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Biomedical subjects

P Martini

Publications and source records attributed to P Martini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Hepatitis C virus infection: prevalence in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 2 groups of patients, one group with psoriasis and the other with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: We detected anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA and by a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) in the sera of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 with PsA. As controls we used a group of 76 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and referred to data on the prevalence of HCV in the general Italian population. RESULTS: By ELISA, anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 6/50 (12%) patients with PsA, in 5/50 (10%) patients with psoriasis, and in 4/76 (5.2%) patients with RA. All the reactive PsA and RA sera also tested positive on RIBA, while only 3 of the 5 positive results for sera of patients with psoriasis were confirmed by RIBA. The prevalence of HCV infection in patients with psoriasis was not significantly higher than in controls. In contrast, the rate of HCV infection observed in the 50 patients with PsA was higher than that in the other groups, the difference being statistically significant between patients with PsA and the general population. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support the hypothesis that HCV infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. On the other hand they show a statistically significant difference between the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with PsA and the general population.

Arthritis, Psoriatic↗
PubMed1998

Presence of 5alpha-reductase isozymes and aromatase in human prostate cancer cells and in benign prostate hyperplastic tissue.

BACKGROUND: Prostate trophism depends on DHT formed from T by the enzyme 5alpha-R. Two 5alpha-R isoforms with different biochemical characteristics have been cloned. Also estrogens might contribute to the prostate growth; however, their intraglandular formation by the enzyme aromatase is still debated. The aim of the present study was to verify whether (a) only one or both isoforms of the 5alpha-Rs are expressed in the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP and in BPH, or (b) the aromatase is present in these samples. METHODS: The profile of the pH optimum of the 5alpha-Rs was evaluated "in vitro" in LNCaP cells by the production of labeled 5alpha-reduced metabolites either from [14C]-T or [14C]-D4 at pH 3.5-8. The gene expression of the two 5alpha-Rs and of the aromatase in LNCaP cells and in BPH specimens was analyzed by RT-PCR combined to Southern blot analysis, using specific sets of oligonucleotides. The tissue localization of 5alpha-R1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using an anti-5alpha-R1 polyclonal antibody. RESULTS: (a) In LNCaP cells, the formation of 5alpha-reduced metabolites from the respective precursors increases progressively as a function of pH, being the highest at neutral pH values; (b) the 5alpha-R1 isoform is expressed in both LNCaP cells and in BPH, while the 5alpha-R2 mRNA is present only in BPH, but not in LNCaP cells; and (c) no aromatase transcripts were observed either in BPH or in LNCaP cells. CONCLUSIONS: A careful examination of the possible differential expression of T-activating enzymes, particularly in prostate cancer, would be of help to choose the appropriate treatment.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1997

[Left temporal meningioma disclosed by ipsilateral hemiplegia].

A 46 year-old woman presented with a weakness of the left side. MRI of the brain showed a left temporal meningioma, a left temporal lobe herniation and two high-signals in the right cerebral peduncle. The involvement of the pyramidal tract in the foot of the cerebral peduncle, in this case, results from temporal lobe hemiation. These findings are different from the mechanisms reported in other cases of ipsilateral hemiplegia. The ipsilateral hemiplegia syndrome was classically described by Ectors in relation to a meningioma of the foot of the third frontal circonvolution. Pathophysiological theories of ipsilateral hemiplegia are reviewed.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1996

Sensitivity to spatial phase at equiluminance.

We have measured sensitivity for discriminating the spatial phase of multi-harmonic and two-harmonic patterns modulated either in luminance or in chromaticity (red-green). The multi-harmonic patterns were either highpass squarewaves, lines or ramps. For all patterns, contrast thresholds for discriminating 0 from 180 deg phase were similar to those for discriminating -90 from 90 deg, for luminance or chromatic modulation (or both). For all types of multi-harmonic patterns, the ratio of contrast thresholds for the phase discrimination to that for pattern detection was the same for luminance and chromatic modulation, and for combinations of both. Similarly, phase thresholds, the minimum detectable differences in phase (about a mean 0 deg), were the same for chromatic and luminance patterns, provided that contrast was scaled to equate detection thresholds of the patterns. Similar results were observed for simple three-harmonic patterns (f + 2f + 3f), and for (f + 2f) two-harmonic patterns. Strangely, however, two-harmonic patterns of f + 3f (first two terms of square-wave) of moderate to high spatial frequency did show a two-fold advantage for luminance over colour, as Troscianko and Harris (1988) have previously reported (Vision Research, 28, 1041-1049), possibly because the two harmonics have a greater separation in frequency. However, for most classes of patterns, sensitivity for spatial phase is as good for chromatic as for luminance modulation, suggesting that similar sorts of mechanisms operate under these two conditions.

Color Perception↗
PubMed1996

[Active properties and therapeutic effects of San Giovanni Spa mud (Portoferraio, Elba Island)].

The authors describe the most important chemical-physical characteristics of the slime of the Terme San Giovanni in Elba Island, both with reference to the inorganic component, and especially to the organic one. The latter principally comes from the presence in the extraction basin of green algae of Caulerpa genus and of two sea plants, Zoostera marina and Posidonia oceanica. The presence of sulphur, in the organic components of slime, and of iron, in the inorganic one, provide the peloid peculiar properties which are very interesting in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

Chlorophyta↗
PubMed1994

[Scanner in a medical emergency test of the nervous system].

Computed tomography is the essential examination in patients with severe manifestations of neurological disorders. We discuss emergency situations involving the central nervous system due to vascular and infections lesions. Trauma and acute complications of brain tumours, usually seen within a neurosurgical context, are not discussed here.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1993

Pure motor hemiparesis in a case of vertebrobasilar arterial ectasia.

A case of pure motor hemiparesis due to a pontine lacunar infarct is reported. Infarction was related to vertebrobasilar ectasia identified on CT, MRI and MR angiography. MR studies provide accurate information on anatomical location, residual lumen, partial thrombosis, mass effect on brain stem and CSF pathways and vascular complications.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

[Unilateral infarction of the cervical spinal cord. 2 cases identified by MRI].

We report two cases of unilateral upper cervical spinal cord infarction in the territory supplied by the anterior spinal artery. Early nonspecific MRI abnormalities consisted of hypointense T1 signal and hyperintense T2 signal. A late MRI study showed partial decrease in lesion size due to perifocal edema resorption with negative Gd-DTPA enhancement. The presumed cause of infarction was occlusion of a sulcocommissural artery or of the ipsilateral nutrient branch of the spinal artery.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Healing of open skin surfaces with collagen foils.

Applications of Condress (patented sheets of pure bovine collagen) on open skin surfaces (30 cases of "ulcus cruris", 5 cases of decubitus, and malum perforans; 10 cases of full-thickness burns) were examined in a controlled trial. Quantification of regeneration speed, macrophotographic survey of granulation tissue and epithelial border, thermographic and chromometric evaluation of the skin microcirculation, and histological observation of regenerating tissues, were the parameters used. The following results were obtained: marked reduction of healing time, different aspects of the granulation-tissue responses, different times of topical collagenolysis, increased vascular perfusion, histological activation of angiogenesis, fibrogenesis, histiomacrophage function and superficial absorption. The employment of Condress in burn areas seems to be highly promising.

Biological Dressings↗
PubMed1991

A staphylococcal plasmid that replicates and expresses ampicillin, gentamicin and amikacin resistance in Escherichia coli.

Plasmid pPG1 from Staphylococcus aureus coding for ampicillin (Apr), gentamicin (Gmr) and amikacin (Akr) resistance was transformed into Escherichia coli. Transformation efficiency was about 2 x 10(3) transformants/micrograms of plasmid DNA. The plasmids present in the E. coli transformants were identical to pPG1 according to their restriction patterns. The copy number of pPG1 was estimated to be at least 20-times less in E. coli than in S. aureus. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Ap and Gm were lower in E. coli than in S. aureus. However, the MIC for Ak was higher in E. coli transformants than in S. aureus. pPG1 was maintained in the E. coli transformants for at least 80 generations at 37 degrees C without antibiotic selection pressure.

Amikacin↗
PubMed1991

Operative treatment of cervicobrachialgia and vertigo due to uncovertebral joint arthritis.

In the field of cervical spondylosis, cervicobrachialgia caused by uncovertebral joint arthritis has been well defined and classified, as it is seen quite commonly in clinical practice. Non-operative treatment relieves the symptoms in most cases. Operative treatment is used when the neurovascular structures are involved and the patient does not respond to conservative treatment. The authors present the surgical technique they employed on 38 patients with neck and arm pain due to uncovertebral joint arthritis, and they report the long-term results.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Topographical study of supratentorial brain tumors.

The topographic analysis of supratentorial brain tumors must answer the following questions: location of the tumor, its extension, its being infiltrative or well localized and especially the relationships with the main functional areas such as the speech areas, the sensori-motor area, and the visuel areas. Also the topographic analysis may help to approach the diagnosis of nature. The neuroradiological procedures include the CT, the angiography and especially the MRI in sagittal and coronal sections, with gadolinium enhancement. The anatomical accuracy is obtained using the bicommissural plane and superimposition techniques according to the Talairach's Atlas and anatomical sections and MRI superimposition with angiography. 3D volumic reconstruction is of considerable contribution for the topographic analysis of a cerebral tumor.

Angiography↗
PubMed1991

Astrocytic tumours.

Astrocytic tumours are frequent, accounting for nearly 50% of all brain tumours. They are divided into three groups: benign astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas and malignant glioblastomas. The usual clinical manifestations of benign astrocytic tumours are epileptic seizures, whereas those of glioblastomas are rapidly progressing neurological deficits. These lesions show fairly characteristic neuroradiological features which have been largely studied. Injections of iodine-based or paramagnetic contrast media are important since they help in tumour grading: low-grade tumours are not enhanced, while glioblastomas are almost invariably enhanced. MRI seems to be indispensable for the study of astrocytic tumours: it provides an excellent anatomical analysis of the lesion during preoperative or pretherapeutic evaluation, and it is the only available method to confirm low-grade lesions that have passed unnoticed or have merely been suspected at CT. To avoid missing these tumours, every adult presenting with recent onset epileptic seizures should be explored by MRI using T2-weighted spin-echo sequences.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Oligodendrogliomas.

Oligodendrogliomas are tumours developed from oligodendrocytes. They may be pure or associated with astrocyte proliferation. They are usually benign, but their malignancy grade is varied. These tumours affect middle-aged adults and are characterized by their slow growth and their fairly suggestive neuroradiological features which are those of a large, calcified, poorly enhanced, peripheral frontal lesion. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are suitable complementary methods to characterize the tumour and evaluate its extension.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Supratentorial ependymomas. Neuroradiological study.

Ependymoma is a rare tumour developed from ependymal cells and belonging to the group of neuroglial tumours. It may be located in any part of the central nervous system, but shows a preference for the ventricular cavities. Neuroradiology is not specific. CT shows a frequently large, calcified and cystic lesion of varied density and strongly contrast-enhanced. The signal emitted at MRI is often heterogeneous. Treatment consists of surgery combined with radiotherapy. Prognosis is poor owing to the difficulty of surgical excision and to the possibility of CSF grafts.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Growth fraction (Ki67), ploidy balance and proliferation index in tumors of the urogenital tract and breast].

The practical applications of computer-assisted image analysis systems are multiple in oncology. The computerized system of image analysis referred to as SAMBA (TITN) is particularly relevant to analyse coloured images resulting from immunostaining or histochemical procedures assessed either on tissue sections of any type or cytological preparations (imprints, smears). The SAMBA analysis of positive Ki67 surfaces in tissue sections from breast, endometrial, ovarian, cervical or urinary bladder samples enables a multiparametric evaluation of the growth fraction (GF) in intraepithelial, borderline or invasive proliferations. Moreover, the SAMBA analysis after Feulgen staining procedures provides a parametric evaluation of the nuclei densitometry and morphological features and of the chromatin texture, which serve to compute the ploidy balance (BP) and the proliferation index (PI). In benign tumors, GF and PI are low and tumor cells are diploid with an overall high positive PB values. In malignant tumors, GF, PI and the percentage of aneuploid cells increase with tumor grade and stage whereas PB decreases. In borderline proliferations, FC, PI and PB intermediate values are recorded. These new criteria of prognosis should be assessed routinely in pathology departments and the results from these new investigations are likely to be soon implicated in the selection of patient therapy.

Antigens, Surface↗