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Biomedical subjects

M Carbone

Publications and source records attributed to M Carbone.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

"In vivo" and "in vitro" effects of a bacterial extract on Herpes Simplex Virus.

The present studies were designed to evaluate the effects of substance or substances extracted from Escherichia coli on Herpes Simplex Virus. The "in vivo" assays show that bacterial extract introduced i.p. in mice simultaneously with HSV2 brought about 100% of survival, but the inoculation of crude extract after virus challenge brought about complete mortality of mice. "In vitro" assays show that the crude extract reduced significantly the numbers of PFU; better results were obtained when the crude extract was inoculated before the virus inoculation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Human T cell responses to endogenously presented HLA-A*0201 restricted peptides of Simian virus 40 large T antigen.

Presence of the simian virus 40 (SV40) has recently been demonstrated in a relatively high percentage of human mesotheliomas and it is associated with the development of these malignancies in pleural cavities. Therefore, we have initiated a study to identify candidate peptides presented by the human HLA-A*0201 molecule for vaccination approaches against SV40 and monitoring of SV40 directed human immune responses. Initial screening of SV40 large T (Tag) domains required for transformation of cells for HLA-A*0201 binding motifs revealed ten possible binding peptides. Screening of these candidate peptides showed that seven of the ten peptides could bind and stabilize HLA-A*0201 molecules. In an in vitro immunization assay the two peptides with the highest binding affinity for HLA-A*0201, Tag aa 396-405 and aa 577-585, were tested for their ability to induce peptide specific cytotoxic T cells in two healthy donors. One donor developed cytotoxic T cells against Tag aa 396-405 and in T cell cultures of both donors Tag aa 577-585 specific T cells were initiated. The T cells against Tag aa 577-585 not only recognized and killed peptide pulsed cells, but, most importantly, SV40 transformed human mesothelial cells. This is the first demonstration of the induction of SV40 specific human cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognize endogenously processed peptides from SV40. This peptide identification study opens the possibility to investigate immune responses against SV40 in mesothelioma patients and in individuals exposed to SV40.

Antigens, Viral, Tumor↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fatal vascular catastrophe in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report and review.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders that are characterized by abnormalities of the skin, joints, and a diversity of other phenotypic manifestations. An awareness of the disease is vital for optimal outcome in this rare group of patients who may present with a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Ehlers-Danlos type IV has been associated with vascular catastrophes, perforated viscous, ruptured uterus, and pneumothorax (1-4). We present a case of aneurysmal formation and spontaneous rupture of the great vessels in a 15-year-old male with EDS type IV, who remained undiagnosed until the time of autopsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychiatric comorbidity in patients with burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and type of psychiatric disorders coexisting with burning mouth syndrome (BMS), to compare the clinical features of patients with BMS alone with patients with multiple diagnoses, and to investigate the number and severity of life events that occur before the onset of BMS. METHOD: There were 102 patients with BMS, with no possible local or systemic causes, who were evaluated according to the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV. All axis I diagnoses for which the patients met criteria at intake or lifetime were determined. Life events were evaluated for a period of 6 months before the onset of BMS. A statistical comparison between patients and a matched control group was performed first; moreover, patients with BMS alone were compared with patients with comorbid BMS. RESULTS: Although 29 (28.4%) BMS patients were not given any other lifetime psychiatric diagnosis, high rates of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were found. The most prevalent concurrent diagnoses were depressive disorders and generalized anxiety disorder. No significant differences emerged in clinical features between patients with and without other current psychiatric disorders. The severity of life events, rather than in their number, was significantly associated with BMS. CONCLUSIONS: BMS has high psychiatric comorbidity but can occur in the absence of psychiatric diagnoses.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Assessment of microvascularization around the plaques in Peyronie's disease with Doppler color ultrasonography, power Doppler and ultrasonography contrast media].

INTRODUCTION: The origin of Peyronie's disease remains obscure although the first report of this condition dates back to 1743. The disease prevalence in 388.6 in 100,000 population and little physiopathologic information is available. Repeated microtrauma to the tunica albuginea appears to favor the onset of inflammatory phenomena which result in fibrosis and calcification. The disease activity produces a microvascularization around the fibrocalcific plaques. We studied the evolution of the inflammatory process in Peyronie's disease relative to clinical symptoms, in order to optimize treatment follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 20 patients with Peyronie's disease aged 34 to 56 years using a GE Sonora Logic 500 MD US scanner with linear probes of 7.5 and 13 MHz. The microvascularization around the plaques was studied with color and power Doppler investigations before contrast agent administration and with combined color and power Doppler after contrast agent administration. We injected Levovist (300 mg/mL) and 10 micrograms prostglandin E1 (PGE1). Examinations were repeated after 2-4 months in the patients with evidence of microvascularization around the plaques. RESULTS: US demonstrated fibrocalcific plaques in all the patients. The microvascularization around the plaques was seen with color Doppler in 3 cases (15%), with power Doppler in 5 cases (25%) and with contrast-enhanced color and power Doppler in 7 cases (35%). At 2-4 months' follow-up, we observed slight plaque enlargement and worsened symptoms in 5 of 7 patients (71%) with evidence of some microvascularization around the plaque. CONCLUSIONS: The plaque presence allows to define the condition and the microvascularization provides information on its evolution. The disease activity can be distinguished into 3 stages which can be related to the painful symptoms. US exhibits a better cost/benefit ratio than contrast-enhanced MRI.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cancer risk associated with simian virus 40 contaminated polio vaccine.

BACKGROUND: The presence of SV40 in monkey cell cultures used in the preparation of the polio vaccine from 1955 through 1961 is well documented. Investigations have consistently demonstrated the oncogenic behavior of SV40 in animal models. Early epidemiologic studies were inadequate in demonstrating an increase in cancer incidence associated with contaminated vaccine. Recently, investigators have provided persuasive evidence that SV40 is present in human ependymomas, choroid plexus tumors, bone tumors, and mesotheliomas, however, the etiologic role of the virus in tumorigenesis has not been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from SEER, we analyzed the incidence of brain tumors, bone tumors, and mesotheliomas from 1973-1993 and the possible relationship of these tumors with the administration of the SV40 contaminated vaccine. RESULTS: Our analysis indicates increased rates of ependymomas (37%), osteogenic sarcomas (26%), other bone tumors (34%) and mesothelioma (90%) among those in the exposed as compared to the unexposed birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that there may be an increased incidence of certain cancers among the 98 million persons exposed to contaminated polio vaccine in the U.S.; further investigations are clearly justified.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ultrasound patterns of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis in finger joints].

PURPOSE: Rheumatoid and psoriasic arthritis involve proximal joints symmetrically and distal joints asymmetrically, respectively, the differential diagnosis between these two types of arthritis is not easy. Therefore we investigated which US signs could help the diagnosis and/or treatment of these conditions and compared them with radiographic patterns and articular and physical symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients, 30 women and 21 men aged 19-42 years were enrolled in this study. Thirty patients had rheumatoid and 21 psoriasic arthritis. US of the skin and joints of the fingers was performed with a GE Sonora Logic 500 MD unit with 7.5 and 10 MHz scanheads. We studied the shape of articular bone heads, the intra-articular space distance and the thickness of extensor tendon and of the dermis and hypodermis covering it. These findings show the extent of damage in articular bone heads and intra-articular space and they indicate cutaneous and articular inflammation. US patterns were also compared with radiographic findings in all patients. RESULTS: US showed bone and joint and/or inflammatory damage in both types of arthritis. Articular bone heads had a bodkin-like appearance in proximal phalanges in rheumatoid arthritis, versus a hook-like appearance in distal phalanges in psoriasic arthritis. Inflammatory damage was indicated by intra-articular space thinning and by tendon, dermis and hypodermis thickening. These signs, confirmed radiographically, account for finger deformation and functional impairment, swelling and pain. CONCLUSION: US signs can help the diagnosis of rheumatoid and psoriasic arthritis. US can show inflammatory damage and the disease evolution.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Defecography and treatment of essential anal pain].

INTRODUCTION: Proctalgia is a chronic anal pain in the absence of any organic conditions of the anorectum and excluding such morphofunctional disorders as rectal prolapse, intussusception and solitary rectal ulcer, which are easily shown with defecography but not with other imaging techniques. Proctalgia patients undergo a long workup and many instrumental and radiologic examinations and are finally referred to the proctologist with a condition which is difficult to diagnose and treat. We investigated the defecographic findings and anorectal abnormalities of essential proctalgia, as well as the correlation between radiologic findings, clinical symptoms and efficacy of biofeedback treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 31 patients (21 women and 10 men; age range: 25-67 years, mean: 46) with defecography, clinico-proctologic investigations integrated with anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, anorectal manometry and psychological tests. The women were submitted to gynecologic examination: 8 patients had a history of anorectal and pelvic surgery. We did not perform anal electromyography because it may cause painful sphincterial spasms. All patients underwent 30-minute weekly sessions of biofeedback till regression of symptoms. RESULTS: Anal pain was described as anorectal in 18 cases, anoperineal in 7, anosphincterial in 5 and rectovaginal in 1 case. It radiated to the sacrum in 42% of cases, thighs in 23%, gluteus muscles in 19%, and was related to evacuation in 39% of cases. Pain lasted some hours (58%) to a few minutes (42%). Manometric data showed sphincterial hypertonia in 14 patients. Eleven patients suffered from anxiety and were on drug treatment. Defecography demonstrated rectocele in 15 cases, puborectalis muscle syndrome in 14, external sphincter spasm in 12, perineal descent in 8, rectal muscosal prolapse in 4, intussusception in 3 and fecal incontinence in 2 cases. After 10 weeks of biofeedback training, all patients reported improvement of symptoms, which was confirmed at manometry as reduced sphincterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of essential proctalgia is unknown, but functional disorders of the pelvic floor and sphincterial muscles, as well as altered perineal stasis and pudendal conditions, all play an important role. These data are confirmed in our study where puborectalis syndrome, external sphincterial spasm and perineal descent are involved in over 70% of cases. Defecography is a useful tool because it permits to diagnose abnormal anorectal morphology and to diagnose sphincterial and puborectalis muscle dysfunctions which are missed with other instrumental and imaging techniques.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gunshot wounds of the cranium studied with computerized tomography. Personal experience in 23 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Gunshot wounds to the head are usually mortal injuries. Their frequency has been increasing in the last years because of increasing crime rates. Gunshot wounds to the head require close clinical and diagnostic cooperation of the neurosurgeon and radiologist, detailed assessment of skull and brain damage, and finally prompt treatment. Emergency Computed Tomography (CT) makes a useful tool for depicting bullet course and brain damage, and thus helps plan treatment. We investigated the CT signs of subdural hematoma, lacerocontusive focus, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hemoencephalus, skull bone fracture and thecal hollow and report them as an aid to the neurosurgeon and the radiologist, for best treatment planning, and in an attempt to establish useful prognostic criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 23 cases of gunshot injuries to the head studied with CT at the Emergency Unit of Loreto Mare Hospital in Naples, Italy. Twenty patients were men and 3 women; their mean age was 31 years (range: 18-49). Three women and 2 men had been injured accidentally by wandering bullets, and one case was an attempted suicide; all the other cases resulted from shootings. CT slices were 10 mm thick, with 8 mm gap (5 mm in complex injuries and when posterior cranial fossa was involved); all scans were unenhanced. RESULTS: We found 22 penetrating gunshot wounds: 13 of them with thecal entry hole and intracranial bullet retention and 9 with an entry and an exit hole. One case was a superficial wound. Crash skull fractures were seen in 22 cases and they were fragmented in 12, with overlapping thecal fragments in 4, and with deep fragments in 2 cases. There were scattered bone splinters in 3 cases and the bullet was retained in the mastoid bone in one case. Lacerocontusive foci were assessed in 22 cases, brain swelling in 20, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 19, brain hematoma in 15, blood in the ventricular system in 9, pneumoencephalus in 7, air bubbles along the bullet course in 7, impression on ventricula and linear structures in 7, interhemispheric blood in 5, and finally blood effusion in Sylvian scissure in 4 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Gunshot wounds to the head are complex and severe traumas with high mortality rates because of both early and late effects and complications. CT provides the neurosurgeon with abundant findings for diagnosis and surgical planning, which may result in improved survival rates. In these patients emergency CT plays a fundamental diagnostic role in depicting brain damage and thus remains the method of choice for thorough, rapid and accurate brain and skull studies, as well as to detect possible injury to the chest and abdomen.

Adolescent↗