PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Maggio

Publications and source records attributed to M Maggio.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus seropositivity in an urban childhood population in Cameroon.

In 1989, the prevalence of antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV) was determined by the ELISA method in serum samples from 198 apparently healthy children 4-14 years old in Kumba City (Cameroon). Children were randomly recruited from six primary schools located in different districts of the city. The overall prevalence was 94.0%, increasing from 88.5% in 4-6 years old to 98% in subjects 11-14 years old. A slight male predominance was observed (96.2% versus 92.4%), which was not statistically significant. Family size and father's occupation were not associated with anti-CMV prevalence. These findings demonstrate a virtually total exposure to CMV infection by late childhood in Cameroon. However, the undesirable consequences of congenitally acquired CMV infection are rare, because nearly 100% of the women are seropositive by the time they reach childbearing age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Myasthenia gravis associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy: report of a case.

We report the case of a 24 year old woman who developed myasthenia gravis in the course of a mild form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. We describe the clinical manifestations together with the neurophysiological, pathological, serological findings and response to therapy and discuss the unusual association in the light of the relevant literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Seroepidemiology of pertussis infection in an urban childhood population in Cameroon.

In 1989, the prevalence of IgG antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT) in a sample of 367 unvaccinated apparently healthy children 5-14 years old was estimated by ELISA in Kumba City (Cameroon). Children were recruited using a systematic random sampling from six primary schools located in different districts of the city. The sample was representative of the various socioeconomic classes. The overall prevalence was 75%; it increased from 62% in 5 year old children to 81% in children 12-14 years old (P less than 0.01). IgG antibody prevalence was positively related to the family size. Children belonging to households of nine or more members had a 2.2-fold risk (C.I. 95 per cent = 1.1-4.6) of previous exposure to B. pertussis infection. No association was found with the father's occupation (O.R. = 1). These findings demonstrate a great impact of pertussis infection in Cameroon, with a nearly total exposure by late childhood.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Immunity to diphtheria in the 3-19 year age group in Italy.

In Italy, immunization with diphtheria toxoid has been compulsory for all newborns since 1939. The last two clinical cases of diphtheria were reported in 1987. During the period 1987-1989, immunity against diphtheria was assessed by neutralization test in a random sample of 1740 healthy subjects 3-19 years old, from five geographical areas of Italy. Of the total population, 76.5% showed antibody levels considered to be protective (greater than or equal to 0.1 IU ml-1), 17.2% had a relative degree of protection (0.01-0.09 IU ml-1), and 6.3% lacked immunity (less than 0.01 IU ml-1). The percentage of unprotected subjects increased from 6.1% in the age group of 3-5 years to 11.4% in the age group of 18-19 years (p less than 0.01). A smaller proportion of males (5.3%) than of females (7.2%) was unprotected, but this difference was not statistically significant. Subjects residing in the south and the islands were more likely to be unprotected than those residing in the north (7.4 versus 4.1%, p less than 0.01). No association was found between lack of protective antibodies and family size (odds ratio 1.35, confidence interval 95% = 0.77-2.36). However, paternal education of less than 12 years was associated with a higher prevalence of non-responders. In order to maintain a high degree of immunity in the adult population, a routine adult booster dose of diphtheria toxoid is advisable.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1991

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in Italy.

Between 1987 and 1989, the prevalence of antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV) was determined, by the ELISA method, in serum samples from 1494 apparently healthy subjects, 3-18 years old. Subjects were selected by a systematic cluster sampling from five geographical areas in Italy. The overall prevalence of antibody was 64.2%, increasing from 54.4% in 4-6-year-olds to 73.3% in subjects 17-18 years old (P less than 0.01). Prevalence of antibody was significantly higher in females (P less than 0.05) and in subjects residing in the South of Italy (P less than 0.01). A significant association was found with sociodemographic factors. Subjects belonging to a household with six or more persons had a 1.5-fold risk (C.I. 95% = 1.11-2.04) and subjects whose fathers had less than 6 years of schooling had a 1.4-fold risk (C.I. 95% = 1.1-1.87) of previous exposure to CMV infection. The high prevalence (74.4%) of young women who are naturally immune when entering childbearing years does not guarantee that there will be a low risk of fetal infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Fetal echocardiography: indications for referral, prenatal diagnoses, and outcomes.

Three hundred three fetuses were studied with fetal echocardiography and 21 were diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD). Indications for study, prenatal findings, and postnatal outcomes were examined in all fetuses studied. The most common indications for referral were previous family history and fetal dysrhythmia. Of 189 fetuses studied for these indications, six had CHD. Indications with the highest proportion of abnormal studies included an abnormal four-chamber view of the heart (50% abnormal), fetal hydrops (30.8% abnormal), and polyhydramnios (25% abnormal). Five of 21 with CHD had chromosomal defects and eight had extracardiac anomalies. Two of the 21 fetuses with CHD survived. Present referral indications led to the diagnosis of the most severe lesions, yet reassurance is provided to many couples with normal fetuses. Fetal echocardiography is important in the care of the fetus at risk for CHD.

Echocardiography↗
PubMed1978

[Risk hypothesis in the use of "non-carbon copy paper"].

Some kinds of "carbon less copy-paper" presently used in Italy were examined. The analysis showed the presence on the paper of mycrocapsules containing special inks formed by organic dyes dissolved in mineral oil and, sometimes, polychlorobyfenils. Therefore there is a possible risk for the workers using carbon less copy-paper. It is necessary therefore to complete the research in order to demonstrate this hypothesis also from biological point of view.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A descriptive analysis of involuntary bearing-down efforts during the expulsive phase of labor.

A series of descriptive studies was carried out to characterize maternal respiration, type of bearing-down efforts, vocalization, and behavior; describe the obstetric conditions and intrauterine pressure associated with the bearing-down reflex; and describe the duration of second stage, fetal heart rate, and neonatal outcomes when women bear down spontaneously. Thirty-one healthy nulliparous women who had received no formal childbirth education were neither directed nor instructed to bear down with contractions. The women were supported in their involuntary bearing-down efforts throughout the second stage of their labors while the above features of their labor were recorded. The findings suggest that labor progress is adequate and fetal outcome is good when the management of the expulsion phase of labor encourages maternal pushing that is complementary with the involuntary bearing-down reflex rather than sustained breath-holding. These findings support the necessity for further research regarding the bearing-down techniques used during labor.

Adolescent↗