Biomedical subjects

A Marino

Publications and source records attributed to A Marino.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

GnRH antagonist-induced inhibition of the premature LH surge increases pregnancy rates in IUI-stimulated cycles. A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Our prospective randomized controlled trial was designed to assess whether the use of GnRH antagonists can improve the success rate of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS)/intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments, via inhibition of the premature LH rise. METHODS: A total of 104 patients were randomly divided, using a randomization list, into two groups: in group A (n = 52), recombinant FSH (rFSH) was given with GnRH antagonist Cetrorelix, and in group B (n = 52), the patients received rFSH alone in a manner similar to that of group A. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate per couple. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate per patient was 53.8% in group A and 30.8% in group B (P = 0.017). The rate of premature LH surge was 7% in group A and 35% in group B (P < 0.0001). A premature luteinization was observed in two cycles of 144 in group A (1.4%) and in 16 cycles of 154 in group B (10.4%) (P = 0.001). The mean values of LH and progesterone were significantly lower in patients receiving GnRH antagonist than in those who did not (3.3 +/- 3.3 mIU/ml in group A versus 9.9 +/- 7.9 mIU/ml in group B, P < 0.0001, for LH; 1.3 +/- 1.1 ng/ml versus 2.1 +/- 1.9 ng/ml for group A and B, respectively, P < 0.0001, for progesterone). CONCLUSION: The use of GnRH antagonist in COS/IUI cycles improves pregnancy rate, preventing the premature LH rise and luteinization.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

PubMed2005

Role of sodium in mitochondrial membrane depolarization induced by P2X7 receptor activation in submandibular glands.

The effect of ATP on mitochondrial membrane depolarization in rat submandibular glands was investigated. Exposure of the cell suspension to high concentrations of ATP induced a sustained depolarization of mitochondrial membrane. This effect was blocked in the presence of magnesium and reproduced by low concentrations of 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), suggesting the implication of the P2X(7) purinergic receptor. This point was confirmed by comparison of the response to ATP by wild-type and P2X(7) knock-out (P2X(7)R(-/-)) mice. Mitochondria took up calcium after ATP stimulation but the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane by ATP was not affected by the removal of calcium from the extracellular medium. It was nearly fully suppressed in the absence of sodium and partially blocked by the mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger inhibitor 7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,5-dihydro-4,1-benzothiazepin-2(3H)-one (CGP-37157). Both ATP and monensin increased the uptake of extracellular sodium (as shown by the depolarization of the plasma membrane) but the sodium ionophore did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential. It is concluded that the activation of P2X(7) receptors depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane. The uptake of extracellular sodium is necessary but not sufficient to induce this response.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Cholesterol depletion perturbs calcium handling by rat submandibular glands.

The sensitivity to cholesterol depletion of calcium handling by rat submandibular glands was investigated. The glands were digested with collagenase. After homogenization, the lysate was extracted at 4 degrees C with 0.5% Triton X-100 and the extract was submitted to an ultracentrifugation in a sucrose discontinuous gradient. A population of detergent-resistant membranes (DRM) was collected at the 5%-35% interface. The DRM had a higher content of cholesterol, saturated and long-chain fatty acids. Caveolin-1 and alpha(q/11) were located in these membranes. They were more ordered than vesicles from total cellular lysate as determined by anisotropy measurement. They disappeared after cholesterol extraction with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD). Exposure of the cellular suspension with MCD nearly abolished the response to carbachol, epinephrine, and substance P and inhibited the activation of phospholipase C (PLC) by these agonists and by sodium fluoride. MCD did not affect the mobilization of intracellular pools of calcium by thapsigargin. It increased the uptake of extracellular calcium or barium and did not inhibit the uptake of calcium after depletion of the intracellular stores of this ion. From these results, it is concluded that Triton X-100 can extract a fraction of membrane resistant to detergents. Treatment of the cells with MCD disrupts these membranes. The coupling between the heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein G(q/11) and poly-phosphoinositide-specific PLC is affected by disruption of these membrane fractions. At the opposite, the store-operated calcium channel (SOCC) is not affected by DRM-disruption.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A six month mitotane course induced sustained correction of hypercortisolism in a young woman with PPNAD and Carney complex.

A low-dose mitotane (MT) regimen was evaluated as a pharmacological approach for correcting the severe hypercortisolism in a young woman affected by Carney complex (CNC) and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). In the first 12 week period, the MT daily dose was progressively increased from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day. This dosage was maintained for an additional 16 weeks (cumulative dose 602 g, plasma MT maximum level 12 microg/ml), and then stopped because of sustained signs of hypoadrenalism requiring prednisone replacement. Complete regression of seborrhea, acne, and plethora was observed after 8 weeks of treatment (cumulative dose 95 g). Regular menses returned after 13 weeks (cumulative dose 197 g, plasma MT 8 microg/ml). Profound decrease of both serum cortisol (from 615 to 220 nmol/l) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) values (from 1498 to 477 nmol/day) was noted after 16 weeks of treatment (cumulative dose 314 g, plasma MT 8 microg/ml). MT treatment was associated with mild gastric discomfort and reversible increase of cholesterol plasma levels. Low serum cortisol and UFC were still observed 41 weeks after MT was discontinued (plasma MT 0.2 microg/ml). Our report demonstrates that low dose MT treatment may be a safe and effective modality for a sustained correction of hypercortisolism by PPNAD in subjects with CNC waiting for surgery.

Adrenal Cortex Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Monozygotic bichorionic twinning after transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo that has undergone quarter laser-assisted zona thinning: a case report.

PURPOSE: To present the occurrence of a monozygotic bichorionic twinning after the transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo has undergone assisted zona hatching (AZH), using a non contact laser. METHODS: A 33-year-old woman who underwent single frozen embryo replacement (FER). Before transfer, the patient was treated with GnRH agonist and with substitutive therapy (estrogens and progesterone). CONCLUSIONS: We are absolutely certain that we are reporting a monozygotic bichorionic pregnancy: a single frozen/thawed embryo was transferred and no concomitant spontaneous conception was possible. Moreover, molecular biology assessment for polymorphisms confirmed clinical findings. The possibility of the occurrence of a monozygotic bichorionic twinning after the transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo should be borne in mind and its incidence will have to be studied further.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Multicentre randomised phase III study comparing the same dose and schedule of cisplatin plus the same schedule of vinorelbine or gemcitabine in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

This study compares two cytotoxic regimens comprising the same dose and schedule of cisplatin (CP) plus vinorelbine (VNR) or gemcitabine (GEM) administered under the same schedule to patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). From April 1998 to February 2003, 285 patients were randomised to receive either VNR 25 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 as an intravenous (i.v.) bolus plus CP 75 mg/m(2) on day 1 (regimen A) or GEM 1200 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 as an i.v. 30-min infusion plus CP 75 mg/m(2) on day 1 (regimen B). Both treatments were recycled every 21 days. If no progression had occurred after six cycles, the patients continued to receive VNR or GEM monochemotherapy weekly. Cross-over of the two single agents was considered if disease progression occurred. Objective response (OR), time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. 272 patients were ultimately eligible (137 on A and 135 on B). Their main characteristics were: male/female ratio 214/58; median age 63 (range 32-77) years; median Karnofsky Performance Status (PS) 80 (range 70-100); stage IIIB 34%, stage IV 61%, recurrent disease 5%; histology - epidermoid 29%, adenocarcinoma 53%, other NSCLC 18%. The characteristics of the patients in the two arms were well matched. The following response rates were observed in regimens A and B, respectively: complete response (CR) 0.7% and 3.7%, partial response (PR) 31.9% and 22.2% (P = 0.321). Median CR+PR duration was 8 months in both arms. Clinical benefit represented by an improvement in symptoms was evident in 25.7% and 28.1%, respectively. Median TTP was 5 months in both arms and median OS 11 months in both arms. Grade III-IV neutropenia occurred in 30.7% and 17.7% of the patients in arms A and B, respectively (P = 0.017); thrombocytopenia occurred in 0% and 9.3% (P = 0.004), respectively. No difference in the incidence of anaemia was observed. Non-haematological toxicity was generally mild: a higher incidence of grade 1-2 peripheral neurotoxicity and grade 1-2 local toxicity with regimen A and grade 1-2 liver toxicity with regimen B was reported. A pharmaco-economic comparison showed a difference between the two doublets, principally due to the different costs of VNR and GEM. Under the study conditions the combination of VNR or GEM with the same dose and schedule of CP produced similar OR, clinical benefits, TTP and OS in advanced NSCLC, and only mild toxicological differences were observed. Pharmaco-economic evaluation favoured the CP + VNR doublet.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effectiveness and persistence of a topical treatment for cervical ectropion with deoxyribonucleic acid.

AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate short and long term effectiveness of a topical treatment for cervical ectropion with 5 mg of deoxyribonucleic acid (DRNA). METHODS: A randomized case-control study was carried out. Two-hundred and twenty patients, colposcopically diagnosed with cervical ectropion, were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups: treated (group 1) and controls (group 2). The therapeutic plan consisted of DRNA 5 mg vaginal suppositories, administered for 15 days monthly; subsequently posology was reduced gradually. Both groups underwent a clinical and colposcopical follow-up on the 1st, 4th, 10th and 22nd months after the first examination. At the end of the study, the size of ectropion was considered a parameter of re-epithelialization and provided a criterion of treatment effectiveness. According to this protocol, subjects were defined improved, stable or worsened. Statistical analysis including Pearson chi2 tests, Fisher's exact tests, Yate's corrected chi2 and relative-risk (95% CI) was performed. RESULTS: Of the 220 enrolled patients, 140 completed the study protocol: 76 treated and 64 controls. Outcomes after treatment and follow-up consisted of: 74 (97.4%) improved in group 1, against 2 cases (3.1%) in group 2. High statistical significance was reported comparing outcome frequencies in the 2 groups (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant reduction (P<0.0001) in cervical ectropion size between cases (topical treatment with DRNA 5 mg) and controls. A follow-up of 22 months confirmed the persistence and effectiveness of this medical approach.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Spectroscopic ellipsometry study of liquid crystal and polymeric thin films in visible and near infrared.

In this work, we propose spectroscopic ellipsometry as a suitable method for measuring optical properties in soft materials, polymers and liquid crystals, specially selected for use in photonics applications. We show the results of our measurements on some multilayered samples, in the range from visible to the near-IR region, of interest for telecom applications. We point out potentialities and limits of the technique and compare the obtained results with another experimental method, the m-lines spectroscopy, and/or with existing data in the literature. The results about the optical parameters for the analysed materials (the nematic liquid crystal 5CB, one commercial and one lab made optical polymer, and an Indium Tin Oxide film) are useful and interesting by themselves. In fact, as a paradigmatic example, we briefly discuss how an incomplete knowledge of this kind of data can lead to a wrong design of a Bragg grating device. However, more than in the provided data, we put the interest of the present analysis in the warnings about spectroscopic ellipsometry utilization and eventually the necessity of getting complementary information.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Dynamical behaviour of holographic gratings with a nematic film--Polymer slice sequence structure.

We have studied the dynamical response of a new kind of holographic grating to a pulsed electric field. The structure, named POLICRYPS, consists of a sequence of homogeneous polymer slices separated by liquid-crystal films. We have found that both the rise and fall response times depend on the pulse duration and amplitude of the applied electric field. We propose a phenomenological explanation for this behaviour, outlining the possibility of getting response times of the order of 100 micros by properly choosing the pulse shape. Results are very interesting for developments in which POLICRYPS gratings could be proposed as basic elements in photonic devices for telecom applications, and induce to a deeper analysis of the microscopic interaction between liquid crystal and polymer interfaces in these samples.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Sciatic nerve block with lateral popliteal approach for hallux vagus correction. Comparison between 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine.

AIM: In this study the authors compared the clinical profile of 2 local anesthetic drugs in the sciatic nerve block used during hallux valgus correction, a surgical procedure known to be post-operatively extremely painful. Since hallux valgus correction is painful post-operatively, many attempts have been tried to ensure a long-lasting analgesia. Block of the sciatic nerve appears to be the right choice balancing ease to performance, satisfaction of the patient and duration of action. METHODS: The authors investigated the use of 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine regarding the speed of onset, quality and length of duration of sciatic nerve block performed with a lateral popliteal approach. Sixty ASA I-III patients (aged 19-73 years) were enrolled in this trial. Written informed consent was asked and obtained. A 20 G 50 mm Teflon coated Crawford needle, delivering 0.5 mA at 2 Hz, was used to locate and block the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa with a lateral approach. RESULTS: Patients in the ropivacaine group required about 13 minutes to achieve a complete block and about 16 minutes were needed in the bupivacaine group for the anesthesia to be complete. The length of analgesia was 16 h for the ropivacaine group and 13 h for the bupivacaine group. This kind of approach to block the sciatic nerve appeared to the authors to be very easy to perform, with the patient lying in a natural position. Surgical anesthesia required less than 30 min in both groups to be ready, while the ropivacaine group had a longer length of analgesia compared to the bupivacaine group. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction was high in both groups.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Regulatory volume increase in nematocytes isolated from acontia of Aiptasia diaphana (Cnidaria, Anthozoa).

Nematocytes, Cnidarians stinging cells used primarily in capturing prey or in turning away predators, can regulate their volume under 35% hyposmotic shock showing regulatory volume decrease (RVD). In this study, for the first time, we investigate the capability of nematocytes to regulate their volume under hypertonic conditions, through regulatory volume increase (RVI). The experiments were carried out in acontial nematocytes of Aiptasia diaphana (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) isolated by the chemical method of applying 605 mM SCN-. Channel inhibitors, as amiloride, Gd3+, NPPB, DIDS, bumetanide and ion substitution have been employed to assess the role of ions in such volume regulation mechanisms. Our results suggest that nematocytes are able to perform RVI. The regulatory volume recovery process after hypertonic stimulation involves Na+ conductance and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport but not Cl- conductive pathways. Further studies will be necessary to better define such mechanisms and RVI control signalling, taking into account that the nematocyte is known to be a very primitive eukaryotic cell.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Scleroglucan/borax: characterization of a novel hydrogel system suitable for drug delivery.

A new hydrogel, with scleroglucan using borax as a crosslinker, has been prepared. The physical gel has been loaded with a model molecule (theophylline) and the release of the drug from the gel was evaluated. The same system was used to prepare tablets and the delivery of theophylline in different environmental conditions (HCl and SIF) was determined. A recent theoretical approach has been applied to the dissolution profiles obtained from the tablets and a satisfactory agreement has been found with the experimental data. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient of the model molecule was evaluated according to a suitable strategy that was tested on two set of data obtained with different set-ups (permeation and diffusion experiments). A simplified mathematical approach allows to reduce the two-dimensional problem of the Fick's second law in a one-dimensional system leading to a much easier handling of the data without loosing the accuracy of the original problem in two dimensions. The characterization of the gel has been also carried out following the kinetics of swelling in terms of water uptake.

Borates↗

PubMed2003

Regulation by clozapine of calcium handling by rat submandibular acinar cells.

The effect of clozapine on the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+](i)) in rat submandibular acinar cells was tested. By itself clozapine had no effect on the mobilization of intracellular pools of calcium or on the uptake of extracellular calcium. It inhibited the increase of the [Ca2+](i) in response to carbachol (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations, IC(50)=100nM) and to norepinephrine and epinephrine (IC(50)=10nM) without affecting the response to substance P, extracellular ATP or thapsigargin. Clozapine inhibited the uptake of extracellular calcium in response to epinephrine but not to substance P, ATP or thapsigargin. It also decreased the production of inositol phosphates elicited by epinephrine but not by substance P or fluoride. It is concluded that, by itself, clozapine has no effect on the [Ca2+](i) in rat salivary acinar cells. It selectively inhibits muscarinic and adrenergic receptors in the acinar plasma membrane.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Diagnostic utility of thyroglobulin detection in fine-needle aspiration of cervical cystic metastatic lymph nodes from papillary thyroid cancer with negative cytology.

Cystic changes in metastatic cervical lymph nodes (CLN) from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may be a diagnostic pitfall in fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology. We investigated in a series of CLN metastases from thyroid cancers (TC), including cystic PTC, and from a wide spectrum of extrathyroidal malignancies, the diagnostic role for metastatic TC of the rapid detection of thyroglobulin in eluates from FNAB (FNAB-Tg) of CLN. The study was carried out in a group of 79 subjects (22/57 M/F; median age, 56 years; range, 20-86 years) with enlarged CLN and thyroid nodules (TN), examined for potential metastatic TC, and harboring a large spectrum of incidentally diagnosed extrathyroidal malignancies (n = 24, mostly represented by lymphomas, lung, and breast cancers), CLN metastases from thyroid cancers (n = 28, including 6 cystic metastatic PTC), 6 specific lymphadenitis and 21 reactive lymphadenitis mostly detected (n = 16) during follow-up of patients with previously ablated TC. Markedly high FNAB thyroglobulin (Tg) values were found in all metastatic CLN TC. Two of the six cases with cystic metastatic CLN PTC were diagnosed by FNAB-Tg but not by cytology. In conclusion, FNAB-Tg has been confirmed as an easy modality and fast procedure to diagnose CLN metastasis from TC and high FNAB-Tg values with nondiagnostic cystic cytology strongly suggest cystic metastatic PTC.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of antiherpesvirus-1 and genotoxic activities of Helichrysum italicum extract.

The antiherpes virus-1 and genotoxic activities of diethyl ether extract from flowering tops of Helichrysum italicum (Compositae) were investigated. The extract showed significant antiviral activity at concentrations ranging from 400 to 100 microg/ml. This activity was not due to cytotoxic effect of the extract since Vero cells exhibited altered morphology or growth characteristics indicative of cytotoxic effects at higher concentration (800 microg/ml). Moreover H. italicum extract showed no DNA-damaging activity at concentrations up to 2000 microg/disk.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Case report: two nasal floor compound odontomas associated with impacted maxillary incisor.

AIM: The purpose of this report is to describe the logical sequence of treatment in a case of a six year old caucasian female patient with two nasal floor compound odontomas, that delayed eruption of a maxillary permanent incisor. TREATMENT: The odontomas were surgically removed. However, as the maxillary incisor did not erupt spontaneously, after a suitable period of observation, an orthodontic treatment approach was adopted. This was to obtain an adequate space for the unerupted tooth and to move it to its normal position. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical intervention of supernumeraries is therefore necessary and treatment of an impacted tooth may require an orthodontic appliance.

Child↗

PubMed2002

Three cases of papillary carcinoma and three of adenoma in thyroglossal duct cysts: clinical-diagnostic comparison with benign thyroglossal duct cysts.

The clinical and diagnostic findings of 3 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) were compared to those of 3 cases of adenoma in TDC and 2 cases of benign TDC. The neck masses of the subjects with benign TDC grew slowly, whereas those of 2 patients with papillary carcinoma and 1 of the patients with adenoma grew rapidly (especially those with carcinoma). On the other hand, one case of carcinoma, and two cases of adenoma in TDC were diagnosed incidentally. Benign TDC had an anechoic pattern at US, whereas the cysts containing carcinoma and adenoma showed the presence of a mural nodule at US. Microcalcifications in the mural mass were present in one patient with carcinoma. The 3 patients with carcinoma in TDC underwent total thyroidectomy. The histology was negative in all 3 patients for thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules. However, in 2 of them it revealed the carcinoma invading the cyst wall and adjacent tissues, 1 of which also exhibited 2 metastatic lymph nodes in the central neck area. The cases reported illustrate the utility of enhancing one's clinical suspicion of carcinoma in patients bearing TDC, even when incidentally discovered. In particular, rapid growth of the cystic mass, and the presence of a mural nodule on US, especially with calcifications, must raise the physician's suspicion for a cancer arising in TDC.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2002

Multiple effects of trichloroethanol on calcium handling in rat submandibular acinar cells.

The effect of trichloroethanol (TCEt), the active metabolite of chloral hydrate, on the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was investigated in rat submandibular glands (RSMG) acini loaded with fura-2. TCEt (1 - 10 mM) increased the [Ca(2+)](i) independently of the presence of calcium in the extracellular medium. Dichloroethanol (DCEt) and monochloroethanol (MCEt) reproduced the stimulatory effect of TCEt but at much higher concentrations (about 6 fold higher for DCEt and 20 fold higher for MCEt). TCEt mobilized an intracellular pool of calcium, which was depleted by a pretreatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum calcium-dependent ATPases, but not with FCCP, an uncoupler of mitochondria. TCEt 10 mM inhibited by 50% the thapsigargin-sensitive microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase. DCEt 10 mM and MCEt 10 mM inhibited the ATPase by 20 and 10%, respectively. TCEt inhibited the increase of the [Ca(2+)](i) and the production of inositol phosphates in response to carbachol, epinephrine and substance P. TCEt inhibited the uptake of calcium mediated by the store-operated calcium channel (SOCC). ATP and Bz-ATP increased the [Ca(2+)](i) in RSMG acini and this effect was blocked by extracellular magnesium, by Coomassie blue and by oxydized ATP (oATP). TCEt potentiated the increase of the [Ca(2+)](i) and of the uptake of extracellular calcium in response to ATP and Bz-ATP. TCEt had no effect on the uptake of barium and of ethidium bromide in response to purinergic agonists. These results suggest that TCEt, at sedative concentrations, exerts various effects on the calcium regulation: (1) it mobilizes a thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular pool of calcium in RSMG acini; (2) it inhibits the uptake of calcium via the SOCC; (3) it inhibits the activation by G protein-coupled receptors of a polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. It does not interfere with the activation of the ionotropic P2X receptors. The use of chloral hydrate should be avoided in studies exploring the in vivo responses to sialagogues.

Anesthetics↗