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Biomedical subjects

C Alessandrini

Publications and source records attributed to C Alessandrini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Influences of maternal weight on the secondary sex ratio of human offspring.

BACKGROUND: Less than optimal reproductive conditions may be associated with a secondary sex ratio biased towards females. Body weight represents a critical determinant of reproduction. Accordingly, we evaluated whether preconception body weight and weight gain during pregnancy influence the sex ratio of human offspring. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 10 239 births in 1997-2001. Time of conception, preconception body weight and net weight gain during pregnancy were obtained for 9284 pregnancies. RESULTS: The secondary sex ratio of mothers in the lowest quartile of pre-pregnancy body weight (<54.6 kg) was lower than that of the other three quartiles (0.497 versus 0.525; P < 0.01). In contrast, the sex ratio of children born by the women in the highest quartile of weight gain during pregnancy appeared lower than that of the first three quartiles (0.493 versus 0.516; P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: A low pre-pregnancy weight and a greater weight gain during pregnancy are both associated with a reduced secondary sex ratio. These data indicate that in women with non-optimal reproductive/metabolic conditions, a greater attrition is exerted on male than on female offspring.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

18q-syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia syndrome: description of a child and his family.

The 18q- syndrome [MIM #601808] is a terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 18. The most common deletion extends from region q21 to qter. We report here a nine-year-old boy possessing a simple 18q- deletion who had abnormalities of the brain, skull, face, tooth, hair, bone, and skin, plus joint laxity, tongue palsy, subtle sensoneural deafness, mental and speech delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic, and restless legs syndromes. His karyotype was 46, XY, del (18)(q21.31-qter). The size of the deletion was approximately 45 cM. Most of these abnormalities were not explained by the 18q- deletion. The family pedigree suggested the presence of a subtle involvement of ectodermal and/or mesodermal structures. Karyotypes of the other family members were normal.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2003

The male disadvantage and the seasonal rhythm of sex ratio at the time of conception.

BACKGROUND: In accordance with a presumed greater fragility of male versus female pregnancies, we tested whether sex ratio (male/female ratio) of vital pregnancies is higher in seasons more favourable for reproduction. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 14,310 births which had occurred in our institute between 1995-2001. For each single pregnancy the time of conception was calculated by the last menstrual period recall and confirmed or redefined by ultrasound in 95.8% of cases. The sex ratio of 199,454 pregnancies which had occurred in the Modena County between 1936-1998 was also stratified according to the month of birth. RESULTS: Sex ratio of institutional deliveries was 0.511 and was identical to that obtained from the County registry. Sex ratio at birth did not show a significant seasonal variation. By contrast, sex ratio calculated at time of conception showed a seasonal rhythm, with amplitude of 2.4% and peak values in October (confidence interval: +/-43 days). The rhythm was in phase with the rhythm of conception that showed peak values in September (confidence interval: +/-37 days) and an amplitude of 7%. CONCLUSIONS: The superimposition of the phase of sex ratio and conception rhythms supports the contention that more males than females are conceived in seasons with more favourable reproductive conditions.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Early outcome of myomectomy by laparotomy, minilaparotomy and laparoscopically assisted minilaparotomy. A randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To compare in the first 7 days after surgery the outcome of myomectomy performed by three laparotomic approaches: laparotomy (LT), minilaparotomy (MLT) and laparoscopically assisted minilaparotomy (LA-MLT). METHODS: Fifty-one women with 5-15 cm total myoma diameter were randomized blindly using a computer randomization list, to LT (n = 17), MLT (n = 17) or LA-MLT (n = 17). RESULTS: Mean operation length was similar in the three groups. Mean (+/- SEM) time of paralytic ileus (55.0 +/- 4.5 versus 33.4 +/- 3.4 h; P < 0.01) and discharge (141.6 +/- 5.2 versus 81.5 +/- 8.2 h; P < 0.01) was longer in LT than LA-MLT or even MLT. In comparison with LA-MLT, LT induced a greater haemoglobin decline (-3.07 +/- 0.3 versus -1.8 +/- 0.15 mg/dl; P < 0.025), and a greater post-operative stress, as documented by increased prolactin (+15.1 +/- 3.8 versus +0.16 +/- 4.5 ng/ml; P < 0.03) and decreased insulin sensitivity (fasting glucose/insulin; -7.5 +/- 2.6 versus -0.7 +/- 2.1; P < 0.02). Seven days after surgery, abdominal pain (P < 0.05) was higher after LT (3.0 +/- 0.6) than MLT (0.5 +/- 0.2) and LA-MLT (0.9 +/- 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, myomectomy by LA-MLT offers some advantages versus LT and, to a smaller extent, MLT.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2002

Case report. Fatal rhinocerebral zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae.

A case of rhinocerebral zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae, arising after trauma in a 53-year-old diabetic man, is reported. Diagnosis was based on histological and mycological examination. Fragments of the colonies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first case diagnosed in Tuscany.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed2001

Smooth muscle cells of the media in the dilatative pathology of ascending thoracic aorta: morphology, immunoreactivity for osteopontin, matrix metalloproteinases, and their inhibitors.

The etiopathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms is currently an issue of debate. The present study investigated ultrastructural, morphometric, and immunohistochemical aspects of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in chronic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta (aneurysm group), aortic dilatation associated with valvular disease (valvular group), and dissection of the thoracic aorta (dissection group). Fragments of the ascending aorta that had been taken from the patients during coronary bypass surgery were used as controls. No significant difference was observed in the density of SMCs between the 3 pathologic groups put together and the controls. Only separate analysis of SMC density in each of the pathologic groups showed that the valvular group samples had significantly smaller amounts of SMCs in the internal layer of the media than the dissection group samples and controls. Ultrastructural analysis, in situ end labeling, propidium iodide assay, and DNA laddering did not show apoptosis of SMCs in the samples investigated. Ultrastructure of SMCs characteristic of the synthetic phenotype, together with increased expression of osteopontin in the media of pathologic thoracic aortas indicated the transition of SMCs from the contractile to the synthetic phenotype. Immunohistochemical investigation showed that medial SMCs in the samples taken from aortas of all 3 pathologic groups expressed stronger immunoreactivity for matrix metalloproteinase 1, 2, and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 than the controls. The present study shows that during the formation of aneurysms, dissection of the thoracic aorta, or aortic dilatation associated with valvular disease, loss of SMCs was not of great importance with respect to their transition from the contractile to the synthetic type in leading to increased production of matrix metalloproteinases.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Hemolytic drugs aniline and dapsone induce iron release in erythrocytes and increase the free iron pool in spleen and liver.

Incubation of rat erythrocytes with the hydroxylated metabolites of aniline and dapsone (4-4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone), phenylhydroxylamine and dapsone hydroxylamine, respectively, induced marked release of iron and methemoglobin formation. On the contrary, no release of iron nor methemoglobin formation was seen when the erythrocytes were incubated with the parent compounds (aniline and dapsone). The acute intoxication of rats with aniline or dapsone induced a marked increase in the erythrocyte content of free iron and methemoglobin, indicating that the xenobiotics are effective only after biotransformation to toxic metabolites in vivo. Prolonged administration of aniline or dapsone to rats produced continuous release of iron from erythrocytes. Marked iron overload was seen in the spleen and in the liver Kupffer cells, as detected histochemically. The spleen weight in these subchronically treated animals was significantly increased. The free iron pool was markedly increased in the spleen and to a lower extent in the liver. The possible relationships between iron release in erythrocytes, oxidative damage seen in senescent cells, hemolysis, overwhelmed capacity of spleen and liver to keep iron in storage forms and subsequent increase in low molecular weight, catalitically active iron is discussed.

Aniline Compounds↗
PubMed1999

A new model for studying differentiation and growth of epidermal cultures on hyaluronan-based carrier.

Here, a three-dimensional model based on fragments of human de-epidermized dermis (DED) is prepared in order to study the performance of a microperforated, hyaluronan-based membrane as a carrier of cultured epidermal cells. Hyaluronic acid is, in fact, considered to be an optimal biomaterial allowing proliferation of both keratinocytes and melanocytes, and it is already used for clinical aims. The carrier with subconfluent human epidermal cultures is positioned onto the DED and kept in culture until a new epidermis is formed. This model system allowed to study the migration and growth of human epidermal cells from the carrier, resembling 'in vivo' re-epithelization.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1999

Case report. Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladosporium oxysporum.

The case of a 66-year-old woman with Cushing syndrome and a 1-year history of papulo-nodular lesions on the right leg is reported. Biopsy revealed septate hyphae and yeast-like cells in granulomatous dermo-hypodermal lesions. Culture of biopsy fragments on Sabouraud glucose agar without cycloheximide produced colonies that were olive green on top and greenish black underneath. On the basis of microscope findings and scanning electron microscopy observation of fragments of colonies, a diagnosis of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladosporium oxysporum was made. The patient was initially treated with itraconazole, which led to clinical improvement, but mycological recovery was obtained after a course of ketoconazole, made necessary by the presence of pituitary adenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cl. oxysporum.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

A case of acral Darier's disease.

A sporadic case of acral Darier's disease in a 20-year-old woman is reported. The disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, histological and ultrastructural data. Only few cases of exclusively acral clinical manifestations of Darier's disease have been described in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alternata and Alternaria tenuissima.

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, one with a nodular appearance and the other with an erythematous infiltrating patch, are reported in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis was based on histological examination, which revealed hyphae and round-shaped fungal cells in a granulomatous dermal infiltrate, and on identification of the moulds when biopsy fragments were cultured on Sabouraud-dextrose agar without cycloheximide. The pathogens were Alternaria tenuissima in the first case and A. alternata in the second. The fungi were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The patients were checked for bone and lung involvement and were then treated with surgical excision and itraconazole, and itraconazole only, respectively, with clinical and mycological resolution.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

The behaviour of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis in human skin: an ultrastructural study.

The biology of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is poorly understood because of the lack of an in vivo or in vitro propagation system. To obtain more information on the mite behaviour in its natural habitat we conducted an ultrastructural study of burrows in a number of patients with common scabies. Scanning electron microscopy furnished attractive images of the tunnel, parasite body and eggs architecture and demonstrated the presence of holes in the tunnel roof probably representing aeration structures. Transmission electron microscopy showed a marked keratinocyte damage around burrowing mites, well evident ahead of the mite capitulum also. Faecal pellets containing keratinocyte micro-organelles (melanosomes and mitochondria) were documented in posterior midgut. For the first time we disclosed the adhesion mechanism of eggs to the burrow floor. We showed that the typical finger-like projections of the outer layer of the egg shell gradually disappear where the eggs are in contact with the tunnel floor. This allows the inner layer of the egg shell to fuse and stick with the damaged keratinocytes lining the tunnel floor. Our observation substantiates that Sarcoptes scabiei produces a proteolytic substance (salivary secretions?) that has a key role in its life cycle allowing burrowing, feeding and eggs-burrow adhesion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

An immunological correlation between the anchoring filaments of initial lymph vessels and the neighboring elastic fibers: a unified morphofunctional concept.

Little has been published on the histochemical and cytochemical properties of anchoring filaments of initial lymph vessels. Previous research suggests that the microfibrils of the anchoring filaments have ultrastructural, histochemical and cytochemical characteristics similar to those of the microfibrils associated with elastic fibers. With the aim of further investigating the histological identity of anchoring filaments, we performed an immunohistochemical study with human skin lymphatics, using antibody HB8, specific for elastic fiber microfibrils. The findings suggested strong molecular similarities between elastic fibers and the fibrils of anchoring filaments of the initial lymph vessels. A comparison of these fibrils showed both constitutional homogeneity and structural continuity from the abluminal surface of the initial lymph vessel to the perivascular elastic fibers and to the adjacent elastic network of connective tissue. In conjunction with previous findings, we propose a unified hypothesis that the elastic fiber system composed of anchoring filaments, perilymphatic sheath and adjacent connective tissue acts by alternating stretching and relaxation to propel lymph towards lymph collectors and draining lymph nodes.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1995

Mid-dermal elastolysis: an ultrastructural and biochemical study.

Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a particular elastic tissue disorder in which selective loss of elastic fibres occurs in the mid-dermis. It is clinically characterized by the appearance of fine wrinkling of the epidermis and perifollicular protrusion which gives the skin an aged appearance. It is sometimes associated with an inflammatory event such as urticaria while other cases are regarded as idiopathic. The pathogenesis of MDE is still obscure. Some authors have underlined the role of macrophage activation and others have imputed UV radiation. We report here a typical case of MDE arising after several attacks of solar urticaria. Electron microscopic and biochemical studies were carried out. Ultrastructural examination showed active elastophagocytosis by macrophages and mast cells, often degranulated, near phagocytosing cells. Biochemical studies demonstrated that fibroblasts derived from lesional skin of the MDE patient produced high levels of elastase and cathepsin G compared with fibroblasts from a healthy sex- and age-matched control. Phagocytosis of morphologically normal elastic tissue is a noticeable characteristic feature of MDE. In our case mast-cell activation and the abnormal synthesis and/or release of fibroblast elastolytic enzymes seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the MDE.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Initial lymph vessels of the skin and elastic fibres form an integral morphofunctional structure.

Little has been published on the histochemical and cytochemical properties of anchoring filaments of the initial lymph vessels. Previous research suggests that the microfibrils of the anchoring filaments have ultrastructural, histochemical and cytochemical characteristics similar to those of the microfibrils associated with the elastic fibres. With the aim of further investigating the histological identity of anchoring filaments, we performed an immunohistochemical study in human skin lymphatics, using the antibody HB8, specific for elastic fibre microfibrils. There is now a body of evidence suggesting a new concept in the framework of the lymphatic system. It unifies the initial lymph vessels, the anchoring filaments and the satellite elastic fibres in a single and integral entity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Iron release, lipid peroxidation, and morphological alterations of erythrocytes exposed to acrolein and phenylhydrazine.

Iron is released in a free [desferrioxamine (DFO)-chelatable] form in mouse erythrocytes incubated with the oxidizing agents acrolein and phenylhydrazine or in erythrocytes drawn from allyl alcohol-intoxicated mice. The release is accompanied by peroxidation of membrane lipids when the cells are depleted of glutathione. Lipid peroxidation is always followed by the lysis of the cells. The release of iron is also accompanied by methemoglobin formation, but the extent of the release does not correlate with the level of methemoglobin production. The addition of DFO to the incubation mixture or the preincubation of the erythrocytes with DFO in millimolar concentrations completely prevents both lipid peroxidation and hemolysis while not significantly changing the level of iron release. Morphological studies carried out with scanning electron microscopy showed a number of alterations in the shape of the incubated erythrocytes, including echinocyte transformation and the appearance of codocyte, stomatocyte, and cnizocyte like forms. These alterations were more prominent with increasing lipid peroxidation and hemolysis, even if occurring in their absence. On the contrary, the appearance of pits and holes was strictly associated with lipid peroxidation and lysis.

1-Propanol↗
PubMed1993

Endogenous codeine and morphine are stored in specific brain neurons.

Codeine and morphine have been detected in mammalian brain by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and in brain and other tissues by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GCMS) in different laboratories. It has been also shown that rat liver can synthesize the skeleton of the morphine molecule, thus suggesting that this alkaloid, which is the prototype of mu-receptor agonists, plays a physiological role in brain. We report the presence of morphine-like immunoreactive compounds inside the cell body, fibers and terminals of neurons in different brain areas. Moreover, neurons localized in the same brain areas were capable of accumulating and storing [3H]morphine slowly infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) through an osmotic minipump.

Animals↗