[Histological and histochemical techniques for serial sectioning and staining the cardiac nervous and conduction system].
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M Crippa
Publications and source records attributed to M Crippa.
[Relationship between hemorheology and pro- and anti-coagulation factors in inflammatory and degenerative vascular diseases].
After having found out an increase in the Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and a relation between its persistance and seriousness of some vasculities, we looked for a link between changes in vWF level and hemorheology, their role and interdependence in the evolution of the vascular diseases, in complications and in relapses. We studied patients affected with degenerative and inflammatory vascular diseases and we determined rheologic parameters, in traditional and personal innovative way, pro- and anti-coagulation factors, other inflammatory proteins and hematic parameters. As regards coagulation only the vWF appeared increased in a significant way, without differences between two types of vascular diseases. As regards hemorheology, in both of them we measured an increase in the whole blood viscosity but with a different behaviour of its components. In the degenerative vascular diseases there was an increase both in corpuscular viscosity and in the plasma-erythrocyte one, a no significant increase in the plasma viscosity whereas the erythrocyte deformability was in the normal range. In vasculitis there was the highest increase in the plasma and corpuscular viscosities with a decrease in the deformability without changes in the plasma-erythrocyte viscosity. We give some interpretations on their different behaviour and a right meaning of the involved phenomena in every kind of rheologic parameter.
Aged↗
[Factor VIII/Ag (von Willebrand) and protein C. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregability. The risk parameters of retinal vein occlusion].
In 32 patients with retinal vein occlusion we measured coagulative and hematic parameters. The coagulative factors were in the normal range, save C-Protein, that was decreased and the Von Willebrand Factor that appeared increased in a significant way. These changes do not affect the coagulation state, but, in a local vascular district, they can interfere with mechanisms of thromboresistance, over all in the retinal district owing to its peculiar structure and its flow of terminal kind. The hemorheologic alterations consist in a decrease in the erythrocyte deformability and in an increase in the plasma-erythrocyte and plasma viscosities, measured both with a rotational method and with a filtering one. We have not found any correlation between coagulative factors and hemorheologic parameters, nevertheless these last ones determine a lowering down of the local flow, that with the morphological changes in the vascular system, give rise to conditions for an occlusion event.
Aged↗
Increases in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content and mutagenicity in a cutting fluid as a consequence of its use.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the length of time a cutting fluid was used, its content in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its mutagenic potential. The PAH concentrations were determined by means of a high-resolution gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer in samples of new cutting fluid and in samples used for 3, 6 and 9 months. The following PAHs were measured: phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene+triphenylene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene and perylene. Mutagenicity assays were carried out on the aforementioned samples using the Ames test. Salmonella typhimurium TA98 was used as an indicator to show up mutagens capable of inducing frame-shift genetic changes, and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA was used as an indicator to detect mutagens capable of inducing base pair genetic changes. The mutagenic tests were carried out with and without microsomal activation, using 1:1, 1:10, 1:20 and 1:50 dilutions of cutting fluid samples. An increase in the concentrations of total PAHs over time was observed in the samples of cutting fluid used for 3, 6 and 9 months. The highest percentage increase in PAH concentrations was observed in the 6-month-old sample (10 times the initial concentration, from 45 to 411.8 micrograms of oil). None of the samples were mutagenic to S. typhimurium without metabolic activation or to E. coli with and without metabolic activation. All samples except for the 1:1 diluted sample showed moderate but significant mutagenic activity in the S. typhimurium test with metabolic activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Industrial Oils↗
[Rheologic features of erythrocytes in beta-thalassemia minor].
The study assessed the physical characteristics of erythrocytes, viscosity and deformability, measured by a widely described double-filtration method. At the same plasma-cell viscosity was measured and the importance of the rigidity of RBC was evaluated as one of the many forces which interact among the cells and between the plasma and cells. The results showed a marked increase in corpuscular viscosity with reduced deformability, and a significant diminution of plasma-erythrocytic viscosity, whereas total viscosity remained unaltered. These parameters do not correlate with the quantitative pathological alterations of HbA2, but only with RDW-SD. Alterations of the proteic components with a relative increase in the alpha-chains of the erythrocytic membrane are thought to be responsible for these anomalies, by means af the modifications that the excess of alpha-globin causes to the structure and function of erythrocytic membrane; but the quantity of globin is not the decisive factor, and in fact the introduction of the beta-chains are able to correct erythrocytic deformability (Sorensen). Membrane rigidity is probably independent and unrelated to microcytemia, because these erythrocytes, have an excess of surface in relation to their volume, due to the simultaneous alteration of permeability. The diminished plasma-erythrocytic viscosity should be connected with the prevalence of repulsing forces, due to erythrocytic rigidity in relation to the attracting forces due to the proteic fractions which remain unchanged.
Adult↗
[Plasma-erythrocyte viscosity and evaluation of several pro- and anti-aggregating factors in NIDDM patients in metabolic decompensation state].
In NIDDM diabetic subjects, the microcirculatory damage shows a double aspect: an alteration of the vascular wall, particularly of the arteriolar capillary, and a hemorheological alteration at the level of the capillary district. In the microcirculation, because of the low velocity of the flow and the inverse relationship between capillary size and RBC diameter, the viscosity has an important role with its components: RBC viscosity and deformability. Even the erythrocyte aggregation has a key role as resultant of the attracting and repulsing forces, among which the plasma-RBC viscosity and the deformability play opposite role. Our method allows to evaluate the erythrocyte, the whole blood, the plasma and the plasma-RBC viscosity, and the deformability. Studies from this laboratory in NIDDM subjects show an increase in the blood viscosity, a decrease in the erythrocyte deformability and plasma-RBC viscosity. It is suggested that in microcirculatory district the flow reductions are particularly of hemorheological type and that the sludged blood is an "optical" phenomenon with poor meaning. We consider some hematological parameters, namely the Hgb A1c %, Hgb concentration, RBC count, MCV, etcetera.
Aged↗
[Relations between plasma-erythrocyte viscosity factors and ESR].
The ESR is usually put in relationship: to the real density of the RBCs (erythrocytes) (difference between the RBC specific gravity and the plasma one), and to the resistance that the RBCs meet moving in a medium, which is due to the plasma viscosity and to the total external RBC surface. When the RBCs take shape of aggregates, their external surface is decreased and ESR increases. The most important plasma factor causing changes in ESR is the fibrinogen level followed by the plasma globulins and by the products arising from the tissue damage. The resistance that the RBCs meet moving in the plasma is well expressed by the measurement of the plasma-RBC viscosity considering that is inclusive of both factors that are the plasma viscosity and the external RBC surface. The plasma-RBC viscosity is the resultant of several factors: Fa = Fb - Fe - Fs - Fm, were: Fa is the resultant, Fb the attracting forces due to the proteic macromolecules, Fe the repulsing forces due the negative charges. Fs the repulsing forces due to the shear-stress, Fm the force which opposes itself against the surface tension of the aggregation; it depends on the RBC morphology and on the RBC rigidity. The ESR has been recently used like an index of the RBC aggregation. The Authors study the relationship between several hemorheological parameters and the ESR in infective and inflammatory processes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Blood Sedimentation↗
Activity of doxorubicin and cisplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. An Italian Lung Cancer Task Force (FONICAP) Phase II study.
Twenty-six symptomatic patients with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma (DMPM) were enrolled in a Phase II Italian Lung Cancer Task Force (FONICAP) study to assess the activity and toxicity of doxorubicin and cisplatin combination chemotherapy. The drug schedule was as follows; 60 mg/m2 of doxorubicin and 60 mg/m2 of cisplatin both given intravenously (IV) on day 1 every 3 to 4 weeks. Of the 24 evaluable patients, 6 objective partial responses (25%; 95% confidence limits, 9.77% to 46.71%) were observed. Twelve of 24 patients (50%), including 6 with no radiologic evidence of response, had a clinical improvement as demonstrated by an objective reduction of symptom or performance status scores along treatment. The overall median survival time was 10 months. Toxicity was mild and dose reductions or suspensions were not required. The combination of doxorubicin and cisplatin is effective and well tolerated. It might be considered for palliation of symptomatic patients with DMPM.
Adult↗
Cor triatriatum. Clinical presentation and operative results.
From November 1973 to January 1988, 15 patients with cor triatriatum underwent surgical correction at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy. Their ages ranged from 15 days to 48 years. Eight patients (53%) were younger than age 1 year. Evidence of congestive heart failure was present in five infants, whereas three infants, three children, and two adults initially had signs of pulmonary venous obstruction, and two children had a heart murmur only. Five patients had cor triatriatum alone; in ten cases there also was an atrial septal defect. Associated anomalies in four patients included left superior vena cava, ventricular septal defect and left superior vena cava, partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and bilateral partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Cor triatriatum was repaired with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass in all patients. Excision of the membrane was accomplished with a right atrial approach in 13 patients and a left atriotomy in one patient. Both atria were opened in one case. All associated anomalies were simultaneously corrected. Three patients (20%) died early after operation. Among the 12 survivors, no late events have occurred, and all of them are presently in New York Heart Association functional class I. A recent echocardiogram shows absence of residual obstruction or shunt and good development of the left cardiac chambers.
Adolescent↗
[Sulfonylurea resistance in type II diabetes mellitus. Assessment of metabolic and hormonal aspects].
Sensitivity tests to SU allow two populations to be distinguished. One contains severely diabetic subjects in a continuous state of metabolic precariousness with reduced alkaline reserves, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance; the other contains mildly diabetic subjects who are normoinsulemic and show no insulin-resistance to i.v. tests irrespective of the presence of a similar level of SU resistance. While the first group may be more readily interpreted, especially with reference to the dualism between the alterations of insulin synthesis and resistance of peripheral tissues, with special reference to the function of receptors and post-receptors, the second group raises numerous questions of interpretation. The test becomes important to identify those subjects who right from the start show a reduced insulin secretion to drug stimulation and the possibility of obtaining euglycemia with high doses of SU. This finding suggests the existence of a genetically determined mechanism for SU resistance: in addition to the population who show marked SU resistance from the onset of diabetic symptoms, there is also a group of subjects in whom this resistance is less evident and may be provoked only by certain stimuli or spontaneously under stress, or by the appearance of the triggering metabolic factor. It is clearly important to identify the latter population before the clinical manifestation of symptoms so as to establish the correct therapy or combined therapy. This led us to consider the SU-resistant cases in the series of patients studied as being two clinical stages of the same condition rather than two separate populations with different pathogenesis.
Aged↗
Contact dermatitis from animal proteins in a milker.
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Adult↗
Dyshidrotic eczema and sensitization to dithiocarbamates in a florist.
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Adult↗
[Assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 3 work activities using mineral oils].
The exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in different industries using cutting, hardening and extruding oils, was investigated determining their concentration in oils and in environmental samples. The following compounds: phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo-a-anthracene, chrysene, triphenylene, benzo-a-pyrene, benzo-e-pyrene and perylene were evaluated by means of gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. PAH concentrations in oils ranged from 652 to 4461 ng/gr and environmental concentrations from 63.86 to 120.54 ng/mc. In particular the BaP concentrations varied from 0.73 to 1.9 ng/mc. These results, compared with those measured in other environmental surveys and with the limit values proposed in various countries, point out the existence of a very low inhalatory risk of PAH.
Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
[Qualitative and quantitative changes in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cutting oils after their use].
The quantitative and qualitative variations in the mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in different samples of a cutting oil, unused and after 3,6 and 9 months of use, were evaluated by means of gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. Nine of the identified hydrocarbons (phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo-a-anthracene, chrysene, triphenylene, benzo-a-pyrene, benzo-e-pyrene and perylene) were studied. The total PAH concentration increased from 45 (first sample) to 915 ng/gr of oil, even if a different behaviour for various hydrocarbons was shown. In fact some of them, such as phenanthrene and anthracene increased with use, some, such as fluoranthene and pyrene decreased and the other did not exhibit a regular trend. In the light of results, the influence of variations of the PAH mixture in oil on the PAH air concentration and on the preventive measures to be adopted, is discussed.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗
[Hemorheologic, metabolic and blood coagulation changes in diabetics in treatment with sulfanyl ureas].
A study was carried out to see if chronic treatment with a sulphanylurea with hypoglycaemic action, with also haemoactive action in terms of anti-platelet aggregation, profibrinolytic and antifibrinogenetic action also acted haemorheologically. For this purpose a group of patients treated with Gliclazide was compared with a group under treatment with Glibenclamide. A significant variation was noted in terms of an increase in erythrocyte filtrability and a diminution in erythrocyte aggregation with diminution in blood viscosity at low shear-rates. The absence of parallel modifications in quantitative corpuscular viscous factors, the early onset of the process, the real diminution in the sense of a reduction below the range of normality suggests that the effect is pharmacological and not mediated by metabolic compensation.
Blood Coagulation↗
[Exposure to metals in dental laboratories].
Dental care includes handling of different types of metal alloys usually classified as "noble" and "base" in relation to the presence or absence of either gold or other precious metals. It must be born in mind that exposure to metals in this activities is due not only to those metals present in the alloys but also to those contained in the other materials used during the processes of casting and finishing. The most important metals are the following: Al, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Au, In, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Si, Ag, Sn, Ti, W, Zn. In this paper we investigated the environmental exposure to metals in dental laboratories studying the environmental air concentration of metals in casting and finishing processes estimating the "quality" of the elements present by Particle Induces X-ray Emission (PIXE) and the "quantity" of the elements by electro thermic atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ET-AAS) and the concentration of the main metals in the blood and in the urine of exposed technicians by ET-AAS. These analyses permitted to detect all the metals present in the work environment and to quantify their concentration, which always resulted to be low (except some metals during short time operations). The biological monitoring revealed the existence of moderate absorption of these metals in the exposed workers but it is not possible for us to affirm if this phenomenon represents a real risk for the health of the technicians. Hence further epidemiological and health surveillance investigations are needed to verify morbidity and mortality of the subjects employed in this activity.
Adult↗
[Associated hepatitis B virus forms and analysis of immunologic configurations in histologically typified chronic diseases of the liver. Epidemiologic aspects and development factors].
We report histological aspect of population, expression of middle classes of Lombardia (Italy), affected by hepatomegaly with or without marks of biohumoral compromised. After classification in groups, according to a minutely explained scheme, we investigate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunological aspect and the frequency of the several configurations in every group. We have found HBV positive almost half hepatopathies classified as metabolic according to histological features and 70% of the liver cirrhosis without histological signs of inflammation. The immunological shape showed by last group is identical to the shape of the group with typical histological signs of persistent chronic hepatitis. Another epidemiologic factor as age marks the different histological groups and leads to advance hypotheses of consecutiveness. Distribution of the different histological forms with reference to sex allows the same considerations on pathogenetic factors of progression.
Adolescent↗
Compact structure of ribosomal chromatin in Xenopus laevis.
Micrococcal nuclease digestion was used as a tool to study the organization of the ribosomal chromatin in liver, blood and embryo cells of X. laevis. It was found that in liver and blood cells, ribosomal DNA is efficiently protected from nuclease attack in comparison to bulk chromatin. Although ribosomal chromatin is fragmented in a typical nucleosomal pattern, a considerable portion of ribosomal DNA retains a high molecular weight even after extensive digestion. A greater accessibility of the coding region in comparison to the non-coding spacer was found. In embryos, when ribosomal DNA is fully transcribed, these genes are even more highly protected than in adult tissues: in fact, the nucleosomal ladder can hardly be detected and rDNA is preserved in high molecular weight. Treatment of chromatin with 0.8 M NaCl abolishes the specific resistance of the ribosomal chromatin to digestion. The ribosomal chromatin, particularly in its active state, seems to be therefore tightly complexed with chromosomal proteins which protect its DNA from nuclease degradation.
Animals↗