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Biomedical subjects

M Ferrara

Publications and source records attributed to M Ferrara.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Value of magnetic resonance imaging in spontaneous extradural spinal hematoma due to vascular malformation: case report.

A case of spinal cord compression due to spontaneous extradural spinal hematoma is reported. A spinal arteriovenous malformation was suspected on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging. Early surgical exploration allowed a complete neurological recovery. The vascular malformation was histopathologically confirmed. The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of acute spinal cord compression syndromes is stressed.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗
PubMed1990

Purification and properties of different isoforms of bovine cathepsin B.

A rapid purification procedure is described for cathepsin B from bovine liver. After preparation of crude lysosomal extracts, the method only involves DEAE Zeta-Prep-Disk chromatography, gel filtration, and fast protein liquid chromatography on Mono-S column. Two active peaks (P1 and P2) of cathepsin B were distinguished. Both presented uncleaved (relative mass (Mr) 30,000) and cleaved (Mr 25,000 + Mr 5000) chains, but different isoforms as revealed by isoelectrofocusing. These two different populations of cathepsin B isoforms nevertheless exhibited similar enzymatic properties. Km and kcat were 114 microM and 52 s-1, and 125 microM and 75 s-1, for hydrolysis of Z-Arg-Arg-NMec by P1 and P2, respectively. Both were rapidly inhibited by low concentrations of E-64 or leupeptin, but were unaffected by cathepsin-L-specific inhibitor Z-Phe-Phe-CHN2.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Cimaterol reduces cathepsin activities but has no anabolic effect in cultured myotubes.

The effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist cimaterol on bovine and chicken primary myotubes was assessed. Cimaterol at 10-100 nM concentrations reduced cathepsin B benzyloxy-carbonyl-Arg-Arg-4-methyl-7-coumarylamide hydrolyzing activity, as well as benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Arg-4-methyl-7-coumarylamide hydrolysis, which is a substrate for both cathepsin B and cathepsin L. Maximum effect was observed after 6-16 h treatment. Cathepsin H Arg-4-methyl-7-coumarylamide hydrolyzing activity was low and not significantly affected by cimaterol treatment. Despite decreasing cathepsin activities, cimaterol also increased proteolysis rates but induced no detectable effect on protein synthesis rates. These observations suggest that beta-agonists, as a result of a direct action on muscle, can decrease cathepsin activities but that beta-agonist-induced muscle hypertrophy may not be due to a direct effect on muscle cells.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1990

Efficacy and safety of a soy-protein-formula for feeding babies with atopic dermatitis and cow's milk hypersensitivity.

In this paper we report 21 infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) due to cow's milk (CM) hypersensitivity in 20/21 of whom a CM-free diet using as a CM-substitute a soy-protein formula improved the skin lesions, in addition to insuring a regular growth in all infants. Only one infant failed to complete the trial due to an absolute refusal of the soy protein formula. A possible secondary sensitization to soy was found in one infant, in whom dietary therapy alone was not effective. We conclude that soy-protein formulas represent an effective CM-substitute when CM must be eliminated from the diet of an infant with AD.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗
PubMed1990

[Failed dissolution of a gallstone by methyl tert-butyl ether: importance of predicting gallstone chemical composition].

In December 1986 we attempted direct chemical litholysis using methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE) in a sixty-year-old man with severe ischemic heart disease who had suffered frequent episodes of biliary colic due to a radiolucent gallstone. MTBE was infused for a total of 17 hrs over a period of 5 days; however the gallstone diameter remained unchanged. The patient was subsequently cholecystomized and chemical analysis revealed that the gallstone was a pigment stone. The need for accurate prediction of gallstone composition before beginning an invasive, such as MTBE infusion, is emphasized.

Cholelithiasis↗
PubMed1990

Evaluation of new test (Phadiatop) for the screening of respiratory allergic disorders in children.

The present study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a new in vitro test, the Phadiatop, which detects the presence in serum of specific IgE to a balanced mixture of the most frequent inhalant allergens. Ninety-eight children (63 males, 35 females) 2-12 years old (median age = 6), suffering from rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis and/or asthma were studied. Our data show that Phadiatop has an 87% sensitivity, a 100% specificity, a 92% efficiency, a 100% positive predictive value, and an 86% negative predictive value. These results indicate that Phadiatop is very effective in diagnosing atopy (no false positive). However, a negative Phadiatop does not exclude the diagnosis of atopy.

Child↗
PubMed1989

[Continuous localized EEG discharges during sleep in children].

Continuous generalized spike-and-wave complexes occurring during slow-sleep were first observed in some children by Patry et al. (1971). A general review of the reported cases was made by Tassinari et al. (1984). We have observed a new clinical-EEGraphic picture. Spikes and spike-and-wave complexes localized to one hemisphere were recorded during at least 85% non-REM sleep both in 3 quadriplegic and in 3 hemiplegic mentally retarded children, aged from 2 years and 10 months to 11 years (mean age: 5 years and 2 months). Cyclic organization of sleep was almost normal. Wake EEG showed an epileptic focus. Brain CT showed midline defect and brain atrophy in quadriplegic patients, and a wide temporal-parietal porencephalic cyst in hemiplegic patients. This EEGraphic pattern was associated with a more pronounced mental impairment: neuropsychological improvement was observed in 2 cases, when continuous sleep discharges disappeared. As aforesaid, this picture seems to be related either to hemispheric or to midline brain defects. In our cases, sleep phase organization could be examined, while continuous generalized discharges occurring during sleep do not allow such a study.

Child↗
PubMed1989

Chronic encapsulated intracerebral haematoma: pathogenetic and diagnostic considerations.

Two cases of chronic encapsulated intracerebral haematoma are reported. The patients presented with progressive neurological deficits. Computed tomography scan showed a roundish, intracerebral lesion, that revealed ring blush after contrast infusion, with mass effect. At operation a thick, fibrous, brownish capsule, containing clots in different states of formation, was removed. The hypothesis of capsule formation due to an exuberant proliferation of arachnoidal fibroblasts, is discussed. Differentiation between encapsulated intracerebral haematoma and other chronic intracerebral blood collections is considered mandatory for appropriate treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Case in point: allergy, intolerance or pseudoallergy to chocolate?].

Chocolate is traditionally considered as allergenic for predisposed subjects although many immunologic reactions are erroneously evaluated as allergic, due to misleading procedures. Therefore the term intolerance has been more properly employed. After summarizing the negative effects of chocolate, especially in children, we stress that the diagnosis of chocolate intolerance should be based upon reliable studies, including elimination/provocation tests in a double-blind fashion.

Cacao↗
PubMed1989

Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular performance in patients with coronary artery disease after chronic diltiazem therapy.

To evaluate the effects of diltiazem (240 mg/day) on the left ventricular function, we studied 13 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Comparison with placebo was made in a double-blind randomized crossover study. Both placebo and diltiazem were administered for 5 weeks. We assumed left ventricular systolic time intervals assessed by polycardiography as parameter of ventricular function. Diltiazem induced a significant decrease in pre-ejection period (p less than 0.01) as well as pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time ratio (p less than 0.01). Thus, our results suggest that diltiazem improves the contractile state of ischemic myocardium in CAD patients.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1988

In search of the moral foundation of nursing.

This article is offered as an extension of the work of Yarling and McElmurry, who ostensibly discussed the moral foundations of nursing. They did not actually broach their intended topic, but they did offer important clues for further analysis. This presentation attempts to show how the moral foundation of nursing might be discerned by indicating both its linkage to the great moral ideas and certain confusions in current nursing ideology. It is claimed that the moral foundation of nursing--indeed, the moral inspiration at the heart of nursing practice--must come from a clearly developed understanding of the idea of nursing.

Ethics, Nursing↗