Transfer ribonucleic acids in rat liver and Morris 5123 minimal deviation hepatoma.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
M Marini
Publications and source records attributed to M Marini.
HPLC determination of glutathione and other thiols in human mononuclear blood cells.
A simple and sensitive HPLC method is proposed for the determination of glutathione (GSH) in human mononuclear cells, based on the derivatization of the tripeptide with Ellman's reagent. The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of methanol and ammonium formate (10:90 v/v, with a flow rate of 1 mL/min). The stationary phase was a C18 (4.6 microns, 250 x 4 mm) reversed phase column. The detection of GSH was performed at 280 nm, resulting in a neat chromatographic peak at 5.8 min. A calibration curve showed good linearity over the concentration range 3 x 10(-6) - 6 x 10(-5) M, with a satisfactory precision. The method was found to yield a quantitative recovery of glutathione (96%), to be sensitive (down to 30 pmol of glutathione per injection) and to have a high precision (R.S.D.% approximately equal to 2). The proposed HPLC method allows for the separation and quantitation of cysteine and N-acetylcysteine, if present in biological samples. Furthermore, the method allows for the determination of total thiol present in human mononuclear cells.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
MRI evaluation of Crohn's disease of the small and large bowel with the use of negative superparamagnetic oral contrast agents.
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Administration, Oral↗
Hydrolysis of leucine enkephalin and its association to the K562(S) erythroleukaemic cell line.
Hydrolysis of Leu-enkephalin and association to cells of the radioactive label carried by this peptide have been studied on the K562(S) erythroleukaemic cell subline. Data obtained indicate that in the presence of these cells Leu-enkephalin is rapidly hydrolyzed and that the peptide's radioactive label is partially associated to the cells. Both phenomena are characterized by distinctly diphasic kinetics, and are oppositely modified by cells' stimulated erythroid differentiation. In the presence of proteolysis inhibitors, hydrolysis of Leu-enkephalin and association to cells of its radioactive label are reduced. These data, indicating that enkephalin hydrolysis is a prerequisite for the association of the radiolabel to cells, are consistent with those obtained with other cell lines of different origins and with human mononucleate cells. The modifications induced by differentiation of cells on hydrolysis, association and membrane conductance can be interpreted as an indication of extensive modifications of the membrane structures responsible for the mechanisms controlling those phenomena.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Permanent cardiac pacing and thromboembolic risk in elderly patients.
In patients undergoing permanent cardiac pacing, the maintenance of atrial contractility is important to ensure adequate ventricular filling and to guarantee an optimal ventricular ejection capacity. The appropriate pacing mode, assuring a suitable mechanical atrioventricular coupling, prevents the onset of atrial fibrillation and contributes to reduction of the risk of subsequent systemic and pulmonary thromboembolic episodes. We examined 461 patients (266 males and 195 females, aged between 52 and 97 years, average age 76.5 +/- 18) paced for conduction disturbances of various degrees and etiology. Of them, 323 patients received ventricular demand pacemaker (VVI group, average age 77.9 years); 138 underwent dual chamber pacing (DCP group, average age 75.2 years), 117 of the latter received universal demand pacing (DDD) and 21 atrial synchronous ventricular demand pacing (VDD). The patients were subsequently divided into two age-groups: Group A (</= 75 years, 174 patients), and Group B (>/= 75 years, 287 patients). According to pacing mode and successive development of stable atrial fibrillation (AF), we analysed the occurrence of systemic and/or pulmonary thromboembolic episodes and the incidence of fatal events. During our study, performed from January 1986 to August 1993, 70 embolic episodes were observed in the VVI group and six in the DCP group. Eighty-four patients with VVI units developed AF during follow-up, compared with only five patients in the DCP group. Our data indicate that VVI patients have a higher incidence of AF, embolic complications and cerebrovascular mortality, in comparison with the DCP group. VVI pacing should be avoided, especially in older patients, when atrial rhythmical activity is present.
Journal Article↗
Progress of brown tumors in patients with chronic renal insufficiency undergoing dialysis.
In a group of 73 patients, affected by chronic renal insufficiency, whose skeleton was periodically checked, three cases of brown tumors were found. These cases demonstrated a variety of locations that were involved, especially the pelvis, ribs and mandible. During therapeutic treatment the brown tumors presented a different behavior; while some lesions tended toward complete sclerosis, others increased in size and in both instances new lesions appeared. Parathyroidectomy, carried out in two patients, determined a definitive sclerosis of these lesions. Brown tumors also correlate with high PTH levels and with lesions from osteitis fibrosa.
Adolescent↗
Aortic dissection presenting as acute pancreatitis: CT diagnosis.
A 42-year-old male developed epigastric pain and elevation of serum amylase of 2045 U/L. A contrast-enhanced abdominal CT disclosed inflammatory changes involving the pancreas and peripancreatic tissues and findings indicative of aortic dissection. The possibility of aortic dissection should be considered in the management of patients with acute pancreatitis.
Adult↗
Duplex-Doppler spectral analysis in the physiopathology of the temporomandibular joint.
We introduce a new method of analysis of the normal and abnormal behavior of the TMJ, using a duplex-doppler spectral analysis. The method consists in monitoring the joint movement by means of a study of the Fourier transformed signals, which give information on the velocity distribution of the condylo-meniscal complex during the opening and closing phases of the jaw. Using repeated sampling over short time intervals we get a detailed description of the motion which allows to discriminate the normal and abnormal action of the condylomeniscal complex. We are able to identify various physiopathological conditions, among which opening and/or closing clicks, complex locking conditions and anomalies related to an asymmetrical behavior during the operation cycle. Duplex-doppler spectral analysis is correlated to a clinical examination in order to define various classes of anomalies.
Cartilage, Articular↗
Duplex-Doppler and cine-Bmode echography of the temporal-mandibular joint. Clinical validation.
We study, with the recently introduced method of analysis of the behavior of the TMJ through duplex-Doppler and cine-Bmode echography, a set of 38 patients already clinically examined. Among them we have 10 normal and 28 abnormal patients with various pathological conditions, 22 clicks of different intensities, three condylomeniscal lack of coordination and three locks. We obtained from the normal patients the typical duplex-Doppler spectra showing symmetrically alternate behavior and regular profiles during opening and closing of the mouth. In the case of clicks we obtained spectra with various irregularities of the profile and discontinuities in the worst cases. For the locks we observed a drastic and systematic reduction of the spectral amplitude.
Humans↗
Dual chamber pacing in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
The present work reviews current literature and the authors' experience of dual chamber pacing in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). In these patients, the atrial contribution to ventricular filling may be less than optimal, especially in the presence of first degree atrioventricular block or mitral insufficiency, both of which are common in the elderly subject with CHF. Dual chamber pacing with short atrioventricular delays has proved effective in enhancing ventricular filling and, in selected cases, cardiac output, with improvement in clinical and instrumental parameters of heart failure. However, for an appropriate atrioventricular synchronization of the left chambers during pacing, the interatrial conduction time must be considered, to avoid atrial contraction against a closed mitral valve. Thus, dual chamber pacing may be a treatment option for CHF that fails to respond to medical therapy.
Journal Article↗
Permanent ventricular and dual chamber cardiac stimulation: role of pacing mode in relation to chronic atrial fibrillation risk and stroke development.
Ventricular single chamber permanent cardiac pacing undoubtedly eliminates symptoms related to extremely low cardiac rate, but also contributes to increased morbidity due to onset of permanent atrial fibrillation (PAF). Many studies have shown the superiority of atrial and dual chamber cardiac pacing in reducing atrial fibrillation risk and in preventing correlated embolic complications. It is not known, however, if this advantage is maintained in the elderly and in particular in the oldest old people. From 1986 onwards, we analyzed 690 chronically paced patients, 472 received a single chamber ventricular pacemaker (VP), while 218 received a dual chamber pacemaker (DP). All patients underwent regular controls every 6 months. End points of the study were the onset of atrial fibrillation, embolic events and death. Life table analysis of the incidence of all the events during a follow-up of 120 months was carried out, distinguishing two groups (VP and DP) homogeneous in mean age and type of cardiopathy. The total incidence of PAF was 51.4% in the VP and 11.4% in the DP group (P<0.05). After 7 years from implant, PAF was present in 90% of VP and 20% of DP patients (P<0.001). We found a significantly higher occurrence of cerebral ischemic events (stroke or transient ischemic attacks) in the VP group (P<0.05). Even if no great difference in mortality was found between the two groups, a significant reduction of cardiovascular mortality associated with DP has been observed in the subgroup of patients with sick sinus syndrome.
Journal Article↗
White cell apoptosis in packed red cells.
BACKGROUND: After the removal of the buffy coat, packed red cell (RBC) transfusion units still contain white cells that may undergo apoptosis as a result of storage conditions (1-6 degrees C). The aim of the present study was the evaluation of this phenomenon in view of the possible influence it may have on febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three independent methods (microscopy, DNA electrophoresis, and cytometry) were used to evaluate apoptosis in white cells present in 13 RBC units. Of these units, 10 had been collected into CPD/saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol and 3 into CPDA-1; each bag was split in two parts, one of which was irradiated. RBCs were stored at 1 to 6 degrees C, and samples were periodically withdrawn for study. The proliferative capacity of stored lymphocytes was evaluated after phytohemagglutinin stimulation and tritiated thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Apoptosis was found to occur in both granulocytes and lymphocytes, starting from the first 48 to 72 hours of storage. The choice of the anticoagulant-preservative solution and the effect of irradiation did not influence the amount and the timing of the apoptotic phenomenon. Lymphocyte proliferative capacity was found to decrease sharply with storage time. CONCLUSION: Conditions of storage in RBCs induce consistent apoptosis in residual white cells. The possible clinical implications of the relationships between apoptosis and the induction of biologic response modifiers (that may cause interleukin-mediated febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions) and between apoptosis and immune reactions remain to be elucidated.
Adenine↗
Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas with polysplenia syndrome: CT features.
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Aged↗
Left ventricular mass in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: assessment by three-dimensional and geometric MR methods.
PURPOSE: The goals of this work were to evaluate the practical utility of MRI to quantify myocardial mass in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), define the differences in myocardial mass measurements obtained with three-dimensional and geometric MR methods in patients with normal left ventricular morphology and in patients with wall thickening, and establish the correlation between the two MR methods and the geometric echocardiographic method (GEM). METHOD: The same protocol was followed to conduct prospective MR examinations on 72 patients. In 60 of the subjects suspected to have HCM, imaging was performed to confirm or rule out the preliminary clinical diagnosis; the other 12 were healthy volunteers. Multislice SE, single slice multiphase, and multislice multiphase GRE sequences were performed in all cases. Left ventricle mass was calculated using formulas that assume an ellipsoid geometry for the left ventricle (geometric method), and the results were compared with the mass found using the three-dimensional method and subsequent application of Simpson rule. Tests were run to evaluate intraobserver variability in the MR data obtained with the three-dimensional method. The measurements obtained with the two MR methods were compared with the results obtained with GEM. RESULTS: Although the mean left myocardial mass values obtained using the three-dimensional MR method were smaller than the mean values found with the geometric MR method in all patients, the difference was significant only in patients with HCM. The correlation between the geometric MR method and GEM was very good both in patients with HCM and in those with normal wall thickening. The correlation between the three-dimensional MR method and GEM was good in patients whose left ventricle morphology was normal and poor in patients with HCM. Intraobserver agreement for three-dimensional mass values was excellent. CONCLUSION: MR examinations should be a standard technique for calculating myocardial ventricular mass. In patients with normal ventricle wall thickness, the geometric method can be used to calculate myocardial mass because it is less time consuming. However, in patients with abnormal morphology of the left ventricle and/or asymmetric wall thickening such as found in HCM, in whom the geometric method overestimates myocardial mass, measurements should be made using the three-dimensional method.
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic↗
The effect of misoprostol on aspirin-induced gastroduodenal lesions in dogs.
Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, is effective in treating and preventing nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)--induced gastrointestinal lesions in humans. The effectiveness of misoprostol in preventing aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury was studied in 3 groups of 6 adult mixed breed dogs. Group I received 3 micrograms/kg misoprostol PO tid. Group II received 3 micrograms/kg misoprostol PO tid and 35 mg/kg aspirin PO tid. Group III received 35 mg/kg aspirin PO tid. Endoscopy was performed on days 0, 5, 14, and 30. Five regions of the upper gastrointestinal tract were qualitatively scored from 1 to 12 based on the presence of submucosal hemorrhage, erosion, or ulceration, with ulceration receiving a higher numerical score than submucosal hemorrhage. A total score was assigned based on the sum of the scores from all regions. Comparisons among groups on each day were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences within a group among different time periods were determined using appropriate multiple comparisons. Significant difference in mean gastroduodenal lesion score was found among all groups at 5, 14, and 30 days. Mean total score on days 5, 14, and 30 were as follows: group I, 5.0, 5.2, 9.0; group II, 12.0, 12.7, 16.2; and group III, 26.0, 23.8, 21.5, respectively. Significant differences within a group among different time periods were found from days 0 to 5 in groups I and II, and from days 14 to 30 in group I. It was concluded that misoprostol effectively decreased endoscopically detectable mucosal lesions in dogs given aspirin.
Animals↗
Age increases leucine enkephalin hydrolysis in human plasma.
BACKGROUND: The existence of age-associated alterations in immune functions and neuropeptides capable of modulating these functions prompted us to advance the hypothesis that the degradation of plasma neuropeptides, specifically opioid peptides, may be altered by aging. OBJECTIVE: To verify the possible existence of age-induced variations in neuropeptide hydrolysis in human plasma, using leucine enkephalin as the model substrate. METHODS: The hydrolysis of leucine enkephalin and the formation of its hydrolysis byproducts in the presence of plasma enzymes were studied by kinetic and chromatographic techniques in a group of elderly individuals and a control group. RESULTS: The results obtained indicate that in elderly individuals the activity of enkephalin-degrading plasma enzymes is greater than in controls. ANOVA analysis of these data indicates that the dependency of the variation of hydrolysis upon the 2 age groups is statistically significant. Increased substrate hydrolysis, and a modified hydrolysis pattern, appear to be associated with increased activity of the enzymes involved, and with different distribution of the individual enzymes within each class, as well as with severely reduced activity of the low molecular weight plasma inhibitors. CONCLUSION: The combination of the above-mentioned factors appears to define a characteristic hydrolysis pattern for elderly individuals which is different from that found in controls.
Adult↗
The gastroduodenal effects of buffered aspirin, carprofen, and etodolac in healthy dogs.
Twenty-four healthy mixed-breed dogs were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received a placebo p.o. q12h, group 2 received an average of 16.5 (15.1-17.8) mg/kg buffered aspirin p.o. q12h, group 3 received an average of 2.2 (2.0-2.4) mg/kg carprofen p.o. q12h, and group 4 received an average of 12.8 (11.7-13.8) mg/kg etodolac p.o. q24h (with a placebo in the PM). All treatments continued for 28 consecutive days. Gastroduodenal endoscopy was performed on days -9, 0, 5, 14, and 28. Multiple gastric biopsies were obtained endoscopically on day -9 to determine each dog's Helicobacter infection status. Four regions in the stomach and 1 region in the proximal duodenum were evaluated endoscopically, and each was assigned a score from 1 to 11. Scores for each region then were summed to give a total score for each endoscopic evaluation. Erosions and submucosal hemorrhages were seen in all dogs receiving aspirin. Only minor gastric lesions were observed in the carprofen, etodolac, and control groups. No adverse clinical signs were noted in any dog given any treatment. Median total score on days 0, 5, 14, and 28, respectively, were as follows: group 1: 5.0, 5.0, 5.0, 5.0; group 2: 5.0, 27.0, 26.0, 27.5; group 3: 5.0, 5.0, 6.0, 5.0, group 4: 5.0, 7.0, 5.0, 5.0. There was no significant difference among dogs receiving carprofen, etodolac, or placebo. The administration of carprofen, etodolac, or placebo to healthy dogs resulted in significantly less gastroduodenal lesion development than in dogs receiving buffered aspirin.
Animals↗
Evaluation of aqueous tear production in dogs following general anesthesia.
Pre- and postanesthetic Schirmer tear test (STT) values were measured in 46 dogs. All subjects had normal preanesthetic STT values (18.3 +/- 2.8 mm per min in the left eye [OS] and 18.3 +/- 3.0 mm per min in the right eye [OD]). Significant differences were found between pre- and postanesthetic STT values. Significant decreases in tear production were evident for up to 24 hours following the anesthetic event. Subject age did not significantly influence the results. Duration of anesthesia significantly affected the rate of return to preanesthetic STT values, with anesthetic events greater than two hours in duration having a prolonged effect as compared to anesthetic events less than two hours in duration. Anticholinergic administration prior to or during anesthesia further lowered postanesthetic STT values.
Anesthesia, General↗