Hard-photon emission in 129Xe+197Au reaction at 44 MeV/nucleon.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
G Russo
Publications and source records attributed to G Russo.
Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis: case report and review of the literature.
Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis is a congenital disorder characterized by unilateral cerebral malformations and ipsilateral scalp, face, and eye lesions. Distinguishing histopathologic features are dysgenesis and neoplasia of the adipose tissue. A Caucasian boy had soft tumors and elastic papules on his head since birth, associated with atrophic areas, and a bilobed lesion on the upper right eyelid. On the bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye, an oval 6-mm lesion was present. Ultrasonogram, computerized tomographic scan, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dilation of the right lateral ventriculus, a mass on the pontocerebellar angle, agenesia of the corpus callosum, an arachnoidal cyst on the right hemisphere, microcalcifications, and pachygyria. The histology of a soft cutaneous tumor was consistent with a fibrolipoma, and dispersed extracellular lipid globules in the upper dermis were found on electron microscopy. The diagnosis suggested by these findings was encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis. Even in view of the rarity of the syndrome (11 cases described in the literature), this patient seems unusual because of the bilateral distribution of the cutaneous lesions and because of the agenesia of the corpus callosum. The peculiar ultrastructural findings require further confirmation.
Brain Neoplasms↗
Translation of the placenta growth factor mRNA is severely affected by a small open reading frame localized in the 5' untranslated region.
The recently identified placenta growth factor gene (PIGF) code for a protein related to the vascular permeability factor (VPF). We present evidence indicating that expressing of this gene could be regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The region upstream to the coding region of PIGF mRNA contains a small open reading frame (ORF), potentially coding for a peptide of 15 amino acids. The translation of different constructs in reticulocyte and wheat germ lysates as well as in COS-1 and CV-1 cells indicates that this short region is a translational inhibitory element since mutations in its two potential initiator codons increase PIGF synthesis in vivo. Using RNAse protection assay, we demonstrate that the PIGF mRNAs obtained from human term placenta and JEG choriocarcinoma cell line have a complete 5' untranslated region and, consequently, also the above mentioned small ORF. Finally, the analysis of a bovine PIGF genomic clone reveals that this small ORF is strongly conserved with respect to both putative peptide sequences and distance from the PIGF coding region.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Imaging in atherosclerosis: coronary arteriography].
Arteriography is still today the best imaging technique to evaluate coronary atherosclerosis. Some limitations have nonetheless been documented by pathologic studies (underestimated lesions), and by physiologic studies (poor correlation between stenosis and coronary flow reserve). Such limitations are due to the nature of the technique, as it provides the "silhouette" of the artery lumen, but does not provide any information on the artery wall, where the atherosclerotic plaque is located. Moreover, very often the vessel segment used as reference for stenosis calculation could also be affected by atherosclerosis; this occurrence plagues measurement of percent stenosis. On the other hand, a better usage of radiological techniques has also allowed a better assessment of certain stenosis shapes, such as eccentric or slit-like lesions. The introduction of quantitative coronary arteriography has overcome the problems related to visual assessment, such as the inter and intra observer variability. Furthermore, the recognized value of morphology analysis allows today a better characterization of the lesion. Coronary arteriography remains today a non-replaceable technique with regard to the choice of the most suitable revascularization procedures (coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) and supplies fundamental information for the interventional procedures.
Coronary Angiography↗
[Mitral valvuloplasty: immediate results and 2-year follow-up].
Since May 1991 to July 1993, 121 patients (mean age 50 +/- 13 years, 23 males and 98 females) underwent 122 percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty according to Inoue's technique. Following Wilkins criteria the indications for the procedure were given on the basis of the echo-score (ideal cases with score < or = 8). Echo-score was > 8 in 59 patients (49%), and < or = 8 in 62 (51%); 19 patients (16%) had previous surgical mitral commissurotomy and 36 (30%) had previous embolic events. All patients were successfully treated except for 5 who developed mitral regurgitation 3+/4+. In 1 patient the procedure was unsuccessfully performed for the low increase in mitral valve area. All these patients except 1 were referred to elective surgery. Mitral valve area increased from 1.1 +/- 0.2 to 2.1 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p < 0.001) and transvalvular gradient fell from 15 +/- 6 to 6 +/- 3 mmHg (p < 0.001). Patients with previous surgical commissurotomy had a lower increase in the mitral valve area than patients without previous surgery (p < 0.006). Patients with echo-score > 8 presented a lower, but not significant, increase in mitral valve area after valvuloplasty; patients with mono-commissural calcifications had worse results than those without calcifications (p < 0.03). At 12 and 24 month follow-up 9 and 3 restenosis respectively occurred, but in 10 of these cases the residual valvular area was > 1.5 cm2. The Authors conclude that in patients with good anatomy percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty is an effective and safe treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
[Percutaneous valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis].
Since May 1991 to July 1992, 83 patients (mean age 49 +/- 13 years, 17 males and 66 females) underwent percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty according to Inoue's technique. Following Wilkins' criteria echo-score was < or = 8 in 46 patients and mono-commissural calcifications were present in 8 cases. Sixteen (19%) patients had previous surgical mitral commissurotomy and 15 (18%) had previous embolic events. The indications for the procedure were given on the basis of the echo-score (ideal cases with score < or = 8). All patients but 2 were successfully treated. Two patients who developed mitral regurgitation grade 3+/4+ were referred to elective surgery. Mitral valve area increased from 1.1 +/- 0.2 to 2 +/- 0.3 cm2 (p < 0.001) and transvalvular pressure gradient fell from 16 +/- 5 to 6 +/- 3 mmHg (p < 0.001). Patients with previous surgical commissurotomy had a lower increase in mitral valve area than patients without previous surgery (p < 0.02). Patients with echo-score > 8 presented a more evident increase in mitral regurgitation than patients with good valvular anatomy, even if this difference was not significant. At 6 and 12 month follow-up respectively 2 and 1 restenosis occurred, but in 1 of these cases the residual valvular area was > 1.5 cm2. The authors conclude that in selected patients with mitral stenosis percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty seems to be an effective and safe treatment. Furthermore, immediate and middle-term results show that this technique can be performed without adjunctive risks and with satisfactory results also in cases of no ideal clinical and/or valvular conditions (echo-score > 8, previous surgical commissurotomy, history of embolism, mono-commissural calcifications).
Adult↗
Structural organization and stability of a thermoresistant domain generated by in vivo hydrolysis of the alpha-crystallin B chain from calf lens.
A protein fragment (M(r) approximately 9000) isolated from the cortex of nonpathological calf lenses has been structurally characterized. The polypeptide structure was well organized (39% alpha-helix, 33% beta-structure, and 28% remainder) according to the far-ultraviolet circular dichroism. The fluorescence was heterogeneous for the presence of two tryptophan classes. Structure perturbation by pH and denaturant revealed cooperative structural transitions which are characteristics of a globular organization. A single-step unfolding curve induced by Gdn-HCl (midpoint = 1.38 M Gdn-HCl) was monitored by emission maximum shift as well as by far-ultraviolet circular dichroism. This transition was analyzed as a two-state process. The standard free energy of unfolding in the absence of the denaturant, delta Go (H2O), was found to be 10.80 +/- 0.25 kJ/mol at 20 degrees C and pH 7.4. The fragment also shows an unusual thermal resistance. Its structure was unperturbed up to 90 degrees C according to the fluorescence and dichroism. This last property, its peculiar amino acid composition, and the sequence of a small segment are shared, among crystallins, only with the N-terminal region of the alpha-crystallin B chain. A search for proteolysis sites along the alpha-crystallin B chain sequence revealed that it possesses specific points for proteinase attack. These sites are particularly exposed and clustered in a very flexible region in the middle of the protein sequence. They are also well represented in the C-terminal extension of the molecule while a few are buried in the N-terminal region.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Control of human coagulation by recombinant serine proteases. Blood clotting is activated by recombinant factor XII deleted of five regulatory domains.
The availability of engineered serine proteases allows one to study the activation, substrate specificity and regulation of human coagulation and fibrinolytic activities. Human coagulation factor XII is composed of the protease catalytic region at the C-terminus, a hinge proline-rich region and regulatory domains at the N-terminus. From cDNA clones coding for factor XII, two DNA molecules were constructed, one being full length and the other being deleted of exons coding for the regulatory domains. Engineered factor-XII cDNA species were inserted by a homologous recombination technique into vaccinia viruses, which were used to infect the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. Two recombinant proteins were prepared from the culture media and identified by their antigenic properties and electrophoretic mobilities. The recombinant protein of larger size was identified as the full-length factor XII of 80 kDa and its specific activities and activation patterns, determined both by the coagulation and the amidolytic assays, are very similar to these of native human factor XII. The recombinant protein of smaller size was identified as a 319-amino-acid-deleted factor-XII protein of 32 kDa, containing only the entire protease region and part of the proline-rich hinge. This protein was expected to be the 'minimal' portion of factor XII able to sustain protease but unable to recognize substrates and surfaces necessary to activate the contact phase of coagulation. However, this 'minimal' factor-XII protein displays a marked protease activity and, although lacking five regulatory domains of factor XII, is bound and activated by negative charges and promotes coagulation with high efficiency.
Base Sequence↗
Developmental appearance, antigenic profile, and proliferation of glial cells of the human embryonic spinal cord: an immunocytochemical study using dissociated cultured cells.
We have investigated the time of appearance of the earliest differentiating glial cell types of human spinal cord using a panel of antigenic markers to identify them in cultures from 6- to 9-week-old human embryos. Immunolabeling performed at 14 h in vitro with the O4 mAb, an early oligodendrocyte marker, showed the presence of oligodendrocytes during the 7th week of age. At 8 weeks only a few of the O4+ cells expressed galactocerebroside (GalC), a marker of more differentiated oligodendrocytes. All the O4+ and GalC+ cells were vimentin+ and some of the GalC+ cells were A2B5+, GD3+ and SSEA-1+. During the first week in vitro many of the O4+ cells exhibiting a more immature, bi- or tri-polar morphology incorporated [3H]thymidine into their nuclei. Cells expressing the astrocyte-specific marker GFAP could be first observed at 8 weeks; almost all of these GFAP+ cells, which should correspond to radial glia on the basis of the current literature, were vimentin+, A2B5+, GD3+, and SSEA-1+. At 2 days in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine could be shown in a small fraction of these cells. The finding that radial glia and oligodendrocytes expressed similar antigenic features and the additional observation that a small, but consistent fraction of the cells were simultaneously labeled by O4 and anti-GFAP antibodies support the hypothesis that, in the human spinal cord, radial glial cells can give rise to both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes; in this respect, radial glial cells may be similar to the A2B5+, GD3+, vimentin+ bipotential glial progenitors previously identified in cultures from developing rat CNS, which also express A2B5, GD3, and vimentin.
Antibodies↗
Astrocyte cultures from human embryonic brain: characterization and modulation of surface molecules by inflammatory cytokines.
Astrocyte-enriched cultures were established upon passaging of primary cultures from the myelencephalon and mesencephalon of 7-9-week-old human embryos. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that third-fourth passage cultures were composed of a highly enriched population of proliferating, epithelioid cells, up to 90% of which expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); no macrophages and very few fibroblasts (less than 2%) were present. GFAP expression and proliferation declined upon further culturing in serum-containing medium but could be transiently reinduced by growing the cells in a serum-free chemically defined medium. Large numbers of GFAP+ astrocytes were obtained from each embryo and could be stored frozen and recultured. Using flow cytometric analysis, human astrocyte cultures were examined for basal and cytokine [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]-induced expression of molecules that may be involved in astrocyte-T-lymphocyte interactions. Cultured human astrocytes spontaneously expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens and variable levels of MHC class II; MHC class I levels were increased upon IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha treatment, whereas MHC class II antigens were induced on most of the astrocytes by IFN-gamma. Among the molecules involved in antigen-independent interactions between T lymphocytes and target cells, lymphocyte function-associated molecule-3 (LFA-3) was spontaneously expressed by most cultured human astrocytes, whereas intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was present at variable levels in non-stimulated astrocytes and was greatly induced by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta. In this study we also show that the above cytokines upregulate astroglial expression of adhesion molecules of the integrin family (VLA-1, VLA-2, and VLA-6) that may be involved in astrocyte-extracellular matrix interaction and play a role in the astrocyte reactive changes occurring at sites of brain injury and inflammation. The human astrocyte cultures developed here represent a useful in vitro model to further investigate mechanisms involved in bidirectional communication between central glia and cells of the immune system.
Astrocytes↗
Effectiveness of early prednisone treatment in preventing the development of nephropathy in anaphylactoid purpura.
A prospective study was performed to verify whether early administration of prednisone could be useful in preventing the development of nephropathy in anaphylactoid purpura. Only patients without signs of nephropathy upon initial presentation entered into the study. A total of 84 patients received delta-prednisone (1 mg/kg per day per os for 2 weeks), and 84 patients did not receive steroids. The patients were followed for 24-36 months. None of the 84 patients treated with steroids and 10 (11.9%) of the 84 control patients developed nephropathy 2-6 weeks after the acute episode. In 2 other patients of the untreated group, signs of renal involvement appeared 2 and 6 years after the acute episode respectively. The difference in the prevalence of nephropathy between the two groups is highly significant (P less than 0.001).
Administration, Oral↗
A second look at the cost of mandatory human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus testing for healthcare workers performing invasive procedures.
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Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of oversized saphenous coronary bypass grafts: 'hugging balloons' or single peripheral dilatation catheter technique?
The use of angioplasty in patients with previous coronary bypass grafts (CABG) has been described in several reports. CABG diameter often exceeds the size of the available coronary balloon dilatation catheters. Simultaneous inflation of two side-by-side balloons or a peripheral angioplasty catheter have been used to achieve optimal balloon-vessel ratio. We describe our experience with the two-balloon technique (case 1) and with a single peripheral angioplasty balloon (case 2) to dilate oversized CABG.
Aged↗
In vitro activity of a new broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-stable oral cephalosporin, cefixime, in comparison with other drugs, against Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Cefixime, a new orally absorbed iminomethoxyaminothiazolyl cephalosporin, was tested against some microorganisms involved in upper and lower respiratory tract infections such as Haemophilus (influenzae and parainfluenzae), Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, isolated in the period from November 1990 to April 1991. Its activity was compared to nine other antimicrobial agents: erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefaclor, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and ofloxacin. Cefixime inhibits 90% of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae, both beta-lactamase producers (BLP) or not (NBLP) at concentrations of less than 0.25 mg/l. It inhibits 90% of M. catarrhalis (BLP and NBLP) at concentrations of less than 1 mg/l. In general, cefixime has a superior in vitro activity with respect to cefaclor and the other cephalosporins as well as erythromycin and amoxicillin (the last one in BLP strains). In the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of beta-lactam against Haemophilus and M. catarrhalis, the authors observed different indications in the guidelines for ampicillin. Cefixime is not destroyed by the plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase produced by Haemophilus sp. and M. catarrhalis (TEM and ROB in Haemophilus strains and BRO in M. catarrhalis). In view of its excellent in vitro activity against the commonly encountered respiratory tract pathogens, cefixime is indicated in the therapy of these infections.
Administration, Oral↗
Intracardiac extension of a calcified ovarian hemangioma--a case report.
The authors report a case of a fifty-five-year-old woman with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of right atrial myxoma. At fluoroscopy and phlebography a mobile calcified peduncle was appreciable originating from the left ovarian vein. This passed through the inferior cava to the right atrium where it wound round itself and extended into the right ventricle during diastole. The authors suspected the presence of a vascular leiomyoma. The tumor and its peduncle were removed by pulling through the right atrium during extracorporeal circulation. The site of origin was confirmed at pelvic surgery.
Calcinosis↗
A new instrumentation system for the reduction and posterior stabilization of unstable thoracolumbar fractures.
An innovative instrumentation and stabilization system was used for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. The new osteosynthesis apparatus employs pedicle screw fixation, plate application, and a mechanical device for dynamic reduction in stable posterior fixation. Sixteen patients were treated with this operative technique that included a decompressive laminectomy, an arthropedunculectomy, and the removal of vertebral canal bone fragments. In most patients, three vertebral bodies, rather than four or five, were immobilized. All patients were studied pre- and postoperatively with plain radiographs and computed tomography. Pre- and postoperative examinations demonstrated no alteration in neurological status. All patients, however, with incomplete lesions showed improvement in neurological function at a mean follow-up period of 12 months. The authors' experience suggests that the new system offers ease and versatility of application, restoration of vertebral alignment through mechanical reduction, and enhanced spinal stability. The new system, moreover, enables the reduction of lateral dislocation.
Adolescent↗
Calcium currents in solitary hair cells isolated from frog crista ampullaris.
Some properties of Ca2+ currents in hair cells isolated from frog semicircular canals by enzymatic or mechanical treatment were studied by using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. After blocking the large outward K+ currents by substituting Cs+ for K+ and adding tetraethylammonium to the pipette filling solution, voltage- and time-dependent inward currents were clearly detectable in the presence of 4 mM Ca2+ in the extracellular solution. Ca2+ current was recruited at test potentials more positive than -60 mV, showed a rapid activation, and exhibited no inactivation during 150-ms depolarizing pulses. The maximal amplitude was attained at about -20 mV, with an average value of about 80 pA. When Ca2+ in the extracellular solution was replaced with Ba2+, the magnitude of inward currents increased about twofold. Ba2+ currents were blocked more effectively by Cd2+ than by Ni2+, were suppressed by 0.5 microM omega-conotoxin, and were virtually unaffected by amiloride. The dihydropyridine Bay K 8644 caused a marked voltage-dependent increase in inward currents. The present data suggest that hair cells from frog crista ampullaris are endowed with a homogeneous population of Ca2+ channels having several properties similar to those described for neuronal L channels. Since these channels are recruited in a range of potentials close to the resting level, it is suggested that they subserve the control of both resting and evoked transmitter release from the basal pole of the hair cells.
3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
[Ambulatory coronary arteriography with 5 French catheters: experience with 604 procedures].
Ambulatory coronary arteriography was carried out in 604 patients, 143 women and 461 men, mean age 53 +/- 14 years. An absolutely stable clinical condition was the main criterion of selection for this investigation and the protocol consisted in day-hospital admission, absence of routine anticoagulation, small calibre (5 French = 1.7 mm diameter) catheters, mobilization 4 hours and discharge 6 hours after the end of the procedure. The percutaneous femoral approach was used in 95% of cases; 56% of patients presented significant single-or multi-vessel coronary artery disease: there were 7 cases of left main coronary artery narrowing; 31 patients required full hospital admission, mainly because of the severity of coronary lesions. Minor complications occurred in 2% of cases.
Adult↗