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Biomedical subjects

A Gallo

Publications and source records attributed to A Gallo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Impaired metabolic capacity in the perirhinal and posterior parietal cortex lead to dissociation between attentional, motivational and spatial components of exploration in the Naples High-Excitability rat.

This study aimed at investigating the neural substrates of spatial and non-spatial Behavioural components of exploration to novelty by a neurogenetic approach. Thus, functional imaging and Behavioural analysis were carried out in the Naples High-Excitability (NHE) rats, a model of hyperactivity and attention-deficit. Quantitative cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) histochemistry was used to measure the basal metabolic capacity of different forebrain structures. In parallel experiments, exploration in an 8-arm radial maze (Olton-maze) with extra-maze cues was used to measure attentional, motivational and spatial components of Behaviour after feeding rats' ad-libitum or at a reduced diet. Functional imaging analysis: brains from naive rats were stained for quantitative C.O. histochemistry along with standards. NHE rats showed lower C.O. activity in perirhinal and posterior-parietal cortex (all layers) and cortical amygdala, and greater activity in entorhinal cortex (superficial layers). The outer granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus had greater activity in NHE. Behavioural analysis: at low and high motivational level, maze exploration was reinforced during shaping throughout and then only a single arm. The Behaviour was monitored by a CCD camera and videotaped. (i) There was no line difference in working memory during non reinforced maze exploration, independent of the motivational level; (ii) during shaping with all baited arms, there was no line difference in working memory, but NHE rats showed a very low or lower food consumption at low and high motivational level, respectively; (iii) rats showed a higher working memory in finding the single baited arm at high motivational level; (iv) NHE rats paid little attention towards reinforcement upon visiting the baited arm only at low motivational level. Thus, Behavioural and functional neuroimaging analysis suggests the neural substrates of spatial and non-spatial components of exploration to be underlined by different network operations in the neocortical and limbic cortices in the NHE rat lines. Therefore, they appear as an useful tool to the understanding of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Membrane-bound protein kinase A inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by amplifying cAMP-protein kinase A signals.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase is anchored to discrete cellular compartments by a family of proteins, the A-kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs). We have investigated in vivo and in vitro the biological effects of the expression of a prototypic member of the family, AKAP75, on smooth muscle cells. In vitro expression of AKAP75 in smooth muscle cells stimulated cAMP-induced transcription, increased the levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase-2 inhibitor p27(kip1), and reduced cell proliferation. In vivo expression of exogenous AKAP75 in common carotid arteries, subjected to balloon injury, significantly increased the levels of p27(kip1) and inhibited neointimal hyperplasia. Both the effects in smooth muscle cells in vitro and in carotid arteries in vivo were specifically dependent on the amplification of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signals by membrane-bound PKA, as indicated by selective loss of the AKAP75 biological effects in mutants defective in the PKA anchor domain or by suppression of AKAP effects by the PKA-specific protein kinase inhibitor. These data indicate that AKAP proteins selectively amplify cAMP-PKA signaling in vitro and in vivo and suggest a possible target for the inhibition of the neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed2001

Syphilitic aortitis.

A case of syphilitic aortitis, complicated by bilateral coronary ostial stenosis, in a 40-year-old man is described. Treatment included coronary artery bypass grafting and a drug regimen of penicillin. At 3-month follow-up, an exercise stress test revealed no signs of ischemia.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Laminin alpha2 chain (merosin M chain) distribution and VEGF, FGF(2), and TGFbeta1 gene expression in angiogenesis of supraglottic, lung, and breast carcinomas.

The prognostic significance of vessel quantification in human solid tumours is still debated, due to the presence of multiple factors modulating neoangiogenesis and the invasiveness of neoplastic cells. This study examined ten supraglottic squamous carcinomas, ten non-small cell lung carcinomas (three squamous, five bronchioloalveolar, two adenocarcinomas), and nine classic (NOS) invasive ductal breast carcinomas. The properties studied in these tumours were vascularity; the immunohistochemical distribution of adhesion molecules such as alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1, alpha6beta4, and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells; extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs) and laminin alpha2 chain (merosin M chain) in basal membranes of vessels; and gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), by in situ hybridization. Independently of tumour type and vascularity, laminin alpha2 chain expression was observed in the basal membranes of a limited proportion of vessels. In vitro experiments demonstrated laminin alpha2 chain expression mainly in early endothelial cell cultures, suggesting that laminin alpha2 chain expression in vivo can be considered a marker of early angiogenesis. Stromal and parenchymal vascularity was associated with laminin alpha2 chain expression in supraglottic carcinomas, whereas in the other tumours, laminin alpha2 chain-positive vessels were observed only in the stroma. In supraglottic carcinomas, VEGF-positive cells were mainly represented by neoplastic cells, whereas in the other tumours, the great majority of VEGF-positive cells were macrophages and fibroblasts. FGF2- and TGFbeta1-positive cells were macrophages and fibroblasts in all tumours. These observations suggest that in addition to the quantification and distribution of vessels, evaluation of their maturation may contribute to a better understanding of the role of angiogenesis in the growth and spread potential of solid tumours. In this regard, in supraglottic carcinomas, parenchymal angiogenesis seems to be regulated mainly by neoplastic cells, which may help to explain their high metastatic potential; in solid tumours of different histogenesis, different cells might be responsible for modulating tumour angiogenesis.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Secondary cytoreductive surgery for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: Between June 1993 and June 1999, 149 patients after primary treatment underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery: 69 (46.3%) had recurrence-free interval (RFI) 7-12 months, 59 (39.6%) RFI 13-24 months, and 21 (14.1%) RFI >24 months. Exclusion criteria included secondary cytoreduction during second-look laparotomy, interval cytoreduction, and palliative surgery in patients with intestinal obstruction or progressive disease. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 27 months. According to multivariate analysis, RFI groups, prior chemotherapy combination, and residual tumor after secondary surgery were associated independently with overall survival. Residual tumor after secondary surgery was by far the most strongly predictive factor for patient's survival (hazard ratio (HR) 2.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-4.92). The 2-year survival rates were 22.3, 62.9, and 22.7%, respectively, for patients with RFI 7-12, 13-24, and >24 months. The 5-year survival was 29% for patients with RFI 13-24 months. No patients with RFI 7-12 and >24 months outlived the 4-year estimate. Unexpectedly, RFI >24 months was not correlated significantly with overall survival. However, 17 patients (81%) with RFI >24 months were heavily treated with chemotherapy before secondary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have documented gross disease preoperatively should be selected for a secondary debulking operation; the entity of surgical effort would be modulated in relation to previous treatment.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2001

Magnesium ions and barium coating of colonic mucosa: is it a simple question of viscosity?

The aim of the present study was to verify whether magnesium-induced increase of barium coating of the colonic mucosa is specifically due to the increase of barium suspension viscosity. One hundred sixty-one patients scheduled for double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) were randomised in one group of 23 patients (control group, CG), and three groups of 23 pairs (G1, G2 and G3), i.e. 138 patients. The DCBE was performed with standard technique using a barium suspension with dynamic viscosity of 280 cPs (CG), or with viscosity increased to 320 cPs (G1), 2500 cPs (G2) or 3200 cPs (G3), by extemporaneous addition of MgSO4 1, 2 or 3 g in one member of the pair, Na2SO4 1, 4.2 or 8 g in the other one. Three radiologists evaluated on an ordinal scale mucosal coating and free fluid. In all magnesium subgroups barium coating was better than in CG (p < 0.008), the highest value being obtained in G2. No difference was observed as regards free fluid. Inside paired groups, mucosal coating was more effective in magnesium than in sodium members (p < 0.0002). Viscosity of barium suspension being equal inside each group, this effect must be attributed to magnesium-specific interactions with additives of the barium suspension inducing events other than viscosity changes.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Ectopic lingual thyroid as unusual cause of severe dysphagia.

Ectopic lingual thyroid is an uncommon embryological aberration characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue located in a site different from the pretracheal region as in the normal. Lingual thyroid is the most frequent ectopic location of the thyroid gland, although its clinical incidence varies between 1:3000 and 1:10,000. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented severe dysphagia caused by a mass located on the base of the tongue in the midline. An endoscopic partial removal of the ectopic tissue allowed her to rapidly regain her swallowing capacity. The literature regarding the incidence and diagnosis of lingual thyroid is reviewed and the possibilities of treatment discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Sigmoid cystoplasty with argon beam without mucosa.

PURPOSE: Intestinal bladder augmentations have well recognized complications, including mucus production, metabolic abnormalities and perforation. These complications may be avoided if the intestinal mucosa is not incorporated in the urinary tract. We report our experience with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa using argon beam, and describe the clinical, urodynamic, ultrasound and pathological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa in 26 patients and with argon beam over the mucosa before it was removed in 6 boys and 4 girls with a mean age of 8 years (range 3 to 14). All patients had neurogenic bladder as the initial disease. Indications for augmentation were poor bladder compliance, low bladder capacity, hydronephrosis and urinary incontinence. Mean followup was 18 months (range 8 to 40) and included ultrasound, urodynamic evaluation, renal function and clinical assessment. In all patients intraoperative biopsies were done. In 8 of the 10 patients endoscopic biopsies of the augmented segment were obtained between 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The operation consisted of the Goodwin technique without mucosa, which was treated with argon beam before it was removed. RESULTS: The 10 patients are dry on intermittent clean catheterization with intervals of greater than 4 hours. There have been no clinical urinary tract infections. Two patients presented with peristaltic contractions and no symptoms. Bladder capacity increased from 80 (range 45 to 200) to 300 (220 to 400) ml., and mean postoperative compliance was 15 ml./cm. H2O (range 9 to 38). There were no significant changes in the urodynamic data between patients treated with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa only and with argon beam. Intraoperative biopsies after treatment with argon beam showed damaged mucosa and muscularis mucosa, and intact serosa, muscularis and submucosa layers. On the 8 argon beam postoperative biopsies the sigmoid submucosa was covered with a pseudostratified metaplasia of connective tissue with collagen fibers without scars (trichromic technique). CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa with argon beam is easy to perform. The clinical and urodynamic results have been satisfactory, and use of argon beam prevents postoperative bleeding and residual glands.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The many roles of an RNA editor.

The availability of complete genome sequences has made it clear that gene number is not the sole determinant of the complexity of the proteome. Additional complexity that is not readily detected by genome analysis is present in the number and types of RNA transcript that can be derived from each locus. Although alternative splicing is a well-recognized method of generating diversity, the more subtle mechanism of RNA editing is less familiar.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of a lipoxygenase in almond (Prunus dulcis) seed.

We have characterized an almond (Prunus dulcis) lipoxygenase (LOX) that is expressed early in seed development. The presence of an active lipoxygenase was confirmed by western blot analysis and by measuring the enzymatic activity in microsomal and soluble protein samples purified from almond seeds at this stage of development. The almond lipoxygenase, which had a pH optimum around 6, was identified as a 9-LOX on the basis of the isomers of linoleic acid hydroperoxides produced in the enzymatic reaction. A genomic clone containing a complete lipoxygenase gene was isolated from an almond DNA library. The 6776-bp sequence reported includes an open reading frame of 4667 bp encoding a putative polypeptide of 862 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 98.0 kDa and a predicted pI of 5.61. Almond seed lipoxygenase shows 71% identity with an Arabidopsis LOX1 gene and is closely related to tomato fruit and potato tuber lipoxygenases. The sequence of the active site was consistent with the isolated gene encoding a 9-LOX.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Transabdominal ultrasonography of the small bowel after oral administration of a non-absorbable anechoic solution: comparison with barium enteroclysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine if oral administration of a non-absorbable anechoic solution conveys any benefit during abdominal ultrasound (US), with special reference to its accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three adult out-patients scheduled for small bowel barium enema (SBE) were included. The day before SBE all patients underwent abdominal US before and after oral administration of an isotonic non-absorbable electrolyte solution containing polyethylene glycol (PEG-ELS). Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using SBE as a gold standard. RESULTS: After ingestion of PEG-ELS satisfactory distension of the intestinal lumen was obtained (11-25 mm) with sequential visualization of jejunoileal loops in 30.9 +/- 17.3 min. In 15 out of 53 cases both US and SBE showed bowel changes characteristic of Crohn's disease. In three out of 53 cases both US and SBE showed neoplasms. In one out of 53 cases US was negative, SBE positive for local nodularity and ulcerations typical of Crohn's disease. In one out of 53 cases US was negative, SBE positive for macronodularity consistent with coeliac disease. In five out of 53 cases US was negative, while SBE was positive for mininodularity expressive of lymphoid hyperplasia. In 28 out of 53 cases both examinations were negative. CONCLUSION: PEG-ELS administration allows a thorough US investigation of the small bowel, with fair sensitivity (72%) and excellent specificity (100%). False negative findings are mainly due to lymphoid hyperplasia, a feature of uncertain significance in adults.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Hyperglycemia acutely increases monocyte extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity in vivo in humans.

Glycemic spikes may negatively affect the long-term prognosis of patients with diabetes. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are intracellular mediators of cell proliferation, and they can be activated in response to high glucose levels. However, the modifications of their activity in response to hyperglycemia have been poorly investigated, in vivo, in humans. Thus, we sought to determine in circulating monocytes: 1) the role of hyperglycemia in ERKs activity and phosphorylation, and 2) whether hyperglycemia affects mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activity and mitogen-activated protein phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) expression. These goals were performed in five normal subjects. Baseline monocyte ERKs activity was 60 +/- 5 pmol/min.mg protein; when exogenous hyperglycemia was induced, both monocyte ERKs activity (81 +/- 11 pmol/min.mg protein; P < 0.05) and phosphorylation significantly increased (P < 0.01). MEK activity was significantly increased by hyperglycemia (1251 +/- 136 vs. 2000 +/- 42 cpm; P = 0.0017), whereas no changes were observed in MKP-1 expression. We conclude that hyperglycemia acutely stimulates ERKs activity and phosphorylation in human monocytes by the MEK pathway in vivo. These findings may be relevant in understanding the negative role of acute hyperglycemia on monocyte pathophysiology.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Evolution of precancerous laryngeal lesions: A clinicopathologic study with long-term follow-up on 259 patients

BACKGROUND: A wide spectrum of lesions ranging from dysplasia to in situ carcinoma have to be considered when dealing with laryngeal precancerous conditions. Recently the concept of laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN) was introduced. METHODS: A series of 259 consecutive cases of laryngeal keratosis was studied from 1976 to 1994. All patients entered the study after microlaryngoscopy and biopsy. Histologic diagnoses were subdivided into keratosis without dysplasia (KWD), with mild dysplasia (LIN 1), with moderate dysplasia (LIN 2), and with severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (LIN 3). The follow-up period ranged from 15 months to 19 years (mean, 101 months). RESULTS: KWD had the best prognosis with the lowest recurrence rate (12.5%) after stripping of laryngeal mucous membrane. The recurrence rate after stripping was higher for LIN 1 (25%) and LIN 2 cases (68.7%). The recurrence rate after CO(2) laser cordectomy was 16.6% for LIN 2 and 18.7% for LIN 3. The incidence of progression to infiltrative carcinoma was 4.19% for KWD, 7.14% for LIN 1, 21.42% for LIN 2, and 9.37% for LIN 3. CONCLUSIONS: KWD and LIN 1 can be successfully treated by stripping the mucous membrane, close follow-up, and a change in smoking habits. On the contrary, LIN 2 and LIN 3 need a more aggressive therapeutical approach. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 23: 42-47, 2001.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Evolution of precancerous laryngeal lesions: a clinicopathologic study with long-term follow-up on 259 patients.

BACKGROUND: A wide spectrum of lesions ranging from dysplasia to in situ carcinoma have to be considered when dealing with laryngeal precancerous conditions. Recently the concept of laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN) was introduced. METHODS: A series of 259 consecutive cases of laryngeal keratosis was studied from 1976 to 1994. All patients entered the study after microlaryngoscopy and biopsy. Histologic diagnoses were subdivided into keratosis without dysplasia (KWD), with mild dysplasia (LIN 1), with moderate dysplasia (LIN 2), and with severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (LIN 3). The follow-up period ranged from 15 months to 19 years (mean, 101 months). RESULTS: KWD had the best prognosis with the lowest recurrence rate (12.5%) after stripping of laryngeal mucous membrane. The recurrence rate after stripping was higher for LIN 1 (25%) and LIN 2 cases (68.7%). The recurrence rate after CO2 laser cordectomy was 16.6% for LIN 2 and 18.7% for LIN 3. The incidence of progression to infiltrative carcinoma was 4.19% for KWD, 7.14% for LIN 1, 21.42% for LIN 2, and 9.37% for LIN 3. CONCLUSIONS: KWD and LIN 1 can be successfully treated by stripping the mucous membrane, close follow-up, and a change in smoking habits. On the contrary, LIN 2 and LIN 3 need a more aggressive therapeutical approach.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Salvage resection after previous laryngeal surgery: total laryngectomy with en bloc resection of the overlying cervical skin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of extended total laryngectomy for the treatment of recurrences of laryngeal cancer. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective clinical study of patients who had undergone extended total laryngectomy and were seen over a 15-year period. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 15 years. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral medical center. PATIENTS: We observed 15 patients who were affected by a recurrence of laryngeal cancer that extended to the overlying soft tissue. All patients were male. The mean age was 61.5 years. Thirteen patients had previously undergone partial laryngeal surgery, and 2 patients had undergone radiation therapy, without success. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent total laryngectomy extending to the soft tissue, including the overlying skin. RESULTS: Five of the 15 patients died of local recurrence, and 1 patient died of massive postoperative hemorrhaging. An actuarial survival rate of 60% was observed at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Total laryngectomy extending to the soft tissues seems to be an effective procedure for treating local recurrences of laryngeal cancer after partial laryngectomy or failure of radiation therapy.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2000

Development. Survival is impossible without an editor.

RNA editing is a fascinating phenomenon that is found in both animal and plant cells. By converting an adenosine base to an inosine (which behaves like guanosine) in RNA that has already been transcribed, certain RNA sequences (and hence the amino acids they encode) are altered. In a Perspective, Keegan, Gallo and O'Connell explore new results showing that activity of the editing enzyme ADAR1 is crucial for normal development of red blood cells in mouse embryos.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2000

An association study of bipolar mood disorder (type I) with the 5-HTTLPR serotonin transporter polymorphism in a human population isolate from Colombia.

The short variant of a functional length polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter has been associated with several behavioural and psychiatric traits, including bipolar mood disorder. The same short allele has also been implicated as a modifier of the bipolar phenotype. Here we evaluate the etiologic/modifier role of this polymorphism in a case (N=103) / control (N=112) sample for bipolar mood disorder (type I) collected from an isolated South American population. We did not detect an association between bipolar disorder and the 5-HTT promoter polymorphism in this sample. However, an excess of the short allele was seen in younger cases and in cases with psychotic symptoms. When combined with data from the literature, the increased frequency of the short allele in patients with psychotic symptoms was statistically significant.

Age of Onset↗