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Biomedical subjects

R Mariani

Publications and source records attributed to R Mariani.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Use of the retention index in gas chromatographic studies of drugs.

In earlier studies, it has been shown that the retention index (Ir) is a very reproducible measure of gas chromatographic mobility. Statistically comparing Ir values obtained here with those found in references has yielded very satisfying results. This will enable the use of Ir values in the screening phase of analysis for general unknowns using the great number of data offered by references; thus limiting the range of inquiry to no more than 6 or 7 drugs, provided that the unknown is between the scheduled ones. An index of analytical behavior that is an absolutely reproducible number will be necessary for computerizing toxicological analysis.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Flash alkylation for the identification of barbiturates in biological material.

The gas chromatographic identification of barbiturates isolated from biological material is not optimal, and due to their polar nature, it is difficult to obtain good resolution on most columns. To improve resolution, flash alkylation appeared to be a reasonable alternative. Methyl, ethyl, and butyl derivatives were prepared for various drugs found in the "acid-neutral" extract and the Kovats retention indices (Ir) were determined on SE-30, OV-17, and SP-2250. The Ir of the alkylated derivatives of the barbiturates are highly reproducible. One column and two alkylated derivatives can be used for the qualitative analysis of barbiturates in extracts of biological material, even when the Stas-Otto extract is used.

Alkylation↗

Congenital leukemia cutis preceding monoblastic leukemia by 3 months.

We report an infant born with a cutaneous nodular eruption and neutropenia. Skin biopsy specimens revealed an immature dermal infiltrate suggestive of leukemia cutis, but repeated peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations failed to demonstrate malignant cells. The eruption resolved spontaneously. At the age of 3 months, a second occurrence of maculopapular skin lesions led to discovery of an acute monoblastic leukemia with (9;11)(p21-22;q23) translocation. Congenital acute leukemia is a rare disease associated with skin infiltration in 25% to 30% of patients. Usually the diagnosis is easily made by peripheral blood examination and/or bone marrow aspirate. However, skin involvement may precede acute leukemia by several weeks. Although very rare, this event must be kept in mind.

Biopsy↗

Demodicidosis in an immunodeficient child.

A 15-month-old girl developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Chemotherapy had induced a complete remission and she was continued on maintenance therapy. At 3 years of age, she developed an eruption consisting of excoriated papules and pustules on the face. Demodex folliculorum seemed to be the cause. Topical treatment with metronidazole applied twice a day over a period of 2 weeks resulted in partial improvement. The dermatosis finally cleared gradually with oral erythromycin therapy and one overnight application of 1% lindane cream per week for 2 successive weeks.

Child, Preschool↗

Response of some haemocoagulatory and haemorheological variables to maximal exercise in sedentary and active subjects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how physical conditioning is associated with haemostatic and rheological responses to strenuous exercise. A total of 25 males, divided into two groups differing in exercise fitness (14 sedentary and 11 active), underwent exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer with an initial 25 W workload increasing by the same amount every 3 min. The following variables were evaluated before and after the test: platelet count and aggregability, plasma fibrinogen, fibrinolytic degradation products, viscometry and micro-haematocrit. Significant differences in baseline values between the two groups were found only for blood viscosity. Irrespective of the group, significantly increased values were demonstrated for all the variables, except platelet aggregability and fibrinogen levels, in response to strenuous exercise. It is concluded that the possible protective effect of exercise against cardiovascular disease does not seem to be related to changes in the haemorheological and haemostatic measures evaluated.

Adult↗

[Newborn infants of drug-dependent mothers].

The problems of embryo-foetopathy associated with drug-dependent mothers were determined from published data and from a series of 60 neonates born of heroin-addicted mothers. Low weight at birth resulting from prematurity and/or hypotrophy was frequent. Monitoring of labour and the presence of a specialized medical team in the delivery room improve the Apgar's score and reduces the incidence of meconium inhalation. The possible occurrence of seldom severe withdrawal syndrome makes it mandatory to place every child born of a drug-dependent mother under observation in a neonatology unit. The predominant threat, at mid- or long term, is human immunodeficiency virus infection. The fear of AIDS explains why such children are now followed up for longer periods, resulting in a more accurate evaluation of their future somatic and psychomotor status.

Female↗

[Pneumonia and submaxillary cellulitis caused by B group Streptococcus in an infant].

The association of pneumonia and submandibular cellulitis in the case of group B streptococcal LOD (Late Onset Disease) is rare. Concerning the possible nosocomial infection of a 31/2 months infant the authors compare the pulmonary disease with that of the EOD (Early Onset Disease) and like other authors recommend considering GBS as the main cause of any cellulitis for an infant under 4 months.

Cellulitis↗

[The Vater association in a newborn infant of a diabetic mother].

Concerning the case history of an infant of diabetic mother, the authors analyse the possible relationship between a VATER association and a poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in the early weeks of pregnancy. Caudal regression syndrome, the most frequently observed malformation noted in infants of diabetic mothers and VATER association are the results of an "AXIAL MESODERMAL DYSPLASIA". Furthermore, the factors causing VATER association occur before the seventh week of pregnancy like those responsible for the anomalies observed in infants of diabetic mothers. It is possible that a poorly controlled diabetes mellitus before conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy could favour the appearance of VATER association.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗