Colectomy for ulcerative colitis.
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Colectomy↗
Biomedical subjects
A Ricci
Publications and source records attributed to A Ricci.
HCV genotypes and breakthrough in patients treated with recombinant alpha interferon.
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Adolescent↗
Response to long-term hGH therapy in two children with Schwachman-Diamond syndrome associated with GH deficiency.
Schwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by pancreatic insufficiency, metaphyseal anomalies, recurrent infections, hematologic abnormalities, and growth retardation. Slow growth in these patients has been attributed to nutritional deficits, recurrent infections, and skeletal anomalies. Two cases of Schwachman-Diamond syndrome associated with growth hormone deficiency have been previously reported. We report here on 2 additional cases with this unusual association. Therefore, growth failure in Schwachman-Diamond syndrome should not be assumed to be due to chronic illness or recurrent infections; other etiologies for growth failure should be sought. However, the presence of metaphyseal disorders probably interferes with the long-term efficacy of growth hormone substitutive therapy.
Adolescent↗
Shock waves in vascular diseases: an in-vitro study.
UNLABELLED: Three human aortic specimens were used for this in-vitro study on the effects of shock waves on the arterial wall. Specimen one was from a normal (for age) healthy aorta. The full abdominal length was used (including mesenteric and renal arteries and the aortoiliac bifurcation), divided into six pieces (3 cm). The pieces were placed and fixed into degassed water. Shock waves (SW) were focused onto the aortic wall by means of a B-mode ultrasound imager. An SW generator (Minilith SL1, Storz Medical AG, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland) was used for setting of energy flux density between 0.03 and 0.5 mJ/mm2. The six aortic pieces (excluding piece 1, placed in water and left untreated as control) were treated with SW at increasing energy levels. A second aortic specimen of a man with arteriosclerotic plaques was also used and the experiment repeated at energy levels 1, 5, and 8. Another specimen of normal thoracic aorta was exposed at energy levels 1 and 8 only. Energy levels delivered onto the aortic walls were selected from theoretically destructive levels to minimal levels known not to alter vascular tissues. High-resolution ultrasounds of the aortic segments were performed with a 10 MHz high-resolution, broad-band (ATL 3000, USA) probe in water before and after SW application to detect structural changes in the wall after SW. Histology was performed with a standard hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: The aortic pieces did not show macroscopic damages at visual examination, and at the ultrasound examination no visible changes were observed even at higher levels of SW energy. Also no effects were seen by histology. In conclusion, no damaging effects were observed, visually, by ultrasound, or by histology. At these energy levels SW appear to be safe and do not produce any damage to the aortic wall. Therefore, SW could be considered a safe, nondamaging procedure for potential treatment (ie, thrombolysis) in which vessel walls could be involved. Theoretically it is possible that functional changes could be observed in vivo including cell permeability modifications and other alterations (including changes in the potential of the cells in SW fields to modify themselves and to divide). At the energy levels described in this study SW could, theoretically be, safely used for vascular applications (ie, treating venous and arterial thrombi or in arterial plaques modification) without altering major, structural, arterial wall characteristics. Lesions or alterations that have a different density from the normal wall (thrombi or plaques) could be differently sensitive to the same dosage of SW. These differences in acoustic impedance characteristics could be used for potential treatments with SW without damaging the arterial wall.
Aorta↗
Treatment of severe intermittent claudication with PGE1--a short-term vs a long-term infusion plan--a 20 week, European randomized trial--analysis of efficacy and costs.
The efficacy, safety, and cost of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in the treatment of severe intermittent claudication was studied by comparing a long-term treatment protocol (LTP) with a short-term treatment protocol (STP) in a randomized 20-week study. The study included 109 patients (96 completed the study) with an average total walking distance of 65.5 +/- 8 m (range 20-109). Phase 1 was a 2-week run-in phase (no treatment) for both protocols. In LTP, phase 2 was the main treatment phase. In the LTP, treatment was performed with 2-hour infusions (60 microg PGE1, 5 days each week for 4 weeks). In phase 3 (4-week interval period) PGE1 was administered twice a week (same dosage). In phase 4 (monitoring lasting 3 months, from week 9 to 20) no drugs were used. In STP, phase 2 treatment was performed in 2 days by a 2-hour infusion (1st day: morning 20 microg, afternoon 40 microg; 2nd day morning and afternoon 60 microg). The reduced dosage was used only at the first cycle (week 0) to evaluate reduced tolerability or side effects. Full dosage (60 microg b.i.d.) was used for all other cycles. The same cycle was repeated at the beginning of weeks 4, 8, and 12. The observation period was between weeks 12 and 20. A treadmill test was performed at inclusion, at the beginning of each phase, and at the end of the 20th week. A similar progressive physical training plan (based on walking) and a reduction in risk factors levels plan was used in both groups. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an increase in walking distance, which improved at 4 weeks (101.5% in STP vs 78.3% in LTP), at 8 weeks (260.9% STP vs 107.3% LTP), and at 20 weeks (351% STP vs 242% LTP). Comparable increases in pain-free walking distance were observed in the two groups. No serious drug-related side effects were observed. Local, mild adverse reactions were seen in 7% of the treated subjects in the LTP and 5% in the STP. Average cost of LTP was approximately 6,588 ECU; for STP the average cost was approximately 1,881 ECU. The cost to achieve an improvement in walking distance of 1 m was 35.6 ECU with the LTP and 9.45 ECU with the STP (26% of the LTP cost; p<0.02). For an average 100% increase in walking distance the LTP cost was 1,937 ECU vs 550 ECU with STP (p<0.02). The cost of PGE1 (including infusion and operative costs) was 25% of the total cost for LTP (24.9% for STP). In summary, between-group-analysis favors STP, in terms of walking distance and costs. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability of PGE1 treatment. With STP less time is spent in infusion and more can be spent in the exercise program. STP reduces costs, speeds up rehabilitation, and may be used in a larger number of nonspecialized units available to follow the protocol.
Alprostadil↗
A prospective clinical trial of endosseous screw-shaped implants placed at the time of tooth extraction without augmentation.
This prospective clinical trial evaluated 134 implants in 81 patients. The implants were placed at the time of tooth extraction and were not augmented with barrier membranes or graft materials. The implants were placed into good jaw bone anatomy and quality and were restored by dentists familiar with the implant system. Forty-seven implants were followed between 4 to 5 years with a cumulative success rate of 93.3%. Marginal bone levels were measured for 61 patients with 108 implants. The average mesial-distal measurements for maxillary implants at abutment connection were 1.02 mm (SD+/-0.59) and 1.36 mm (SD+/-0.78) at an average of 32 months follow-up. These differences were not significant. The average mandibular mesial-distal measurements at abutment connection were 1.05 mm (SD+/-0.92) and 1.54 mm (SD+/-0.91) at follow-up. These differences were statistically significant (P = 0.0027). Removal of one patient (5 implants) with advanced marginal bone loss from the data provided a marginal bone level of 1.20 mm (SD+/-0.94) at abutment connection and 1.30 mm (SD+/-0.87) at follow-up. These differences were not significant. The results of this study indicate that implants placed at the time of extraction without augmentation or grafting have excellent long-term cumulative success rates.
Adult↗
Density and localization of calcium channels of the L-type in human pulmonary artery.
The pharmacological profile and the anatomical localization of Ca2+ channels of the L-type were investigated in the human pulmonary artery to identify possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of the pulmonary vascular tone. Analysis was performed on slide-mounted frozen sections of human pulmonary artery using radioligand binding assay techniques associated with light microscope autoradiography. [3H]-Nicardipine was used as ligand. Human renal and right coronary arteries also were used as systemic reference arteries. Binding of [3H]-nicardipine to sections of human pulmonary artery was time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent, saturable and reversible. In the human pulmonary artery, the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 0.12+/-0.02 nM and the maximum density of binding sites (Bmax) was 38.15+/-2.25 fmol/mg tissue. Kd values were 0.3+/-0.01 nM and 0.5+/-0.02 in the human renal artery and right coronary artery respectively. Bmax values were 248+/-16 fmol/mg tissue and 173+/-9.5 fmol/mg tissue in the human renal artery and right coronary artery respectively. The pharmacological profile of [3H]-nicardipine binding to sections of human pulmonary artery was consistent with the labeling of Ca2+ channels of the L-type. It was similar in the pulmonary artery and in the human renal and right coronary arteries. Light microscope autoradiography revealed a high density of [3H]-nicardipine binding sites within smooth muscle of the tunica media of human pulmonary artery as well as of human renal and right coronary arteries. A lower accumulation of the radioligand occurred in the tunica adventitia. No specific binding was noticeable in the tunica intima. Our data suggest that human pulmonary artery expresses Ca2+ channels of the L-type sensitive to dihydropyridines. These sites have similar affinity and lower density than those expressed by systemic arteries. The presence of Ca2+ channels of the L-type in human pulmonary artery suggests that their pharmacological manipulation may be considered in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Aged↗
Frequency of breast biopsy and breast cancer diagnosis in central Connecticut--trends from 1993 to 1997.
The frequency of diagnosed breast cancer at Hartford Hospital has risen 75% from 1993 to 1997 (153 vs 87 cases during January-March 1997 as compared to January-March 1993). During the same intervals the frequency of breast biopsies performed also increased 45% (455 vs 312 biopsies). The rate of "positive" biopsies has increased slightly (27.9%, 28.3%, 31.5%, 30.7%, and 33.6% for the first three months of each year 1993 to 1997, respectively). When stratified into thirds based on decreasing practice activity of Hartford Hospital surgeons with regard to breast surgery, the "positive" biopsy rates were 28.7%, 31.2%, and 33.0% respectively. Local breast cancer incidence is rising, however surgeons are not "overusing" breast biopsy as compared to recent past practice despite the fact that many more breast biopsies are now being performed.
Biopsy, Needle↗
Double heterozygosity for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in a breast cancer patient.
BACKGROUND: Germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 confer substantial increased lifetime risk for breast cancer, and in the case of BRCA1, for ovarian carcinoma as well. These two genes alone account for the vast majority of hereditary breast cancer families. Numerous mutations have been described in each gene, the majority of which are small insertions or deletions resulting in expression of a truncated protein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several common mutations can be detected using a polymerase chain reaction-mediated, site-directed mutagenesis assay, which transforms the amplicon derived from either the wild-type or mutant allele by adding or removing a restriction endonuclease site. We screened 49 putative sporadic breast tumors using this methodology, targeting four BRCA1 mutations (185delAG, 5382insC, R1443X, and E1250X) and a single BRCA2 mutation (6174delT). RESULTS: Using the polymerase chain reaction-mediated, site-directed mutagenesis assay, we identified two mutations, namely, a 185delAG mutation (BRCA1) and a 6174delT mutation (BRCA2). Interestingly, these two mutations were found in the same sample. None of the remaining 48 breast tumors showed evidence of these mutations. Allele-specific oligonucleotide probes were then employed in conjunction with the Universal GeneComb Test Kit, which confirmed the presence of mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the common germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are infrequently encountered in sporadic breast cancers. The one case with dual BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations suggests that this tumor may be hereditary in origin, despite the lack of a positive family history. Double heterozygosity for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 may have increasingly significant implications with regard to predisposition to breast cancer.
BRCA2 Protein↗
Age-related changes of the noradrenergic innervation of rat tracheo-bronchial tree and pulmonary vasculature.
Age-related changes of the noradrenergic innervation of the tracheo-bronchial tree and of pulmonary vasculature were investigated in male Wistar rats of 3 months (young), 12 months (adult) and 24 months (old/aged), using catecholamine histofluorescence techniques associated with image analysis and by high pressure liquid chromagraphy with electrochemical detection. In young rats, blue-green fluorescent nerve fibres supply tracheo-bronchial smooth muscle and tracheal and bronchial glands, which are innervated by a delicate network of nerve fibres rich in varicosities. Pulmonary artery and vein are sparsely innervated. They are supplied with nerve fibres distributed in the vasa vasorum or the adventitia and the outer tunica media. The higher noradrenaline concentrations were found in the trachea and extraparenchymal bronchi, followed by pulmonary vein and pulmonary artery. The density and pattern of noradrenergic innervation of the tracheo-bronchial tree, or of the pulmonary vasculature, were similar in young and adult rats. In aged rats, a loss of noradrenergic innervation involving primarily the supply to the smooth muscle of the tracheo-bronchial tree was observed. Histofluorescence techniques demonstrated a higher sensitivity than noradrenaline assay in detecting changes of the sympathetic innervation of the tracheo-bronchial tree and of the pulmonary vasculature. The possible significance of reduced noradrenergic innervation of the tracheo-bronchial tree in aged rats is discussed.
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
Age-related changes of sulphide-silver staining in the rat hippocampus.
The influence of ageing on sulphide-silver positive zinc stores was assessed in the stratum radiatum of the CA1-CA3 sub fields of the rat hippocampus and in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus using a silver amplification histochemical technique associated with microdensitometry. The volume of areas examined for microdensitometry was evaluated as well by quantitative image analysis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3 months (considered to be young), 12 months (considered to be adult) and 24 months (considered to be old) were used. Microdensitometric analysis of values of sulphide-silver staining corrected for the volume of hippocampal areas investigated revealed no age-dependent changes of staining in the CA1 sub field of the hippocampus. In the CA2 sub field a decrease of sulphide-silver staining was noticeable in aged rats in comparison with younger cohorts. A progressive reduction in the intensity of sulphide-silver staining was observed in the CA3 sub field of the hippocampus. In the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, the intensity of staining was decreased in adult and old rats in comparison with young animals. These findings indicate a different sensitivity to ageing of histochemically detectable zinc stores of rat hippocampus. The possibility of a specific sensitivity to senescence of different zinc-containing pathways of the hippocampus is discussed.
Aging↗
Pharmacological characterisation and autoradiographic localisation of a putative dopamine D3 receptor in the rat kidney.
The pharmacological profile and the microanatomical localisation of a putative dopamine D3 receptor in the rat renal cortex were investigated using radioligand binding assay and light microscope autoradiography techniques. [3H]7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetraline ([3H]7-OH-DPAT) was used as a ligand. [3H]7-OH-DPAT was bound specifically to sections of renal cortex. The binding was time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent, of high affinity and guanine nucleotide-insensitive. The dissociation constant (Kd) value was 0.57 +/- 0.02 nM and the maximum density of binding sites (Bmax) was 62.4 +/- 3.5 fmol/mg tissue. The pharmacological profile of [3H]7-OH-DPAT binding to sections of rat renal cortex suggests the labelling of a dopamine D3 receptor. Light microscope autoradiography revealed the accumulation of the radioligand primarily within cortical tubules and to a lesser extent in the glomerular tuft. In glomeruli, binding sites were found mainly in mesangium and mesangial cells. The demonstration of a putative dopamine D3 receptor in slide-mounted sections of rat renal cortex suggests that appropriate radioligand binding assay techniques combined with autoradiography, may contribute to characterise peripheral dopamine receptor subtypes.
Animals↗
Dopamine D4 receptor in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: a radioligand binding assay study.
The expression of dopamine D4 receptor was investigated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with a radioligand binding assay technique, using [3H]clozapine as radioligand. [3H]Clozapine was specifically bound to human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The binding was time-, temperature-, and concentration-dependent and of high affinity, with a dissociation constant (K(d)) value of 0.34 +/- 0.02 nM and a maximum density of binding sites (B(max)) value of 27 +/- 1.4 fmol/10(6) cells. The pharmacological profile of [3H]clozapine binding to human peripheral blood lymphocytes was similar to that found in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the D4 clone (D4.2 variant). The above results are consistent with molecular biology studies demonstrating the expression of a dopamine D4 receptor in immune cells and in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The availability of a rapid and sensitive radioligand binding assay technique for the dopamine D4 receptor in human peripheral blood lymphocytes may contribute to better define the role of this dopamine receptor subtype in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Adult↗
Trk-like proteins during the post-hatching growth of the avian bursa of Fabricius.
Neurotrophins are growth factors acting on responsive cells through membrane receptors identified as Trk tyrosine kinase proteins (A, B and C). Trks are present in the mammalian lymphoid organs, and indirect evidence suggests that they are also present in the avian bursa of Fabricius. This study was designed to analyze (a) the occurrence and localization of Trk proteins in the bursa of Fabricius; and (b) whether the post-hatching growth of the organ (from hatching to 75 days) involves cells expressing Trk proteins. We used pigeon bursae of Fabricius, and rabbit polyclonal antibodies against specific epitopes of TrkA, TrkB and TrkC. Cytokeratins and vimentin were studied in parallel with label non-lymphoid cells of the bursal follicles. Immunoreactivity (IR) for all assessed antigens was found in specific non-lymphoid cells. From hatching to 15 days, TrkB-like IR was found outside the follicles in cells localized beneath the follicle associated (FAE) and interfollicular (IFE) epithelium. Between 30-75 days TrkB-like IR labelled the medullary secretory dendritic cells (SDC). The density of SDC displaying IR increased up to 60 days. TrkA-like and TrkC-like IR was primarily observed in FAE and IFE, but also in the medullary reticular epithelial cells (REC) up to 15 days. The present results provide evidence of the occurrence, localization and post-hatching changes in Trk proteins in avian bursa of Fabricius. Trks were localized on non-lymphoid cells which participate in providing the adequate microenvironment for B lymphocyte maturation. Furthermore, the cell segregation in the expression of Trks suggests specific roles for their ligands in controlling the function of medullary SDC and REC, hence bursal lymphoid follicle physiology.
Animals↗
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: review of Italian reports.
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of calcific concretions in the alveolar spaces. A familial occurrence is frequently found so that an inherited trait is thought to be involved. The chest X-ray is characterized by a 'sandstrom' picture while the clinical state undergoes to a slow and progressive impairment resulting in respiratory failure at the end stage. We have reviewed the Italian literature of the past 50 years detecting 48 case-reports of PAM (19 males and 29 females). Only 20 out of them were documented in international journals. A familial occurrence of 43.7% was found and 18 patients were under age fifteen. There was a prevalence in the female sex (60.4%) and in the second decade of life. Chest X-ray was the most important tool to diagnose PAM revealing the characteristic picture in all patient. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and open lung biopsy respectively show the characteristic calcospherites in the recovered fluid (BALF) and in the alveolar spaces. About 300 cases of PAM are reported in the international literature. We believe these data are probably underestimated because many case-reports are not published in international literature.
Adolescent↗
Use of [3H]-clozapine as a ligand of the dopamine D4 receptor subtype in peripheral tissues.
1. Molecular biology studies have documented the presence of peripheral dopamine D4 receptors. This site has not been characterized yet with classical radioligand binding assay techniques because of the lack of selective radioligands. 2. The atypical neuroleptic clozapine labelled with tritium ([3H]-clozapine) has been proposed and sold as a radioligand for brain dopamine D4 receptors. However, the selectivity of [3H]-clozapine for D4 receptor subtypes, and its specificity for brain dopamine receptors, have been questioned. 3. In this study dopamine D4 receptors were assayed in peripheral organs known to express them, such as rat atria and kidney, by using a radioligand binding assay technique with [3H]-clozapine as the radioligand. Parallel experiments were performed using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the D4 receptor clone (variant D4.2). 4. [3H]-Clozapine was bound to sections of rat atria and kidney. After appropriate blockade of sites other than dopamine receptors to which it can bind (i.e. muscarinic cholinergic, serotonergic and alpha-adrenergic receptors), the radioligand was bound to a site displaying a pharmacological profile similar to that expressed by CHO cells transfected with the D4 receptor. 5. The above findings indicate that with appropriate protocols, [3H]-clozapine may represent a radioligand for peripheral dopamine D4 receptors.
Animals↗
Activated eosinophils in esophagitis in children: a transmission electron microscopic study.
BACKGROUND: Esophagitis in infants and children is often characterized by eosinophilic inflammation. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to this type of inflammation, and the role of eosinophils in the clinical expression of esophagitis, are unknown. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ultrastructural activation state of eosinophils in esophagitis in infants and children. METHODS: Standard transmission electron microscopy was used to examine endoscopic esophageal biopsy material from patients with and without esophagitis, as defined by standard histologic criteria. RESULTS: Twelve esophagitis and three control cases were studied. In patients with esophagitis, electron microscopy revealed numerous eosinophils throughout the mucosa and invariably demonstrated signs of activation, including inversion of core-to-matrix densities and lucency of granule core protein. Eosinophils in an activated state were seen in active diapedesis through vascular endothelium into the mucosa. Eosinophils were sometimes seen in proximity to lymphocytes. Biopsies of control patients did not demonstrate eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophils present in esophagitis are activated by electron microscopic criteria, and can been seen in an activated state entering into the mucosa. This suggests that eosinophils play an active role in the pathophysiology of this disorder, and that proinflammatory factors are present that selectively recruit and activate eosinophils in esophagitis in children.
Adolescent↗
Dopamine D3 receptor in peripheral mononuclear cells of essential hypertensives.
Dopamine D3 receptor was studied in peripheral mononuclear cells of high-normal, stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 essential hypertensives using a radioligand binding assay technique with [3H]-7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetraline (7-OH-DPAT) as a radioligand. A group of de novo Parkinsonian patients was also examined as a reference group of impaired dopaminergic function. [3H]-7-OH-DPAT was bound specifically to human peripheral mononuclear cells in a manner consistent with the labeling of a dopamine D3 receptor. No changes in free dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and aldosterone levels, renin activity, dissociation constant of [3H]-7-OH-DPAT binding, or the pharmacological profile of [3H]-7-OH-DPAT binding were found between normotensive control subjects and essential hypertensives or Parkinsonians. The density of peripheral mononuclear cell [3H]-7-OH-DPAT binding sites increased in essential hypertensives parallel to blood pressure value augmentation. A higher density of [3H]-7-OH-DPAT binding sites was found in Parkinsonians. In these patients, the density of [3H]-7-OH-DPAT binding sites was similar to that observed in high-normal subjects and in stage 1 essential hypertensives. The increased density of peripheral mononuclear cell dopamine D3 receptor in hypertension as well as in Parkinson's disease may represent an upregulation mechanism consequent to impaired dopaminergic function. In view of the difficulty in identifying markers of peripheral dopamine function, analysis of dopamine D3 receptor in peripheral mononuclear cells may help evaluate whether the dopaminergic system is involved in hypertension.
Adult↗