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Biomedical subjects

S Bruno

Publications and source records attributed to S Bruno.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

[The noninvasive assessment of the effects of penbutolol on liver hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients using angioscintigraphy. A randomized controlled double-blind study].

This randomized double-blind controlled study analyzed the hemodynamic effects of penbutolol, a new levo-rotatory betablocker, using radionuclide angiography. Twenty cirrhotics with esophageal varices were randomized: 10 received 40 mg/day of penbutolol orally and the others a placebo. Angioscintigraphy was performed before and after an 8-day treatment period. Three cases in the penbutolol group were lost due to software damage, hence the data of 17 patients were analyzed. The two groups were similar for age, sex, etiology of cirrhosis and hepatic function. The index of portal perfusion decreased significantly (-29%; p = 0.018), and the hepatic artery index increased significantly (+23%; p = 0.018), whereas no changes were observed after placebo. The heart rate decreased significantly after penbutolol (-9%; p = 0.021); while neither penbutolol nor placebo modified the ejection fraction. In conclusion, penbutolol decreased portal perfusion index (the compensatory increase of hepatic artery index confirmed this change) without significant modification of total hepatic blood flow and systemic hemodynamics. Angioscintigraphy is reasonably accurate, reproducible, safe and can be considered suitable for routine use in the assessment of liver hemodynamics.

Administration, Oral↗

Angioscintigraphic assessment of hemodynamic effects of penbutolol in cirrhotics with portal hypertension. A double-blind, randomized, controlled study.

This randomized double-blind controlled study analyzed the hemodynamic effects of penbutolol, a new levorotatory beta-blocker, using radionuclide angiography. Twenty cirrhotics with esophageal varices were randomized to two groups: 10 received 40 mg/day of penbutolol orally and the others placebo. Angioscintigraphy was performed before and after an 8-day treatment period. Three cases in the penbutolol group were lost due to software damage, hence the data of 17 patients were analyzed. The two groups were matched for age, sex, etiology of cirrhosis and hepatic function. The index of portal perfusion decreased significantly (-29%; p = 0.018) and the hepatic artery index increased significantly (+23%; p = 0.018), while no changes were observed after placebo. The heart rate decreased significantly after penbutolol (-9%; p = 0.028), while neither penbutolol nor placebo modified the ejection fraction. In conclusion, penbutolol decreased portal perfusion index (the compensatory increase in the hepatic artery index confirmed this change) without major modification of total hepatic blood flow or systemic hemodynamics. Angioscintigraphy is reasonably accurate, reproducible, safe and can be considered suitable for routine use in the assessment of liver hemodynamics.

Double-Blind Method↗

Flow cytometric detection of mitotic cells using the bromodeoxyuridine/DNA technique in combination with 90 degrees and forward scatter measurements.

Mitotic cells could be well discriminated from the cells in the G1-, S- and G2-phases of the cell cycle using pulse labeling of S-phase cells with bromodeoxy-uridine (BrdUrd) and staining of the cells for incorporated BrdUrd and total DNA content. Unlabeled G2- and M-phase cells could be measured as two separate peaks according to propidium iodide fluorescence. M-phase cells showed lower propidium iodide fluorescence emission compared to G2-phase cells. The fluorescence difference of M- and G2-phase cells was caused by the different thermal denaturation of their DNA. Best separation of M- and G2-phase cells was obtained after 30-50 min heat treatment at 95 degrees C. Mitotic index could be measured if no unlabeled S-phase cells were present in the cell culture. With additional measurements of 90 degree scatter and/or forward scatter signals, mitotic cells could be clearly discriminated from both unlabeled G2- and S-phase cells. The correct discrimination (about 99%) of mitotic cells from interphase cells was verified by visual analysis of the nuclear morphology after selective sorting. Unlabeled and labeled mitotic cells could be observed as pulse-labeled cells progressed through the cell cycle. We conclude that this modified BrdUrd/DNA technique using prolonged thermal denaturation and the simultaneous measurement of scatter signals may offer additional information especially in the presence of BrdUrd-unlabeled S-phase cells.

Animals↗

A new method to discriminate G1, S, G2, M, and G1 postmitotic cells.

A new flow cytometric method combining light scattering measurements, detection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation via fluorescent antibody, and quantitation of cellular DNA content by propidium iodide (PI) allows identification of additional compartments in the cell cycle. Thus, while cell staining with BrdU-antibodies and PI reveals the G1, S, and G2 + M phases of the cell cycle, differences in light scattering allow separation of G2 phase cells from M phase cells and subdivision of G1 phase into two compartments, i.e., G1A representing postmitotic cells which mature to G1B cells ready to initiate DNA synthesis. The method involves fixation of cells in 70% ethanol, extraction of histones with HC1, and thermal denaturation of DNA. This treatment appears to enhance the differences in chromatin structure of cells in the various phases of the cell cycle to the extent that cells could be separated on the basis of the 90 degrees scatter. Mitotic cells show much lower scatter than G2 phase cells, and G1 postmitotic cells (G1A) show lower scatter than G1 cells about to enter the S phase (G1B). Light scattering is correlated with chromatin condensation, as judged by microscopic evaluation of cells sorted on the basis of light scatter. The method has the advantage over the parental BrdU/DNA bivariate analysis in allowing the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle to be separated and the G1 phase to be analyzed in more detail. The method may also allow separation of unlabeled S phase cells from mitotic cells and distinguish between labeled and unlabeled mitotic cells.

Animals↗

DNA flow cytometry of endoscopically examined colorectal adenocarcinomas.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the correlation of DNA-ploidy of colorectal adenocarcinomas (adk) with histological and clinical parameters including the survival of the patients. Multiple biopsies from 95 adk were taken during colonoscopy prior to surgery. The samples were used to obtain nuclei suspensions for specific staining of DNA content and high resolution flow cytometry. DNA-aneuploidy, i.e. the presence of more than one G0/G1 peak, was detected in 67/95 cases (71%). The individual-specific control mucosa was DNA-diploid in all cases. The mean fraction of S-phase cells was 7.2% in control mucosa and 13.6% in adk. DNA-ploidy did neither correlate with Dukes' stage nor with differentiation degree. Among the patients studied for the correlation of DNA ploidy with survival for a period extending to 30 months (n = 51), the DNA aneuploid group was estimated to be about 5 times as risky as the DNA diploid group with respect to the odds of dying. We conclude that DNA flow cytometry of colorectal adk may predict clinical outcome and be helpful in addition to histopathology.

Adenocarcinoma↗

End tidal carbon dioxide as an haemodynamic determinant of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the rat.

End tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) has been found to be a good prognostic indicator of successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest. To explore the value of this measurement further, we carried out a series of experiments during cardiac arrest and closed chest resuscitation in 14 mechanically ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced by a 10 mA current delivered to the right ventricular endocardium. After 4 min of VF, precordial compression was begun with a mechanical thumper and defibrillation was attempted 2 min later. PETCO2 decreased abruptly during cardiac arrest to 0.3 mm Hg (0.04 kPa). With precordial compression, it increased to 11 mm Hg (1.5 kPa). Within 3 min of successful defibrillation, there was an overshoot in the PETCO2 to 44 mm Hg (5.8 kPa) with return to baseline levels approximating those of the pre-arrest control measurements over the 60 min that followed restoration of spontaneous circulation. The PETCO2 measurement during precordial compression predicted the success of defibrillation with return of spontaneous circulation. When PETCO2 exceeded 9 mm Hg (1.2 kpA), 7 of 8 animals were successfully resuscitated. When PETCO2 was less than 9 mm Hg during precordial compression, none of six animals were successfully resuscitated. The PETCO2 correlated with the mean aortic (r = 0.71) and coronary perfusion pressure (r = 0.80) generated during precordial compression. In corroboration of previously reported observations on pigs, dogs, and human patients, PETCO2 served as a non-invasive monitor of the effectiveness of precordial compression for maintaining coronary perfusion and therefore cardiac viability during CPR. The PETCO2 was also useful in that it promptly signalled restoration of spontaneous circulation.

Animals↗

Flow cytometric DNA ploidy in colorectal adenomas and family history of colorectal cancer.

Flow cytometric DNA ploidy of colorectal adenomas resected from 34 patients and the corresponding patient family history in first-degree relatives were evaluated. The samples with at least two separate G0-G1 peaks were defined as DNA aneuploid. The correlation between DNA ploidy and family history was evaluated using two-by-two contingency tables. This correlation was highly statistically significant: seven of nine patients (78%) with positive family histories, and five of 25 (20%) with negative family history had adenomas with DNA aneuploid stemlines (P = 0.0068). The overall DNA aneuploidy incidence was 12 in 34 cases (35.2%). The combined information of DNA aneuploidy and positive family history of colorectal cancer in patients with colorectal adenomas may help to better understand the process of colon carcinogenesis and to identify patients who have a higher risk for developing a malignancy.

Adenoma↗

DNA flow cytometry of endoscopically examined colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

DNA ploidy of 64 colorectal adenomas and 49 adenocarcinomas, examined endoscopically, was studied by flow cytometry. We found DNA aneuploidy in none of the 105 normal mucosa samples (0%), in 20 adenomas (31%), and in 36 adenocarcinomas (74%). DNA ploidy of adenomas correlated with size (P = 0.02) and degree of dysplasia (P less than 0.01) but not with histologic type. Adenomas had a 45% incidence of DNA aneuploid stem lines in the DNA index range of 0.80-1.20, compared with 8% in the case of adenocarcinomas. The distribution of the DNA index values of adenocarcinomas was approximately normal, with a mean value 1.63 +/- 0.28. The mean DNA index for the three cases of "carcinoma in adenoma" with invasion of the stalk of the adenoma was 1.52 +/- 0.18. These results, using DNA flow cytometry, provide evidence for the progression of colorectal adenoma to adenocarcinoma. The classification of adenomas according to DNA ploidy may be information of considerable practical value to the clinician in predicting risk of further adenomas and/or risk of cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Flow cytometric evaluation of cell cycle characteristics during in vitro differentiation of chick embryo chondrocytes.

The cell cycle kinetic characteristics of chick endochondral chondrocytes differentiating in vitro were studied by flow cytometry. In addition, the synthesis of type I and type X collagens of the same cells was evaluated by immunoprecipitation. Dedifferentiated cells, derived from chick embryo tibiae and grown attached to a substratum, were characterized by type I collagen synthesis, a high growth fraction (GF = 0.94), minimal cell loss factor (phi = 0.02), and a total cell cycle time of the proliferating cells of about 17 h (tG1 = 8 h, tS = 5 h, and tG2 + M = 4 h). Transfer of dedifferentiated cells to suspension culture on agarose-coated dishes induced differentiation to hypertrophic chondrocytes. These were characterized by type X collagen synthesis, a low growth fraction (GF = 0.52), maximal cell loss factor (phi = 1.0), and a total cell cycle time of the proliferating cells of about 73 h (tG1 = 53 h, tS = 12 h, and tG2 + M = 8 h). The transition from dedifferentiated chondrocytes to hypertrophic chondrocytes was accompanied by large increases of the duration of all the cell cycle phases and of the number of quiescent and degenerating cells. Associated with these alterations in cell cycle kinetics was a switch from type I to type X collagen synthesis. Further preliminary data suggest that the population of differentiating chondrocytes (a state between dedifferentiated and hypertrophic chondrocytes) comprises a heterogeneous population of fast and slow growing cells.

Animals↗

Cell cycle synchronization induced by tamoxifen and 17 beta-estradiol on MCF-7 cells using flow cytometry and a monoclonal antibody against bromodeoxyuridine.

Cell cycle synchronization of MCF-7 hormone-sensitive human breast cancer cells has been evaluated after sequential treatment with tamoxifen and 17 beta-estradiol. The analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Two methods were used, one for single-parameter DNA content analysis, and one for bivariate analysis of DNA content and amount of incorporated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) into DNA using a specific monoclonal antibody. According to the BrdUrd method, tamoxifen was found (over a 30h period) to decrease (with respect to cells grown in control medium) the fraction of cells in S phase from 45% to 20%, to increase cells in G0 + G1 from 47% to 68%, and to induce a slight build-up of cells in G2 + M. Subsequent addition of estradiol resulted in partial synchronous recruitment of the cells from G0 + G1 to progress through the S phase; after 6-8 h delay time, the percentage of cells in G0 + G1 decreased by 50% and cells in S increased by 175%. The bivariate BrdUrd technique offered more reliable and detailed information than the single-parameter DNA analysis for differentiating and measuring the time course of estrogen-recruited cells as they progressed through early and late S phase, and has the potential for a very detailed cell kinetic analysis of both in vitro and in vivo hormone-sensitive cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the rat.

A standardized method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rodents has been developed for anesthetized, mechanically ventilated rats. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and maintained by an alternating current delivered to the right ventricular endocardium. After 4 min of ventricular fibrillation, the chest was compressed with a pneumatic piston device. Eight of 14 animals were successfully resuscitated with DC countershock after 6 min of cardiac arrest. In confirmation of earlier studies from our laboratories in dogs, pigs, and human patients, this rodent model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrated large venoarterial [H+] and PCO2 gradients associated with reduced pulmonary excretion of CO2 during the low-flow state. Mean aortic pressure, coronary perfusion pressure, and end-tidal CO2 during chest compression were predictive of successful resuscitation.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Repeated paracentesis and i.v. albumin infusion to treat 'tense' ascites in cirrhotic patients. A safe alternative therapy.

To investigate the usefulness of paracentesis as an alternative treatment for ascites, 41 cirrhotic patients with 'tense' ascites were randomly assigned to treatment with either repeated paracenteses plus i.v. albumin infusion (n = 20) or diuretics (n = 21). Satisfactory mobilization of ascites was obtained with paracentesis in all but one case and with diuretics in all but two cases. Ascites disappeared within 3 or 4 days with paracentesis, but only after 15 days with diuretics. The rate of reaccumulation of ascites following paracentesis, without diuretic administration, exceeded 300 g/day in only 5 patients. The incidence of complications and the mortality rate were similar in both groups of patients during hospital stay and during follow-up. This was corroborated by the evidence that no negative changes were induced in clinical and laboratory parameters of hemodynamic, hepatic and renal function after evacuation of the ascites. These results confirm that repeated paracenteses combined with human albumin replacement are safe and effective for treating 'tense' ascites, and more rapid than traditional diuretic therapy.

Albumins↗

Effects of acute administration of zetidoline, a new antidopaminergic drug, on plasma prolactin and aldosterone levels in man.

The neuroendocrinological effects of acute oral administration of 20 mg zetidoline, a new antipsychotic drug with antidopaminergic properties, were evaluated in 8 healthy volunteers, by a double-blind, crossover comparison with placebo. Zetidoline significantly increased serum prolactin (p less than 0.01 at 1-3 h; p less than 0.05 at 4-6 h). No significant change was observed in blood levels of aldosterone, renin, cortisol, growth hormone and electrolyte, or in blood pressure and heart rate. The data suggest that the drug increases prolactin through blockade of dopaminergic receptors. The lack of change in the aldosterone levels may be evidence against the hypothesis of dopaminergic control of aldosterone secretion.

Adult↗

Deep dyslexia in a patient with crossed aphasia.

A single case study of a 33-year-old right-handed man who suddenly developed left hemiplegia and nonfluent aphasia is reported. Extensive testing of the patient's reading ability revealed the symptom complex of deep dyslexia. The relevance of crossed deep dyslexia in a reader of Italian is discussed.

Adult↗

[A method for the fluorimetric determination of usnic acid in pharmaceutical preparations].

A new, rapid, sensitive and reproducible micromethod for the fluorometric determination of usnic acid in pharmaceutical formulations has been developed. The method makes use of the quenching of the fluorescence produced by usnic acid in the solution of anthranilic acid in TRIS. The possibility of extending the method to cosmetic finished products is demonstrated.

Benzofurans↗