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Biomedical subjects

M Ferrari

Publications and source records attributed to M Ferrari.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Plateletpheresis with the new Fresenius AS 104 blood cell separator.

Among the many blood cell separators introduced into the international market in these last few years, the Fresenius AS 104 represents an advanced and safe thrombocytapheresis machine whose development took advantage of extensive worldwide experience with blood cell separation. Nonetheless the AS 104 has generated most interest in West Germany and most, if not all, the studies published on its platelet collection efficiency have been carried out in that country. It is normally reported that from 2.7 to 3.5 x 10(11) platelets can be collected in approximately 80 minutes. Since these results could not be duplicated routinely in our hemapheresis unit, we set up a study by modifying the standard procedure. It was possible to reduce the procedure time and to collect platelet concentrates containing more than 4 x 10(11) cells on a routine basis by using the following procedure: ACD-A/blood ratio 1:10; Interface position 6:2; blood flow rate always exceeding 65 mL/min; rpm 1750; cell collection from 4 to 7 mL/min; volume of blood processed 3.6 L followed by the rinsing of the system with 200 ml of saline; extraction of the content of the secondary separation chamber by the action of the plasma pump working at 20 mL/min for 2 min. With this procedure the platelet yield in 34 collections exceeded 3.1 x 10(11) and averaged 4.06 x 10(11). The procedure time was reduced to 56.5 minutes with a mean blood flow rate of 62.3 mL/min. The leukocyte and erythrocyte contamination of the products were in the range of 1 x 10(7) and 1 x 10(8) respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1991

Doxorubicin for acromegaly: a case report.

We report the case of an acromegalic woman, aged 35 years, with a huge GH-secreting tumor, repeatedly treated with neurosurgery and radiotherapy, not responsive to bromocriptine (Br) and octreotide (SMS), whose clinical picture evolved to coma due to endocranic hypertension. Since remnant size was too large to be further treated by surgery, chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) (100 mg i.v. every three weeks up to 0.5 mg/m2 over 7 months) was started. Treatment was followed by a rapid improvement of clinical picture with resumption out of coma, progressive decline of GH levels (from 800 ng/ml to 15 ng/ml) and a slight shrinkage of tumor. No side effects were observed during DOX administration. We suggest that in those few acromegalic patients resistant both to SMS and Br, and with poor prognosis, DOX may be effectively used.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed1991

The vaccination and challenge with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) of calves previously infected with a non-cytopathic BVDV.

Four calves were infected with noncytopathic (NCP) New York-1 strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). During the observation period of one month the calves remained clinically normal but the virus was repeatedly recovered from their pharyngeal swabbings and blood. Thirty days following infection the four calves were vaccinated, together with two uninfected calves, with a modified-live vaccine containing cytopathic (CP) BVDV, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and parainfluenza-3 virus. No detrimental effects were observed after vaccination. Forty-three days after vaccination the calves were challenged by exposure either with the CP TVM-2 strain or the NCP New York-1 strain of BVDV. The vaccinated calves remained healthy throughout the 60-day observation period.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A study of some biologic properties of Bovid herpesvirus-4.

This article summarizes the results of a study on several strains of Bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4), isolated from cattle. The study had several objectives, namely, to verify (a) the disease-causing potential of the virus, (b) the possibility by BHV-4 to induce a latent infection in the natural host and (c) the entity of the relationships among strains of the virus isolated from different disease syndromes. The following data were obtained: (1) All strains tested were able to replicate in experimentally infected calves; however, only one strain (85/BH 16TV) caused an overt systemic disease. (2) The nervous system as well as the lymphoid structures appeared to be the target organs for replication of the virus. (3) BHV-4, like other herpesviruses, was able to establish latent infection in cattle. (4) When two strains of the virus, isolated from cattle affected by different disease syndromes, i.e. respiratory disease (strain DN-599) or vulvovaginitis (strain 85/BH 16TV), respectively, they resulted to be closely related to each other. In particular, they revealed a similar DNA pattern and both strains were able to cause respiratory disease in calves. Moreover, the two viral strains were mutually protective in that calves were generally found to be refractory to challenge inoculation with either the homologous or the heterologous virus. (5) All BHV-4 strains tested generally failed to evoke a significant production of neutralizing antibody in the experimental calves.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Optimal exposure of the mitral valve through an extended vertical transeptal approach.

The mitral valve was approached through a vertical transeptal incision extended into the roof of the left atrium in 111 patients. Good exposure was invariably provided even in unfavorable situations such as a small left atrium combined with right ventricular hypertrophy or a previously implanted aortic prosthesis. The only hospital death in the entire series was not related to this approach to the mitral valve. Due to breakage of the suture in the roof of the left atrium and to incomplete reconstruction of the atrial septum resulting in a large left-to-right shunt, 2 patients required reinstitution of cardiopulmonary bypass. Both had a smooth postoperative course. Other intra- or postoperative complications related to the incision did not occur. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic occlusion was not significantly different from that of patients operated upon through the conventional left atrial approach in the year preceding the experience embraced by this study. Only 3 of 52 patients who were preoperatively in sinus rhythm were discharged in atrial fibrillation. Enhanced atrial vulnerability was demonstrated preoperatively in all 3. These data support a wide application of the extended vertical transeptal approach in mitral valve surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture: original management and surgical technique.

A case of postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture is successfully treated. Prompt diagnosis was provided by echocardiography and an emergency operation was carried out. Following sternotomy, hemodynamic stabilization was obtained by gradually evacuating blood from the pericardium, while the femoral vessels were cannulated and the extracorporeal circulation was established. An autologous glutaraldehyde stiffened pericardial patch was sealed over the infarcted area using fibrin glue and fixed with a running suture on the surrounding healthy myocardium.

Echocardiography↗
PubMed1991

Correlation between histochemically assessed hormonal receptor content and clinical course in breast cancer. Presentation of 1,005 cases.

Lee's histochemical method was used to assess hormonal receptors in 1,005 patients with breast cancer. Patients were from 8 oncological departments in northern Italy. The group was subdivided into four subgroups in relation to menopausal status and presence or absence of axillary node metastasis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed in all subgroups in relation to receptorial status. We observed: (1) when hormonal receptors are present, OS and DFS are longer in all subgroups; (2) the presence of hormonal receptors influences favourably both DFS and OS, but it seems to play a more important role for DFS; (3) the positive receptorial status is a better prognostic factor in groups without axillary node metastasis, especially in premenopausal patients. We conclude that the histochemical assessment of hormonal receptors is a valid method for the prognostic evaluation of patients with breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Ajmaline test in a patient with chronic renal failure. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties were studied after intravenous administration of ajmaline 1 mg/kg in an anuric patient, who underwent the electrophysiological ajmaline test. The magnitude and rate of onset of the typical electrophysiological effects of ajmaline (prolongation in atrio-Hisian and His-ventriculum conduction times) were within the range of normal values. The plasma concentration curve showed a triexponential decay with half-lives as follows: initial phase (t1/2 alpha) 1.34 min, fast elimination phase (t1/2 beta) 10.13 min and terminal (slow) phase (t1/2 gamma) 258.6 min. Other relevant pharmacokinetic parameters calculated were: total plasma clearance 45.91 L/h; volume of distribution 285.6L; protein binding 47%. Five hours after administration the patient underwent a 3.5h haemodialysis without any substantial increase in the slope of the final elimination phase of the curve. A major problem in interpreting the pharmacokinetic results is the lack of reliable reference data in healthy subjects. It is likely that the ajmaline t1/2 reported in the literature (13.4 min) does not reflect the true terminal t1/2 of the drug, because it was determined during an unduly short sampling period (30 min). Nevertheless, if we compare just the first 30 min of the concentration-time curves, our results are nearly superimposable on those found in healthy subjects.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Effects of the new immunoactive compound FCE 20696 on rat and murine models of autoimmune diseases.

FCE 20696 is a new synthetic immunomodulator, capable to induce suppressor cells after repeated oral administrations in mice. We have tested it by oral route in three established models of autoimmunity. Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been induced in rats and FCE 20696 has been given for two weeks before the encephalitogenic stimulus and continued afterwards until the complete recovery. Adjuvant Arthritis (AA) has been induced in rats and FCE 20696 has been given for five weeks starting one week before the induction of the disease. Female NZB/WF1 mice were treated with FCE 20696 biweekly throughout their life, starting from nine weeks of age. In EAE, the compound at dose of 2.5 mg/kg reduced the symptoms of the disease and protected 60% of animals from becoming ill. In the AA model, FCE 20696 at 1.1 mg/kg reduced inflammatory lesions in both the injected and the controlateral legs. NZB/WF1 mice treated with 1.5 mg/kg lived 20 weeks longer than controls and proteinuria of 5 mg/ml or more was delayed by 22 weeks. This drug has a definite value in experimental autoimmunity and seems a good candidate for clinical testing.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1991

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy on isolated rat heart: a technical note.

Spin labels have been measured directly in the isolated rat heart, perfused by the Langendorff method, using a 1500 MHz low frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. This apparatus was previously employed to measure spin label pharmacokinetics of nitroxide sensitive to oxygen in whole mice. The heart was introduced in a resonant cavity to measure the uptake and clearance of free radicals. Various kinetic parameters were measured and are discussed, taking into account the features of the Langendorff apparatus.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[The relevance of the receptor system in the determination of hypertension].

A pathogenetic role of the receptor mechanisms has been proved or suspected in various diseases. According to a widely accepted hypothesis also essential hypertension may be due to an unbalance between vasoconstricting and vasodilating receptor systems. Although several studies have demonstrated alterations in the number or in the response of specific receptors, it is often difficult to distinguish the primary, causal changes from the secondary, adaptive ones.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Screening for non-delta F508 mutations in five exons of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in Italy.

Analysis of exons 10, 11, 14a, 15, and 20 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene by denaturing-gradient-gel electrophoresis (DGGE) allowed the identification of mutations causing cystic fibrosis (CF) in 25 of 109 non-delta F508 chromosomes, as well as identification of a number of polymorphisms and sequence variations. Direct sequencing of the PCR fragments which showed an altered electrophoretic behavior not attributable to known mutations has led to the characterization of four new mutations, two in exon 11, and one each in exons 15 and 20. Screening for the different mutations thus far identified in our patients by the DGGE analysis and other independent methods should allow detection of about 70% of the molecular defects causing CF in Italy. Mutations located in exons 11 and 20 account for at least 30% of the non-delta F508 mutations present in Italian CF patients.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Skeletal muscle oxygenation monitoring by near infrared spectroscopy.

The oxygenation of human forearm muscle tissue was studied using an optic fiber fast scanning spectrophotometer. We investigated near infrared (700-1100 nm) hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) spectral changes in flow and/or oxygen-limited conditions. The superimposition of deoxy Hb and deoxy Mb spectra was confirmed "in vivo" on perfluorocarbon-blood exchanged transfused rats. Oxygenation changes were evaluated in 15 volunteers during 10 min forearm arterial occlusion. Rapid desaturation occurred until a plateau was reached after about 4 min, suggesting rapid anaerobic glycolytic activation.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Clinical-instrumental evaluation of the effects of mesoglycan sulphate in chronic vascular encephalopathy.

15 patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease were studied using carotid Doppler and B-mode echography, transcranial Doppler, EEG and clinical evaluation before and 3 and 6 months after treatment with mesoglycan sulphate at doses of 96 mg/day per os. A subjective improvement was reported by 7 out of 15 patients while no significant variations in Doppler, TCD, echographic and EEG data were observed. During treatment no side effects or laboratory abnormalities were found.

Aged↗