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Biomedical subjects

I Giani

Publications and source records attributed to I Giani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Determination of astaxanthin stereoisomers and colour attributes in flesh of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as a tool to distinguish the dietary pigmentation source.

The presence of carotenoids in animal tissue reflects their sources along the food chain. Astaxanthin, the main carotenoid used for salmonid pigmentation, is usually included in the feed as a synthetic product. However, other dietary sources of astaxanthin such as shrimp or krill wastes, algae meal or yeasts are also available on the market. Astaxanthin possesses two identical asymmetric atoms at C-3 and C-3' making possible three optical isomers with all-trans configuration of the chain: 3S,3'S, 3R,3'S, and 3R,3'R. The distribution of the isomers in natural astaxanthin differs from that of the synthetic product. This latter is a racemic mixture, with a typical ratio of 1:2:1 (3S,3'S:3R,3'S:3R,3'R), while astaxanthin from natural sources has a variable distribution of the isomers deriving from the different biological organism that synthesized it. The high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of all-trans isomers of astaxanthin was performed in different pigment sources, such as red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, alga meal Haematococcus pluvialis, krill meal and oil, and shrimp meal. With the aim to investigate astaxanthin isomer ratios in flesh of fish fed different carotenoid sources, three groups of rainbow trout were fed for 60 days diets containing astaxanthin from synthetic source, H. pluvialis algae meal and P. rhodozyma red yeast. Moreover, the distribution of optical isomers of astaxanthin in trout purchased on the Italian market was investigated. A characteristic distribution of astaxanthin stereoisomers was detected for each pigment sources and such distribution was reproduced in the flesh of trout fed with that source. Colour values measured in different sites of fillet of rainbow trout fed with different pigment sources showed no significant differences. Similarly, different sources of pigment (natural or synthetic) produced colour values of fresh fillet with no relevant or significant differences. The coefficient of distance computed amongst the feed ingredient and the trout fillet astaxanthin stereoisomers was a useful tool to identify the origin of the pigment used on farm.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Adolescent health care in pediatric departments of Tuscany].

BACKGROUND: Admission to Pediatric Departments for 0/18- year-old patients is an important issue for the best organization of pediatric hospital assistance. Aim of the study. To locate adolescent health care and identify the percentage of adolescent admissions to Pediatric Departments in an Italian region (Tuscany). METHODS: Adolescent health care in pediatric departments and pediatric admissions (0-18 years old) in 1999 into the reference hospital of Pisa and into 5 other regional hospitals in Tuscany are reported. The percentages of patients, subdivided by age, hospitalyzed in Pediatric Departments have been determined. RESULTS: In 1999 the admissions for subjects aged 0 to 18 years were 12573 of which 4966 adolescents (39.6 %). The percentage of adolescent admissions is not smaller than children's admissions (aged 0 to 1 year: 16.2%; aged 2 to 5 years: 26.2%; aged 6 to 9 years: 17.8%; aged 10 to 14 years: 20.4%; aged 15 to 18 years: 19.2%). Analysis by age demonstrated a continuous decrease of patient percentages admitted to Pediatric Departments with the increased age. A minority of 15/18- year-old subjects has been admitted to Pediatric Departments. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of adolescent admissions is similar to there of children. Most adolescents are admitted to structures unsuitable for assistance to subjects aged 0 to 18 years. These data underline the necessity for a strong recovery of adolescent admissions to pediatric structures also equipping suitable nursing rooms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Pseudotumor cerebri due to the cessation of corticosteroids. A case report].

Cerebral pseudotumour is an endocranial hypertensive syndrome marked by the absence of focal neurological signs, the integrity of neuroradiological tests and an increased liquor pressure with normal composition of the liquor itself. It is normally self-limiting but if endocranial hypertension persists it may severely affect sight. It may be idiopathic or secondary to a number of conditions. The authors report a case of cerebral pseudotumour following the suspension of corticosteroid treatment. The pathology resolved rapidly following lumbar puncture. The paper focuses on the pathogenetic mechanisms and the still undefined therapeutic possibilities.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Tracheal rupture a complication of orotracheal intubation].

One of the most frequent anesthesiological manoeuvres is orotracheal intubation (OTI). Many complications can occur during OTI, one of these is the rupture of the trachea (TR) and/or of the bronchi. The aim of this study is to highlight the risk of TR during OTI. Over a period of three years of activity (1997-1999) in the Cardiothoracic Department of Pisa University nine patients we treated, eight of which were women ranging from 35 to 95 years of age. In the majority of the cases clinical signs like subcutaneous emphysema of the face and neck, hemoptysis and dyspnoea, variably combined were present. An X-ray of the thorax carried out on six patients did not permit the diagnosis. Bronchoscopy was the diagnostic examination in all nine patients. Seven cases were treated by senior anaesthesiologists, without stilet and OTI was easy. Predictive elements for difficult intubation were not observed in any case. Only one patient had a voluminous intrathoracic goitre dislocating the trachea. The nine patients were all treated surgically as they were all symptomatic and with important transmural lacerations that caused pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. The survival percentage in the third month is 100%. Although rare TR must be suspected when clinical signs are present; bronchoscopy is the examination which permits diagnosis and a correct therapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neonatal hyperthyroidism. A clinical contribution].

A case of female child who had transient signs of hyperthyroidism after the birth is presented. Authors describe the clinical course and discuss the possible pathogenetic mechanisms. The importance of a timely diagnosis, a correct therapy and follow-up is emphasized.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Condylomata acuminata in childhood: description of a case].

Recent advances in understanding human papillomavirus imply that HPV infections are increasing in both men and women. HPV may cause subclinical disease and play a role in genital tumors. In prepuberal children the problem remains uncommon and can offer a difficult task of management and epidemiologic evaluation.

Anus Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Idiopathic congenital hemihypertrophy: a report on 6 cases].

Idiopathic hemihypertrophy is a specific entity not distinguishable from the numerous other causes of limb overgrowth. In our investigation of six new cases in Valdarno no genetic or other aetiological factors could be recognized. Management of these cases is confined to orthopaedic support. Three cases with ipsilateral benign nephromegaly are presented. Idiopathic hemihypertrophy is often associated with mild mental retardation, genito-urinary anomalies and an oncogenic potential. Regular clinical surveillance for abdominal tumours is recommended.

Arm↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome in a patient with complex angiomatosis. Description of a case].

Hemangiomas present to physicians with some of the most difficult treatment problems known to medicine. Many modalities are available but all suffer some degree of complications. The Authors describe a case of Cushing's syndrome after steroid therapy of serious capillary-cavernous hemangiomas. This experience points out treatment problems and need of team management.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus].

Blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus is a rare well-documented autosomal dominant disorder. Described here is a family with typical features of this syndrome in eleven cases in five generations. Syndrome is discussed and blepharophimosis underlined. Blepharophimosis is also a minor defect in the contest of complex malformation syndromes having different aetiology (mendelian inheritance, chromosomal abnormality, toxic agents). The Authors believe that blepharophimosis, for its clinical evidence, is an important guide sign.

Blepharoptosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome].

Authors describe two new cases of mucocutaneus lymphonode syndrome (MCLS). These are the tenth and eleventh in Italy since 1977, confirming that this syndrome, known also as Kawasaki disease, is world-wide spread. More attention is therefore required to diagnosis particularly for possible coronary artery involvement. Echocardiography may be useful in doing that. A survey of recent literature indicates that salicylate therapy may be useful not only for symptoms relief but also in preventing life threatening of coronary artery vasculitis.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. A case report].

Fetal cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung is a rare pulmonary abnormality characterized by excessive growth of terminal respiratory structures. In newborn the malformation can be responsible of respiratory distress of variable degree with immediate or delayed onset after birth. The Authors present a case of cystic adenomatoid malformation diagnosed in utero by ultrasound discussing pathological, clinical, radiological and echographic aspects of the lesion.

Cysts↗