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Biomedical subjects

G Ruggeri

Publications and source records attributed to G Ruggeri.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of a radioreceptor assay to assess exogenous estrogen activity in serum of patients with breast cancer.

A radioreceptor assay (RRA) for the determination of total estrogen activity, was set up and used to assess the possible presence of exogenous molecules with estrogen activity in serum; a comparison was made with the specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the endogenous estrogen 17-B estradiol (17-B-E2). The assay was first performed on sera from healthy people taking estrogens in the form of oral contraceptives or lotions for local application whose total estrogenic activity in the blood was assumed to be abnormal. The assay was then performed on serum from 98 patients with early breast cancer and 20 patients with metastasis, not undergoing hormone therapy. A higher estrogen activity was found in 2.5% of sera compared to the activity found using the RIA method which is specific for endogenous estrogen 17-B-E2, the RRA/17-B-E2 ratio being higher than 3. Increased estrogen activity was found in 10% serum samples from digoxin treated cardiopathic patients, with an RRA/17-B-E2 ratio ranging from 4.4 to 20. The RRA assay could prove useful for showing up exogenous estrogen activity from various sources (drugs, food) in sera of people in whom estrogen stimulation could be potentially dangerous (i.e. in patients with hormone-sensitive tumors). This exogenous activity could support a certain degree of neoplastic stimulation and, therefore, unfavourably condition the patients' therapeutic response.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
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A new approach to tumour marker assessment by perioperative determination in breast and colorectal cancer.

Preoperative serum tumour markers are currently classified as positive or negative according to a predetermined cut-off point. In the present study we examined the dynamic variation of marker levels after radical surgery of breast and colorectal cancer. CEA and CA15.3 were measured in 93 patients with breast cancer, CEA and CA19.9 in 97 patients with colorectal carcinoma before and 30 days after radical surgery. Any variation higher than 3-fold the analytical coefficient of variation of the assay was considered significant. In patients with negative preoperative marker levels a significant decrease was noted after surgery in 15.6% of cases for CEA and 27.8% for CA15.3 in breast cancer and in 46.8% for CEA and 25.7% for CA19.9 in colorectal cancer. Using both cut-off-based and dynamic criteria, we found an overall positivity rate of 19.6% for CEA and 33.3% for CA15.3 in breast cancer; 60.0% for CEA and 37.1% for CA19.9 in colorectal cancer. From the present findings we conclude that the dynamic study of perioperative variations of tumour markers is a sensitive method additional to cut-off-based criteria for the assessment of the phenotypic expression of the marker by the tumour.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗
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Progesterone agonists and antagonists induce down- and up-regulation of estrogen receptors and estrogen inducible genes in human breast cancer cell lines.

The effects of the synthetic progestin R5020 and the antiprogestin RU486 on the cellular content of estrogen receptors (ER) and on cell responsiveness to estrogens, have been investigated in the sex hormone-sensitive human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D. When T47D cells were treated with R5020 (Promegestone) (10(-8) M), ER was down-regulated to about 50% of the control level in a time-dependent manner. Maximum down-regulation was observed after 24 hours and remained at this level for the next 24 hours. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or dexamethasone (DEX) had no effect on ER sites. R5020 also down-regulated, although to a lesser extent, ER in the MCF-7 cells which contain fewer progesterone receptor (PR) sites. When MCF-7 cells were transfected with a progesterone receptor expression vector (tMCF-7) to increase the number of PR sites, R5020 down-regulated the ER to a level similar to that reached in T47D cells. In both cell lines ER down-regulation was completely inhibited by a 10-fold molar excess of the antiprogestin RU486 (Mifepristone) (10(-7) M). Surprisingly, when incubated with RU486 alone, T47D cells responded by up-regulating ER 2-4 fold. The functional relevance of inhibition and up-regulation of ER for the estrogen responsiveness of hormone-sensitive human breast cancer cells was tested by assaying the synthesis of an estrogen-regulated product, the PS2 protein. Estrogen induction of this protein was inhibited by at least 70% in T47D cells exposed to R5020 for 24 hours before estrogen administration and by about 25% in MCF-7 cells under the same conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gastrin and colorectal cancer].

The aim of present study was to assess preoperative/postoperative serum gastrin level variations and their prognostic value in patients with colo-rectal cancer. Levels have been evaluated in 66 subjects undergoing colo-rectal cancer surgery, with curative intent, from may 1990 to february 1994. Preoperative gastrin analysis was performed on peripheral blood samples in starred patient just prior surgery. Postoperative gastrin assessment was performed 7 day after surgery in starred patients as well. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 8 years. No association between preoperative gastrin levels and tumor site, stage or grading was observed. No significant variation of preoperative gastrin levels (p > 0.05) was ascertained postoperatively neither in the whole patient series nor after correction for tumor stage. Postoperative levels were therefore not affected by surgical removal of cancer. Neither preoperative nor postoperative serum gastrin levels influenced significantly the 5-year survival. In our experience, with the limitation of a small series assessment, serum gastrin level do not seem to have any prognostic value in colo-rectal cancer.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The nonpalpable testis: an experience of 132 consecutive videolaparoscopic explorations in 6 years.

From may 1995 to may 2001, 114 children with nonpalpable testis (NPT) were evaluated at our institution (18 babies had bilateral cryptorchidism). The age range was 1-11 years. When ultrasonography and nuclear magnetic resonance cannot show the position of the NPT along the normal pathway, video laparoscopy is essential for diagnostic accuracy. 20 cases were observed to have blind-ending was deferens and testicular vessels; therefore, no other procedure was done. 4 had residual nonfunctional intra-abdominal tissue; in 52 cases, an intra-abdominal testis was found, and 17 microvascular and 26 traditional orchidopexies were performed. The remaining 50 patients (six with bilateral cryptorchidism) had normal vas and spermatic vessels entering the inguinal canal. In 15 cases a normal testis was present, and it was positioned into the scrotum with the standard technique; in 41 cases an atrophic testis was found and was removed through an inguinal approach. Diagnostic laparoscopy permits not only localisation of the testis but also planning for a better therapeutic program with a minimally invasive procedure, thus avoiding the knife in 18% of cases (in our experience 15% of blind-ending and 3% of abdominal vanishing testis).

Algorithms↗
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The role of endoscopic surgery in paediatric oncological diseases.

Recent improvements in video imaging and instrumentation have encouraged a wider use of endoscopic surgery as a modality for diagnostic and operative procedures. To asses the utility and diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic surgery in children with oncological diseases, we reviewed our experience about thirty-eight patients affected by oncological diseases, referred to our Department since 1995. We performed laparoscopy in 22 cases, thoracoscopy in 14, 1 combinated procedure (laparoscopy + thoracoscopy) and retroperitoneoscopy in 1 case. Endoscopic surgery is indicated in cases of paediatric oncological diseases both for diagnosis and treatment.

Adolescent↗
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Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a residual of neuroblastoma.

The authors report a case of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a child with neuroblastoma previously treated by chemotherapy. Usually the presence of malignant tumours is a contraindication to retroperitoneoscopic surgery. A restaging of the tumor was done by retroperitoneoscopy. The residual adrenal gland was excised by mini-invasive surgery of the retroperitoneal space. The histopathologic examination confirmed the presence of a residual neuroblastoma in the adrenal gland. This case report shows a possible of a new indication for the retroperitoneoscopy.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis.

Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis represents a rare condition that accounts in approximately 1 in 100.000 laparotomies performed for suspected acute appendicitis. L.B., female, born at term after a normal pregnancy. Shortly after birth she presented respiratory distress; chest x-ray showed a left diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). At operation was noted the absence of the appendix and of the mesenteriolum as well together with the presence of a mesenterium commune. Other associated anomalies were detected: dextroposition of the heart, hypoplasia cnemis, hexadactylism of right foot, congenital hip displacement and bilateral congenital cataract. Etiopathogenesis of the agenesis of the appendix can be easily understood from an embryological point of view, following the cecal pole development. Diagnosis of this malformation is possible only after an accurate laparotomic or laparoscopic exploration around the ileocecal and retrocecal zone.

Appendix↗
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[Urethro-vesical-vas deferens reflux as a cause of acute scrotum].

The Authors reviewed 159 children who underwent surgical therapy for "acute scrotum", and they consider that the torsion of the appendix testis is the most common cause of the syndrome in children. On the other hand the orchi-epididymitis is very rare in paediatric age. About the incidence and etiopathogenesis of orchi-epididymitis is reported the revision of the literature; in particular is described the condition of the urethro-vesical-deferential reflux causing a chemical or infective orchi-epididymitis.

Acute Disease↗
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[Thoracoscopic management of suspected thoraco-pulmonary malignant diseases in pediatric age].

Recent improvements and miniaturization of instruments have encouraged a wider use of thoracoscopy and laparoscopy as a modality for diagnostic and operative procedures in pediatric age. The utility of thoracoscopy in pediatric patients with suspected thoracopulmonary oncological diseases is shown by diagnostic accuracy and, if necessary, the possibility to perform at the meantime a mininvasive surgery. We report the experience of our Institution in 16 patients with suspected thoraco-pulmonary oncological diseases and treated for this reason with thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopic is indicated in cases of suspected oncological diseases in children both for diagnosis and treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Long-term use of Profiler in patients with dialysis intolerance: 8 months follow-up].

PURPOSE: A new method of profiled dialysis has been set up for many years in the Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation at the University of Bologna. This profiled dialysis is based on the use of a new kinetic mathematical model, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bologna, for the elaboration of individual sodium and ultrafiltration profiles. OBJECTIVE: The profiled dialysis aims are: 1) to stabilize the intradialytic blood volume, boosting the refilling of plasma water from the intracellular and the extravascular to the extracellular/intravascular compartments, to balance the ultrafiltration; 2) to counteract the disequilibrium syndrome reducing the shift of water from the extra to the intracellular compartment. The pre-dialysis elaboration of profiles is completely automatic and supported by a computerized programme, Profiler, which has been included in the software of the dialysis machine Bellco Formula 2000 Plus. METHODS: In this prospective and multicenter study, this profiled dialysis, performed according to the Profiler, was continuously applied, for an 8-month period, in a group of 13 hemodialysis (HD) patients with an intolerance to previous dialysis treatment. During the study, the following parameters were evaluated, comparatively, with the patient's basal treatment: a) sodium and water balance; b) percentage incidence of intradialytic complications such as hypotensive events, cramps, headache, and vomiting and; c) metabolic and nutritional status. RESULTS: Results evaluated in comparison with the patient's previous dialysis treatments, demonstrated: a) plasma sodium from 136.8 +/- 3 to 136.8 +/- 1.7 mEq/L (p=ns), dry body weight from 72.2 +/- 19.3 to 71.7 +/- 19.5 kg (p=ns), heart index from 3.7 +/- 0.7 to 3.1 +/- 0.5 L/min/m2 (p=ns), reactance from 5.3 +/- 15 to 4.9 +/- 11 ohm (p<0.05); b) incidence of intradialytic hypotensive events reduced from 64 to 4% (p<0.001), cramps reduced from 8 to 1% (p<0.01); c) plasma albumin from 3.5 +/- 0.2 to 3.7 +/- 0.3 g/dL (p=ns), Kt/Veq from 1.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.36 +/- 0.2 (p=ns). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with profiled dialysis had a higher stability of intradialytic blood pressure (BP) achieving a reduction in the incidence of disequilibrium syndrome symptoms, in comparison with previous treatment. These clinical intradialytic improvements were not correlated to clinical, instrumental or biochemical indexes of sodium-water overload nor to a worst dialysis adequacy and nutritional state.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Psychopathology in epilepsy and pseudoepilepsy: preliminary results in our experience].

PURPOSE: Pseudoseizures or nonepileptic seizures (NES) are termed "nonepileptic psychogenic seizures" and account for approximately 20% of all intractable seizure disorders. These seizures are often misdiagnosed as true epilepsy, resulting in inappropriate, ineffective and costly treatment of many patients. Nowadays video-EEG monitoring have greatly improved the ability of specialists to correctly distinguish NES from epilepsy. Nevertheless, patients with NES do not always demonstrate obvious psychopathology. The aim of this study is to examine the complexity and severity of psychopathological features of patients with NES, in order to optimize strategies of intervention and appropriate long-term psychological and psychopharmacological treatment for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated three samples: patients with NES, patients with epilepsy and a control sample. Subjects with pseudoseizures and epileptic seizures have been randomly recruited from the Epilepsy Centre at the Neurology Institute of Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Rome. Seizures have been documented by the recording of spontaneous events with video-EEG, EEG, clinical observation and ictal examination. Each sample of patients has been tested using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: 17 (4 M; 13 F) patients with NES, 13 (3 M; 10 F) patients with epilepsy and 16 (4 M; 12 F) control subjects were recruited. Our preliminary results confirm previous researches showing that NES typically manifest between 20 and 30 years of age and that approximately a three-quarters of all patients are women. Besides, they confirm that psychosocial, environmental and intrapsychic mechanisms interact in the aetiology of NES: in particular, our preliminary results are consistent with the hypothesis that traumatic experiences are important precursors to the development and expression of NES. CONCLUSIONS: This study has yielded promising results and confirm the necessity to improve our knowledge about psychopathology of patients with NES. Psychiatrists and neurologists should work in equipe to guarantee an adequate treatment for a pathology too long set aside and almost ignored from clinical research.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children: presentation of a case].

The pulmonary sequestration is an anatomical condition with as isle of pulmonary tissue independent from tracheobronchial tree. This tissue has an independent artery originated from aorta. Anatomically we can have two types of sequestration. The first is the condition of an isle of pulmonary tissue included without any separation in the lobe; this condition in named intra-lobar sequestration. On the other hand we have a second condition with an isle of independent pulmonary tissue surrounded with independent pleura; the last one is named extra-lobar sequestration. In the present article the authors describe a case of extralobar sequestration in a two years old girl. The symptoms presented by the girl were hyperpyrexia, tough and recurrent bronchopulmonary infections. The girl underwent surgery removal of sequestration. The authors describe their experience, the importance of symptomatology and the anatomo-pathologic characteristics of this lesions.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Conservative treatment of post-traumatic periduodenal hematoma: presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature].

The authors describe a case of post-traumatic hematoma of the duodenum in a two years old child. This is a very rare condition in paediatric age, but with the increasing incidence of traumatic pathology it can be predicted an increase of this condition. The duodenal hematoma can be treated either with surgical approach or with conservative treatment. The authors discuss the characteristics of the pathology, the etiopathogenetic mechanism, and propose the same classification adopted by some french authors. The type of lesion indicates the adequate therapy; in particular in the case report (type 1) a conservative treatment is adopted. The laboratory parametres are significative but none is diagnostic. In the present case the amylasemia is not elevated until two weeks after the trauma. Very important for diagnosis are T.C., roentgenography and echotomography, the last one can be easily used for the control of the resolution of the hematoma. The conservative treatment is based on nasogastric suction and parenteral nutrition; although the role of nonoperative treatment is emphasized, the importance of careful assessment for signs of peritonitis or enlarging tender mass cannot be overlooked.

Accidents, Traffic↗
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[Microsurgical spermatico-epigastric diversion in the treatment of varicocele in pre-adolescent patients].

Varicocele is not an uncommon condition in pre-adolescence. Internal spermatic vein phlebography provides insight into vascular anatomy and etiopathogenesis. Eighty-six cases treated by microsurgical spermatico-epigastric anastomosis (Belgrano technique) are reported. This technique has been shown to achieve a very high cure rate (98.8%). Several techniques of venous anastomosis are described and compared with the Belgrano technique. The results show that the latter is the ideal technique because it not only resolves reflux but also provides adequate venous drainage to the testis.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Inhibitory action of Hodgkin's disease patients serum on T lymphocytes E rosette forming ability (author's transl)].

We have studied the E rosette forming-phenomenon on normal and pathologic lymphocytes after 24 hours of incubation in Fetal Calf Serum. The percentage of E rosette forming cells decreases more after incubation in Hodgkin's disease patients serum than in normal control serum. The findings suggest a specific interaction between serum factors and Hodgkin's disease lymphocytes surface receptors.

Hodgkin Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[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↗