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P Torricelli

Publications and source records attributed to P Torricelli.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

A resorbable biomaterial shaped as a tubular chamber and containing stem cells: a pilot study on artificial bone regeneration.

In a previous study, we showed how healing of non-union defects in rabbit radii can be achieved by means of a tubular resorbable chamber, in comparison with untreated defects. In the present study, we placed bone marrow stem cells inside the chamber. Bone marrow was obtained by percutaneous aspiration from the iliac crest in 9 adult New Zealand rabbits. Stem cells were separated by the centrifugation technique. In the same animals, a defect of 10 mm was created in both radii. On the left side, the defect was treated with the poly-DL-Lactide chamber, in which a suspension of autologous cells was injected; on the right side, only autologous cells were used. Radiological and histomorphometric data were compared within this study as well as with the results of our previous study. At 3, 6 and 9 months, there was no healing on the right side..On the left side, progressive bone formation with reunion of the stumps was observed in the chamber. We conclude that stem cells can accelerate bone healing when contained in the tubular chamber.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Spontaneous renal hematoma. Report of 4 cases].

Spontaneous renal and perirenal hematomas are heavy clinical events and, even if rare, they need an early diagnosis in order to plan therapy. A spontaneous renal hematoma should be suspected in case of acute lumbar pain because in more than 60% of cases it is due to a neoplastic lesion. In the other cases it is due to vascular and infectious kidney diseases while in 5 to 15% of cases the cause of the hematoma can not be found. In this paper 4 cases of spontaneous renal hematomas quite interesting both for their rarity and the imaging features are reported. All cases have been treated by medical therapy. According to personal experience and to the literature reports, the primary imaging diagnostic methods are ultrasonography and CT, while renal angiography should be employed when a vascular disease is suspected. In fact, US can provide the diagnosis of spontaneous renal hematoma but only CT can accurately assess its extension and moreover detect the cause of the hemorrhage. In personal experience, MR did not add significative diagnostic information if compared with CT.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Xenogenic demineralized bone matrix: osteoinduction and influence of associated skeletal defects in heterotopic bone formation in rats.

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was ectopically implanted in 36 male Wistar rats. In 18 of the animals a bone defect in the femoral condyles was also created: the left was filled with DBM and the right was left empty as a control. The animals were killed after 2, 4 and 6 weeks and new bone was histologically evaluated, comparing ectopic bone formation with or without distant bone injury. Results showed: (1) osteoinductivity of xenogenic DBM, and (2) earlier mineralization of ectopically implanted DBM in the group with associated skeletal injury. Our results show that xenogenic bone matrix acts as an osteoinductive material and that skeletal injury improves osteogenesis at distant sites.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

In vitro and in vivo behaviour of Ca- and P-enriched anodized titanium.

The influence of different surface preparations on titanium biocompatibility and bone integration was evaluated. Commercially grade 2 titanium rods (diameter 2 mm, length: 3 mm), vacuum annealed and hydrofluoric acid etched was selected for its promising surface characteristics to achieve good direct osseointegration. Some rods were surface modified by Anodic Spark Discharge anodization and a thin layer (approximately 5 microm) of amorphous TiO2 containing Ca and P (Ti/AM) was obtained. Some of the Ti/AM specimens underwent a further hydrothermal treatment to produce a thin outermost layer (approximately 1 microm) of hydroxyapatite (Ti/AM/HA). Cytotoxicity tests (direct contact: ISO 10993-5) showed good cytocompatibility for all tested samples. Ti and tissue culture substrate + DMEM control, respectively, were associated with a significant higher proportion of attached cells than Ti/AM and Ti/AM/HA (P < 0.0005), but this was in the normal range of 10-20% of unattached cells for cytocompatible materials. Histomorphometric analysis conducted on samples inserted in the cancellous bone of distal femoral epiphysis of Sprague-Dawley rats gave the following results at 4 and 8 weeks: Affinity index (AI%) data proving the surface osteconductive properties of non-anodized acid etched Ti (AI-4 weeks: 67.1 +/- 17.0%; AI-8 weeks: 74.8 +/- 11.5%). Ti/AM samples showed the lowest values (AI-4 weeks: 45.8 +/- 15.9%; AI-8 weeks: 68.5 +/- 13.6%) while the best performances of the Ti/AM/HA samples (AI-4 weeks: 60.4 +/- 21.8%; AI-8 weeks: 79.5 + 9.37%) indicated that hydroxyapatite allowed a higher bone to implant contact respect to Ti only. Further investigations should be performed in order to better understand the mechanism of observed in vitro behaviour and to achieve information on long-term osseointegration process.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

[Magnetic resonance with endorectal coil in the local staging of prostatic carcinoma. Comparison with histologic macrosections in 40 cases].

PURPOSE: Endorectal coil MRI is widely used in the diagnostic workup of prostate cancer, but diagnostic accuracy rates reported in the literature are quite variable. We report our personal experience with endorectal coil MRI in the local staging of prostate carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with histologically proved prostate carcinoma were examined with endorectal coil MRI at high field strength (1.5 T). All patients underwent a sagittal T1-weighted SE location sequence (TR 400, TE 20), an axial T1-weighted SE (TR 400, TE 20), two axial T2-weighted FSE sequences (TR 3000, TE 102, ETL 8) with and without fat suppression, and a coronal T2-weighted FSE sequence (TR 3000, TE 102, ETL 8); an axial Fast Multiplanar Spoiled Gradient Recalled (FMSPGR) dynamic sequence after Gd-DTPA injection was also performed in 18 patients. MR staging of local tumor spread was done according to the current literature criteria. All patients were submitted to radical prostatectomy, and histologic macrosections on the same plane as MR images were obtained from surgical specimens. MR and histologic staging were compared to assess MR accuracy in detecting capsular infiltration, seminal vesicles and apex involvement. The diagnostic yield of Gd-DTPA was also investigated. RESULTS: MRI correctly staged 31 of 40 cases (77.5%). MR accuracy was 80% in detecting capsular infiltration (85.7% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity), 90% in seminal vesicle involvement (91.6% sensitivity, 89.2% specificity) and 72.5% in apex involvement (79.1% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity). Dynamic studies with Gd-DTPA did not improve staging accuracy in any case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with most of the current literature, MRI showed moderate overall accuracy in the local staging of prostate carcinoma. Particularly, MRI had good accuracy in detecting seminal vesicle involvement but moderate sensitivity and specificity in demonstrating capsular infiltration and apex involvement. Due to its high cost, MRI should not be routinely used in prostate cancer staging but should be reserved to the patients whose clinical and serological data suggest extraprostatic tumor spread, whose preoperative demonstration could avoid noncurative surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Cartilage cell stimulation with low-power laser: experimental assessment].

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of laser therapy performed with Ga-Al-As diode laser (780 nm, 2500 mW) on cartilage cells in vitro. The cartilage sample used for biostimulation was taken from the knee of an adult patient. The cultures were divided into four groups: Groups I, II, III were subjected to biostimulation with different laser parameters; Group IV did not received any treatment. The laser biostimulation was conducted for five consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, cell count and MTT tests were performed to assess cell metabolism. The data showed good results in terms of cell viability in the groups treated with laser biostimulation compared to the untreated group. The results obtained with the use of this new low-power diode laser Ga-Al-As device in the biostimulation of the cartilage tissue, permits us to consider the use of this device clinically.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

In vitro osteoinduction of demineralized bone.

Among numerous available materials for osseous repair and reconstruction, those presenting osteoinductive characteristics and promoting bone regeneration are preferable. Fresh autologous bone is one of the most effective, but it has some disadvantages and risks. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is considered to be a valid alternative, because it seems to show osteogenic potential, ascribed to the presence of bone morphogenetic proteins. In addition it can be prepared without difficulty and preserved without losing osteoinductive properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the osteoinductive ability of xenogenic DBM, by testing DBM powder obtained from rabbit long bones, in cell culture of murine fibroblasts, alone or associated with electromagnetic field (EMF), that are known to exhibit biologic effects on cells: in particular they are used in orthopedics to improve bone formation. At the end of experiment, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium levels and cell proliferation and morphology were evaluated. A statistically significant stimulation of ALP activity and cell proliferation and a morphological change of fibroblasts were found. The results obtained show how DBM and EMF have different effects on cells, and that together they have synergic action toward bone induction.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

In vitro experimental research of rabbit condrocytes biostimulation with diode laser Ga-Al-As: a preliminary study.

The scope of our study was to verify the effects of a new diode laser device with active material composed of Gallium, Aluminum and Arsenic (Ga-Al-As) configured as MOCVD (780 nm., 3000 mW) for the biostimulation of the cartilage cells in vitro. The condrocytes cells, withdrawn from the cartilage of the medial condyle of the femur of the rabbit, were cultivated, incubated and subject to biostimulation treatment with the laser. The condrocytes cells were placed in 24 Petri dishes at the concentration of 0.25 x 10(5)/ml and divided into 4 groups: 3 group (I, II, III) were treated with the laser and the fourth group (IV) was used as the control group. At the end of the treatment, all four groups, were evaluated with a MTT test and a cell count of the condrocytes cells. Group III (300 J, 1 Watt, 300 Hz, 10' of exposure time with a pulsating emission) provided the best results in terms of cell viability (MTT test) and for the number of cells found in the dishes when compared to the other treated groups and the control group. The results obtained with the use of this new diode laser Ga-Al-As device in the biostimulation of the cartilage tissue, permits us to consider the use of this device clinically.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1998

[Giant renal angiomyolipoma. Presentation of a case].

A case of large sized angiomyolipoma with atypical clinical presentation is reported. The retroperitoneal mass, showed by ultrasonography, was mainly made by fat tissue, as showed by CT and MRI, and it was associated with focal, probably metastatic, liver lesions. The diagnostic hypothesis of retroperitoneal liposarcoma with liver metastases was made. In the same time a colon neoplasm was found and US-guided biopsies of both the liver lesions and the retroperitoneal mass were carried out. The former were found to be metastases from colon cancer while the latter was a renal angiomyolipoma. The reported case underlines that renal angiomyolipoma if large sized and with atypical clinical presentation may be difficult to differentiate from retroperitoneal, even malignant masses. The hystological evaluation by means of needle biopsy or surgical resection becomes therefore mandatory.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Effects of lipiodol retention on MRI signal intensity from hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding liver treated by chemoembolization.

Opinion is divided regarding the influence of iodized oil on MRI signal intensity of hepatic tumours treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), in which lipiodol deposits. The aim of our study was to ascertain whether or not lipiodol directly influences the MRI signal intensity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by TACE and that of the surrounding liver. Thirteen patients with HCC were studied retrospectively. CT and MRI scans were performed both before and 3 months after TACE. The CT scan was performed to check whether embolized nodules contained lipiodol and how lipiodol was distributed within them. In addition, eight patients were examined prospectively within 7 days after TACE. In these patients a CT scan was performed to see how lipiodol was distributed in the neoplastic nodules and in normal hepatic parenchyma. In the first group of patients the contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratio on T1-weighted (T1W) images and the T2 relaxation time on T2-weighted (T2W) images were calculated for both neoplasm and surrounding liver. In the second group of patients we also measured the signal intensity of non-neoplastic liver that was either permeated or not permeated by lipiodol. The data were analysed with Wilcoxon's test. On T1W images we observed that the retention of lipiodol increased the C/N ratio in all the tumours studied within 1 week after TACE. In the patients studied 3 months after TACE the C/N ratio was not significantly increased. On T2W images lipiodol retention did not change tumour signal intensity. The iodized oil did not change the signal intensity of the liver surrounding the tumour, in comparison with the liver not permeated by lipiodol, on either T1W or T2W images. The results indicate that lipiodol does not modify the signal intensity in non-neoplastic hepatic parenchyma in which it is deposited; after 3 months it does not significantly affect the signal of the tumours that accumulated it. Lipiodol produces a high signal on T1W images over the first few days following TACE in those tumours in which it is deposited.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Penile Mondors' disease: an underestimated pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To report the aetiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of penile Mondor's disease treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the last 3 years, 10 patients (mean age 35 years, range 20-57) were treated for superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis. The main aetiological factors were prolonged and excessive sexual intercourse, operations for inguinal hernia and deep vein thrombosis. All patients had noticed sudden and almost painless cord-like induration on the penile dorsal surface. Doppler ultrasonography was useful in both diagnosis and follow-up. Eight patients were treated with NSAIDs and platelet drugs. RESULTS: The mean interval to resolution of symptoms was 3 weeks. Two patients who did not respond to drug therapy underwent surgery (dorsal vein resection). CONCLUSION: Medical therapy and, when indicated, vein resection are successful and effective in treating penile Mondor's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pericellular pO2 as an alternative method to test cytotoxicity.

Pericellular pO2 (ppcO2) was compared with the release of cytoplasmatic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and mitochondrial metabolic function (tetrazolium salt reduction, MTT) as an alternative method to evaluate cytotoxicity. L-929 cells were seeded and incubated with 3 different control materials to test their cytotoxicity effects by these methods. High density polyethylene and copper were respectively used as negative and positive controls, while a 0.9% NaCl solution was as reagent control and extraction vehicle. PpcO2 was measured by a rod polarographic Clark-type probe connected to Licox pO2 computer (GMS mbH, Kiel, Germany). One-way ANOVA test showed significant differences among groups regarding every methods (p < 0.0005). The comparison of the mean variation coefficients of three methods showed no significant differences. In addition, a significant correlation was found between ppcO2 and MTT (r = 0.621; p < 0.001) as well as ppcO2 and LDH data (r = 0.474; p < 0.001). In conclusion, ppcO2 may be considered a reliable, safely and alternative method to test cytotoxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Magnetic resonance of the brachial plexus: anatomy and study technique].

Brachial plexopathies are a common diagnostic problem: conventional imaging techniques can be useful in the detection of associated conditions (Pancoast tumors, first rib or clavicle fractures, etc.) but they cannot visualize brachial plexus structures directly. Also Computed Tomography (CT) is limited in the study of the retroclavicular region because of the artifacts due to the presence of the humeral heads in the slice. CT myelography exhibits very high accuracy in posttraumatic brachial plexopathies but fails to reveal the postganglionic plexus. In contrast, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the direct detection of the brachial plexus, from spine to axilla, thanks to its multiplanarity and high contrast resolution. However, MR images are so rich in anatomical details (particularly on the oblique planes) that sometimes they become very difficult to interpret. To better define the anatomical relationships of the brachial plexus and to assess the best planes to study its different portions, 9 healthy volunteers were examined with MRI and MR images were compared with anatomical drawings and frozen cadaver sections. MRI depicts the brachial plexus from its origin to the axilla, but none of the investigated planes is sufficient, alone, to study the whole plexus adequately. The paraganglionic portion is clearly depicted on oblique sagittal images, while coronal and sagittal images are more useful for primary trunks and spinal nerves; the distal portion is perfectly visualized on sagittal images. Thus, we conclude that different examination protocols are necessary for every specific plexus portion, which means that brachial plexus MRI must be performed to try to solve a specific question by the orthopedic surgeon or the clinician.

Brachial Plexus↗
PubMed1996

[Interactive atlas with magnetic resonance on CD-ROM for Macintosh].

Computer assisted education in radiology has been increasingly used during the past ten years and now complements traditional learning resources. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of musculoskeletal anatomy, and particularly of joints, lends itself naturally to learning modules on computer. This paper describes the design, development and use of an interactive computer assisted teaching module of MR joint anatomy on CD-ROM for Macintosh: to date, we have used this atlas for ankle and elbow anatomy. The atlas is divided into three main sections: MR anatomy, traditional anatomy and a quiz. On each MR image, any anatomical detail can be identified clicking on it with the mouse. Buttons allow to visualize cross-reference points and to go directly on the desired image. If the student wants to look at anatomical drawings of the last identified structure, a button retrieves all the cards in the traditional anatomy section containing that structure. Finally, the student can make his own self-assessment, verifying his learning immediately with the exam mode: the software makes a random selection of 10 MR images where an anatomical structure must be indicated: if the answer is wrong, the software gives the right one and shows the misinterpreted structure. Then, the student is given a total score for his performance. The computer assisted teaching modules present some advantages: the images can be viewed in a given sequence (like traditional learning resources) or in any self-paced, customized way; this possibility, together with the friendly interface of Macintosh computers could make learning more active and pleasant.

Anatomy↗
PubMed1994

[The epiphyseal involvement of metaphyseal bone sarcomas in patients with fertile growth plates. A magnetic resonance assessment].

The growth plate is thought to be capable of limiting tumor spread. To assess the presence and extent of epiphyseal involvement in bone tumors, the plain radiographs and the MR images of 41 patients with metaphyseal sarcoma and radiographically apparent growth plate were studied. The results were compared with surgical, microscopic and histologic findings. Histology demonstrated that in 3 patients the tumor did not reach the growth plate, in 25 the epiphysis was involved while in 13 cases the tumor reached the physis but did not spread to the epiphysis. In the latter group of patients, histology demonstrated a microinfiltration of the physis in 5 cases. Radiography and MR sensitivities were 77.2% and 100%, respectively, while specificity was 94% for both methods. Histology showed that the epiphysis was involved in 25/41 cases (61%) and the growth plate in 30/41 (73%). Our results show that the growth plate does not usually act as a barrier against tumor spread and that MRI is the diagnostic tool of choice in the assessment of epiphyseal spread in metaphyseal tumors even though it cannot detect growth plate microinfiltrations.

Adolescent↗