Showing papers by "Catholic University of the Sacred Heart published in 1987"

Relationship between the efficiency of muscular work during jumping and the energetics of running.

Abstract: The running economy of seventeen athletes was studied during running at a low speed (3.3 m · s−1) on a motor-driven treadmill. The net energetic cost during running expressed in kJ·kg−1·km−1 was on average 4.06. As expected, a positive relationship was found between the energetic cost and the percentage of fast twitch fibres (r=0.60,n=17,p<0.01). In addition, the mechanical efficiency during two different series of jumps performed with and without prestretch was measured in thirteen subjects. The effect of prestretch on muscle economy was represented by the ratio between the efficiency of muscular work performed during prestretch jumps and the corresponding value calculated in no prestretch conditions. This ratio demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with energy expenditure during running (r=−0.66,n=13,P<0.01), suggesting that the elastic behaviour of leg extensor muscles is similar in running and jumping if the speeds of muscular contraction during eccentric and concentric work are of similar magnitudes.

Anticonvulsant drugs in monotherapy. Effect on the fetus.

Abstract: We describe a material of 577 infants born of epileptic women treated with anticonvulsants in monotherapy during early pregnancy and collected from France, Italy, and Sweden. The incidence of major malformations is increased compared with the general population but no definite difference in risk can be demonstrated between the various anticonvulsants, but valproic acid was associated with a doubling of the average risk. The increased risk for facial clefts and for cardiac malformations, described from most studies on epilepsy during pregnancy, cannot be seen in this material. Unusually many cases of penis abnormalities (micropenis, hypospadias) were noted. An effect on fetal growth can be demonstrated and is apparently more pronounced for carbamazepine than for the other drugs. It results in a reduced birth weight in spite of normal gestational length, reduced body length and head circumference. The possible biological significance of this finding is discussed.

Effect of natural beta-interferon on cell proliferation and steroid receptor level in human breast cancer cells.

Abstract: The effect of natural beta-interferon (beta-IFN) on cell proliferation and steroid receptor level was investigated in CG-5 human breast cancer cell line. beta-interferon determines an appreciable diminution of cell growth, at concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 IU/ml, which is enhanced when serum content of the culture medium is lowered. Low concentrations of beta-IFN (10-100 IU/ml) produce, after a 5-day treatment, an increase in estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). No variation of ER and PR levels is observed when beta-IFN is added directly to the cell homogenate before the assay. Our data suggest that beta-IFN could affect hormone sensitivity through a modification of ER and PR in neoplastic mammary cells.

The Opitz syndrome: a new designation for the clinically indistinguishable BBB and G syndromes.

Abstract: The BBB and G syndromes are multiple congenital anomaly (MCA) syndromes characterized by a developmental defect of the midline field. Prominent clinical manifestations are hypertelorism and, in males, hypospadias. Transmission is most likely autosomal dominant in both syndromes. Examination of two new cases and scrutiny of the literature led us to conclude that there are no discriminating qualitative differences between the two conditions. Therefore we propose that they both be designated by the common term "Opitz syndrome."

L-acetylcarnitine in depressed elderly subjects. A cross-over study vs placebo

Abstract: An open, cross-over study was performed on a population of 24 geriatric patients hospitalized because of depressive syndrome. They were subdivided, according to Hamilton's Scale as modified for the aged, into low- and high-score subgroups. The study period covered 2 months. Half the patients received acetylcarnitine for 1 month and placebo thereafter (Group A); the other half received placebo and acetyl-carnitine thereafter (Group B). Statistical evaluation was twofold: parametrical analysis of variance was carried out on 4 subgroups (A1, A2, B1 and B2) and analysis of the score percentage modifications before and after treatment was performed on Groups A and B. The experimental results showed that acetylcarnitine treatment was highly effective and statistically significant in subgroups A1/B1, A2/B2, A1, B1 and B2. In particular, it should be noted that depressive tendencies were significantly modified in most groups, whereas general somatic symptoms as well as anxiety, asthenia and sleep disturbances proved to be little affected. Clinical evaluation, carried out by calculation of modifications in pre- and post-treatment score percentages, provided clear evidence that acetylcarnitine was particularly effective in patients showing more serious clinical symptoms. The drug caused no side-effects at the doses and regimens used.

The systematic use of operative ultrasound for detection of liver metastases during colorectal surgery.

Abstract: Intraoperative ultrasonography of the liver was routinely performed during 86 elective surgical procedures for the treatment of primary colorectal malignancies, in search of intrahepatic metastatic deposits. Results were compared to preoperative diagnostic procedures and to direct evaluation of the liver at laparotomy. Different diagnostic modalities showed a definite scatter in the number of reported space-occupying hepatic lesions.

Fetal behaviour in growth retardation: its relationship to fetal blood flow.

Abstract: The fetal behaviour of asymmetrical growth retarded fetuses was compared with that of a control group of healthy fetuses. Fetuses underwent simultaneous cardiotocographic and echographic examinations for two consecutive hours at 36–38 weeks of gestation. The distribution of gross fetal body movements, fetal breathing movements and fetal eye movements was analysed during the different fetal heart rate patterns. Furthermore, the incidence and organization of fetal behavioural states was investigated. The degree of vascular peripheral resistance was also evaluated by means of pulsed doppler ultrasonic equipmznt. Growth retarded fetuses were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence or absence of end diastolic flow in the fetal thoracic descending aorta. Growth retarded fetuses showed a delay in the integration of behavioural patterns and a lower coincidence of behavioural states. These findings are particularly evident in the fetuses with a severe increase of peripheral vascular resistance (absence of end diastolic flow in descending aorta). Thus, we suggest that a delay in central nervous system development is present in asymmetrical growth retarded fetuses and that there is a possible relationship of this delay to the degree of peripheral vascular resistance.

Preliminary assessment on the use of immobilized yeast cells in sodium alginate for sparkling wine processes

Abstract: Use of alginate-immobilized yeasts in the production of sparkling wine using the “champenois” method was investigated. The results indicate that there are no variations in the principal chemical-physical characteristics between sparkling wines obtained through immobilized yeast and traditional sparkling wines.

Successful induction of ovulation and conception with combined gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist plus highly purified follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with polycystic ovarian disease.

Abstract: Five women (group A) with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and sterility for at least 3 yr were treated for 1 cycle for ovulation induction with a combined regimen of GnRH agonist (GnRH-A) plus highly purified FSH. The patients received GnRH-A (Buserelin; 200 micrograms, sc, twice a day) for 6 weeks and then GnRH-A combined with FSH highly purified (2 ampules a day; 75 IU FSH and less than 0.11 IU LH in each ampule). Ovarian response was evaluated by plasma estradiol (E2) assay and ultrasound examination, performed daily. Furthermore, plasma FSH and LH levels were assayed 3 times a week. Once a follicle was considered sufficiently developed, the combined regimen was withheld, and 24-48 h later hCG (5000 IU, im) was given. The results are compared with those of 31 ovulatory cycles induced by im FSH highly purified (group B) in PCOD patients with the same FSH administration, clinical, and monitoring protocols. Ovulation was achieved in all cycles treated by GnRH-A plus FSH. Two singleton and a twin pregnancy resulted. Multiple follicular development occurred in all cycles. Plasma E2 levels were generally in the normal range. Echographic and endocrine features in the 2 groups were as follows. 1) basal ovarian volume and ovarian enlargement were similar. 2) Group A had a greater number of follicles than did group B (P less than 0.01), while E2 to number of follicles and E2 to ovarian volume ratios were greater (P less than 0.01) in group B. 3) The linear correlations between plasma E2 levels and ovarian volume were markedly different in groups A and B (P less than 0.01). The regression line for group B had a steeper slope than that for group A. This finding indicates that at a fixed ovarian volume plasma E2 levels were significantly lower in group A than in group B. We conclude that the combined GnRH-A and FSH regimen may constitute an alternative and promising tool for the induction of ovulation in patients with PCOD.

Non-linearities in the focal ERG evoked by pattern and uniform-field stimulation: their variation in retinal and optic nerve dysfunction

Abstract: The amplitude of the second harmonic of the focal electroretinogram (ERG) in response to either modulation of the luminance of the uniform-field or the spatial contrast of a patterned field (pattern-reversal ERG) was measured in a group of normal subjects as well as in patients with two different types of unilateral dysfunctions, namely optic atrophy or temporary retinal ischemia. Such patients had a reduced visual acuity in their affected eyes but normal full-field flicker (20 Hz) ERG. In normal eyes, for the same stimulation area and modulation depth, the second harmonic of the uniform-field response is smaller (mean value 62%) than that of the optimal pattern (around 1.5 cycles/degree). The results on patients show that the second harmonic of the pattern response, but not that of the uniform-field response, is reduced in cases of optic atrophy secondary to trauma or optic neuritis. This result suggests generators different, at least in part, for the second harmonic evoked by modulation of either luminance or spatial contrast. By contrast, both responses are reduced in cases of temporary retinal ischemia. These findings are discussed in light of the recent literature on the origin of the pattern ERG. The possible clinical applications of the technique are outlined.

Effects of two doses of cromolyn on allergen-induced late asthmatic response and increased responsiveness.

Abstract: We selected five atopic children with asthma with previously documented late asthmatic response (LAR) associated with increased hyperresponsiveness to methacholine after the inhalation of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The children had four allergen inhalation tests on 4 different days, at least 14 days apart. On days 1 and 4, saline placebo was inhaled 1 hour before the expected onset of LAR, and FEV1 was measured hourly until FEV1 returned within 10% of baseline value; then methacholine challenge was performed. On days 2 and 3, 20 and 40 mg of cromolyn was inhaled double blind 1 hour before the expected onset of LAR. FEV1 and methacholine responsiveness were measured as on days 1 and 4. The two doses of cromolyn significantly delayed the LAR onset without altering the overall LAR magnitude and prevented the allergen-induced increase in methacholine responsiveness. Both these effects were greater at the maximal dose used. We conclude that cromolyn can prevent the allergen-induced increase in methacholine responsiveness and that this effect is not due to alteration in the magnitude of LAR. Our findings reveal a possible explanation of the effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Intracranial stimulation of the trigeminal nerve in man. III. Sensory potentials.

Abstract: Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the trigeminal root was performed in 18 subjects undergoing surgery for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia or implantation of electrodes into Meckel's cave for recording of limbic epileptic activity. All subjects had normal trigeminal reflexes and evoked potentials. Sensory action potentials were recorded antidromically from the supraorbital (V1), infraorbital (V2) and mental (V3) nerves. In the awake subject, sensory potentials were usually followed by myogenic artifacts due to direct activation of masticatory muscles or reflex activation of facial muscles. In the anaesthetised and curarised subject, sensory potentials from the three nerves showed 1.4-2.2 ms onset latency, 1.9-2.7 ms peak latency and 17-29 microV amplitude. Sensory conduction velocity was computed at the onset latency (maximum CV) and at the peak latency (peak CV). On average, maximum and peak CV were 52 and 39 m/s for V1, 54 and 42 m/s for V2 and 54 and 44 m/s for V3. There was no apparent difference in CV between subjects with trigeminal neuralgia and those with epilepsy. A significant inverse correlation was found between CV and age, the overall maximum CV declining from 59 m/s (16 years) to 49 m/s (73 years). This range of CV is compatible both with histometric data and previous electrophysiological findings on trigeminal nerve conduction. Intraoperative intracranial stimulation is also proposed as a method of monitoring trigeminal function under general anaesthesia.

The effect of pre-stretch on mechanical efficiency of human skeletal muscle.

Abstract: The mechanical efficiency of positive work was studied in six subjects performing three different types of exercises. On the first occasion the subjects ran on a motor-driven treadmill at 3.33 m s-1; the second and the third exercises consisted of performing rhythmical vertical jumps for 1 min both in rebound (RJ) and no-rebound (NRJ) conditions. The mechanical efficiency calculated in NRJ, which reflects only the conversion of biochemical energy into mechanical work, was found to be lower than the corresponding observation in RJ, 17.2 vs. 27.8% (P less than 0.001), respectively. These differences could not be explained by only the storage and recoil of elastic energy occurring in RJ compared with NRJ. The calculated extra work delivered 'free' was greater than the potential elastic energy which could be stored within the leg extensor muscles (187 vs. 124 J for each jump, P less than 0.05). It is likely that other factors might be responsible for the extra work found in NRJ. It was suggested that the difference in the length of time to perform positive work between a simple shortening contraction and a stretch-shortening muscular activity could be also responsible for the enhanced efficiency observed in RJ. This suggestion was supported by the high relationship (P less than 0.001) found between the time to perform positive work and the mechanical efficiency measured in jumping and estimated during running.

The CFC syndrome--report of the first two cases outside the United States.

Abstract: We report on two additional patients with the cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome, the first to be reported outside the United States. They have several of the characteristic manifestations of this new multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome, namely, mental retardation, growth retardation, relative macrocephaly, unusual face, abnormal hair, skin involvement, heart defect, hernias, and splenomegaly. Similar to all previously reported cases, these also were sporadic and had normal chromosomes.

The effect of indomethacin on the refractory period occurring after the inhalation of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water

Abstract: We examined the involvement of inhibitory prostaglandins in refractoriness induced by repeated ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW) challenge. Six male subjects with asthma who developed both UNDW-induced bronchoconstriction and refractoriness after UNDW were studied on 3 separate days, 1 week apart. On each study day, subjects had an initial UNDW challenge. UNDW responsiveness was assessed with dose-response curves of UNDW volume output versus the percent fall in FEV 1 . The output provoking a 20% fall in FEV 1 (PO 20 UNDW) was calculated. FEV 1 was measured again at 5-minute intervals until it returned to within 5% of baseline value. UNDW challenge was then repeated. On day 1, the two successive UNDW challenges were performed in absence of any treatment (control day). Before days 2 and 3, subjects received placebo capsules or indomethacin, 100 mg per day, in a double-blind, randomized fashion for 3 days. On both the control and placebo days, repeated UNDW inhalation provoked a significant increase in PO 20 UNDW (p 20 UNDW during the second UNDW challenge was not significantly different from that obtained during the initial test on that day (p>0.05), indicating that refractoriness did not occur. We suggest that inhibitory prostaglandins are involved in the development of refractoriness after UNDW inhalation.

Biotyping of micellal fungus cultures by the killer system

Abstract: Based on the occurrence of the yeast killer phenomenon in hyphomycetes, the toxic effect of 37 selected killer yeasts was studied on eleven strains of Pseudallescheria boydii, six strains of Aspergillus niger, 18 strains of Penicillium camemberti and nine strains of Sporothrix schenckii. The demonstration of different biotypes within the species of P. boydii and P. camemberti proves that the killer system also is a practical and effective method for epidemiological studies among hyphomycetes. Based on the system used, it was not possible to observe markedly different biotypes among the A. niger and S. schenckii strains studied. The first evidence that an isolated, concentrated (50X) and partially purified yeast killer toxin may display a lethal activity against mycelial fungus cultures is also given in this paper.

Treatment-related leukemia in Hodgkin's disease: a multi-institution study on 75 cases.

Abstract: Hematological and cytogenetic characteristics of 75 cases of therapy-related acute non lymphoid leukemia (t-ANLL) occurring in Hodgkin's disease (HD) are analysed in this multi-institution study. Combined radio and chemotherapy had been given in 88 per cent of patients, either as adjuvant (44 per cent) or as salvage modality (44 per cent). Radiotherapy alone and chemotherapy alone had been given in 3 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Eighty per cent of patients were in remission of HD and 71 per cent off-therapy while developing leukemia. The median latent time from remission of HD to leukemia was 34 months. The myeloblastic variety of leukemia accounted for 43 per cent of total cases; the myelomonocytic and monocytic for 17 per cent and 4 per cent, the promyelocytic and erythroblastic variants for 5 per cent and 7 per cent of t-ANLL. Twenty four per cent of cases were unclassifiable; one of these was TdT-positive. Dysplastic features of erythrocytic line were invariably present with circulating erythroblasts; defects of granulocytes, circulating megathrombocytes and micromegakaryocytes were also present. Bone marrow hypoplasia and marked fibrosis were documented in 47 per cent and 30 per cent of cases. Preleukemia heralded overt leukemia in 73 per cent of cases; 37 per cent had refractory anemia with no excess of blasts; 16 per cent of preleukemias were unclassifiable. Cytogenetics revealed chromosome abnormalities in 83 per cent of cases; 72 per cent presented chromosome 5 and/or 7 monosomy or partial deletion (5q- or 7q-) of the long arm (94 per cent in the combined modality therapy group). In 3 cases, a pure monosomy 7 was observed; in none 5q-alone. Response rate to conventional therapy was 14 per cent; low and high-dose cytarabine were of little benefit. Long-term CR (28 + and 16 + months) was achieved in 2 cases with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) as first-line therapy. A better knowledge of t-ANLL in HD and new therapies, including BMT, may improve the prognosis of this late complication of intensive HD treatment.

Illegal Immigrants and the Informal Economy in Italy

Abstract: From being a clear exporter of labour, Italy, along with other developed European countries, is progressively becoming, at least in terms of flow, a clear labour importer.1 The changes involve not only the size but also the nature of this flow. Whereas, in the past, both Italians working abroad and the few foreigners working in Italy did so quite legally, the recent flow of immigrants to Italy has been marked by a high percentage working illegally in the informal economy. These foreign workers mainly come from African countries on the Mediterranean where relatively rapid population growth is expected to encourage further growth in migration to Europe.2 It is important therefore to examine how such immigration affects the Italian labour market, and the particular role played by the existence of an ‘informal’ section of the economic system where illegal immigrants often find work.

Effects of Nifedipine on Umbilical Artery Velocity Waveforms in Healthy Human Fetuses

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the changes in umbilical artery (UA) velocity waveforms after administration of nifedipine in 30 healthy pregnant women. The effects on fetal and maternal heart rates and maternal arterial pressure were also analyzed. The patients included in this double blind study received sublingually either 10 mg of nifedipine or a placebo. A transient fall of the UA resistance (as expressed by the pulsatility index) occurred 15 min after nifedipine administration, but resistance returned to control values after 90 min. Maternal heart rate increased after nifedipine administration and returned toward the control value by 45 min. Fetal heart rate and maternal mean arterial pressure did not change significantly. These data suggest a possible use of nifedipine to normalize the UA velocity waveform in pregnancies complicated by hypertension and fetal growth retardation.

Giant neutrophils with increased peroxidase activity: another evidence of dysgranulopoiesis in AIDS

Abstract: Using the automated hematologic analyzer Technicon H6000®, which classifies leukocytes by their size and peroxidase activity, the authors have observed in nine patients with full-blown acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) a consistent increase in peroxidase content of circulating neutrophils. The increase in peroxidase activity was homogeneous in three patients ( P < 0.05). The most striking finding, however, was the occurrence of single abnormal neutrophils with peroxidase activity higher than the major neutrophil population ( i.e ., HPX [high peroxidase] cells). The importance of this phenomenon was correlated with the clinical status, higher HPX values being found in patients with more advanced disease. These instrumental observations were associated with the morphologic finding of atypical neutrophils, much larger than normal, with irregular nuclei and abundant cytoplasm filled with peroxidase-positive granulations. Such cells represent, in the authors’ experience, the most common expression of dysgranulopoiesis in AIDS.

Cardiovascular reactivity, plasma markers of endothelial and platelet activity and plasma renin activity after mental stress in normals and hypertensives.

Abstract: Endothelial injury and platelet activation, mechanisms known to be involved in vascular lesions, may promote the development of cardiovascular disorders possibly associated with mental stress. Plasma markers of platelet activation (beta-thromboglobulin, BTG) and of endothelium activity (factor VIII/von Willebrand factor, FVIII/vWf) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined in 17 healthy normotensive volunteers and in 21 hypertensives without target-organ damage before and after mental stress (a colour-word conflict test). The aim of the study was to compare cardiovascular reactivity with the stress-induced changes in platelet and endothelium activity. Individual responses in BTG and factor FVIII/vWf after the colour-word conflict test were markedly different, but significant mean increases were observed in both groups with no difference in the degree of response and in the percentage of responders. No correlations were found among the changes in plasma variables or between cardiovascular reactivity (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) and the changes in BTG, FVIII/vWf and PRA. These findings suggest that hypertensive patients do not have an abnormal platelet or endothelium reactivity to mental stress, at least when the disease is free of vascular complications. This dissociation of stress-induced variability in BTG and FVIII/vWf and cardiovascular reactivity indicates that these indices could be used as independent markers of mental stress.