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Biomedical subjects

R Mader

Publications and source records attributed to R Mader.

98 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

The concept of abnormal hemispheric organization in addiction research.

In addition to the established areas of endogenous psychoses, the concept of abnormal hemispheric organization in the field of psychiatry is also generating ever greater interest in the area of research into addiction. On the basis of the demonstrably higher rate of developmental risk factors (pre-, peri-, postnatal), in particular the marker left-handedness (LH) has been interpreted as an indication of induced hemispheric 'malcontrol' in endogenous psychoses. In various studies, elevated rates of LH have also been shown in alcoholics. Alcoholism could be related to biological factors associated with anomalous cerebral dominance. In a joint study carried out by the Anton Proksch Institut in Vienna (Austria), and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) involving a total of 250 alcohol-dependent inpatients, the hypothesis of deviant laterality in the presence of an elevated frequency of developmental risk factors has been confirmed exclusively in male alcoholics. A comparison of subtypes has also revealed that Type IV in the Lesch typology, and Type II in the Cloninger classification, are more vulnerable subtypes. These results clearly show that there are differences to be found within the overall group of alcoholics, and underscore the need for subtyping and gender-specific studies.

Alcoholism↗

Improved respiratory CO2-He analysis for peripheral airways impairment detection. Utilization possibilities of a new computerized system in preventive medicine studies.

The authors illustrate the application possibilities in occupational and preventive medicine of a recently computerized system for the evaluation of peripheral ventilatory non-homogeneities with or without alveolar air trapping. The method consists of an improved individual multiple breath by breath test utilizing the analysis of the respiratory gases CO2 and He. It is based on the results of previous experimental measurements performed simultaneously in different pulmonary sectors an depends on the technical possibility of signalizing out-of-phase expired CO2-He mixtures at the end of the inert gas clearance when in subjects with peripheral respiratory disorders the two gases CO2 and He arrive at the mouth at different times, during the same expiration and cause different, opposite signals. The applied physiological reliability of the measurements was experimentally verified, their technical specificity was recently established. The use of a new computerized system allows actually automatic, on-line measurements under the control of the operator, following a standardized method. The resolution power of the signals is very high. The calculation of the results is performed by the software. The system is easy to transport and can be used in the field for screening on large groups of persons in preventive medicine inquiries and during occupational medicine checks. Quite recently it has been usefully employed during an investigation on 200 subjects, occupationally exposed (policemen of the city traffic department of the town of Bologna).

Breath Tests↗

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, protein C deficiency, and beta-thalassemia major: report of two cases.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is an idiopathic osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis and the associated complications thereof occurring in an immature growing child. The association between osteonecrosis of the femoral head and thrombophilia was postulated by Glueck in 1994. We describe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease associated with protein C deficiency and beta-thalassemia major in two children among a cohort of 79 beta-thalassemia patients treated in our clinic. The association of thrombophilia, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and beta-thalassemia has not been previously described in the literature.

Adolescent↗

Isolated septic meningococcal arthritis.

Among the different types of arthritis associated with meningococcal disease, isolated primary meningococcal arthritis is unusual. A case of isolated group C meningococcal septic arthritis in an HIV negative homosexual male is described and its possible implication discussed.

Adult↗

Recurrent sterile arthritis following primary septic meningococcal arthritis.

Primary septic meningococcal arthritis (PSMA) is an unusual manifestation of meningococcal disease. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, complete recovery is the rule. A "postinfectious arthritis" in the previously infected joint may ensue, however. A patient who developed a recurrent sterile arthritis following PSMA, after a symptom-free interval, is described. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical implications are discussed.

Adult↗

Malabsorption in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To screen patients with SLE for malabsorption. METHODS: Twenty-one patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE were enrolled in the study. Patients were screened for malabsorption by the D-Xylose test (DXT) and by microscopic examination of the stool for fat droplets. All patients underwent upper GI endoscopy with biopsy from the second portion of the duodenum. The specimen was examined for morphologic abnormalities and for the presence of IgG, IgM, IgA, and kappa and lambda light chains. Ten patients without SLE served as controls. RESULTS: A history of abdominal pain and occasional diarrhea was elicited in 2/21 patients. These patients were found to have an abnormal DXT and excessive fecal fat excretion. In one of these patients, histologic examination revealed flattened and deformed villi with an inflammatory infiltrate. Two other patients showed isolated excessive fecal fat excretion with a normal microscopic appearance of the mucosa. In 20/21 patients the small bowel histology was normal. In all patients, immunoperoxidase staining revealed a normal quantity and distribution of the immunoglobulins and light chains within the intestinal mucosa. No correlation was demonstrated between CH50, C3, C4, anti-dsDNA levels and the malabsorption. CONCLUSION: In this series of SLE patients, the prevalence of malabsorption was 9.5%, and was even higher if isolated fat malabsorption was considered. A search for malabsorption in patients with SLE, and in particular in those with abdominal complaints, is recommended. The pathogenesis is not yet clear and warrants further investigation.

Adult↗