PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Umberto Giani

Publications and source records attributed to Umberto Giani.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The most common TP53 gene polymorphism, which alters the amino acid sequence of the oncosuppressor p53 protein, is located at the codon 72, resulting in either Pro72 or Arg72 p53 variant. Several studies have associated this polymorphism with different types of cancer. We have analyzed the distribution and the role of TP53 Arg72 and Pro72 alleles in conjunctival neoplasia. METHOD: The study included 41 invasive conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (ICSCC), 33 conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 (CIN3), 33 of moderate grade (CIN1 and CIN2), and 115 controls from Uganda, a sub-Saharan country with the highest incidence rate of conjunctival neoplasia in the World, particularly in the era of AIDS. The TP53 Arg/Arg codon 72 genotype was detected in 21.9% of ICSCC and in 18.2% of CIN3 but only in 6% of CIN1-2 and in 5.2% of controls (P<0.05). RESULTS: These data show an increased risk of ICSCC (odds ratio (OR)=6.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-24.6) and CIN3 (OR=4.1, 95% CI: 1.0-18.0) associated with TP53 Arg homozygosity, not observed in CIN1-2 lesions (OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.1-5.1). Moreover, the frequency of the Arg homozygosity was similar in HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups. We conclude that TP53 Arg/Arg codon 72 genotype is a relevant risk factor for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and for CIN3 in the Ugandan population. DISCUSSION: The absence of statistically significant difference in the distribution of TP53 Arg72 or Pro72 encoding alleles between HIV-positive and -negative subjects, affected by conjunctival neoplasia, suggests that HIV infection and/or the associated immunodeficiency represent further independent risk factors for ICSCC.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Fetal size charts for the Italian population. Normative curves of head, abdomen and long bones.

OBJECTIVE: To describe size charts developed from fetuses of Italian couples. METHOD: Prospective cross-sectional investigation conducted in three referral centers for prenatal diagnosis. The population of the study included fetuses between the 16th and the 40th week of gestation recruited prospectively and examined only once for the purpose of this study. Exclusion criteria comprised all maternal and/or fetal conditions possibly affecting fetal biometry. The following biometric variables were measured: biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur, tibia, humerus, ulna and radio length. The statistical procedure recommended for analyzing this type of data set was employed to derive normal ranges and percentiles. Birthweight was also recorded. Our centiles were then compared with results from other studies. RESULTS: The best-fitted regression model to describe the relationships between head circumference and abdominal circumference and gestational age was a cubic one, whereas a simple quadratic model fitted BPD, and length of long bones. Models fitting the SD were straight lines or quadratic curves. Neither the use of fractional polynomials (the greatest power of the polynomials being 3) nor the logarithmic transformation improved the fitting of the curves. CONCLUSION: We have established size charts for fetuses from Italian couples using the recommended statistical approach. Since the mean birthweight in this study is not statistically different from the official birthweight reported for the Italian population, these reference intervals, developed according to the currently approved statistical methodology, can be employed during second- and third-trimester obstetric ultrasound of fetuses from Italian couples.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2005

Interexaminer reliability and validity for diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders of visual leg measurements used in dental kinesiology.

AIMS: To determine the reliability and the validity of visual leg measurements used in dental kinesiology, which suggests that a masticatory dysfunction, such as occurs in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can influence the length and the internal rotation of lower limbs. METHODS: The leg-length inequality test and the internal foot-rotation test were performed independently by 3 different examiners on 41 subjects who were also screened for TMD. Data were analyzed by means of kappa statistics and by calculation of sensitivity and specificity values. RESULTS: Chance-corrected reliability was generally poor for both the leg-length inequality test (0.33 < or = k < or = 0.39) and the internal foot-rotation test (0.15 < or = k < or = 0.27). Sensitivity and specificity values of the tests to differentiate TMD and healthy subjects were below acceptable thresholds; they ranged from 0.41 to 0.57. CONCLUSION: Visual evaluations of leg-length inequality and internal foot rotation were unreliable and are not valid for TMD diagnoses. The results of chiropractic visual leg measurement procedures in dentistry should be interpreted with caution, particularly when clinical decisions may lead to nonreversible dental treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Evolutionary epistemology and dynamical virtual learning networks.

This paper is an attempt to define the main features of a new educational model aimed at satisfying the needs of a rapidly changing society. The evolutionary epistemology paradigm of culture diffusion in human groups could be the conceptual ground for the development of this model. Multidimensionality, multi-disciplinarity, complexity, connectivity, critical thinking, creative thinking, constructivism, flexible learning, contextual learning, are the dimensions that should characterize distance learning models aimed at increasing the epistemological variability of learning communities. Two multimedia educational software, Dynamic Knowledge Networks (DKN) and Dynamic Virtual Learning Networks (DVLN) are described. These two complementary tools instantiate these dimensions, and were tested in almost 150 online courses. Even if the examples are framed in the medical context, the analysis of the shortcomings of the traditional educational systems and the proposed solutions can be applied to the vast majority of the educational contexts.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2003

Conventional and computerized antepartum telecardiotocography. Experienced and inexperienced observers versus computerized analysis.

The study assessed the agreement in cardiotocogram interpretation between the 2CTG computerized system and experienced and inexperienced observers involved in a telecardiotocography project called 'TOCOMAT'. Both observers and computer analyzed FHR baseline, FHR variability, and number of large accelerations and of decelerations. The k coefficient was calculated for the statistical analysis. The interobserver agreement about the evaluation of the FHR baseline and of the large accelerations was good; it was poor about the assessment of the FHR variability and the decelerations. Similar results were obtained for the agreement among observers and computer. The use of a computerized system provides exact values for most CTG parameters; the experts, however, should rely both on clinical features and on the computerized interpretation, to make decisions about management.

Cardiotocography↗
PubMed2002

Prenatal telemedicine: clinical experience with conventional and computerised antepartum telecardiotocography.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical results of the first working year of a telemedicine project based on computerised telecardiotocography. STUDY DESIGN: The project is based on the "TOCOMAT" system, which remotely recorded and processed cardiotocograms performed at five peripheral units from high and low risk patients, then transferred them to a University Operative Centre, where they were displayed, stored and analysed by the 2CTG system and by two expert observers. RESULTS: 457 traces were analysed. The perinatal outcome was good, except for two high-risk fetuses. Both patients and carers had favourable reactions. The management of patients with pregnancies at risk was improved by the interaction of the physicians involved with the experts at the Operative Centre. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine could enable the decentralization of perinatal surveillance, improving quality of life for pregnant and newborn and rationalizing costs for prenatal care.

Adult↗