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Biomedical subjects

A Catania

Publications and source records attributed to A Catania.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

A potential mechanism of local anti-inflammatory action of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone within the brain: modulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by human astrocytic cells.

The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurs in CNS tissue in neurological disorders, infection, and injury. Its excessive production is believed to contribute to local pathology, in which case modulation of TNF-alpha production should promote survival of neural tissue. The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone [alpha-MSH (1-13)] inhibits TNF-alpha production in vivo and in vitro, and in this research we tested the capacity of the peptide, and of an anti-inflammatory COOH-terminal tripeptide fragment of it, to inhibit TNF-alpha production induced by bacterial endotoxin in cells of a human glioma line (A-172, anaplastic astrocytoma cells). Both peptides were effective, although the alpha-MSH (1-13) sequence was more potent. Preincubation of the cells with alpha-MSH (1-13) markedly increased its effectiveness. The anticytokine effect of alpha-MSH in glioma cells may be mediated by human melanocortin-1 receptors; mRNA for this receptor subtype was isolated from resting A-172 cells. These results, combined with prior evidence of effectiveness of alpha-MSH molecules in modulating inflammatory processes and of their low toxicity, suggest that the molecules may be useful in the treatment of CNS disorders that have an inflammatory component.

Astrocytes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Red cell filterability and erythrocyte membrane microviscosity during ticlopidine treatment.

The effects of 10 days' treatment with 500 mg/day ticlopidine on the filterability of red blood cells in suspension and on the microviscosity of the red blood cell membrane was evaluated in 11 patients with vascular atherosclerosis. The results show ticlopidine to be effective in influencing the rheological measures of red cell filterability and membrane microviscosity: filterability was increased and microviscosity was decreased. Ticlopidine also decreased the extent of fluorescence polarization. These results are discussed regarding possible mechanisms of action of ticlopidine.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Resistance of beta-endorphin to dexamethasone inhibition in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

The response of plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) to dexamethasone suppression was studied in 14 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 14 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 13 age-matched controls in order to evaluate whether an impairment of the opiate system is present in these neurodegenerative disorders. Basal circulating beta-EP was in normal range in all subjects, although the mean concentration was slightly reduced in the patients compared to controls. After 1 mg dexamethasone given at 11:00 p.m. the night before, plasma beta-EP concentration measured at 08:00 a.m. and 04:00 p.m. was not inhibited in AD and PD patients while it was significantly reduced in controls. Circulating ACTH and cortisol were similar in patients and controls and a normal inhibition of plasma cortisol after dexamethasone was observed in 13/14 AD and 12/14 PD patients. The resistance of beta-EP to dexamethasone inhibition is consistent with previous clinical and experimental data indicating a disorder of the opiate system in brain degenerative diseases.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Interposition vein cuff in infrainguinal prosthetic bypasses.

The Authors describe the interposition vein cuff technique as an adjuvant method to infrainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts. The haemodynamic, mechanical and humoral factors thought to be involved in the beneficial effects of the vein cuff are herein discussed. The results of the main series suggest the use of this method particularly in patients without any available autologous vein conduit requiring a below-knee popliteal or crural reconstruction.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Inverted papilloma of the bladder: observation of 3 clinical cases and discussion on their clinico-pathologic characteristics].

Three cases of urothelial inverted papilloma, detected in two female patients aged 32 and 31 years, respectively and in one 67-year-old male patient, are described. Inverted papilloma is a benign lesion which occurs in the urinary epithelium with a 20% incidence in comparison with other urothelial tumours. The male:female ratio is 3:1. The histological structure of urothelial inverted papilloma is similar to that of inverted papilloma of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. It presents interanastomosed epithelial cords, with transitional cells, which develop in the tunica propria connective tissue. Some cells are distributed in such a way as to constitute vacuolated glandular-like structures. The histogenetic origin of the lesion from Home subtrigonal or Albarran subcervical glands is debatable. Recent aetiological hypotheses have claimed that the origin of the lesion may be related to Brunn's nest hyperplasia and/or to chronic urothelial inflammation. The latter hypothesis would currently appear to be the most accredited: immunostaining for cytokeratins would tend to support a urothelial inflammatory aetiology. In our cases, we achieved a definitive diagnosis of inverted papilloma only at histology, because of the specificity of the echotomography and cystoscopy findings. Urinary cytology revealed only a large number of inflammatory cells with anaplastic elements, but without any more detailed morphological description. We performed a transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) in all three patients: routine follow-up showed the absence of inverted papilloma relapses. On the basis of the above-mentioned data and a thorough review of the literature, we attempt to assess and classify the clinico-pathological findings and the aetiological hypotheses of urothelial inverted papilloma. In addition, the benign nature of the lesion and any malignant transformation factors are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prostatic small cell carcinoma diagnosed by tru-cut needle biopsy: discussion of clinico-pathological findings.

The small cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumour characterised by an aggressive clinical course and a high mortality rate. It occurs most commonly in the lung. Small cell carcinomas originating in the genitourinary system have been diagnosed with increasing frequency in recent years, because of the use of immunohistochemistry. Prostatic small cell carcinomas present the same biological behavior and similar histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features to small cell carcinomas of the lungs. We describe the clinico-pathological findings in a 65-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of prostatic small cell carcinoma, obtained by means of a tru-cut needle biopsy. We performed the immunohistochemical tests using neuron-specific enolase and chromogranin A antibodies, according to the literature. On the basis of our experience we stress the malignant features of small cell carcinoma and the difficulty in obtaining an early diagnosis and treatment because of the aggressive course of the lesion and the late symptomatology.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder: etiopathologic and clinical features].

The Authors present a case of inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT) of the urinary bladder occurring in a 57-year-old female patient, who was referred to our department with haematuria, stranguria and hypogastric pain. Ultrasonographic, radiological and endoscopic examinations showed a sessile, ulcerated, easily bleeding bladder formation; urinary cytology revealed no atypical transitional cells. Abdomino-pelvic computed tomography analysis showed thickening of the bladder walls and infiltration of the perivesical fat. Histopathologically, the formation was indicated as an inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT) of the bladder. The patient underwent TURB (transurethral resection of the bladder) and was discharged clinically healed on postoperative day 4. A one-year follow up revealed no evidence of recurrence. On the basis of their experience and a thorough review of the literature review, the Authors discuss the clinico-pathological features of IPT of the bladder and the possible factors involved in the malignant transformation of IPT. In conclusion, the benign nature of the lesion is stressed.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical controversies in the treatment of recurrent achalasia of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgery remains the first choice for achalasia of the esophagus with good results in 90% of cases. METHODOLOGY: We studied the cause of failure for surgical treatment and the results of a second operation in 20 patients that were followed up for at least three years. RESULTS: The results were good in 70% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: To improve this procedure, according to the authors, it is essential for a careful presurgery evaluation, an early reoperation in case of failure and a careful surgical technique in order to avoid periesophageal sclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of "locally advanced" well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

PURPOSE: To analyse thyroid carcinomas having an extrathyroid extension in order to identify the principal prognostic factors and outline an effective therapeutic strategy. METHODS: We selected a sample of 160 patients suffering from locally advanced "well differentiated thyroid carcinoma (T4) who had undergone surgery at the Department of Surgery of University of Rome "La Sapienza". The sample was subdivided into three groups: T4, limited type I, and extensive type II, T4 microcarcinomas. RESULTS: We obtained excellent results with the T4 microcarcinomas, above all in patients under the age of 45, with a 94.5% survival rate, compared with 88% in patients aged over 45. In the extensive type II T4 carcinoma we obtained a survival rate of 29.4% in patients aged over 45 years. CONCLUSIONS: Age, combined with an aggressive histological variant (Sclerosing and tall-cell papillary carcinoma), is an important factor in prognosis. The radicality of surgical excision is considered an important prognostic factor, although the results reported in the literature are contradictory. Aggressive surgery can free from the disease a high percentage of patients over the age of 50 even with T4. We deem it fundamental to perform total thyroidectomy in all advanced cases of thyroid neoplasm and to extend neoplasm excision to the adjacent tissues, even involving justified surgical demolition.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Erythrocyte individual phospholipids and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease with and without diabetes mellitus of type 2.

In a group of 12 subjects (5 men, 7 women) with vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) and in a group of 17 subjects (9 men, 8 women) with VAD and with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) we evaluated the red cell membrane individual phospholipids and their relationships with the erythrocyte membrane fluidity. Examining the group of non diabetic subjects with VAD, it is evident that no difference is present between normals and this group regarding individual phospholipids; in this group is present a slight correlation between the erythrocyte membrane fluidity (expressed as Iex/Im ratio) and phosphatidylethanolamine only. Examining the group of VAD subjects with NIDDM it is evident that between normals and this group a significant difference is present for phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine; in this group no relationship is evident between red cell membrane individual phospholipids and Iex/Im ratio.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Thyroid cancer: surgical experience with 322 cases.

From November 1970 to July 1983, a total of 322 thyroid cancers were treated surgically in our clinic. Total thyroidectomy was the treatment of choice. In 131 patients, modified neck dissection (unilaterally in 23 and bilaterally in 108) was added. Of the latter patients, 33 also required upper mediastinal lymph node dissection. There were no operative deaths. No recurrent laryngeal nerve iatrogenic palsy was observed. Permanent parathyroid insufficiency developed in only about 4% of patients. The low morbidity and good long-term results justify the use of this procedure in all patients with thyroid malignancies. Despite conservative arguments in the controversial issue of lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy, skilled surgeons should be able to perform total thyroidectomy safely. It is recommended as the treatment of choice because of the well-documented multicentricity of thyroid cancers and the good prognosis of differentiated cancers associated with a near-normal life expectancy, to permit radioactive iodine therapy of possibly functioning metastases and the easier control of hypothyroidism with thyroid supplement medication.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Glycosylated hemoglobins and erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in diabetes mellitus].

Investigations carried out on 43 diabetic not ketoacidotic patients (32 women and 11 men) showed that the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobins (GHb) is significantly (p less than 0.01) inversely related to the intra-erythrocytic concentration of 2,3-DPG and to the calculated P50. Preliminary data from a prospective study suggest that the inverse relationship could be referred to the degree of control of the disease. In poorly controlled diabetes, where at the highest percentages of GHb the lowest levels of 2,3-DPG are found, less oxigen can be delivered to peripheral tissues.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hemorheological factors and metabolic parameters in a group of diabetic subjects].

Blood viscosity factors and some metabolic parameters were estimated in thirty-eight insulin-treated diabetics. The evaluation was carried out on admission and after eight weeks of controlled therapy. From this study it follows that blood viscosity factors do not permit us to distinguish, at these two stages, diabetics with complications from diabetics without while there is this possibility at the initial observation in diabetics subdivided for sex. Furthermore there are no significant variations, except for the haematocrit, of the average of blood viscosity factors and metabolic parameters at the initial and final observation. Very interesting is the negative relation between the Vrbc, parameter which studies the erythrocyte deformability, and the red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) that seems more evident in diabetics with complications. Contrary to what has been reported in literature no relation between Vrbc and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHb) is present.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Arteriomegaly in the aorto-iliac-femoral area with or without associated aneurysm].

The authors present a group of 199 patients with arteriomegaly, an affection characterized by elongated and distended blood vessels of the arterial system, with or without accompanying aneurysms. Our study on this group of patients, drawn from a large arteriographic series of peripheral abdominal and lower limb arterial disorders, focuses on a comparison between atherosclerotic arteriopathy and arteriomegaly. Small tissue blocks were taken from the arterial wall of patients operated on for megadolichoarteries. Electron microscopic examination of such specimens revealed a specific alteration of the elastic component of the vessel wall. The authors believe that surgical treatment of this condition is indicated in order to prevent thromboembolic complications or aneurysmal rupture.

Aneurysm↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Method of biopsy and ultrastructural study of the parathyroid gland in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism].

The authors suggest a new method of biopsy of a seemingly normal human parathyroid gland during surgery for parathyroid adenoma. Such a method provides adequate surgical specimen to rule out a likely diffuse hyperplastic disease associated with the parathyroid adenoma, and for the ultrastructural study of the gland, without any risk of postoperative complication. In all patients, ultrastructural examination showed an abnormal cell population and signs of glandular atrophy as a consequence of the high level of serum calcium due to hormonal hyperfunction of the parathyroid adenoma.

Adenoma↗