A simple method for permanent identification of porcelain veneered crowns and fixed partial dentures.
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Crowns↗
Biomedical subjects
M Ferrari
Publications and source records attributed to M Ferrari.
Field evaluation of the efficacy of Romovac 50, a new inactivated, adjuvanted bovine rotavirus vaccine.
An inactivated bovine rotavirus vaccine, prepared with an adjuvant which gives a water-in-oil emulsion (Montanide ISA 50, adjuvant) was used in field trials for prevention of calf neonatal diarrhoea. The vaccine, which was designated as Romovac 50, when injected into cows in their last month of pregnancy, proved to be as effective as the traditional vaccine prepared with Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Thus, the incidence of the naturally occurring neonatal diarrhoea was significantly reduced in calves which were fed mammary secretion from their vaccinated dams, compared to the calves delivered from the unvaccinated cows. Romovac 50 also has the advantages over the traditional Freund's adjuvanted vaccine in that it is less viscous and thus more readily injected and less irritant to tissues.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Expression of the genes encoding basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in human granulosa cells.
The role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in granulosa cell ontogeny has been previously demonstrated. In this study we evaluated the possible intraovarian origin of bFGF. Human granulosa cells were maintained in primary culture and their cytoplasmic extract was purified by affinity chromatography on a heparin-sepharose column. The column was then eluted with 10 mM Tris-HCl containing increasing concentrations of NaCl. The chromatographic fractions were tested in a bioassay using bovine adrenal capillary endothelial cells (ACE) as targets. A peak of mitogenic activity was detected in the fraction eluted with the highest salt concentration. This chromatographic profile is similar to that of bFGF. The in situ synthesis of this bFGF-like protein was then demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Using oligonucleotide primers specific for the bFGF gene, a single major band of DNA, corresponding to the expected size, was amplified. The identity of this fragment with the bFGF corresponding sequence was further demonstrated by restriction enzyme analysis. Moreover, RT-PCR was also employed to amplify a DNA band specific for the bFGF receptor gene. These data indicate that human granulosa cells are able to synthesize both bFGF and its receptor and, thus, bFGF might participate to the autocrine mechanisms regulating their growth and differentiated functions.
Adrenal Cortex↗
Early detection of residual prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy by an ultrasensitive assay for prostate specific antigen.
We evaluated the usefulness of an ultrasensitive immunoassay for prostate specific antigen (PSA), modified from the standard Yang Pros-Check PSA test and with a biological detection limit for PSA in serum of 0.07 ng./ml., to detect residual prostate cancer at an earlier date. We studied retrospectively serial frozen serum samples from 22 prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy who later had residual cancer with detectable PSA levels of 0.3 ng./ml. or more by the standard PSA test. As controls we studied 33 cystoprostatectomy patients (for bladder cancer) without histological evidence of prostate cancer and 23 patients after radical prostatectomy who had the highest probability of cure of the cancer. All control patients without cancer had PSA values (282 of 283 samples, 99.6%) of less than 0.1 ng./ml. This value was called the residual cancer detection limit. In the 22 patients with recurrent cancer the ultrasensitive assay detected cancer recurrence (PSA 0.1 ng./ml. or more) much earlier (median 202 and mean 310 days) than the standard assay (PSA 0.3 ng./ml. or more). On screening 187 current post-radical prostatectomy patients without evidence of cancer by the standard assay the ultrasensitive assay detected 21 (11.2%) with evidence of residual cancer, that is PSA level of 0.1 ng./ml. or more. We conclude that an ultrasensitive assay for PSA can detect residual cancer after radical prostatectomy much earlier than current immunoassays for PSA. Earlier detection of residual cancer may improve long-term survival by allowing for earlier institution of adjuvant therapy.
Aged↗
Pharmacodynamic variability of flecainide assessed by QRS changes.
The effect of flecainide on the QRS interval was studied in 10 patients who were receiving long-term oral treatment (50 to 150 mg twice daily) for arrhythmias that were refractory to other drugs. Total and free drug plasma levels and QRS durations were measured at intervals after the morning administration. Free drug plasma levels were linearly correlated with QRS duration in each patient and the slope of the line was widely variable in the population studied. Even after the data from one patient with an unusually high slope (0.454) was excluded from the analysis, the slope range was 0.0284 to 0.144. Pharmacodynamic variability could not be explained by heart rate changes, active metabolites, electrolyte disturbances, or free drug concentration. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters measured (average steady-state concentration, fluctuation of maximum and minimum concentrations, time to peak concentration, final half-life, and protein binding) showed an intersubject variability greater than 4.4 times. Our findings suggest that the determination of flecainide free plasma concentration may not be sufficient to forecast electrophysiologic effects in individual patients.
Administration, Oral↗
Substitution of Leu for Pro-193 in the insulin receptor in a patient with a genetic form of severe insulin resistance.
Mutations have been identified in the insulin receptor (IR) gene in patients who are insensitive to insulin action. We studied an extremely insulin resistant patient whose insulin binding to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformed lymphocytes was severely reduced. Transmembrane signalling, evaluated as insulin receptor autophosphorylation, was normal. The patient's IR was immunoprecipitated normally by AbP6, a polyclonal antibody directed to the beta subunit. However, there was an approximately 50% decrease in the affinity of IR immunoprecipitation by a monoclonal antibody (MA-10) directed against the alpha subunit. These observations suggested that there were likely to be a mutation in the patient's insulin receptor that caused misfolding of the IR alpha subunit. Analysis of gene structure by Southern blotting experiments did not reveal any major deletion in the IR gene of the proband. Northern blot analysis showed a normal level of expression of IR gene. We applied denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) as well as direct sequence analysis to study the 22 exons of IR gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the proband's genomic DNA as a template. We identified a new missense mutation substituting leucine (CTG) for proline (CCG) in homozygous state at codon 193 in exon 3. Both parents are heterozygous for the Leu193 mutation. The Leu193 mutation was not detected in any of 75 normal subjects (150 chromosomes), indicating that it is not a common sequence variant of the insulin receptor. In addition, during the course of screening the patient's DNA with perpendicular DGGE, we identified two previously unreported silent substitutions in exon 9.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alleles↗
Effects of therapeutic doses of salbutamol alone and combined with beclomethasone dipropionate on airway responsiveness and cyclic AMP plasma levels in asthmatic patients.
Twelve asthmatic patients received by inhalation for 2 weeks, in a double-blind, cross-over design, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP; 600 micrograms/day) plus salbutamol (S; 900 micrograms/day), or S (900 micrograms/day) alone. Before and after each treatment course the subjects received intravenous cumulative doses of S up to 200 micrograms. In basal conditions and immediately before the next dose forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and plasma cyclic AMP (cAMP) were measured. BDP+S treatment increased FEV1 basal values (p < 0.05) whereas inhaled S resulted in unsignificant improvement of ventilatory parameters. The slopes of the dose-response curves of FEV1 and plasma cAMP to intravenous S were unaffected by the two treatment courses. Our results suggest that DBP+S, differently from S alone, improves ventilatory function in asthmatic patients and that neither S nor S+BDP seem to affect adrenergic function.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Microalbuminuria is a marker of left ventricular hypertrophy but not hyperinsulinemia in nondiabetic atherosclerotic patients.
Microalbuminuria predicts cardiovascular events in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. For a better understanding of the physiopathological importance of microalbuminuria in atherosclerotic disease, we evaluated the relation between urinary albumin excretion and arterial blood pressure, left ventricular mass, insulin, and lipid levels. The studies were conducted in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. Urinary albumin excretion (studied by nephelometry; an average of triplicate collections from 8 PM to 8 AM), causal blood pressure, echocardiographic left ventricular mass index and wall thickness, plasma immunoreactive insulin and C-peptide (both basally and after a 75-g oral glucose load), blood lipids, and fibrinogen were studied in eight normal subjects and 20 nonobese, nondiabetic male patients with angiographically documented atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease and preserved renal function, 12 of whom were either hypertensive or on antihypertensive treatment. Eight patients were microalbuminuric (urinary albumin > 20 micrograms/min) and 12 were not. Ankle-arm index and calf and foot transcutaneous oxygen tension were reduced in comparison with normal control subjects but superimposable between the two patient groups to indicate a comparable clinical progression of the vascular disease. In the microalbuminuric subjects, left ventricular mass index was greater, interventricular septum was thicker, and cardiac hypertrophy was more frequent than in nonmicroalbuminuric patients. The prevalence of hypertension tended to be greater and systolic blood pressure values were higher in the presence of microalbuminuria. Overall, a highly significant relation existed between urinary albumin excretion and left ventricular mass. Systolic blood pressure was greater and a history of arterial hypertension was more frequent among microalbuminurics, whereas diastolic blood pressure values showed a statistically significant correlation with both variables.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Administration, Oral↗
Pharmacokinetics and electrophysiological effects of intravenous ajmaline.
The pharmacokinetics of ajmaline were studied in 10 patients with suspected paroxysmal atrioventricular block who received a 1 mg/kg intravenous dose over 2 minutes for diagnostic purposes (ajmaline test). Plasma concentration decay followed a triexponential time course with a final half-life much longer (7.3 +/- 3.6 hours) than that previously found by other investigators (about 15 minutes). Mean total plasma clearance and renal clearance were 9.76 ml/min/kg and 0.028 ml/min/kg, respectively. Although most of the dose was eliminated through the extrarenal route (only 3.5% of the intravenous dose was recovered in urine), no fluorescent metabolites could be detected either in plasma or urine. The steady-state volume of distribution averaged 6.17 L/kg, and plasma protein binding ranged between 29 and 46%. Three patients developed a transient atrioventricular block after ajmaline administration. In the remainder, the drug prolonged atrio-His bundle (AH interval), His bundle-ventricular (HV interval) and intraventricular (QRS interval) conduction times. Corrected ventricular repolarisation time (QTc interval) showed less marked changes, which were biphasic at times. The mean maximum ajmaline-induced increase in HV interval was 98%, in QRS was 58%, in AH was 30%, and in QTc was 17%. In most cases the time course of electrocardiographic changes lagged behind that of plasma concentrations, suggesting a delayed equilibrium of plasma concentrations with the site of action (hysteresis). Despite that, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model, which accounted for hysteresis, failed to fit the experimental data adequately.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Aged↗
Evaluation of the bronchodilating activity and the tolerability of broxaterol administered as a solution by inhalation.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the bronchodilating activity and the tolerability of broxaterol (B, CAS 76596-57-1) given as drops by inhalation after single administration at different doses and after repeated administrations for 1 month. Two groups of 12 patients each were treated in a double-blind fashion and according to a within-subject design: one group with B at the single doses of 1.25 mg and 2.50 mg and with placebo (P), and the other with B at the dose of 0.75 mg and with P. A further group of 12 patients was treated in open fashion for 1 month with B at the dose of 1.25 mg 3 times a day. On each study day for the single doses and on the 1st and 30th days for the repeated doses, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), maximal middle expiratory flow (MMEF), heart rate (HR) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured immediately before and 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after the conclusion of the treatment. At the beginning and at the end of the 1-month treatment period, haematology and biochemistry were checked. After B 0.75 mg, 1.25 mg and 2.50 mg the values of spirometric variables proved significantly and dose-dependently higher than the basal values. The changes from baseline in lung function test values with B (all doses) were significantly greater than with P.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Administration, Inhalation↗
A 5-year report on a enamel-dentinal bonding agent and microfilled resin system.
The aim of this study was to examine the clinical performance of the Gluma enamel dentinal bonding system and Pekalux microfilled composite resin. Sixty esthetic restorations were placed by three different operators. After 5 years of clinical performance, 40 restorations were evaluated. Alpha scores were given to 25 restorations for marginal integrity, 21 for color stability, and 27 for anatomic form. Bravo scores were given to 11 restorations for marginal integrity, 13 for color stability, and 10 for anatomic form. Six restorations had to be replaced. The results of this study reveal the importance of the periodic maintenance of restorations; every patient was reexamined, underwent conservative restoration polishing, and attended an oral hygiene session every 6 months.
Adolescent↗
Near infrared spectroscopy research.
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Cerebrovascular Circulation↗
Established thyroid cell line of newborn pig (NPTh).
A newly established cell strain capable of continuous cultivation derived from newborn pig thyroid (NPTh), is discussed. The karyotype study revealed that the cell line has a heteroploid chromosome pattern, but the altered karyotype did not seem to be related to malignancy. It is suggested that the cells may be useful for investigations connected with the porcine viruses.
Animals↗
Hydrocolloid impressions of multirooted teeth: a clinical report.
An indirect technique for taking hydrocolloid impressions of multirooted teeth is described. Advantages of both hydrocolloid impression material and the technique are discussed.
Alginates↗
[The use of totally implantable systems (TIS) for long-term endovenous therapy].
The availability of a long-term central venous access for the management of neoplastic and chronic patients is extremely important in order to achieve an easy and safe infusion of chemotherapeutic drugs, blood components, and parenteral nutrition. The authors evaluated 26 adult patients (25 with malignant tumors and 1 with severe asthma) in whom implantable catheter systems were placed subcutaneously between February 1989 and March 1992. Catheters were inserted through the cephalic vein in 13 cases, the subclavia vein in 8 cases and jugular vein in 5 cases. The mean function time was 262 days in deceased patients and 155 in alive ones. There were no infective or thromboembolic complications. The authors, in agreement with the literature, confirm that TIS represent a safe and easy access for a long term i.v. therapy, with a very low complication rate. Furthermore, comfort of the patients is substantially improved and nursing care is greatly facilitated.
Adult↗
Time-resolved spectroscopy of the human forearm.
For spectroscopic purposes, the forearm is a conveniently large object to be investigated because consistent oxygenation and blood volume changes can be obtained. Human forearm spectral properties were investigated using picosecond near-IR laser spectroscopy. The behaviour of the temporal point spread function in resting conditions and during ischaemia, venous occlusion and exercise is reported. The effect of path length inaccuracy on muscle oxygen consumption, obtained by combining spectral data with the path length, is discussed.
Adult↗
Histology as a prognostic factor in early gastric cancer.
Of 431 patients with gastric cancer observed in our institution, 23 (5.3%) had early gastric cancer (EGC). Macroscopic presentation, histology, depth of invasion, and lymph node involvement were evaluated in all the cases. All patients underwent surgery and an intensive follow-up was performed. Five of the 23 patients progressed, and the risk factors were examined. Histology seemed to be the main prognostic factor in our study, since intestinal type of EGC was associated to a significantly better prognosis. Total gastrectomy is indicated in the proximal localization of EGC, and should perhaps be performed also in cases presenting undifferentiated histology.
Adult↗
Diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies by polymerase chain reaction. A multicenter study.
OBJECTIVE--To assess the efficiency, reliability, and ease of use of DNA diagnosis for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DESIGN--DNA from the patients was screened for deletion mutations using multiplex PCR, and the results were compared with those obtained by Southern blot analysis. The PCR multiplex reaction detects nine specific "hot-spot" exons in the dystrophin gene while the Southern analysis detects 66 specific dystrophin gene restriction fragments. The multiplex reaction requires 50-fold less DNA than Southern analysis and thus is considerably more sensitive. SETTING--Fourteen university-affiliated and private genetic disease diagnostic laboratories. PATIENTS--Male patients with clinical signs of DMD/BMD. Cases were selected for analysis randomly, without knowledge of whether a deletion was present within the dystrophin gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--The percentage of cases that were detectable by multiplex PCR in comparison with Southern analysis, the frequency, extent, and location of the detected deletion mutations. In some cases, duplication mutations were monitored. RESULTS--The accuracy of a single PCR multiplex amplification (nine exons) was compared with Southern analysis with 10 cDNA probes that cover the full length of the gene. The multiplex PCR analytic method detected 82% of those deletions detected by Southern analysis methods. In one of 745 analyses, the multiplex method suggested a single exon deletion, which was not confirmed by Southern analysis, representing a false-positive rate of 0.013%. CONCLUSIONS--Multiplex PCR represents a sensitive and accurate method for deletion detection of 46% of all cases of DMD/BMD. The method requires 1 day for analysis, is easy to perform, and does not use radioactive tracers. As such, multiplex PCR represents an efficient and rapid method for prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of DMD/BMD.
Blotting, Southern↗