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F D'Amore

Publications and source records attributed to F D'Amore.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Spectroscopic ellipsometry study of liquid crystal and polymeric thin films in visible and near infrared.

In this work, we propose spectroscopic ellipsometry as a suitable method for measuring optical properties in soft materials, polymers and liquid crystals, specially selected for use in photonics applications. We show the results of our measurements on some multilayered samples, in the range from visible to the near-IR region, of interest for telecom applications. We point out potentialities and limits of the technique and compare the obtained results with another experimental method, the m-lines spectroscopy, and/or with existing data in the literature. The results about the optical parameters for the analysed materials (the nematic liquid crystal 5CB, one commercial and one lab made optical polymer, and an Indium Tin Oxide film) are useful and interesting by themselves. In fact, as a paradigmatic example, we briefly discuss how an incomplete knowledge of this kind of data can lead to a wrong design of a Bragg grating device. However, more than in the provided data, we put the interest of the present analysis in the warnings about spectroscopic ellipsometry utilization and eventually the necessity of getting complementary information.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Scurvy mimicking systemic vasculitis.

An 91 years old woman was hospitalized because of lethargy, shortness of breath and diffuse subcutaneous hemorrhage of legs. Clinical features were consistent with the diagnosis of vasculitis with systemic involvement. However dermatologic characteristics of the legs, in association with malnutrition, suggested vitamin C deficiency which was confirmed by laboratory test. Ascorbic acid supplement dramatically improved her clinical symptoms. This case remarks how scurvy may mimmick a systemic vasculitis.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

A case of pheochromocytoma with renal artery stenosis and post-surgical watery diarrhea.

A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the following complaints, headache, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and severe hypertension. The technical images (abdominal CT, scintigraphic octreotide scan and renal arteriography) revealed the presence of a left adrenal pheochromocytoma and stenosis of the renal artery. Ten days following adrenalectomy, watery diarrhea appeared. The long-acting somatostatin analogue octreotide (LAR, 30 mg/month, i.m.), was started, and after 2 weeks diarrhea decreased and gradually disappeared. In conclusion, we were confronted with an unusual case of pheochromocytoma associated with renal artery stenosis and the appearance of watery diarrhea some days after surgical treatment. Treatment with octreotide brought about the remission of diarrhea in this patient.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1998

Primary central nervous system lymphomas in immunocompetent individuals: histology, Epstein-Barr virus genome, Ki-67 proliferation index, p53 and bcl-2 gene expression.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in the large majority of HIV-related primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) suggesting a pathogenetic role of the virus. Unlike HIV-related PCNSL, conflicting data exist with regard to the presence of EBV in non immunodeficiency-related (sporadic) PCNSL. For this reason, a population based material of 41 sporadic PCNSL was analysed for the presence of EBV genome (EBER, BHLF) using RNA in situ hybridisation (RISH). Furthermore, the expression of the gene products of the bcl-2 oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene and the tumor growth fraction reactive with the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 have been evaluated. All cases but two were EBV genome negative. In the two positive cases less than 5% of tumor cells showed EBER positivity. In contrast, more than 75% of cells morphologically belonging to the tumor-cell population stained positively for EBER in two cases of HIV related PCNSL. Immunostaining for the bcl-2 oncoprotein was positive in 28 (72%) of 39 cases examined. In most cases more than 75% of tumor cells showed cytoplasmic expression. Of 37 cases investigated for p53 expression, 21 (57%) stained positively. However, in the large majority of positive cases less than 10% of the neoplastic cells stained. The percentage of Ki-67 positive cells ranged between 10% and 80% with a mean of 50%. The expression of the p53 and bcl-2 oncoproteins and the growth fraction did not have any prognostic impact. We conclude that the EBV genome is rarely detected in sporadic PCNSL, indicating that a pathogenetic role of EBV is unlikely. Like extracerebral B-cell lymphomas a large fraction of PCNSL expresses the p53 and bcl-2 oncoproteins, a feature, however, which does not seem to have prognostic implications.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1997

[Beta blockers and heart failure].

This above paper presents a critical revision of a controversial matter: the use of the beta blockers in congestive heart failure. The authors explain the appearances pathophysiological and the potentialities therapeutic also promote an increase of the attentive follow up for a better acquaintance of the use of these drugs in the along period of it.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1995

A retrospective analysis of treatment outcome in 106 cases of localized gastric non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Danish Lymphoma Study Group, LYFO.

197 cases of gastric lymphoma were reported to a population-based Danish registry of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. 106 of these cases were localized, representing stages IE and II1E, and were analyzed retrospectively, using Cox regression analysis. 67 had surgical resection, 51 chemotherapy, and 55 radiotherapy, or combinations thereof. No type of treatment showed any superiority as regards survival (p = 0.13). Overall 5-year survival was 67%. The pretherapeutic presence of fever or S-LDH-elevation had a far more significant influence on survival than histology or any of the treatments or treatment combinations. Surgical resection was associated with a significantly higher risk of late complications than radiotherapy, suggesting that radiotherapy may be preferable to surgery as the primary treatment in localized gastric lymphoma. It could not be determined from the available data whether the addition of chemotherapy to the primary treatment provides any survival benefit.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Autoimmune phenomena in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In order to obtain valid data on the pattern, frequency and prognostic significance of autoimmune derangements in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) we studied 626 consecutive adult NHL patients participating in a population-based lymphoma registry. A total of 86 patients, corresponding to 13.7%, showed autoimmune phenomena (AP). Of these, 7.8% exhibited clinical autoimmune phenomena (CAP), and 5.9% showed immunohaematological phenomena (IHP). The distribution of histological subgroups of NHL in the AP and non-AP patients was similar. The same holds true for the CAP and IHP patients. A slight, non-significant overrepresentation of NHL, T-cell phenotype was found in patients with AP. CAP preceded the diagnosis of NHL in most patients, whereas IHP was associated with active lymphoma disease. AP as a whole did not predict for time to complete response, time to relapse or for survival. The finding that IHP patients relapsed earlier than CAP patients was not reflected in a significant difference in survival.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Clinicopathological features, survival and prognostic factors of primary central nervous system lymphomas: trends in incidence of primary central nervous system lymphomas and primary malignant brain tumors in a well-defined geographical area. Population-based data from the Danish Lymphoma Registry, LYFO, and the Danish Cancer Registry.

It has been claimed that Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas (PCNSL), a rare neoplasm accounting for only a small fraction of malignant brain tumors and extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), occur with increasing frequency in immunologically normal as well as in immunocompromised individuals. In an attempt to characterize the clinicopathological features, outcome and prognostic factors of PCNSL we here report our experience in a large unselected series of patients from a well-defined region. In addition, we present data on trends in incidence of PCNSL and primary malignant brain tumors in a well-defined geographical area. In a Danish population-based NHL registry (LYFO) representing a population of 2.7 million all new cases of NHL were registered during the approximate 11-year period from 1st January 1983 to 31st May 1994. Incidence data of primary malignant tumors of the brain and central nervous system in western Denmark for the period 1971-1990 have been obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry. During the approximate 11-year period 3124 new cases of NHL were registered. Of these, 1152 (37%) were extranodal and 48 were non-AIDS related PCNSL accounting for 4.2% of extranodal NHL and 1.5% of all NHL, respectively. The average annual incidence rate of non-AIDS related PCNSL during the period was 1.56 cases per million population (age range: 15-85 yrs, median: 62 yrs, M/F ratio: 1). In a 23-year period there was no trend towards an increasing incidence of non-AIDS related PCNSL in a well-defined population. PCNSL accounted for 1.7% of all primary malignant brain tumors. Incidence of primary malignant brain tumors was stable, except for age ranges over 70 years. However, diagnostic artifacts might be responsible for this apparent increase. Histologically, 85% were high grade. Using the Kiel classification centroblastic diffuse (60%) and immunoblastic lymphoma (13%) were the most common subtypes. Forty-three patients had B-cell lymphoma and no T-cell lymphoma was detected. Forty-seven cases were diagnosed pre mortem. Treatment included surgical resection (26 patients), whole brain irradiation (WBRT) (43 patients) and chemotherapy (28 patients). Median survival for those receiving either WBRT or WBRT and chemotherapy was 8 months and 20 months, respectively (p = 0.78). Overall survival was 53%, 38% and 26% at 1, 2 and 5 years. Cox-regression analysis identified only one factor having independent impact on survival in PCNSL: performances score > or = 2 (p < 0.001, RR = 5.8).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Sarcoidosis with pulmonary abscess caused by emerging microorganisms].

The association sarcoidosis-lung abscess due to emerging microorganisms-mycetoma has prompted the authors to report the above clinical case which is interesting in view of the rarity of the disease and of its infective complications. The authors also review the literature on the subject.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗
PubMed1994

[Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Description of a clinical case with favorable outcome].

The case is reported of a 70-year-old man with decompensated non-acidotic type-2 diabetes mellitus and with rhinocerebral mucormycosis, manifested by inflammatory infiltration of the left nasal, paranasal, maxillary, and orbital bone structures with left ophthalmoplegia. The patient was cured after amphotericin B treatment (total dose 2.7 g) and 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen (2.8 atmospheres). Cure was confirmed by follow-up over more than 2 years. It is concluded that rhinocerebral mucormycosis must be treated, in addition to control of predisposing factors, and especially by restoring endocrine-metabolic balance, by adequate surgical revision, with specific high-dose amphotericin B treatment and adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen. Further studies are desirable in order to define the advantages of these therapeutic measures.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Incidence, presenting features and prognosis of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Population-based data from a Danish lymphoma registry.

During the period January 1983 to January 1988 1597 newly diagnosed cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were included in a Western Danish population-based NHL registry. Of these, 31% (N = 496) were low-grade NHL (LG-NHL) consisting of (Kiel): 9% lymphocytic (LY), 27% lymphoplasmacytic/-cytoid (IC), 53% follicular centroblastic/-centrocytic (CB/CCf) and 11% unclassifiable low-grade. LG-NHL (age range: 26-94 yrs, median: 64 yrs; M/F ratio: 0.8) had an age-standardised incidence rate (IR) of 2.7/10(5)/yr. Age-specific IR's showed an age-related exponential rise in all subtypes except for CB/CCf. Compared with the intermediate (IG)- and high-grade (HG) group, LG-NHL had more female cases (M/F ratio: 0.79 vs. 1.2; p = 0.0002), a higher frequency of stage III-IV disease (66% vs. 53%; p < 0.00005) and of bone marrow involvement (39% vs. 19%; p < 0.00005). A later revision of all IC cases (N = 132) distinguished 79 non-polymorphic (ICnp) from 25 polymorphic (ICp) cases; 28 cases were differently classified. In 34 LG-NHL patients histologic transformation was verified: CB/CCf to CB diffuse (22 pts) and LY to immunoblastic or CB type (6 pts). The 7-yr survival for LG-NHL was 63% (IG: 48%, HG: 38%; p < 0.00005). A Cox-regression analysis identified the following adverse prognostic factors for survival in LG-NHL: age > 50 with a relative risk (RR) of 3.2, hepatic involvement (RR = 2.1), elevated s-LDH (RR = 1.9), B-symptoms (RR = 1.8) and IC histology (ICnp+ICp) (RR = 1.7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Scrofula in an elderly woman. A clinical case].

The case is described of an elderly woman with scrofula. The peculiarity of this case consisted in the comparative rarity of primary tubercular lymphadenopathy (a pathology that in the past used to be common in poor socioeconomic conditions) even considering the present renewed diffusion of tuberculosis; especially as this elderly patient had no previous history of tubercular infection.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

The role of occupational exposure and immunodeficiency in B-cell malignancies. Working Group on the Epidemiology of Hematolymphopoietic Malignancies in Italy.

Excesses of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been observed among farmers exposed to phenoxyacetic acid herbicides and, less persuasively, among workers exposed to insecticides. Exposure to organic solvents (particularly chlorinated hydrocarbons) has also been associated with an increased risk of NHL. TCDD (which is a contaminant of phenoxy herbicides), DDT, and chlorinated solvents have all been reported to induce impairment or suppression of cell-mediated immunity. We hypothesize that NHL is caused by common viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, that induce proliferation and immortalization of B-cells, followed by T-cell impairment entailing cell-mediated immunodeficiency. The increased risk of NHL with HIV infection and heart or kidney transplantation, in which immunodeficiency also occurs, is consistent with this hypothesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Micropolyarteritis. The modern nosographic picture and a discussion of a clinical case].

Having observed a patient presenting micropolyarteritis with necrotic skin lesions, hypertension and renal injury, the authors had the opportunity to define more closely a disease that only recently has been recognized as a separate nosological entity within the vast and as yet not fully understood field of arterial disorders. In addition, recent literature on the subject is critically reviewed.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1989

[Cardiothyrosis. Presentation of a clinical case].

The observation of a severe from of cardiotoxicosis in a patient with Plummer's toxic thyroid adenoma has prompted the authors to make some considerations on the pathophysiology and clinical pattern of a type of pathology that is infrequent but clinically highly interesting.

Adenoma↗