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C Pinelli

Publications and source records attributed to C Pinelli.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the amphibian brain: comparative analysis.

FMRFamide is a small neuropeptide present in particular neurons of the basal forebrain and midbrain of the vertebrate groups studied, especially fishes and mammals. In order to assess interspecies variation, the distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was studied in the brains of 13 species of amphibian. Although FMRFamide-immunoreactive (IR) terminals occurred throughout much of the brain, IR cell groups were noted in circumscribed regions of the CNS. In the eight anuran species studied, two major populations of labeled perikarya were observed: one in the septopreoptic area and another one in the caudal portion of the diencephalon. The rostrocaudal extent of both and the number of labeled somata in each neuronal group displayed species-specific differences. In urodeles and gymnophiones, labeled perikarya were located in the diencephalon, but there were remarkable species differences in the number of such cells. It is discussed whether sex or season of collection may account for some of the differences observed. The distribution of FMRFamide-IR perikarya, fibers, and pathways in the brain of anurans, urodeles, and gymnophiones was compared. The existence of FMRFamide perikarya in the anterior preoptic neuropil and medial septum appeared to be a feature common to all anurans; labeled neurons in the dorsal thalamus, however, may be present only in the (viviparous) gymnophione Typhlonectes compressicauda. Cerebrospinal fluid contacting FMRFamide neuronal cell bodies and fibers were observed in each of the three taxonomic orders. The data are compared with those previously obtained for other groups of vertebrates.

Amphibians↗
PubMed1999

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for monitoring bacterial protein digestion in yogurt production

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry was employed to determine the changes in milk protein profile due to the action of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, the strains usually employed in yogurt production. Whereas the fermentation with the former shows the digestion of high molecular mass casein with the production of a low molecular mass peptide (3850 Da), the latter does not seem to exhibit any proteolytic activity. Proteolysis becomes relevant when milk is treated with a mixture of the two bacteria, reasonably due to symbiotic phenomena. The analysis of yogurt samples coming from industrial plants indicates increased activity of the two bacteria in the presence of ingredients containing sugars. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Ontogenetic profile of FSH and LH in Rana esculenta.

Circulating levels and pituitary content of FSH and LH were determined by specific radioimmunoassays in Rana esculenta starting a few days after hatching until the completion of metamorphosis. Both gonadotropins were found in the pituitary as well as in the blood plasma at all stages of development examined here. The plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were more or less uniform during pre- and prometamorphosis, but increased significantly at the onset of metamorphic climax. The plasma levels of FSH and LH remained high at the completion of metamorphosis. The pituitary content of FSH and LH was low in early premetamorphosis. It increased slightly through prometamorphosis and metamorphic climax, following which a highly significant increase occurred. Whereas plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were essentially similar within a single stage of development, the pituitary FSH content was severalfold higher than pituitary LH. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the functional maturation of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in the frog.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Comparative analysis of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) brains.

The distribution of FMRFamide (FMRFa)-like peptides in caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) brains was studied by immunohistochemistry. In both species, distinct groups of FMRFa-like immunoreactive (ir) perikarya were present in the medial septal nucleus, accumbens nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, suprachiasmatic area, lateral hypothalamic area, and periventricular hypothalamic nucleus. A few FMRFa-ir neurons in the hypothalamic area were located in the neuroepithelial cell lining of the third ventricle. FMRFa-ir fibers were scattered in all major areas of the brain, from the olfactory bulbs to the rhombencephalon. They formed dense aggregates in the medial septal area, basal telencephalon, median eminence, and infundibulum, and adjacent to the fourth ventricle. The most obvious difference between the FMRFa-ir systems in caimans and turtles concerned the number of nuclei that contained neurons with this immunoreactivity. Eight such clusters were present in the caiman brain, whereas thirteen clusters were found in the turtle brain. The turtle also displayed scattered FMRFa-ir somata in the anterior olfactory nucleus, striatum, lateral septal nucleus, medial and lateral cortex, medial forebrain bundle, lateral preoptic area, and lateral geniculate nucleus. In the caiman brain, a few FMRFa-ir neurons were noted in the ventrolateral area of the pallial commissure and an even smaller number of ir neurons was found dispersed in the optic tracts. Neither formed nuclear aggregates. The results are compared with those described for other vertebrates.

Alligators and Crocodiles↗
PubMed1999

[Intrasellar epidermoid cysts].

Two patients presenting with an intrasellar epidermoid cyst and operated on through a transsphenoidal approach, are reported. Problems regarding pathological controversies about the differential diagnosis (particularly craniopharyngiomas) are addressed. In order to establish the adequate preoperative diagnosis, the interest of MRI is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Retention and caries prevention of Vitremer and Ketac-bond used as occlusal sealants.

PURPOSE: To assess the retention and caries incidence of Vitremer (resin-modified glass ionomer) and Ketac-bond (conventional glass ionomer cement), used as occlusal sealants, after 6 and 12 months placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 200 school children, 6-8 years old with sound and unsealed permanent first molars. They were divided into three groups: (a) control group (n = 432 teeth); (b) Vitremer experimental group (n = 200 teeth), and (c) Ketac-Bond experimental group (n = 200 teeth). In the experimental groups, Vitremer was applied on teeth 16 and 46 whereas Ketac-Bond was applied on 26 and 36. RESULTS: The total retention rates for Vitremer after 6 and 12 months were 59% and 36%, respectively. For Ketac-Bond, the total retention rates were 24% and 15%, respectively. No dental caries was recorded during the 12 months for both experimental groups. When effectiveness was measured by sealant retention, there was a significant difference between Vitremer and Ketac-Bond after 6 (P < 0.01) and 12 months (P < 0.05). When effectiveness was measured by caries prevention, no significant difference was found between experimental groups, even when the sealants were partially or totally lost. There was no development of carious lesions after 1-year placement of sealants, but there was a significant difference between experimental and control groups (P < 0.01).

Child↗
PubMed1998

[Prevention of venous thromboembolism. Survey of in-hospital medical practice].

OBJECTIVES: In an effort to improve the prevention of venous thromboembolism, the Nancy University Hospitals conducted a survey of medical practice concerning indications for preventive therapy and surveillance of platelet counts and anti Xa activity. METHODS: The survey involved 163 medical files. Questionnaires were filled out in 6 units (3 medical wards and 3 intensive care units). RESULTS: Indications for preventive therapy were found to be quite variable with the exception of very low risk of thromboembolism where the treat/do not treat ratio was 0.1/1, indicating a clear tendency for abstention. This ratio was 0.77/1 and 0.38/1 respectively for low and moderate risk and 2/1 for high risk. There was undoubtedly a ward effect. The attitudes in practice tended toward non-prevention in patients without limited mobility. For platelet counts, an initial count was performed in 95% of the cases and during treatment in 38% although the specific rates were not the same for different types of units. Anti-Xa activity, which according to prevention recommendations need not to be determined, was not monitored in 88% of the cases. In accordance with prevention recommendations, anti-Xa activity was not determined in 88% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Further progress is needed in the prevention of venous thromboembolism and should be based on wider use of existing methods.

France↗
PubMed1998

Comparative analysis of GnRH neuronal systems in the amphibian brain.

We have investigated the GnRH-ir neuronal systems in the brain of the oviparous urodele, Triturus vulgaris, ovoviviparous urodele, Salamandra salamandra, and viviparous caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicauda, and have reexamined Xenopus laevis, Ambystoma mexicanum, and Rana esculenta. Results showed that mGnRH neuronal system was diffused along the medioventral telencephalon and diencephalon with the numerical preponderance of GnRH cell bodies in the rostral mediobasal telencephalon in T. vulgaris and S. salamandra and in medial septal area and preoptic area respectively in Typhlonectes compressicauda and X. laevis. The cGnRH-II-ir perikarya were restricted to the midbrain tegmentum in X. laevis and T. compressicauda. In T. vulgaris, two distinct groups of cGnRH-II neurons were distinguished, one in the midbrain tegmentum and another in the paraventricular organ. The former was composed of comparatively bigger perikarya than the latter. In X. laevis brain, besides those in the rostralmost dorsomedial and ventromedial telencephalon and septopreoptic area, mGnRH neurons were also found in the habenulae and habenular commissure as well the infundibular hypothalamus. In A. mexicanum, reexamined, the preoptic area-located mGnRH neurons were distributed in the ependymal lining of the preoptic recess. In this neotenic urodele, furthermore, cGnRH-II neurons were also present in the rhombencephalon, as well as in the infundibular hypothalamus. It is thus clear that while GnRH-ir cell bodies are distributed in the fore-, mid- and hindbrain, their precise neuroanatomical localization varies somewhat within and among groups. Altogether, it is evident that mGnRH neuronal system is confined mainly to the forebrain, whereas cGnRH-II system is commonly found in the mid- and hindbrain. Additional morphological investigations are required to eventually define the functional neuroanatomy of GnRH in the amphibian brain.

Amphibians↗
PubMed1998

Organization of atrial natriuretic factor-like immunoreactive system in the brain of the frog Rana esculenta during development.

Immunocytochemical distribution of the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) has been studied in the brain and pituitary of the anuran Rana esculenta during development and in juvenile animals. Using human ANF and rat alpha-ANF antisera, immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve fibers were revealed in stage II-III tadpoles and in successive larval stages. Soon after hatching, stages II-III, the ANF-like-immunoreactive elements were confined to the preoptic area-median eminence complex. During successive stages of development, new groups of ANF-immunoreactive cell bodies appeared. In larval stage VI, immunoreactive perikarya were found in the rostral part of the anteroventral area of the thalamus and numerous ANF-like-immunoreactive cells appeared in the pars distalis of the pituitary. In larval stages XIV and XVIII, the distribution of ANF immunoreactivity was virtually similar. The ANF-immunoreactive cells in the preoptic nucleus and in the pituitary pars distalis were comparatively more abundant than in stage VI. During the metamorphic climax (stages XXI-XXII), a new group of ANF-immunoreactive cell bodies appeared in the rostral part of the ventrolateral area of the thalamus. During this stage, ANF-immunoreactive fiber projections were found in the pars intermedia for the first time. However, the pars distalis cells were very weakly immunofluorescent. The pattern of ANF immunoreactivity in the brain of juvenile animals was very similar to that described for stages XXI and XXII, whereas the pars distalis cells showed no immunoreactivity. It is conceivable that, early during development, ANF-related peptides may be involved in the regulation of pituitary secretion by means of autocrine mechanisms or may act as a classic pituitary hormone.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the brain of Ichthyophis beddomei (Amphibia: Gymnophiona).

From a comparative viewpoint, we have investigated the presence and neuroanatomical distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunoreactive material in the brain of a gymnophione amphibian, Ichthyophis beddomei. Immunocytochemical analysis of the adult brain and terminal nerves in both sexes shows the presence of neurons and fibers containing mammalian GnRH (mGnRH)- and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II)-like peptides. With respect to GnRH-immunoreactive material, there are two distinct neuronal systems in the brain: one containing mGnRH, which is located in the forebrain and terminal nerve, and the other containing cGnRH-II, which is restricted to the midbrain tegmentum. Basically, this distribution pattern parallels that of many species of anurans and a urodele. Whereas the presence of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive fibers in the dorsal pallium of L. beddomei is a feature in common with a urodele amphibian, the total absence of cGnRH-II-like material in the median eminence is unique to this species. It is suggested here that the distribution profile of GnRH-like material within the brain and terminal nerve of I. beddomei represents a primitive pattern.

Amphibians↗
PubMed1997

Sex and reproductive status related brain content of mammalian and chicken-II GnRHs in Rana esculenta.

Mammalian and chicken-II forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (mGnRH and cGnRH-II, respectively) have been measured simultaneously in the brain, pituitary, and peripheral terminal nerves (nasal area tissue) of adult males and females of a representative amphibian, Rana esculenta, during the annual reproductive cycle. Whereas in the male, brain concentrations of both GnRH forms showed significant reproductive status-related fluctuations, in the female brain only cGnRH-II content showed significant changes. The highest GnRH levels were recorded just prior to breeding in both sexes. In the pituitary both GnRHs were present in all seasons. In the peripheral terminal nerves, instead, only mGnRH was detected in all seasons confirming our previous immunohistochemical data. In both sexes furthermore, the brain and pituitary mGnRH levels were consistently much higher than those of cGnRH-II and there were no sex-related differences in the brain and pituitary content of GnRHs. Seasonal changes in brain GnRH levels may correlate with plasma sex steroid levels reinforcing the postulate that sex steroids affect GnRH neuronal systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Stroke related to a dermoid cyst: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We report the case of a woman presenting with sudden neurological deficit, revealing a parasellar dermoid cyst. To our knowledge, this clinicopathological finding is the first reported in the literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A neurological examination of the patient revealed a left hemiparesis, including central facial palsy, which hampered her speech. The well-documented neuroradiological work-up (including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography) demonstrated right frontorolandic ischemia caused by a right supra- and parasellar dermoid cyst leading to middle and anterior cerebral arterial stenoses. INTERVENTION: Surgical intervention, using a right subfrontopterional approach, was successful. Complete dermoid cyst removal was achieved. The mechanism of the arterial stenoses is extensively discussed and is thought to result from an inflammatory reaction of the basal vessels. CONCLUSION: The patient recovered fully. Nevertheless, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed cerebral infarction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Meningiomas of the sellar diaphragm. Apropos of 4 cases].

Since 1987, we have treated four patients with diaphragma sellae meningioma. Tuberculum sellae meningiomas with intrasellar extension were strictly excluded from this retrospective study. A complete tumor removal was performed in two patients. The two other patients underwent post-operative radiotherapy. According to the Kinjo's classification, the four meningiomas were classified as follows: one type A (supradiaphragmatic-prepituitary), one type B (supradiaphragmatic-retropituitary), one type C (subdiaphragmatic), one type not described in this classification characterized by sub and supradiaphragmatic extension. Based on our experience and data in the literature, the clinical and neuroradiological features of the diaphragma sellae meningiomas are reviewed. Diaphragma sellae visualization at MRI, which is not always possible, allows to localize the tumor on a supra- or infra- diaphragmatic position and to decide the optimal surgical approach. The diaphragma sellae is more visible on protonic density, or T2-weighted sequences, but can be located on T1-weighted images. Appropriate surgical approaches are the sub-fronto-pterional route for supradiaphragmatic meningiomas and the transsphenoidal approach for subdiaphragmatic meningiomas.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain and pituitary of Rana esculenta during development.

Developmental aspects of the distribution of FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) immunoreactivity (ir) were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence in the brain, pituitary and terminal nerve of the frog, Rana esculenta. Soon after hatching. FMRFamide neurons were found in the proximal terminal nerve, mediobasal olfactory bulb, caudal dorsolateral pallium, diagonal band of Broca, anterior preoptic area, suprachiasmatic area, thalamus, infundibulum, and developing pituitary. FMRFamide fibers were present in the olfactory epithelium, terminal nerve, olfactory bulbs, dorsal and midventral telencephalon, epiphysis, mediolateral thalamus, pretectal gray, optic tectum, infundibulum, posterior interpeduncular nucleus-tegmentum area, and rostral rhombencephalon. During successive developmental stages, ir neurons were no longer observed in the dorsal telencephalon and pituitary. In late larval stages, ir neurons appeared in the medial septal area, and ir fibers in the cerebellum and torus semicircularis. At the same time, the frequency of ir neurons increased progressively in the anterior preoptic area, suprachiasmatic area and infundibulum. FMRFamide-ir neurons were never revealed in mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. Numerous ir fibers terminated in the median eminence and intermediate lobe of the pituitary. The adult pattern of distribution of FMRFamide-ir elements in the brain was achieved during the postmetamorphic development. In light of the existing literature, the possible placodal origin of forebrain-located FMRFamide neurons is briefly discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: a valid analytical tool in the dairy industry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry has been employed to analyse the protein content of milk samples obtained with different pasteurization and sterilization methods. The data obtained indicate that the technique can be employed as a valid analytical tool in the dairy industry, allowing the monitoring of the functioning of the treatment plant in terms of physical parameters.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in milk science.

The protein content of several cow milks was investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. In particular, milk from four different breeds of cow (Holstein Frisons, Brown Swiss, Jersey and Reggiana) at the same lactation stage and under the same feeding system were analysed and clear differences were found in their MALDI spectra. The various lactation stages were also investigated. A series of analyses were devoted to industrial milk treatment, by studying possible thermal damage occurring during milk pasteurization and sterilization.

Animals↗