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Biomedical subjects

G Costanzo

Publications and source records attributed to G Costanzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Experience with asynchronous medical teleconsultation in the Alliance of the Italian hospitals worldwide.

A store-and-forward teleconsultation system was established for 36 Italian hospitals located in 22 different countries. Referrals were made to a network of 33 health centres in Italy via a management centre (MC). The MC was equipped with a server to manage the service. The participating hospitals used client workstations with special software. The referring centres generated teleconsultation requests, which were sent to the MC and allocated manually by the latter to the most appropriate specialist on the basis of information provided in the message. From 1 June 2005 to 15 March 2006, 187 enquiries out of 221 were answered. The median response time was two days. A service satisfaction survey was conducted among the users and about 90% of the responses were positive. The teleconsultation system represents a mechanism for providing equitable access to health care for all the referring doctors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Effect of cilomilast (Ariflo) on TNF-alpha, IL-8, and GM-CSF release by airway cells of patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by increased neutrophilic infiltration of the airways. Cilomilast, a novel selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for COPD treatment, exerts anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of cilomilast to inhibit the release of neutrophil chemoattractants such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by bronchial epithelial cells and sputum cells isolated from 10 patients with COPD, 14 normal controls, and 10 smokers was investigated. METHODS: Bronchial epithelial cells obtained by bronchial brushing and sputum cells isolated from induced sputum samples were cultured for 24 hours in the presence or absence of cilomilast (1 micro M). After incubation the supernatants were harvested and the levels of mediators measured by ELISA. Chemotactic activity in supernatants was also measured using a Boyden chamber. RESULTS: TNF-alpha and IL-8 release by bronchial epithelial cells and sputum cells was higher in patients with COPD than in controls (p<0.0001) and smokers (p<0.0001). GM-CSF was only detectable in sputum cell supernatants and its level was higher in patients with COPD than in controls and smokers (p<0.0001, respectively). Cilomilast significantly reduced TNF-alpha release by bronchial epithelial cells and sputum cells (p=0.005) and GM-CSF release by sputum cells (p=0.003), whereas IL-8 release was not statistically inhibited. Supernatants of sputum cells and bronchial epithelial cells treated with cilomilast significantly decreased neutrophil chemotaxis (p<0.006 and p<0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cilomilast inhibits the production of some neutrophil chemoattractants by airway cells. This drug may play a role in the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation associated with COPD and cigarette smoke.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Preliminary study of gene expression levels in human T-cells exposed to cosmic radiations.

Several experiments demonstrated the influence of microgravity on mitogenic activation of T cells at molecular level. To discriminate between effects of microgravity and cosmic radiations, in this work we studied the effects of high cosmic radiations on the genetic expression in human T cells boarded in a stratospheric balloon (BIRBA-1 mission, 22 hours of flight). The genetic expression was analyzed by the cDNA microarray hybridization technology, which allows the comparative and simultaneous estimate of hundreds of mRNAs Activated cells react to the ionizing stress by activating genes involved in cell cycle check-point, oxidative stress response, heat shock proteins production or by repressing genes involved in antigen recognition.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

The sea urchin sns insulator blocks CMV enhancer following integration in human cells.

Insulators are a new class of genetic elements that attenuate enhancer function directionally. Previously, we characterized in sea urchin a 265-bp-long insulator, termed sns. To test insulator activity following stable integration in human cells, we placed sns between the CMV enhancer and a tk promoter upstream of a GFP transgene of plasmid or retroviral vectors. In contrast to controls, cells transfected or transduced with insulated constructs displayed a barely detectable fluorescence. Southern blot and PCR ruled out vector rearrangement following integration into host DNA; RNase protection confirmed the enhancer blocking activity. Finally, we demonstrate that two cis-acting sequences, previously characterized in sea urchin, are also specific binding sites for human proteins. We conclude that sns interferes with enhancer promoter interaction also in a human chromatin context. The relatively small size, evolutionary conservation and apparent lack of enhancer specificity might result useful in gene transfer experiments in human cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A possible prebiotic synthesis of purine, adenine, cytosine, and 4(3H)-pyrimidinone from formamide: implications for the origin of life.

The synthesis of prebiotic molecules is a major problem in chemical evolution as well as in any origin-of-life theory. We report here a plausible new prebiotic synthesis of naturally occurring purine and pyrimidine derivatives from formamide under catalytic conditions. In the presence of CaCO(3) and different inorganic oxides, namely silica, alumine, kaolin, and zeolite (Y type), neat formamide undergoes the formation of purine, adenine, cytosine, and 4(3H)-pyrimidinone, from acceptable to good yields. The role of catalysts showed to be not limited to the improvement of the yield but it is also relevant in providing a high selectivity in the products distribution.

Catalysis↗
PubMed2001

RNA polymerase III transcription complexes on chromosomal 5S rRNA genes in vivo: TFIIIB occupancy and promoter opening.

Quantitative analysis of multiple-hit potassium permanganate (KMnO(4)) footprinting has been carried out in vivo on Saccharomyces cerevisiae 5S rRNA genes. The results fix the number of open complexes at steady state in exponentially growing cells at between 8 and 17% of the 150 to 200 chromosomal copies. UV and dimethyl sulfate footprinting set the transcription factor TFIIIB occupancy at 23 to 47%. The comparison between the two values suggests that RNA polymerase III binding or promoter opening is the rate-limiting step in 5S rRNA transcription in vivo. Inhibition of RNA elongation in vivo by cordycepin confirms this result. An experimental system that is capable of providing information on the mechanistic steps involved in regulatory events in S. cerevisiae cells has been established.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Cell cycle arrest determines the intensity of the global transcriptional response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ionizing radiation.

Whole-genome analysis was performed using DNA microarrays to define the changes in the gene expression patterns occurring in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells exposed to ionizing radiation. The effects of sublethal dose on wild-type, rad53 (enhanced sensitivity to radiation and impaired in a cell cycle damage checkpoint), and rad6 (enhanced sensitivity to radiation and functional cell cycle block by radiation) mutant backgrounds and of a higher dose on the wild-type and G(2)-phase-arrested cells were analyzed. Several gene pathways were identified as being implicated in the response to radiation. In particular, the cell cycle blockage that occurred in the wild-type strain after a high radiation dose and in the rad6 mutant after a lower dose entailed modifications of defined gene expression patterns, which are described here and are compared with the gene modulation patterns observed in the rad53 strain in the absence of efficient blockage. Loss of the RAD53 function caused a major increase in the number of genes modulated by radiation. Given that Rad53-Sad1p, the protein encoded by RAD53, has functions other than those directly connected to cell cycle arrest, we determined the gene patterns that were modulated upon irradiation of rad53 cells that had been forced to arrest in G(2) phase by nocodazole treatment. These differential whole-genome analyses shed light on the multiplicity of functions of the pivotal Rad53-Sad1p protein. The results obtained describe how the cells respond to different irradiation conditions by modulating important gene classes, including those associated with stress defense, ribosomal proteins, histones, ergosterol and GCR1-controlled sugar metabolism.

Cell Cycle↗
PubMed2000

Differential gene expression in p53-mediated G(1) arrest of human fibroblasts after gamma-irradiation or N-phosphoacetyl-L-aspartate treatment.

In human fibroblasts, N:-phosphoacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA) and gamma-radiation induce reversible and irreversible p53-mediated G(1) cell cycle arrest, respectively. By coupling the premature chromosome condensation technique to fluorescence in situ hybridization, we found no evidence of DNA damage after PALA treatment. We used representational difference analysis (cDNA-RDA) to study changes in gene expression after PALA treatment and gamma-radiation in normal human fibroblasts. The mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) gene was expressed in PALA-treated cells. Ectopic MDGI expression arrested PALA-treated but not irradiated RKO cells. Expression of an antisense RNA against MDGI resulted in partial G(1) escape of PALA-treated human fibroblasts. The tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene 6, TSG-6, seems to be under the control of p53 and is only and specifically induced upon PALA treatment. In irradiated cells we have identified 'novel' genes that are differentially expressed, along with known genes not previously linked to cell cycle control. Some of these 'novel' genes correspond to clones in the expressed sequence tag (EST) database; one of them shows identity with ESTs mapping to a region on chromosome 7, where gene(s) involved in replicative senescence and frequently deleted in tumors are located. Thus, PALA treatment and gamma-irradiation elicit a pattern of differential gene expression that could contribute to a quiescence or senescence-like phenotype.

Aspartic Acid↗
PubMed1998

Changing nucleosome positions in vivo through modification of the DNA rotational information.

The effects of the rotational information of DNA in determining the in vivo localization of nucleosomal core particles (ncps) have been studied in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 5 S rRNA repeat gene. The distribution of the phased series of flexibility signals present in this DNA has been altered by inserting in its centre a 25 bp tract. The effects of such alteration on the in vivo distribution of the helically phased, alternatively located ncps have been determined relative to a reference 21 bp insertion mutant. The results show that the answers provided in vitro and in vivo by the yeast 5 S rRNA gene sequence to specific modifications of the DNA rotational frame are similar, thus pointing to the relevance of DNA rotational information in vivo.

Chromosomes, Fungal↗
PubMed1997

Mechanism of degradation of 2'-deoxycytidine by formamide: implications for chemical DNA sequencing procedures.

We describe the reaction of formamide with 2'-deoxycytidine to give pyrimidine ring opening by nucleophilic addition on the electrophilic C(6) and C(4) positions. This information is confirmed by the analysis of the products of formamide attack on 2'-deoxycytidine, 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxycytidine, residues when the latter are incorporated into oligonucleotides by DNA polymerase-driven polymerization and solid-phase phosphoramidite procedure. The increased sensitivity of 5-bromo-2'-deoxycytidine relative to that of 2'-deoxycytidine is pivotal for the improvement of the one-lane chemical DNA sequencing procedure based on the base-selective reaction of formamide with DNA. In many DNA sequencing cases it will in fact be possible to incorporate this base analogue into the DNA to be sequenced, thus providing a complete discrimination between its UV absorption signal and that of the thymidine residues. The wide spectrum of different sensitivities to formamide displayed by the 2'-deoxycytidine analogues solves, in the DNA single-lane chemical sequencing procedure, the possible source of errors due to low discrimination between C and T residues.

Bromodeoxycytidine↗
PubMed1997

[Review of 87 cases of scoliosis surgically treated].

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the results and complications in surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with Harrington's rod instrumentation with subtrasversal wires in dorsal treat. METHODS: A research on 87 cases operated on for idiopathic scoliosis from 1987 to 1995 is carried out. The 87 cases include 65 females and 25 males, 16 years old in average (range, 11 to 30). The curvature in Cobb's degrees and rotation of vertebrae with Raimondi's method on radiographs take just before, 15 days later and an year later on operation was measured. The patients have been divided into two groups: the first of 77 patients operated with Harrington's rod instrumentation; the second of 10 patients operated with Harrington's rod instrumentation and subtrasversal wires. RESULTS: In a general analysis without taking in to consideration the type and the seriousness of curvature it was obtained a better correction and derotation of vertebrae in patients of second group. The same group with wires had obtained a better correction and derotation of vertebrae in dorsal scoliosis from 40 degrees to 60 degrees and in the double scoliosis, while the first group obtained better results in dorsal scoliosis from 60 degrees to 80 degrees and in derotation of vertebrae on dorsal treat of double scoliosis. One case of pseudarthrosis in every group was observed. Any neurological complication were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusions is drawn that the application of subtrasversal wire improves the Harrington's technique for the correction and derotation of dorsal and double scoliosis without neurological complications sometimes present with subliminar wires.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Posterolateral decompression and stabilization of thoracolumbar injuries using Diapason instrumentation.

The authors describe a series of 28 patients with thoracolumbar spine injury who were decompressed via a posterolateral approach and stabilized with a new material for osteosynthesis called Diapason. Similarly to other osteosynthesis systems, it combines the advantages of pedicular fixation and rod stabilization. All patients were studied pre- and postoperative by plain X-ray films, standard and 3-D CT scan. The sagittal index (S.I.) was calculated in all patients to quantify segmental sagittal deformity. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years. Twenty-two patients who presented with neurological deficit improved (78.5%). Twenty-six patients (92.8%) developed osseous union and 5 patients with spinal deformity (S.I. > 15 degrees) presented a postoperative S.I. of less than 5 degrees at long-term check-up; S.I. underwent a current of 2 degrees in one patient only but it remained stable at subsequent controls. Instrument failure occurred in 4 cases (screw breakage in 1 case, rod displacement in 3) but only one required reoperation because the others were asymptomatic and presented solid fusions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

One-step, one-lane chemical DNA sequencing by N-methylformamide in the presence of metal ions.

We report on a chemical method that allows DNA sequencing by a single reaction. It is based on treatment of 5'-end-labeled DNA with N-methylformamide in the presence of manganese. This method allows the manipulation of samples to be kept to a minimum and consists of a single chemical step that requires about 30 minutes to complete base degradation, phosphodiester bond cleavage and denaturation. Examples of one-treatment, one-lane DNA sequencing of both radioactively and fluorescently 5'-end-labeled DNAs are reported.

Formamides↗
PubMed1996

[Leiomyoma of the small intestines--a rare cause of emergency abdominal surgery].

The authors underline that, although rarely found, leiomyomas of the gastrointestinal tract are the most frequent benign tumours of the small intestine. On occasions, from being a simple autoptic finding or diagnosed during the course of explorative laparotomy, they may be responsible for emergency abdominal surgery, hemorrhage, occlusion or perforation. The authors discuss the experience acquired in two cases-treated during the last two years, both of which were symptomatic. In one case there was a palpable abdominal mass, and in both the key symptom was the appearance of melena a few days before being admitted to hospital. The most striking problem of this rare pathology is its diagnosis owing to both the absence of a specific clinical symptoms, and the difficulties shown in radiological diagnostics of the small intestine. In the authors' experience CAT using a contrast medium is an important instrument, whereas clyster of the small intestine is of scarce value. Explorative laparotomy was essential for removing any doubts regarding diagnosis. Both patients underwent extensive intestinal resection, including the mass and relative mesenteric wedge, with TT single-layer anastomosis. The postoperative period was normal.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1995

Multiple overlapping positions of nucleosomes with single in vivo rotational setting in the Hansenula polymorpha RNA polymerase II MOX promoter.

In vivo nucleotide-level mapping of nucleosomes in the promoter of the methanol oxidase (MOX) gene in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha is reported. The 4 nucleosomes analyzed are organized in families; they localize in alternative positions along a unique rotational phase, and the linker regions can be occupied by alternative nucleosomes. This organization underscores a substantial freedom of choice by histone octamers when nucleating on a promoter region.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1994

ABFI contributes to the chromatin organization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ARS1 B-domain.

The involvement of the ABFI transcription factor in organizing the chromatin structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ARS1 region has been previously postulated. We studied the ARS1 chromatin structure both on the chromosome and on plasmids carrying wild type or mutated ABFI binding sites, using a recently developed no-background technique for nucleosome mapping, coupled with high resolution micrococcal nuclease in vivo footprinting. We show that ABFI protein acts as a boundary element of chromatin structure, by limiting the invasion by nucleosomes toward the essential A-domain.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Effects of DNA topology in the interaction with histone octamers and DNA topoisomerase I.

Several simple proteins and complex protein systems exist which do not recognize a defined sequence but--rather--a specific DNA conformation. We describe experiments and principles for two of these systems: nucleosomes and eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I. Evidences are summarized that describe the effects of negative DNA supercoiling on nucleosome formation and the influence of DNA intrinsic curvature on their localization. The function of the DNA rotational information in nucleosome positioning and in the selection of multiple alternative positions on the same helical phase are described. This function suggests a novel genetic regulatory mechanism, based on nucleosome mobility and on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo positions. We observe that the same rules that determine the in vitro localization apply to the in vivo nucleosome positioning, as determined by a technique that relies on the use of nystatin and on the import of active enzymes in living yeast cells. The sensitivity of DNA topoisomerase I to the topological condition of the DNA substrate is reviewed and discussed taking into account recent experiments that describe the effect of the DNA tridimensional context on the reaction. These topics are discussed in the following order: (i) Proteins that look for a consensus DNA conformation; (ii) Nucleosomes; (iii) Negative supercoiling and nucleosomes; (iv) DNA curvature/bending and nucleosomes; (v) Multiple positioning; (vi) Multiple nucleosomes offer a contribution to the solution of the linking number paradox; (vii) Rotational versus translational information; (viii) A regulatory mechanism; (ix) DNA topoisomerase I; (x) DNA topoisomerase I and DNA supercoiling: a regulation by topological feedback; (xi) DNA topoisomerase I and DNA curvature; (xii) The in-and-out problem in the accessibility of DNA information; (xiii) The integrating function of the free energy of supercoiling.

DNA Topoisomerases, Type I↗