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Biomedical subjects

A Gobbi

Publications and source records attributed to A Gobbi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Genetic optimization of combinatorial libraries

Most agrochemical and pharmaceutical companies have set up high-throughput screening programs which require large numbers of compounds to screen. Combinatorial libraries provide an attractive way to deliver these compounds. A single combinatorial library with four variable positions can yield more than 10(12) potential compounds, if one assumes that about 1000 reagents are available for each position. This is far more than any high-throughput screening facility can afford to screen. We have proposed a method for iterative compound selection from large databases, which identifies the most active compounds by examining only a small fraction of the database. In this article, we describe the extension of this method to the problem of selecting compounds from large combinatorial libraries. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the coryneform bacterium associated with hyperkeratotic dermatitis of athymic nude mice and development of a PCR-based detection assay.

By 16S rDNA sequencing the authors have characterized the coryneform bacteria associated with hyperkeratotic dermatitis (HD) of athymic nude mice isolated from six different outbreaks of the disease in Northern Italy. This analysis has allowed the authors to confirm the classification of the bacteria as Corynebacterium bovis and to develop a 16S rDNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection assay. The test was performed directly on the DNA extracted from epidermal swabs. The PCR primers were chosen to match the 16S rDNA sequence fragments which differ most from the other Corynebacterium spp. The test was shown to be both sensitive and specific for C. bovis. Detection of as few as three viable bacterial cells was possible with the use of an oligonucleotide probe in a liquid hybridization assay.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform infection in severe combined immunodeficient mice.

Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform (HAC) is a coryneform bacterium, with a biochemical profile similar to Corynebacterium bovis, that causes hyperkeratotic dermatitis in athymic nude mice. In the present study 28 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice coming from six different animal facilities were submitted for bacteriological and pathological examination. HAC was isolated from 10 SCID mice belonging to two of these facilities. Two of the HAC-infected mice showed macroscopical lesions consisting in large alopecic areas, with small white flakes, involving the dorsum, flanks, neck and cheeks. Histologically, the skin of these animals was characterized by diffuse acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. In the other eight HAC-infected SCID mice no macroscopical lesions were observed but focal areas of minimal to mild acanthosis were histologically detected in five cases. These results suggest that HAC can infect SCID mice inducing skin lesions similar, although generally less severe, to those observed in nude mice with hyperkeratotic dermatitis. Our results pointed out that SCID mice may play an important role in the epidemiology of hyperkeratotic dermatitis of athymic nude mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Outbreaks of hyperkeratotic dermatitis of athymic nude mice in northern Italy.

Hyperkeratotic dermatitis of athymic nude mice is an infectious disease caused by a coryneform bacterium. During the spring of 1995, outbreaks of hyperkeratotic dermatitis were observed in several nude mice facilities in northern Italy. In this report we describe the clinical, histopathological and microbiological features of the disease in two different animal facilities. Affected animals showed a typical 'scaly' appearance with small white flakes of material adherent to the skin. In one of the outbreaks (facility 2) the lesions were less severe and involved only limited areas of the body. The infection spread very quickly and the morbidity reached more than 80% in a few days, while the mortality was about 1%. The lesions resolved spontaneously within 7-10 days. Histological examination of affected skin revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and dermal inflammatory infiltration which were more severe in mice from facility 1. In Gram-stained sections groups of rods consistent with coryneform bacteria were detectable in the keratin layers covering the epidermal surface. A coryneform bacterium, biochemically typed as Corynebacterium bovis, was isolated from 11 out of 11 mice from facility 1 and from 8 out of 11 mice from facility 2.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Establishment of human acute myelogenous leukemia lines secreting interleukin-1 beta in SCID mice.

A reproducible in vivo model of human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) was established in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The AML-CL and AML-PS lines were originated from leukemic blasts purified respectively from the peripheral blood of a 27-year-old woman with previously untreated hyperleukocytotic AML and from the bone marrow of a 61-year-old man during the third leukemic relapse. The 2 lines were maintained and serially transplanted i.p. in SCID mice. AML-PS and AML-CL produced ascitogenous gross tumors after approximately 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, and all mice died within 6-8 weeks. Microscopic evaluation of different organs at autopsy showed massive involvement of bone marrow, liver and spleen, though with differences in the tumor burdens for the 2 lines (AML-CL > AML-PS). Flow cytometric analysis documented the spread of leukemic cells to bone marrow, peripheral blood and spleen. AML-PS and AML-CL cells show an immunophenotypic profile (CD13+, CD33+) and cytogenetic findings similar to freshly isolated blasts. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) gene expression was observed by Northern blot analysis in leukemic cells from AML-CL and AML-PS SCID mice. After 24 hr of culture both lines released IL-1 beta in culture supernatants. High levels of circulating IL-1 beta were secreted in plasma of tumor-bearing mice. This AML-SCID murine model could contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms of AML growth in vivo and the possible role of the autocrine production of IL-1 beta in promoting cell growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Sciatic and femoral nerve block with electro-neural stimulator (ENS) in surgery of the knee in day-care surgery].

This study was designed to evaluate locoregional anesthesia (double block of sciatic and femoral nerves with ENS) for ambulatory knee arthroscopic surgery. A statistical evaluation was performed in 50 adult outpatients (41 males, 9 females, ASA class 1 or 2) undergoing ambulatory knee arthroscopic procedures. Basal and intraoperative BP, HR SaO2 were recorded and the intensity of analgesia was also assessed according to the patient's subjective evaluation. Extra sedative or analgesic requirements were also recorded. There were no statistical changes in hemodynamic parameters during the perioperative period. The effectiveness of the anaesthetic block was classified as very good in 84% of patients, good in 2%, sufficient in 6% and inadequate in 8%. All patients were discharged in four hours after surgery. Our study shows that in ambulatory arthroscopic surgery, sciatic and femoral block with ENS is a valuable alternative to general anaesthesia.

Adolescent↗