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Biomedical subjects

C Daniele

Publications and source records attributed to C Daniele.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Changes in human epithelial kidney cells induced by nordihydroguaiaretic acid in vitro.

Some chemical agents induce kidney cystic changes in vivo comparable to human multicystic kidney disease. The biochemical aspects of human tubular cells were analysed by in vitro culture in the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). The uptake of 3H-thymidine in cultured cells in the presence of NDGA was comparable with control cultures, while 3H-hydroxyproline incorporation produced elevated values. The results suggest that NDGA in vitro induces modifications which may be related only to the synthesis of basement membrane components.

Cell Division↗

[First impressions regarding the use of expandable esophageal prosthesis].

The authors report their views on the treatment of unoperable neoplastic esophago-gastric stenoses with Nitinol prostheses. Despite a number of advantages (reduced trauma, greater tolerability) in relation to plastic prostheses, the paper highlights some problems (difficulty of unfastening, incomplete opening) which may be eliminated by improved materials.

Aged↗

[Preliminary experience with the Storz Modulith SL 20 lithotriptor in reno-ureteral lithiasis].

The authors report their initial results in ESWL of urinary calculi with the Storz Modulith SL 20 lithotriptor, a multipurpose device for both urinary and biliary stone treatment. During 176 sessions, a total of 144 cases (81 renal and 63 ureteral) were treated and then, followed up. The over-all rate free of stones was 86.8% (90.1% for kidney and for ureteral stones). The treatment rate was 1.23 per patient. Auxiliary procedures before ESWL were performed in 7.9% of the sessions: insertion of "double-J" stent or nephrostomy tube; all ureteral stones received "in situ" treatment. Mean number of shock waves per session was 1836.1 (range 300-3020). The maximum voltage on the average reached was 17.1 kv. Sedo-analgesia by Diazepam and Ketoprofen was given in 75% of the cases. No serious complications were observed. The experience with this machine is discussed in regard to performance; the advantages of its fluoroscopy and ultrasound guided system of focusing are stressed.

Adolescent↗

Prosthetic heart valve evaluation in vitro: critical aspects of data comparability.

The technology of heart valve substitution has considerably improved in the last few years, but its reliability after implantation is still not good enough, hence the need to study new valve design and improve quality testing. Different pulse duplicators are used for heart valve testing, but the results depend very much on the system adopted and the measurement protocol. Tests on two pulse duplicators currently used at the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, are reported here. The most significant parameters for valve evaluation were measured following each system's own protocol. Attention was focused on vascular load tuning when setting up the system and on the relationship between drive unit flow waveform and valve regurgitation and energy loss measurements. Standardization criteria must be defined in order to ensure the reliable comparability of in vitro testing results.

Coronary Circulation↗

[Diagnostic screening of varicocele: role of echography and Doppler examination in our experience with 216 cases of primary varicocele].

We compared two non-invasive methods to evaluate primary varicoceles: ultrasonography and Doppler examination. We submitted to ultrasonography and Doppler 216 patients, 147 of them were treated by sclerotherapy and 69 by surgery. All ultrasonographic studies were performed by means of a real-time equipment (7.5 Mhz transducer), while Doppler examination was performed with continuous wave equipment. Ultrasonographic findings are reliable for testicular morphology. Doppler examination is useful to evaluate reversed flow. In 4.1% of cases ultrasonography did not agree with the Doppler examination.

Humans↗

[Staplers in bladder sutures].

Staplers are still little used for suturing a cystotomy. The basic reason for this reluctance is the inadvisability of using non-absorbable material in the lumen of the urinary tract, as this may be the nucleus for the formation of stones. It must be remembered, however, that a correct suture of a cystotomy should be carried out in two layers: one internal mucous layer, consisting of a continuous suture of absorbable material, and a more superficial suture of the margins of the vesical detrusor. The latter can be performed with a linear stapler, as it is completely outside the mucous layer. More recently, linear staplers with absorbable staples have appeared on the market, by which cystotomy sutures can be performed in a single layer.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Radiological and ultrasonographic aspects].

Clinical, radiological and ultrasonographical features of three cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, one of which in a child, are reported. Presurgical diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is difficult and infrequent to date (10-14% of cases according to different workers). This complaint is generally mistaken for other types of kidney infections or tumours. The use of ultrasonography and computed tomography in particular help recognition of the disease and above all help to assess its extra-renal spread: something that has only recently been made possible.

Adult↗

Inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion and bile entry into the duodenum by isometheptene, a sympathomimetic agent.

We have studied the effect of isometheptene, an indirectly acting sympathomimetic with analgesic and antispastic properties, on secretin-cholecystokinin-stimulated pancreatic and biliary outputs. Isometheptene, infused intravenously at a dose of 100 mg in 30 min, significantly inhibited bicarbonate, enzyme, and bilirubin output in eight healthy subjects (compared to control values, the maximum percent inhibition was 34% for bicarbonate, 57% for lipase, 61% for chymotrypsin, and 86% for bilirubin). In four cholecystectomized subjects, the drug inhibited only pancreatic outputs. The inhibitory effect on pancreatic secretion, coupled with the analgesic action, suggest a potential benefit of this drug in acute pancreatic pathology.

Adult↗

[Embolization in bladder hemorrhage of neoplastic origin].

The authors report on their two years experience about hypogastric transarterial embolization in the treatment of urinary bladder intractable neoplastic hemorrhage. They discuss about materials for embolization and treatment of pain for acute ischaemia secondary to embolization.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

Comparative study of serum pancreatic isoamylase, lipase, and trypsin-like immunoreactivity in pancreatic disease.

Serum total amylase, pancreatic and salivary isoamylase, lipase and trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) were measured in 16 patients with acute pancreatitis, 37 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 11 patients with pancreatic cancer, and 53 control subjects in order to evaluate the relative value of these tests in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease. In acute pancreatitis patients studied within 2 days from the onset of pain all pancreatic enzymes were abnormally high. In chronic pancreatitis patients serum pancreatic isoamylase and TLI were abnormally low in 8 out of 10 patients with severely impaired pancreatic exocrine function, while lipase was abnormally low in 6 patients. During acute exacerbations of the disease elevated levels of pancreatic isoamylase and lipase, but not of TLI, were found in about one third of cases. In patients with pancreatic cancer the pattern of changes in serum pancreatic enzymes was variable since levels within, below and above the normal range were found. The results demonstrate that in acute pancreatitis all serum pancreatic enzymes had the same diagnostic sensitivity, however serum lipase determination is the most convenient because of its simplicity and low cost. In chronic pancreatitis serum pancreatic isoamylase and TLI may be useful in detecting severe pancreatic insufficiency. In pancreatic cancer serum pancreatic enzymes lack diagnostic specificity.

Adult↗

Exocrine pancreatic function in the elderly.

We studied pancreatic bicarbonate and enzyme output in response to a continuous intravenous infusion of secretin, 1 CU/kg X h, and cerulein, 100 ng/kg X h, in 25 elderly subjects and in 30 young controls. Almost all elderly persons had pancreatic outputs within the range of controls. Only 3 aged individuals showed diminished enzyme output, but the reduction was very slight. We conclude that exocrine pancreatic function is not significantly influenced by aging.

Adult↗

Pancreolauryl test for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Pancreolauryl test (PLT), a tubeless pancreatic function test, was performed in 40 consecutive patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis, in 21 patients with miscellaneous digestive diseases, and in 18 control subjects to assess its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid test (PABA test) and secretin-cerulein test were also carried out to compare the diagnostic value of PLT with that of these two pancreatic function tests. PLT was abnormal in 22 of 40 patients with chronic pancreatitis (55%). In particular, pathological results were found in all patients with severe pancreatic insufficiency and only in four of 14 patients with mild to moderate insufficiency. PABA test showed a slightly lower sensitivity in severe insufficiency, and the same sensitivity in mild-moderate insufficiency. PLT was normal in all control subjects and in 17 of 21 patients with nonpancreatic digestive diseases. Its specificity (90%) was slightly higher than that of PABA test (82%). The results indicate that PLT may be used to support a diagnosis of severe pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, while in mild or moderate insufficiency its diagnostic value is limited.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Stimulation of pancreatic secretion by sulpiride.

Sulpiride is a nonsedative neuroleptic, pharmacologically related to metoclopramide, which has previously been shown to affect various gastric functions and to exert a beneficial effect in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. In the present study the authors investigated the effects of sulpiride on pancreatic exocrine secretion. The intravenous injection of sulpiride (100 mg) during a constant infusion of secretin (0.5 CU/kg/hr) and cholecystokinin (0.5 IDU/kg/hr) significantly increased outputs of bicarbonate and enzymes in nine healthy subjects. The increase was maximal 20-30 min after sulpiride administration and lasted for the duration of the study (1 hr). Compared to presulpiride control levels, the mean maximum percent increase was 35% for bicarbonate, 39% for lipase, and 32% for chymotrypsin. It is concluded that sulpiride augments pancreatic secretion stimulated by submaximal doses of secretin and cholecystokinin. The mechanism of this effect is unknown.

Adult↗

Pelvic lipomatosis: a nonsurgical diagnosis.

Pelvic lipomatosis is rare in Europe. Preoperative diagnosis is seldom reached and subsequent explorative procedures are necessary. Typical roentgenographic findings are presented. The possibility of an early presurgical diagnosis is emphasized.

Adult↗

Recurrent plantar ulceration following pan metatarsal head resection.

Although the pan metatarsal head resection, since it was originally described and performed by Hoffman in 1911, has proven to be an effective and viable procedure in treating many forefoot deformities, it is not without its own complications. The authors provide an historical perspective of the pan metatarsal head resection, a discussion on the complication of recurrent plantar ulceration after the pan metatarsal head resection, and a review of their own experience with this procedure. A retrospective review was performed of all patients having undergone pan metatarsal resections between August 1980 and April 1993. Twenty procedures were performed on 12 patients with diabetic neuropathy, and 21 procedures were performed on 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of recurrent plantar ulceration after surgical correction was 25% and 28%, respectively. All 27 patients underwent primary healing. The authors, therefore, conclude that the complication of recurrent plantar ulceration after this procedure is a very likely and distinct possibility.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗