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Biomedical subjects

R Rizzo

Publications and source records attributed to R Rizzo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Ruthenium red complexation with ionic polysaccharides in dilute aqueous solutions: chirooptical evidence of stereospecific interaction.

This paper presents optical and chirooptical data on the interaction of the microscopy-staining agent ruthenium red with carboxylated polysaccharides in dilute aqueous solution. The polysaccharides used are both natural (alginate and pectate) and semisynthetic (C6-oxidized cellulose and C6-oxidized amylose). A preliminary discussion of the molecular structure and conformational features which control the interaction is presented.

Alginates↗

Seizures in patients with trisomy 21.

We report on the incidence of seizures in 113 patients with Down Syndrome (DS), 43 coming from the OASI Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, and 70 from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania. We obtained the following results: 15 (13.2%) patients had seizures; 6 (5.3%) febrile seizures (FS) and 9 (7.9%) afebrile seizures (aFS). Among the latter group 2 patients had generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 3 partial complex seizures, and 4 infantile spasms. The seizures appeared early in life. Only 2 adult patients had seizures. These results suggest that patients with DS show a higher incidence of FS and of aFS than non-DS individuals. Seizures in DS may be an epiphenomenon of the neurological abnormalities, both anatomical and functional, usually observed in these patients.

Adult↗

Two rare developmental defects of the lower limbs with confirmation of the Lewin and Opitz hypothesis on the fibular and tibial developmental fields.

We report on two unrelated patients with malformations of the lower limbs. One had a unilateral apparent doubling of the volume of the femur with distal bifurcation, shortness of the tibiae, absence of fibulae, and lateral ray deficiencies of both feet. The other had a partial duplication of the distal left femur, hypoplasia and proximal dislocation of the ipsilateral tibia, syndactyly of the right 1st and 2nd toes, and preaxial polydactyly of the left foot. This report supports the hypothesis of Lewin and Opitz on the presence of two distinct fields of development: the fibular and the tibial.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

A case of the Freire-Maia Odontotrichomelic syndrome: nosology with EEC syndrome.

We report on a patient, born to consanguineous parents, who had a complex malformation syndrome of severe upper limbs anomalies, peculiar face, structural ear anomalies, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and abnormal hair and nails. We think that the clinical manifestations of the patient are similar to those described by Freire-Maia as the odontotrichomelic syndrome; the differential diagnosis between this syndrome and ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft/lip palate (EEC) syndrome is discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Late febrile convulsions: a clinical follow-up.

A joint study was performed on patients from the Pediatric Clinics of Catania and Modena. Two hundred and twenty-two children who presented with febrile convulsions (FC) after the age of six years (LFC) were followed up in order to evaluate the risk of recurrence and type of convulsions. The overall results showed that 94 patients out of 222 (42.3%) had subsequent fits, both febrile and afebrile. The present study suggests that the risk of subsequent afebrile crises in LFC is higher (15.8%) than observed after "simple" FC (2-3%) and similar to that reported after "complex" FC (13-17%).

Anticonvulsants↗

A very aggressive form of facial hemangioma.

A 3-month-old girl had a massive, particularly aggressive mixed hemangioma involving the right hemiface, with severe ulcerations of the ear lobe and nasal septum. She also showed cerebral anomalies consisting of cerebellar vermis agenesis and cerebellar right atrophy. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, the child died at age 4 months.

Cerebellum↗

Familial Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II: abnormal fibrillogenesis of dermal collagen.

We examined a father and son affected by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II. Both patients had micrognathia together with ligament and skin hyperlaxity. The son exhibited complete cleft palate. Ultrastructural studies revealed abnormal collagen fibrils in the dermis of both patients. In the child the most striking alterations consisted of lateral fusion of an enormous number of collagen fibrils giving rise to huge polymorphic collagen masses. In the father's dermis the great majority of collagen fibrils appeared normal; however, lateral fusion of fibrils together with local abnormal collagen aggregation were occasionally seen. In both patients the dermal elastic network was well developed and elastic fibers appeared normal.

Adult↗