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Biomedical subjects

G Gandolfi

Publications and source records attributed to G Gandolfi.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Discovery of a transient absorption edge in the X-ray spectrum of GRB 990705.

We report the discovery of a transient equivalent hydrogen column density with an absorption edge at approximately 3.8 kiloelectron volts in the spectrum of the prompt x-ray emission of gamma-ray burst (GRB) 990705. This feature can be satisfactorily modeled with a photoelectric absorption by a medium located at a redshift of approximately 0.86 and with an iron abundance of approximately 75 times the solar one. The transient behavior is attributed to the strong ionization produced in the circumburst medium by the GRB photons. The high iron abundance points to the existence of a burst environment enriched by a supernova along the line of sight. The supernova explosion is estimated to have occurred about 10 years before the burst. Our results agree with models in which GRBs originate from the collapse of very massive stars and are preceded by a supernova event.

Journal Article↗

Messinian salinity crisis and the origin of freshwater lifestyle in western Mediterranean gobies.

The present paper reports on a molecular study based on 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes partly sequenced in 13 species of western Mediterranean gobies, three of which are strictly freshwater-dwelling. A total of 867 bp were aligned and used for the phylogenetic reconstruction. Two major lineages were identified, one clustering the sand gobies in a monophyletic clade. Relationships among taxa based on sequence analysis only partly match those based on morphological criteria, suggesting that the latter are somehow insufficient to correctly establish phylogenetic relationships within this family. The results provide evidence for a multiple independent evolution of the freshwater lifestyle in Knipowitschia and Padogobius lineages. On the basis of the present results, it is uncertain whether the freshwater preference within the genus Padogobius originated twice independently in P. nigricans and P. martensii or only once in their common ancestor. Estimation of the ages of the two major lineages of this group of fish with a molecular clock (in combination with the construction of a linearized tree) suggests that they are much older (at least 40 Myr) than previously thought. Thus, there should be no correlation between their diversification and the Miocene-Pliocene geological events, including the so-called Messinian salinity crisis, which occurred about 10 MYA and is believed to have played a role in their evolution. Alternatively, these gobies would have an evolutionary rate at least fourfold faster than those of other vertebrates.

Animals↗

Examination of 41 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis observed between 1975-1985.

Forty one cases of laryngeal tuberculosis, accounting for 0.8% of all cases of tuberculosis observed in 1975-1985, are evaluated. The mean age was 53 yrs, the male/female ratio 9:1. In all cases current or earlier pulmonary tuberculosis was noted. The laryngeal sites affected were, in order of frequency: true vocal cords, epiglottis, false cords and laryngeal ventricles, arytenoid and interarytenoid area, subglottic area. The patients were usually treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol for 6-12 months. Two cases required excision of laryngeal lesions. The results of chemotherapy were good.

Female↗

[Endobronchopulmonary therapy with a permanent trans-crico-thyroid probe].

The possibilities of treating chronic bronchopneumopathies of various nature by means of permanent endobronchial transcricothyroid probe are examined with reference to 6 cases representing patients under treatment at the time this paper was being prepared (2 cases of chronic pulmonary TB, 2 of suppurating bronchiectasis, 1 of middle lobe syndrome and 1 of tracheal carcinoma). The series examined confirms the usefulness of this type of treatment as a back-up to traditional medical treatment where this alone failed to achieve the necessary results. Stress is laid on the good tolerance of the TCT probe presented by all patients, including a five-year-old boy.

Administration, Topical↗

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in fish from the river Po (Italy).

Pesticides and PCBs levels have been determined in two species of fish from the river Po during 1979--1980 at five sampling stations in different seasons. Significant higher levels have been observed in most industrial areas. When expressed on the basis of fat content, river fish levels are higher than those reported for fish from the Adriatic sea. Using experimental BCF (bioconcentration factors), pesticides and PCB concentrations in water have been calculated from fish values, and compared with measured concentrations.

Animals↗

[Umbilical cord IgE: a test for sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of atopy?].

Total IgE cord serum levels were measured in 200 newborns in the Hospital of Viadana-Bozzolo and familial allergic conditions were investigated in all the cases. In a 6 month follow up study attention was focused on the development of atopic symptoms. The sensibility, specificity and predictive value of the total IgE cord serum levels are discussed and the introducing of preventive measures in the at risk newborns is also questioned.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗

[Traumatic intramural hematoma of the duodenum. Description of a case].

The traumatic intramural hematoma of the duodenum is the result of contusion of the retroperitoneal portion of the duodenum. This lesion occurs most frequently in children and can result in complete obstruction of the second and third portion of the duodenum.

Child, Preschool↗

[Abnormal left pulmonary artery: a cause of severe newborn cardiorespiratory insufficiency].

Aberrant left pulmonary artery (vascular sling) indicates the vascular anomaly in where the left pulmonary artery arises from the right pulmonary artery, passes over the right mainstem bronchus, loops to the left and courses between the trachea and esophagus to the left hilus. Almost invariably respiratory symptoms result from compression of the trachea and right mainstem bronchus by the anomalous vessel as well as by associated tracheobronchial defects. A case is reported. The distinctive radiologic features include anterior indentation of the barium esophagogram and a characteristic pulmonary angiogram. Surgery is the only resolutive treatment for symptomatic patients, but results are often poor owing to associated intracardiac defects and intrinsic tracheobronchial anomalies.

Female↗