Biomedical subjects

D Giuliani

Publications and source records attributed to D Giuliani.

62 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Inhibitory effects of the cannabinoid agonist HU 210 on rat sexual behaviour.

The present study investigates the effects induced by the cannabinoid agonist HU 210 (25-100 microg/kg, administered intraperitoneally [i.p.]) on the following parameters: (a) sexual behaviour of male rats, categorised on the basis of seven consecutive mating pretests as sexually active (SA) and sexually inactive (SI) and (b) sexual receptivity of ovariectomised female rats displaying hormonally induced heat. The data obtained show that HU 210, administered in acute or subchronic mode (once daily for 7 and 14 days), impaired the copulatory pattern of SA rats in a dose- and mode-dependent manner, decreasing their sexual drive, mainly as represented by an increase in mount and intromission latencies, and affecting ejaculation mechanisms (represented as a decrease in intromission frequency and increase in ejaculation latency). After subchronic treatment with the highest dose had been suspended for 2 weeks, SA males' performance was still impaired. In SI rats, acute injections of the drug (25 and 50 microg/kg, i.p.) at the higher dose increased contact latency and decreased genital exploration time towards the female. Acute HU 210 (25-100 microg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited female sexual behaviour, potently reducing lordosis quotient and lordosis intensity.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Potential effectiveness of stored cord blood (non-frozen) for emergency use.

Bone marrow has been used for a number of years to assist patients who have accidentally received potentially lethal levels of irradiation. The intent of the transplant is to replace the victim's own bone marrow that has been injured from the irradiation or to act as temporary support to allow the patient's own marrow to recover. Following the Chernobyl disaster, some victims received bone marrow that was HLA matched or partially matched. However, donor marrows were difficult to obtain in adequate numbers; as a substitute for bone marrow, frozen fetal liver cells were used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells. The use of fetal livers, however, was unsuccessful. Human umbilical cord blood, currently considered an excellent source of hematopoietic stem cells, was not used at Chernobyl. For several years, we have been able experimentally to keep SJL/J mice alive with the use of human umbilical cord blood after the animals received lethal levels of irradiation. This finding suggests that under certain conditions human cord blood does not have to be HLA matched to facilitate rescue from irradiation. In addition, there are reports of unmatched HLA cord blood being used successfully for marrow transplantation. If human cord blood does not have to be matched for HLA, there may be emergency cataclysmic circumstances where the availability of umbilical cord blood may be of considerable value. To simulate a clinical situation such as a nuclear accident, in which human cord blood might serve as a source of stem cells for marrow transplantation, we attempted to rescue immunocompetent mice after 900 cGY of irradiation with the use of (nonfrozen) human cord blood stored in a blood bank. The blood was stored under routine conditions (3-6 degrees C) for 5 and 7 days in special bags that allow transmission of oxygen. Following lethal levels of irradiation, the cord blood was administered to the animals and a significant survival rate was obtained.

Adoptive Transfer↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioural effects of the dopamine D3 receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT in rats.

The putative selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor agonist, 7-OH-DPAT (25-4000 micrograms kg-1), enhanced stretching-yawning and penile erection in male rats, besides respectively increasing and decreasing sedation at low (25-200 micrograms kg-1) and high (1600 and 4000 micrograms kg-1) doses and inducing stereotypy from 800 micrograms kg-1 upwards. The DA D2 antagonist, (-) eticlopride (10 and 20 micrograms kg-1), antagonized stretching-yawning and penile erection induced by a low dose of 7-OH-DPAT (50 micrograms kg-1) but not those produced by high doses (1600 and 4000 micrograms kg-1), when stereotyped behaviour, on the other hand, was potently inhibited. Comparative experiments performed with the DA agonist SND 919 gave similar results.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A defunctioning stoma in the treatment of lower third rectal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the accepted standard for rectal cancer treatment. However, there is an increased risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage associated with TME as TME potentially endangers the blood supply of the remaining rectum. On top of this, many patients will receive neo-adjuvant radio-chemotherapy. A defunctioning stoma helps in avoiding severe complications of anastomotic failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data of all patients with a rectal carcinoma within reach of the palpating finger, operated on in our department between December 2000 and January 2005. There were 70 patients (42 men and 28 women, median age 70 (range 32-95)). RESULTS: In 40 patients (40/70 = 57%) a sphincter-saving procedure was performed. Eleven patients were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage or failure. Seven patients had neo-adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, 4 had no neo-adjuvant therapy. In 4 patients signs of anastomotic leakage were seen on the barium-enema that is routinely performed before closing the defunctioning stoma. Seven patients (7/40 = 17,5%) had clinical signs of anastomotic leakage. Three of them could be treated conservatively with antibiotics and parenteral nutrition. Two of these patients did not have a defunctioning stoma. Four patients needed re-intervention and were treated in intensive care for several days. Three of these patients did not have a defunctioning stoma. CONCLUSION: Neo-adjuvant radio-chemotherapy and TME resection are two factors in the treatment of rectal cancer that might interfere with anastomotic healing in the case of a sphincter-saving procedure. The construction of a defunctioning stoma helps in limiting the complications of anastomotic leakage or failure.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Frozen section in thyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the use of frozen section in the detection of malignancy in thyroid surgery in a large teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all case notes of patients operated on for thyroid disease between January 1st 1997 and December 31st 2004. We identified 420 operations in 408 patients. Data were available for 417 operations. RESULTS: In patients with a solitary thyroid nodule, a frozen section is sometimes performed. Frozen section was done in 128 of 417 operations. The specificity for malignancy was 98.16%. The positive predictive value was 81.81% and the negative predictive value 93.85%. However the sensitivity was 56.25%. Frozen section is a time-consuming investigation. With follicular lesions it is very difficult to distinguish between benign disease and malignancy since the diagnosis of malignancy depends on capsular and/or blood vessel invasion. Also it costs about 100 Euro (approximately 125 dollars). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that adequate histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid disease is based on extensive subsampling of the specimen which is not possible during a peroperatory frozen section procedure.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Congenital right-sided diaphragmatic hernia in an elderly patient. A case report.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition in adulthood. It is even more exceptional when located on the right side. We describe a case of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a 74-year old woman. The diagnosis was only made when the patient developed an acute intestinal obstruction after a laparotomy for a gynaecological benign tumour. The treatment of this condition is discussed. In our opinion, in elderly, the advantages of an elective operation in asymptomatic congenital diaphragmatic hernia have to outweigh the risks of the operation. However, if the patient shows symptoms of pulmonary dysfunction or motility disorders of the gut, or even when he has to undergo a laparotomy for a different reason, we advise to repair the hernia in order to prevent complications.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hyperphagic effect of B-HT 920 in a modified X-maze test.

The influence on rat-feeding behavior of B-HT 920 (a selective agonist of D2DA receptors at low doses, but also a potent stimulant of alpha 2-adrenoceptors at high doses) was examined using a new experimental model. The apparatus adopted was an X-maze with alternate open and covered arms, each baited with two food-pellets. Individual rats were placed in the apparatus and observed for 5 min. Two essential aspects of rat behavior in the presence of food were considered: tasting and feeding. A number of parameters were recorded: latency to tasting and feeding; interval between tasting and feeding; total feeding time. We also took into account the type of arm in which the rats indulged in their first bout of tasting and feeding. In the first series of experiments, B-HT 920 was injected intraperitoneally (0.1, 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg) into fed and fasted rats; in the second series, the drug was injected intracerebroventricularly (10, 20 and 80 micrograms/rat) into fasted rats. In both experimental conditions, the drug significantly modified the animals' feeding behavior and affected their natural preference for the closed arms as places of choice in which to feed. Comparison of the results with those obtained using norepinephrine (20 micrograms/rat, intracerebroventricularly), a well-known hyperphagic agent, shows that B-HT 920 strongly stimulates feeding. Also, the results of the intracerebroventricular experiments confirm that the effect on feeding appears at doses that are active both on alpha 2-adrenoceptors and on D2DA receptors, as can be deduced from penile erection and stretching and yawning elicited in rats by the same D2DA stimulant doses. The involvement of the latter receptors in feeding has been investigated by means of a new series of experiments with rats treated with the D2DA antagonist sulpiride, before B-HT 920 at 100 micrograms/kg. The possible mechanisms underlying B-HT 920-hyperphagic effects and the value of the X-maze feeding test as a simple procedure indicative of changes in rat feeding and emotionality are discussed in the light of these latest findings.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Chilaiditi's syndrome: a rare cause of abdominal pain in the differential diagnosis of the abdominal perforation. Case report].

A case of a 92-years-old patient with abdominal pain and constipation is presented. He reported a recent traumatic fracture of the upper limb. Traditional diagnostic work-up for patient with abdominal pain was started up. He was submitted to abdominal film that demonstrated air underneath the diaphragm suggestive for perforation. This hallmark is opposed to clinical condition of patient, so differential diagnosis for rare Chilaiditi's syndrome was considered, because this syndrome is frequent in old patient. Diagnostic work-up was completed with upper abdominal CT that excluded intestinal perforation and confirmed the diagnosis of Chilaiditi's syndrome showing hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the dilated colon. Therefore it was decided in favour of medical therapy. In the our case, in spite of negative clinical examination, the uncertain radiological hallmark obliged us to exclude diagnosis of abdominal perforative syndrome that needs emergency operation. Although the Chilaiditi's syndrome is rare, it must be considerated in differential diagnosis of perforative abdominal syndrome, when there are doubts about the subdiaphragmatic air in abdominal film.

Abdominal Pain↗