the surgeon experience itself. Pedicled flaps should be alternatively selected on case of general, vascular or local contraindications to major free flaps surgery, for the higher complications rate and worse functional outcomes to be faced.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Decisional algorithm in extended neoplasms of the hypopharynx and the cervical esophagus].

Hypopharynx reconstruction must deal with restoration of not a simple tubed conduit but a complex arrangement of constrictive and propulsive forces with fine sensory circuits. The chosen surgical approach should guarantee both complete removal of tumor and re-establishement of the two primary functions of the district: first swallowing and then phonation. We retrospectively reviewed data of 67 patients who had undergone oncologic reconstruction of hypopharynx with either pedicled or free flaps at the ENT Department of IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, University of Pavia, between November 1994 and July 2004. Type and extension of the defect following cancer removal guided the selection of reconstructive procedure. Partial defects, with more than 50% mucosa spared, in absence of chance of being closed primarly, were covered with radial forearm free flaps as first choice; pedicled flaps such as pectoralis major and SCM rotational flaps were used instead if free flaps contraindicated by general and/or local conditions. With circumferential defects reconstruction was accomplished by means of jejunum free flap, as first choice. Adverse local abdominal conditions mandated the alternative use of either tubulized or tunnelized fasciocutaneous free flaps, such as radial forearm and lateral thigh. When free flaps use contraindicated, or in case of salvage surgery after flap loss, pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi pedicled flap were chosen. Both reconstructions with free and pedicled flaps were successful in an high percentage of cases (>85%). Analysis of incidence and causes of flap failure are reported in this work. In the free flaps group of patients a lower rate of complications were registered, allowing a faster patient discharge from hospital (36% versus 81.3%). An oral swallowing function was gained in 92% of free flaps and 62.5% of pedicled flaps. Excellent and exclusive oral nutrition (free diet), was obtained in 54% of free flaps and 25% of pedicled flaps. None of patients undergone laryngectomy coupled in both groups with pharyngectomy achieved an intelligible esophageal speech. Only patients in the free flaps group benefitted from voice prosthesis implant: in fact this procedure was avoided in pedicled flaps due to the excessive tissue bulk. In conclusion, the data collected suggest that free flaps rapresent the first choice for both partial and total oncologic hypopharyngeal reconstruction, while pedicled flaps should be taken into account when free ones contraindicated by general or vascular conditions.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Benfluorex action on metabolic control and insulin sensitivity in type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetics.

In this study, 16 overweight or obese NIDDM patients with a long period of stable weight and dietary surveillance were treated with 150 mg t.i.d. of Benfluorex per os for 3 months. A significant improvement occurred in the fasting and post-meal glucose levels and in the HbA1C values, regardless of weight changes that occurred throughout the study. No significant changes were found in the fasting or meal-stimulated insulin (IRI) levels and in the glucose:IRI molar ratios. On the contrary, there were no significant variations in C-peptide levels while the glucose:CPR ratio appeared to decrease while on Benfluorex. In basal conditions, 11 patients presented insulin insensitivity (as measured by the glucose-insulin-somatostatin technique) which was unaffected by the pharmacological treatment. Benfluorex may therefore ameliorate metabolic control in overweight or obese NIDDM patients, but our data do not clarify whether its effects are mediated by an improvement in the action of insulin in peripheral tissues.

Aged↗