Cellular and molecular changes during mouse skin tumor progression.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
A Bianchi
Publications and source records attributed to A Bianchi.
Effects of frontal lesions on a selective attention task.
We set out to test the hypothesis that patients with frontal damage are specifically disabled in carrying out tasks requiring a high level of controlled attention. A group of patients with frontal lesions and another group of patients with retrorolandic lesions were tested for selective attention on a computerized task designed to produce a conflict situation between automatic and controlled processes. Frontal patients proved to be significantly more prone to errors of commission (false alarms) than retrorolandic patients.
Adolescent↗
Pharmacological studies of 'sapo' from the frog Phyllomedusa bicolor skin: a drug used by the Peruvian Matses Indians in shamanic hunting practices.
The dried skin secretion from Phyllomedusa bicolor, 'sapo', is used by the Matses Indians of the Northern Peru, in shamanic rites mainly designed to improve luck in hunting. When rubbed into burned, exposed areas of the skin, the drug causes the prompt appearance of violent peripheral gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects soon followed by remarkable central effects (increase in physical strength, heightening of senses, resistance to hunger and thirst, exalted capacity to face stress situations). All the peripheral and most of the central effects of 'sapo' can be ascribed to the exceptionally high content of the drug (up to 7% of its weight) in potently active peptides, easily absorbed through the burned, inflamed areas of the skin. The concentration in 'sapo' of the single peptides (phyllocaerulein, phyllomedusin, phyllokinin, demorphins and deltorphins) has been determined by bioassay, and peptide contents were correlated with the different symptoms of the 'sapo' intoxication.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts.
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of extracts and chromatographic fractions of Uncaria tomentosa bark are reported. The plant extracts and fractions show no mutagenic effect in different strains of Salmonella typhimurium with and without metabolic activation. However, the plant extracts and fractions show a protective antimutagenic effect in vitro against photomutagenesis induced by 8-methoxy-psoralen (8-MOP) plus UVA in S. typhimurium TA 102. A decoction of U. tomentosa ingested daily for 15 days by a smoker decreased the mutagenicity induced in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 by the subject's urine.
Adult↗
Molecular typing of Chlamydia trachomatis by random amplification of polymorphic DNA.
The random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for epidemiological typing of Chlamydia trachomatis strains. DNA samples from 39 C. trachomatis, 1 C. pneumoniae and 2 C. psittaci strains were screened by the use of 4 single 10-mer primers. Different and reproducible banding profiles were observed on agarose gel electrophoresis. No common profiles were recorded for strains from different Chlamydia species. All C. trachomatis strains of trachoma biovar were distinguished from lymphogranuloma venereum biovar. Moreover, serotypes A to C were separated from serotypes D to K, and some groups of strains sharing the same serotype D to K were further subdivided by RAPD. Conversely, strains of different serotypes could produce identical patterns of amplification, indicating that RAPD did not reflect serotyping. The patterns of amplified products were compared to the restriction fragment length polymorphism of the omp1 gene after amplification and to DNA fingerprinting by use of ribosomal RNA or randomly cloned DNA probes. RAPD seemed to be an alternative molecular typing procedure for epidemiological study and strain identification in urogenital infections due to serotypes D to K.
Chlamydia trachomatis↗
Fever and neutropenia in children with cancer: a therapeutic approach related to the underlying disease.
Antibiotic monotherapy is increasingly an option for the initial empiric treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. We noted in a previous study that response to empiric therapy was related more to disease classification (solid tumors vs. leukemia) than to the regimen chosen. In the present study we based empiric monotherapy on the underlying disease in treating 240 episodes of fever and neutropenia in 145 children. Patients with leukemia or Stage III/IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (higher risk group) were treated with imipenem-cilastatin, whereas those with solid tumors or Stage I/II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (lower risk group) received ceftriaxone. The regimens were modified in 15% of lower risk and 45% of higher risk episodes. Overall successful outcomes were obtained in 93.2% of the higher risk (n = 119) and 97.5% of the lower risk (n = 121) episodes. The two groups differed significantly in duration of neutropenia, frequency of positive blood cultures and superinfection and the need for modification of the monotherapy (P < 0.05). Empiric monotherapy based on primary disease appears to be safe and effective for febrile neutropenic children with cancer at our Brazilian institution. Further studies will be needed before these findings can be generalized to patient populations in other settings.
Adolescent↗
A Xenopus egg factor with DNA-binding properties characteristic of terminus-specific telomeric proteins.
We have identified a Xenopus laevis protein factor that specifically recognizes vertebrate telomeric repeats at DNA ends. This factor, called Xenopus telomere end factor (XTEF), is detected predominantly in extracts of Xenopus eggs and ovaries, which are estimated to contain sufficient XTEF to bind approximately 3 x 10(7) DNA ends. In contrast, XTEF is much less abundant (approximately 90 per cell) in extracts of somatic cell nuclei. Mobility retardation analysis of the XTEF activity in egg extracts indicates that this factor binds the vertebrate telomeric repeat sequence (TTAGGG)2 when present in a single-stranded 3' overhang. Single-stranded 3' extensions of (TTTGGG)2, (AAAGGG)2, (TTACCC)2, or a nonrepetitive sequence fail to bind XTEF efficiently, whereas changes in the double-stranded sequence 5' to the TTAGGG repeat tail are tolerated. TTAGGG repeats are not recognized at internal position, at a 5' protruding end, or in double-stranded DNA. In addition, the factor does not bind RNA with single-stranded UUAGGG repeats at a 3' end. XTEF-DNA complexes form and are stable in high salt. The DNA-binding properties of XTEF resemble the characteristics of a class of terminus-specific telomere proteins identified previously in hypotrichous ciliates.
Acetates↗
Sonographic classification of gallstones and outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
The success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for gallstone elimination is dependent on the lithotripter's ability to reduce the stone to fragments less than 5 mm in diameter, but wide variation in successful fragmentation rates have been reported even with the same instrument. This variation is probably due in part to differences in stone composition. Tsuchiya et al. have recently related the pre-operative ultrasound properties of gallstones to their chemical compositions. In the present study, 138 patients with cholecystolithiasis were treated with ESWL and results were evaluated in light of the pre-treatment sonogram patterns as classified by the aforementioned authors. Complete fragmentation (CF), i.e., fragments less than 5 mm, was achieved in 90% of patients with type I a patterns (pure cholesterol stones); stone number, diameter, and volume had no effects on fragmentation. Significantly lower CF rates were obtained with I b and I c (mixed cholesterol), and type II (combination) stones (p less than 0.0003). No fragmentation at all was achieved in the six stones with type III (bilirubinate) patterns. Twelve months after treatment, 45%, 25%, and 9% of the patients with type 1 a, type I b, and types I c or II (the latter two combined), respectively, were stone-free. Pure and mixed cholesterol gallstones without calcification seem to respond best to ESWL; effective treatment can be expected even when stones are numerous (4-10) or large ( greater than 35 mm). We recommend the inclusion of ultrasound properties of gallstones in the selection criteria for candidates for ESWL.
Adult↗
Small bowel tonometry: a possible technique for detecting early small bowel allograft dysfunction.
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Animals↗
An ergonomic approach for the evaluation of health risk in drug research and production.
Scientists and workers engaged in the study and production of drugs may be exposed to harmful events not yet adequately evaluated. An ergonomic approach to this problem with a view to defining projects of primary prevention, based on the respect for organizational congruences and on the knowledge of risk sources and dynamics, can represent an important measure of security and also a way to promote scientific advancement.
Drug Industry↗
[Coronary angiography in a defined population: a pilot study of the residents of Padua].
In recent years there has been a steady increase in number of coronary angiography procedures and coronary angioplasty. Since these interventions are relatively expensive, we tried to evaluate the appropriateness of coronary angiography indications. A retrospective pilot study was undertaken on all residents in Padua who had had a coronary angiography performed in 1988. In order to take into account patients who, although resident in Padua, had a coronary angiography performed outside Padua or even abroad, all Italian Hemodynamic Centers and the Office for Foreign Cures Authorization of ULSS 21 were contacted. Follow-up was stopped on April, 1991. Patients were first checked if living by consulting the Register's Office of the Community of Padua; they were then interviewed by letter on state of health. One hundred twenty-four patients underwent 138 coronary angiography. Utilization rate is 5.6 per 10,000 people (CI 4.6-6.6). This figure is lower than the present USA utilization rate, and is similar to the rate of late 70's. From patient records, 3 out 8 groups emerged as predominant indication for coronary angiography: unstable angina (37%), valvular heart disease (20%) and recent myocardial infarction (20%). According the ACC/AHA guidelines, indication was considered "appropriate" in 69%, "inappropriate" in 7%, "doubtful" in 20% and impossible to evaluate in 5% of cases. Although this classification may have been built up with incomplete information, it is note-worthy that the percentage of inappropriate indication is comparable to that of other reports. A further observation is that not in every case the treatment assigned at the time of diagnostic angiography was really carried out on the patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
[Resistance of herpes simplex viruses to antiviral drugs].
The nucleoside analog acyclovir is remarkably effective and selective in herpes simplex virus (HSF) infections. Acyclovir inhibits the viral enzyme DNA polymerase. Emergence of acyclovir-resistant HSV mutants occurs in immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS. Detection of HSV strains with resistance to antiviral drugs requires rapid in vitro tests to determine the IC50, i.e., the concentration of drug which inhibits viral replication by 50%. Studies of patterns of HSV resistance to the various antiviral agents used in medicine and characterization of mutant HSV strains have shown resistance to be due to loss or modification of the viral enzyme thymidine kinase or to changes in the viral DNA polymerase. The main clinically-significant acyclovir-resistant mutants are thymidine kinase-deficient and retain sensitivity to vidarabine and foscarnet. Development of resistance to both acyclovir and foscarnet due to changes in viral DNA polymerase is considerably less common but emphasizes the urgent need for new antiviral strategies for use in immunocompromised patients.
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
[DNA as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. A retrospective analysis of 34 patients].
OBJECTIVE: We study the tumoral DNA as a prognostic factor in patients operated for colo-rectal cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective. We analyze by flow cytometry the DNA content of tumoral tissue: Ploidy, DNA Index, Proliferative Index, S Phase. PATIENTS: 34 operated patients, for colo-rectal cancer, with a minimum 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Ploidy doesn't show any relation with other prognostic factors. Only Dukes C aneuploid patients had more positive nodes than diploid. Ploidy was not related to better evolution or survival. Neither DNA Index, Proliferative Index and S Phase were related to the evolution of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The DNA study by flow cytometry has no better prognostic value then other classical factors.
Aged↗
[Hepatic metastases following the endoscopic polypectomy of a polyp from the sigmoid colon with an adenocarcinoma].
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Adenocarcinoma↗
Risk factors in vulvar carcinoma recurrences.
18 patients with invasive vulvar carcinoma treated by radical vulvectomy and bilateral groin lymphadenectomy have been evaluated. An 18% of local and 22% of pelvic or distant recurrences occurred. The local recurrences had favorable prognosis, whereas the pelvic or distant recurrences a worse prognosis. The staging, the tumour size, the nodes involvement, the stromal infiltration and the lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, as prognostic factors, have been evaluated. All these factors, except the tumour size, influenced the pelvic or distant recurrences. The pelvic or distant recurrences were contemporaneously associated with mild phlogistic infiltration and depth of invasion > 5 mm.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
[Chlamydia trachomatis: risk factors in women in the Parisian region. Importance of smoking and cervical ectropion].
A study of chlamydial infection and its clinical correlates was undertaken collaboratively among french women attending sexually transmitted disease (STD, prenatal, and teen clinics (n = 148). A complete sexual and gynecologic history and pelvic exam was performed on all women. Endocervical and urethral cultures were obtained for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. Reason for visit included suspected STD in 97% of STD, 5% of prenatal and 17% of teen women. N. gonorrhoeae was isolated from STD clinic patients only (17%). C. trachomatis was found in 22% of teen, 17% of STD and 2% of prenatal clinic women. C. trachomatis was significantly associated with smoking, a history of urethral discharge in the male partner, and endocervical ectopy > 50% of total cervical surface.
Adolescent↗
[Asymptomatic carriage of Chlamydia trachomatis in men consulting for condylomata acuminata].
A search for Chlamydia trachomatis by cell culture was carried out in the urethra of 82 male patients consulting for condyloma acuminata at the Clinical and Biological Centre for Sexually Transmissible Diseases of the Saint-Louis hospital, Paris. Three patients had discreet urethral signs, but none had urethral discharge. Cell culture was positive for C. trachomatis in 36 of the 82 patients (44 percent). This high prevalence suggests that C. trachomatis should systematically be looked for in the urethra of male patients consulting for condylomata acuminata. If this cannot be done, then a systematic treatment with tetracyclines should be instituted.
Adult↗
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase in Reuber hepatoma cells: variation in enzyme activity, insulin regulation, and cellular lipid content.
Reuber hepatoma cells are useful cultured lines for the study of insulin action, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and the regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid biosynthesis. During investigations in different clonal lines of these cells, we have uncovered marked intercellular variability in the activity, enzyme content, and insulin regulation of ACC paralleled by differences in cellular neutral lipid (triglyceride) content. Two contrasting clonal lines, Fao and H356A-1, have been studied in detail. Several features distinguish these two lines, including differences in ACC activity and enzyme kinetics, the content of the two major hepatic ACC isozymes (Mr 280,000 and 265,000 Da) and their heteroisozymic complex, the extent of ACC phosphorylation, and the ability of ACC to be activated on stimulation by insulin and insulinomimetic agonists. As studied by Nile Red staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, these two lines also display marked differences in neutral lipid content, which correlates with both basal levels of ACC activity and inhibition of ACC by the fatty acid analog, 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA). These results emphasize the importance of characterization of any particular clonal line of Reuber cells for studies of enzyme regulation, substrate metabolism, and hormone action. With respect to ACC, studies in contrasting clonal lines of Reuber cells could provide valuable clues to understanding both the complex mechanisms of intracellular ACC regulation in the absence and presence of hormones and its regulatory role(s) in overall hepatic lipid metabolism.
Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗