[Anatomo-clinical contribution on silicotic mediastinopathy. The mediastinal syndrome in silicotuberculosis].
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Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
G Russo
Publications and source records attributed to G Russo.
The design of a specific ligand of HIV gp120.
The crystal structure of CD4 suggested that the C/G38 and C/L44 replacements with the consequent cystine bridge formation are compatible with the native structure of that molecular moiety. As the NQGSF sequence, corresponding to the 39-43 fragment of human CD4 protein, was found to be involved in the HIV gp120 interaction, it has been synthesized in a cyclic form by adding two cysteine residues at the amino and carboxy termini. 1H-NMR studies show that the predominant solution conformation of cyclo-[CNQGSFC] is a type II beta-turn centred on the NQGS segment. Structural and dynamic properties of the peptide are also analysed in relation to the in vitro activity.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Clinical and biochemical reactivation of HBV infection in a thalassemic patient after bone marrow transplantation.
The case of a young man affected by homozygous beta-thalassemia is reported who had serologic findings of a prior HBV infection and who presented with clinical and biochemical acute HBV infection probably caused by HBV reactivation after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The patient's clinical history suggests that HBV can persist without serological findings of HBsAg and HBV-DNA in persons previously infected by HBV and that HBV reactivation can occur 2 years after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, as a result of immunosuppressive therapy or an HCV activation.
Adult↗
Imaging for the diagnosis of an unusual case of left ventricular aneurysm.
An isolated ventricular diverticulum in an adult patient investigated for chest pain is reported. An exhaustive diagnosis was obtained by different means and complementary imaging techniques such as echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and cineangiography.
Adult↗
Cytokine regulation of astrocyte function: in-vitro studies using cells from the human brain.
Participation of astrocytes in central nervous system pathophysiology is likely to involve cytokines, both as stimulators and mediators of astrocyte function. We have used highly enriched human astrocyte cultures as an experimental tool to investigate the influence of cytokines on adhesion molecule expression and synthesis of mediators that are probably important in immune and inflammatory reactions involving the nervous system and in cerebral tissue repair. The response of astrocytes to interferon-gamma mainly resulted in increased expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens and co-stimulatory molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, LFA-1 alpha) which mediate astrocyte-T-cell interactions. Another co-stimulatory molecule, B7, was neither expressed nor inducible by IFN-gamma and other cytokines. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta were more efficient in stimulating synthesis of immunoregulatory and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and colony-stimulating factors), cytokine antagonists (TNF-alpha soluble receptors), or cytokines with a possible neuroprotective role (leukemia inhibitory factor); they also increased expression of some co-stimulatory molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 was a strong inducer of leukemia inhibitory factor, but did not affect either major histocompatibility complex/co-stimulatory molecule expression or cytokine synthesis. Thus, different cytokines activate distinct functional programs in astrocytes, which may play a specific role in different brain diseases or at different stages of the same disease. It was additionally observed that the response of human astrocytes to cytokines (in particular the inducible synthesis of certain cytokines) varied greatly depending on the presence or absence of neurons in the culture system. This finding suggests that neuronal-glial interactions may be implicated in determining the activation threshold of astrocytes to inflammatory cytokines.
Antigen-Presenting Cells↗
Photon scattering as a probe of microviscosity and channel size in gels such as sickle haemoglobin.
The aggregation of sickle-cell haemoglobin (HbS) is one of the most physiologically important and widely studied macromolecular gelation processes. Both the thermodynamics and kinetics of the process are important in determining the pathological consequences of deoxygenation of the red cells (and both must be understood if a rational strategy is to be developed for pharmacological intervention). We describe here a new and versatile technique for the study of the structure and formation of the HbS aggregates, that should be widely applicable to gel systems generally. We use laser autocorrelation spectroscopy to observe the diffusion of monodisperse polystyrene latex spheres in the interstices of the gel.
Chemical Phenomena↗
T-cell receptor genes and ataxia telangiectasia.
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Ataxia Telangiectasia↗
A human homoeo box gene specifically expressed in spinal cord during embryonic development.
Several genes involved in the determination of Drosophila body segments share a conserved DNA sequence of 183 nucleotides termed the homoeo box. Homologous homoeo box sequences have been detected in the genome of species ranging from insects and anellids to vertebrates, and a number of homoeo box-containing genomic DNA clones have been isolated from Xenopus, mouse and human. We have recently isolated human complementary DNA clones containing homoeo box sequences, representing transcripts from four different genes. We report here the nucleotide sequence of one of these clones (HHO.c10) and show that the corresponding gene is transcribed in human embryos and fetuses at 5-10 weeks post-conception. A major polyadenylated transcript of approximately 2.1 kilobases (kb), as well as RNA species of higher relative molecular mass (Mr), are specifically expressed at a constant level in spinal cord throughout this developmental period.
Base Sequence↗
Differential and stage-related expression in embryonic tissues of a new human homoeobox gene.
The homoeobox is a 183 base-pair (bp) DNA sequence conserved in several Drosophila genes controlling segmentation and segment identity. Homoeobox sequences have been detected in the genome of species ranging from insects and anellids to vertebrates and homoeobox containing genes have been cloned from Xenopus, mouse and man. We recently isolated human homoeobox containing complementary DNA clones, that represent transcripts from four different human genes. One clone (HHO.c10) is selectively expressed in a 2.1 kilobase (kb) polyadenylated transcript in the spinal cord of human embryos and fetuses 5-10 weeks after fertilization. We report the characterization of a second cDNA clone, termed HHO.c13, that represents a new homoeobox gene. This clone encodes a protein of 255 amino-acid residues, which includes a pentapeptide, upstream of the homoeo domain, conserved in other Drosophila, Xenopus, murine and human homoeobox genes. By Northern analysis HHO.c13 detects multiple embryonic transcripts, which are differentially expressed in spinal cord, brain, backbone rudiments, limb buds and heart in 5-9-week-old human embryos and fetuses, in a striking organ- and stage-specific pattern. These observations suggest that in early mammalian development homoeobox genes may exert a wide spectrum of control functions in a variety of organs and body parts, in addition to the spinal cord.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Cerebral hemodynamic response to CO(2) tests in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion: modeling study and in vivo validation.
The aim of this work was to analyze the cerebral hemodynamics in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion during CO(2) dynamical tests. The study was performed using an original mathematical model of cerebral hemodynamics. The model includes the circle of Willis, the microvascular circulation in the territories of each cerebral artery, cortical anastomoses, intracranial pressure, the cerebrospinal fluid circulation, the brain venous circulation and two regulation mechanisms: autoregulation and CO(2) reactivity. Model predictions are compared with real data obtained on 20 healthy subjects (group A) and 14 patients with unilateral ICA stenosis (group B) during CO(2) tests. The percent changes in Doppler middle cerebral artery velocity per mm Hg of CO(2) pressure variations (reactivity index, RI) were separately computed during hypocapnia and hypercapnia. In group A, the reactivity index was practically the same in both sides. Patients in group B had a significantly lower CO(2) reactivity in the side ipsilateral to the occlusion (hypocapnia RI: 1.06 +/- 1.6 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.8%/mm Hg; hypercapnia: 0.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.4 +/- 1.0%/mm Hg). Our model can explain these results very well, assuming values for the diameter of the communicating arteries in the range reported in the clinical literature. Moreover, computer simulations suggest that patients with a small diameter of both communicating arteries (as low as 0.4-0.5 mm) exhibit a dramatic fall in CO(2) reactivity in the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral one, with the appearance of paradoxical responses. A decrease in ipsilateral RI reactivity, however, may also depend on the presence of a significant stenosis of the contralateral ICA.
Adolescent↗
Netilmicin: in vitro activity, time-kill evaluation and postantibiotic effect on microorganisms isolated from ocular infections.
The in vitro activity of netilmicin and other antibiotics against ocular gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms was evaluated. Netilmicin showed excellent activity against all the tested microorganisms, with more than 90% susceptibility. Many gentamicin- and tobramycin-resistant strains were still susceptible to netilmicin, although the minimum inhibitory concentration values of netilmicin were higher than those for the fully susceptible strains. In time-kill studies, netilmicin showed bactericidal activity within 1 h against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, netilmicin showed a postantibiotic effect of 2.4 h against P. aeruginosa and 1.5 h against S. aureus. These values were longer than those showed by ofloxacin, i.e. 2.1 and 1.4 h, respectively.
Eye Infections, Bacterial↗
Household health care facility utilization in the Philippines.
This paper presents probit estimates of household utilization of health care facilities in the Philippines. Using household data from the 1987 National Health Survey and supply data from the Department of Health, separate probit equations are estimated for each of the four major types of facilities in the Philippines: Public hospitals, private hospitals, major rural health units and barangay (village) health stations. The probability that a household will utilize services from these facilities is estimated as a function of socioeconomic, demographic and supply variables. The results indicate substantial differences in utilization patterns by income class. Households in the highest income quartile are approximately twice as likely (0.451 versus 0.236) to utilize private hospital services vis-à-vis households in the lowest income quartile, ceteris paribus. The results also indicate substantial substitution between public and private services. An increase in the availability of private hospital beds significantly reduces the probability that a household will utilize government facilities.
Adolescent↗
Apheresis in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis of native and transplanted kidneys: a therapeutic protocol.
BACKGROUND: Patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) develop nephrotic syndrome and terminal renal failure in most cases. FSGS reappears in 15-50% of transplanted kidneys and frequently causes the graft loss. Sera from patients with FSGS of native or transplanted kidneys contain some proteinuric or permeability factors (PF) which can be removed by means of plasma exchange (PE) or protein A Immunoadsorption (IA). METHODS: We suggest a therapeutic protocol, for patients with biopsy proven FSGS of native or transplanted kidneys, resistant to steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, based on the association of PE or IA to conventional drug therapy. Daily proteinuria, renal function, serum albumin and circulating level of proteinuric factors (permeability test) will be monitored at regular time intervals during the apheresis cycle, which will be intensive at the beginning (8-10 sessions in 4 weeks) and very gradually discontinued. Results. We will consider satisfactory remission the reduction of proteinuria below 1 g/day, improvement of renal function, normalization of serum albumin level (> 3.5 g/dl). Partial remission will be considered: proteinuria below 3 g/day, stable renal function, serum albumin level between 3 and 3.5 g/dl. Permeability test, if positive at baseline examination, should be negative after apheresis. CONCLUSIONS: The primary endpoint of our protocol is: lasting remission (satisfactory or partial) after the apheresis suspension. Secondary endpoints are: maintained remission with continuing apheresis sessions, correlation between permeability activity and disease activity, identification of responders and non responders patients on the basis of positive permeability test.
Adolescent↗
["Listeria monocytogenes" isolation from a urine specimen of a subject with repeated abortions (author's transl)].
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Abortion, Habitual↗
Symmetry of healthy adult feet: role of orthostatic footprint at computerized baropodometry and of digital formula.
Morphological aspects of orthostatic footprints (anterior heel, isthmus, posterior heel), using computerized baropodometry and of the digital formula were studied in 97 subjects (37 males, 60 females; median age: 20.9+/-1.56) at the Medical School of Palermo, Italy. The aim of this study was to contribute to our knowledge of the bilateral symmetry and asymmetry of the human feet in ethnically similar groups. We evaluated the length of the footprints (FL) and the widths of the anterior heel (AHW), isthmus (IW), and the posterior heel (PHW). Values were compared in the left and right feet of each subjects. The general morphology of the footprints was considered to determine bilateral correspondence or divergence. We also evaluated the digital formula to verify any bilateral correspondence. The linear measurements of the footprints did not show any particular bilateral conformity. The general morphology of the footprint showed bilateral correspondence in 76 subjects (78%): in 21 subjects (22%) it did not show any. Typological results of the bilateral orthostatic footprints showed normalfootprints in 54 subjects (55.5%): the isthmus included 1/3 to 2/3 of the AHW. Hollow footprints were found in 20 subjects (20.5%): the isthmus was less than 1/3 of the AHW. At clinical examination, using the digital formula, we found that Egyptian foot (1 degree > 2 degrees) was the most frequent (68%). The standard foot (1 degree = 2 degrees) and the Greek foot (1 degree < 2 degrees) were both present in 16% of the feet examined. Seventy-nine subjects (82%) presented bilaterally correspondent digital formulas: 1 degree > 2 degrees in 59 subjects (62%), 1 degree = 2 degrees in 9 subjects (9%), and 1 degree < 2 degrees in 11 (11%). While comparison of the bilateral linear measurements studied showed that there was primarily no bilateral correspondence, the morphological aspects of the footprints and of the digital formulas showed that bilateral correspondence was prevalent.
Adult↗
[Renal atheroembolic disease: evaluation of the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy].
BACKGROUND: Even though many organs may be involved and clinical manifestations are extremely variable, a sudden worsening of renal function after vascular surgery or invasive angiographic manoeuvres is a clue for the diagnosis of renal cholesterol crystal embolization. In rare cases the disease may also occur spontaneously during anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy. Renal atheroembolism is becoming increasingly recognized as an important cause of renal failure particularly in elderly men, and is often associated with a bad outcome. To date there is no specific and proven useful treatment apart from a few anecdotal reports on the benefits of corticosteroids. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report a group of seven patients with cholesterol atheroembolic disease presenting acute renal failure; in six patients the disease appeared after coronary arteriography and PTCA performed in the last four months, and in one patient in an apparently spontaneous form. All the patients presented cutaneous lesions, livedo reticularis, purpuric rush, necrosis of the toes; laboratory data showed an increase of acute phase proteins and eosinophilia. Results. Treatment with prednisolone was begun at a dose of 40 mg/day i.v. for four days; the dose was reduced to prednisone 0.4-0.5 mg/kg/day for 1 week, than gradually reduced further and stopped within a month. Following therapy renal function rapidly improved; clinical symptoms of malaise and abdominal discomfort subsided, with amelioration of skin lesions and cyanosis of toes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of patients studied, our experience suggests that corticosteroid treatment is an effective therapeutic option in cholesterol renal atheroembolic disease, especially in the more severe cases of acute renal failure.
Acute Kidney Injury↗
[Usefulness and limits of a fetal biophysical profile in the management of pregnancy at risk].
Usefulness and limits of fetal biophysical profile (BPP) were determined in 132 high-risk pregnancies, evaluating the relationship between the last biophysical profile result and perinatal outcome. The presence of a low incidence of perinatal complications when BPP is normal permits the conservative management of these pregnancies. When the score is abnormal instead, there is also high false positive rate that may determine an unnecessary intervention with associated perinatal morbidity. On the other hand, BPP seems to become abnormal relatively late in the chronic asphyxial process, when it may be impossible to prevent mortality or a serious perinatal morbidity: its association with other tests is therefore necessary for a better evaluation of fetal risk.
Female↗
Management of colorectal emergencies: percutaneous abscess drainage.
Pelvic abscesses represent the most frequent complications of colorectal surgery. Percutaneous CT or US guided drainage can be an alternative to surgical drainage that is associated to a significant mortality rate. In the current study results of PAD, performed in 39 patients with pelvic or abdominopelvic abscesses were reviewed in order to evaluate reliability of such procedure. Major part of the collections 33/39 (85%) developed after resective colorectal surgery, and 20/39 (51%) were associated to anastomotic fistula; 22/39 (56%) were poorly defined; 16/39 (41%) were multiloculated; 16/39 (41%) had a stool contamination, 23/39 (58%) were greater than 10 cm; 14/39 (35%) were multiple. Thirty-five patients (89.7%) healed, despite high number of complex abscesses and complete resolution of sepsis was achieved in 5.1 +/- 2.9 days. CT proved to be the most reliable tool in assessing distinctive features of collections as well as in identifying the best route for drainage. Adequate size of the catheter was essential to get an effective drainage. In particular, large sized catheter (> 20 Fr) had to be used to drain collections associated to anastomotic fistulas with stool contamination. In four elderly neoplastic patients with chronic illnesses (10%), only a single small sized catheter could be positioned, because of patients poor compliance and PAD was inaffective. Nevertheless even those patients got a partial resolution of the sepsis and their general conditions markedly improved, so that they were able to underwent successful surgical drainage. In conclusion PAD is a safe and reliable tool that can be employed as an alternative to surgical drainage at least as first measure, even if complex pelvic abscesses are found.
Abdominal Abscess↗