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Biomedical subjects

E Scarano

Publications and source records attributed to E Scarano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Two proline-rich peptides from pig (Sus scrofa) salivary glands generated by pre-secretory pathway underlying the action of a proteinase cleaving ProAla bonds.

The primary structures of two salivary proline-rich peptides (PRP-SP-A, M 6156.0 amu and PRP-SP-B, M 1905.0 amu), from pig (Sus scrofa) were determined. The PRP-SP-B peptide, 21 residues long, overlaps with a sequence repeated 43 times in three deposited cDNAs coding for PRP proteins cloned from porcine parotid glands (Swiss-Prot codes: Q95JC9, Q95JD1, Q95JD0). PRP-SP-A peptide, 56 amino acid residues long, overlaps with the N-terminus repeats of Q95JC9 and Q95JD1 and it is phosphorylated at Ser 12 and 14. The two peptides were found both in whole saliva and in granules from pig parotid glands. The biosynthesis of the two peptides implies the action of a proteinase responsible for Pro downward arrow Ala cleavage in the pre-secretory process.

Alanine↗
PubMed2005

Final height in a patient with Laron syndrome after long-term therapy with rhlGF-I and short-term therapy with LHRH-analogue and oxandrolone during puberty.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience on long-term treatment with recombinant-human-IGF-I (rhIGF-I) of a female patient with Laron syndrome (mutation G223G in the GH receptor gene), who received short-term treatment (1 yr) with LHRH analogue at the start of puberty and subsequently with oxandrolone. CASE REPORT: The patient started IGF-I therapy (dose 40 microg/kg bid for 9 months, 80 microg/kg bid until 13.7 yr of age and 120 microg/kg bid thereafter) when she was 7.6 yr old (height -6 sds), and was treated for 9.4 yr until final height (cm 129.7; -5.5 sds). At first signs of puberty (age 12.7 yr; height 116.3; -5.3 sds), LHRH analogue was started (3.75 mg/28 days) and bone age progressed by 6 months in the 12-month period. Growth velocity decreased in the 6-12th month of combined treatment (0.9 cm/6 months), and treatment was suspended. At age 14.8 (height 124.5; -6.6 sds), oxandrolone was added (0.1 mg/kg/day), but after 12 months (height 128 cm; -5.7 sds) bone age increased from 11.5 to 13.5 yr and the drug was stopped. No side effects occurred during the various treatments. Body segments progressed harmonically: there was a tendency towards improvement in the upper to lower body segment ratio and in cranial growth. Only biiliac diameter did not increase during LHRH treatment. During the 9-yr period, body mass index (BMI), subscapular and triceps skinfold centiles did not show any significant variations. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient with Laron syndrome after long-term treatment showed a final result below the initial expectations, confirming that IGF-I used with the present schedule is less effective than GH in GH-deficient patients. LHRH analogue therapy at puberty was associated with a slower bone age maturation but with an almost complete arrest of growth. On the contrary, oxandrolone sustained growth but caused an excessive maturation of bone age. Other strategies are necessary to improve final height in these patients.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗
PubMed2005

Statherin levels in saliva of patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure concentration of human salivary statherin in patients with oral cavity pathologies and salivary gland diseases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Levels of statherin were analysed with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in following groups of subjects: group A: 24 patients with neoplastic diseases of salivary glands, group B: 13 patients with inflammatory lesions of salivary glands, group C: 13 patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity excluding salivary gland tumors, group D: 20 healthy volunteers (control group). RESULTS: Our preliminary data indicated a sensible reduction of the statherin level in the saliva of patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity (group C) compared with the healthy subjects (group D). The statherin levels are not significantly reduced either in the inflammatory (group B) or in the salivary glands tumours (group A), compared with the healthy subjects (group D). CONCLUSION: Statherin could play a protective effect in oral cavity in association with its other functions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Tensor veli palatini electromyography with surface electrode applied transnasally.

A new technique is proposed for paratubal electromyography, using a surface, non-invasive, electrode applied transnasally under nasopharyngoscope guidance. This electrode records activity of the tensor veli palatini muscle during swallowing. This technique is of interest for two reasons: endoscopic guidance offers the possibility to check correct positioning of the electrode recording at tensor veli palatini muscle level. Introduction of the non-invasive surface electrode is simple and not painful.

Electrodes↗
PubMed2005

Balloon kyphoplasty in traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar junction. Preliminary experience in 12 cases.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Ballon Kyphoplasty as a new method of treatment for traumatic fracture of the thoracolumbar junction. METHODS: We treated twelve patients 8 patients male and 4 female. The average age was 47,3 years (22-75 years). The interested vertebrae and therefore the procedures have been 13 since in a patient two vertebrae have been treated. In 9 cases the interested vertebra was L1, in 2 cases L2 and one case D11 and D12. Following the classification of Magerl 9 fractures were of A1.2 fractures and one fracture respectively of type A1.3, A2.2, A2.3, A3.1. We have never placed indication to Balloon Kyphoplasty in the fractures of the type B and C, neither in the complete burst fractures (A3.2 and A3.3), neither in the fractures of the A1.1 type. Balloon Kyphoplasty has been carried out using the Kyphon system (Kyphon Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, USA). In the patients older than 50 years (7 cases) we have used polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), as filling material, while in the patients younger than 50 years (5 in total), we have used Calcibon (Biomet, Inc.Warsaw, Indiana) in 4 cases and in one case a new material called KyphOs (Kyphon Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, USA). These last two types of material are made up of tricalcium phosphate that, although less manageable of the PMMA and less resistant initially, in the time it will be reabsorbed and osteointegrated. RESULTS: The method demonstrated swift pain relief associated with an evident augmentation in the resistance and restoration of the vertebral body's physiological shape. No patient has worn a postoperative orthesis. In all the cases we obtained an optimal stabilization in the follow-up minimal to 4 months. In no case we observed a structural yielding of the vertebra. CONCLUSIONS: Kyphoplasty is an effective, alternative, simple and safe treatment of traumatic fracture of the thoracolumbar junction.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Scanning electron microscopy of cochlea in new-born rats exposed to hyperbaric oxygen: preliminary report.

The aetiology of hearing loss in new-borns in neonatal intensive care is still debated. While the physiopathology of brain, lung and retina damage related to oxygen supplementation has been widely described, no studies have been carried out to define the relationship between hearing loss and supplementation of oxygen in new-borns. In the present investigation, the cochlear morphology of new-born rats was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy in order to assess morphological changes after supplemental oxygen administration. After treatment, electron microscopy revealed many changes in the morphology of outer hair cells, if compared to normal rats of the same age. The results suggest that cochlear changes are similar to those previously observed in other regions and may be related to a vascular mechanism of hypoxia-ischaemia and neovascularization and/or an oxidative stress.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Can chronic nasal obstruction cause dysfunction of the paratubal muscles and otitis media? An experimental study in developing Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively analyze modifications of the paratubal muscles in developing Wistar rats following nasal obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were used. Twelve were examined at 6, 8 and 12 weeks after birth and were considered normal controls. The nostrils of the remaining 12 rats were bilaterally obstructed by means of a synthetic resin 28 days after birth. The animals were sacrificed at either 2, 4 or 8 weeks after nostril occlusion. Serial sections were made in the dorsoventral plane and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Four 5 x 5 microm2 areas, selected within the paratubal muscles, were histologically analyzed and the number of muscular fibers was counted manually. RESULTS: The number of tensor veli palatini muscle fibers progressively decreased in the obstructed rats compared with age-matched normal controls and in those that had been obstructed for 4 and 8 weeks these reductions were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The correct development of the paratubal muscles seems to be linked to physiological nasal breathing and is negatively affected by oral breathing.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Use of titanium mesh in comminuted fractures of frontal sinus anterior wall.

The personal experience with the surgical treatment of reduction and fixation of comminuted fractures of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus is reported. Cosmetic results were examined with regard to patients' degree of satisfaction on a 0 to 2 scale and nasal function assessed via rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy during clinical follow-up, in the course of which the integrity and functionality of the supraorbitary and facial nerves were evaluated. All patients were satisfied, on the whole, with the aesthetic result, with 0-degree satisfaction (no deformity compared with their condition prior to the injury). The operations were performed between the 2nd and 7th post-injury day. The importance of the preoperative clinico-radiological work-up is stressed, with particular regard to the detection of simultaneous involvement of the inferior and/or posterior wall, and to the choice of surgical approach. The evolution of the surgical techniques in the treatment of frontal sinus fractures is discussed. With reference to the new means of fixation, in cases of comminuted fractures of the anterior wall, titanium mesh is preferred. In the Authors' opinion it combines excellent fixation with easy adaptability (cosmetic results are good) without requiring in the majority of cases, autologous bone grafts.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Surgical features on intraoral approach for the management of isolated zygomatic arch fractures].

The Authors report on their experience of 18 patients with isolated fractures of the zygomatic arch who were treated via intraoral approach. The procedures were performed between the 2nd and 8th post-trauma day and the results obtained were evaluated via post-operative CT scan and periodic follow-up visits for six months. In describing the surgical technique, the Authors recommend that the fracture be reduced with the patient's mouth open, in order to overcome the anatomical obstacle constituted by the coronoid process of the mandible and avoid, as far as possible, external approaches and osteosynthesis with screws or miniplates, which often give rise to unaesthetic results and localized pain. In conclusion, this approach is seen to be the method of choice in the treatment of isolated zygomatic arch fractures in that it is simple, effective and substantially free from complications.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

The role of cholinergic transmission in outer hair cell functioning evaluated by distortion product otoacoustic emissions in myasthenic patients.

Outer hair cells (OHCs) are the source of otoacoustic emissions, following a tropomyosin-miosin-dependent contraction, which are regulated by the olivocochlear bundle via the release of acetylcholine (ACh). ACh acts on ACh receptors (AChR) located on the OHC post-synaptic membrane. In myasthenia gravis (M.G.) neuromuscular transmission is reduced due to the action of AChR autoantibodies. It has previously been shown that M.G. induces a reduction in transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which is reversed after administration of a cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were recorded before and 60 min after oral administration of 60 mg pyridostigmine bromide in 25 patients with normal hearing affected by M.G. The results were compared with those from 25 age-matched normal controls. Mean values of DPOAE amplitude in myasthenic patients were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at all frequencies before drug administration. All patients showed an overall significant (p < 0.05) increase in DPOAE amplitude after drug administration, although without reaching the control values. Such a recovery was more evident and highly significant (p < 0.01) for middle and high frequencies and could be explained by a higher concentration of ACh receptors in the basal and middle cochlear turns. These data seem to confirm the role of ACh in the neurotransmission of the auditory efferent system and may represent a new in vivo model for the investigation of the physiology of this system.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2001

Association between vitiligo and spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish if spondyloarthritis (SpA) and vitiligo occur together more frequently than by chance. METHODS: All consecutive patients with SpA seen in a 6 month period were evaluated for vitiligo by an experienced dermatologist. The control group included the 2 consecutive patients without SpA seen after each patient with SpA. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four patients with SpA (131 men, 103 women; mean age 59 +/- 18.3 yrs) were seen in the study period. Of these, 43 had ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 112 psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 14 SpA associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 64 undifferentiated SpA, and one reactive arthritis. The 468 control patients (360 women, 108 men; mean age 68.5 +/- 2 yrs) had various degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Eight (3.4%) patients out of 234 with SpA had type A vitiligo. In the control group, 5 (1.06%) out of 468 had type A vitiligo. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Of the 8 patients with coexisting vitiligo and SpA, 4 had PsA, 2 primary AS, one AS associated with Crohn's disease, and one undifferentiated SpA. Of the 5 patients with vitiligo in the control group, one had rheumatoid arthritis, one S ogren's syndrome, one palindromic rheumatism, one crystal arthropathy, and one osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitiligo and SpA do not coexist by chance and that vitiligo should be included in the list of diseases associated with SpA.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Postural control in horizontal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Sixteen patients affected by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal semicircular canal (BPPV-HSC) were investigated by means of dynamic posturography (DP) and during bithermal caloric stimulation. Data were compared to data from 40 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal (BPPV-PSC) and 20 healthy controls. No postural deficit was observed before or after a liberative Lempert's manoeuvre when patients were compared to control subjects. BPPV-PSC postural scores were significantly impaired compared to scores from the BPPV-HSC group. A residual significant postural impairment was also observed after a successful liberative manoeuvre in the BPPV-PSC group. Electronystagmographic recordings before recovery revealed significant hypoexcitability of the affected ear in 8/16 patients of the BPPV-HSC group. After the liberative manoeuvre, a symmetric bilateral response to caloric stimulation was recorded in all patients. Three main conclusions can be drawn from the present data. First, disorders of the horizontal semicircular canal do not change postural control. Second, dynamic posturography can detect the postural imbalance due to posterior semicircular canal dysfunction even after resolution of paroxysmal vertigo attacks. Third, utricular dysfunction can be ruled out as a cause of the residual postural deficit observed in BPPV-PSC patients. Therefore the recovery delay observed even 1 month after the liberative manoeuvre in the BPPV-PSC-group might be due to the persistence of small amounts of residual debris in the canal, to paralysis of ampullar receptors, or to the time needed for central vestibular re-adaptation.

Caloric Tests↗