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Biomedical subjects

P Princi

Publications and source records attributed to P Princi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

High intensity light exposure increases blood-brain barrier transport in rats.

A quantitative technique utilizing 14C-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid as a tracer was used to study the blood-brain barrier permeability modifications induced by environmental stimuli, as the high intensity light exposure. The blood-to-brain transfer constant was significantly increased only in the occipital cortex following the treatment. The possibility that the blood-brain barrier is able to modify its local characteristics in response to cerebral activity changes was discussed.

Aminoisobutyric Acids↗

Computerized tridimensional reconstruction of vegetable structures.

By means of a "Personal Computer", a technique has been worked out for the acquisition and processing of data, for the tridimensional reconstruction of vegetable structures starting out from information, in the form of photographic images, obtained by optical or electronic microscope. Examples of the application of this program to vegetable drugs (corolla of Lavandula angustifolia Mill flowers) are given.

Image Processing, Computer-Assisted↗

Increased serum thyroglobulin concentrations and impaired thyrotropin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in euthyroid subjects with endemic goiter in Sicily: their relation to goiter size and nodularity.

Serum thyroglobulin (Tg), T4, T3, FT4, FT3, TSH concentrations and TSH response to iv TRH (delta TSH) were measured in 56 consecutive patients with (multi) nodular goiter from a severely iodine-deficient endemic goiter area in Northeastern Sicily and in 11 non goitrous euthyroid individuals living in the same area. Serum Tg concentrations were sharply increased in goitrous subjects (453 +/- 476 ng/ml) and related to thyroid size and the presence of nodules (chi 2 = 43.5, p less than 0.0005). Serum TSH levels measured in goitrous patients (2.1 +/- 0.9 microU/ml) were significantly lower than those measured in nongoitrous iodine deficient subjects (3.1 +/- 0.9 microU/ml, p less than 0.001) and decreased with increasing goiter size and nodularity (chi 2 = 27.3, p less than 0.05). A similar pattern was shown by the analysis of the delta TSH (chi 2 = 43.1, p less than 0.0005). These results suggest that at least a part of the largest and multinodular goiters become autonomously functioning with duration and growing in size. In 13 goitrous patients with absent or impaired response to TRH, a significant direct relation was apparent between log-Tg and goiter size and nodularity (r = 0.64) with an inverse relationship between serum FT3 and delta TSH (r = 0.73). A computed program analysis based on the combination of different independent variables (x) including age, thyroid size and nodularity, serum TSH, log-Tg and FT3, indicated the existence of a significant negative relationship between these variables and the TSH response to TRH (r = 0.75, p = 0).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Cardiovascular reflex tests. Assessment of age-adjusted normal range.

To assess the relationship between aging and autonomic control of heart rate and blood pressure, cardiovascular reflex tests were performed in 70 healthy volunteers in the age range 25-71 years. R-R interval variation, heart rate change with deep breathing, 30/15 ratio and blood pressure response to standing appeared significantly declining with age. For each test we calculated the P0.99 and P0.01 confidence limits for individual observations. On the other hand, Valsalva ratio and the blood pressure response to sustained handgrip appeared to be unrelated to age. These results suggest that there is an age-dependent degradation of the mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular reflexes. The assessment of age-adjusted normal values improves the criteria for delineating abnormal from normal results in individual testing of autonomic function.

Adult↗

The effect of the calcium antagonist nimodipine upon local cerebral glucose utilization in the rat brain.

The new calcium antagonist Nimodipine has been shown to have more powerful dilator action on cerebral than peripheral vessels. The effect of the drug on cerebral metabolism was studied in conscious rats using the /14C/-2-deoxyglucose quantitative autoradiographic technique. Intravenous injection of Nimodipine, 2 mcg/Kg, determined significant increases in local cerebral glucose utilization that appeared to be homogeneous in magnitude and anatomic distribution throughout the brain. This study raises the question whether Nimodipine affects brain functions by other mechanisms than an increase in cerebral blood flow.

Animals↗

[Hemi-agenesis of the thyroid gland].

The paper is based on the observation of two cases of thyroid hemiagenesis, not so much for the rarity of the findings as for their diagnostic ambiguity. These aspects are discussed along with the consequent therapeutic problems. The concept of "no clinical significance" expressed elsewhere on the question of hemiagenetic thyroids is not shared because of possible development into goitre, myxoedema, Basedow's disease and, particularly, neoplastic degeneration. The congenitally incomplete organ is called on to sustain the entire functional burden from birth and even earlier. Where hemiagenesis is identified, this means careful supervision because it is precisely as a result of the organ's mutilated condition and the duration of the functional burden involved that the danger lies.

Adult↗

[Diagnosis of intrathoracic goiter].

The various aspects of the diagnosis of intrathoracic goitre are examined. Clinical, blood chemistry and radiological and radioisotope data are required before a firm decision can be made. Detailed recognition of goitre type and assessment of the site and extent of the intramediastinal portion, together with determination of the existence of intra- and extraparenchymal inflammation or degeneration or other signs of disease, are an essential differential overture to the choice of a surgical approach route (cervical, cervical-mediastinal with median sternotomy, transthoracic) and the appraisal of prognosis. In the absence of malignant degeneration, prognosis is good in all cases, since this type of goitre can be completely and finally eradicated.

Adult↗