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Biomedical subjects

L Califano

Publications and source records attributed to L Califano.

66 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Validity of diagnostic studies in thyroid pathology. Retrospective study].

In view of the growing number of examinations proposed and employed for the diagnosis of diseases of the thyroid, a retrospective evaluation was made of their validity in a series of 2500 patients (1500 operated). Attention was paid to scintiscanning, oncotropic indicators, echography, needle biopsy, thyrolymphography and thyroid hormones as aids to determining the nature of thyroid lesions and the planning of their treatment. Scintiscanning and needle biopsy proved of primary importance in determination of the nature of a lesion. Echography supplied additional, though not necessarily indispensable information. Oncotropic indicators and thyrolymphography do not appear to be useful. They do not provide data enabling a diagnostic problem to be solved, but can only help to increase any doubts that may exist. Determination of thyroid hormones is clearly indicated when planning the management of hot lesions (single, multiple or disseminated nodes), in cold lesions where thyroiditis is suspected, and in all cases where the clinical evidence suggests hypothyroidism. In euthyroid subjects requiring surgery with no objective signs of hypofunction, preoperative determinations appear to be unnecessary, where as post-operative values are of assistance in assessing the functional efficiency of the residual thyroid tissue. The conclusion to be drawn, therefore, is that diagnostic examinations should be employed in a more selective and discriminating manner.

Biopsy↗

Levamisole in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

One hundred and thirty-four patients (118 males and 16 females) with epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck were studied. After treatment of the primary lesion, they were randomized into two groups: 69 received levamisole, 150 mg/day orally for 3 consecutive days every other week, and 65 received placebo. Immune status was also evaluated. Positive reactions to dinitrochlorobenzene increased significantly after primary tumor therapy in both levamisole- and placebo-treated patients. There were no significant differences in immune responses between the two groups, except in recall antigen reactivity, which was decreased in both groups overall recurrence and death rates at 36 months did not differ between the two groups of patients. However, stage I and II patients treated with levamisole had a significantly higher incidence of recurrence than the placebo-treated patients (P less than 0.02), while there was some evidence that levamisole-treated stage IV patients did better. It is concluded that the overall outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma controlled locally by surgery or radiation was not favorably affected by levamisole in the dose and schedule used in this protocol.

Adult↗

[Pathological fracture of the mandible: a report of a clinical case treated with clodronate].

Oral squamous cell carcinoma often invades the mandible. However, the incidence of pathological fractures of the maxillofacial bones is low and their treatment is rarely satisfactory. A patient, too weak to undergo surgery, affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular region with bone involvement and pathological fracture of the mandible, underwent chemotherapy with carboplatin associated with diphosphonate.

Aged↗

[Benign parotid lymphoepithelial cysts associated with HIV infection].

HIV infections are often related with lymphoepithelial benign cysts of the parotid gland; these lesions are uncommon and other salivary glands are rarely involved. The diagnosis, often difficult, is based on imaging techniques, like computed tomography, and pathologic techniques, like fine needle aspiration biopsy. The therapeutic approach can be performed by simple aspiration, surgical resection, pharmacotherapy, or radiotherapy. Three cases of HIV-related lymphoepithelial benign cysts of the parotid gland observed at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the "Federico II" University of Naples and at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of "La Paz" Hospital of the Universitad Autonoma of Madrid are described.

Adult↗

Anti-inflammatory drug incorporation into polymeric nano-hybrids for local controlled release.

In this paper we present the formulation, preparation and characterization of new polymeric composite materials containing a nano-hybrid to be used for the controlled molecular delivery of an anti-inflammatory molecule, Diclofenac. The nano-hybrid consists of a layer of double hydroxide of an Mg-Al hydrotalcite type, in which we replaced the chloride anions present in the host galleries with Diclofenac anions by a simple ion-exchange reaction. Different amounts of the hybrid material were incorporated in polycaprolactone and processed as films of 0.15 mm thickness. The composite materials were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetry and for their mechanical properties, and showed properties even better than those for the pristine polymer. The release process of the anti-inflammatory molecules was very interesting and promising for tuneable drug delivery. It consists of two stages: a first stage, very rapid as a burst in which a small fraction of the drug is released, and of a second stage that is much slower, extending for longer and longer periods. The parameters influencing the drug release were individuated and discussed.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Treatment of parotid gland tumors.

A clinical review has been made of 55 patients who underwent surgery for parotid tumors between 1972 and 1987. The incidence of pleomorphic adenomas was 61.8%. The F.N.A.B. permitted us to reach a correct preoperative diagnosis in 94% of the cases. The surgical procedures we used were: enucleation in eight cases, enucleoresection in five cases, superficial parotidectomy in seven cases, total conservative parotidectomy in 28 cases, total parotidectomy sacrificing the facial nerve in four cases, extended surgery in three cases. For these last three patients a cycle of postoperative radiotherapy for a total of 6000-6500 R. was carried out. As regards complications and sequelae, we must report: temporary lesions of the facial nerve (12.76%), permanent lesions (17%), Frey's syndrome in 10.61%, while a salivary fistula arose in 6.38% of the cases. The follow-up of 47 patients allowed us to observe three recurrences in cases of pleomorphic adenomas (two after enucleoresection and one after superficial parotidectomy), three recurrences in malignant tumors treated with surgery and one recurrence after combined treatment surgery and radiotherapy.

Adolescent↗

[Anatomopathologic and clinical correlations of squamous carcinoma of the larynx and the hypopharynx].

The most important problem in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases is not only to identify its malignant nature but also the degree of aggressiveness since differences in prognosis and therapy exist in cancer as well. A short review of the literature regarding correlations between histologic degree of carcinoma and prognosis is presented. A total of 105 laryngectomy samples are presented taken by bilateral neck dissection following the principles employed for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Reference is made to the following parameters: extension and site of primitive tumor; cellular (WHO), nuclear (Black) and structural (Carlon) gradings; histologic host response as judged by the presence and degree of lymphoid infiltration and fibrous stromal reactions around the primary tumor. Host response was related to structural grading. Regional nodes were studied for metastases. Nodal metastases were related to cellular, nuclear and structural grading. Clinical and statistical analysis proved that Carlon's grading, based on structural organization of the tumor, seen as a manifestation of its cellular cohesiveness, is a more discriminating system of malignancy than the others. The most organoid growth patterns (Structural grades 1 and 2) did not present any node metastases. They can be regarded as manifestations of "low grade malignancy tumors". The least organoid and non organoid growth patterns (Structural grades 3 and 4) showed higher levels of node metastases (Grade 3: 35.2%; Grade 4: 58%; p = 0.01). Necrosis was found only in Grades 3 and 4 and was associated with node metastases in 70%. Structural grading could be the guideline to better management of laryngeal carcinoma in terms of choice of surgical treatment (type of laryngectomy; neck dissection).

Aged↗

Indication for neck dissection in carcinoma of the parotid gland. Our experience on 39 cases.

In cases of parotid carcinoma, the percentage of cervical metastases, at the time of first observation is 18%. Consequently, the evaluation of the grade of lymphatic involvement is very important in order to plan a correct therapy. The authors underline the important role that neck dissection has in the treatment of these tumours. There are different points of view on neck dissection in cases of malignant parotid tumours. While there is no doubt with regard to indications on neck dissection in N + patients, the problem does exist for N-patients. The Authors have analyzed 39 patients with malignant parotid tumours observed at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the "Federico II" University of Naples.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Necrotizing fasciitis: apropos of a case].

Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection which involves soft tissues up to the fascia, with wide areas of necrosis, and is mainly caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. The Authors report a case recently observed and after an accurate review of the Literature, taking into account the most recent pathogenetic knowledges, confirm the necessity of an early diagnosis based on clinical criteria but above all on histological biopsy. The treatment is mainly surgical, and allows, together with the medical treatment, to subdue the rapid progression of the infection which notwithstanding maintains an high mortality rate.

Fasciitis, Necrotizing↗