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Biomedical subjects

L Romano

Publications and source records attributed to L Romano.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

[Inhibition of anion transport in human erythrocyte ghosts under diverse experimental conditions].

The anion and cation permeability of the red blood cells can be modified by a large variety of chemical agents. The interaction of many of these agents with the membrane seem to involve a reaction with positively charged groups. A series of unrelated amphiphilic compounds which should not react with amino-groups nevertheless, produce reciprocal effects on anion and cation permeability. An important exception to the pattern of reciprocal anion-cation effects is found with the disulfonic stilbene derivate, SITS, developped by Maddy as a covalent bonding agent for amino groups of the cell surface. As derivative we used H2DIDS. This agent is just effective as other in reducing anion permeability, but has no effect on cation permeability. The unique specificity of H2DIDS has been attributed to its inability to penetrate into membrane and reacts with a small sites superficially located on the outer face of the membrane. We studied the inhibition of 35SCN efflux by mean H2DIDS in the human red cell ghosts as a function of concentration, incubation time, pH in the medium. We found that the best concentration to obtain the maximum of inhibition is about 50 microM H2DIDS, increasing H2DIDS concentration does not produce further inhibition. Incubation time must be around one hour, increasing the incubation time, there isn't any variation in the inhibition. H2DIDS acts better in a basic range then in an acid one.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗
PubMed1983

Prenatal echographic diagnosis of ovarian cyst in a female fetus.

The Authors have diagnosed in antenatal age, by echogram, an ovarian cyst in a female fetus. After birth the newborn was operated. After laparotomy the surgeons found a cyst of the left ovary with this size: cm 9 x cm 11, whose weight was g 400 and with a liquid content. Therefore the Authors point out the validity of the echography in case of congenital fetal abnormalities.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Fetal prolactin levels and respiratory distress syndrome.

Prolactin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in cord blood of infants between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation. Also infants, whose mothers received betamethasone prior to delivery, were examined. Between 33 and 36 weeks, the mean plasma cord prolactin levels in infants who developed RDS were significantly lower than HPRL levels in those infants who did not develop RDS. These findings suggest that betamethasone did not alter HPRL levels and point out the possibility of a role of prolactin in fetal lung maturation.

Betamethasone↗
PubMed1981

The kinetics of anion equilibrium exchange across the red blood cell membrane as measured by means of 35S thiocyanate.

Up to a SCN- concentration of about 110 mM, the concentration dependence of SCN- equilibrium exchange in human red cell ghosts can be represented by the superimposition of two flux components. One component shows saturation kinetics, the other does not. The saturable component has an activation enthalpy of 105 kJ/mole, exhibits a trans acceleration by Cl- and can be inhibited by H2DIDS. The nonsaturable component has a much lower activation enthalpy of 33 kJ/mole, is slightly reduced in trans acceleration experiments with Cl- and insensitive to H2DIDS but susceptible to inhibition by phloretin. At SCN- concentrations exceeding 110 mM, the saturable component undergoes irreversible self inhibition while the nonsaturable component remains unaltered. The half saturation concentration of the saturable flux component increases with decreasing pH from 3.0 mM at pH 7.4 to 13.3 mM at pH 6.0. Over this pH range, the maximal flux is only slightly increased from 19 x 10(-12) to 22 x 10(-12) moles x cm-2 x sec-1. The nonsaturable flux component also increases slightly. In accordance with previous observations of Wieth (J. Physiol. (London) 207:563-580, 1970), we find that SCN- increases K+ and Na+ permeability. The induced cation-permeability is considerably smaller than the SCN- exchange and the latter does not show the paradoxical temperature dependence that is known to pertain to the former.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗
PubMed1980

[Rheumatic cardiopathy in childhood. Epidemiological aspects, and differential diagnostic problems as compared with congenital bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse].

A decrease in severity of rheumatic fever, in the number of recurrences of the disease, a relative decrease in prevalence of rheumatic heart disease compared to other forms of heart disease are well documented or suggested by the data collected in the last decades. The reasons of the decline are uncertain. Prevalence surveys in more recent years indicate that, while at one time almost all valvular heart disease was considered to be rheumatic in origin, current data suggest that a significant proportion of damaged valves may be attributed to congenital defects or to acquired disease of other etiologies. Bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse deserve special mention. The main clinical and echocardiographic features of bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The interaction of haemoglobin, magnesium, organic phosphates and band 3 protein in nucleated and anucleated erythrocytes.

The anion influx was measured in order to study the interaction among organic phosphates, magnesium, haemoglobin and the N-terminal of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 protein in human, chicken and trout erythrocytes. The rate constant for SO(4)(2-) influx in human and trout erythrocytes increased significantly when it was measured with an increased concentration of intracellular Mg(2+). The SO(4)(2-) influx was also measured in human erythrocyte ghosts in the presence and absence of Mg(2+). The smaller activation provoked by Mg(2+) in ghosts could be caused by the presence of a small quantity of haemoglobin which remained inside. The SO(4)(2-) uptake in chicken erythrocytes in the presence and in absence of Mg(2+) was characterized by very similar rate constants. The results suggest that the small increase in intracellular Mg(2+) in the erythrocytes involves an increase in the formation of Mg(2+)-ATP and Mg(2+)-2,3 BPG complexes reducing the affinity of the organic phosphates for Hb. This new situation may influence the functions of the anion transporter with consequent variations of SO(4)(2-) influx throughout the erythrocyte membrane in human and in trout erythrocytes, whereas in chicken RBCs this function cannot occur and, in fact, no increase in sulphate influx was noticeable. The measurement of Hb/O(2) affinity by the use of alternating fixed and variable concentrations of organic phosphates and Mg(2+), confirms the interactions between these elements and their effect on the mechanism of the affinity. When we measured the sulphate influx in the presence of DIDS we found some differences in the three types of cells.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Zidovudine resistance mutations and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA burden: longitudinal evaluation of six patients under treatment.

Zidovudine (ZDV) is by far the most widely used drug to counteract human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy regimens. However, the majority of patients under prolonged ZDV therapy have been shown to harbour HIV-1 mutant genomes displaying reduced sensitivity to the drug in vitro. In order to investigate the pathogenic role of in vitro resistance to ZDV, six HIV-1-infected ZDV-treated subjects were evaluated longitudinally (mean follow-up 28.5 months, range 12-39 months) for HIV-1 DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and for the presence of HIV-1 pol gene mutations responsible for ZDV resistance. Quantitation of HIV-1 DNA was performed by competitive polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and the pol genotype was determined by direct sequencing of PCR products. All of the six patients developed one or more of the HIV-1 pol mutations known to confer resistance to ZDV in vitro (Met41-->Leu, Asp67-->Asn, Lys70-->Arg, Thr215-->Phe/Tyr, Lys219-->Gln/Glu). A temporal association was found between HIV-1 DNA burden and the level of ZDV resistance, as predicted on the basis of the pol genotype (genotypic resistance). Both virus load and ZDV resistance were inversely correlated with CD4+ cell counts. These results are compatible with a direct in vivo pathogenetic role for pol gene mutations shown to be involved in resistance to ZDV in vitro. Monitoring the degree of genotypic resistance to ZDV and to other antiretroviral drugs should be considered in designing protocols for the management of treated patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rare diffuse peritoneal malignant neoplasms: CT findings in two cases.

In the peritoneal cavity, diffuse serosal replacement by tumor is demonstrated usually by extensive carcinomatous involvement from gastric, colonic, or pancreatic tumors or less frequently by mesothelioma. Primary tumors other than mesothelioma are extremely rare in the peritoneum. The computed tomographic appearances of two cases of rare peritoneal tumors, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and desmoplastic small round cell tumor, are described.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of two enteric coated microsphere preparations in the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a common condition in patients with cystic fibrosis. Large amounts of pancreatic enzyme supplements are required to reduce malabsorption but patient compliance is not always optimal. AIMS: To compare patients' preference and the efficacy of two enteric coated microsphere preparations in patients with cystic fibrosis. PATIENTS: Patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis. METHODS: Patients were assigned to the crossover treatment with Creon or Pancrease for 1 week and then to the alternative treatment. Patients had to follow a fixed diet (at least 2 g fat/kg) and had to assume 1000 units lipase/g fat. The evaluation parameters were: patients' preference, acceptance of therapy, stool fat excretion, stool weight, gastrointestinal symptoms, and tolerance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of the 33/60 patients who expressed a preference for one of the two treatments, 30 preferred Creon while only 3 patients preferred Pancrease (p<0.001). No difference between the two treatments was observed regarding stool characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms and tolerance. The mean number of capsules taken daily was reduced by 35% with Creon. The results of this study showed a preference in favour of Creon probably due to the reduction of daily capsule intake of 35%, supporting digestion as well as Pancrease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Italian Cystic Fibrosis Registry: 10 years of activity].

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a recessive autosomic genetic disease with an incidence in mediterranean countries of about 1:3500 born alive. In Italy the considerable genetic variability makes it difficult to identify all the homozygous subjects and, consequently, to estimate the incidence of the disease in healthy carriers. The disease is evolutive and affects various systems, most of all the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Not many years ago, when the clinical definition of CF was first introduced, average survival did not exceed the pediatric age. Nowadays with ever advancing diagnostic and therapeutical techniques many CF patients survive until an adult age. It is therefore necessary to plan adequate health service interventions so as to satisfy as much as possible the needs of both the patients and their families. To this end data collected since 1.1.1988 by the Italian registry for CF (year of birth, sex, region of birth and residence, diagnosis procedures, results of sweat test, pancreatic insufficiency, DNA analysis, status: alive, dead, lost to follow up) of all the patients, diagnosed in the 18 Reference Centres and the 3 local Centres for CF, have proved to be extremely useful. Since the birth of the Registry on 31.12.1997, data relating to 2458 patients alive on 1.1.1988 and 1159 born during the last ten years, for a total of 3617 subjects (1756 females and 1861 males), have been recorded. As already mentioned a considerable increase in life expectancy of CF patients (from 1988 to 1990 the average age of death was 14 years, from 1994 to 1997 it was 19) and a consequent increase in the percentage of adult patients have been observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Thyrotoxicosis: clinical and laboratory assessment.

Thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The hypophysial thyrotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is their physiologic regulator. Thyrotoxicosis is characterized by clinical symptoms caused by high thyroid hormone concentrations. The commonest forms are: 1) toxic diffuse goiter (Basedow-Flajani-Graves disease), 2) toxic multinodular goiter, 3) toxic adenoma. Other less frequent forms are the iodide-induced, that during Hashimoto thyroiditis, that from inappropriate TSH secretion. The diagnosis is predominantly clinical and confirmed by hormone level determination associated in some cases to functional and morphofunctional tests (TRH test, scintigraphy, thyroid I uptake) and antithyroid antibody assay.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Diagnostic sensitivity of computerized tomography in closed trauma of the diaphragm. Retrospective study of 35 consecutive cases].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and role of CT in blunt diaphragmatic injuries by reviewing our 8-year experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the preoperative CT findings of 35 patients with surgically confirmed diaphragmatic rupture. Surgical repair was performed in the acute setting (within 12 hours of trauma) in 22 cases, and late (8 months-5 years) in 13 cases. Twenty-eight patients (80%) were examined with conventional CT and 7 (20%) with Helical CT. Scans were initiated at the thoracic inlet to the pubic symphysis, with 8-mm slice thickness, after i.v. contrast agent administration. Four-mm slices were acquired in the region of interest; sagittal and coronal reformations were obtained for Helical CT images. RESULTS: In the acute group, 20 patients had left hemidiaphragmatic and 2 right hemidiaphragmatic rupture; thoracic herniation of the abdominal organs was seen in all cases. Of the 13 patients examined long after trauma, the left hemidiaphragm was ruptured in 12 cases (with visceral herniation in 4), and the right hemidiaphragm in 1, with no herniation. The diaphragmatic rent was found in the dome (15 cases, 43%), musculotendinous junction (11 cases, 31%), muscular portion (8 cases, 23%), and at the muscular attachments on the ribs (1 case, 3%). CT diagnosed diaphragmatic rupture in all the acute cases (22/35 patients, 63%) and in 4 patients with visceral herniation (11%) examined long after trauma. CT findings were questionable in the 9 cases (25%) not presenting visceral herniation. As for the site of diaphragmatic injury, CT never depicted the diaphragmatic rent in the dome and at the musculotendinous junction (74%), not even with thin slices and the multiplanar Helical technique. CT detected indirects signs of injury at the muscular portion (23%), showing the injury site directly in the case with diaphragmatic avulsion (3%). CONCLUSION: CT is a reliable tool in the diagnosis of suspected diaphragmatic injury in the acute trauma setting. Long after trauma, CT performs poorly because it depicts the diaphragmatic rent only in some peripheral traumas. Helical CT has greater diagnostic potentials, but the injury site and type do affect its capabilities.

Diaphragm↗