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Biomedical subjects

S Ricci

Publications and source records attributed to S Ricci.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

First-year results of a community-based study of stroke incidence in Umbria, Italy.

The SEPIVAC study (Italian initials for "epidemiologic study of incidence of acute cerebrovascular disease") is a community-based epidemiologic survey of incidence and outcome of cerebrovascular disease in the territory of the 6th Local Health Unit, Umbria, Italy, where 49,101 people live. All cases were registered with the study either by notification from general practitioners or by check of hospital admission within the study area and in the two hospitals of Perugia. Death certificates were looked at as well. Patients were registered with the study when the clinical picture fulfilled the definition of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) adopted for this study. Patients were followed up at approximately 30 days and 6 months. During the first year of the study (September 1, 1986 to August 31, 1987), 189 cases were registered: 108 suffered a "first ever in a lifetime" stroke, 30 a recurrent stroke, and 51 a "first ever in a lifetime" transient ischemic attack. Sixty-one percent of patients (71% of first strokes) had a computed tomography scan. For our study, the crude annual incidence rate of first stroke was 2.2 per 1,000 (confidence intervals 1.81-2.66); the standardized rate to the European population was 1.36 (confidence intervals 1.06-1.74). At least 83% of first strokes were due to cerebral ischemia; in 26 cases a clinical diagnosis of lacunar ischemia was made. The 30-day case fatality rate was 21%; 25% of our patients had recovered completely or almost completely after 1 month.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗
PubMed1989

[Changes of cardiac myosin in spontaneously hypertensive rats and control rats, during the various stages of development of essential arterial hypertension].

The aim of this research was to assess left ventricular myosin alterations of Sh, rats during the various phases in which primitive hypertension developed. Two groups of animals were examined: one comprised spontaneously hypertension rats (Shr) and the other controls. Both groups were studied from the 5th to 31st week of life. The Shrs became hypertensive at 9 weeks of age. The animals were sacrificed at: 5-7-9-12-16-24-31 weeks of age. The left ventricles were separated from their hearts and native myosin in non dissociated conditions was then obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; heavy chains and light chains were separated with S.D.S. One of the findings showed that in the control rats the myosin iso-enzyme V1 always prevailed over the myosin iso-enzyme V3 during all the stages of life examined. In the Shrs, starting from the iso-enzyme V3 increased proportionally. The heavy chains showed the same behavior as the native protein while there were no significant differences for the light chains in both groups of animals. In conclusion, our findings show that the structural and biochemical compensation variations which several authors have demonstrated in other conditions of experimental hypertension occur in Sh rats as well.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[In vitro reactivity of the aorta of SHR rats and Wistar rats, in the various developmental phases of arterial hypertension: role of the endothelium].

The mechanical reactivity of SHR and Wistar rats' aortas was evaluated, in vitro, after stimulation by potassium chloride (K+), phenylephrine (Phe), norepinephrine (NE), histamine (H), serotonin (5-HT) and acetylcholine (Ach), before and after the removal of the endothelium. The aortic rings were taken at different ages and stages of the hypertensive state (that in the SHRs started at the ninth week of life) and successively suspended in a bath for isolated organs. The mechanical activity was measured by isometric transducers. In SHR rats an increased sensitivity to K+, NE and Phe compared with the control group, and preceding the hypertensive stage, was found. The removal of the endothelium did not modify the response amplitude to K in both the breeds, while the maximum response amplitude, provoked by NE and Phe, significantly increased in SHRs compared to controls. The relaxation induced by vasodilator agents (Ach, H, 5-HT) was significantly reduced in the SHR rats' aortas with initial hypertension (12th week) if compared with Wistar rats at the same age. The release response was completely absent in the SHR rats' aortas with established hypertension (18th week). In conclusion, these results suggest that, in hypertensive rats, a functional deterioration of the endothelial cells occurs: this may contribute to the increase in peripheral vascular resistance observed during hypertension.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Genome organization of the killer plasmid pGK12 from Kluyveromyces lactis.

We have determined the entire sequence of the plasmid K2 from Kluyveromyces lactis which is involved in the maintenance of both killer plasmids in the cell. K2 shares many of the characteristics of the smaller killer plasmid K1: high A+T content (74.7%) and very compact genomic organization. K2 contains ten open reading frames. Some of them overlap on different strands and some on the same strand. Northern blotting of K2 transcripts shows that at least eight ORFs are transcribed. Analysis of the predicted aminoacid sequence of ORF2 from K2 reveals homology with the aminoacid sequence of ORF 1 from K1 and with several viral DNA polymerases. The sequence of K2 from Saccaromyces cerevisiae F102-2 was also determined. Only one nucleotide difference was found between the K2 sequence from the two yeasts. This mutation does not change the genome organization of the plasmid and has only minimal effect on the structure of the encoded proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Quantitative clinical anatomy of the pancreatic arteries studied by selective celiac angiography.

The angiographic visualization of the pancreatic arteries, their numerical variations, origins, course and anastomoses, as well as their mean diameter by age-group (20-40, 41-60, greater than 60 years) have been quantitatively investigated by selective celiac angiography in 72 patients without pancreatic disease. Visualization of the various arteries was achieved in a high percentage of cases except for the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arches, due to undervaluation of this vessel by celiac angiography. Confirmation of the great variability of the origin and anastomoses of the dorsal and transverse pancreatic arteries was obtained and possible embryologic reasons and clinical implications of this fact are discussed. Furthermore, a high percentage of multiple (quadruple or more) pancreatica magna and caudae pancreatis arteries has been observed and a functional role of this peculiar arrangement is suggested. Finally, no statistically significant differences were found in the diameter of any artery due to increasing age, probably reflecting maintained neural perivascular control of the pancreatic vessels in the elderly. Satisfactory sensitivity of the angiographic method has been found with respect to the evaluation of visualization and anastomoses of the pancreatic arteries in vivo.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Clinical anatomy of the suprarenal arteries: a quantitative approach by aortography.

The angiographic visualization, arterial origin and mean diameter per age group (20-40, 41-60 years) of the suprarenal arterial vessels have been quantitatively investigated by aortography in 100 patients without suprarenal disease. Visualization of the various arteries was achieved in a percentage substantially comparable to the anatomic data of the literature, though with lower detection of the superior suprarenal vessels. A variable site of origin was present particularly for the superior and middle suprarenal vessels compared to the inferior suprarenal arteries and possible embryological reasons and clinical implications are discussed. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean diameter of each arterial vessel in all the subjects examined, thus substantiating the concept of differential arterial supply to various portions of the gland. Age-related changes were demonstrated in the right middle suprarenal artery, suggesting a predominant role of this vessel in the physiological adaptation of the blood supply to the gland with increasing age.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1988

Ultrasonic and endocrinologic relationships in spontaneous and induced follicular phase.

To correlate ovarian growth and follicular size with 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and androstenedione (A) peripheral levels, 20 induced cycles, 6 spontaneous ovulatory cycles and 6 spontaneous anovulatory cycles from 32 women during follicular phase were examined in order to obtain a better insight in the events involved in multiple folliculogenesis. In spontaneous ovulatory cycles, a significant correlation was obtained between E2 plasma levels and volume of the dominant follicle (p less than 0.05) as well as total follicular volume (p less than 0.01). Plasma A was significantly related with sonographic features likely related to ovarian stroma as well as preantral and antral subordinated follicles, which usually fail to ovulate. Significant correlation between E2/A peripheral ratio and volume of the dominant follicle(s) was also found (p less than 0.01). In anovulatory cycles, inverse significant correlation between E2 and sonographic aspects of degenerating antral follicles (p less than 0.001) was found, whereas a positive significant correlation between E2 and ovarian stroma was obtained (p less than 0.001). No correlation between peripheral A and any ovarian sonographic compartment was evident. However in the anovulatory cycles group a significant correlation between A v E2 peripheral levels was found, too. During HMG regimen, all the ovarian compartments seemed to be responsible for E2 peripheral levels. Ovarian stroma as well as preantral and multiple antral follicles were related to A levels. E2/A peripheral ratio did not result to be a good indicator of the large follicles. During "pure" FSH therapy, exclusive correlations between estrogen and large follicles as well as total follicular volume were found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androstenedione↗
PubMed1988

The structure of a plasmid of Chlamydia trachomatis believed to be required for growth within mammalian cells.

Sequence analysis of a 7.5 kb DNA plasmid isolated from Chlamydia trachomatis shows 8 open reading frames (ORFs) regularly spaced along most of the sequence. One of these ORFs encodes a 451-amino-acid polypeptide highly homologous to the DnaB protein of Escherichia coli. A region between ORFs 6 and 7 contains a cluster of alternating ATs and a 22 bp sequence tandemly repeated 4 times, suggesting a replication control region. Several ORFs correspond to plasmid-specific polypeptides that have been described. Codons ending with A or T are more frequent, as might be expected from the high A/T content (64%) of the plasmid, and codon usage is similar to that of the C. trachomatis chromosomal gene, omp1L2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Response to human chorionic gonadotropin in patients with ovarian tumors.

The results of hCG stimulation on peripheral levels of androstenedione (A), testosterone (T) and estrone (E1) were examined in 14 patients with ovarian tumors and in 9 tumor-free subjects, after the menopause. Following hCG injection, 9 postmenopausal patients with ovarian tumors showed a significant rise in A peripheral levels. The responsive subjects generally had significant increases in A baseline levels, too. The remaining 5 subjects with advanced or poorly differentiated ovarian cancer with no stroma were not responsive to hCG. Moreover, in the tumor group, 7 subjects had increased baseline T and/or E1 and in 3 of them an increase of these steroids was observed following hCG. In the absence of ovarian tumor, no subject in the control group was responsive to hCG administration. The results of the present investigation seem to confirm the in vivo responsiveness to hCG of ovarian tumors.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Central nervous system side effects of antiviral drugs.

The use of antiviral drugs (AVD) has greatly expanded in the last few years, and these drugs are frequently used in patients with impaired functions and barriers, and therefore a higher risk of adverse effects. However, it is difficult to ascribe with certainty to these drugs CNS symptoms which can be caused by the viral disease itself. In this paper, we reviewed the available informations on CNS side effects of commonly used AVD. No large case-control or cohort study has been published and most informations come from single case reports or short series, in which the neurological symptoms have not been fully described. It is concluded that ad hoc studies are urgently needed to exactly know the extent of the problem and it is suggested that physicians should be prepared to recognize and carefully describe the early manifestations of AVD neurological toxicity.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1987

Creatine kinase BB activity in serum of patients with acute stroke: correlation with the severity of brain damage.

BB-CK activity was measured in 11 patients with stroke and in 10 controls. Blood samples were taken 36 hours after the clinical stroke onset in every patient. Sera were stored at -80 degrees and analyzed within two months. The creatine kinase isoenzymatic pattern was determined by ion-exchange column separation and gradient elution system. The mean BB-CK concentration in patients with stroke was significantly higher than in controls (p less than 0.01). In the group of "stroke" patients we found a correlation between severity of brain damage, as suggested by the clinical picture and CT scans, and serum values of BB-CK.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Indications and results of transcatheter fibrinolysis in acute arterial occlusions].

The authors' experience is reported on intravascular fibrinolytic therapy with urokinase in acute arterial obstructions. Thirty-eight patients were treated, from 1983 to 1986, for acute thrombosis and/or thromboembolization, 22 of which developed on an atherosclerotic lesion, and 10 on a surgical stenotic by-pass graft. A complete vascular recanalization has been obtained, at the end of the procedure, in 69.4% of the cases, 77.7% had a definite final clinical improvement. The results correspond to the medium statistical level of the various casuistics analyzed for comparison. Surgery has been performed on 27.7% of the patients. Complications have been observed in 8% of the cases. IAF technique is of greatest value in the treatment of those lesions; better results have been obtained with intra-thrombus injection of the drug (as emphasized by many authors) in association with PTA and surgery. A close cooperation between interventional radiology, vascular surgery and angiology is therefore necessary in this field.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Effects of acute benzodiazepine administration on growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol release after moderate insulin-induced hypoglycemia in normal women.

Benzodiazepines are known to affect pituitary hormone release, and it has recently been hypothesized that the adenohypophysial hormone response to stress may be modified by previous benzodiazepine treatment. We investigated, therefore, whether a single dose of triazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, and flurazepam, a long-acting one, could influence the response of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol to a mild hypoglycemic stress in young healthy volunteers. Neither triazolam nor flurazepam pretreatment resulted in a significant effect on the pituitary response to hypoglycemic stimulus. The GH, PRL and cortisol peaks after both benzodiazepines were similar to those observed after placebo. Our results seem to exclude, therefore, any relevant effect of acute benzodiazepine administration on the neuroendocrine response to mild stress.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Effects of captopril in heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction and persistence of acute haemodynamic effects in chronic heart failure after 3 years of treatment.

A study was made of ten subjects with post myocardial left ventricular failure. All patients were treated with captopril with successive doses of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg. Heart rate and mean blood pressure remained unchanged. Cardiac output increased from 4.30 +/- 0.56 to 4.6 +/- 0.57 litres/min in response to the 12.5 mg dose (P less than 0.05), from 4.30 +/- 0.56 to 4.77 +/- 0.59 litres/min on administration of the 25 mg dose (P less than 0.01) and from 4.34 +/- 0.56 to 4.86 +/- 0.66 litres/min after the 50 mg dose (P less than 0.01). Total systemic resistance fell from a baseline mean of 1847 +/- 338 to 1697 +/- 35 dyne/s/cm-5 with the 12.5 mg dose, to 1547 +/- 329 with the 25 mg dose and to 1489 +/- 308 with the 50 mg dose. All the reductions were statistically significant. Right atrial pressure, pulmonary blood pressure, wedge pressure, total pulmonary resistance and pre-capillary resistance decreased statistically significantly. In a separate study on the possibility that captopril long term therapy may induce tachyphylaxis we studied the acute haemodynamic effects of a dose of 25 mg of captopril after 17 to 36 months (mean 29.5 +/- 5.3) treatment with it for chronic congestive heart failure. Cardiac index increased from 2.02 +/- 0.25 to 2.59 +/- 0.62 (P less than 0.01) total systemic resistance, mean pulmonary pressure and wedge pressure decreased statistically significantly.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Value of CT scanning in outpatients: preliminary report on a controlled study.

A series of 100 consecutive new outpatients attending the neuroradiology service for a cranial CT scan between 1 October and 24 December 1984 were analyzed. On the day of the investigation each patient was examined by a neurologist, who gave his opinion on the value of a CT scan. The neurologist's ratings were then compared with the CT reports. More than 2/3 of the requests for CT were useless and could have been avoided by thorough clinical evaluation of the patients and full awareness of what CT scanning can contribute to diagnosis and treatment.

Adolescent↗