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Biomedical subjects

E Serra

Publications and source records attributed to E Serra.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Expression of NF-Y nuclear factor in Schistosoma mansoni.

The A subunit of NF-Y nuclear factor from Schistosoma mansoni was expressed in E. coli fused to a histidine tag and purified by affinity chromatography using a Ni(2+)-Agarose matrix. Antibodies against the recombinant protein were prepared and used for Western blot and immunolocalization. The presence of SMNF-YA in all stages of the parasite life-cycle was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The immunolocalization of SMNF-YA showed the presence of this factor in a parenchymal cell population of cercariae and adult worms and in embryos within eggs. The expression of SMNF-YA was demonstrated to decrease in maturating spermatozoites whereas an accumulation of this factor was observed in the nucleus from oocytes during their maturation processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Outpatient surgery of varices of the lower limbs: experience of 2,568 cases at four universities.

Outpatient surgery of varices of the lower limbs is currently considered a viable alternative to traditional surgery with hospitalization. This paper reports the experience of 4 university groups (Padua, Modena, Verona, Milan), where outpatient treatment has been used since 1987. From June 1987 to June 1992, 2,568 lower limb varices were treated in this way. Different techniques of anaesthesia were used (local infiltration, combined local and general, general, subarachnoid). In all cases, crossectomy was combined with short or long saphenous stripping. There were no intra- or perioperative deaths, and only limited morbidity. Postoperative hospitalization was required in only 2 cases: for hemorrhaging of the inguinal wound in one case, and headache 2 days after spinal anaesthesia in the other. In 2 separate samples of 100 patients, 88 and 89 indicated satisfaction with the surgical treatment. In conclusion, outpatient surgery of varices can be based on the same techniques as in-patients treatment. The risks of surgery and anaesthesia in specialised centres are very limited, with scope for a variety of anaesthetic techniques according to facilities available. Patients satisfaction is high.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1994

[Evaluation of desferrioxamine ototoxicity in thalassemic patients. Follow-up over a 5-year period and results].

Desferrioxamine (DFO), an iron-chelating drug, up to today has been essential for the care of thalassaemic patients. Unfortunately it presents some toxic effects. One of these is sensorineural hypoacusia, already reported some years ago. In 1987 we documented in our patients a prevalence of 19.4% (7 cases of 36) of sensorineural hypoacusia that proved to be significantly associated with the highest pro kg/die doses of DFO. We made a follow-up audiometry over a 5-year period after a general adjustment of the DFO dosage related to serum Ferritin levels. Four patients with mild hypoacusia (30-50 dB) showed normal audiometry after one year. The hypoacusia of the two severe cases (50-80 dB) proved stable until 5-years later in one case and increased in the other. Only a new case arose denovo. In pathologic patients "Therapeutic index" (DFO/serum Ferritin) was significantly higher than in normoacusic ones and the "threshold" value between the two populations was of 0.027. We think that the Therapeutic index may be a useful guideline to calculate safe doses of DFO about ototoxicity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Hypersensitivity to mustard seed.

Two patients were studied. Both underwent a thorough clinical evaluation, including a comprehensive physical examination. Both were also prick tested for inhalants, pollens, and food (including fruit). A nasal provocation test, serum immunoglobulins, total IgE serum, specific IgE serum, and a histamine release test were also carried out. The results of all these tests were positive to mustard seed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Urologic neoplasms in AIDS].

Report on 2 cases of urological neoplasia in HIV positive patients. The first one is a renal adenocarcinoma in a heroin-abuser patient, of a type we have only found mentioned in the literature in 4 other cases. The second case was a disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma, the first symptom being a scrotum impairment and the biopsy suggested the diagnosis. This is believed to be an interesting communication considering the increasing number of anti-HIV antibodies carriers seen in our Units.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Immediate breast reconstruction: reducing the risks.

One-hundred and sixty-five consecutive immediate breast reconstructions in 157 patients were reviewed. Reconstructions were performed with tissue expanders (53 percent) or immediate gel prostheses (47 percent). Immediate reconstruction was associated with an 18 percent rate of implant loss. Certain risk factors were identified at the p less than 0.05 level using immediate gel implants: failure to achieve complete muscle coverage of the implant, smoking at the time of surgery, initial gel implants of 400 ml or more volume, and age. Expander loss was increased by detaching the pectoralis major (p less than 0.05) and probably by lack of complete muscle coverage in general. Chemotherapy, history of previous smoking, and clinical stage of the carcinoma did not seem to affect reconstructive success. Smoking and patient age should be considered during patient selection for immediate reconstruction. Muscle coverage of the prosthesis should always be attempted. Muscle coverage is mandatory in the smoker. Gel implants of 400 ml or more volume are to be avoided at the initial operation. This approach should enable all surgeons to achieve lower rates of implant loss.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Theophylline: a diagnostic aid for evaluating chronic airways obstruction.

A study was carried out on the use of theophylline (240 mg by infusion) as a functional diagnostic test in patients showing severe chronic airways obstruction. The preliminary results suggested that the pharmacologic action of theophylline (a bronchodilating and vasoactive drug) helps discriminate the different types of anatomo-functional impairments present during a severe chronic bronchial obstruction. The changes in VA and VA/Qc induced by the drug were evaluated. The presence of a lesion mainly affecting the airways or the parenchyma of the lung might be identified by these changes.

Humans↗