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Biomedical subjects

A Palermo

Publications and source records attributed to A Palermo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Decrease in motor cortical excitability in human subjects after sleep deprivation.

The effect of sleep deprivation on human motor cortical excitability was investigated by evaluating the changes in motor evoked potentials from the thenar eminence muscles of the right hand in seven subjects. Motor threshold, motor evoked potential amplitude, silent period, intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation and F wave were studied. Recordings were performed every 6 h during the day-time (from 09.00 to 21.00 h) and every 3 h during the night-time (from 21.00 to 09.00 h). Significant increases in motor threshold, intracortical inhibition and silent period were noted in the recordings during the night associated with a return to baseline values in the morning. No significant changes were observed in any of the other parameters. Enhancement of intracortical motor inhibition is suggested to explain the effect of sleep deprivation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric peptide mapping of high molecular weight glutenin subunits 1Bx7 and 1Dy10 in Cheyenne cultivar.

This study describes the verification of the cDNA-deduced amino acid sequences of high molecular weight glutenin subunits 1Dy10 and 1Bx7 in Cheyenne cultivar by direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis of their tryptic fragments omitting chromatographic pre-separation. These polypeptides have a conserved structure consisting of a long central repetitive domain that prevents the application of conventional sequencing procedures such as Edman degradation. The published sequence of subunit 1Dy10 contains 7 Lys and 13 Arg residues; thus the production of 21 tryptic peptides is expected. The cDNA-deduced sequence for 1Bx7 subunit includes 5 Lys and 15 Arg residues, but the presence of three Arg-Pro bonds, which are normally not cleaved by trypsin, predicts only 19 tryptic peptides. Three different matrices (DHB, SA and HCCA) in combination with the most compatible sample preparation procedures were used in order to obtain the maximum 1Dy10 and 1Bx7 sequence coverage. MALDI analysis of the 1Dy10 tryptic digest resulted in the identification of all 21 expected peptides. In the case of 1Bx7 MALDI analysis resulted in the identification of 17 of the 19 expected peptides, giving a sequence coverage of 99.3%. These results were sufficient to rule out glycosylation of the 1Dy10 and 1Bx7 proteins and to assess the absence of any other post-translational modification, to within the detection limits of the method.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Proteomics of gluten: mapping of subunit 1 Ax2* in Cheyenne cultivar by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization.

This paper reports results on the verification of the 1Ax2* high molecular weight glutenin subunit sequence in Cheyenne cultivar. The gene sequence of the protein is known but recently some text changes have been made, and furthermore until now no characterization of post-translational modifications has been reported. The two published sequences, named I and II, differ in four residues at positions 23, 208, 475, and 611. The first sequence contains 20 Arg and 6 Lys residues, producing 26 tryptic fragments, since the Arg(109)-Pro(110) bond is generally not cleaved by trypsin. The second sequence contains 19 Arg and 6 Lys residues, producing 25 tryptic peptides, again because of the Arg(109)-Pro(110) bond. Both sequences generate two cyanogen bromide fragments. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis of the tryptic digest of the high-MW glutenin subunit 1Ax2* resulted in the identification of 24 out of the 26 expected peptides for sequence I, a sequence coverage of 99.5%. These results were sufficient to rule out sequence II and any protein glycosylation and any other post-translational modifications to within the detection limits of the method. It was found that the choice of matrix considerably influenced the sequence coverage in peptide mapping.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of sonographic cervical parameters in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton gestations.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of cervical sonography and to compare various sonographic cervical parameters in their ability to predict spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton gestations. DESIGN: A prospective cohort of 469 high-risk gestations were longitudinally evaluated between 15 and 24 weeks' gestation on 1265 occasions with transvaginal cervical sonography and transfundal pressure. The cervical parameters obtained were funnel width and length, cervical length, percent funneling and cervical index. The information obtained was used for patient management. Restriction of physical activities was initiated at cervical lengths of < or = 2.5 cm with cerclage as an option for cervical lengths of < or = 2.0 cm. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a cervical length of < or = 2.5 cm between 15 and 24 weeks' gestation was equal to the other sonographic cervical parameters in its ability to predict spontaneous preterm birth. The sensitivities for delivery at < 28, < 30, < 32 and < 34 weeks' gestation were 94%, 91%, 83% and 76%, respectively, while the negative predictive values were 99%, 99%, 98% and 96%, respectively. The placement of a cerclage did not influence the positive and negative predictive values. In comparison to women with other risk factors, cervical length was best in the prediction of preterm birth in women with a prior mid-trimester loss; an optimal cut-off of < or = 1.5 cm had sensitivities for delivery at < 28, < 30, < 32 and < 34 weeks' gestation of 100%, 100% 92% and 81%, respectively. The rate of preterm delivery at < 34 weeks' gestation increased dramatically when the cervical length was < or = 1.5 cm. Cervical length was the only independent variable that entered the logistic regression model for the prediction of preterm delivery at < 34 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk singleton gestations a cervical length of < or = 2.5 cm was equal to other sonographic cervical parameters in its ability to predict spontaneous preterm birth and was better for the prediction of earlier forms of prematurity (at < 28 and < 30 weeks) than later forms (at < 32 and < 34 weeks). The optimal cervical lengths and their performance for predicting prematurity may be influenced by obstetric risk factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Linezolid treatment of prosthetic hip Infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Prosthetic joint infection is an infrequent but serious complication of total joint arthroplasty. Complete removal of all foreign material is essential, however when prosthesis removal is not possible or contraindicated, suppressive antibiotic therapy with retention of the functioning hip arthroplasty may be considered. Linezolid, the first approved oxazolidinone, appears to be a promising new agent for the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections. We report two cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prosthetic hip infections successfully treated with a long course of linezolid. This observation suggest that linezolid is a promising drug for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections due to MRSA or other Gram-positive pathogens, particularly when other therapeutic approaches are not feasible or a long-term antibiotic therapy is required.

Acetamides↗
PubMed1998

Sibship size, birth order, and atopy in 11,371 Italian young men.

BACKGROUND: Having a low number of siblings and a low birth order has been reported to be a relevant risk factor for development of atopic diseases and skin sensitization to common inhalants. Although the inverse association of atopy with sibship size has been confirmed repeatedly, the association with birth order has provided conflicting results. This possibly is due to the relatively small size of the population sample examined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between sibship size, birth order, and atopy in a very large population sample, highly homogeneous for age and sex. METHODS: This was a retrospective survey of 11,371 Italian young men, 18 to 24 years old, all candidates for enrollment in the Italian Air Force. Demographic data had been collected by a standard questionnaire. Specific IgE for locally relevant airborne allergens had been tested by a multi-RAST assay (CAP-Phadiatop). RESULTS: The prevalence of atopy (defined as a high level of specific IgE against inhalants [cut-point >1.2 log RU]) was inversely related to the total number of siblings (25% in those with no siblings and 9% in those with five or more siblings), with a mean of a 3% decrease in prevalence for each added sibling. This relation persisted after adjustment for relevant variables such as father's education and rural and southern residence. An independent association between birth order and atopy was also observed because the decrease in atopy prevalence with increasing numbers of older siblings was significantly steeper than that found with the number of younger siblings (chi2 = 179, df = 1, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In a very large and homogeneous population sample of a Mediterranean country, not only sibship size but also birth order was significantly associated with atopy. This observation further highlights the role of family structure in the development of atopy and supports the hypothesis that cross-infections acquired early in infancy or in later childhood might prevent development of atopy later in life.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Truncal vagotomy, antrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in the treatment of duodenogastric reflux disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The surgical treatment of duodenogastric reflux (DGR), resistant to medical therapy, in patients with intact stomach is difficult to standardize. The aim of this study is to present our experience on 5 patients, all cholecystectomized, with severe DGR disease treated surgically. METHODS: Out of a group of 223 patients suffering from nonulcerous dispeptic pathology presenting to our department, we selected 5 patients suffering from alkaline reflux gastritis in intact stomach. The diagnosis of primary DGR was made using Wilson's criteria. The surgical procedure adopted consisted of a truncal vagotomy, antrectomy, and a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. RESULTS: No perioperative mortality was observed. Twelve months after surgery all patients expressed satisfaction with the result of the operation and complained of no severe disturbances. A sense of postprandial fullness with a sense of pain in the left shoulder persisted in one case only, requiring the consumption of small and frequent meals. Radiological examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract of these patients showed notably delayed emptying of the gastric stump, while the endoscopic picture was completely normal. CONCLUSION: The antrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is a better known operation, easily executed, and has the advantage that it can be performed on patients previously operated on for gastric resection and therefore suffering from secondary reflux. It also has the advantage of removing the gastric antrum where mucous atrophy is more frequent and is susceptible to neoplastic degeneration. However, at the present time the choice between different types of operation depends exclusively on the personal conviction and experience of the surgeon.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗
PubMed1997

Airborne contact dermatitis from 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol in a cosmetic company.

The authors described two cases of airborne contact dermatitis caused by 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP 100) in two subjects with periorbital erythema and itching skin. The AMP 100 has been used to replace ammonia as a hair dye component in the cosmetic industry with the purpose to eliminate its smell. Patch tests proved positive only to dilutions of 10% and 20% in the two described patients, as well as in other six asymptomatic subjects operating in the same working environment. The authors have diagnosed an irritative airborne contact dermatitis by AMP 100.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1992

Evidence for a storage pool defect in platelets from cirrhotic patients with defective aggregation.

The mechanisms underlying the defective platelet function in cirrhotic patients were investigated. Eleven cirrhotic patients with mild disease (group 1), 20 patients with severe cirrhosis (group 2), and 31 controls were studied. Platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in cirrhotics compared with controls. Compared with controls, cirrhotic patients in group 2 showed a significant reduction in the total content of adenosine triphosphate (57.8 +/- 7.8 vs. 26.1 +/- 6.3 mumol/10(11) platelets; P less than 0.05), 5-hydroxytryptamine (285 +/- 26 vs. 104 +/- 38 nmol/10(11) platelets; P less than 0.05), beta-thromboglobulin (2129 +/- 120 vs. 1223 +/- 161 ng/10(8) platelets; P less than 0.01), and platelet factor 4 (1389 +/- 108 vs. 805 +/- 176 ng/10(8) platelets; P less than 0.05). In patients with severe disease, an increase in plasma beta-thromboglobulin-platelet factor 4 ratio, an index of in vivo platelet activation, was observed (controls, 3.50 +/- 0.50; group 1, 4.02 +/- 0.80; and group 2, 6.59 +/- 1.15). Our data indicate the existence of a platelet storage pool defect, which may favor the bleeding tendency of cirrhotic patients.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1992

[Hemostatic parameters in patients with type IIA and IV hyperlipoproteinemia].

In order to assess the interrelationships between the lipemic and the haemostatic balance the Authors studied the behaviour of some thrombotic markers in hyperlipemic subjects. The series consists of 35 subjects (15 m, 20 f, mean age 56 +/- 9 years) suffering from primary polygenic hyperlipoproteinemia of type IIA (23 cases) and type IV (12 cases) (cholesterol and triglyceride values exceeding respectively 250 and 180 mg%); 38 control subjects matched for sex, age and body weight were also examined; all the subjects were without hepato-renal and endocrine-metabolic disorders as well as without clinical signs of arteriosclerotic vasculopathy. For each subject the Authors performed the assay of the fasting plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) (enzymatic methods), fibrinogen (F) (coagulometric method), factor VII (coagulometric method) (F VII), antithrombin III (AT III) (chromogenic method), tissue activator of plasminogen (tPA), beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) and D-dimer (D-D) (ELISA method). The type IIA hypercholesterolemic subjects showed a not significant trend in a thrombophilic sense of the markers (increase of F, F VII, BTG and D-D, decrease of AT III); the type IV hypertriglyceridemic subjects exhibited a significant (0.05) increase of factor VII, BTG and D-D compared to the control subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antithrombin III↗
PubMed1991

[The thrombophilic status and ischemic cardiopathy].

Hemostatic disorders in coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease patients were examined by studying two groups of prothrombotic and prethrombotic markers. Sixty subjects (28 male, 32 female aged 64 +/- 6 years) were included in the study of which 30 suffered from coronary heart disease and 30 from cerebral vascular disease; the first group was subdivided into those subjects with quiescent preinfarction angina (21 cases) and those with acute myocardial infarction (9 cases), whereas the second group was subdivided into subjects with cerebral stroke (20 cases) and those with TIA (10 cases). Each subject underwent an assay to assess fasting blood levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, antithrombin III (using a chromogenic method), plasminogen tissue activator, beta-thromboglobulin and dimer-D (ELISA method) 24 hours after being admitted to hospital. From an analysis of results it was observed that of the four prothrombotic markers used, fibrinogen and factor VII showed a generic increase in comparison to coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease patients; this was paralleled by significant reduction of antithrombin III; differences were even more marked and significant in acute thrombo-occlusive (infarction, stroke) compared to functional forms (angina, TIA). In line with other studies, the Authors favour an irritative type endothelial response leading to a marked and surprising increase of tPA. The two prothrombotic markers (BTG, D-D) also showed a thrombotic development in the two groups of patients examined with more significant findings in the occlusive forms (infarction, stroke) in comparison to transitory forms. On the basis of these and other published results the Authors confirm the usefulness of monitoring prothrombotic markers (fibrinogen, factor VII, AT III) in apparently normal subjects with or without risk factors or with slight initial signs of arteriosclerotic disease; these call for longitudinal or cross-sectional studies of an epidemiology type, in addition to isolated assay for a generic assessment of the patient's biological status, even if it is not yet possible to elaborate a protocol for the certain and specific diagnosis of a thrombophilic condition. The value of prethrombotic markers is apparent in the acute occlusive stage of the disease as a form of prognostic and therapeutic monitoring, and in preinfarction and above all silent transitory forms where, together with the use of other techniques (Holter), it provides interesting openings for confirming the diagnosis of an in vivo microthrombotic genesis and the consequent introduction of antithrombotic drug therapy.

Angina, Unstable↗
PubMed1989

Decreased fibrinolytic response to adrenergic stimulation in hypertensive patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the function of the fibrinolytic system at rest and in response to adrenergic stimulation in patients with stable essential hypertension as compared with normotensives. At rest, essential arterial hypertensives were characterized by increased levels of circulating tissue-plasminogen activator, associated with an increased activity of its specific inhibitor, the PAI-1. After stress, fibrinolytic response was impaired in essential arterial hypertensives despite a greater release of tissue plasminogen activator by endothelial cells. Therefore, the PAI-1 activity may be increased in essential arterial hypertensives not only at rest, but also after stress. This may represent a risk factor for hypertensive patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Afterload changes in diabetic dysautonomia evaluated using echocardiography].

We have studied echocardiographic morpho-functional alterations in 34 male subjects with diabetes, aged 31-73 years, with and without autonomic nervous system failure. The subjects are grouped following the tests "deep breathing", "Valsalva manoeuver", "lying to standing" and "active standing" in: D-I (10 normal subjects); D-II (16 subjects with parasympathetic failure); D-III (8 subjects with orthosympathetic failure). The D-III subjects showed significantly lower parietal systolic stress (PSS) compared to normal subjects, 115.6 +/- 17.4 vs 163.1 +/- 13.1 10(3) dynes/cm2 (mean +/- 1SD), and significantly lower end isovolumetric systolic stress, 67.8 +/- 7.8 vs 98.6 +/- 7.1 10(3) dynes/cm2 ("afterload" indexes). In D-III group, the subjects with noradrenaline levels greater than 300 pg/ml, with an hypothetical peripheral resistance to noradrenaline (or receptor "down regulation"), showed higher blood pressure levels and higher parietal stress (PSS: 141.3 +/- 25.3 vs 98.5 +/- 20.7 10(3) dynes/cm2; EISS: 74.1 +/- 17.8 vs 63.6 +/- 8.6 10(3) dynes/cm2). Thus, cardiovascular signs of autonomic failure, like the stress index variation, related to a modification of the afterload, may be observable in diabetic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Multiple marker studies on a malignant fibrous histiocytoma with primary cutaneous localization.

Continuing controversy exists concerning a possible relation between neoplastic cells of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) and the mononuclear phagocyte system. The aim of this study was to investigate the membrane and cytoenzymatic phenotype of a primary cutaneous MFH, storiform pleomorphic type, and to compare these data with ultrastructural observations. Cytoplasmic proteins (acid phosphatase, non specific esterase, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and lysozyme) suggestive of a mononuclear phagocyte origin were demonstrated in varying amounts in neoplastic cells infiltrating the dermis. Consistent with these data, two (LeuM3 and OKM5) out of four (OKM1 and LeuM1) monoclonal antibodies directed against mononuclear phagocyte antigens stained most of the neoplastic cells. Class II MCH antigens (DR and DQ) were variably expressed on distinct groups of neoplastic cells, suggesting different activation/differentiation states. The results favor the view that the present case of primary cutaneous MFH was of mononuclear phagocyte origin. However, the observed phenotypic profile was expressed on neoplastic cells irrespective of their ultrastructural morphology (histiocytic or fibroblastic). Together with previous data in the literature, the latter finding corroborates the view that distinction between these two cell types in MFH is likely to reflect divergent growth and differentiation patterns rather than histogenesis.

Aged↗