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PubMedDate not supplied

The pharmacologic therapy of post-cauterization and post-laser vaporization with polydeoxyribonucleotide.

The most widely used ablative techniques in the therapy of benign cervical lesions are physical treatments with cauterization or laser vaporization; these are, however, usually used for the largest or symptomatic lesions. Many Authors suggest, after physical treatment, the use of topical chemotherapy in order to abolish any possible inflammatory reaction. The use of drugs such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) 5 mg (POLIDES 5--Farmigea), provided with reepithelialization and anticomplement action, seems to promote a quicker recovery of the cauterized or vaporized zone, avoiding, at the same time, the secondary inflammatory reaction. The Authors have assessed the quality of reepithelialization by means of PDRN 5 mg ovules of the cervical zone which has been previously subjected to laser vaporization or cauterization for benign cervical lesions or CIN I. The trial was performed with two groups of patients: Group A: laser vaporization, 45 patients, 23 of whom treated with PDRN and 22 with placebo. Group B: cauterization, 46 patients, 24 treated with PDRN and 22 with placebo. The treatment with PDRN 5 mg ovules started on the day of physical treatment and continued for twelve days. The examination of the patients, performed before the treatment (TO) included the following tests: bacteriological test; PAP-smear, colposcopic examination with eventual direct biopsy. The first follow-up (T 1) was performed after 14 days and included a Pap-smear, colposcopic examination and microcolpohysteroscopy (MC) carried out in the zone where physical treatment had been performed, in order to obtain a map of the reepithelialization process process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cautery↗
PubMed1985

Myosin heavy chain in avian muscular dystrophy corresponds to the neonatal isozyme.

We have previously demonstrated, based on comparison of homologous amino acid sequences and of two-dimensional CNBr peptide gel patterns, that the myosin heavy chain in pectoralis muscles of Storrs, Connecticut dystrophic chickens is different from that of their normal controls (Huszar, G., Vigue, L., De-Lucia, J. Elzinga, M., and Haines, J. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 7429-7434). Others have shown, however, that genomic banks and mRNA complements of the control and dystrophic birds are not different. In the present studies, we have examined the hypothesis that the "dystrophic" myosin heavy chain is not a novel gene product, but is a developmental isozyme which is expressed in pectoralis muscles of adult chickens due to the dystrophic process. Two-dimensional maps of myosin heavy chain CNBr peptides were prepared from breast muscles of 17-day in ovo (embryonic), 25-day posthatch (neonatal), and adult birds of the Storrs dystrophic and of two control strains. Also, myosin and actomyosin ATPase enzymatic activities of the various preparations were determined in the pH range of 5.5 to 9.0. Analysis of the peptide maps demonstrates that the embyronic, neonatal, and control adult myosin heavy chain isozymes are distinctly different gene products with only minute variations between the respective developmental isozymes in dystrophic and control muscles. However, the pectoralis myosin heavy chain of adult dystrophic birds, which is a homogeneous isozyme population by amino acid sequences and gel patterns, corresponds to that of the neonatal-type myosin heavy chain. The ATPase properties of the embryonic, neonatal, or adult pectoralis myosins and actomyosins were not different, whether the level of specific activity or the pattern of pH activation is considered. Since the mobility of neonatal chicks (primarily neonatal-type isozymes) is not restricted, the differences in myosin heavy chain structures are part of the syndrome, but not the cause of avian muscular dystrophy.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1979

Selective neuronal, dendritic, and postsynaptic localization of viral antigen in measles-infected mice.

The pathology of acute disease produced by intracerebral inoculation of hamster neurotropic strain of measles virus was studied in adult BALB/c mice using immunolabeling techniques at a light and electron microscopic level. Brains of animals with acute disease showed an abundance of viral antigen but no inflammatory cells, giant cells, or inclusions. Infection was limited to neurons which were rarely necrotic, indicating that the process was not cytolytic. Mapping of infected neurons identified a consistent predilection to the rhinencephalon, other components of the limbic system, and the striatum. Ultrastructural examination revealed similar findings in all of the involved areas. No evidence of viral assembly at the cell membrane was found. Viral antigen was identified in neuronal perikaryon with somatofugal spread into dendritic and synaptic sites. Unlabeled smooth nucleocapsid and labeled tubular structures were detected both in the cytoplasm and nucleus of neurons. Dendritic labeling when present was occasionally associated with the neurotubules. The most remarkable and frequent finding was identification of viral antigen in postsynaptic endings. This consisted of clumps of viral antigen and occasional staining of the postsynaptic density. This localization of viral antigen may create dysfunction of synaptic transmission, and in the absence of overt pathology, may account for clinical disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Indices of left ventricular hypertrophy based on data from the automatic mapping of 35 ECG leads].

The potential of the method of 35 ECG leads' automatic mapping in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy was assessed for the first time. A number of mapping indices closely correlating with the myocardial mass and the thickness of the left ventricular wall were found while studying 35 ECG leads' maps followed by computer processing, in 28 hypertensive patients and 6 normal subjects the hypertrophy degree of the left ventricle being determined by echocardiography and X-rays. The index of the total maximum of the R-waves among 7 vertical columns (7.3 +/- 2.0 cm) proved to be simultaneously highly specific (88.9%), sensitive (84%) and accurate (85.3%) to diagnose even a moderate degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (with the left ventricular mass of 150-200 g as evaluated by echocardiography).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Measurement of industrial noise].

n this paper a comprehensive method for description and measurement of industrial noise is presented keeping the following aspects into account: 1) evaluation by data collection questionnaire of work environment, working variables, noise sources, noise exposure, etc.; 2) noise measurement with particular regards to noise characteristics (steady noise, intermittent, fluctuating, irregular, impulsive), to sampling methods (position, duration, etc.) also in wiew to drawing up "noise maps"; 3) noise data processing ( LAEQ , LEX); on this aspect many applying examples are specified; 4) noise data representation and recording, also using computer aids. The AA draw the attention to adopt, also in anticipation of the European noise standards, a standardized method for industrial noise evaluation.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMed1993

Wave packets analysis of two-dimensional protein maps: a new approach to study the diversity of immunoglobulins.

This report describes a mathematical approach for classifying two-dimensional (2D)-protein maps without spot detection or pattern matching. Analysis of electrophoretograms was performed using wave packet decompositions of the signals. The scanned images were automatically decomposed into a set of sub-images organized in a tree structure. Each sub-image contained relevant information such as its energy, or entropy. Moreover the node position itself of the sub-image reflected a frequency localization. A distance was then defined using the tree repartition of these quantities. Finally a statistical clustering on the tree structures was performed, terminating with a classification of the images according to their repartition frequencies. The algorithm has been applied to classify immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain patterns and proved useful to automatically detect monoclonal, oligoclonal or polyclonal Igs.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1997

New tools for laboratory design and management.

The clinical laboratory is changing from a place of activity based on sample analysis to an in vitro diagnostic network. To convince our team, partners, and administrators, we need new comprehensive tools to define a strategy with limited risk of failure or conflicts. Specific quality goals should be established before choosing automated tools for sample handling, analytical systems, laboratory information systems, communication systems, or advanced technologies. A system approach maps and simplifies the process, based more on a functional study than on classical disciplines. A customer-supplier approach establishes the requirements between partners either inside or outside the laboratory. The quality system must be a management tool, linking samples, tasks, information, and documents. Quantitative simulation modeling explores different automation alternatives and their impact on laboratory workflow. Finally, integration of results in interactive semirealistic simulation tools for laboratory design or reengineering can be used as communications tools to involve laboratory professionals in the change of their practice.

Chemistry, Clinical↗
PubMed1997

Exploring the fitness landscapes of lattice proteins.

We present methods to investigate the sequence to structure relation for proteins. We use random structures of HP-type lattice models as a coarse grained model to study generic properties of biopolymers. To circumvent the computational limitations imposed by most lattice protein folding algorithms we apply a simple and fast deterministic approximation algorithm with a tunable accuracy. We investigate ensemble properties such as the conditional probability to find structures with a certain similarity at a given distance of the underlying sequence for various alphabets. Our results suggest that the structure landscapes for lattice proteins are generally very rugged, while larger alphabets fine tune the folding process and smoothen the map. This implies a simplification for evolutionary strategies. The applied methods appear to be helpful in the study of the complex interplay between folding strategies, energy functions and alphabets. Possible implications to the investigation of evolutionary strategies or the optimization of biopolymers are discussed.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1997

Analysis of the Anopheles (Anopheles) quadrimaculatus complex of sibling species (Diptera: Culicidae) using morphological, cytological, molecular, genetic, biochemical, and ecological techniques in an integrated approach.

The Anopheles quadrimaculatus complex of 5 cryptic species (i.e., An. diluvialis Reinert, new species; An. inundatus Reinert, new species; An. maverlius Reinert, new species; An. quadrimaculatus Say; An. smaragdinus Reinert, new species) is analyzed using multiple techniques, including morphological, cytological, molecular, genetic, biochemical, and ecological procedures. All life stages (egg, 4th-instar larva, pupa, and female and male adults) are described using morphological features, and pertinent stages or structures are illustrated. A neotype for An. quadrimaculatus is designated, and the synonymy of An. annulimanus Van der Wulp is confirmed. Several new morphological features are described. New and summarized data from published literature on hybridization, cytological, electrophoretic, molecular, and cuticular hydrocarbon studies are included. Immature and adult bionomics are given. The geographic distribution for each species is listed and shown on maps. Procedures for collecting, processing, and rearing specimens are described. Keys using morphological characters are included for the eggs, 4th-instar larvae, pupae, adult females, and male genitalia. Also, a biochemical key for the 5 species is included. Color and pattern variations of larvae and pupae are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Prediction of villages at risk for filariasis transmission in the Nile Delta using remote sensing and geographic information system technologies.

Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies were used to discriminate between 130 villages, in the Nile Delta, at high and low risk for filariasis, as defined by microfilarial prevalence. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data were digitally processed to generate a map of landcover as well as spectral indices such as NDVI and moisture index. A Tasseled Cap transformation was also carried out on the TM data which produced three more indices: brightness, greenness and wetness. GIS functions were used to extract information on landcover and spectral indices within one km buffers around the study villages. The relationship between satellite data and prevalence was investigated using discriminant analysis. The analysis indicated that the most important landscape elements associated with prevalence were water and marginal vegetation, while wetness and moisture index were the most important indices. Discriminant functions generated for these variables were able to correctly predict 80% and 74% of high and low prevalence villages, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 77%. The present approach provides a promising tool for regional filariasis surveillance and helps direct control efforts.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

A model for size- and rotation-invariant pattern processing in the visual system.

The mapping of retinal space onto the striate cortex of some mammals can be approximated by a log-polar function. It has been proposed that this mapping is of functional importance for scale- and rotation-invariant pattern recognition in the visual system. An exact log-polar transform converts centered scaling and rotation into translations. A subsequent translation-invariant transform, such as the absolute value of the Fourier transform, thus generates overall size- and rotation-invariance. In our model, the translation-invariance is realized via the R-transform. This transform can be executed by simple neural networks, and it does not require the complex computations of the Fourier transform, used in Mellin-transform size-invariance models. The logarithmic space distortion and differentiation in the first processing stage of the model is realized via "Mexican hat" filters whose diameter increases linearly with eccentricity, similar to the characteristics of the receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells. Except for some special cases, the model can explain object recognition independent of size, orientation and position. Some general problems of Mellin-type size-invariance models-that also apply to our model-are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Cortical auditory systems: speech and other complex sounds.

The neural systems that mediate human perception of speech and other complex sounds are currently the focus of considerable research. Brain mapping studies have provided new insights into the cortical processing of complex sounds. Findings from three lines of brain mapping research--stroke-lesion, neuroimaging, and electrocortical mapping studies--are reviewed. Unresolved questions regarding the relative contributions of cortical and subcortical auditory processing and the existence of separate, functionally specialized, cortical auditory systems for processing speech and nonspeech sounds are discussed. An integrated approach is proposed for future research on the neural bases of complex sound processing.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2002

Superposition of horseshoe-like periodicity and linear tonotopic maps in auditory cortex of the Mongolian gerbil.

The segregation of an individual sound from a mixture of concurrent sounds, the so-called cocktail-party phenomenon, is a fundamental and largely unexplained capability of the auditory system. Speaker recognition involves grouping of the various spectral (frequency) components of an individual's voice and segregating them from other competing voices. The important parameter for grouping may be the periodicity of sound waves because the spectral components of a given voice have one periodicity, viz. fundamental frequency, as their common denominator. To determine the relationship between the representations of spectral content and periodicity in the primary auditory cortex (AI), we used optical recording of intrinsic signals and electrophysiological mapping in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We found that periodicity maps as an almost circular gradient superimposed on the linear tonotopic gradient in the low frequency part of AI. This geometry of the periodicity map may imply competitive signal processing in support of the theory of "winner-takes-all".

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2003

Regional and cellular distribution of DREAM in adult rat brain consistent with multiple sensory processing roles.

We used immunohistochemistry to map the recently discovered EF-hand protein, DREAM (downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator), and compare its expression in rat brain with that of other key neural proteins. DREAM immunoreactivity was most intense in cerebellar granular cortex. That expression pattern matches one reported for Kv4.2, an interaction partner of DREAM in regulation of potassium channels. On the other hand, the regional and cellular expression of DREAM in cerebellum was opposite to that of calbindin D(28k). Other loci for DREAM expression included the hippocampus and retrosplenial granular cortex, which share afferent and efferent connections. A notable trend, however, was the consistent appearance of DREAM at primary sites for sensory processing. These included the optic tract, superior colliculus, olfactory bulb, and several thalamic relay centers such as the anterior dorsal, medial geniculate, dorsolateral geniculate, ventral posteromedial and ventral posterolateral nuclei. Altogether, the results are consistent with multiple functions for DREAM, including a potential role in transfer of sensory information.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed1995

A fast and stable maximum a posteriori conjugate gradient reconstruction algorithm.

We have derived a maximum a posteriori (MAP) approach for iterative reconstruction based on a weighted least-squares conjugate gradient (WLS-CG) algorithm. The WLS-CG algorithm has been shown to have initial convergence rates up to 10x faster than the maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) algorithm, but WLS-CG suffers from rapidly increasing image noise at higher iteration numbers. In our MAP-CG algorithm, the increasing noise is controlled by a Gibbs smoothing prior, resulting in stable, convergent solutions. Our formulation assumes a Gaussian noise model for the likelihood function. When a linear transformation of the pixel space is performed (the "relaxation" acceleration method), the MAP-CG algorithm obtains a low-noise, stable solution (one that does not change with further iterations) in 10-30 iterations, compared to 100-200 iterations for MAP-EM. Each iteration of MAP-CG requires approximately the same amount of processing time as one iteration of ML-EM or MAP-EM. We show that the use of an initial image estimate obtained from a single iteration of the Chang method helps the algorithm to converge faster when acceleration is not used, but does not help when acceleration is applied. While both the WLS-CG and MAP-CG methods suffer from the potential for obtaining negative pixel values in the iterated image estimates, the use of the Gibbs prior substantially reduces the number of pixels with negative values and restricts them to regions of little or no activity. We use SPECT data from simulated hot-sphere phantoms and from patient studies to demonstrate the advantages of the MAP-CG algorithm. We conclude that the MAP-CG algorithm requires 10%-25% of the processing time of EM techniques, and provides images of comparable or superior quality.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1998

Cerebral blood-flow changes evoked by two levels of painful heat stimulation: a positron emission tomography study in humans.

Positron emission tomography (PET) and accumulation of H(2)(15)O as a marker of neuronal activity were used to create maps of cerebral blood-flow changes evoked by painful heat stimulation in 10 subjects. Two levels of painful tonic and phasic heat stimuli were applied with use of a newly developed contact heat thermode on the volar surface of the dominant (right) arm. The subjects participated in two separate PET sessions. Maps reflecting low and high levels of painful tonic heat were obtained in the first session, and low and high levels of painful phasic heat in the second session. The subjects scored their peak pain intensity and unpleasantness on 10-cm visual analogue scales. For each subject, PET images were aligned to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) images and remapped into the standardized co-ordinate system of Talairach. After normalization of the PET volumes, subtraction images were formed voxel-by-voxel and converted to a t-statistic volume. The perceived pain intensity and unpleasantness were identical with painful tonic and phasic heat stimulation. Directed searches revealed significant blood-flow increases in the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex (MI/SI), SII, insular cortex and cingulate cortex when the low tonic heat map was subtracted from the high. A similar, but not identical, pain-processing network was observed for the maps representing the subtraction of low and high phasic heat. In this subtraction, the blood-flow increases in MSI/SI did not reach statistical significance, and significant blood flow decreases were found in the contralateral middle temporal gyrus. Finally, the location of the activation site in the cingulate cortex was different from that observed during tonic heat pain. This study has provided more evidence for the existence of a common pain-processing network engaged during the perception of different levels of toxic and phasic heat pain. Copyright 1998 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Journal Article↗