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Biomedical subjects

A Fassina

Publications and source records attributed to A Fassina.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Does bile play a fundamental role in inducing and influencing acute reflux pancreatitis in rat?

Acute pancreatitis by closed duodenal loop in two groups of rats, with or without biliary diversion, was induced to ascertain any role that bile might have in codetermining and influencing the disease. Both the histological findings and the serum amylase levels showed the presence of mild acute pancreatitis in both groups. The histological and/or biochemical findings and the survival rates were similar for rats with and rats without biliary diversion. We may therefore conclude that the closed duodenal loop causes acute pancreatitis of a mild degree in the rat; bile did not appear to play a fundamental role in inducing or in influencing the outcome of the acute pancreatic inflammation in this experimental model.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

Bronchial carcinoids: a review of 60 patients.

Sixty patients with a bronchial carcinoid underwent surgical treatment. Preoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a characteristic pink, smooth, bleeding tumor in 71.4% of the patients with a typical carcinoid and 16.7% of those with an atypical carcinoid (p less than 0.05). Eight pneumonectomies, seven bilobectomies, 34 lobectomies, three lobectomies with bronchoplasty, six bronchotomies with bronchoplasty, and two segmental resections were performed. All patients entered follow-up, and 47 were followed for more than 5 years. Ten-year survival was 89.6% for patients with a typical carcinoid and 60% for those with an atypical carcinoid. Ten-year survival was 88.1% for patients with carcinoids without lymph node involvement. All patients with lymph node involvement died within 5 years. Overall, 5 of the 8 patients having pneumonectomy died of acute cardiorespiratory failure. We conclude that a limited surgical resection with or without bronchoplasty and systematic lymphadenectomy is the procedure of choice in patients with typical carcinoids. On the other hand, atypical carcinoids are comparable to well-differentiated malignancies of the lung. Whenever possible, pneumonectomy should be avoided in favor of bronchial sleeve resection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Risk factors for thyroid cancer in northern Italy.

We conducted a hospital based case-control study of 245 cases of thyroid cancer (62 males and 183 females) and 411 controls in three areas of Northern Italy. Subjects with thyroid cancer more often had a history of benign thyroid nodules (18 cases versus 0 controls, lower 95% confidence limit = 7.84), goitre (RR = 5.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.13-14.77) and residence in endemic goitre areas (RR for residence longer than 20 years = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.23-4.29). Heavy (greater than 1000 rads) irradiation of the neck was reported only by seven cases (lower 95% confidence limit: 2.45). Among 31 food items considered, a few showed direct association, including starchy foods and various sources of animal fats or proteins, whereas frequent consumption of other foods, including major sources of dietary iodine (such as fish, green vegetables and fruit) gave significant protection. When analysis was restricted to various subgroups of patients (ie, different histological types, sexes and major groups of hospital controls), it yielded similar results.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Bone mineral density in diabetes mellitus.

In the present study bone mineral content (BMC) was measured at 1/3 and 1/10 the length of the radius from the distal end in 100 adult diabetic subjects (55 females, 45 males, 54 insulin-dependent [IDD], 46 non-insulin-dependent [NIDD]), using single photon absorptiometry. Each individual BMC value in the diabetics was first compared to normal BMC values for age obtained in our laboratory from 500 non-diabetic subjects. BMC in the diabetics was within the normal range (M +/- 2 SD) with respect to sex and age. Data from IDD and NIDD males, under and over 50 years of age, and of IDD and NIDD females, pre- and postmenopausal, were compared with the respective control group data after matching each diabetic subject to a non-diabetic one of identical age and menstrual history and of comparable body mass index. In each group BMC in the diabetic subjects was found not to be statistically different from BMC in the control ones. Correlation analysis was carried out between BMC and endocrine or metabolic parameters obtained in 52 of the diabetic patients. BMC in diabetic subjects was not correlated with plasma levels of hormones (thyroid hormones, cortisol, 17-beta-estradiol, testosterone), Ca, P or alkaline phosphatase activity. It was inversely correlated with urinary Ca and P in NIDD women and with urinary Ca in NIDD men. No relationship was found between BMC and the metabolic control of diabetes (evaluated by basal glycemia, 2h-post-prandial glycemia and glycosylated hemoglobin).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Muscular contracture as a component of low back pain: evaluation criteria and significance of relaxant therapy.

The measurement of diastasis of the spinous processes and of muscular action potentials by means of bio-feedback equipment is a clinically valid means to evaluate the extent of reflex muscular contracture. The methods were used to study the relaxant effect of pridinol mesylate on the lumbar extensor muscles in subjects with acute low back pain. It was found that pridinol mesylate significantly reduced the contracture of the extensor lumbar muscles in low back pain when given per os or parenterally.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1981

[Typical, atypical and malignant bronchial carcinoid].

A series of 54 bronchial carcinoids operated in the course of 12 yr is presented. There were three histological types: typical, atypical and malignant. A parallel was also apparent between histological appearance and clinical pattern. Correct prognosis, however, demands the examination of other parameters, such the tendency of the neoplasia to infiltrate, and the presence of metastatic lymph nodes.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Absence of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1 protein predicts poor outcome in patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The p27Kip1 protein regulates the G1 to S phase transition of cell cycle by binding to and inhibiting the cyclin E/Cdk2 complex. This study explores the prognostic significance of the absence of the p27Kip1 protein in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Formalin-fixed tumor sections from 124 patients who underwent curative resection for stage I-III CRC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using MoAb anti-p27KiP1. RESULTS: Detectable levels of p27Kip1 protein were found in 86% of tumors. Median follow-up was 55 months. Actuarial 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 76% and 85%, respectively, in patients with tumors with p27Kip1 protein expression and 34% and 40%, respectively, in those whose tumors lacked p27Kip1 protein expression (P < .001). At multivariate analysis, tumor stage (III vs. I-II) and p27Kip1 protein status (absence vs. presence) were found to be independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of p27KiP1 protein expression in CRC is a negative prognostic marker and may therefore be useful in selecting early-stage patients more likely to benefit from adjuvant treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Duodenal periampullary gangliocytic paraganglioma: report of two cases with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

We report two cases of Gangliocytic Paraganglioma (GP) of the ampulla of Vater occurring in a 63-year-old and a 34-year-old individual. The patients were both admitted for a long history of intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal discomfort, with no other symptoms. At endoscopy, the GP appeared as a polypoid, ulcerated mass in the ampullar region, measuring 2.5x1.8 and 2 cm, respectively. Microscopically, the tumors showed similar features and were composed of epithelial cells (more than 50%), spindle cells, and ganglion-like cells. The epithelial cells showed clear cytoplasm and formed nests (zellballen or paraganglioma-like groups), and less frequently, cords (carcinoid-like), extending to mucosa and submucosa. Ganglion cells were sparse, constantly associated with the spindle cells. Both epithelial and ganglion cells were synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and anti-neurofilament immunoreactive. The spindle cells were all S-100 positive. Ultrastructural studies revealed dark and light cells, rare elongated cellular processes, secretory granules, and fine fibrils resembling neurofilaments. The histogenesis of GP is still a matter of debate, however its neoplastic nature is supported by the occasionally reported malignant evolution.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Extramedullary hematopoiesis of the thyroid gland diagnosed by FNA cytology. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the production of elements of erythroid and myeloid series at ectopic sites; when concomitant with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, it is invariably seen in advanced disease. In EMH, involvement of the thyroid gland is extremely rare. CASE: An 82-year-old male with thyroid enlargement underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology with a diagnosis of malignancy. A month later another FNA cytology was performed and was consistent with EMH. A complete hematologic workup subsequently allowed the diagnosis of agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. CONCLUSION: The presence of EMH in the thyroid gland is an unusual finding, and, due to the presence of numerous giant cells, the cytologic presentation might be mistaken for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The differential diagnosis is based on the recognition of giant cells as megakaryocytes.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Frequency of thyroid carcinoma in a recent series of 539 consecutive thyroidectomies for multinodular goiter.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of thyroid carcinoma in a consecutive series of 539 thyroidectomies for multinodular goiter (MNG) and to assess the influence of sex and age as cancer risk factors. METHODS: In a 2-year period, 539 patients underwent subtotal or total thyroidectomy for MNG at the institute of General Surgery, University of Padova, Padova, Italy: 455 were females and 84 males (F/M = 5.5/1); mean age was 46 years (min. 17, max 78). Only 17 patients (3.1%) (16 females and 1 male) were aged 21 years or less. RESULTS: A malignancy was found in 41 patients: 38 females and 3 males; 39 older and 2 younger than 21 years. The frequency of cancer in MNG was 7.6%: 8.3% in females and 3.6% in males; 7.5% in patients older than 21 and 11.7% under 21 years. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MNG and carcinoma should always be carefully considered but not overemphasized, and the policy of surgically treating all patients with MNG is not justified. Sex and age cannot be considered as factors of a higher risk of cancer.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Esophageal strictures following nasogastric intubation.

Esophageal stricture is not reported to be a common complication of nasogastric intubation. Two patients who had a Levin tube inserted in the stomach for nutrition during a prolonged coma, and finally presented with a severe esophageal stricture were observed and treated. The clinical history of the patients suggests that the pathogenesis of this lesion is probably multifactorial, secondary to induced gastroesophageal reflux, impaired esophageal clearance, high gastric acid output, and use of steroids. Jejunostomy feeding, rather than nasogastric feeding, is probably a better means to provide nutritional support in comatose patients, thus averting the risk of such a serious complication. Esophageal replacement with left colon interposition appears the treatment of choice for these severe esophageal strictures.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Late recurrence of Wilms' tumor].

We present a patient with a Wilms' Tumor recurring after 7 years from the primitive surgical excision. After the relapse, surgery and conventional chemotherapy (with Actinomycin-D, Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine) permitted to achieve a second complete remission. Now the patient is alive without evidence of disease after 4 years from the relapse. The non-complete surgical excision of the tumor and the particular biological activity of the residual cells could explain the late relapse.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Torticollis and neck tumors: presentation of a case].

Stiff neck in children is a quite frequent sign of various pathological processes, not always benign in nature. Here is referred the case of a extradural cervical tumor in which stiff neck, associated with nucal rigidity, was for a long time the only symptom of the underlying process. The association of cervical tumor with stiff neck as the only longlasting initial symptom has only sporadically been reported. The authors analyse the various causes of stiff neck from the clinical and anatomo-pathological viewpoints, including age of patient at onset.

Child, Preschool↗