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Biomedical subjects

A Cavallaro

Publications and source records attributed to A Cavallaro.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Study of 355 patients with aortic aneurysm].

The Authors report their experience in the treatment of inflammatory aneurysm, on a whole of 355 patients consecutively operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The incidence was 5.6% when relying on clinical aspects; 10.6% when considering the results of microscopy. All patients were operated on through a retroperitoneal approach: early and late results of surgery were not significantly different between the two groups of patients (inflammatory aneurysm 38, atherosclerotic aneurysm 317).

Aged↗
PubMed2001

[Inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Review of the literature of the past 30 years].

A careful review of the available literature on the clinical and pathologic features of the so-called inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is reported. The etiology of this peculiar disease is still obscure and controversial, even if the current trend is to define it as an immunomediate phenomenon consisting on an "exaggerated" inflammatory response to atherosclerosis. Suggestions about the similarity or identity from the pathologic viewpoint, of inflammatory aneurysm, periaortic fibrosis and idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are attractive, but not universally accepted. The surgical treatment aims at the same objectives than for atherosclerotic aneurysms (i.e. prevention of rupture); operative management is however endangered by greater difficulties which hopefully may be reduced in the coming years by the use of corticosteroids and mainly through the wider application of endografting procedures.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of femorofemoral and aortofemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: Role and results of femorofemoral bypass grafting, usually reserved to high-risk patients affected with unilateral iliac artery occlusion, are still debated. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: retrospective clinical study. SETTINGS: University Hospital. PATIENTS: seventy-six high-risk patients (group 1) who underwent a primary expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) externally supported femorofemoral bypass graft were retrospectively compared to two additional groups of patients selected from the entire series of patients who underwent an aortobifemoral bypass graft. Patients of group 2 (n=80) were randomly chosen to determine differences in risk factors, associated diseases, previous abdominal operations, operative indications, preoperative findings and outcome. Patients of group 3 (n=50) were matched for sex, risk factors, associated diseases, previous abdominal operations, operative indications and preoperative findings with those of group 1 to assess the importance of the type of operation in determining the outcome of the procedure. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality (6, 4 and 6%, respectively), 5-year primary and secondary patency (71, 80, 83% and 80, 87, 87%, respectively) and limb salvage rates (78, 87 and 87%, respectively) were similar among the groups (p=NS, p=NS, p=NS, respectively). Five-year survival rate of group 2 was significantly better than that of group 1 and 3 (p<0.04 and p<0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Primary ePTFE externally supported femorofemoral bypass graft in high-risk patients is safe and produces long-term results similar to aortofemoral reconstruction.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

[The thyroidectomized follow-up].

Thyroid neoplasties are largely benign, and only 1% of all over malignant neoplasties with clinical diagnosis regard the thyroid. The histologic characteristics of the thyroid neoplasties assume fundamental importance both in diagnosis and in therapy. The authors underline the importance of the surgical treatment of malignant neoplasties of the thyroid with the problems connected to the choice of the entity of the demolition of the organ and the post-operative thyrohyoid residue and the importance of the correct follow-up for few patients, consenting to optmize the available resources.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed2001

A low-field MR system in acute traumatological imaging in radiology. Technical note.

PURPOSE: In this paper initial clinical observations with the application of a new low-field MR system in acute musculoskeletal imaging in radiology are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This system is designed as a three-sided open permanent magnet with a revolving table. Main magnetic field strength is 0.2 T, maximal gradient field strength 20 mT/m, and minimal gradient rise time is 800 microseconds. First clinical experiences in 25 patients with acute trauma of peripheral joints were obtained. The following sequences were applied: gradient-echo (GRE) STIR, T1-weighted spin-echo, and PD- and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo. Correlation with the findings of high-field MR (1.5 T), plain radiograms (including stress views), CT or ultrasound was available in each patient confirming the low-field diagnoses. Furthermore, phantom measurements were performed to verify the spatial resolution of the system for some sequences with typical measurement parameters. DISCUSSION: This low-field system has several advantages: fast and economic installation, limited required space, easy operation, and high patient comfort. The medical benefit of such a system integrated in the traumatological suite of a radiological department seems to be evident due to the impact on the early initiation of the correct therapy which avoids additional diagnostic procedures and therefore may reduce costs. Implementation of such a system may be useful, if installation of an additional high-field scanner is not possible due to economic considerations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Nicotine reorganizes cytoskeleton of vascular endothelial cell through platelet-derived growth factor BB.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking has been directly linked to atherosclerosis formation and vascular graft failures but the role of nicotine in these processes is not yet completely understood. We investigated the release of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) by the bovine aortic endothelial cell (EC) after nicotine administration at concentrations similar to those found in plasma of active and passive smokers and the role of PDGF BB, autocrinally released, in EC cytoskeletal modification. METHODS: EC were stimulated in a serum-free medium for 72 h with (-)-nicotine (from 6 x 10(-4) to 6 x 10(-8) M). The release of PDGF BB was assessed by inhibition antibody-binding assay and confirmed by Western blotting. Mitogenic activity of nicotine on EC was also determined. The EC cytoskeleton was studied with specific antibodies anti-alpha-actin fibers and anti-vimentin and the modification induced by PDGF BB was assessed by blocking PDGF BB activity with specific antibodies. RESULTS: The greatest PDGF BB release was noted at a (-)-nicotine concentration of 6 x 10(-6) M (P < 0.001). The addition of antibody anti-PDGF BB to EC exposed to (-)-nicotine decreased tritiated thymidine uptake by 20% (P < 0.001). EC exposed to (-)-nicotine concentrations of 6 x 10(-6) and 6 x 10(-8) M had a significant alteration in the expression of alpha-actin fibers and vimentin as compared with control. Administration of the antibody anti-PDGF BB in the culture medium reversed cytoskeletal alteration. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine enhanced the release of PDGF BB by EC which in turn caused an alteration in cytoskeletal organization.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Duplex ultrasonography in the diagnosis of incompetent Cockett veins.

OBJECTIVE: Incompetent perforating veins of the medial calf, i.e. those of the Cockett groups, play a major role in the developement of chronic venous insufficiency. The aim of the present study was to test the value of duplex ultrasonography (DUS) in the diagnosis of function and localisation of those veins. METHODS: Eighty-nine legs with incompetent perforating veins of the medial calf selected for subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) were included in a prospective study. Preoperative DUS was used to determine the number and localisation of the perforator veins. Findings were compared with preoperative ascending phlebography and intraoperative endoscopy during SEPS. RESULTS: Nearly equal numbers of insufficient Cockett veins at each level were detected by DUS and ascending phlebography (Cockett III: n, 76 vs. n, 76, P, 1.0; Cockett: II n=84 vs. n=82, P=0.569; Cockett I: n, 36 vs. n, 37, P=1.0; chi(2)-test). Findings were confirmed intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of DUS is comparable to phlebography for the diagnosis of incompetent perforating veins of the lower leg. DUS is non-invasive and avoids the potential risks of radiologic imaging.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2000

Nicotine induces platelet-derived growth factor release and cytoskeletal alteration in aortic smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation, but the role of nicotine in this process is not completely understood. The release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) by the bovine aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) after nicotine administration at a concentration similar to that ingested by active and passive smokers and the role of PDGF in SMC cytoskeletal modification were studied. METHODS: SMC, harvested with enzymatic digestion from calf aorta, were stimulated in a serum-free medium for 72 hours with (-)-nicotine (from 6 x 10(-4) mol/L to 6 x 10(-8) mol/L). The release of PDGF was assessed by inhibition antibody-binding assay and confirmed by Western blotting. Mitogenic activity of nicotine on SMCs was also determined. The SMC cytoskeleton was studied with specific antibodies anti-alpha-actin fibers, anti-vimentin, and anti-beta-tubulin, and the modification induced by PDGF was assessed by blocking PDGF activity with specific antibodies. RESULTS: The greatest PDGF release (1.24 +/- 0.14 ng/10(4) cells vs control 0.43 +/- 0.07 ng/10(4) cells) was noted at a (-)-nicotine concentration of 6 x 10(-7) mol/L (P < .001). The addition of monoclonal antibody anti-PDGF decreased the tritiated thymidine uptake of SMCs exposed to (-)-nicotine compared with the control (29% vs 5%-P < .001). SMCs exposed to (-)-nicotine concentration of 6 x 10(-7) mol/L and 6 x 10(-8) mol/L had a significant alteration in the expression of alpha-actin fibers, vimentin, and beta-tubulin compared with control. The administration of antibody anti-PDGF in the culture medium reversed cytoskeletal alteration. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine enhanced the release of platelet-derived growth, which in turn caused an alteration in cytoskeletal organization.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Nicotine-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation is mediated through bFGF and TGF-beta 1.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking influences and enhances the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated if nicotine, an important constituent of cigarette smoking, has a stimulatory effect on bovine smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro through the mediation of bFGF and TGF-beta 1. METHODS: Bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) were stimulated with (-)-nicotine at various concentrations ranging from 6 x 10(-4) mol/L to 6 x 10(-8) mol/L. SMC viability and count were assessed. The presence of bFGF and TGF-beta 1 in serum-free conditioned media was determined by the inhibition antibody-binding assay, and the mitogenic activity of (-)-nicotine on SMC was analyzed by the 3H-thymidine uptake. Polymerase chain reaction was used to study the expression of bFGF and TGF-beta 1. RESULTS: The bFGF release after (-)-nicotine stimulation was greater than in the controls, whereas TGF-beta 1 release was lower. The greatest mitogenic activity was found at a (-)-nicotine concentration of 6 x 10(-6) mol/L. The addition of monoclonal antibody anti-bFGF decreased the 3H-thymidine uptake of SMC exposed to (-)-nicotine, whereas the addition of monoclonal antibody anti-TGF-beta 1 increased the 3H-thymidine uptake of stimulated SMC. bFGF mRNA expression was significantly higher in SMC exposed to (-)-nicotine than in the controls, but TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in SMC exposed to 6 x 10(-6) mol/L (-)-nicotine than in SMC treated with the other concentrations of (-)-nicotine and in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine is a potent regulator of bFGF and TGF-beta 1 production and release by aortic SMC, and it seems to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and neointimal fibrous hyperplasia.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Baroreflex failure syndrome after bilateral excision of carotid body tumors: an underestimated problem.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are relatively rare paragangliomas that develop from neural crest cells at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. They are generally slow growing and benign. Excision is currently considered the treatment of choice, although vascular and especially neural injuries are still relatively frequent in patients with large or bilaterally resected tumors. The baroreflex failure syndrome (BFS) has recently been identified as a severe, rarely recognized, and certainly underestimated complication after the bilateral excision of CBTs. The present report describes a case of a bilateral CBT followed by BFS and reviews the experiences reported in the literature. In light of the low incidence of malignancy of these tumors, their biologic behavior, their very high rate of cranial nerve palsy, and the occurrence of BFS in bilaterally resected paragangliomas, the current practice of bilaterally removing these tumors is questioned.

Baroreflex↗
PubMed2000

Inability of University of Wisconsin solution to reduce postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of University of Wisconsin solution (UWS) on the formation of postoperative peritoneal adhesions. DESIGN: Laboratory experiment. SETTING: University hospital, Italy. ANIMALS: 42 Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: A standard lesion was made consisting of serosal trauma of the caecum and a parietal peritoneal defect. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 6 each): the first group acted as controls; the second had instilled normal saline 6 ml; the third Ringer's lactate 6 ml; the fourth UWS 6 ml; the fifth normal saline 12 ml; the sixth Ringer's lactate 12 ml; and the seventh UWS 12 ml. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adhesions were scored two weeks later for extent (0 to 4) and type (0 to 4). Adhesion strength was measured by a tensiometer. RESULTS: The mean (SEM) scores for extent and type of adhesions were significantly lower (p < 0.05) after instillation of Ringer's lactate 12 ml [1.0 (0.4) and 1.2 (0.4), respectively] than controls [3.5 (0.3) and 2.7 (0.2), respectively]. Adhesions were also significantly weaken (p < 0.05) [101 (33) g] than in controls [207 (6) g]. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal instillation of normal saline and UWS were ineffective in reducing the extent and type of adhesions. Although Ringer's lactate produced a significant reduction in severity, the effect was strongly volume related. This amount of fluid may be detrimental to a patient's postoperative course.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2000

Immunomodulatory effect of the homoeopathic drug Engystol-N on some activities of isolated human leukocytes and in whole blood.

Engystol-N at the doses of 10(-4) and 10(-8) in isolated human leukocytes stimulates the superoxide anion generation by neutrophils and the cytokine(s) production by T lymphocytes. In whole blood the same concentrations of the drug produce the decrease of the superoxide anion generation of neutrophils, this inhibiting activity appears 6 h after the administration of the drug and persists only in presence of lymphocytes. Culture media of T lymphocytes treated with Engystol-N show the same inhibiting effect on superoxide anion generation by neutrophils. From these data it is possible to conclude that the drug stimulates the secretion of lymphokine(s) with inhibiting action on superoxide anion generation of neutrophils that prevail over the direct stimulating effect, confirming and extending the immunomodulatory ability of the drug.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2000

[A case of carcinoid with multiple sites in the jejunum and distal ileum].

Multiple carcinoid tumors of the small bowel with more than 3 lesions are very unusual. The authors report a case with 4 lesions, 2 of those localized in the jejunum with more advanced infiltration of the wall and extension to regional mesenteric lymph nodes, revealed by ultrasonography. The relative low incidence and particularly the vague, nonspecific clinical presentation, the unusual site in the jejunum, and failure of the radiological examine of one year before lead to not suspect this condition prior to US examination. However, the feature of asymmetric, concentric thickening of the bowel wall requiring a more accurate exam by CT with oral contrast was able to confirm the suspect of the intestinal tumor. The patient, 80 year old, underwent radical surgery with a wide lymph nodes dissection as well as double resection of the jejunum and distal ileum. The post-surgical outcome was uneventful. A 12-month follow-up is free of the disease.

Abdomen↗