L'Ateneo parmense. Acta bio-medica : organo della Societa di medicina e scienze naturali di Parma最新文献

Moiré topography is a biostereometric method which produces a three-dimensional image of the shape of the trunk. In structure scoliosis an asymmetry of the two halves of the back is seen. This method has been studied and the range of the asymmetry of the moiré pattern has been compared with clinical observations and X-ray findings in case with structural scoliosis. Because of the sensitivity of the moiré method an asymmetry of at least half fringe interval could be regarded as a positive result. All the observed asymmetries less than one fringe interval had a lateral deviation of the spine of less than 10 degrees according to Cobb when W-ray examined. The moiré method seems to be very suitable for the screening of structural scoliosis, owing to: 1) its ability to detect and document even small deformities by photography; 2) the simplicity of the technique; 3) the possibility of documenting the condition of the back for comparison with subsequent examinations; 4) non-invasive for the patient.

The AA. examine the main metabolic and tissues physiopathologic effects after large burns. The same value advantages and disadvantages of anaesthesia treatments during excision and during medications on hard burns. The AA. propose then experience based on the association Althesin drip solution with Fentanyl. They underline the good results obtained by this method.

Twenty-one patients showing memory deficits were submitted to neuropsychological battery, before and after treatment with Deanol. No significant effect has been found. Arguments suggesting further investigation are discussed.

In expectation of a possible anticancer treatment with diphtheria toxin, the antidiphtheria immunity has been tested on 65 advanced cancerous patients. The test has been carried out by Schick's test and by blood antibodies' dosage effected by a process "in vivo" on the depilated skin of the New Zealand rabbit. The results show that about the 30% of these patients has no antidiphtheria immunity. The remaining 70% has antidiphtheria immunity, even if in half cases the antibody level is lower than the limit conventionally considered minimum. In case of a treatment with diphtheria toxin on cancerous patients: we suggest to correlate the doses to the antibody level.

The HLA antigens are currently investigated in many diseases and are very useful in medico-legal tests for exclusion of paternity. However, because of the high polymorphism of the HLA system, for a correct interpretation of the results, it is essential to know the HLA antigens distribution in normal populations used as control. Up to now there are few studies about the HLA system in different regions of Italy and for this reason the Authors have studied the phenotypic, genic frequency and the gametic association of HLA A and B antigens in a population living in the province of Parma. The results confirm an HLA homogeneity of populations living it the western territories of the Emilia Region.

The Authors have investigated the effect on the kidney of experimental administration of 250 mg of clofibrate in rabbits. After 36 days of treatment the animals are sacrificed and histological and ultrastructural examination are made. The seriographies an alteration of the glomerular membrane and a mild fragmentation of endothelial lamina. Swelling of the proximal tubular cell is also revealed. It is concluded that this early injury of the nephron is reversible and more severe manifestation in man can occur. This drug must be strongly avoided.

The empty sella results from an extension of the subarachnoid space into an intrasellar position with subsequent remodeling of the sella turcica and the flattening of the pituitary gland. The sella turcica is usually enlarged causing the greatest diagnostic difficulty to distinguish it from a pituitary tumor. The most patients with this syndrome usually have normal pituitary function, while about 30% have varying degrees of hypopituitarism. The Authors describe a case report of a man with primary empty sella syndrome come to the medical observation for obesity and hyperglyccemia. The endocrine evaluation performed (TRH test, GN-RH test, T3, T4, FT3, FT4, Arginine test, metyrapone test) were normal. OGTT shows a maturity onset diabetes (glycemia = 160 mg%). This rare clinical association is not well understood. Probably this diabetes is to the interruption of the normal hypothalamo-pituitary neurovascular connection.

Mental retardation and natural sexual development appear to be a more consistent feature in the autosomal rather than in the sex chromosome anomalies. On the contrary the anatomical and functional sexual disfunction characterize the sex chromosome syndromes. An early diagnosis and a better knowledge of the chromosomal abnormalities are important for the social integration and the control of the sexual development and behaviour of this patients.

The Authors report own experience of ischemic colitis, related to 27 cases, that includes either primitive forms (transient ischemic colitis, ischemic stricture and necrotic-gangrenous ischemic colitis) or secondary (occlusive ischemic colitis, ischemic colitis following abdominoperineal excision of the rectum). Pathogenetic findings, now not completely defined, are discussed with reference to the literature on this subject. The important diagnostic problems are also evaluated, particularly in the evaluation of radiologic and endoscopic findings of spontaneous ischemic colitis; these, altogether, represent an almost specific clinical picture of ischemic colitis. At last are considered the problems related to surgical treatment, overall in the forms in which the irreversibility of the ischemic lesions has been ascertained.

The authors carried out clinical and statistical investigations on 784 cases of dental retention with the aim of comparing their data with that of other authors as well as express some of their considerations on the etiopathogenesis, the complications and the therapy of dental retention.