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Biomedical subjects

G Gallo

Publications and source records attributed to G Gallo.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Influence of the culture time on DNA damage and repair in isolated rat hepatocytes exposed to nitrochlorobenzene derivatives.

The induction of DNA damage on 1.5- and 24-h cultured hepatocytes was tested after a 3-h exposure to 5 and 50 microM mono-, di-, and trinitrochlorobenzene (100-00-5; 97-00-7; 88-88-0). DNA-repair synthesis, elicited by nitrochlorobenzene treatment, was also estimated 24 and 48 h after the withdrawal of the nitro-aryl halides. DNA damage and repair were evaluated by determining the DNA elution rate in alkali. A dose-related rate of DNA damage was obtained by exposure of 1.5-h-cultured hepatocytes to 5 and 50 microM nitrochlorobenzenes . DNA of 24-h-cultured cells was not affected by nitrochlorobenzene treatment. The data obtained by exposure to 5 microM methyl methanesulfonate (66-27-3) and nitrosodimethylamine (62-75-9), direct and indirect methylating agents, suggest that 24-h-cultured liver cells are still able to transform nitrosodimethylamine but not nitrochlorobenzenes . Isolated hepatocytes maintain their capability of repairing the induced DNA damage when cultured for 24 and 48 h in fresh medium. The system offers an interesting model to investigate the perturbations related to the metabolism of xenobiotics.

Animals↗

Bacterial killing by Mytilus hemocyte monolayers as a model for investigating the signaling pathways involved in mussel immune defence.

The signaling pathways involved in mussel immune defence were investigated utilizing a model of killing of Escherichia coli by Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes in a co-culture setting. In particular, the role played by different mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and by the production of eicosanoids were investigated utilising specific cell permeant, pharmacological enzyme inhibitors. Hemocyte pretreatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduced bacterial killing, whereas PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK--extracellularly regulated kinase--MAPK activation) had no significant effect. Wortmannin also inhibited bacterial killing, indicating a crucial role for PI3-kinase activation in the immune response. Killing of E. coli was also reduced by inhibitors of both PLA2 and cyclooxygenase activities, indicating that eicosanoid production is involved in mediating the response to bacterial challenge. The results demonstrate that bacterial killing by mussel hemocytes is particularly sensitive to inhibitors of the key steps involved in the transduction of bacterial signals into the host cell. Moreover, these data indicate that the hemocyte bactericidal activity can be suitably utilized not only for identifying the signaling pathways involved in the response to bacterial infection, but also as a potential investigative-toxicology model to test drugs and contaminants for their effect on the overall mussel immune defence.

Animals↗

Warthin's tumour in the parotid gland (an inflammatory or a neoplastic disease?).

Warthin's tumour has always been considered a peculiar neoplasm with specific anatomico-pathological characteristics. In this study we argue that it should not be considered a true neoplasm but simply an inflammatory process which is triggered by the indiscriminate use of tobacco and involves the parotid duct. In the 10 cases treated in our department, Warthin's tumour has predominantly affected males (9:1) and heavy smokers. Our treatment of choice has been enucleoresection. The results have been satisfactory, with no complications such as salivary fistula or permanent lesions of the facial nerve. In two subjects, treated by enucleoresection, there was a pleomorphic adenoma: in one on the same side as previous surgery performed two years earlier and, in the second, in the contralateral gland 4 years after surgery. Both patients, who underwent total parotidectomy, recovered perfectly without complications. Smoking appears to be involved in the development of Warthin's tumour and might be regarded as an inflammatory reaction to smoking or to ionising radiation. Ultrasound and FNAB are necessary for planning the correct surgical strategy, and enucleoresection, in our opinion, is the treatment of choice.

Adenolymphoma↗

A rare gastric ulcer complication: the gastrocolic fistula. A case report.

We report a case of gastrocolic fistula following a benign gastric ulcer, which is now a truly exceptional finding, due to the widespread use of H2-receptor antagonists and proton- pump inhibitors. A review of the literature shows that this condition warrants a complete diagnostic work-up to exclude more ominous underlying diseases. Careful attention to the symptoms of peptic ulcer and particular care with patients undergoing long-term treatments with drugs potentially harmful for the stomach are recommended.

Aged↗

The first-reported case of diffuse purulent peritonitis in a patient with retroperitoneal Hodgkin disease (etiopathogenetic hypotheses).

We report a case of purulent diffuse peritonitis in a patient who was affected by Hodgkin lymphoma, with no evidence of other abdominal diseases. This is a 54 y. old. white male who was admitted to our department with a history of asthenia, recurrent fever, dysphagia and abdominal pain. In the plain abdominal radiology pneumoperitoneum was evident. Duodenal perforation suspicion was confirmed by anamnesis and plain radiology which showed the presence of intra abdominal air. Emergency exploratory laparotomy showed a purulent diffuse peritonitis, which relapsed after multiple surgical toilettes and peritoneal lavage. A postoperative abdominal CT scan and histology of a biopsy taken during the second surgical operation showed a retroperitoneal Hodgkin lymphoma, which went to remission after chemotherapy. Considering the two simultaneous clinical manifestations (retroperitoneal Hodgkin lymphoma and peritonitis), we made two pathogenetic hypotheses: a) The retroperitoneal disease produced lymphatic stagnation and peritoneal transudation, which then was infected; b) The abnormal lymph nodes were infected and the abdominal cavity was contaminated from retroperitoneum from blood/lymphatic stream or by contiguity.

Hodgkin Disease↗

[Cholecystectomy via video laparoscopy: the whys of a choice].

The management of calculous disease of the gallbladder has undergone significant change during the last decade. Recent years have seen the development of alternative methods for the treatment of biliary stones including dissolution therapy, endoscopic and percutaneous extraction, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Yet, despite these technologic advances, most surgeons have continued to consider cholecystectomy the safest, most effective and the only curative procedure. Open cholecystectomy, performed in the same fashion for more than a century has demonstrated low morbidity and minimal mortality rates. However, the operation does incur sizable expense in terms of hospitalization, cosmetic appearance and time lost from work. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy quickly emerged as an alternative to open cholecystectomy. The authors report their experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed at the Surgical Department of Montecchio Maggiore Hospital (VI). Twenty-eight patients were operated on: in all but one laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed; in one case a fistula between gallbladder and the common bile duct led to T-tube drainage insertion via a laparotomy. In one patient laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed after an endoscopic retrograde cholangio-sphincterotomy for associated stones of the common bile duct. Mean operative time was 69 minutes (range 46-210). Morbidity and mortality were 0%; maximal hospital stay was 48 hours. These data confirm that laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be considered the treatment of choice for stone disease of the gallbladder and it should enter into the cultural and technical background of a general surgeon.

Adult↗

[Arterial hypertension in pregnancy: evaluation of renal damage through the study of NAG urinary activity].

NAG-urinary activity was assessed in order to study the renal effects of arterial hypertension in pregnant women. The results obtained showed that there were no significant differences between mean levels of enzymuria in control subjects and normotensive pregnant women. On the contrary, significant differences were found between these two groups and hypertensive pregnant women (above all if arterial hypertension predated pregnancy). The paper stresses the usefulness of this method, which is reliable and non-invasive, for an accurate assessment of the extent of renal damage caused by arterial hypertension during the course of pregnancy.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Cholesterol ester storage disease: clinical, biochemical, and pathological studies of four new cases.

Cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) is infrequent in children. Four new cases in two nonrelated families are presented. Acid lipase deficiency in the leukocytes of the patients and reduced activity (50%) in those of parents were demonstrated. Clinical manifestations varied from neonatal cholestasis to asymptomatic hepatomegaly. Hepatic histology showed lipid vacuoles and cholesterol ester storage in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Increased levels of cholesterol and hepatomegaly were the first findings. There is as yet no specific treatment for CESD; however, the early detection of cases would make possible the timely control of complications.

Child↗

[Acute bacterial enteritis in children. Etiological, clinical and epidemiological findings in a 5-year hospital case series].

The Authors carried out retrospective research into bacterial enteritis observed during the past 5 years (Jan. 1982-Dec. 1986) in Pediatric Clinic R of Palermo. The pathogenic agents more frequently isolated were minor salmonellas, followed by E. Coli and shigellas. The first ones showed an incidence almost constant during the five years, while the second and third ones presented epidemic tops in 1982 and 1985. Inside the salmonellas' group it was evidenced a prevalence of S.T. Murium (44.71%), of S. Corvallis (21.13%) and of S. Enteridis (11.38%) and inside the shigellas' group S. Sonnei was more evident (80.43%). A higher incidence of bacterial enteritis appeared: during the period summer-autumn, in patients under one year or undernourished, in those coming from lower social classes, not breast-fed or wrongly fed. An accurate analyses of symptoms has not allowed an aetiological diagnosis, and clinical course of illness was always favourable. The therapy more often used was rehydration, associated with antibiotics only in very serious cases.

Age Factors↗

[Resumption of breast feeding in low-birth-weight newborn infants].

It has been inquired into the possibility of the resumption of breast feeding in low birth weight babies, in the 101 survivors of the 128 infants weighing less than 2000 g at birth, who were born at St. Andrea Hospital in Vercelli between 1974-82. 86% of the mothers accepted to attempt breast feeding after the separation period for intensive care and the attempt the successful in 85% of the cases (73 infants). The resumption was successful with more than 90% of the infants weighting more than 1250 g at birth and 68.6% of these infants were exclusively breast-fed. 57% of those infants weighting less than 1250 g at birth resumed breast feeding. No infant developed an infectious disease nor necrotizing enterocolitis. Almost all of the mothers succeeded in maintaining breast feeding for a mean period of 5 months and all of them considered the experience extremely positive. The study demonstrated that it is possible to resume breast feeding in low birth weight babies with suitable encouragement and care on the part of the family, the doctors and the nurses.

Breast Feeding↗