PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Lanfranchi

Publications and source records attributed to P Lanfranchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Dynamics of parasite communities and interactions between wild and domestic ruminants.

Dynamics of parasite communities and host-parasite-environment interactions can be influenced by different factors. The present note, by discussing some field experiences in wild and domestic ruminant populations, approaches eco-epidemiology of abomasal nematodes in relation with host health and dynamics. Factors possibly playing a role in the host-parasite relationship are discussed, as well as possible use of macroparasites as ecological and sanitary indicators. The above topics are approached in a management perspective, in particular regarding interactions between domestic and wild ruminant populations.

Abomasum↗
PubMed2005

[Increase in right-to-left intracardiac shunt with non-invasive ventilation].

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia caused by an increase in right-to-left shunt has been reported in patients with patent foramen ovale treated with levels of positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) greater than 10 cmH2O. This phenomenon has not previously been described with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). CASE REPORT: A 23 year-old man with tetralogy of Fallot and a severe kyphoscoliosis was admitted at the hospital for chronic dyspnoea. Arterial blood gases on room air: pH 7.43, PaCO2 39 mmHg, PaO2 67 mmHg, HCO3- 25 mmol/l, SaO2 95%. Nocturnal oxymetry showed severe hypoxaemia resistant to oxygen. NIV with PEEP of 3 cm H2O was commenced. With ventilation, his oxygenation worsened. An echocardiogram performed during NIV showed an increase in the right-to-left interventricular gradient from 22 to 37 cmH2O, and of the right ventriculo-auricular gradient from 76 to 142 mmHg. Furthermore, his oxygen saturation decreased progressively from 95 to 85%. Following removal of NIV, the patient recovered in 15 minutes. DISCUSSION: We report an increased right-to-left intracardiac shunt in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Compression of pulmonary vessels and cardiac cavities induced by NIV may have been enhanced by a reduction in thoracic compliance related to kyphoscoliosis. Right-to-left shunt in patients with kyphoscoliosis may be a contra-indication to NIV.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Seasonal 4-year investigation into the role of the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) as a carrier of zoophilic dermatophytes.

Two hundred and six samples of alpine marmot (Mamota marmota) hair (148 from adults and 58 from young subjects), 102 soil samples from the entrances to the burrows of the above individuals and 20 control specimens (obtained from adjoining areas away from the burrow systems where the rodents are not usually present) were examined from May 1994 to September 1997. Seventy-five isolates belonging to six species of dermatophytes were found in 69 of the 206 hair samples examined (33.5%). Two species were zoophilic, Microsporum canis (7.8%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (11.2.%), and four geophilic, Microsporum cookei (2%), M. gypseum (5.8%), Trichophyton ajelloi (3.9%) and T. terrestre (5.8%). The prevalence of each species in the hair samples did not change significantly according to year, season (chi-squared test [limit significance: P <0.05] gives no significant values [P>0.05] both in year and in season comparison) or age/sex (adult versus juvenile: P=0.1; male versus female: P=0.8) of the marmot. Twenty-three of the 102 soil samples (22.5%) were positive for dermatophytes found in the hair of marmots from the same burrow systems. Five of the 20 control soil samples (25%) were positive for dermatophytes. One isolate of M. gypseum, three of T. terrestre and one of T. mentagrophytes were obtained. Compared with other free-ranging rodent hosts studied in Europe, this mycoflora is characterized by the presence and relatively high prevalence of M. canis, frequently reported in symptomatic and asymptomatic cats, dogs and fur animals. M. canis has not been isolated in other rodents in the wild. However, it has recently been reported in asymptomatic foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern Italy. The close link between V vulpes and M. marmota, with the former representing the most important mammal predator of the latter in the Alps (only a fraction of the predator's attacks result in the death of the rodent) may have favoured the adaptation of M. canis to this rodent host. The stable character of the M. canis/M. marmota relationship (no seasonally or annually related difference in the prevalence of this dermatophyte has been found) suggests the inclusion of the alpine marmot in the reservoir of this zoophilic pathogenic agent. In this situation, hibernation in labyrinthine burrow systems, where temperature and moisture ranges are quite uniform the whole year round, may favour the viability of M. canis arthroconidia, whose survival in mountain habitat might otherwise be compromised. This seems to be confirmed by the fact that the fungus has never been found in the control samples collected at a distance of 300 m from the outer edge of the sampled burrow systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Seasonal changes in serum metabolites in free-ranging alpine marmots (Marmota marmota).

Circannual changes in serum parameters and body mass were studied in free-ranging Marmota marmota that had been shot in Switzerland (Grisons) for management reasons in May, July, and September of 1995, 1996, and 1997; and in April 1996. Markers of lipid (triglycerides, cholesterol), protein (total protein, urea-nitrogen) and mineral (calcium, inorganic phosphate) metabolism were evaluated in 111 haemolysis-free serum samples; the effects of sex, age, reproductive status, season and year were tested. Mean body mass was higher in adult males than in adult females in July and September, and serum cholesterol concentrations were lower in adult males in May. Pregnant females had lower concentrations of total protein than non-pregnant females, and triglyceride concentrations were negatively correlated with the number of uterine ampullae. Inorganic phosphate decreased and total protein increased with age. In adults, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea-nitrogen increased mainly from May to July and decreased between September and May. Total protein, calcium and phosphate did not change throughout the year. This suggests that, during the active season, ingested lipids and amino acids were utilised for metabolic needs or lipid storage, while in winter, lipids were catabolised and protein was spared. Quantitative differences between years, observed for triglycerides and total protein during the active season, were probably due to different climatic conditions in each year.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Echinococcus granulosus in the wolf in Italy.

During the period 1987-1999, 119 wolf cadavers were examined and checked for the presence of Echinococcus granulosus. All the animals were retrieved along the whole Apennines range of distribution of the species in Italy and most of them were illegally killed. Eighteen wolves resulted positive (15%). The mean intensity was 697.5. The force of infection for prevalence was 8.2 year(-1). The prevalence of the parasite was significantly and positively influenced by the local prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in sheep. Mean intensity was significantly and positively influenced by both the age of the wolf and the prevalence of CE in sheep. A deterministic model was used in order to simulate a purely theoretical sylvatic cycle of the parasites having the wolf as the only definitive host with 15% of prevalence. The expected prevalence of CE in wild intermediate species ranges between 10% and 25%. This prevalence overlaps the one observed in sheep. Even if both the wolf and the wild ungulate populations are increasing, the wolf still acts as a part of the main dog-sheep cycle of the parasite.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Serological study of a population of alpine chamois (Rupicapra r rupicapra) affected by an outbreak of respiratory disease.

A serological survey of respiratory virus infections was carried out from 1998 to 2001 in Lecco province, Italy, as part of a health monitoring programme in a population of alpine chamois, many of which died of pneumonia in autumn and winter 2000 to 2001; 194 carcases of all age classes were found over a short period and in a small area. Eighteen of them, which were examined postmortem, consistently showed signs of severe fibrinous lobar pneumonia or catarrhal bronchopneumonia. Samples of serum from 145 chamois collected from hunted animals and carcases were tested by a virus neutralisation test against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus, bovine herpesvirus type 1 and parainfluenzavirus type 3. Positive results were detected only for BRSV. The area was divided into two subunits on the basis of the distribution of deaths; in the areas where fatalities were observed there was a significant increase of BRSV titres at the beginning of the outbreak. Furthermore, during the 2000 and 2001 hunting seasons antibody titres to BRSV were significantly higher in the areas where mortality occurred. The roe deer living in the same area were not affected by pneumonia and had a low prevalence of titres to BRSV which did not vary during the period of the study.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Wildlife veterinarian, conservation and public health.

In recent years wildlife diseases (infectious and non-infectious) have played a relevant role in both wildlife conservation and public health. Global environmental changes have determined a bimodal evolution of wildlife. On one side a huge loss of biodiversity has been observed leading to the increasing of threatened or endangered species. In contrast few opportunistic taxa increased their aboundances and ranges. The above scenarios claim the intervention of wildlife veterinarians. In conservation the understanding of the ecological role of the host parasite relationship and the perturbations on the host population dynamics have to be assessed and eventually modified. In public health the increased overlapping among wildlife, livestock, pets and human beings represents a risk for diseases spread (no matter in which directions). Serious limits are, still now, observed in the acceptance of this 'new world' by veterinary academics. As a consequence curricula often fail in providing adequate skill at both undergraduate and graduate levels. An addressed approach towards wildlife diseases should be promoted as an essential component of environmental management.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed2001

Obstructive sleep apnea and vascular disease.

There is emerging evidence linking obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to vascular disease, including hypertension. This relationship may be independent of co-morbidity, such as obesity. Even apparently healthy OSA patients have evidence of subtle functional vascular abnormalities that are known to occur in patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Untreated OSA may possibly contribute to the initiation and/or progression of pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in hypertension, heart failure, cardiac ischemia and stroke. This brief commentary will examine the evidence and mechanisms linking OSA to vascular disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Restrictive left ventricular filling pattern as a strong predictor of depressed baroreflex sensitivity in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a restrictive left ventricular diastolic filling pattern, as an index of elevated pulmonary wedge pressure, would predict a depressed baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS: A total of 189 consecutive patients with an ejection fraction < or = 40% at echocardiography, in sinus rhythm and clinically stable for at least 1 month in oral therapy, underwent clinical examination, echo-Doppler study and the phenylephrine test. RESULTS: The correlations between the NYHA functional class, echo-Doppler variables and BRS were weak, although significant (r ranging from -0.15 to 0.40). However, patients with a deceleration time < 140 ms as an expression of restrictive filling, compared to those with a deceleration time > or = 140 ms, had a lower BRS (3 +/- 4 vs 6 +/- 4 ms/mmHg, p < 0.00001), a lower ejection fraction (20 +/- 6 vs 28 +/- 7%, p < 0.00001), greater left ventricular (end-diastolic volume index 137 +/- 43 vs 113 +/- 45 ml/m2, p < 0.00001) and left atrial dimensions (25 +/- 6 vs 20 +/- 5 cm2, p < 0.00001), more severe mitral regurgitation (3 +/- 1 vs 2.3 +/- 1, p < 0.00001) and were in a higher NYHA class (2.3 +/- 0.6 vs 1.8 +/- 0.5, p < 0.00001). Medications at the time of the study were similar in the two groups. At stepwise regression analysis, the deceleration time emerged as the most powerful independent predictor of a depressed BRS (< 3 ms/mmHg), followed by mitral regurgitation, age, and NYHA class (all data p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic heart failure, the presence of a restrictive left ventricular filling pattern is highly predictive of autonomic derangement as expressed by low values of BRS.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Host specificity of abomasal nematodes in free ranging alpine ruminants.

Abomasums from 641 alpine wild ruminants representing five different species (Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Capra ibex, Ovis musimon) and from 19 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from alpine areas were examined in order to investigate the host-specificity of abomasal helminths. Nine out of 20 helminth species were found in at least five different host species. A discriminant analysis was able to significantly discriminate the hosts on the basis of their helminth community composition with the exception of O. musimon and O. aries. Based on the correlation between each variable represented by helminth species with the most explanatory discriminant axis, it was possible to classify helminths into specialists and generalists. Specialists are represented by the dominant species in a community of an host species or family while generalists appear in the communities of many different hosts as intermediate species. Due to the pathogenic potential of some of these generalist species (i.e. Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei) and their ability to adapt easily to the conditions found in several different hosts, they appear to be the most important from a sanitary point of view.

Abomasum↗
PubMed2000

Blood pressure and heart rate during periodic breathing while asleep at high altitude.

The ventilatory and arterial blood pressure (ABP) responses to isocapnic hypoxia during wakefulness progressively increased in normal subjects staying 4 wk at 5,050 m (Insalaco G, Romano S, Salvaggio A, Braghiroli A, Lanfranchi P, Patruno V, Donner CF, and Bonsignore G; J Appl Physiol 80: 1724-1730, 1996). In the same subjects (n = 5, age 28-34 yr) and expedition, nocturnal polysomnography with ABP and heart rate (HR) recordings were obtained during the 1st and 4th week to study the cardiovascular effects of phasic (i.e., periodic breathing-dependent) vs. tonic (i. e., acclimatization-dependent) hypoxia during sleep. Both ABP and HR fluctuated during non-rapid eye movement sleep periodic breathing. None of the subjects exhibited an ABP increase during the ventilatory phases that correlated with the lowest arterial oxygen saturation of the preceding pauses. Despite attenuation of hypoxemia, ABP and HR behaviors during sleep in the 4th wk were similar to those in the 1st wk. Because ABP during periodic breathing in the ventilatory phase increased similarly to the ABP response to progressive hypoxia during wakefulness, ABP variations during ventilatory phases may reflect ABP responsiveness to peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity rather than the absolute value of hypoxemia, suggesting a major tonic effect of hypoxia on cardiorespiratory control at high altitude.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed2000

[The assessment of breathing during sleep: a curiosity or clinical necessity?].

The study of sleep, which initially focused on the neurophysiological mechanisms and cardiorespiratory function during the night, has shown the presence of sleep-related breathing disorders that epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical data have indicated to be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the central sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS). OSAS is a condition characterized by repetitive respiratory pauses due to the pharynx wall collapse, with a subsequent obstruction to the airflow. The hemodynamic consequences due to the markedly increased negative intrathoracic pressure (induced by the respiratory muscle effort towards the closed upper airways), the progressive hypercapnic hypoxemia and the arousal terminating the apneas, are the pathophysiological keys of the cardiovascular effects of OSAS and may explain the association between OSAS and the documented increase of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. CSAS is a breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of central hypopneas or apneas and hyperventilation which, is the classical form described by Cheyne and Stokes, show a crescendo-decrescendo pattern of respiration. Pathophysiological and epidemiological data clearly indicate the link between CSAS and heart failure, also showing a correlation between respiratory disorders and the severity of hemodynamic impairment. However, other mechanisms are involved in the genesis of CSAS in explaining the variable presence of CSAS independent of cardiac function and, more importantly, the impact of CSAS on poor prognosis in heart failure. In conclusion, the data available indicate the need to include screening for sleep-related breathing disorders in the evaluation of cardiac patients who are at risk for OSAS and, particularly, in patients with heart failure, who could really benefit from treatment of the respiratory disorder.

Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiological patterns of canine leishmaniasis [correction of leishmaniosis] in Western Liguria (Italy).

An epidemiological survey was carried out on the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in Western Liguria (Northern Italy). Blood sera from 21146 dogs collected from 1990 to 1996 were subjected to the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). From 1990 to 1994 (16690 dogs), only monthly seroprevalences were calculated (min 14%-max 60.5%). Dog sera sampled from October 1994 to May 1996 (4456 dogs) were divided into two subgroups (I: October 1994-May 1995; II: October 1995-May 1996). Seroprevalence was 30.3% and 22.1% in these two groups, respectively. Data analysis by log-linear models revealed that serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was significantly associated with a dog's outdoor lifestyle, with a rural environment and with the male sex. Of the 218 dogs which were tested twice seroconversion rates were also higher in outdoor, rural and male dogs while negativization rates were lower in the same groups. Basic reproductive numbers (R0) were 1.53 (subgroup I) and 1.28 (subgroup II).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Comparison between spectral analysis and the phenylephrine method for the assessment of baroreflex sensitivity in chronic heart failure.

Baroreflex sensitivity assessed by means of the phenylephrine test plays a prognostic role in patients with previous myocardial infarction, but the need for drug injection limits the use of this technique. Recently, several non-invasive methods based on spectral analysis of systolic arterial pressure and heart period have been proposed, but their agreement with the phenylephrine test has not been investigated in patients with heart failure. The two methods (phenylephrine test and spectral analysis) were compared in a group of 49 patients with chronic congestive heart failure both at rest and during controlled breathing. The linear correlation and the limits of agreement between the phenylephrine test slope and the alpha-index [alpha(c); corrected by the coherence function between the interbeat interval (RR interval) and systolic arterial pressure] were evaluated. Only 16 patients had a measurable alpha-index at rest in both the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands; the alpha(c)-index allowed measurements in all patients. It correlated moderately with the phenylephrine test slope at rest (r=0. 71 and P<0.001 in LF; r=0.57 and P<0.001 in HF) and during controlled breathing (r=0.51 and P<0.001 in LF; r=0.63 and P<0.001 in HF). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only alpha(c)LF during rest and alpha(c)HF during controlled breathing contributed significantly to baroreflex gain estimation. However, the agreement between methods was weak; the normalized limits of agreement and bias were -162 to 243% (0.46 ms/mmHg) for alpha(c)LF and -185 to 151% (-0.99 ms/mmHg) for alpha(c)HF. Thus the comparison between baroreflex sensitivity measurements obtained by the phenylephrine test and spectral analysis showed a moderate correlation between the two methods; however, despite the linear association, a consistent lack of agreement between the two techniques was found. Because both systematic and random factors contribute to the difference, these two techniques cannot be considered as alternatives for the assessment of heart failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effect of seasonality on abomasal helminth community in alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex).

Abomasal helminths of 81 adult female ibex (Capra ibex ibex) from Piz Albris colony (CH) culled monthly from December 1989 to May 1991 were analyzed. Subjects were divided into six quarterly groups (I: December 1989-February 1990; II: March-May 1990; III: June-August 1990; IV: September-November 1990; V: December 1990-February 1991; VI: March-May 1991) in order to investigate the seasonal fluctuation of helminth community parameters (abundance, richness, sex-ratio, Berger-Parker dominance index, importance index, overall association between species by Schluter's variance test). All parameters showed considerable seasonality. Abundance was highest in group III, while richness was highest and Berger-Parker index lowest in group IV. Overall associations between species were positive in winter-spring groups and negative in summer-autumn. The importance index of the two dominant species (Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli) showed a symmetrical and opposite seasonal development. A significant negative correlation (Spearman r = -.30; p < .01) has been demonstrated between the Berger-Parker dominance index and factor scores descriptive of age and weight of the subjects. These results suggest that seasonal factors determine the community composition while host control can act as a filter maintaining a stable community structure.

Abomasum↗
PubMed1998

Effects of high-altitude periodic breathing on sleep and arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturation.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of periodic breathing (PB) at high altitude on sleep structure and arterial oxygen saturation (Sa,O2). Five healthy subjects underwent polysomnographic studies at sea level, and during the first and the fourth week of sojourn at 5,050 m. Their breathing pattern, sleep architecture and Sa,O2 were analysed. PB was detected in the high-altitude studies during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and tended to increase from the first to the fourth week. Stages 3-4 were absent in four subjects at the first week, but only in one at the fourth week, irrespective of the amount of PB. The arousal index was 11.6+/-3.8 at sea level, 30.1+/-15.5 at the first week at altitude and 33.0+/-18.2 at the fourth week. At altitude, arousal index in NREM sleep was higher during PB than during regular breathing. In NREM sleep, the mean highest Sa,O2 levels in NREM epochs with PB were higher than in those with regular breathing by 2.8+/-1.7% at the first week and 2.9+/-1.5% at the fourth week (p<0.025). From the first to the fourth week, mean Sa,O2 increased significantly during wakefulness (5.6%), NREM (5.2% with regular breathing and 5.3% with PB) and rapid eye movement sleep (7.6%). The data demonstrate a slight role of periodic breathing in altering sleep architecture at high altitude and also show that periodic breathing induces only a minor improvement in arterial oxygen saturation during nonrapid eye movement sleep.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed1996

Cardiovascular and ventilatory response to isocapnic hypoxia at sea level and at 5,050 m.

To assess the effect of chronic hypoxic conditions on ventilatory, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) responses to acute progressive isocapnic hypoxia, we studied five healthy Caucasian subjects (3 men and 2 women). Each subject performed one rebreathing test at sea level (SL) and two tests at the Pyramid laboratory at Lobuche, Nepal, at the altitude of 5,050 m, 1 day after arrival (HA1) and after 24 days of sojourn (HA2). The effects of progressive isocapnic hypoxia were tested by using a standard rebreathing technique. BP, electrocardiogram, arterial oxygen saturation, airflow and end-tidal CO2 and O2 were recorded. For each subject, the relationships between arterial oxygen saturation and HR, systolic BP and minute ventilation (VE), respectively, were evaluated. At HA1, the majority of subjects showed a significant increase in VE and BP response and a decrease in HR response to progressive isocapnic hypoxia as compared to SL. At HA2, VE and BP responses further increased, whereas the HR response remained similar to that observed at HA1. A significant relationship between hypoxic ventilatory responses and both systolic and diastolic BP responses to progressive hypoxia was found. No significant correlation was found between hypoxic ventilatory and HR responses.

Adult↗