[The efficacy and rapidity of action of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in a case of agranulocytosis due to noramidopyrine].
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Agranulocytosis↗
Biomedical subjects
A Neri
Publications and source records attributed to A Neri.
Bacterial vaginosis: drugs versus alternative treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common infectious disorders affecting women. It is caused by several microorganisms, including Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides, beta-streptococci and mobiluncus/falcivibrio sp. Bacterial vaginosis is thought to occur as a result of a change in vaginal pH mediated by the metabolic activity of anaerobic bacteria. This rise in vaginal pH interferes with the activity of vaginal lactobacilli which maintain vaginal acidity. Several types of antibiotics have been used to treat this condition. Although metronidazole was found to be the most effective, none was completely successful in either cure or prevention. Several attempts have recently been made to treat bacterial vaginosis using physiological or 'natural' substances, such as lactate gel and commercial yoghurt, which is acidic and also contains lactobacillus strains. This kind of treatment looks promising and may have a place in certain clinical conditions, including pregnancy, in cases of recurrent inflammation, or as a prophylactic treatment before invasive gynecological procedures or abdominal surgery in patients known to be affected. This issue should be additionally studied and evaluated in light of the relatively little experience with this modality of treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Low dose estrogen replacement therapy in early postmenopausal women effect on urinary magnesium and calcium: creatinine ratios.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment for prevention of osteoporosis by means of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRP) and daily exercise, had any effect on ratios of urinary calcium:creatinine (Ca:Cre) and magnesium:creatinine (Mg:Cre). A group of 33 early postmenopausal women (menopause onset 12-18 months previously), mean age 49.12 years, were treated during 6 months with low doses of transdermal estrogen (Estraderm TTS 25 micrograms, Ciba-Geigy) opposed by oral progestogen (Duphaston 10 mg, 10 days every month), and daily exercise (walking for 1 hour). Despite HRT's statistically significant lowering effect on Ca:Cre and Mg:Cre ratios, these returned to pretreatment levels 6 months after withdrawal from HRT. The mechanism by which HRT affects magnesiuria and calciuria is discussed.
Administration, Cutaneous↗
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a relief for dysmenorrhea.
Sixty-one women who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea, were treated with Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for two menstrual cycles, and reported the effect of the treatment on their pain. Thirty percent of the patients reported marked pain relief, 60% reported moderate pain relief and 10% reported that TENS had no influence on their pain. No side effects were reported. We conclude that TENS is an effective and safe non-pharmacological means for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It could serve as a main treatment modality for women who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea and do not wish to or cannot use the conservative pharmacological agents. In addition TENS can serve as an adjuvant therapy to the conventional pharmacological agent in severe cases of primary dysmenorrhea.
Analgesia↗
Age-related differences in the effects of ethanol on performance and behaviour in healthy men.
Four age groups of healthy men; 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years (N = 12 per group), drank 0.68 g of ethanol/kg body weight as neat whisky in the morning after an overnight (10 hr) fast. The concentration of ethanol in fingertip blood, various signs and symptoms of intoxication, body-sway (open and closed eyes), hand-tremor, positional alcohol nystagmus (PAN) and roving ocular movements (ROM) were measured at 30-60 min intervals after drinking. Body-sway and hand-tremor increased with advancing age in tests made before the ingestion of alcohol (P < 0.05). After drinking alcohol, body-sway and hand-tremor increased in the four age groups (P < 0.05), being most pronounced at or near the time of reaching the peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The initial impairment subsided when the post-absorptive phase of ethanol kinetics commenced. At 60 min post-drinking, body-sway was most pronounced in men aged 40-49 years when their eyes were closed (P < 0.05). Otherwise, age-related differences in alcohol impairment in the other age groups were not statistically significant. Positional alcohol nystagmus (PAN) developed mainly during the acute phase of intoxication, decreasing in intensity as the time after drinking progressed. Roving ocular movements (ROM) were most apparent during the post-absorptive phase (120-420 min). We conclude that the acute effects of a moderate dose of ethanol on sensory and motor functions are not much different in men aged between 20 and 59 years.
Adult↗
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal anomalies: current opinion on amniocentesis versus chorionic villus sampling.
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Amniocentesis↗
Mechanism of expression and role in transcriptional control of the proto-oncogene NFKB-2/LYT-10.
The NFKB-2 gene (previously LYT-10, NF-kappa Bp100 or NF-kappa Bp97) codes for a NF-kappa B/rel related protein which is highly homologous to NFKB-1 (previously NF-kappa Bp105) within its rel, poly-glycine and ankyrin domains. The NFKB-2 gene is a candidate proto-oncogene since it is involved in lymphoma-associated chromosomal aberrations. In order to gain insight into the physiological function and role in tumorigenesis of NFKB-2, we have analysed its mechanism of expression and role in transcriptional regulation. We report that, contrary to previous studies, a single 3.2 kb mRNA species and its 100 kD (p100) primary translation product is detectable in all cell types tested. A second NFKB-2 protein, p52, corresponding to the amino-terminal half (rel domain) of NFKB-2 p100, is detectable in the same cell types and derives from the post-translational processing of p100. While p100 is constitutively localized in the cytoplasm, NF-kappa B induction by TPA treatment of Hela cells is associated with cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation of NFKB-2 p52 and its appearance within DNA-binding NF-kappa B complexes. NFKB-2 p52 differs from NFKB-1p50 in its differential affinity for kappa B sequences: by itself it binds H2/HLA-kappa B sites more efficiently than HIV/IgK-kappa B sites, while it can bind both sites efficiently when complexed with Rel-A(p65). Transient co-transfection of expression and reporter plasmids in cells devoid of endogenous NF-kappa B activity showed that p52 has no intrinsic transcriptional activation capabilities: it can stimulate Rel-A(p65)-driven transcription by formation of p65/p52 heterodimers, whereas, overexpressed, it down-regulates p65-dependent transcription by formation of inactive p52/p52 homodimers. These results indicate that the NFKB-2 gene codes for an inducible NF-kappa B transcription factor with the capability of differentially regulating NF-kappa B transcription depending on its abundance in the nucleus.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Analysis of alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) represents the most frequent adult leukemia in the Western world. The molecular pathogenesis of B-CLL is largely unknown. Although initial reports on small panels of cases had suggested a role for Bcl-1 and Bcl-2 oncogene activation in B-CLL, later investigations failed to confirm these data. Among tumor suppressor genes, p53 mutations have been reported in a fraction of cases. In this study, we have attempted a conclusive definition of the involvement of dominantly acting oncogenes (Bcl-1 and Bcl-2) and tumor suppressor loci (p53, 6q-) in 100 cases of B-CLL selected for their CD5 positivity and Rai's stage (0 to IV). Rearrangements of Bcl-1 and Bcl-2 and deletions of 6q and 17p were analyzed by Southern blot using multiple probes. Mutational analysis (single strand conformation polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing) was used to assay p53 inactivation. No alterations of Bcl-1 or Bcl-2 were detected in the 100 cases tested. Mutations of p53 were found in 10/100 cases without any significant association with clinical stage. Deletions of 6q were present in 4/100 cases. Overall, our data indicate that: 1) contrary to previous reports, Bcl-1 and Bcl-2 rearrangements are not involved in CD5+ B-CLL pathogenesis and 2) p53 mutations are present in 10% of cases at all stages of the disease.
Blotting, Southern↗
Evidence of clonal progression in a case of Richter syndrome.
BACKGROUND: The debate continues as to whether Richter syndrome should be defined as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) because of a more malignant clone of neoplastic cells superimposed on preexisting chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or as the chance occurrence of two unrelated tumors. The cellular characteristics of the neoplastic clone involved in the CLL phase and the subsequent NHL were investigated in a patient in whom Richter syndrome developed. METHODS: Cell analysis was performed with immunofluorescence, histologic analysis, DNA extraction, and Southern blot analysis. RESULTS: The separated CLL and NHL B-cells from blood and bone marrow, as well as the neoplastic cells in autopsy specimens of the organs affected by NHL, particularly the brain, were found to express the same light chain of surface immunoglobulin (SIg). The change MD-->M in the SIg heavy-chain expression and the appearance of cytoplasmic IgMk suggested isotype switching simulating that observed on the final phases of primary B-cell differentiation. This hypothesis was confirmed by Southern blot analysis of DNA from blood cells in the CLL phase and in Richter transformation, which showed that the two cell populations had identical Ig gene rearrangement. CONCLUSIONS: The NHL in the patient in this study represented a malignant progression of CLL, not a second lymphoid malignancy.
Antigens, Surface↗
p53 gene mutations in multiple myeloma are associated with advanced forms of malignancy.
The frequency and type of p53 gene mutations was investigated in a series of 52 cases of multiple myeloma (MM) representative of the different clinical phases and forms of the disease (indolent, 12 cases; chronic, 24 cases; acute/leukemic, 16 cases). DNAs were analyzed for p53 gene mutations in exons 5 to 9 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), and direct sequencing of PCR-amplified fragments. Point mutations were detected in 7 of 52 patients (13%) (5 at exon 8; 1 at exon 6; 1 at exon 7), and were specifically associated with the more advanced and clinically aggressive acute/leukemic forms of MM (7 of 16 [43%].) Three of the mutated cases had been evaluated at clinical presentation in earlier phases of the disease (indolent or chronic) and were found to be negative for p53 mutation. Moreover, three patients with p53 mutation had not received chemotherapy at the time of investigation. These results support the notion that the development of MM is a multistep process and suggest that alterations in the p53 gene may represent an important late event in MM tumor progression.
Adult↗
A modified transvaginal sonographic technique for better ovarian evaluation.
Sonographic evaluation of the pelvis of postmenopausal women is not complete until both ovaries are scanned. Transvaginal sonographic examination combined with transabdominal screening is diagnostic in 85% of cases. Transvaginal examination performed with a partially full bladder significantly increased ovarian detection to 93.5% (p < 0.05).
Female↗
Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy treated with yoghurt.
As various drugs might have an effect on the fetus during pregnancy, the use of drugs should be minimized in the pregnant woman. Since bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be associated with prematurity and postpartum complications, we searched for alternative therapy for its cure during pregnancy. Commercial yoghurt incorporates both factors necessary for maintaining the protective mechanism of the vagina, vaginal pH and lactobacillus. A total of 32 women with BV in the first trimester of pregnancy were treated with intravaginal application of yoghurt. The result was favorable indicating that the continuous correction of vaginal pH and lactobacillus flora is crucial for normal vaginal ecology. During pregnancy, a local treatment restoring the normal acidity and vaginal flora, without systemic effect, may be preferable to any other treatment.
Adult↗
Vulvar leiomyoma.
Since symptoms of benign and malignant conditions in the vulvar area are frequently similar, early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. A rare case of a bizarre leiomyoma in the area of Bartholin's gland, which presented as a Bartholin's abscess, is described and discussed.
Adult↗
Emergency cervical cerclage using a metreurynter.
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Emergencies↗
Frequency of RAS and p53 mutations in acute promyelocytic leukemias.
The frequency of RAS and p53 mutations was investigated in 30 acute promyelocytic leukemias by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing of genomic DNA. Only two cases bore N-RAS codon 12 mutations and none had p53 mutations responsible for aminoacid substitutions. It would, therefore, seem that neither RAS nor p53 are involved in acute promyelocytic leukemogenesis.
Base Sequence↗
"Hook effect" in complete hydatidiform molar pregnancy: a falsely low level of beta-HCG.
BACKGROUND: In some cases of gestational trophoblastic disease, a large amount of serum beta-hCG may lead to the high-dose "hook effect" with falsely low serum levels, creating misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis and therapeutic hazards to the patient. CASES: In two cases of the hook effect in complete hydatidiform mole, ultrasonographic scan showed intrauterine echogenic material, whereas diluted serum specimens gave very high levels of beta-hCG (1,600,000 and 2,225,000 mIU/mL). CONCLUSION: The possibility of a method-dependent hook effect must be considered. Early recognition of falsely low values of beta-hCG can allow correction to the true values by various methods, such as serum dilution before the radioimmunometric method.
Adult↗
Structural alterations of the NF-kappa B transcription factor lyt-10 in lymphoid malignancies.
We have previously reported the identification of a novel putative proto-oncogene involved in the breakpoint of a t(10;14)(q24;q32) chromosomal translocation in a case of B-cell lymphoma. This gene, called lyt-10 (NFKB2/p52), is a member of the NF-kappa B family of transcription factors and displays a high degree of homology with the NFKB1/p50. Here we describe the genomic organization of the lyt-10 gene based on the restriction analysis of genomic phage clones and the sequence determination of exon-intron boundaries. The lyt-10 gene spans a genomic region of about 8 kb on 10q24, and contains 24 exons, ranging in size between 41 and 258 base pairs. To improve the understanding of the role of lyt-10 in lymphomagenesis, we performed Southern blot analysis to detect alterations of the lyt-10 gene in a large panel of cases representative of different types of lymphoid malignancies. We found rearrangements in 5 of 228 (approximately 2%) cases analysed: two cases of B-cell lymphoma, one case of multiple myeloma and two cases of T-cell lymphoma. The use of various probes specific for different regions of the lyt-10 locus revealed that rearrangements in positive cases lead to the partial or total deletion of the carboxy-terminal region containing the ankyrin domain. Taken together, our results indicate that lyt-10 gene rearrangements represent a recurrent lesion that may be involved in the pathogenesis of both B- and T-cell malignancies, and suggest that truncation of the ankyrin domain may be a common mechanism of lesion leading to abnormal lyt-10 activation in lymphoid neoplasia.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Ischemic colitis localized in the right colon. A clinical case report].
Ischemic colitis shock-associated still is a not well-defined clinical entity. The authors describe symptoms, clinical course and treatment in a case recently observed. They outline the difficulties of preoperative diagnosis and the need of a not postponable surgical treatment due to shock and peritonitis.
Adenocarcinoma↗