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Biomedical subjects

F Grimaldi

Publications and source records attributed to F Grimaldi.

54 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Indirect micro-haemagglutination method with duck erythrocytes for the diagnosis of hydatid disease (author's transl)].

The AA. have compared the results obtained with a indirect micro-haemagglutination method with sheep erythrocytes with those obtained with the indirect micro-haemagglutination method with duck erythrocytes for the diagnosis of hydatid disease. The results obtained with the two methods were not different and there was a good correlation between both methods. The direct micro-haemagglutination method with duck erythrocytes appears to be a valid alternative of the method with sheep erythrocytes.

Animals↗

Bilateral testicular adrenal rest tissue in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: US and MR features.

We describe magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasonography (US) features of bilateral testicular adrenal rest tissue in a 20-yr-old man with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Scrotal ultrasonology detected bilateral homogeneous hypoechoic lesions with well-defined margins and without evidence of sound attenuation. MR is useful in defining the size of lesions, because the contrast resolution is better than with sonography and allows an accurate definition of the extent of disease. This case suggests that US evaluation should be included in periodical follow-up of patients with CAH, while MR may be used in the case of rapid increase in the size of the testicular mass.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

The possible role of chromogranin A as a prognostic factor in organ-confined prostate cancer.

The clinical significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in patients who have undergone surgery for localized prostate cancer is still unclear. The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between serum neuroendocrine markers and well-known prognostic factors in prostate cancer (pathological staging, definitive Gleason score and serum PSA) and to search for correlations between serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels and pathological findings. Forty-one consecutive patients who had undergone radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer were evaluated. Serum PSA, CgA and neuron-specific enolase were measured immediately before surgery. Twenty-six surgical specimens were phenotypically and immunohistochemically evaluated using an antibody against CgA. Significant correlations were found between serum CgA, pathological staging and Gleason score (p=0.049 and p=0.038, respectively). Serum CgA did not correlate with PSA, patient age, or immunohistochemical findings. There was a significant correlation between positive immunohistochemical CgA staining and Gleason score (p=0.014). An increase in serum CgA levels, independent of PSA values, might be the expression of pathologically more advanced tumor stage and higher Gleason score; this could help to identify a high-risk patient group eligible for adjuvant therapy.

Aged↗

[Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis].

A chronic mucocutaneous infection due to yeasts to the Candida genus can be part of the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, described as APECS, APECED, SPA type I, CES. The authors describe the case of a young patient affected by mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis was diagnosed first in early childhood and was followed by the development of hypoparathyroidism (4 yrs) and adrenal insufficiency (5 yrs). The initial lesion of this syndrome is still unknown as the reason of the marked susceptibility to mucocutaneous candidiasis without systemic candidiasis. The treatment of mucocutaneous candidiasis has been improved by the introduction of orally active antifungal drugs as Ketoconazole, first, and fluconazole now.

Addison Disease↗

[Mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD). Description of a case].

The Authors report a case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis (DGM), with a mosaic karyotype consisting of two cell lines, one with 45 chromosomes and monosomic X (50%), the other with 46 chromosomes and one Y dicentric chromosome (50%). The patient presents a male phenotype, hypospadias (3rd degree), left cryptorchidism, hypotrophic right testis, short stature and a gonadal asymmetry.

Adult↗

[Internal biliary diversions in inoperable neoplasms of the biliary tract and pancreas].

The authors report their experience with the treatment of mechanical jaundice in inoperable malignant neoplasms of the bile ducts and pancreas. They emphasize the importance of intrahepatic peripheral biliodigestive derivations (Soupault and Couinaud operation). After a review of the international literature, the authors consider the value of on accurate surgical strategy even in the presence of pathological and clinical features which may limit a radical choice.

Adult↗

[Skin disease in Basedow's disease].

Two cases of Graves' (Basedow) dermopathy are reported. In one case pretibial myxoedema was localized on the external surface of the legs down to insteps. In the second case a diffuse form involved both legs and was characterized by wrinkles and peau d'orange appearance at the ankles. In both cases a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Graves' dermopathy, showing diffuse areas of amorphus substance infiltrating the derma and fragmentation of collagen fibers. According to the literature, the skin lesions were associated with ophtalmopathy. Thyrostatic therapy affected ophtalmopathy in one of the patients, while pretibial myxoedema regressed in both. The pathogenesis of pretibial myxoedema is not completely clear yet, although dermopathy, along with ophtalmopathy and acropachy, is considered to be an extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease related to bioassayble antibodies anti-TSH receptor. A class of dermopathy-associated antibodies (DAAb) has been identified. It seems to be a reliable biological marker for pretibial myxoedema since it is nearly absent in patients with ophtalmopathy and without dermopathy. Since DAAb does not stimulate human fibroblasts in culture, the role of DAAb in the development of Graves' dermopathy is still to be found.

Adult↗

[Changes in secretion of prolactin in obesity].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prolactin secretion in obesity. Basal level of serum prolactin and prolactin response after thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) were investigated in 20 obese patients and 20 healthy subjects well matched for age and sex. Obese patients had higher basal levels of serum prolactin than those of healthy subjects. Conversely, no significant difference in serum prolactin concentration was found at any time during TRH stimulating test. However obese patients showed incremental areas of serum prolactin slightly, but not significantly, lower compared to healthy subjects, probably because their basal levels were higher. In conclusion, the present study confirms that prolactin secretion is altered in obese patients. The discrepancy between basal levels and prolactin response during TRH stimulating test seems to indicate a deficiency in the dopaminergic inhibitor system.

Adult↗

[A makeshift miniature fracture-fixation device: the "domino" apparatus].

The fixation of an external synthetic apparatus on fingers or metacarpals is often relevant to an emergency. In such a condition, particularly overseas, the surgeon does not get all the time and adequate apparatus. So, several expedient measures may be utilized. The authors describe a makeshift apparatus, simple and cheap, giving satisfactory stability when more sophisticated apparatus is not available.

Finger Injuries↗

[Cutaneous malignant melanomas in New Caledonia. Study of the Cancer Registry (1977-1987)].

Investigation of cancer registration files in New Caledonia over a period of 11 years (1977-1987) draws the following conclusions: --The uncorrected incidence rate of cutaneous malignant melanoma is 3.63/100,000 inhabitants/year, for all ethnic groups together. --The incidence rate in the "non-European" population is 0.6/100,000 inhabitants/year. This low incidence and the anatomo-clinical manifestations observed (lentiginous melanoma of extremities) are common in coloured people. --The incidence rate in the "European" population is 8.75/100,000 inhabitants/year is noticeably higher than the incidence in the metropolitan population. Such conclusions are in accordance with the admitted data regarding epidemiology of cutaneous melanoma in high insolation countries. Cumulated incidence rate and topography of lesions are similar in this series whatever the sex.

Adult↗

[Bronchial response to allergens after controlled NO2 exposure (author's transl)].

The bronchial response to inhaled grass pollen (assessed by specific airway resistance, SRaw, measurements) was determined in seven allergic patients after each had spent 1 hour in an exposure chamber breathing on one occasion unpolluted air and on a separate occasion (one week interval) a mixture of air and nitrogen dioxide (NO2, 207 micrograms/m3). Sequences of exposure to unpolluted air and to NO2 were randomized in a single-blind fashion. No significant change in baseline SRaw or in the response to antigen was observed after NO2 exposure.

Adult↗

[The large hiatal stomach hernia and its surgical correction: the authors' personal experience].

The authors report their experience with hiatus hernia surgery (9 cases of large hernia with severe gastroesophageal reflux). The fundamental role of instrumental diagnostics in establishing both a clear indication for surgical correction and the quality of the results obtained is emphasized. Technical details of the surgical treatment are report as well. On the basis of their experience and in accordance with other authors the Nissen fundoplication is considered a valid antireflux procedure. Furthermore, the abdominal approach used for this procedure allows to treat other abdominal pathologies often associated with hiatal hernia.

Female↗

[Diverticula of the small intestine: the authors' own experience].

The Authors report the experience acquired in the management of small bowel diverticula at the Emergency Surgical Department of the University of Bari, from 1987 to 1993. After a brief illustration of the few cases observed, the Authors discuss the problems of this rare pathology, which as all types of bowel diverticula, is diagnosed with difficulty. In fact, only in case of complications, with a specific check-up, the lesions may be discovered. Although rarely, emergency surgery may be needed when complications such as bleeding or occlusion occur. Usually the treatment of minor complications (dyspepsia, gripes, steatorrhoea, constipation and diarrhoea) consists of dietetic indications and symptomatic drugs.

Aged↗