Two methods for the determination of urine density (relative density or specific mass) have been evaluated and compared using NCCLS protocols: the refractometric method and a new method based on the measure of shifts in harmonic oscillation (SHO). Within the range investigated (from 1,000 up to 1,034) the methods were linear. Total imprecision, including the carry-over, was the same for both: the 95% confidence limits, at the level of 1,003, 1,013 and 1,030, were 1,001-1,005, 1,011-1,015 and 1,028-1,032 respectively. In analysing urines having known density, the SHO method was always accurate, while the refractometric method was affected by a significant bias at protein and haemoglobin concentrations greater than 4 and 2 g/L respectively. A direct comparison of the results obtained by the two methods was made on 300 untimed specimens of urine with density ranging from 1,002 to 1,034; the equation of regression line (refractometric method on the x axis, SHO on the y axis), calculated with a non-parametric statistical method, was SHO = refractometric method + 0,001. Despite some urine specimens (24, i.e. 8%) showed density differences (absolute value) of more than 0,003 (between 0,004 and 0,007 relative density units), the good mean agreement observed allows to conclude that both methods give clinically useful analytical results.

Densitometry↗

PubMed1984

The endocrine pattern of late onset adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency).

We describe 5 adult women with severe hirsutism due to late onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Diagnosis was performed on the finding of high serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels with a marked hyperresponse to an ACTH test. The endocrine study showed in most patients a gonadotropin behavior similar to that observed in classical polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome. Prolactin levels were slightly increased in basal conditions and presented an exaggerated response to TRH stimulation.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

PubMed1984

Prolactin secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO): correlation with the steroid pattern.

To evaluate the prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia in PCO patients and its possible correlation with a steroid pattern, we studied prolactin secretion (basal and after TRH stimulation) in 40 women affected by typical PCO. LH, FSH, testosterone, oestradiol, oestrone, DHEA-s and 17-OHP serum levels were also evaluated. Twenty-one patients had prolactin (Prl) values in the normal range both in baseline conditions and after TRH stimulation; 10 patients had normal basal values of Prl but an exaggerated response to TRH stimulation; 9 patients had high Prl basal values and an exaggerated response to TRH. The presence of hyperprolactinaemia was associated with increased serum levels of oestrone (P less than 0.01), DHEA-s (P less than 0.01) and 17-OHP (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, hyperprolactinaemia is as relatively frequent condition which affects almost half the patients suffering from PCO and is probably related to an increase of serum oestrogens, mostly oestrone. Moreover, in patients with PCO and hyperprolactinaemia, the production of some other steroids is also affected.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

PubMed1982

Kinetic-immunonephelometric determination of serum proteins in chronic liver diseases.

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Blood Proteins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node identification in squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma of the head and neck.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of scintigraphy in lymphatic mapping and in the identification of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: Between September 1999 and February 2001 we enrolled 22 consecutive patients with cancer in the head and neck region: five squamous cell carcinomas, one Merkel cell tumor of the cheek, and 16 malignant melanomas. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed three hours before surgery after injection of 30-50 MBq of 99mTc -Nanocoll in 0.3 mL; the dose was fractionated by injecting the radiotracer at two points around the lesion. Static acquisition (anterior and/or lateral views, 512 x 512 matrix, 5 mins pre-set time) was started immediately after the injections so as to visualize the pathways of lymphatic drainage. The skin projection of the SLN was marked with ink. Intraoperative SLN detection was performed with perilesional injection of patent blue. RESULTS: SLNs were found with lymphoscintigraphy in all patients. Thirty-three SLNs were identified: one occipital node, three nodes at the base of the tongue, 10 superficial lateral nodes (external jugular), five submandibular nodes, five submental nodes, three mastoid nodes and six supraclavicular nodes. Biopsy was performed in 21/22 patients. In 20/22 patients the first lymph nodes were visualized in the proximal cranial regions (retroauricular, jugular and submandibular) at five minutes post injection. The SLN positivity rate was 13.6% (three patients). All patients with tumor-positive SLNs were submitted to radical dissection. Poor concordance in the detection of sentinel nodes was observed with patent blue. CONCLUSIONS: The flow of nanocolloid in the lymph vessels of the head is rapid. In our experience immediate scintigraphic imaging was essential to visualize the pathways of lymphatic drainage and the first SLN. Radioguided SLN biopsy is therefore recommended within three hours. Injection of patent blue is inadvisable because of the poor concordance with lymphoscintigraphy and the risk of permanent tattooing of the face.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Role played by a natural channel on the quality of bordering environment: a chemical assessment.

Based on a rational and simple chemical approach, a field-investigation aimed to assess the role played by a natural channel "lama" on the quality of underlying groundwater and neighbouring soils has been carried out. The results have demonstrated that: (a) the stream flowing through the "lama" is mainly made up of treated effluent from a nearby municipal wastewater treatment plant; (b) the occurrence of nitrates in the "lama" is due to rain-washing of nitrogen fertilized agricultural soils bordering on the "lama"; (c) hydraulic connections exist between the lama and the underlying groundwater causing contaminants flowing through the "lama" to reach groundwater within less than one week; (d) compared with the values measured in the "lama", the concentrations of TOC, N-NH4 and N-NO3 in groundwater result: lower, far lower and greater, respectively; (e) agricultural soils bordering on the "lama" result significantly contaminated by halogenated organics.

Agriculture↗