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Biomedical subjects

S Bianchi

Publications and source records attributed to S Bianchi.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Sonographic evaluation of lipohemarthrosis: clinical and in vitro study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of sonography in diagnosing lipohemarthrosis. Sonography was performed on seven patients with intra-articular fractures of the knee, shoulder, and hip. An in vitro mixture of fat and blood was examined as the gold standard. In the patients scanned a few minutes after immobilization, a two-band appearance of joint effusion was present, representing a fat-blood level. One patient scanned 3 hours after immobilization showed a three-band appearance of joint effusion, corresponding to the layers of fat, serum and red blood cells. Results of this study indicate a high reliability of ultrasonography in detecting lipohemarthrosis.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1995

Sonographic examination of muscle herniation.

Muscle herniation is defined as a protrusion of a portion of a muscle through a defect of the muscle fascia. Although muscle herniation usually is only a cosmetic problem, the condition can lead to spontaneous pain, cramp, or local tenderness. We report eight patients in whom sonographic examination was used to diagnose a muscle herniation. The sonographic technique demonstrates the muscle bulging and the fascial defect. Dynamic examination permits the demonstration of reduction of the herniated muscle substance when pressure is applied through the probe. Although the diagnosis of muscle herniation can be suspected at physical examination, nevertheless sonography can be useful in confirmation.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1995

Expansile subchondral degenerative bone cyst secondary to osteoarthritis.

A 53-year-old man known to have osteoarthritis of the left knee was examined because of a soft-tissue swelling overlying the pes anserinus tendon. Plain radiography and computed tomography revealed an expansile subchondral cyst of the proximal tibia. The cyst was multiloculated, had a sclerotic margin and an extraosseous soft-tissue component, and interrupted the cortex. Proof of a degenerative cyst was obtained by open biopsy. Such presentation in the knee is rare. Awareness of the possible aggressive behaviour of such degenerative cysts should help avoid confusion with neoplasm.

Bone Cysts↗
PubMed1995

[Late sequelae involving the breast after radiotherapy for lung metastasis of Wilms' tumor. Experience of the Florence Radiotherapy and analysis of the literature].

A growing number of children treated for malignant tumors has been cured thanks to progress in the field of pediatric oncology, and therefore long-term treatment sequelae have been more frequently observed. Fourteen of 65 pediatric patients with Wilms' tumor treated in Florence 1957 through 1978, developed lung metastases and six survived at least five years after treatment. Four of these long-term survivors are girls. This paper reports on the long-term sequelae observed in the breast of these four patients: three of them presented breast hypoplasia and one breast cancer. We discuss our personal experience and the relative literature, describing the relationship between given dose and the incidence of breast hypoplasia. Some hypotheses on the etiology of secondary cancer are also discussed.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1995

Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus.

Reproductive results in women with a septate uterus include increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, premature birth, and abnormal fetal presentations. Septate uterus is seen most often in women with reproductive wastage. This article discusses the diagnosis, indications for surgery, surgical technique, results, and complications for treating patients with a septate uterus.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1995

Habitual abortion: endocrinological aspects.

Endocrine disorders are among the potential causes of repeated spontaneous abortion although their role is uncertain. These disorders most frequently associated with repeated spontaneous abortion are corpus luteum insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and hypo- and hyperthyroidism. The best method of diagnosing corpus luteum insufficiency has not yet been established. It seems that treatment for this condition cannot be based on simple supplementation with progesterone, but ovulation induction preceded by pituitary suppression and human chorionic gonadotropin administration might be more successful. There is increasing evidence that polycystic ovary syndrome is a cause of repeated spontaneous abortion, but possibly only in the presence of oligomenorrhea and luteinizing hormone hypersecretion. Diabetes, if well controlled by treatment, and thyroid dysfunction, probably play a minor role.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1995

Increased thickness of the carotid artery in patients with essential hypertension and microalbuminuria.

In patients with essential hypertension, the presence of microalbuminuria carries an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms responsible for this association are not clear. Microalbuminuria could signal the presence of generalised atherosclerosis. To determine the extent of atherosclerosis, we measured by B-mode ultrasound imaging the thickness of the intima and media layers of the carotid artery in 30 hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria, 30 patients without microalbuminuria and 30 normotensive healthy subjects. In hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria, urinary albumin excretion (55 +/- 4.7 mg/24 h) was greater (P < 0.01) than in patients without microalbuminuria (12 +/- 0.9 mg/24 h) and in healthy subjects (7.1 +/- 0.52 mg/24 h). In hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria, the thickness of the carotid artery (0.78 +/- 0.02 mm) was greater (P < 0.01) than in patients without microalbuminuria (0.69 +/- 0.01 mm) and in healthy subjects (0.64 +/- 0.02 mm). In hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria, the mean insulin area-under-the curve (59,703 +/- 4,874 pmol/L x 2 h) and glucose area-under-the curve (928 +/- 40.0 mmol/L x 2 h) were significantly greater (P < 0.005) than in patients without microalbuminuria (38,774 +/- 4,104 pmol/L x 2 h and 803 +/- 34.7 mmol/L x 2 h, respectively), and in normotensive healthy subjects (27,557 +/- 2563 pmol/L x 2 h and 837 +/- 31.2 mmol/L x 2 h, respectively). Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) were higher in hypertensives with than in those without microalbuminuria. The thickness of the carotid artery was significantly correlated with microalbuminuria, blood pressure, cholesterol, serum triglycerides and insulin area-under-the curve. In conclusion, this study shows that hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria have an increased thickness of the carotid intima and media layers suggesting a greater degree of atherosclerosis. Measurements of urinary albumin excretion may be important in the evaluation of patients with essential hypertension.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed1995

[Intraoperative histological study of nonpalpable lesions of the breast].

The intraoperative frozen section technique has proven to be valid and accurate in the diagnosis of palpable breast lesions, while its use in non-palpable lesions of the breast has been recently discussed. In order to estimate the accuracy of frozen section technique in non-palpable breast lesions we reviewed our series of 672 cases of non-palpable lesions examined intraoperatively between January 1977 and December 1991. Frozen section diagnoses were compared with diagnoses obtained at review of the permanent paraffin sections. A review of the mammographic pattern of each lesion was also carried out. Frozen section diagnosis was replaced by permanent paraffin sections in 22 cases (3.3%). Benign or malignant (in situ and invasive carcinomas) frozen section diagnoses were accurate in 623 of 650 cases (95.8%). Frozen section diagnosis was modified on the basis of permanent sections in 27 cases (4.2%), with 3 false positives and 24 false negatives. Sensitivity and specificity of frozen section technique were 91.7% and 99.2%, respectively. Comparing frozen section and definitive diagnosis according to the mammographic pattern, sensitivity was lower in patients with microcalcifications as the only alteration (88.8%) compared with patients with opacities (94.9%). On the basis of our results the frozen section technique in non-palpable breast lesions is to be considered a valid and reliable diagnostic procedure, particularly in lesions detectable at mammography as an opacity and identifiable on gross examination of the surgical specimen.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Population-based breast cancer survival. Mammographic screening activities in central Italy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on 5-year survival of patients with invasive breast cancer relative to demographic and clinical variables (age, residence, and disease diffusion) and to early diagnostic procedures performed in the area. METHODS: The observed (Kaplan-Meier method) and relative 5-year survival in 1263 patients with invasive breast cancer in the Province of Florence, Italy, between 1985-1986 (source: Tuscany Cancer Registry) are presented. The results were compared with those of other European areas and of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The Cox model is used to evaluate the effects of age at diagnosis (5-year age groups), disease diffusion (localized, regional, distant, unspecified), residence (Municipality of Florence, screening area, other municipalities), and source of diagnosis (Center for the Study and Prevention of Cancer, hospitals) on observed survival. RESULTS: Observed 5-year survival was 68.4% (Kaplan-Meier method) and relative 5-year survival was 75.4%. Relative survival for patients younger than age 35 at diagnosis was high (82.3%); it decreased slowly from 80.5% in the group of patients 35-44 years of age, to 74.0% in those 65-74 years of age, and steeply decreased to 68.1% in those 75 years of age and older. Relative 5-year survival in Florence was lower only than that observed in Switzerland (Geneva) and in the USA (whites). Five-year prognosis was worse in women 70 years of age or older, in advanced stages, in residents of municipalities not involved in the screening program, and in cases diagnosed in hospitals. The gain in survival may be explained partially by lead-time effect and by length bias due to early diagnosis both in self-referred women and in screening-detected cases. In these cases, though, the better prognosis, although attenuated, persisted after adjustment by disease diffusion. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the early diagnosis of breast cancer in self-referred women affects prognosis, at least concerning 5-year survival. Moreover, although lead-time effect and length bias cannot be excluded in this study, screening by personal invitation may reduce the disadvantage in the survival of patients with breast cancer often observed in rural areas.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Calcium modulates the cyclin D1 expression in a rat parathyroid cell line.

We have used a rat epithelial parathyroid cell line (PT-r) to study the expression and regulation of D-type cyclins. In PT-r cells the cyclin D1 gene is the most abundantly expressed, being transcribed in at least two mRNAs whose levels oscillate during the cell cycle. We also screened a cDNA library prepared from PT-r cells with the human cyclin D1 probe and isolated its rat homologue. Cyclin D2 and D3 mRNAs are both represented in PT-r cells but the former one is only barely detectable. Moreover, the oscillation of cyclin D3 transcript is slightly delayed when compared to cyclin D1 and D2. Since extracellular calcium inhibits parathyroid cell proliferation, we looked for the effect of the ion on the expression of cyclin D genes in PT-r cells. Increasing amounts of calcium in the incubation medium reduced the expression of rat cyclin D1 and D2. The effect appears to be cell-specific and probably mediated through the inhibition of mitogenic signalling pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Binding and bioeffects of Ipriflavone on a human preosteoclastic cell line.

Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone derivative, reduces bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclasts activity. In order to evaluate the role of Ipriflavone on osteoclast growth and differentiation, we tested Ipriflavone and its four "in vivo" main metabolites (Metabolites I, II, III, and V) on a clonal population of human osteoclast precursor cells (FLG 29.1). Pharmacological doses of Ipriflavone and Metabolite III were able to inhibit cell proliferation and interleukin 6 release. In co-cultures of FLG 29.1 cells and osteoblastic (Saos-2) cells Ipriflavone at 1 microM dose inhibited the adhesion of FLG 29.1 cells to the osteoblastic monolayer and reduced the immunocytochemical reaction of the vitronectin receptor. Binding studies with tritiated Ipriflavone showed the presence of a single specific binding site, wtih a Kd of about 70 nM and a binding capacity of 8 fmol/10(6) cells. These results demonstrate a direct effect of Ipriflavone and of Metabolite III on the human osteoclast precursor cell line FLG 29.1.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1994

Widia tool grinding: the importance of primary prevention measures in reducing occupational exposure to cobalt.

An occupational health and industrial hygiene survey was carried out in Widia tool grinding industries in the area covered by Local Health Unit No. 60--Vimercate (Northern Italy). The principal objectives of the study were to assess occupational cobalt exposure, identify the measures required to improve the 'risk' situations, and implement specific health protocols. The results identified a variable level of occupational hazard in the tool grinding sector. An important factor in the containment of occupational exposure was, along with correct practical procedures, the existence of adequate primary prevention measures (aspiration systems over the machines). In the plants where good industrial hygiene conditions prevailed, environmental cobalt concentrations were below the TLV, whereas the levels recorded in plants with inadequate equipment were as much as 10 times the TLV. Similarly, urinary cobalt for the workers in these same plants was as much as 13 times higher than the reference population value. However, this was recorded in plants with good industrial hygiene conditions. After technical improvements, the results of biological monitoring showed an overall reduction in exposure indicator values.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1994

Selective blockade of different brain stem muscarinic receptor subtypes: effects on the sleep-wake cycle.

Changes induced in the sleep-wake cycle by pontine microinjections of muscarinic antagonists were studied in freely moving rats, instrumented for chronic polygraphic recordings. Pirenzepine (PIR), methoctramine (MET) and p-fluoro-hexahydro-siladifenidol (p-F-HHSiD), which are highly selective M1, M2 and M3 antagonists, respectively, were dissolved in 0.1 microliter of sterile isotonic saline (0.2 microliter of distilled water for p-F-HHSiD) and injected into the pontine reticular nucleus, where the administration of 0.5 microgram carbachol (a mixed muscarinic agonist) induced a 52% increase in the amount of desynchronized sleep (DS) over a 6 h recording period. The blockade of M2 receptors was shown to (i) antagonize DS, by increasing its latency and decreasing its percentage, (ii) decrease slow wave sleep, and (iii) enhance wakefulness. These effects were dose-dependent. No changes in the sleep-wake cycle were observed following microinjection of M1 or M3 antagonists. The results support the hypothesis that at the brain stem level only M2 receptors are involved in sleep mechanisms and, particularly, in the generation and maintenance of DS.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Characterization, regulation, and function of specific cell membrane receptors for insulin-like growth factor I on bone endothelial cells.

It is now widely accepted that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has a local regulatory role in bone remodeling. IGF-I has also been demonstrated to regulate proliferation of bone-derived endothelial cells. Such studies suggest a role of IGF-I in skeletal angiogenesis. Using BBE cells, a bovine bone endothelial cell line, we characterized the kinetics and chemical properties of IGF-I receptors and examined the effect of IGF-I on bone endothelium migration. Two classes of binding sites with high affinity for IGF-I were detected by binding experiments on bone endothelial cells. Both competition analyses and cross-linking studies revealed the presence of type I IGF receptor in bone endothelial cells. Moreover, these cells produced and released authentic IGF-I into the medium, as evidenced by radioimmunoassay analyses of gel-filtered conditioned media. Both IGF-I binding capacity and release decreased either with increases in cell number or after treatment with 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta E2) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Both hormones also inhibited chemotactic responses of bone endothelial cells to IGF-I. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that IGF-I, a growth factor that promotes the proliferation of various bone cell types, also induces growth and chemotactic responses in bone endothelium acting through the type I IGF receptor. This may be part of a generalized response of bone cells to IGF-I that facilitates cell migration.

Analysis of Variance↗