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Biomedical subjects

A Palma

Publications and source records attributed to A Palma.

124 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Aluminum and uremic bone disease. Diagnostic utility of serum aluminum and the deferoxamine (DFO) test ].

The optimal control of aluminium content in dialysis fluids has resulted in a decrease in the incidence of aluminium related bone disease (ARBD) and in the risk for aluminium toxicity. Nevertheless the problem has not disappeared. Bone biopsy with specific staining for Al remains the only reliable method for the diagnosis of ARBD. Currently there is not a total agreement on the reliability of serum Al levels and of the DFO test in the identification of patients with Al overload or toxicity. In a series of patients (mean age 48 +/- 14 years old) from our hemodialysis units we carried out bone biopsy and we studied the prevalence of bone aluminium overload and of ARBD and the usefulness of serum aluminium and of DFO test in their diagnosis. Seventy- three bone biopsies were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and aluminium staining (Aluminon). Al overload was diagnosed when the Aluminon staining was positive independent of the bone surface covered with Al and of the bone formation rate (BFR). Patients were consider to have ARBD when aluminium covered > 25% of bone surface and BFR was < 0.031 micron 3/micron 2/day. Fifteen patients had aluminium overload while 7 patients were considered to have ARBD. Positive Aluminon staining appeared in all histopathological forms of renal osteodystrophy although it appeared mainly in patients with mixed lesion and osteomalacia. Most of the patients with adynamic bone disease had negative Aluminon staining. Patients with aluminium overload showed lower bone formation and mineralization rates. Serum aluminium levels below 40 micrograms/l were useful to exclude bone aluminium overload. Serum aluminium levels and DFO test were not specific in diagnosing aluminium overload or ARBD. A DFO test with an increment in serum aluminium over 100 micrograms/l in combination with a serum PTH below 200 pg/ml was useful to diagnose ARBD.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Functional anatomy and imaging of the foot.

The foot is constituted from a series of small bones making a segmented structure with multiple joints, likened to a dome, in contact with the ground in three points: posteriorly the calcanear tuberosity; anteriorly and medially the head of 1st metatarsum, and anteriorly and laterally the head of 5th metatarsum. In fact, each foot presents a semi-arch whose base is represented by the lateral border and the summit by the medial border of the foot. The foot has been likened to a half-dome, so that when the medial borders of the two feet are placed together, a complete dome is formed. In the foot are present two longitudinal arches: the medial consists of the calcaneus, the talus, the navicular, the three cuneiform bones and the first three metatarsal bones. It is more arcuated and elastic then the lateral, that consist of the calcaneus, the cuboid and the 4th and 5th metatarsus. This is flattened and in contact with the ground. We can identify two transverse arches between longitudinal arches, extending from the medial to the lateral borders of the foot: the first is a lancet dome, between midfoot and forefoot, at the tarsometatarsal joint level; it consists of the bases of the metatarsal bones and the cuboid and the three cuneiform bones; the second is at flat dome, in correspondence of forefoot, at the metatarsophalangeal joint level; it consists of the bases of the proximal phalanges of the fingers and the head of five metatarsal bones. Longitudinal and transversal arches are supported from: the shape of stones of the structure (foot bones); the long and short plantar ligaments, larger and stronger than the dorsal ligaments, tie together the lower edges of the bones; a beam (the plantar aponeurosis and the plantar muscles and tendons) connecting the ends of the bridge effectively prevents separation of the pillars and consequent sagging of the arch; the maintenance of the arch depends on multiple support (ligaments, tendons of extrinsic muscles of the foot) suspending the arch from a cable above the level of the bridge. In this manner, we obtain a "functional unit" with two important aims: to support the body weight (static foot), and to serve as a lever to propel the bodies forward in walking and running (dinamic foot). Imaging techniques are able to provide further data on functional anatomy of the foot; in particular, these techniques show the bones structures, ligaments, muscles and tendons, taking part to the arch setting. Routine x-ray examinations precise information about the bone-shape and their relationship. The short and long ligaments, the tendons and the suspending the arch from above are instead successfully valuable using ultrasonography, CT and MR.

Foot↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Symmetry of healthy adult feet: role of orthostatic footprint at computerized baropodometry and of digital formula.

Morphological aspects of orthostatic footprints (anterior heel, isthmus, posterior heel), using computerized baropodometry and of the digital formula were studied in 97 subjects (37 males, 60 females; median age: 20.9+/-1.56) at the Medical School of Palermo, Italy. The aim of this study was to contribute to our knowledge of the bilateral symmetry and asymmetry of the human feet in ethnically similar groups. We evaluated the length of the footprints (FL) and the widths of the anterior heel (AHW), isthmus (IW), and the posterior heel (PHW). Values were compared in the left and right feet of each subjects. The general morphology of the footprints was considered to determine bilateral correspondence or divergence. We also evaluated the digital formula to verify any bilateral correspondence. The linear measurements of the footprints did not show any particular bilateral conformity. The general morphology of the footprint showed bilateral correspondence in 76 subjects (78%): in 21 subjects (22%) it did not show any. Typological results of the bilateral orthostatic footprints showed normalfootprints in 54 subjects (55.5%): the isthmus included 1/3 to 2/3 of the AHW. Hollow footprints were found in 20 subjects (20.5%): the isthmus was less than 1/3 of the AHW. At clinical examination, using the digital formula, we found that Egyptian foot (1 degree > 2 degrees) was the most frequent (68%). The standard foot (1 degree = 2 degrees) and the Greek foot (1 degree < 2 degrees) were both present in 16% of the feet examined. Seventy-nine subjects (82%) presented bilaterally correspondent digital formulas: 1 degree > 2 degrees in 59 subjects (62%), 1 degree = 2 degrees in 9 subjects (9%), and 1 degree < 2 degrees in 11 (11%). While comparison of the bilateral linear measurements studied showed that there was primarily no bilateral correspondence, the morphological aspects of the footprints and of the digital formulas showed that bilateral correspondence was prevalent.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of software in the study of carotid artery in the neck.

The aim of this work was to develop and employ software for the study of the common carotid artery and its branches in the neck. We first constructed geometric models of anatomic components, for the building of knowledge bases to be used in automatic feature extraction techniques from images. Then, we developed a software system characterised by three-dimensional visualisation, image processing functions, knowledge base and a programming language to describe classification processing by means of fuzzy logic. The software system was used to perform automatic reconstruction of three-dimensional models of carotid arteries from contiguous CT scans of the neck. These findings suggest that such software systems represent a useful help in the study of image based diagnosis of carotid arteries.

Carotid Artery, Common↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The value of immunohistochemical research on PCNA, p53 and heat shock proteins in prostate cancer management: a review.

This review addresses the significance of the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53 and some heat shock proteins (Hsps) in prostate carcinoma (PC). In fact, PCNA and p53 are two widely discussed tools in PC diagnosis, mainly because of the controversy regarding the significance of their expression during prostate cancer development and progression. At the same time, only few studies have shown the potential role of Hsps in carcinogenesis and their overexpression in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the prostate. We briefly describe the physiological roles of Hsps in normal cells, and the significance of their immunohistochemical detection in PC as well as in pre-cancerous lesions of the prostate. We will also discuss the possible functional interactions of these molecules in both dysplastic and neoplastic cells.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transesophageal echocardiography for the evaluation of mitral valve prostheses in the weanling sheep.

The sheep model has been widely accepted for evaluating the in vivo performance of artificial valves. Introduction of transthoracic echocardiography revolutionized the evaluation of human cardiac valves, but in many cases, resolution of transthoracic studies in sheep is inadequate. The authors used transesophageal echocardiography to follow the performance of chronically implanted mitral prostheses. The technique has proven feasible and safe, requiring sedation only and being done in the spontaneously breathing animal without endotracheal intubation in the left lateral position. The HP 77020A, equipped with a standard HP 5 mHz transesophageal transducer probe, is used. The authors have had to modify the probe to allow for automatic cooling. Standard insertion techniques are used and the probe is positioned in the stomach, close to the gastroesophageal junction. They were able to assess leaflet motion, vegetations, and calcification and use color flow doppler to evaluate stenosis and regurgitation. The technique is convenient and permits a complete assessment of valve function in 10 minutes. Reproducibility has been confirmed. Validation of quantitative data will require further study.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anatomo-radiological study of the mesenteric small intestine using double-contrast enteroclysis. I. Position, length and diameter of the loops, thickness of their walls].

The Authors examined some anatomical parameters concerning the jejunum and ileum as the relationship between the loops, their extension, length, diameter and the wall thickness. 2019 patients have been studied by "double contrast small bowel enema". The results are in general according with the literature. Only the measure of the length changed, in fact it is shorter than that indicated in the literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anatomo-radiologic study of the mesenteric small intestine using double-contrast enema. II. The surface of the mucous membrane].

X-ray analysis were used to study the jejunum and ileum, in vivo. 2019 patients were examined by double contrast small bowel enema. We considered some parameters concerning the folds of its mucous membrane and its thickness and depth. Furthermore, we considered the radiological appearance of the Peyer's patches and solitary lymphatic follicles. The results are according to the literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Variation of the transverse apophysis of the 7th cervical vertebra: anatomo-radiological study of an isolated population].

The authors investigated the morphological changes in the transverse apophysis of C VII by Rx study on an isolated population. Two variations were mainly observed: the transverse mega-apophysis and the cervical rib. The authors found a remarkable incidence of variations, more than the average of the literature. Authors suppose that this results can be attributed at the geographical and economical isolation of the population and they hypothesize a genetic transmission of recessive autosomal type.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in the lumbosacral segment of the spine due to overweight in adults. Preliminary remarks.

The Authors studied postural changes in the lumbosacral segment of the spine due to severe obesity in 28 young adults of both sexes. In particular, the preliminary degree of pelvic rotation caused by overweight was evaluated by studying the lumbosacral angle (LSA) amplitude, changes in normal static equilibrium of the spine and lumbar hyperlordosis in relation to the lordotic angle (LA) amplitude. Body Build Index (BBI), the lumbosacral angle and the lordotic angle were compared to determine if any correlations existed among the three. Even though the patient number was limited, pathologic values for both the LSA and the LA were found in all 28 subjects. The Authors found no correlation between LSA and LA increase regarding BBI; on the contrary, a correlation was evident between LSA increase and LA. A decrease in the LSA and LA values took place after reduction in body weight, after therapeutic intervention. The Authors believe that a one year follow-up is necessary to evaluate any long term decrease in the values of the above mentioned angles.

Adult↗