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Biomedical subjects

G Speranza

Publications and source records attributed to G Speranza.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Covalent interaction and semiempirical modeling of small molecules.

The use of sophisticated methods for modeling complex systems is gaining ever more importance recently because they allow the design of material with properties tailored to specific applications. However, problems may arise from conflicts between different reaction pathways inherent in the wide variety of chemical elements used. This is reflected by the impossibility of exactly solving the Schroedinger equation or of exactly describing the exchange interaction in density functional theory when the system complexity increases. An alternative is offered by the application of semiempirical methods because they strongly reduce system complexity. Normally, this is accomplished by increasing the degree of the approximations to the detriment of the formalism generality. This work is aimed to improve the semiempirical electronegativity equalization method. This is accomplished by modifying the point charge Madelung potential with the introduction of covalent interaction to better describe the chemical bonds.

Journal Article↗

Anti-inflammatory activity of Maytenus senegalensis root extracts and of maytenoic acid.

Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Excell (Celastraceae) root extracts were investigated for their topical anti-inflammatory properties by measuring the inhibition of the Croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was detected in the chloroform extract, which reduced the oedematous response with a potency similar to that of the NSAID reference drug indomethacin (ID(50)=84 and 93 microg/cm(2), respectively). Fractionation of the chloroform and of the hexane extracts led to the isolation of maytenoic acid (1), which exhibited a dose-dependent antiphlogistic effect (ID(50)=0.11 micromol/cm(2)) twice that of indomethacin (ID(50)=0.26 micromol/cm(2)) and only three times lower than that of hydrocortisone (ID(50)=0.04 micromol/cm(2)).

Animals↗

Aloeresin I, an anti-inflammatory 5-methylchromone from cape aloe.

A new diglucoside having a 5-methylchromone moiety was isolated from a commercial sample of Cape aloe, the dried exudate from Aloe ferox Miller, and named aloeresin I. Its structure was established as 1 on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. Aloeresin I (1) (1 micromol/cm2) reduces in vivo the oedematous response (39 %) induced by Croton oil in the mouse ear with the same potency as aloesin, one of the most abundant Cape aloe constituents, and to a higher extent than aloeresin H (2). Indomethacin (0.3 micromol/cm2), the reference anti-inflammatory compound, provokes 61 % oedema inhibition.

Aloe↗

Role of chemical interactions in bacterial adhesion to polymer surfaces.

Development of biomaterial-related infections is attracting an increasing interest due to the significant percentage of implant failure in the hospital care. Recent literature puts in evidence the dependence of the infection risk on the different biomaterials used, because of the different interactions between material surface and micro-organisms. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of bacteria to the biomaterial surface are still unclear. Aim of this work is to study the initial events of the processes responsible for the bacterial adhesion on polymers in order to prevent the development of bacterial infections and the consequent failure and replacement of biomedical devices. Electrostatic and Lifshitz-van der Waals forces are usually considered responsible for the interactions at the biomaterial interface. A new term that involves Lewis acid-base interactions is here introduced to better describe the bacterial adhesion to the polymer surface. Two requirements are needed to test this hypothesis: the development of an ideal polymeric surface in terms of chemical and morphological properties and the choice of a specific bacterial strain to be utilized as "probe". Experiments were worked out using an Escherichia coli (Gram-) strain that represent one of the principal isolates from infected biomaterial implants and its adhesion was investigated on polymers having different acid/basic character. The findings indicate that the bacterial adhesion is influenced by the chemical properties of the polymeric surface. These results may be interpreted taking into account a mechanism in which the acid/base (Lewis) interaction plays an important role.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

6-Phenylpyrones and 5-methylchromones from Kenya aloe.

Two new compounds, 10-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl aloenin (4) and 8-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-7-O-methyl-(R)-aloesol (6), were isolated from a commercial sample of Kenya aloe together with the known products aloenin (2), aloenin 2'-p-coumaroyl ester (3), aloenin aglycone (1), orcinol and acetylorcinol. All structures were determined or confirmed by spectral analyses.

Aloe↗

[Management of groin hernias: long term results].

The Authors report their experience in the treatment of groin hernias. Over the years, hospital stay and anaesthetic procedure were modified without compromising the quality of results. The Authors conclude that groin hernia may be treated in a outpatient or day surgery regimen saving money.

Adult↗

Both right and left cervical cordotomies depress sympathetic indexes derived from heart rate variability in humans.

Unilateral percutaneous cervical cordotomy, performed in humans to relieve intractable cancer pain, elicits signs of ipsilateral sympathetic block. In patients undergoing right or left percutaneous cervical cordotomy (9 per group), changes in sympathovagal balance were evaluated by spectral analysis of heart rate to confirm the sympatholytic effect of this surgical procedure and to investigate the lateralization of sympathetic cardiac control. For these purposes, heart rate variability was recorded 1 hour before cordotomy and 24 hours later. Cordotomy significantly depressed the low frequency peak (LF) of heart rate variability and increased the high frequency component (HF), when measured as a percentage of total power. As a consequence, the LF/HF ratio decreased significantly (P =.001), particularly during standing. The effects of right or left cordotomies were not significantly different. In conclusion, in humans unilateral percutaneous cervical cordotomy depresses some sympathetic indexes (LF/total power ratio and LF/HF ratio) derived from heart rate variability, irrespective of side.

Adult↗

Relationship of ovarian stimulation response with vascular endothelial growth factor and degree of granulosa cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in follicular fluid and in granulosa cell cultures in relation to the degree of apoptosis in granulosa cells from patients with different types of ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. METHODS: We studied 30 women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte retrieval. Group A comprised patients with 1-4 follicles (n = 10), group B patients with 5-14 follicles (n = 10) and group C patients with >15 follicles (n = 10). RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) VEGF concentrations in follicular fluid were 1232 +/- 209, 813 +/- 198 and 396 +/- 103 pg/ml for groups A, B and C respectively (P > 0.01). Concentrations of VEGF in granulosa cell supernatant were 684 +/- 316, 1101 +/- 295 and 1596 +/- 227 pg/ml respectively (P < 0.05). Percentages of apoptotic cells in granulosa cells culture was 55.02 +/- 7.5, 23.98 +/- 4.4 and 14.2 +/- 2.3% respectively (A versus B, P < 0.01, A versus C, P < 0.006, B versus C, NS). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that in patients with decreased ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, follicular fluid VEGF concentration is elevated, the concentration from granulosa cells culture supernatant is decreased and the percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells is increased, while opposite findings occurred in patients with normal or hyper-responses.

Adult↗

Role of thromboxane in retinal microvascular degeneration in oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Microvascular degeneration is an important event in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), a model of retinopathy of prematurity. Because oxidant stress abundantly generates thromboxane A2 (TxA2), we tested whether TxA2 plays a role in retinal vasoobliteration of OIR and contributes to such vascular degeneration by direct endothelial cytotoxicity. Hyperoxia-induced retinal vasoobliteration in rat pups (80% O2 exposure from postnatal days 5-14) was associated with increased TxB2 generation and was significantly prevented by TxA2 synthase inhibitor CGS-12970 (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) or TxA2-receptor antagonist CGS-22652 (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)). TxA2 mimetics U-46619 (EC50 50 nM) and I-BOP (EC50 5 nM) caused a time- and concentration-dependent cell death of neuroretinovascular endothelial cells from rats as well as newborn pigs but not of smooth muscle and astroglial cells; other prostanoids did not cause cell death. The peroxidation product 8-iso-PGF2, which is generated in OIR, stimulated TxA2 formation by endothelial cells and triggered cell death; these effects were markedly diminished by CGS-12970. TxA2-dependent neuroretinovascular endothelial cell death was mostly by necrosis and to a lesser extent by apoptosis. The data identify an important role for TxA2 in vasoobliteration of OIR and unveil a so far unknown function for TxA2 in directly triggering neuroretinal microvascular endothelial cell death. These effects of TxA2 might participate in other ischemic neurovascular injuries.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Augmented vasoconstriction and thromboxane formation by 15-F(2t)-isoprostane (8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha)) in immature pig periventricular brain microvessels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oxidant stress, especially in the premature, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathies mostly manifested in the periventricular region. We studied the vasomotor mode of actions of the peroxidation product 15-F(2t)-isoprostane (15-F(2t)-IsoP) (8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha)) on periventricular region during development. METHODS: Effects of 15-F(2t)-IsoP on periventricular microvessels of fetal, newborn, and juvenile pigs were studied by video imaging and digital analysis techniques. Thromboxane formation and intracellular Ca(2+) were measured by radioimmunoassay and by using the fluorescent indicator fura 2-AM. RESULTS: 15-F(2t)-IsoP-mediated constriction of periventricular microvessels decreased as a function of age such that in the fetus it was approximately 2.5-fold greater than in juvenile pigs. 15-F(2t)-IsoP evoked more thromboxane formation in the fetus than in the newborn, which was greater than that in the juvenile periventricular region; this was associated with immunoreactive thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) synthase expression in the fetus that was greater than that in newborn pigs, which was greater than that in juvenile pigs. 15-F(2t)-IsoP-induced vasoconstriction was markedly inhibited by TXA(2) synthase and receptor blockers (CGS12970 and L670596). Vasoconstrictor effects of the TXA(2) mimetic U46619 on fetal, neonatal, and juvenile periventricular microvessels did not differ. 15-F(2t)-IsoP increased TXA(2) synthesis by activating Ca(2+) influx through non-voltage-gated channels in endothelial cells (SK&F96365 sensitive) and N-type voltage-gated channels (omega-conotoxin sensitive) in astrocytes; smooth muscle cells were not responsive to 15-F(2t)-IsoP but generated Ca(2+) transients to U46619 via L-type voltage-sensitive channels. CONCLUSIONS: 15-F(2t)-IsoP causes periventricular brain region vasoconstriction in the fetus that is greater than that in the newborn, which in turn is greater than that in the juvenile due to greater TXA(2) formation generated through distinct stimulatory pathways, including from endothelial and astroglial cells. The resulting hemodynamic compromise may contribute to the increased vulnerability of the periventricular brain areas to oxidant stress-induced injury in immature subjects.

Animals↗

Studies on the constituents of Cyclanthera pedata fruits: isolation and structure elucidation of new triterpenoid saponins.

The isolation of nine triterpenoid saponins (1-9), among them six new natural compounds (1-6), from the MeOH extract of the fruits of Cyclanthera pedata is reported. All of the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including the concerted application of one-dimensional (1)H-(1)H total correlation spectroscopy, (1)H-(1)H nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy), and (13)C-(13)C DEPT-NMR and two-dimensional NMR techniques (double-quantum filtered correlated spectroscopy, rotating-frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy, heteronuclear single quantum coherence, and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation). A comparative study of seeds and fruits has been also carried out.

Fruit↗

Autonomic changes during pregnancy: assessment by spectral heart rate variability analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular autonomic balance in normal pregnancy through spectral analysis of heart rate variability. For this purpose, electrocardiograms were recorded in 8 nonpregnant women and in 32 pregnant women at 10-39 weeks of gestation. Low-/high-frequency peak (LF/HF) ratio was used as an indirect index of sympathovagal balance. In left lateral recumbency, the LF/HF ratio was lower in pregnant women than in control subjects at all gestational ages. The LF/HF ratio was not affected by turning from left lateral to supine recumbency in control subjects, whereas it significantly increased in pregnant women (eg, from a mean +/- SD of 1.05 +/- 0.81 to 2.18 +/- 1.69 after the 33rd week of gestation). Handgrip at low intensity remarkably increased the LF/HF ratio both in control subjects (from 2.21 +/- 2.76 to 2.73 +/- 1.91) and in pregnant women (from 1.28 +/- 1.17 to 2.24 +/- 0.95 at 34-39 weeks of gestation). The results suggest that a rearrangement of autonomic tone takes place in normal pregnancy, which could be interpreted either as a shift of autonomic balance toward a relative vagal predominance or as the consequence of attenuation of baroreflexes.

Adult↗

Adaptation of the QT interval to heart rate changes in isolated perfused guinea pig heart: influence of amiodarone and D-sotalol.

The inadequacy of the QT interval to shorten following heart rate increase is a feature of the inherited long QT syndrome and may have a role in the genesis of the typical arrhythmias associated with this syndrome (torsade des pointes). The aim of our study was to evaluate whether drugs that prolong the QT interval, such as amiodarone and D-sotalol, may also impair the ability of the QT interval to adapt to sudden heart rate changes. Experiments were carried out on isolated perfused guinea pig hearts (Langendorff preparation). Driving frequency was changed, in steps, every two minutes (Hz: 2.5-3-2.5-3.75-2.5-5-2.5), while epicardial ECG was continuously recorded on magnetic tape. QT interval was automatically measured by means of a beat-by-beat analysis program. D-sotalol was added to the perfusion medium at a concentration of 4 micrograms ml-1, while amiodarone was administered, before in vitro evaluation, for seven days (50 mg kg-1 per day, intraperitoneally). In control experiments two phases of QT adaptation were identified: an abrupt QT shortening at the first beat after frequency change (QT1), followed by a gradual, exponential QT shortening that reached a new steady state in about 1 min (half life: 13 sec). The electrical restitution curve (the relation between QT1 and the corresponding diastolic interval) had a rate constant of 57 +/- 8 ms. Neither drug changed the slow component of QT adaptation. However, both drugs increased the ability of QT to shorten upon premature stimulation: D-sotalol by increasing the rate constant of the restitution curve and amiodarone by decreasing the y-intercept. Our results indicate that D-sotalol and amiodarone do not impair QT shortening during tachycardia but, on the contrary, they may favour QT adaptation, thus reducing the likelihood of the potentially lethal 'R on T phenomenon'. This may be an additional mechanism by which these drugs can exert their antifibrillatory action.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Aryl and triterpenic glycosides from Margyricarpus setosus.

Investigation of aerial parts of Margyricarpus setosus afforded three new aryl glycosides, beta-hydroxyphenylethyl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, benzyl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 4-methoxybenzyl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and three new triterpene glycosides, tormentic acid 3 beta-O-beta-D-quinovopyranoside, tormentic acid 3 beta-O-beta-D-fucopyranoside and tormentic acid 3 beta-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside. Twelve known compounds were also found, among them beta-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyphenylethyl glucoside and beta-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyphenylethyl rutinoside, which were obtained previously by partial synthesis, were isolated for the first time from a natural source. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral data.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Improved late potential analysis in frequency domain.

This work presents a technique to improve the identification of late potentials (LP) in patients affected by greater arrhythmogenic right ventricular disease (GARVD). Several authors have documented the correlation between GARVD and LP by means of time domain analysis. Moreover, the high incidence of bundle branch block in patients affected by GARVD suggests LP analysis in the frequency domain be performed. The method of spectral mapping of the ECG with Fourier transform was adopted. This consists in dividing the ST segment into 25 subsegments and estimating their frequency components by means of the fast Fourier transform. Recently, it was documented that this technique suffers from poor reproducibility of results. Low reproducibility is the consequence of an improper localization of the analysed QRS segments. An algorithm to increase the QRS end point identification reproducibility is proposed. An optimal QRS filter was adopted as well as a technique based on the Hilbert transform. This technique allowed the reliability of the normality factor estimates to be improved. The computed normality factors on the XYZ leads and on the vector magnitude were used to classify patients and healthy subjects; 28 patients affected by greater arrhythmogenic right ventricular disease and 35 healthy subjects were analysed in the study. High sensitivity was obtained with respect to GARVD and clinical sustained ventricular tachycardia by means of a cluster analysis technique. By applying the technique proposed in this paper the identification of LP in GARVD was increased from 47% to 88%, when clinical sustained ventricular tachycardia was documented, whereas in patients affected by GARVD but not prone to sustained ventricular tachycardia LP identification increases from 18% to 64%.

Algorithms↗

Beat-to-beat measurement and analysis of the R-T interval in 24 h ECG Holter recordings.

This study assesses the feasibility of beat-to-beat measurement of the R-T interval in Holter ECG recordings. The low sampling rate of the Holter system was increased by a specific interpolating filter, and the precision and accuracy of two T-wave fiducial point (T-wave maximum: Tm, T-wave end: Te) detection algorithms were compared. The results of the validation tests show better performance of the Tm measurement procedure in the presence of high noise levels. The overall process for the beat-to-beat R-T interval measurement was then tested on ECG Holter recordings collected during free and controlled respiration. Finally, the R-Tm and the corresponding R-R intervals were measured on 24 h ECG recordings of healthy subjects and the spectral analysis was applied to the constructed series. Both R-R and R-Tm spectra show two main frequency components (low-frequency approximately 0.1 Hz, high-frequency approximately 0.25 Hz) changing in their power ratios continuously throughout the 24 h period. The method described seems to provide a dynamic index of the sympatho-vagal balance at the ventricle that can be useful for a deeper understanding of ventricular repolarisation duration variability.

Autonomic Nervous System↗

Spontaneous beat-to-beat variability of the ventricular repolarization duration.

The spontaneous beat-to-beat variability of the ventricular repolarization duration was investigated in 21 healthy subjects (age 25-71 years; mean, 40 years) during the basal state in a recumbent position. For each subject, approximately 1,000 consecutive cycles were analyzed with an automated technique. The time series of the RR, QT, and RT intervals generate histograms that approximate normal distributions and have mean standard deviations of 57.0 ms, 5.4 ms, and 4.3 ms, respectively. Spectral analysis was used to detect rhythmical oscillations in these time series. The power spectra densities of both heart rate and ventricular repolarization during show peaks in the same frequency bands: low frequency (0.05-0.12 Hz) and high frequency (0.2-0.4 Hz). The power distribution between these two bands observed in the ventricular repolarization duration spectra was found to be the reverse of that in heart rate spectra (p less than 0.005).

Adult↗