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Biomedical subjects

D Mariani

Publications and source records attributed to D Mariani.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Ultrasonographic contrast agent: evaluation of time-intensity curves in the characterisation of solitary thyroid nodules.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the time-intensity curve can improve characterisation of solitary thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June to December 2000 we studied 61 patients (16 men and 45 women, mean age 46 years) with solitary thyroid nodules that were not associated with any important hormonal alteration and that showed poor tracer uptake at scintigraphy. We evaluated the Power Doppler vascular pattern before and after a 60" intravenous injection of 2.5 g of Levovist (diluted in 7 ml). The study lasted 5 minutes from the beginning of the infusion. Finally, the time-intensity curves were processed. All the nodules underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and excision biopsy. RESULTS: Histology revealed 43 benign lesions and 18 malignant lesions. At contrast-enhanced Power Doppler 83.4% (15/18) of the malignant nodules were found to be hypervascularized, while 16.6% (3/18) were hypovascularized. Of the benign lesions, 90.7% (39/43) were hypervascularized, 9.3% (4/43) were hypovascularized. All the nodules, both hyper- and hypovascularized, displayed rapid and intense wash-in curves. By contrast, the wash-out curves were regular and monophasic in 40/43 (93%) benign lesions (36 hypervascularized and 4 hypovascularized lesions) and irregular and polyphasic in 16/18 (89%) malignant lesions (13 hypervascularized and 3 hypovascularized lesions); 3/43 (7%) benign nodules showed polyphasic wash-out and 2/18 malignant lesions (11%) showed monophasic wash-out. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Time-intensity curves, and particularly wash-out curves, provide useful information for the characterisation of solitary thyroid nodules. 93% of benign nodules (with regular vascularization) showed a monophasic pattern of the wash-out curve, while 89% of malignant nodules ("anarchical" vascularization) had polyphasic wash-out curves. This behaviour was observed in both hypervascularized and hypovascularized lesions. Our method proved to have a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 93%. The study of time-intensity curves could therefore enable us to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions and characterise hypovascularized malignant nodules which would not be observed without contrast agent.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The hand in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is still a difficult challenge for surgeons and doctors. Hand retractions are different from burns. The medical team must have a good knowledge of the disease. Surgery must be performed with the collaboration of every member of the team, as well as the family. In young children, complete correction of the retractions is possible. On the other hand, when retractions are present for a long time in children and adolescents, surgery is purely functional. Static and dynamic splints delay recurrences, but their prolonged use presents psychological obstacles in adolescents and adults.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1994

Development of dopaminergic neurons in the human mesencephalon and in vitro effects of basic fibroblast growth factor treatment.

The origin and development of the mesencephalic dopaminergic (mesDA) neurons within the substantia nigra were characterized in human embryos from Postconception (PC) Week 5.0 to 12.0. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive cells were first demonstrated in the ventral mesencephalon at PC Week 5.5 next to the ventricular zone. Cell migration and neurite outgrowth of TH-positive neurons were timed. Early expression of ganglioside GM1 was demonstrated in developing neurons. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was first observed at PC Week 10.0 instead, after the dopaminergic neurotransmitter phenotype expression. In vitro complementary information was obtained: TH-positive cells represented about 3% of the total cell population after a week in culture, based upon accurate anatomical dissection. They tended to form microaggregates and to grow in close contact with glial cells. MesDA neuronal expression of TH activity was measured by a biochemical microassay. TH-positive cells responded to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) both with increased TH activity and neuronal survival. bFGF effects were mediated by the proliferative action on glial cells. Astroglial GFAP-positive cells express nerve growth factor-low-affinity receptor in culture. Information on in vitro and in vivo sequences of mesDA neuronal development and their response to identified neurotrophic molecules may be invaluable for selection of the most appropriate tissue donor age for brain grafting and development of alternative treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.

Cell Movement↗
PubMed1990

Human neuronal cells in culture: from concepts to basic methodology.

The paper reviews some conceptual and methodological aspects of the tissue culture models which, during the past three decades, demonstrated a remarkable mimicry of many important structures and functions of the mammalian Central Nervous System (CNS) and related peripheral sensory and motor elements. Emphasis is placed on an original human neuronal tissue culture model obtained from selective CNS areas. The different cell types were identified and the neurotrophic interactions preliminary characterized. Neuropathological findings suggest hypothesis that can be fully tested using in vitro human models of affected cerebral specific areas.

Brain↗
PubMed1990

[The role of episacroiliac lipomas as a cause of pseudolumbago-sciatica syndromes].

With their research, the authors intend to recall the existence of episacroiliac lipomas. These growths are important in as much as they cause low lumbar pain where the objective and instrumental signs typical of radicular lumbar syndromes are not present. Amongst other routine instrumental tests the echo scan is suggested for a more precise record. A simple operation relieves pain once and for all.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Cefamandole bone diffusion in patients undergoing total hip replacement.

Cefamandole penetration was studied in 32 normal bone specimens. No antibiotic bone binding was found. Blood contamination of bone samples was measured by the haemoglobin method. Mean corrected levels attained (5.8 micrograms/g) exceed MIC values of sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobacteriaceae. Similar diffusion was observed in cortical and trabecular bone. The results obtained invite further studies on preoperative prophylaxis and treatment of osteomyelitis.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Maintained cellular function of adrenal medullary cells in parkinsonian dysautonomia.

Adrenal gland involvement in Parkinson's disease was reported by different authors. Further studies became relevant after adrenal was proposed as dopaminergic donor for neurotransplantation. Chromaffin cells were grown in culture and the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) tested: no differences were observed between parkinsonian and control cells. The expression of the beta-NGF mRNA in the parkinsonian adrenal was analyzed: a specific cDNA was synthesized and a 168 bp portion amplified using PCR. The products were identified and the identity of the fragment was confirmed by sequencing. Quantitative PCR demonstrated a beta-NGF mRNA concentration exceeding 5 fg/micrograms of total adrenal RNA. These findings demonstrate the retained functional capacity of the parkinsonian adrenal to respond to NGF and express the beta-NGF mRNA.

Adrenal Medulla↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Preliminary data on the endocrinologic evaluation of thalassemic adolescents].

Endocrine disfunction are well known in young patients with thalassaemia major and are mainly due to iron overload. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) was administered to 13 boys aging more than 14 years and to 13 girls aging more than 13 years to assess pituitary function. Human Chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was also administered to 13 boys to evaluate their gonadal function. Most of the patients had evidence of pituitary hypofunction and in 4 boys there was evidence of gonadic failure. This study is mandatory for a correct therapeutic approach.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinico-therapeutic findings on diabetic complications in thalassemia].

We describe 6 patients with thalassaemia major who developed diabetes. Etiopathogenesis, poor metabolic control, previous transfusion and chelation regimens are discussed. Antiaggregant therapy with A.S.A. and Dipiridamole may play a role in these patients for preventing thrombotic risk.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗