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Biomedical subjects

A Cannas

Publications and source records attributed to A Cannas.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Dexamethasone inhibits induction of liver tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA and liver growth induced by lead nitrate and ethylene dibromide.

We have recently demonstrated that a single injection of the mitogen lead nitrate to rats induced a rapid increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in the liver and suggested that this cytokine may be involved in triggering hepatocyte proliferation in this model of direct hyperplasia. In this study, we examined whether a similar induction of liver TNF-alpha mRNA could be observed preceding the onset of hepatocyte proliferation induced by ethylene dibromide, another hepatocyte mitogen. In addition, we used dexamethasone, a well known inhibitor of TNF-alpha production, to determine whether its administration could suppress hepatocyte proliferation induced by lead nitrate and ethylene dibromide. A single intragastric administration of ethylene dibromide (100 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats enhanced liver TNF-alpha mRNA after 4 and 7 hours, which then returned to control levels by 24 hours. TNF-alpha mRNA was detectable only in a nonparenchymal cell fraction of the liver. Pretreatment of rats with a single dose of dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) 60 minutes before lead nitrate (100 mumol/kg) or ethylene dibromide completely abolished the increased levels of liver TNF-alpha mRNA induced by these agents. Inhibition by dexamethasone of TNF-alpha mRNA was associated with an inhibition of liver cell proliferation induced by these mitogens, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, mitotic index, and DNA content. These results further support the hypothesis that TNF-alpha may be involved in triggering hepatocyte proliferation induced by primary mitogens.

Animals

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy: an epidemiologic study.

The authors carried out an epidemiologic study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia for the years 1957 through 1990. The duration of the disease and survival were significantly shorter in bulbar form. The distribution of ALS in various areas of the island was found to be not at all homogeneous. Mean yearly incidence showed no significant variations in the decades 1971-80 and 1981-90. In the last decade, an increase of bulbar forms was observed.

Adolescent

Primary optic neuritis evolved in multiple sclerosis: an epidemiological study.

Sixty-nine cases of Optic Neuritis were studied in order to evaluate the percentage of evolution into multiple sclerosis. We observed an incidence rate of 53.6% which is somewhat high respect to data present in literature. The various findings obtained in the present study were compared with those of the literature and the similarities and discrepancies underlined.

Adolescent

Dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) in a man chronically exposed to pesticides.

A patient chronically exposed to pesticides with dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) is presented. We evaluate the pathogenic role of these substances in the disease and suggest the usefulness of an epidemiological attention on the environmental factors in certain neurodegenerative diseases.

Alzheimer Disease

Thalamic hemorrhage. 30 cases studied: clinico-tomodensitometric correlations.

The clinico-tomographic correlations in 30 patients hospitalized for primary thalamic hemorrhage were studied. Arterial hypertension, observed in 90% of patients, represented the most important risk factor. Twenty-six subjects showed a sensory-motor hemisyndrome contralaterally to the lesion, nineteen showed alteration in level of consciousness from confusion to stupor and coma. Twelve subjects had poorly reactive pupils and eleven speech disturbances with involvement of the left thalamus. Seven patients died following hemorrhage; all subjects presented ventricular bleeding, severe disturbance of consciousness and arterial hypertension. On admission to hospital impairment of consciousness was the most significant unfavourable prognostic factor.

Adolescent

Rigidity and painful muscle spasms in a patient with probable myelitis.

We describe a case of continuous motor unit potential (MUP) activity of central origin (unlike stiff man syndrome and progressive encephalomyelitis) characterized clinically by rigidity, painful muscle spasms, abnormal postures and spinal myoclonus. The topography of the manifestations, the subacute and benign course, the presence of stable sequels 2 years after onset and a searching process of differential diagnosis lead us to attribute the condition to an inflammation of the cord, which makes the case of particular clinical interest.

Adult

Segmental myoclonus in a young man who had had localized encephalitis in childhood.

A man who had had an episode of localized encephalitis, diagnosed as viral cerebellitis in childhood came to observation at the age of 23 for attacks of segmental myoclonus of the cervical axial musculature. BAEP changes at brainstem level in this case point to involvement of the Guillain-Mollaret triangle in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Adult

Cerebral toxoplasmosis in AIDS. Case report.

In a patient with AIDS presenting partial epilepsy cerebral toxoplasmosis was diagnosed on the serological and CT evidence. The diagnosis was confirmed by the immediate response to sulfonamide therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Sensitivity and specificity of the EEG versus CT in acute cortical and subcortical stroke.

122 patients with acute stroke were examined in order to demonstrate the sensitivity and the specificity of EEG versus CT findings, in distinguishing cortical from subcortical lesions. To do this the electroencephalographic diagnosis performed by two different electroencephalographers was compared with the neuroimaging diagnosis. The results showed a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 75%. Furthermore, the EEG findings can also provide physiopathological data, in that the cortical lesions are likely to be due to embolism, while the subcortical lesions are more likely to be due to the pathological process of the intracerebral blood-vessels and the lesions of the watershed territories to hemodynamic phenomena.

Adult