Self-detected cutaneous melanomas in Italian patients.

Self-detection of suspicious pigmented skin lesion combined with rapid referral to dermatologic centres is the key strategy in the fight against melanoma. The investigation of factors associated with pattern of detection of melanoma (self- vs. nonself-detection) may be useful to refine educational strategies for the future.

Patterns of detection of superficial spreading and nodular-type melanoma: a multicenter Italian study.

Background: Nodular histotype represents the condition that is mostly associated with diagnosis of thick melanoma.

Objective: The objectives were to evaluate variables associated with and pattern of detection of nodular melanomas and to investigate variables associated with early diagnosis in accordance with histotype (nodular vs. superficial spreading melanomas).

A trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Hyalofill-F in non-healing venous leg ulcers.

Objective: This single-centre, open, uncontrolled pilot clinical trial set out to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Hyalofill-F (a partial benzyl ester derivative of hyaluronan), used in combination with compression bandaging, in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

Method: The 20 patients enrolled into the study had venous insufficiency and a leg ulcer that had been refractory to treatment for one month. Treatment was continued for eight weeks, with weekly assessments.

Dermatologist detection and skin self-examination are associated with thinner melanomas: results from a survey of the Italian Multidisciplinary Group on Melanoma.

Objective: To investigate patterns of detection and variables associated with early diagnosis of melanoma in a population at intermediate melanoma risk.

Design: Survey.

Setting: Hospital and university centers belonging to the Italian Multidisciplinary Group on Melanoma.

Respiratory activity and growth of human skin derma fibroblasts.

A study has been made on the speed of growth and respiratory activity of fibroblast cultures from control derma, cheloid (hypertrophic) scar and stabilized scar taken from human skin. The speed of growth and the efficiency of plaque formation of fibroblasts from cheloid scar were greater in comparison with those of fibroblasts from stabilized scar and were stimulated by the addition to the culture medium of the exudate from post-traumatic ulcer. Measurement of the contents of cytochromes showed a decrease in the content of cytochromes b562 and c + c1 in the fibroblast culture from both cheloid and stabilized scar as compared to the fibroblast culture from control derma.

Increased burn patient survival with once-a-day high dose teicoplanin and netilmicin. An Italian multicenter study.

This is the final report of a large, controlled, multicenter Italian study on immuno- and chemotherapy in adult patients with burns affecting 20 to 95% of total body surface area (mean 35%). The antibiotic treatment of burn patients consisted of topical silver sulfadiazine, short-term antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis with pefloxacin (800 mg i.v.

Assessment of disinfectant topical agents in keratinocyte cell culture grafting technique in severely burned patients.

On the basis of previous experiences and of international literature data the authors emphasize the importance of making a "targeted" choice of the topical disinfectant in the therapy of burn wound infections. The objective of the investigation is to reach the highest rate of take of the autologous keratinocyte cultures in burn wounds.

Dermal-fat flaps in the treatment of large post-incisional hernias ("cross-over flap" technique).

The use of dermal fat flaps or "cross-over" flap offers unquestionable advantages, even when compared with free dermal grafts. An excellent aesthetic appearance is achieved, dut to the very low incisional line. Nor does this technique leave scars in other parts of the body.

[Circulating immune-complexes in the serum of rabbits subjected to allogenic skin graft].

Increased levels of circulating immune-complexes were found in rabbits immunized by allogeneic skin graft or sheep erythrocytes. This result was more marked in rabbits submitted to both experimental procedures. This finding suggested that the phenomenon was conditioned by a major efficiency of immune response.

[Effects of aprotinin on the grafting of methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma in rats].

The influence of aprotinin on the taking of MCA-induced sarcoma in the rat was examined. Local application resulted in involution of the tumour in animals in which the syngeneic graft tended to grow. Histological investigation showed that this biological reaction was due to marked activation of the macrophages.

[Aprotinin and induction of sarcoma with methylcholanthrene in rats].

Considering the immunodepressive properties of aprotinine, the influence of this protease inhibitor on the induction of methylcholanthrene sarcoma in rats has been investigated. The results of the investigation showed that aprotinine failed to modify the experimental tumour induction process. This observation provides further confirmation that immunodepression is not a position to favour the growth of a tumour as a result of chemically induced oncogenesis.

[Course of skin allografts in rabbits immunized by heterologous red blood cells].

Skin allografts were done in rabbits previously immunized with sheep red blood cells at 1-10 day intervals. Results showed that mean allograft survival was not delayed, nor was accelerated rejection observed. It is concluded that antigenic competition between sheep erythrocytes and skin allografts does not exist.

[Antigenic competition in rabbits submitted to skin allografts].

Antigenic competition was investigated in rabbits submitted to typhoid vaccine and skin allografts. While skin allografts were normally rejected, serum agglutinin responses to typhoid H and O antigens were lower than those of animals stimulated with thyphoid vaccine alone. It is concluded that the immune response to skin allograft resulted in antigenic competition for typhoid antigens.