Showing papers in "Clinica Terapeutica in 2003"

MTHFR C677T mutation, factor II G20210A mutation and factor V Leiden as risks factor for youth retinal vein occlusion.

Abstract: Objective To determine whether methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation, factor II G20210A mutation and factor V Leiden are risk factors for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in patients under fifty years of age. Methods Comparison of 29 patients, under 50 years old of age, as affected RVO and 62 age matched normal controls. Plasma MTHFR C677T genotype, Factor II G20210A genotype, Factor V Leiden genotype, S protein level, C protein level, APCR presence (Actived Protein C Resistance), homocysteine level and Beta-thromboglobulin level were determined. Results Seventeen RVO patients and twenty-one controls were heterozygous for the MTHFR C677T mutation. Three RVO patients and twenty-three controls were homozygous for the MTHFR C677T mutation. Three RVO patients and two controls were heterozygous for the factor II G20210A mutation. One control was heterozygous for the factor V Leiden. Conclusions This study fails to demonstrate that these mutations are risk factors for RVO in patients under fifty years of age.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a comparative prospective study on the efficacy of Semont's maneuver and no treatment strategy.

Abstract: PURPOSE The present study investigates the efficacy of Semont's repositioning liberatory maneuver by comparing it with no-treatment in a population of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomised, controlled, 6-month efficacy trial, 40 patients affected by BPPV were treated with Semont's maneuver. Outcomes were measured subjectively by patients about their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and quality of life, based on the "Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale". Results were compared to those obtained in 40 non-treated BPPV patients. RESULTS During the first month of the study, 92.5% of patients of Semont's group resolved their symptoms. Cure rates with Semont's maneuver were significantly higher than those obtained with no-therapy (92.5% versus 37.5%). Within a six month follow-up, relapse rates were lower among patients treated with Semont's maneuver than among the no-treated ones (5% versus 60%). All patients with a resolution of symptoms and a negative Dix-Hallpike's test presented a great improvement in daily activities and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS BPPV is easy to solve with a successful repositioning maneuver. Since BPPV is a very common cause of vertigo and can represent a medical emergency, we believe that it is of interest for every general practitioner to be able to promptly recognize this frequent balance disorder and to be able to treat a patient affected by BPPV with a safe repositioning maneuver.

[MDR (multidrug resistance) in hepatocarcinoma clinical-therapeutic implications].

Abstract: Our purpose was to summarize current knowledge on "multidrug resistance", or MDR, an intrinsic or acquired cross resistance to a variety of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs, still representing one of the major problems in the therapy of cancer and other diseases. MDR depends on various mechanisms, the best known being the activity of ABC transport proteins, mainly Pgp, MDR1 gene product,and MRPs; but also other transporters can cause resistance, for example TAP, a peptide transporter, CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, ABCG2, or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and LRP, lung resistance protein. MDR has been detected in nearly all types of cancer, because it affects many organs and can occur against a wide number of drugs; it is frequent even in other diseases, such as epilepsy and HIV. We focused on MDR phenomenon in HCC, one of the commonest tumors in the world, and one of the most resistant to pharmacological treatment. This characteristic might be partly determined by a link between MDR and angiogenic phenotypes. The relationship between MDR in hepatocellular carcinoma and the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments has been particularly examined. Finally, the importance to overcome the strong chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma with methods alternative to drugs, namely gene therapy, which makes use of antisense oligonucleotides and anti-MDR1 ribozymes, has been pointed out.

Experimental study on efficacy of thermal muds of Ischia Island combined with balneotherapy in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with plaques

Abstract: A lot of studies show the efficacy of thermal therapy in psoriasis. The main indications concern all forms of psoriasis (except for pustolosa and eritrodermic) especially diffuse psoriasis, intensive itchy, artropatic psoriasis and gutted psoriasis child. Benefit effects of thermal water and muds, which are important parameters in psoriasis' treatment, they are excellent to reduce inflammation, scaling, and erythema. In this study we evaluated the clinical efficacy of thermal bath plus muds in patients affected by psoriasis. 18 patients has been examined and randomly divided in 3 group (A-B-C). All the patients received thermal therapy for 4 weeks. To evaluate the behaviour of the disease we performed (corneometry, sebometry, phmetry), as well as evaluation of P.A.S.I. At the end of the study, values of P.A.S.I. showed a reduction from 10 to 6 unites P.A.S.I. for patients belong to group A, more 12 to less 10 for patients belong to group C e no significant variations for group B (because represent control group). Results obtained can be considered useful, considering that thermal treatment was used alone in the treatment of all patients.

What is vertigo

Abstract: Vertigo is one of the types of dizziness with dysequilibrium, presyncope and lightheadedness. But what does vertigo mean? Vertigo indicates a sensation of false movement (generally described like a rotation) but sometimes the patient can describe it like a sensation of tilt. Instead, the word dizziness indicates a sensation of disturbed relation to surrounding objects in space with feelings of rotation or whirling characteristic of vertigo as well as non-rotatory swaying, weakness, faintness and unsteadiness characteristic of giddiness. In our review we describe, after brief considerations about functional anatomy of the vestibular system, the most important cause of vertigo considering the duration of the symptom; moreover we underline the importance of anamnesis and of the objective examination for a correct differential diagnosis of a dizzy patient. As to objective examination we describe the most important characteristics of nystagmus, that is the only objective sign in vertigo, of central and peripheral origin. At last we consider the most efficacious therapies, like as medications (specific and aspecific), surgery (conservative and destructive) and rehabilitation, in relation the characteristics and the causes of vertigo.

Intestinal fluke infections: the heterophyids.

Abstract: The food-borne small flukes infections are uncommon in Italy, because the parasite is strictly limited to certain areas of the world. Humans become infected by ingestion of parasitized fish that is raw, inadequately cooked or improperly-pickled or salted. Two case reports of intestinal infections by Heterophyies heterophyies are reported.

[Case report: Acro-necrosis of the upper limbs caused by gemcitabine therapy].

Abstract: Introduction Even if infrequent, a digital necrosis after chemotherapy can occur in cancer patients. The gemcitabine is generally well tolerate; the cutaneous toxic ulcerations only in 0.3% of the cases induces the suspension of the treatment. Clinical case A 70 year old patient, female, with a bladder cancer, after a trans-urethral resection, is submitted to adjuvant chemotherapy with Gemcitabine 1700 mg (total dose/die), with administration in the days 1st and 8th, while in the 15th day was not effected because, to distance of 3-4 days from the second administration, appear paresthesies of the fingers of the hands, together with Raynaud type phenomenon, 38-39 degrees C intermittent fever, digital necrosis and fingertips gangrene. Laboratory: (Normal): RF; AutoAb: AMA, ASMA, APCA, anti-DNA; ENA; lupus anti-coagulant; Ab-anti-cardiolipin; C3-C4, CIC; homocysteine, anti-thrombin, protein C, protein S, mutation of the factor V of Leiden, plasminogen, alfa 2-antiplasmin. (Altered): Auto-antibody: ANA (on Hep-2): positive (title 1/160, speckled pattern), cryoglobulin positive, ESR 29; Instrumental examinations: Superior Limbs Angiograpy: Occlusion of the digital arteries proper of 2nd, 3rd and 4th finger of the hands. Electromyography Inferior Arts: normal. Superior Arts: bilateral suffering of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Biopsy of the hand cutis: Hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and papillomatosis of the skin. Arterial vases with signs of endothelioangiitis and aspecific inflammation. Conclusions Even if acronecrosis of the superior limbs is a rare effect of the gemcitabine, we would recommend particular caution in the administration of this drug in patient with known autoimmune disorders.

Prevalence of HCV in health care workers in Southern Italy

Abstract: PURPOSE To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the population exposed to biological risk of two hospitals in southern Italy. PATIENTS AND METHODS All health care workers of two main hospitals of Sicily, potentially exposed to biological risk underwent health surveillance. Health care personnel were arranged into seven occupational group, and five age bands ( 60 years). We estimated the prevalence of hepatitis C infection in 1800 healthcare workers by means of nucleic acid amplification and genotype by means of sequencing, the workers were also tested for liver function. RESULTS The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.1%, corresponding to 39 persons. The prevalence in health workers was higher in nurses than in surgeon, group perceived to be at greatest risk of occupational exposure, and higher in elderly workers (> 45 years) than in younger ones. CONCLUSION Prevalence of anti-HCV in our study was higher than in blood donors, and lower than in general population in southern of Italy. The 45% of HCV infected healthcare workers were unaware of their condition and their potential to infect patients. Testing for HCV infection should be routinely performed for health care workers to detect the infection, which frequently results in a chronic asymptomatic carrier state for many years before the development of symptomatic liver disease, and perform precocious therapy with interferon.

Fangotherapy in chronic degenerative rheumatic diseases

Abstract: The authors remind the historical role of the mud-therapy in the care of chronic degenerative rheumoartrhopaties, namely osteoarthritis. The main researches belong activity of muds on plasmatic hormones, cytokines, endorphins; a great deal of care is devoted to evaluation of efficacy of mud therapy and relating end points. The clinic outcomes of mud therapy, namely in osteoarthritis patients, were referred. Altogether the studies stress the employ of mud therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis, the consequences of traumas, some dismetabolic chronic arthropaties, and fibromyalgic syndromes.

[Meta-analytical study of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)].

Abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gut wall. GIST have still today controversial aspects of their histogenesis that are reflected on the classification, clinical behaviour and prognosis. The authors analyzed 14 studies observed between 2000 and 2001; also the tumors early classified as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas and schwannomas were included in these studies because, on the basis of immunohistochemical analysis, their cells were c-Kit positive. The GIST occurred in 728 patients with the age range of 12 days-96 years with a male predominance (59.3%). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (25.4%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (23.4%). CT scan was the most important diagnostic technique. Surgery was the only useful treatment; in this study completeness of resection predicted for longer survival. Overall survival was between 21.4% and 88.8%; the percentage of deaths was between 11.1% and 78.5%. Distant metastases, localised in liver and lungs, and locoregional recurrences developed in a percentage between 9% and 68%.

[Inhalation therapy with sulphur water in ORL: clinical-experimental study].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE Several clinics and experimental researches have highlighted the utility of the inhalant mineral therapy in numerous diseases to load of the tall and low respiratory streets. Aim of the our clinical-experimental study has been that of appraise "to brief term" the curative effects and the adverse reactions of a thermal inhalant treatment with sulphur water in the care of diseases ORL apparatus (laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, rhinosynusitis), appraise the course of some End points to distance. PATIENT AND METHODS The study has been channel on a champion of 83 subjects of which 45 of male sex and 38 of female sex with age serious equal average to 53 years +/- 2.6. The subjects of the examined champion that affections from diseases inflammatory chronic of ORL relevance (laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis) were subjected to a cycle of sulphur mineral inhalant therapy disbursed with businesslike individual of inhalations to bud of vapor to the T of 38 degrees C to 20 cm from the face with duration of 10 min, follows from aerosol for likewise minutes. To the beginning and at the end of the sulphur mineral inhalant cycle has been valued the subjective symptomatology susceptible of amelioration, some End Points to distance and the adverse reactions. RESULTS The data seem to highlight the end cycle curative sulphur mineral inhalant an significant (P < 0.05) amelioration of best part of the symptoms examined like cough, nasal itch, expectoration [etc]. The analysis of the End Points to advised Distance show an significant (P < 0.05) progressional diminution of such indicators to succession of the annual continuity of the inhalant sulphur mineral treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results of such research seem to demonstrate that the inhalant sulphur mineral therapy can induced notable benefit in different inflammatory chronic diseases of ORL relevance in peculiar in the first ten of life with a positive relapse on some End Points to distance and an excellent local and systemic tolerable.

[Social cognition and atypical antipsychotic agents in the treatment of persons with schizophrenia: preliminary data from a naturalistic study].

Abstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder that begins in adolescence or in early adulthood. In schizophrenic disorder there are relevant deficits in social interaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs compared to a conventional antipsychotic in the treatment of psychotic symptoms and on cognitive functions of a group of people affected by schizophrenia. Effects of novel antipsychotic drugs on social functioning improvement, regarded as improvement in the ability to represent mental states, were thoroughly assessed. Our study was conducted in the form of naturalistic observation of a sample of 45 people affected by schizophrenia treated with haloperidol, clozapine and risperidone. Our results show that after one year of treatment there were significant positive results in social competence abilities in the group of people being treated with risperidone. Theses results may have a relevant impact on the improvement of quality of life in people affected by schizophrenia.

Guidelines for nutritional management in hospitals

Abstract: Malnutrition, frequently seen in hospital patients, is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore rules of good care imply its early recognition and adequate treatment. Directions about nutritional and dietetic support aim at assuring the proper intake of calories and of other nutrients which are present in food. Guidelines to be used when prescribing a suitable diet for the hospitalized patient are presented.

Helicobacter pylori and hepatobiliary diseases

Abstract: The aim of this short review is to understand if the Helicobacter pylori could have some sort of importance in the pathogenesis and in the development of not only gastroduodenal diseases, but in particular of those of the liver: a summary of the last researches has been done on the relations between this bacterium and some liver diseases; our intention is to continue this researches.

[Microcalcification and breast pathology: differential diagnosis and oncogenic risk assessment].

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the first cause of death in women. The investigation and the study of microcalcifications can discover about half of hidden breast carcinomas and this is an excellent help for the diagnosis. The aim of this study is to give some guidelines for a correct interpretation of these microcalcifications.

Disability and rehabilitation outcome in hemiplegia with global aphasia and neglect

Abstract: Purpose Global aphasia and neglect are considered to be the neuropsychological disorders mostly affecting the hemiplegia outcome. The aim of this study is to examine which of the two disorders is making worse the recovery from hemiplegia. Methods The study was conduced on 45 patients suffering from hemiplegia: 15 subject with global aphasia, 15 with neglect and 15 without neuropsychological disorders (control group). All patients were subject to rehabilitation treatment. Before and after rehabilitation, the assessment of patients was made using neuropsychological tests, Fugl-Meyer scale and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). At admission, all patients were not self-sufficient. Results At the end of the rehabilitation period the recovery of motor function was poor in both groups. The damage on limbs motion was severe in 93.4% and marked in 6.6% of both patients with global aphasia and neglect. At discharge, the FIM motor score of patients with global aphasia (44.6 +/- 13) was higher than in those with neglect (37.2 +/- 10) and was not statistically different from control group (51.2 +/- 18) (p = 0.493). The FIM motor score of patients with neglect was significantly lower than control group (p = 0.036). In patients with global aphasia effectiveness was 35.5% and efficiency 0.40 while in patients with neglect effectiveness was 18% and efficiency 0.22. The final disability was lower in patients subject to global aphasia than neglect. Conclusions The study showed that neglect limits the recovery from stroke more than global aphasia.e.

Dietetic management of patients with impaired swallowing

Abstract: Swallowing deficits may be present in patients with neurological, otolaryngoiatric or internal medicine diseases. These deficits impair their feeding capability, thus inducing malnutrition. Diet therapy in these conditions involves specific instructions for properly choosing, handling and eating food, in order to allow patients to preserve their autonomy and safety while eating, thus preventing malnutrition. We refer paradigmatically to patients with Huntington disease, which is the main neurologic cause of swallowing deficits, although these guidelines may be conveniently extended to other patients with impaired transit of food.

Periodontal pathology during pregnancy

Abstract: There is emerging evidence from the dental literature that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for systemic disease; in addition, several investigators report a link between periodontal infections and pregnancy complications. In the past few decades, major advances have been made in the elucidation of the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal disease. These developments will be of importance to the obstetrician as periodontal disease may become a potential modifiable risk factor for pregnancy complications.

Role of leptin in anorexia nervosa

Abstract: Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are the main psychiatric disorders characterised by abnormal models of feeding and perception of people's personal physical appearance and weight. These symptoms are associated with a severe psychosocial uneasiness that leads to severe medical complications and this, to its turn, has a big impact on morbidity and sick rate of general population. Although researchers have made big improvements in individualising some likely pathogenic mechanisms that include different factors (genetic, neurochemical and sociocultural) and psychological development, the pathogenesis of these kinds of feeding disorders is still unknown. Leptina is a neurochemical factor particularly relevant. It is a 17 KD hormone, produced by adipocytes. At hypothalamic level, it is essential for regulating body weight and body development. Recent studies have identified some factors responsible for the production and the secretion of leptina. They are micro and macronurishing factors, hormones and the sympatic neurotic system that is the most important among them. It plays a very important role for some disorders of feeding behaviour, specifically for the anorexia nervosa, where we notice a reduction of leptina levels strictly correlated to a reduction of the fat component. Since anorexia nervosa is associated to medical, nourishing and psychological components, it involves different areas and needs complete measurement and administration. Therefore the approach to this kind of pathology has necessarily to predict a multidisciplinary administration of patients. The aim of our work has been to point out the possible interactions between leptina and the development and progression of anorexia nervosa, on the basis of recent works and reviews in medical literature.

Effectiveness of mesoglycan in the prevention of cerebral ischemia

Abstract: 40 subjects who had a transitory ischemic cerebral attack were treated with Mesoglycan and controlled for two consecutive years. Only four patients showed relapse of ischemic cerebral attacks. There was also noted a positive effect on the patients' quality of life, examined using psycometric scales.

[An effective method to prevent deep venous thrombosis in total hip arthroplasty: a study in patients with and without risk factors for thrombotic disease].

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine a safe and effective method of prophylaxis for thromboembolis diseases after THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 157 patients consecutively admitted to our Department of Orthopedics to undergo elective THA from October 2000 o May 2001. We have preoperatively investigated plasma levels of homocysteine, AT III activity, Fibrinogen levels, Anticardiolipin antibodies, and circulating vWFag D-dimer levels were measured by Asserachrom D-dimer ELISA preoperatively and on day 4 postoperatively. Thromboprophylactic regimen was based on a prolonged subcutaneous administration of nadroparin (for 40 days after surgery) and was used in all patients, with a dose based on body weight. Compression ultrasonography was udes as screening test for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis and performed in each patient on postoperative day 4, 15, and 30. RESULTS: Although all patients enrolled in this study showed increased risk for thrombotic disease, none oh them developed either symptomatic or asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis. No complications were observed, including major bleeding or abnormalities of laboratory tests. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that prolonged thromboprophylaxis with nadroparin for 40 days postoperatively, associated with early mobilization, is an effective and safe protocol of antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients operated for THA with and without risk factors for thrombotic disease.

[Hyperemesis gravidarum--etiology and treatment].

Abstract: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a common pathology encountered by the obstetrician in 0.1-2% of all pregnancies. The purpose of our review, along with other literature, is to report general outline of the syndrome, with etiology, complications and some guidelines about conventional and newer therapy.

[Teachers' education goes through students' evaluation as well].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE Students' opinion on the quality of the educational methods can represent an interesting factor useful to encourage teachers to reconsider their educational methodologies in view of the new planning required by changes in the study curricula. MATERIALS AND METHODS The paper considers the evaluation expressed by medical students of the "Campus Bio-Medico" University during three consecutive years, in order to perceive the dynamic sense and the evolving prospective of the educational quality as a whole. From a methodological point of view the evaluation of each year and of each course are related to a general median line. This is a significant indicator of the variations of educational methodologies considered as a whole. The relation between the general median line and the course one allows taking into consideration the relative and the absolute variation of the quality. RESULTS To be relevant the analysis of each course has to be put in relation with the progress of the previous year and with the overall state of the educational activities. While in the first case students evaluating the same course are not the same, in the second one the group of students is substantially stable and allows a better control of the evaluators' variable. CONCLUSIONS Students' judgements on the educational quality have to be put always into a constructive frame. They have to be involved in the process of improving the educational methodologies by means of orienting teachers' education, pointing out possible critical aspects or stressing each time the results they expect. The dynamic aspect of evaluation allows constant confrontation of the results obtained during a course with the criteria of the expected quality growth. That is, a course apparently static or even dropping, can be considered as such only because the students expectations have grown.

[COX-2 inhibitors: a new treatment in rheumatic diseases].

Abstract: Progressive increase of the average lifespan pushed up the number of the elderlies in the population. The subsequent spread of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis has inflated the request of NSAID despite their frequent toxicity. Side effects of NSAID are sometimes severe and mainly target gastrointestinal tract, renal and platelets function. It has been estimated that around 70% of the patients treated with NSAID develop some degree of gastric damage, ranging from aspecific dyspeptic syndromes to ulcerative diseases. Drugs are now available that selectively inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2: this enzyme is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins during the inflammatory response. These new drugs have opened new perspectives in the treatment of arthritis; they allow COX-1 to work regularly, so that those prostaglandins that are involved in the maintenance of a regular function of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa and of the platelets. Celecoxib was the firstborn of these new drugs. Differently from FANS, COXIB has got less side effects on gastrointestinal tract and platelets function. Based on the evidence of the more recent clinical experience COXIB has to be recommended; in particular celecoxib, at a schedule of 200-400 mg/die, was shown to be highly effective in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

[New prospects in physician-patient communication: role of the animated model].

Abstract: UNLABELLED Today information technology and multimediality play a key role in the field of medicine and only recently have been used to improve the doctor-patient relationship. The authors propose the use of induction movies also in this field improving communication between doctor and patient especially when handling surgical operations and complex procedures. These movies give detailed information to patients showing images and explaining in a simple way surgery, therapy and innovative procedures helping the patients to cope with surgery and therapy reducing anxiety and worry. This innovative method was also used successfully for the training of students helping them to understand important issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS An induction movie on CD regarding two different surgical techniques was shown to 20 patients (7 females and 13 males, average age 50.8), 20 doctors and 20 students. RESULTS Doctors and patients appreciated this new communication method enabling doctors to better communicate with patients and patients to better understand operation procedures. Worry for operation was reduced and compliance before and after surgery was increased. As to the notion point of view students understood quicker and easier. CONCLUSIONS This method is innovative and enables technical information to reach patients, doctors and students faster. Images are kept in mind easier and help patients to evaluate the pros and cons of surgery reducing worry. There was more communication between doctors and patients improving therefore their relationship and at the same time reducing communication barriers.

[Peripheral blood stem cell collection in pediatric malignancies: comparison between three mobilizing regimens].

Abstract: PURPOSE: The optimal method for PBSC (peripheral blood stem cells) mobilization in pediatric patients is still unknown. The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of apheresis procedures and to compare the efficacy of three methods of PBSC mobilization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study was performed on 28 pediatric patients (in three groups) with solid tumors at onset or on relapse. In two groups we tried to mobilize PBSC administering CHT (based on Carboplatin with Etoposide in the first group and Cyclophosphamide in the second group) followed by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF); in the third group the mobilization regimen was based on G-CSF alone. RESULTS: Forty-nine mobilizations have been performed and a median of 6.5 CD34+ cells x 10(6)/Kg were collected, with a median number of one apheresis for each patient. Using Carboplatin with G-CSF and Cyclophosphamide with G-CSF we collected respectively a median value of 6.75 and 7.3 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. The mobilization method based on G-CSF alone showed to be less effective (median of 4.3 CD34+ cells x 10(6)/kg collected). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience the mobilizing regimens based on Carboplatin or Cyclophosphamide associated with G-CSF resulted both effective and better than the one based on G-CSF alone with a scanty number of apheresis procedures.

Depressive syndrome and ischemic cardiopathy

Abstract: The prevalence of ischemic heart disease and depressive syndrome in the occidental population is high. Clinical depression appears to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Depression after an acute coronary event exerts a profoundly negative effect on quality of life and is related to poor prognosis (increased mortality rates and further cardiac events). Moreover, medical therapy in patients with ischemic heart disease and depressive symptoms is not free of problems. The purpose of this review is to present the relationships between depression and cardiovascular disease on the data collected from different studies and make recommendations for improving assessment and treatment of depressive symptoms in the family practice, internal medicine or cardiologist setting. Only an interdisciplinary integration among basic scientists and clinicians, will decrease the comorbidity.

The temporal bases of medicine: short notions of chronobiology.

Abstract: The experimental observation has clarified that the majority of biological functions show a pattern of periodic type. Chronobiology was born as the discipline devoted to investigate the periodicity in biological phenomena, Time being regarded as a systematic variable of the dynamism in living matter. The present article provides short notions of this discipline, regarding the classification and meaning of biological rhythms, and concerning the methods for analyzing the periodicity in biosystems.