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Biomedical subjects

C Villani

Publications and source records attributed to C Villani.

86 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Direct HPLC separation of beta-aminoester enantiomers on totally synthetic chiral stationary phases.

The direct separation of beta-aminoester enantiomers by HPLC on synthetic chiral stationary phases based on a pi-acidic derivative of trans 1,2-diaminocyclohexane as selector is described. The application of different columns containing the stationary phase with opposite configurations and in the racemic form to the determination of enantiomeric excess in chemically impure samples is demonstrated.

Amino Acids↗

Bilateral suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Staphylococcus aureus.

Suppurative thrombophlebitis is an infection of the wall of a superficial vein, usually is associated with intravenous catheter placement, and accounts for about 10% of all nosocomial infections. Suppurative thrombophlebitis occurs most commonly in patients with burns, patients with cancer, and persons receiving steroids. Skin flora organisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and to a lesser extent Enterobacteriaceae) are the most common pathogens. Suppurative thrombophlebitis should be suspected when a patient having phlebitis presents with a temperature of 102 degrees F or higher. The diagnosis of suppurative thrombophlebitis is usually straightforward and made by demonstration of pus coming from the wound of the removed intravenous device or by aspiration of pus percutaneously from the involved vein. Treatment of superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis consists of venotomy of the affected vessel and systemic antimicrobial therapy. We present a case of S. aureus bilateral suppurative thrombophlebitis, which is most unusual.

Arm↗

Rehabitation of allograft with bone dehydrated with solvents in reconstruction after removal of bone tumors: MRI evaluation.

It was the purpose of this study to analyze the behavior of Tutoplast bone allograf to fill cavities produced by the removal of benigning bone tumors of those with local malignancy. X-ray and MR images obtained during follow-up demonstrated an increase in the signal in all of the sequences within the graft, indicating complete rehabitation of the grafted area.

Adolescent↗

Capsuloplasty for the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder: long-term evaluations of the Putti-Platt method and Bankart method with anchors.

The authors compare two methods used for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations: Putti-Platt capsulomyoplasty, based on an overlapping suture of the free margins of the joint capsule and of the subscapularis muscle, and the Bankart method that uses anchors, based on the repair of the glenoid labrum, that is kept in site, together with the medial flap of the joint capsule, by suturing with the anchors previously stabilized to the neck of the glena. In this method, the subscapularis muscle is re-approximated without any overlapping or shortening. The Bankart method with anchors thus allows us to obtain anatomical repair of the lesion, with doubtless advantages for mobility, function and stability of the shoulder; this is confirmed by the comparison with results obtained out of 34 patients in this study, 15 of which submitted to the Putti-Platt method, 19 to the Bankart method with anchors. The latter had reduction of external rotation which in none of the cases exceeded 25% (a reduction that at times achieved 50% in patients submitted to the Putti-Platt method (p = 0.001); difficulties in work or sports were minimum or absent (p = 0.003), recovery time was more rapid, without compromising joint stability (p = 0.069); these data allow us to consider the Bankart method with anchors the surgical method that is most indicated for the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability.

Adolescent↗

Vertebral instability in non-neurologic thoracolumbar fractures: the predictive value of methods of measurement.

It is the purpose of this study to evaluate the radiographic results of the conservative treatment of fractures of the thoracolumbar passage in relation to the initial and long-term injury parameters measured by using three different methods: the sagittal index (SI), by Farcy et al., the McRae Index, the Knight et al. Index. The predictive value for each single method was calculated, to determine which of them could be reliable for the purposes of defining primary stability of the injured spine segment. The three methods of measurement were used for initial evaluation and at follow-up (mean 31 months; range 9-45) in 60 non-neurologic thoracolumbar fractures treated conservatively. The fractures were classified based on Magerl et al. Initial instability was evaluated on the basis of the progression of the kyphotic deformity (by at least 5 Cobb degrees as compared to the pre-treatment condition). The Pearson chi 2 test was used for a statistical analysis of the data. There was progression in kyphosis of the fracture in 36 cases (60%). The sagittal index (SI) measured on initial X-rays revealed 27 (76%) potentially stable fractures, while the McRae Index considered 19 to be at risk (55%), the Knight Index, 15 (43%). The higher predictive value (73%) of the sagittal index shows the greater reliability of this method of measurement, as compared to the McRae Index (predictive value = 60%) and the Knight Index (53%) in recognizing the initial phases to be those where the potential instability of the fracture is observed. Even when the SI is applied, the probability of an error in evaluation occurring is 27%. This fact once again stresses the need for more accurate radiological examinations (CT scan, MRI) that clarify the morphological aspects of the lesion injury in an exact manner.

Follow-Up Studies↗

Epiphysiolysis of the hip: relationship between etiopathogenesis and hormone status.

The authors present a review of the literature on the etiology of epiphysiolysis of the hip and an original study on the hormone status of these patients. By examining eleven values including hormones, vector proteins, and hormonal transport, the authors related the data obtained to the anagraphical age of the patient, to his or her skeletal age, to the development of sexual features, and to the radiologic evidence of pathology. In light of the results obtained, despite the fact that the study only included 23 patients, the modified equilibrium between SHBG and Somatomedin C, would seem to lead to an accelerated turnover in the growth plate. The increase in BMI directly correlated with low levels of SHBG is also an indication of the increase in body weight that certainly contributes to slippage of the femoral head.

Epiphyses, Slipped↗

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in an orthopaedics and traumatology ward.

The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) was studied in the operative practice of one surgeon for a period of 18 months (1/1/98-31/6/99). Patients were also tested for measurement of liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg). Out of a total of 911 consecutive patients, 37 (4.06%) were found to have anti-HCV antibodies, using a second-generation screening assay, and 10 (1.09%) to have anti-HBV antibodies. None of the patients (0%) had both anti-HBV antibodies and anti-HCV antibodies. Ten and 21 patients positive for HCV (27% and 56%) were found to have high AST and ALT levels, respectively; 1 and 1 patients positive for HBV (10% and 10%) were found to have high AST and ALT levels, respectively. The authors demonstrated the prevalence of HCV and HBV infection or previous exposure to be higher in the trauma patients (6.6%) who required orthopaedic surgery than in the elective orthopaedic patients (3.3%), and the need for full screening without risk factors. All values for p were calculated using Yates's corrected X2 or Student's t test.

Adolescent↗

Flat foot: a comparison of surgical methods.

The authors present a comparative review of cases concerning the results obtained in the treatment of idiopathic flat foot: the methods compared were Castaman exosinotarsal arthrorisis and Giannini endosinotarsal arthrorisis. Between 1990 and 1198 a total of 80 patients, of which 40 with calcaneo-stop, and 40 with Giannini screws, were submitted to surgery at the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The clinical, radiographic and functional results were classified as good, fair and poor. The authors agree on the effectiveness of both methods based on the results obtained and the facility of implantation techniques, however emphasizing the minor injury of the anatomical structures of the subtalar joint when the calcaneo-stop method with Castaman conical screws was used.

Adolescent↗

[The diagnosis of the cardiologic risk in patients destined for lung removal surgery].

The expanding role of pulmonary surgery could be expected to lead to an increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality unless surgical risk factors are identified by means of a careful preoperative assessment. A careful and intelligent preoperative evaluation can reduce the morbidity and mortality after lung resection by ensuring the appropriate selection of patients and a rational choice of operative procedure. To evaluate the cardiologic risk in patients undergoing lung resection, 18 of them underwent a diagnostic protocol based on non invasive analysis including ECG, stress test with basal and exercise blood gas analysis, M- and B-mode and Doppler echocardiography. This protocol was able to identify possible cardiologic risk in the perioperative period without applying invasive techniques and with a good cost-benefits ratio.

Adult↗

[Endoscopic resection of submucosal intracavitary uterine polyps and and fibromyomas. Preliminary reports].

Today it is possible to proceed endoscopically to the complete treatment of benign uterine intracavital lesions. This technique (Hallez resectoscope) was used in 35 cases. Indications, technique and results are examined. Stress is finally laid on the value of this procedure not only from the strictly technical viewpoint but also in relation to cost-benefit and to the favourable psychological impact on the patient.

Adult↗

[Behavior of systolic blood pressure during recovery phase after bicycle ergometric test. Its value in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease].

The diagnostic utility of an abnormal decrease in systolic blood pressure (PAS) after exercise, have been evaluated by an index obtained by the ratio between PAS at the maximal stage of exercise and PAS at the 1', 3' and 5' of recovery (PAS index). The 58 patients studied have been divided in two groups: group A, 32 patients, aged 33-66 (means 51.5) with angina pectoris and significant coronary stenosis; group B, 26 subjects, aged 27-39 (mean 34.7), asymptomatic, without coronary stenosis (control group). PAS index at 1' of recovery have been 0.82 +/- 0.08 in the group B and 0.94 +/- 0.07 in the group A (p less than 0.0005); at the 3' of recovery 0.72 +/- 0.07 in the group B and 0.86 +/- 0.11 in CAD group (p less than 0.0005); at 5' of recovery 0.66 +/- 0.07 in the group B and 0.79 +/- 0.11 in the group A (p less than 0.0005). Diagnostic accuracy have been of 60%, 75% and 75% for PAS index respectively at first, third and fifth minute of recovery, while ST depression diagnostic accuracy have been of 88%.

Adult↗

[Vesicular mole. Epidemiological considerations].

A full and detailed review of trophoblast disease at Rome University's Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic led to a re-examination of some of the classical epidemiological factors in this pathology: age, parity and blood group. The precise incidence of this condition is difficult to establish from hospital series alone. In spite of numerous clinical studies, its aetiology has not yet been fully clarified. The various environmental socio-economic, racial, genetic and other factors, which are sometimes quoted, are too heterogeneous and contradictory to provide significant results. Of evaluated risk parameters, only pregnancy at an advanced age appears to carry increased risk. For these reasons, and given the low incidence of trophoblast pathology, it is recommended that a register of the disease be instituted, at least at Regional level.

Adolescent↗

[Intraepithelial cervical lesions: colpo-microcolposcopic diagnosis].

Integration of colposcopy and microcolposcopy allows to perform a complete study of eso- endo-cervix, for a diagnostic and topographic evaluation of cervical intraepithelial lesion. We have endoscopically studied 172 patients with histologically demonstrated CIN. In 218 cases (74.4%) the microcolposcopical evaluation corresponded to the histological diagnosis. These data confirm the methodological effectiveness of microcolposcopy and recommend it as helpful mean for cervical pathology investigation. However we believe that histological evaluation is necessary for a correct staging of the lesion. According to our experience indications for microcolposcopy are: 1) identification of endocervical lesion and squamo-columnar junction, when colposcopically not evident; 2) possibility of performing a "tailored" conization; 3) study of endocervix after conization.

Biopsy↗