Lipid profile, BMI, body fat distribution, and aerobic fitness in men with metabolic syndrome.

Obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance are wellknown components of metabolic syndrome and are associated to increased cardiovascular morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, body fat distribution, and selected coronary heart disease risk factors. A total of 22 untrained subjects affected by one or more features of metabolic syndrome and without clinical history of cardiovascular disease were studied. Nondiabetic subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test for glucose and insulin measurement; fasting glucose and insulin were measured in diabetic patients. Complete lipid profile, thyroid hormones, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured in all subjects. Basal energy expenditure and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using a K4 analyzer. Cardiorespiratory fitness ( VO(2max)/kg) was assessed using a treadmill graded exercise test. Peak aerobic capacity ( VO(2max)/kg) was predicted by body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity index, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ( p<0.001). A significant relationship was found between cardiorespiratory fitness ( VO(2max)/kg) and body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity index, and LDL cholesterol ( r=0.60, p<0.05; r=0.66, p<0.01 and r=0.54, p<0.05, respectively). Data demonstrated that aerobic fitness is related to metabolic parameters and to body fat distribution, and suggest that its modification may improve well-known predictors of coronary artery disease.

[Fibrin-glue in the treatment of a bronchocutaneous fistula]. / Trattamento di una fistola bronco-cutanea con colla di fibrina.

The treatment of postoperative chronic thoracic fistulas with fibrin glue can be the non-operative ideal solution for the relative simplicity of the execution technique.

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Two case reports and review of the literature]. / L'istiocitoma fibroso maligno. Presentazione di due casi e revisione della letteratura.

The authors report two cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma localised in the gluteus maximus and re-evaluate some clinical and biological aspects of the neoplasia. Although its histiogenesis is still unsure, the tumour can be classified into various isotopes: the vorticoid-polymorphous variety (70%), and the myxoid, giant cell, angiomatous and inflammatory varieties. It is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults and onset is most frequently observed on the trunk and limbs. Biological behaviour shows a marked tendency to local recidivation, with metastatic diffusion occurring mainly late. The choice of therapy consists of more or less radical surgical removal with or without ratio- and immunotherapy. The results of surgery are influenced by the technique used, and the biological and clinical behaviour of the tumour; in view of the numerous case reports of anomalous behaviour, these factors are only indicative. Therapeutic efficacy is on the whole greater in cases of tumours with diameters of less than 5 cm and more superficial localisations compared to the deep muscular fascia.

[Poland syndrome. Problems of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery--a clinical case]. / La sindrome di Poland. Problematiche di chirurgia ricostruttiva ed estetica e presentazione di un caso clinico.

The Authors report a case of Poland's syndrome formerly undergone reconstructive surgery with unsatisfactory results. Therefore, a new surgical reconstructive strategy having aesthetic purposes is illustrated.

[Local anesthesia in breast augmentation]. / L'anestesia locale negli interventi di mastoplastica additiva.

The Authors report their experience in the application of local anesthesia during breast prosthesis implantation.