Battisti E

Polymyositis associated with simvastatin

1600 Vol 349 • May 31, 1997 Pixel-by-pixel analysis across all patients of grey-matter rCBF values from the first and second PET study, respectively, with separation of the compartments according to initial flow (less or greater than 50% relative uptake) and final MRI (infarcted or non-infarcted) further supported the notion that much of the tissue initially below the conventional viability threshold can survive, if sufficient reperfusion is achieved, whereas most of the tissue remaining hypoperfused after alteplase turns into necrosis. Some tissues, however, may become necrotic despite good initial flow and reperfusion. These observations illustrate the preservation of critically hypoperfused brain tissue by reperfusion consequent to efficacious thrombolytic therapy. They are in agreement with findings from animal experiments indicating that large infarcts can be avoided, when reperfusion is initiated as long as there is viable tissue.

Weill-Marchesani syndrome: report of an unusual case.

Abstract. We report a single case of Weill-Marchesani syndrome, typically characterized by progressive joint stiffness, brachiymorphy, brachydactyly, and ectopia lentis. The clinical case appears particularly interesting as the patient also had primary osteoporosis, which until now has not been considered as a possible manifestation of Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

Reactive arthritis by staphylococcus epidermidis: report of an unusual case.

SummaryIn the literature many cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) complications are reported, but we have not found any reference about reactive arthritis secondary to SE.We report an unusual case of a patient with SE bacteriaemia, who developed elbow arthritis, asymmetrical sacroiliitis, keratoderma and restrictive cardiomyopathy. The clinical pictures, the instrumental and biochemical findings, in particular the positivity of HLA B27, allow us to set this case in the complex and heterogeneous chapter of reactive arthritis.

Proteomics of human primary osteoarthritic chondrocytes exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) and to therapeutic application of musically modulated electromagnetic fields (TAMMEF)

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent joint disease, characterized by degradation of extracellular matrix and alterations in chondrocyte metabolism. Some authors reported that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can positively interfere with patients affected by OA, even though the nature of the interaction is still debated. Human primary osteoarthritic chondrocytes isolated from the femoral heads of OA-patients undergoing to total hip replacement, were cultured in vitro and exposed 30 min/day for two weeks to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF) with fixed frequency (100 Hz) and to therapeutic application of musically modulated electromagnetic fields (TAMMEF) with variable frequencies, intensities and waveforms. Sham-exposed (S.E.) cells served as control group. Cell viability was measured at days 2, 7 and 14. After two weeks, cell lysates were processed using a proteomic approach. Chondrocyte exposed to ELF and TAMMEF system demonstrated different viability compared to untreated chondrocytes (S.E.). Proteome analysis of 2D-Electrophoresis and protein identification by mass spectrometry showed different expression of proteins derived from nucleus, cytoplasm and organelles. Function analysis of the identified proteins showed changes in related-proteins metabolism (glyceraldeyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase), stress response (Mn-superoxide-dismutase, heat-shock proteins), cytoskeletal regulation (actin), proteinase inhibition (cystatin-B) and inflammation regulatory functions (S100-A10, S100-A11) among the experimental groups (ELF, TAMMEF and S.E.). In conclusion, EMFs do not cause damage to chondrocytes, besides stimulate safely OA-chondrocytes and are responsible of different protein expression among the three groups. Furthermore, protein analysis of OA-chondrocytes treated with ELF and the new TAMMEF systems could be useful to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms of OA by identifying biomarkers of the disease.

Keratoconus, cross-link-induction, comparison between fitting exponential function and a fitting equation obtained by a mathematical model

With reference to experimental data in the literature, we present a model consisting of two elastic elements, conceived to simulate resistance to stretching, at constant velocity of elongation, of corneal tissue affected by keratoconus, treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet irradiation to induce cross-linking. The function describing model behaviour adapted to stress and strain values. It was found that the Youngs moduli of the two elastic elements increased in cross-linked tissues and that cross-linking treatment therefore increased corneal rigidity. It is recognized that this observation is substantially in line with the conclusion reported in the literature, obtained using an exponential fitting function. It is observed, however, that the latter function implies a condition of non-zero stresses without strain, and does not provide interpretative insights for lack of any biomechanical basis. Above all, the function fits a singular trend, inexplicably claimed to be viscoelastic, with surprising perfection. In any case, using the reported data, the study demonstrates that a fitting equation obtained by a modelling approach not only shows the evident efficacy of the treatment, but also provides orientations for studying modifications induced in cross-linked fibres.

Alterations in Adenylate Kinase Activity in Human PBMCs after In Vitro Exposure to Electromagnetic Field: Comparison between Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF) and Therapeutic Application of a Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Field (TAMMEF)

This study investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields on enzymes involved in purine metabolism in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cells were obtained from 20 volunteers. We tested both low-energy, extremely low frequency (ELF; 100-Hz) electromagnetic fields and the Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields (TAMMEFs); the latter is characterized by variable frequencies, intensities, and wave shapes. Adenylate kinase activity was increased after ELF field exposure but decreased slightly after TAMMEF exposure. Neither of the two electromagnetic field affected the activities of the purine metabolism enzymes ecto-5′-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase, and adenosine kinase. We concluded that ELF fields may influence cellular electrical charge stability; stimulation of adenylate kinase activity could restore the cell to a state of equilibrium. In contrast, TAMMEF fields may be useful for maintaining and regulating the cellular electrical charge.

Helicobacter pylori infection and primary Sjögren's syndrome: a possible association and new therapeutic approach

The possible interrelationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and primary Sjogrens syndrome (pSS) and a new therapeutic approach to pSS were investigated. Biopsy samples from four patients with pSS were cultured for the presence of H pylori. Three patients who tested positive for H pylori were given concurrently omeprazole 40 mg once daily for 1 month, and amoxicillin 1000 mg and tinidazole 500 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. H pylori eradication was verified 6 to 8 weeks after therapy, and clinical symptoms of pSS, xerophthalmia and xerostomia, improved dramatically, suggesting that H pylori infection is associated with pSS. Further studies are needed to confirm the association and to investigate the efficacy of treatment of pSS with amoxicillin and tinidazole.

Telethermographic Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Giordano N. Battisti E. Franci A, Magaro L, Marcucci P, Cecconami L, Marcolongo R. Tele thermo graphic Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol 1992; 21: 42–5.