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Biomedical subjects

M Franchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Franchi.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Localization of different alcian blue-proteoglycan particles in the intervertebral disc.

A histochemical investigation was carried out on proteoglycans of bovine intervertebral disc. Samples obtained from the "annulus fibrosus" (A.F.) and "nucleus pulposus" (N.P.) were treated with Alcian blue (AB) diluted in solutions of MgCl2 at critical electrolyte concentrations (CEC); some samples were incubated in testicular hyaluronidase before AB treatment. At least four types of elongated AB-proteoglycan particles were recognized: a) in A.F. lamellae and N.P., 1 nm rod-like particles were arranged orthogonally to the collagen fibrils and spaced at a distance equivalent to the fibril D-period (Figs. 1-5); b) within the A.F. lamellae, other 16-20 nm particles formed a close network among the collagen fibrils (Figs. 1,2,3,5); c) in the A.F. interlamellar crevices, 30-50 nm leaf-like particles were present (Fig. 6); d) in the N.P.Z., 20-30 nm leaf-like particles formed a wide-mesh (Fig. 4). The alcianophylic particle sizes suggest they may correspond to proteoglycan monomers in the A.F. lamellae and mostly proteoglycan aggregates in A.F. interlamellar crevices and N.P.. Both alcianophylia degrees at MgCl2 CEC solutions and enzymatic susceptibility indicate the presence of chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate and that the large particles in the A.F. interlamellar crevices are the keratan sulphate richest proteoglycans. The features of the observed AB-proteoglycan particles are consistent with previous morphological data reported for other tissues as well as some biochemical data for the intervertebral disc and may be correlated to the composite mechanical properties of this tissue.

Alcian Blue↗
PubMed1988

[Ovarian dermoid cysts. Radiographic fat floating sign and CT diagnosis of chronic rupture].

Unsuspected chronic rupture was discovered during surgical removal of a very large ovarian dermoid cyst. Abdomen X-ray, US and CT examinations were preoperatively performed. Standing X-ray projection of the abdomen allowed the appearing of a new radiographic finding of dermoid cyst, the "fat floating" as the equivalent of the "gravity dependent layering" in US and CT features. This radiographic sign appears as an horizontal line between two soft tissues of different opacity; it is caused by oily and sebaceous fluid floating over serous fluid and over intracystic debris. Literature was reviewed and radiographic findings in dermoid cysts were reconsidered; the sign of "fat floating" could enhance the diagnostic accuracy of abdomen X-ray. So when a pelvic or an abdominal-pelvic mass is discovered in a young woman, standing projection is required for abdomen X-ray. Rupture of a dermoid cyst may happen without notice and chronically; CT has been more accurate than US in evaluating rupture, in particular the peritoneal spread of oily pseudocyst.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Computerized tomography in pulmonary sequestration].

The authors describe two cases of intra and extralobar pulmonary sequestration and evaluate its principal clinical and pathological characteristics. They outline the key role of T.C. in the approach to this pathology. The T.C. enables to collect in a short time a large quantity of useful information for a correct diagnosis which could not be obtained by means of other methods of imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Differentiated dosage of microporous colestyramine and its double-blind comparison with a placebo in hypercholesterolaemic patients.

A double-blind trial of microporous colestyramine (MPC) at different dosages was undertaken on 18 hypercholesterolaemic patients (Fredrickson classification Type II A) in three groups. During the attack phase of four weeks, three dosage regimens of MPC were used, 9 g, 12 g and 18 g for six patients in each group. During the maintenance phase of eight weeks, the patients were divided into two groups of nine each, one group receiving MPC 9 g/day and the other a placebo. The attack phase demonstrated the efficacy of the MPC therapy at all three dosage levels with minimal side-effects and the maintenance phase showed significant adverse variations in the total and HDL-cholesterol levels and in the intraratio in the placebo group, and in the physician's and patients judgement of the efficacy of the MPC therapy compared with the placebo. It is considered that MPC provides an excellent alternative therapy for prolonged treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, where a specific diet therapy is unacceptable.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Striae albae: a morphological study on the human skin.

Specimens of abdomen skin, comprising alternate areas of striae albae and healthy skin, were removed during surgical lipectomy from multiparous and obese women between the ages of 24 and 53 years. A flattening and thinning of the striae albae surface and the almost complete disappearance of dermal papillae was observed in paraffin and thin sections. The papillary dermis was found to be almost completely replaced by straight bundles of collagen fibres running parallel to the skin surface. Immunofluorescence data revealed in these bundles high positivity for type I collagen. The underlying reticular dermis was also found to contain large densely packed bundles of collagen fibres running parallel to the skin surface. Both papillary and reticular dermis collagen fibres were mainly arranged orthogonally to the main axis of the stria. Furthermore, the density of the collagen fibre bundles and the diameter of the collagen fibrils was found to be greater than that of the clinically healthy skin. A larger number of elastic fibres, which presented an abnormal ultrastructural appearance, were visible in pathological papillary and reticular dermis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Immunogenetic aspects of preeclampsia.

The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) is so far unknown; nevertheless both clinical and experimental findings suggest the possibility that immunogenetic factors operate in this disorder. In order to verify the role of immunogenetic factors in PE, a selected group of women (n = 26) affected with PE was chosen and HLA (human leucocytes A) frequency distribution, HLA antigens sharing between couples, homozygosity, incidence of HLA phenotypes and maternal antibody production were investigated. Neither significant differences in HLA frequencies nor homozygosity condition in preeclamptic and/or in the partners have been noted. HLA typing of the couples under study however demonstrates a very high antigen sharing between partners if compared with the sharing found in couples with normal reproductive performance. In 46% of PE women it was possible to demonstrate the presence of cytotoxic antibodies against surface structures of partner lymphocytes. The role of the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) in fetal survival and outcome is discussed.

Antilymphocyte Serum↗
PubMed1987

[Quantitative computerized tomography of the vertebral spongiosa. Proposal of a method applicable to the study of postmenopausal osteoporosis].

A Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, simplifying the well-known technique proposed by Genant (1982) and applied to a standard third generation whole body CT scanner is described. This technique was applied in the measurement of the trabecular bone which has high sensitivity for metabolic changes. The BMC (Bone Mineral Content) measured in different groups of subjects (healthy postmenopausal patients versus women with postmenopausal osteoporosis) showed a highly significant difference (p less than 0.001). The precision of repositioning (coefficient of variation 1.8% to 2.3%, obtained in healthy male patients) and the good, linear relationship computed from the phantom values, minimize measurement errors. Since this method is quickly applied and involves low-dose radiation-exposure, it could be introduced in the clinical study of metabolic bone diseases.

Female↗
PubMed1986

Ultrastructural modifications of the platelet plasma membrane in vascular diseases and the effect of a carbochromen derivative as studied by freeze-fracture and computer measurement.

A high surface density of the openings of the surface connected canalicular system (SCCS) has been observed in the freeze-fractured plasma membrane of circulating platelets in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet and in hypercholesterolemic type IIa patients. In vitro tests have revealed a correlation between the increased surface density of the SCCS openings and the initial steps of platelet activation. 8-Chlorocarbochromen, a new drug which enhances the in vivo release of prostacyclin from the arterial wall, has been found to be effective in reducing the high surface density of SCCS openings in platelets of rabbits on an atherogenic diet. The present study shows that circulating platelets from patients with peripheral vascular disease present a high surface density of SCCS openings compared to that observed in control subjects. After a single oral administration of 8-chlorocarbochromen, a reduction of the high number of these openings has been observed. Likewise, beta-thromboglobulin levels were found to be high in the patients and to be significantly reduced after oral administration of the drug. This study shows ultrastructural modifications of platelets in conditions related to atherosclerosis and includes data on the effectiveness of 8-chlorocarbochromen in reducing the platelet activation of these patients.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Valpromide inhibits human epoxide hydrolase.

The effect of antipileptic drug valpromide (VPM) on the activity of epoxide hydrolase was studied in human adult and foetal liver, kidneys, lungs, intestine and in placenta. The activity of the epoxide hydrolase was measured with both styrene oxide and benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-oxide as substrates. VPM inhibited the epoxide hydrolase obtained from all organs studied. The degree of inhibition was independent of the substrate used. A lowering of the epoxide hydrolase activity by 50% was observed when the concentration of VPM was similar to that of the substrates. VPM competitively inhibited the activity of adult liver epoxide hydrolase with styrene oxide as substrate.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Serous-papillary carcinoma of the endometrium. Usefulness and limitations of computerized tomography].

The staging of endometrial carcinoma and the evaluation of tumor recurrences take advantage from Computerized Tomography (CT). The CT appearances are described of six new cases and two recurrences of uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC), which is a particularly aggressive and rare form of endometrial carcinoma. CT has been scarcely useful in first clinical stages, while in advanced stage and when the tumor appears as a pelvic mass CT has allowed to recognize the uterine origin, to define the involvement of surrounding tissue and to depict the extrauterine spread patterns. CT has been extremely useful in the evaluation and in the search for tumor recurrences.

Carcinoma, Papillary↗