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Biomedical subjects

L Tedesco

Publications and source records attributed to L Tedesco.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Ellipsoidal universe can solve the cosmic microwave background quadrupole problem.

The recent 3 yr Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe data have confirmed the anomaly concerning the low quadrupole amplitude compared to the best-fit Lambda-cold dark matter prediction. We show that by allowing the large-scale spatial geometry of our universe to be plane symmetric with eccentricity at decoupling or order 10(-2), the quadrupole amplitude can be drastically reduced without affecting higher multipoles of the angular power spectrum of the temperature anisotropy.

Journal Article↗

Controlled evaluation of copper-silver ionization in eradicating Legionella pneumophila from a hospital water distribution system.

A controlled evaluation was made of the efficacy of copper-silver ionization in eradicating Legionella pneumophila from a hospital water supply. Copper-silver ionization units were installed on the hot water recirculation line of one building with water fixtures positive for Legionella species. Another building with the same water supply served as a control. Legionella species persisted within the system when copper and silver concentrations were < 0.3 and < 0.03 ppm, respectively. When copper and silver concentrations were > 0.4 and > 0.04 ppm, respectively, there was a significant decrease in Legionella species colonization, but the percentage of water fixtures positive for organisms was unchanged in the control building. When the ionization unit was inactivated, water fixtures continued to be free of Legionella species for 2 additional months. Copper-silver ionization can eradicate L. pneumophila in a water distribution system. The advantages of copper-silver ionization include relatively low cost, straightforward installation, easy maintenance, nontoxic by-products and the presence of a disinfecting residual.

Copper↗

Biologic relevance of elevated red cell adenosine deaminase activity in myelodysplastic syndromes and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Red cell adenosine deaminase (ADA-RBC) activity in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is significantly increased compared to that observed in normal controls. ADA-RBC activity is not related to fetal hemoglobin concentration, but it is significantly correlated with hemoglobin concentration at diagnosis and with the degree of morphologic dysplasia in the erythroid lineage. The results of our study suggest that the observed enzymatic abnormality may constitute a non-specific manifestation of the stem cell alteration that determines these disorders.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

DentLE. The dental learning environment: a prototype.

The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine was awarded a 'Model Curriculum' grant through the USPHS Bureau of Health Professions Education. The award was provided in support of the School's ongoing effort to design a 'model electronic curriculum' for the health professions. The project's development is described from its grounding in critical thinking and problem solving to a discussion of its features including the organization of its knowledge base, the layout of its computer-based oral health record, and its navigation features.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

Phenotypically immature IgG-bearing B cells in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia.

We investigated the prevalence of phenotypically immature IgG B cells (i.e., coexpressing surface IgG and IgM) in the peripheral blood of 12 patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and in normal individuals. Patients had ataxia-telangiectasia (N = 1), hyper-IgM combined immunodeficiency (N = 1), or common variable immunodeficiency (CVI). IgG/IgM-positive B cells were evaluated by two-color immunofluorescence using fluorescein- or rhodamine-conjugated goat antiserum; to minimize artifacts due to in vivo cytophilic binding of autologous IgG, cell-bound cytophilic Ig were eluted at pH 4 and Fc receptors were blocked by heat-aggregated rabbit IgG before fluorescent staining. All patients, except two with late-onset CVI, had markedly increased proportions of double-stained IgG B cells (56 to 100% of IgG-bearing B cells) in comparison with normal individuals (11 to 33%).

Adult↗

Impaired expression of erythrocyte glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane CD59 in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Relation to terminal complement pathway activation.

OBJECTIVE: Complement-mediated injury is regulated by many factors; among these CD59 has been identified as a widely distributed glycoprotein that inhibits membrane C5b-9 (terminal complement component) formation. The aim of the study was to assess erythrocyte CD59 expression in patients with psoriatic arthritis in order to understand the role of CD59 in the pathogenesis. METHODS: Washed erythrocytes from 50 patients with psoriatic arthritis, 8 with cutaneous psoriasis and 24 healthy subjects were incubated with monoclonal anti-CD59 antibody followed by a second FITC conjugated antibody and fluorescence intensity analysed by FAC-Scan flow cytometer to assess their CD59 membrane expression. SC5b-9 levels were measured in the plasma by ELISA and results compared with CD59 values. Immune complexes, complement C3 and C4 and rheumatoid factor were also determined. RESULTS: Impaired expression of erythrocyte membrane-anchored CD59 was found in patients with psoriatic arthritis; the lowest levels were seen in active patients (p < 0.01). Increased SC5b-9 was seen in the plasma of patients with active disease. An inverse correlation was also found between plasma C5b-9 and the CD59 expression levels (r = -0.81, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The low CD59 expression on erythrocytes from patients with psoriatic arthritis may be an index of a low tissue CD59 expression. This impairment could facilitate the activation of complement pathway and increase the risk for arthritis. Membrane attack complex formation in deficient membrane bound CD59 may also exacerbate synovial cell injury and inflammation.

Adult↗

[Analysis of the use of fluoridated dentifrices in Curitiba].

The use of fluoride dentifrices in Curitiba (Brazil) was studied. The scholarity and socio-economical levels of the population were related to the use of fluoride dentifrices. The sample was composed of 155 persons, men and women. The results showed that 96.8% used dentifrices, but only 36.2% used fluoride dentifrices. The use of fluoride dentifrices was more significant among the higher socioeconomical and school levels.

Brazil↗