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Biomedical subjects

A Luchetti

Publications and source records attributed to A Luchetti.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Molecular characterization of Tunga trimamillata and T. penetrans (Insecta, Siphonaptera, Tungidae): taxonomy and genetic variability.

A new species of the genus Tungo, T. trimamillata has recently been described on the basis of several morphological traits. To explore the taxonomic status of this flea with respect to T. penetrans, we undertook a molecular analysis of cytochrome oxydase II and 16S rDNA mitochondrial genes and of the internal transcribed spacer 2 nuclear marker on samples of both species. Maximum Parsimony evaluations of the three data set indicate a differentiation compatible with a specific rank between the two fleas with very high levels of divergence. Both mitochondrial and nuclear data are in line with a recent bottleneck in the Malagasy population of T. penetrans, possibly due to the recent colonisation of Africa via human transportation. Further, significantly lower mitochondrial variability in the Ecuadorian populations of T. penetrans with respect to the T. trimamillata ones is also evidenced.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Cell volume regulation and transport mechanisms across the blood-brain barrier: implications for the management of hypernatraemic states.

UNLABELLED: Onset and correction of hypernatraemia constitute major hypertonic stresses for mammalian cells. Cells respond by activating specific osmoregulatory mechanisms allowing to preserve their volume and to adapt to their new environmental conditions. These processes have major implications in the management of hypernatraemia. In particular, cells chronically exposed to hypertonic conditions progressively accumulate organic osmolytes to maintain optimal intracellular electrolyte concentrations. During treatment of hypernatraemia, elevated intracellular organic osmotic content exposes cells to cellular oedema if sodium concentrations are rapidly corrected. In addition, circulating ions equilibrate slowly across the blood-brain barrier during acute changes in plasma osmolality. This can generate major brain water shifts and severe cerebral lesions related to brain shrinking or cerebral oedema. CONCLUSION: The basic mechanisms involved in brain ion and water transport are reviewed. A proper understanding of these processes is essential to develop appropriate treatment strategies in managing children with hypernatraemia.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1992

IgE modification of the specific antidermatophagoides during the first year of specific immunotherapy (SIT).

Six subjects (4 female, 2 male), aged from 16 to 25 years, presented with allergic rhinitis to Dermatophagoides mites and received SIT by the sub-cutaneous route with delayed-release alpha fraction Bayropharm at the standard doses. Diagnosis was based on clinical history, skin tests and measurement of specific IgE at 0, 3, 9, and 12 months, by the fluoro-enzymatic technique (FAST). For comparison, in a reference group (n = 20) the IgE varied between 0.32 and 0.11 IU/ml for D1 and 0.31 to 0.09 IU/ml for D2. The eight patients had specific IgE titres of D1 = 0.96, D2 = 0.99. For these authors, the FAST technique used for the measurement of specific IgE, although less sensitive than the RIA technique of RAST, gives a good evaluation of SIT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Enteral nutrition in the critical neurosurgical patient. Effectiveness and tolerance of a prepared liquid diet].

The response of prealbumin was studied in 15 neurosurgical patients following 7 days of enteral nutrition by Nutrisond. Baseline values were compared to day 4 and 7 to assess the degree of change. The prealbumin of day 7 versus baseline value showed a significant increase in the mean serum concentration (16.49 +/- 4.0 vs 19.75 +/- 4.2 mg %). All the patients tolerate well the enteral nutrition with Nutrisond.

Adult↗