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Biomedical subjects

C Rosa

Publications and source records attributed to C Rosa.

70 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Unusual molecular forms of hCG in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

We have observed unusual forms of human choriogonadotropin (hCG) in the urine of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. These molecules were of two types: Carboxyterminal fragments of hCG beta-subunit and desialylated forms of hCG. Substantial amounts of these materials were found in the urines of 83% and 50%, respectively, of the patients (n = 12) studied. In contrast, negligible quantities were found in the urine of 14 healthy pregnant women. Also, these unusual forms were not detectable in normal controls given an infusion of hCG. These findings indicate that these forms have clinical potential for diagnosing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and differentiating it from normal pregnancy.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1982

IgE in leprosy.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serum testosterone response to desialylated human choriogonadotropin in man.

To assess the in vivo steroidogenic activity of desialylated human choriogonadotropin (hCG) in man, highly purified desialylated hCG was administered as a constant intravenous infusion over 6 hours to four normal men at a rate sufficient to maintain substantial levels of desialylated hCG in the serum. The mean percent change of serum testosterone from baseline during the first 6 hours in men given an infusion of desialylated hCG was compared to that in saline-infused controls and that in men given highly purified intact hCG. The mean change of serum testosterone at 6 hours in the group infused with desialylated hCG (129% of baseline) was significantly greater than that of the controls (69% of baseline). Furthermore, the response to desialylated hCG could not be distinguished from that of hCG (125% of baseline). It was concluded that desialylated hCG, when given as a constant intravenous infusion, can elicit a substantial serum testosterone response comparable to that seen with purified hCG, and thus, that desialylated hCG behaves as an agonist of the LH/CG receptors on human Leydig cells.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and transforming growth factor-beta receptors in myometrium of women with failed induction of labor, no labor, and preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE: Comparative analysis of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and TGF-beta receptor type I and type II messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression in myometrium of women who had unsuccessful labor induction, with those without labor or in preterm labor complicated by chorioamnionitis. METHODS: Small segments of myometrium were collected from women who were undergoing cesarean delivery for unsuccessful labor induction (n = 5), elective cesarean without labor (n = 5), or cesarean delivery for complications related to preterm labor and chorioamnionitis (n = 5). Total RNA was isolated from these tissues and subjected to competitive quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) to determine the level of TGF-beta 1, and TGF-beta type I and type II receptor mRNA expression. Tissue sections were prepared from paraffin-embedded specimens and immunostained for TGF-beta 1 and receptor proteins using specific polycolonal antibodies. The data were analyzed by impaired Student t test and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. RESULTS: Myometrium from women who had unsuccessful labor induction expressed higher levels of TGF-beta 1 mRNA (2.21 +/- 0.28 x 10(6) copies/microgram of total cellular RNA) than those with preterm labor (4.53 +/- 0.2 x 10(5) copies), or without labor [3.13 +/- 2.6 x 10(4) copies (P < .05)]. The level of TGF-beta type I receptor mRNA expression did not vary; however, type II receptor expression was significantly lower in myometrium from preterm labor (1.36 +/- 0.36 x 10(5) copies) compared with those from unsuccessful labor induction (3.42 +/- 0.42 x 10(6) copies) or without labor (9.65 +/- 3.2 x 10(5) copies). Immunoreactive TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta receptor proteins were present in all myometrial tissues, and their intensity reflected that of the mRNA expression in these tissues. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta type II receptors are expressed differently in myometrium of women who had unsuccessful labor induction compared with those without labor or with preterm labor complicated by chorioamnionitis. Because TGF-beta is a key regulator of tissue remodeling which is central to initiation of normal labor, alterations in TGF-beta and/or TGF-beta receptor expression may lead to changes in the outcome of labor, at least at the myometrial level.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparative study of the Brucellacapt test versus the Coombs test for Brucella].

BACKGROUND: To compare the results obtained by Brucella Coombs' test with those obtained by Brucellacapt. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 145 serum samples from 112 patients with brucellosis or with brucellar infection suspected on clinical grounds and a history of occupational exposure were analyzed. All serum samples were tested for Rose Bengal, agglutinations whenever Rose Bengal was positive, Brucella Coombs' test and Brucellacapt. RESULTS: There was a direct correlation between both methods (p < 0.01). Negative serum samples and most serum samples with titers between 1/40 and 1/2,560 as tested by Brucella Coombs' test showed similar results into a range of one to two dilutions by Brucellacapt. However, serum samples with titres between 1/5,120 and 1/40,960 by Brucella Combs' test yielded also higher titres by Brucellacapt and for this reason we were unable to define a titre. CONCLUSIONS: Brucellacapt is a rapid assay to exclude infection and yield results comparable to Brucella Coombs' test in range 1/40 to 1/2,560. Significantly higher and more rapid titres were obtained in acute brucellosis by Brucellacapt as compared with those obtained by Brucella Coombs' test. Titre's evolutions by Brucellacapt is similar to Brucella Coombs' test. Unfortunately it was difficult the titres definition of Brucellacapt at high titres.

Brucellosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Determination of locust bean gum and guar gum by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to differentiate the thickening agents locust bean gum (LBG) and the cheaper guar gum in finished food products. Universal primers for amplification of the intergenic spacer region between trnL 3' (UAA) exon and trnF (GAA) gene in the chloroplast (cp) genome and subsequent restriction analysis were applied to differentiate guar gum and LBG. The presence of <5% (w/w) guar gum powder added to LBG powder was detectable. Based on data obtained from sequencing this intergenic spacer region, a second PCR method for the specific detection of guar gum DNA was also developed. This assay detected guar gum powder in LBG in amounts as low as 1% (w/w). Both methods successfully detected guar gum and/or LBG in ice cream stabilizers and in foodstuffs, such as dairy products, ice cream, dry seasoning mixes, a finished roasting sauce, and a fruit jelly product, but not in products with highly degraded DNA, such as tomato ketchup and sterilized chocolate cream. Both methods detected guar gum and LBG in ice cream and fresh cheese at levels <0.1%.

DNA↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Analysis of seminal fluid: modern aspects of an old examination].

Semen analysis stands as the most widely employed test for the diagnosis of male infertility. Subjectivity of evaluation and intra-individual variations of sperm concentration and motility are major limitations of this technique. Intra-individual variations are due to spontaneous circannual rhythmicity, to collection artifacts or to several environmental, physiological and pathological factors. The diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of semen analysis is related to strict compliance with the guidelines recently suggested by the World Health Organization. In recent years, the development of computerized systems provides an objective and rapid method for semen analysis, suitable for the study of more sophisticated parameters of sperm motility. Electron microscopy should be performed for the evaluation of ultrastructural abnormalities of spermatozoa in men with infertility of uncertain origin.

Artifacts↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in serotoninergic mechanisms in essential hypertension].

Several data suggest the possible involvement of serotonin (5HT) and of the serotoninergic (5HTergic) system in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Our study aim was thus to measure a peripheral 5HTergic marker, such as platelet 5HT uptake, in 8 hypertensive patients, as compared with healthy controls. All subjects included underwent evaluation of the pain threshold, in view of the possible relationship between mechanisms involved in pain modulation and those regulating blood pressure. The results showed a decrease of the maximal velocity (Vmax) of platelet 5HT uptake in the patients, who also exhibited an increase in the pain threshold. These data, although preliminary, are suggestive with regard to an increased concentration of extraplatelet 5HT, which might play a role in both hypertension and the change in pain threshold.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Autonomic neuropathy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients: correlation with age, sex, duration and metabolic control of diabetes.

The aim of this study has been to assess the prevalence of autonomic neuropathy among non-insulin dependent diabetic patients, and to determine whether a correlation could be found between autonomic impairment and the following: age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass and metabolic control. Two hundred and twenty one non-insulin dependent patients were submitted to four cardiovascular tests: heart rate response to deep breathing and to standing up; blood pressure response to handgrip and to standing up. Sixty six percent of patients showed at least one abnormal cardiovascular response. The prevalence of autonomic impairment was higher in non-insulin dependent than in insulin-dependent diabetics. Patients were grouped according to the extent of autonomic impairment: absent (33.5%), early (27.6%), definite (3.6%), severe (4.5%). An atypical pattern (abnormality of blood pressure responses in absence of a definite abnormality of heart rate responses) was found in 30.8% of patients. Heart rate responses correlated significantly with age (p less than 0.001). No correlation between test results and duration was found in the multivariate analysis. The tests' results did not correlate with metabolic control or body mass index. Patients with symptoms of autonomic neuropathy had values for heart rate response to deep breathing and to standing significantly lower than those without (p less than 0.05).

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Autonomic nervous activity in obese subjects before and after caloric restriction.

The heart rate response to deep breathing (DB test) and standing (30:15 r test) and the blood pressure response to standing (LS test) and sustained handgrip (HG test) were assessed in 19 obese subjects and 15 age matched lean controls. The results of DB, 30:15 r and LS tests were not significantly different in both groups. The diastolic blood pressure increase during handgrip was significantly higher in obese than in control subjects. After a period of caloric restriction the tests were repeated in 9 patients who had obtained a weight loss of at least 5 kg: a significant decrease in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and 30:15 r results was observed, whereas the caloric restriction did not cause significant variations in the results of DB, LS and HG tests. Our results suggest that in obese patients some autonomic nervous changes can occur before and after weight loss.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Correlation between pain thresholds and polysynaptic components of blink reflex in essential arterial hypertension.

An interaction between pain modulation and arterial pressure control has been proposed on the basis of experimental data in man and animal. Eight hypertensive patients and eight normotensive volunteers were investigated by electrical stimulation of the first trigeminal branch and dental pulp, to evaluate nociceptive sensation and reflex responses. A significant threshold increase of pain sensation and R2, R3 polysynaptic components of the blink reflex, has been found in hypertensive patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combined effects of tissue plasminogen activator and carboxymethylcellulose on adhesion reformation in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness, in combination, of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which have both been investigated as adjuncts in the prevention of postsurgical adhesion reformation. METHODS: A total of 45 mature New Zealand rabbits underwent laparotomy and bilateral uterine horn abrasion using a scalpel for scarification. Adhesions were scored according to the extent of uterine horn involvement and quality of the adhesions. Three weeks later, after the adhesions were scored and lysed using microsurgical technique, the animals were randomized to receive 20 mL of one of four adjunctive treatments: (1) abnormal saline; (2) 2% sodium CMC, (3) 10 mg rt-PA mixed in 2% sodium CMC, or (4) 32% dextran 70. The adhesions were scored again 3 weeks later at necropsy. RESULTS: Although adhesion scores decreased slightly in all groups, there was no statistically significant difference in adhesion reformation between the four groups. Four rabbits died of intra-abdominal hemorrhage following lysis of adhesions, including three in the rt-PA/CMC group. The combination of intraperitoneal rt-PA and CMC did not reduce postsurgical adhesion reformation, and was associated with hemorrhagic complications.

Analysis of Variance↗