Biomedical subjects

Roberto Toni

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto Toni.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

A meta-analysis of inferior thyroid artery variations in different human ethnic groups and their clinical implications.

We have recently found ethnic differences in superior thyroid artery (STA) variational anatomy. Therefore, we now focus on the inferior thyroid artery (ITA). In particular, we analyze whether presence, numerical variations and site of origin of ITA are influenced by ethnic group and gender, whether and which neck side has the largest arterial caliber, whether differences occur between the presence of ITA and STA, to which extent a non-selective thyroid angiography is effective in visualizing ITA, also in comparison to STA, and which clinical value this information may have in selected pathologies of the thyroid, parathyroid and larynx. A meta-analysis has been performed, including 33 library- and Medline-selected publications on Caucasoids (European and non-European) and East Asians, and a set of original data on European Caucasoids. A total of 6285 Caucasoid and 847 East Asian items, comprising half bodies and arteries, were analyzed. After testing the homogeneity of the available data sources in relation to the anatomical variables under study we calculated a cumulative value for each selected anatomical parameter and evaluated differences using non-parametric statistics. The effectiveness of non-selective thyroid angiography was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. The ITA was more frequently absent in East Asians than in Caucasoids, and respectively either more or less frequently arising from thyrocervical and subclavian arteries, in East Asians versus Caucasoids. In contrast, the ITA was less frequently present both in Caucasoids and East Asians than the STA. In addition, the ITA was more frequently present on the right than on the left side in both ethnic groups, but no neck side predominated in size of arterial caliber in European Caucasoids. Finally, the ITA was more frequently present in East Asian males than females, and the effectiveness of a non-selective thyroid angiography showed higher numbers for ITA than STA in Caucasoids. Statistically significant variations occur in some ITA parameters between Caucasoids and East Asians, and in its presence with respect to STA, within each ethnic group. These differences, together with a sexual dimorphic presence of ITA in East Asians and high effectiveness of its visualization by non-selective angiography in European Caucasoids, may represent an evidence-based supply of anatomical information for analysis in selected pathologies of the thyroid, parathyroid and larynx.

Arteries↗

PubMed2004

The Acrobats.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Dwarfism↗

PubMed2004

A meta-analysis of superior thyroid artery variations in different human groups and their clinical implications.

We have investigated whether the presence, numerical variations and site of origin of the superior thyroid artery (STA) are influenced by the ethnic group and gender, whether the origin and caliber of this vessel are symmetrical, to what extent a non-selective thyroid angiography, either conventional or by digital subtraction, is effective in visualizing it, and whether this information may be useful in selected clinical conditions. A meta-analysis has been performed, including 24 library- and Medline-selected publications on Caucasoids (European and non-European) and East Asians and a set of original data on European Caucasoids. A total of 3453 Caucasoid and 931 East Asian items, including entire bodies, half bodies and arteries, were used. After testing the homogeneity of the available data sources in relation to the anatomical variables under study we calculated a cumulative value for each selected anatomical parameter and evaluated differences by non parametric statistics. Effectiveness of non-selective thyroid angiography was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. A higher frequency of origin from the external carotid artery was present in Caucasoids than in East Asians. In contrast, a higher frequency of origin from common carotid artery was observed in East Asians versus Caucasoids. No gender differences were found for any of the parameters analyzed in East Asians. In addition, an equal probability of either asymmetrical or symmetrical origin on the two sides of the neck for STA was found in East Asians. In contrast, a symmetry of caliber for STA was found in European Caucasoids. Finally, only a moderate effectiveness of non-selective thyroid angiography, either conventional or by digital subtraction, was determined for visualization of STA in European Caucasoids. Statistically significant variations in some STA anatomical parameters occur between Caucasoids and East Asians. These differences, together with the high frequency of asymmetry for STA origin in East Asians and low effectiveness of STA visualization by non-selective angiography in European Caucasoids, may result in useful information for clinical reasoning in selected conditions of the thyroid region.

Arteries↗

PubMed2003

Anthropological variations in the anatomy of the human thyroid arteries.

Knowledge of anatomic variability of the superior (STA), inferior (ITA), and lowest accessory (IMA) thyroid arteries may be helpful in certain clinical conditions. However, details of this variability have not been thoroughly described. Specifically, whether the presence and site of origin of STA, ITA, and IMA are influenced by the anthropological group, to what extent their origin is symmetric or asymmetric, and the role played by this variability in visualizing each thyroid artery by nonselective thyroid angiography is not known. To clarify this we conducted a meta-analytical study on Caucasian and Asian subjects, the latter including only Japanese and Koreans. In Caucasians and Asians the presence of superior vessels compared to inferior vessels was more frequent and the probability of symmetric or asymmetric arterial origin for STA were equivalent. However, better recognition of inferior rather than superior vessels was achieved by nonselective angiography in Caucasians. Finally, different frequencies of presence and site of origin for each artery were identified in Caucasians compared to Asians. Our results suggest that the higher frequency of IMA in Asians than in Caucasians should result in a search for an IMA-dependent feeding artery of inferior parathyroid adenomas, primarily the mediastinal ones, especially in Asians both by imaging and transcatheter ablative approaches. In addition, we have found that a small percentage of Caucasian subjects lack an STA on the left side. Therefore, anatomic arterial compatibility should be carefully evaluated in the preoperative stage of laryngeal transplantation maintaining in situ the donor's thyroid by terminal anastomoses between donor and recipient STAs. Finally, the lack of any individual thyroid artery in either Caucasians or Asians might influence the distribution of autonomic supply that runs with thyroid vessels to the thyroid parenchyma. This appears functionally relevant in cases of traumatic or surgical lesions of the cervical sympathetic chain involving thyroid nerves. In fact, a restricted local autonomic control of thyroid activity might be related to individual rami of thyroid nerves.

Angiography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fine structure and photoperiodical seasonal changes in Pars tuberalis of hibernating bats.

In Pars tuberalis (PT) of pituitary gland of hibernating bats, extending cranially along the ventral face of the hypothalamic median eminence, around the hypophyseal stalk, and caudally continuing in the Pars distalis (PD), pt specific cells, follicular cells and gonadotropic cells were distinguished. Pt specific cells contain peculiar secretory granules positive to lectin WGA and negative to lectins LFA and PNA, positive to S-100 protein labeling and to PD hormones antisera. During hibernation they present a low numerical density of both secretory granules and melatonin binding sites. After light exposure, on the other hand, the latter increase in density and are associated with marked secretion synthetic activity and exocytosis. These aspects result to be more balanced in animals sacrificed during summer. These changes seem to support the hypothesis of marked annual changes even in animal species with seasonal rhythmicity of metabolisms and gonads. Follicular cells, organized in closed follicles, have slightly developed RER and Golgi apparatus during hibernation, whereas they seem to show an increased secretory activity after light exposure and during summer. In perinuclear and supranuclear cytoplasm, glycogen particles clusters (peculiar of hibernation), cilia 9+2 and multivesicular bodies were identified. Concerning FSH cells, a reduced numerical density during hibernation, the secretory granules morphological characteristics and their probable involvement in photoperiod-linked reproductive functions are investigated.

Animals↗