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Biomedical subjects

A Aiello

Publications and source records attributed to A Aiello.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Community care of corneal ulcers.

Because of increasing concern about the appropriate and cost-effective use of eye care services and procedures, several organizations have sought to arrive at practice guidelines or practice patterns from which physicians can draw guidance. To assess the potential effectiveness of such guidelines, we reviewed the care of patients with corneal ulcers. Corneal specialists recommend that cultures be obtained before initiation of treatment. We determined whether ophthalmologists implemented these guidelines by the following: (1) a review of records of 79 patients referred to a tertiary care corneal and external disease service for evaluation of keratitis, and (2) a survey by mail of practicing ophthalmologists. Antibiotic therapy without any cultures was observed in 38 of 79 referred patients with corneal ulcers (48.1%). Our survey of general ophthalmologists disclosed that 274 of 560 patients with corneal ulcers (48.7%) were treated with antibiotics without any cultures being obtained. Compliance with recommended practice in the care of corneal ulcers is poor, as measured with either method. This procedure provides insights into more effective implementation of future practice guidelines.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1992

bcl-2 proto-oncogene expression in normal and neoplastic human myeloid cells.

The present study provides immunobiochemical and molecular data on the differentiation-linked expression of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene in normal and neoplastic myeloid cells. Using a recently developed monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to the bcl-2 molecule, staining of normal bone marrow myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes, but neither monocytes nor most polymorphonuclear cells, was demonstrated. By two-color flow cytometric analysis, bcl-2 was evidenced in CD33+ and CD33+/CD34+ myeloid cells as well as in the more primitive CD33-/CD34+ population. The leukemic cell lines HL-60, KG1, GM-1, and K562 were bcl-2 positive together with 11 of 14 acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and three of three chronic myeloid leukemias (CML) in blast crises; six of seven CML were negative. Among myelodysplastic cases, augmentation of the bcl-2 positive myeloblastic compartment was found in refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) and in transformation (RAEB-t). Western blots of myeloid leukemias and control lymphocytes extracts evidenced an anti-bcl-2 immunoreactive band of the expected size (26 Kd). Moreover, the HL-60 and KG1 cell lines, both positive for the bcl-2 protein, exhibited the appropriate size bcl-2 mRNA (7.5 Kb). These findings clearly indicate that the bcl-2 gene is operative in myeloid cells and that the anti-bcl-2 MoAb identifies its product and not a cross-reactive epitope. Induction of HL-60 differentiation toward the monocytic and granulocytic pathways was accompanied by a marked decrease in bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels; bivariate flow cytometric analysis showed that the fraction becoming bcl-2 negative was in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These data establish that the bcl-2 proto-oncogene is expressed on myeloid cells and their progenitors and is regulated in a differentiation-linked manner.

Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts↗
PubMed1992

Flow cytometric detection of the mitochondrial BCL-2 protein in normal and neoplastic human lymphoid cells.

The bcl-2 proto-oncogene, rearranged and deregulated in B-cell lymphomas bearing the t(14;18) translocation, encodes an inner mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks apoptotic cell death. We have developed a sensitive immunofluorescence assay for the single- and multicolor flow cytometric analysis of bcl-2 protein in relation to other markers and cell cycle, based on a fixation-permeation step of cells with paraformaldehyde and Triton X100 and the use of a bcl-2 specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb). As an application of this method, we have examined the expression of bcl-2 in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells. We have found that greater than 80% of normal T-and B-cells are bcl-2 positive; following in vitro mitogen activation, the bcl-2 reactivity decreased slightly in the former but markedly in latter cells. In both cases the bcl-2 expression was not restricted to a specific phase of the cell cycle, as evidenced by two-color analysis. On lymphoblastoid cell lines, the bcl-2 staining intensity was variable and not necessarily correlated to molecular rearrangements of the bcl-2 gene. Among fresh B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL), most sporadic Burkitt's cases were bcl-2 negative. Of four centroblastic-centrocytic cases with rearrangements of the bcl-2 gene, only two presented elevated amounts of bcl-2 protein, indicating that the levels of bcl-2 are not diagnostic of the translocation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1992

Further bioactive acetylenic compounds from the Caribbean sponge Cribrochalina vasculum.

In addition to the known 3-hydroxydocosa-(4E, 15E)-dien-1-yne [1], 3-hydroxy-16-methyleicos-(4E)-en-1-yne [2], and 3-hydroxy-19-methyleicos-(4E)-en-1-yne [3], the lipophilic extract of the Caribbean sponge Cribrochalina vasculum was shown to contain four new bioactive acetylene metabolites, (3R)-hydroxy-14-methyldocos-(4E)-en-1-yne [4], (3R)-hydroxy-16-methyleicos-1-yne [7], (3R)-hydroxy-19-methyleicos-1-yne [8], and docosa-(3E, 15Z)-dien-1-yne [9], whose structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral studies. The previously unassigned chirality at C-3 of the known compounds 1-3 has been also established as R.

Acetylene↗
PubMed1992

Histological behaviour of chronic hepatitis in patients treated with alpha interferon.

To evaluate the histological effects of alpha Interferon (IFN) therapy, serial liver biopsy specimens from 30 patients with chronic hepatitis were studied. The biopsies were examined using a scoring system. After 12 mths of IFN therapy responders were 8 out of 11 HBV infected patients, 10 out of 12 HCV infected patients and only 1 out of 7 patients with cryptogenetic hepatitis. As spontaneous improvement of hepatic changes is infrequent, our data indicate that in terms of histological patterns interferon therapy is effective in chronic viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B↗
PubMed1991

Two- and three-color immunofluorescence using aminocoumarin, fluorescein, and phycoerythrin-labelled antibodies and single laser flow cytometry.

Antibodies coupled to 7-aminocoumarin (AMCA) emit a bright blue fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) excitation and are therefore ideal for three-color immunofluorescence (IF) with fluorescein (FITC) and phycoerythrin (PE) labeled reagents; however, due to the different absorption spectra, the use of these fluorophores for multicolor flow-cytometric analysis requires a double light excitation source (e.g., two-laser system). We report a strategy which uses a single argon-ion laser to simultaneously excite AMCA, FITC, and PE, thus allowing the flow cytometric analysis of three immunological parameters. When the UV-visible argon-ion laser is fitted with an appropriate set of mirrors, the 35.1-363.8 nm (UV) and 488 nm wavelengths (accounting for 80 mW and 520 mW, respectively) are simultaneously generated; these lines can then be exactly focused on the same observation point by an achromatic cylindrical lens. A number of comparative analysis were performed with this instrumental set up to verify the sensitivity of AMCA IF and its possible application for multicolor immunophenotypic evaluation of blood cell subsets. When AMCA- and FITC-labeled antimouse Ig antibodies were assessed for their ability to detect limiting amounts of mouse monoclonal antibody bound to cells, the former was less sensitive than the latter. A number of factors, including differences in excitation energy (80 mW for AMCA and 520 mw for FITC) and extinction coefficients (1.9 x 10(4) for AMCA and 6 x 10(4) for FITC) could explain this result.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1991

Isolation of five new 5 alpha-hydroxy-6-keto-delta 7 sterols from the marine sponge Oscarella lobularis.

Five novel sterols isolated from the marine sponge Oscarella lobularis have been identified on the basis of spectral arguments: cholest-7-ene-3beta,5alpha-diol-6-one (1), cholesta-7,22E-diene-3beta, 5alpha-diol-6-one (2), 24-methylcholesta-7,22E-diene-3beta,5alpha-diol-6-one (3), 24-methylcholesta-7,24(28)-diene-3beta,5alpha-diol-6-one (4), and 24-ethylcholest-7-ene-3beta,5alpha-diol-6-one (5).

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Five new polar sterols from the black coral Antipathes subpinnata.

In addition to the known (20S,22E)-cholesta-1,4,22-triene-16 beta,18, 20-triol-3-one, (20S,22E)-24-methyl-cholesta-1,4,22-triene-16 beta,18,20-triol-3-one, and (20S,22E)-24-methylcholesta-4,22-diene-16 beta,18,20-triol-3-one, the methanol extract of the Mediterranean anthozoan Antipathes subpinnata was shown to contain five new sterols: (20S,22E)-cholesta-1,4,22-triene-18,20-diol-3-one, (20S,22E)-24-methylcholesta-1,4,22-triene-18,20-diol-3-one, (20S)-cholest-4-ene-16 beta,18,20-triol-3-one, (20S,22E)-cholesta-4,22-diene- 16 beta,18,20-triol-3-one, and (20S,22E)-24-methylcholesta-4,22-diene-16 beta,18,20-triol-3-one, whose stereostructures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence. The previously unassigned chirality at C-20 of the known sterols has been also established as S.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A6--a new 45RO monoclonal antibody for immunostaining of paraffin-embedded tissues.

The authors report on the extensive characterization, on normal and pathologic tissues, of the T-cell-specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb) A6, which the authors previously found to identify a fixation- and paraffin-embedding-resistant epitope. A6 reacted with most T lymphocytes, macrophages, and Langerhans' cells of normal tissues and with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (31 of 34), Ki-1+ lymphomas (12 of 18), and T-cell leukemias (1 of 5). All cases of X and non-X histiocytosis examined and monocytic leukemias with mature phenotype only were A6 positive. Three of 47 cases of B-cell lymphoma and leukemia were labeled. Hairy cell leukemias, multiple myelomas, and Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg cells were negative. The A6 reactivity was preserved with different fixatives (formalin, Bouin's fluid, Carnoy's fixative, and B5) and decalcification procedures and was slightly enhanced by trypsin digestion. The pattern of reactivity of A6 was similar to that obtained with MoAb UCHL-1, recognizing the CD45RO determinant of leukocyte common antigen; however, in pathologic tissues, A6 labeled a higher percentage of cells than UCHL-1. Cross-blocking and enzyme digestion studies (Pronase E [Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO] and neuraminidase [Sigma Chemical]) indicated that the two MoAbs may identify close epitopes on the same molecule. In conclusion, the authors' study indicates that A6 is an excellent reagent for detection of the CD45RO molecule on paraffin-embedded normal and pathologic tissues.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1990

[Lymphocyte subpopulations and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis].

There are no univocal experimental data in literature about T cell clone alterations in the peripheral blood during Hashimoto's thyroiditis (TH), autoimmune disease, and during subacute thyroiditis (TSA), an inflammatory thyroid lesion with possibility of "self-perpetuation". The object of our research was to examine the T cell clones, soluble fraction of interleukin 2 receptor and HLA-DR modifications in patients with TH and TSA compared with healthy population. Our results show significant increase of sIL-2r in the TSA compared with normal subjects and with patients TH, where on the contrary, a constant increase of HLA-DR was observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Immunologic and cytologic aspects of Hashimoto's thyroiditis during therapy with thymopentin].

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of thyroid autoantibodies and frequent coexistence of other autoimmune disorders. The object of our research was to examine the peripheral blood and fine-needle cytology modifications in patients with this disease during therapy with Timopentina. Our results suggested a possible therapeutic effect of Timopentina, as an alternative to traditional cortisone treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Changes in the thyroid function during treatment of psychiatric disorders using lithium salts].

Lithium, a monovalent cation used mainly in the management of certain psychiatric disorders, appears to act on thyroid function and to interfere with T3 and T4 secretion. The authors have followed 10 patients treated with lithium salts for two years and have monitored some parameters of thyroid function. Clinical and laboratory signs of hypothyroidism appeared in one case and subsided after withdrawal of lithium treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and situs viscerum inversus.

We describe a 74-year-old woman with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and situs viscerum inversus. The radiographic alterations typical of DISH were present only on the left side of her thoracic spine. The role of the thoracic aorta in preventing DISH adjacent to its side and some pathogenetic aspects of this skeletal disorder are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

CD1c but neither CD1a nor CD1b molecules are expressed on normal, activated, and malignant human B cells: identification of a new B-cell subset.

The CD1 cluster of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c, identifies molecules that are differentially expressed on hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic tissues. Our earlier finding that the mantle zone (MZ) but not the germinal center (GC) of normal lymph nodes (LN) is CD1c+, CD1a-, and CD1b- prompted us to further investigate the expression of these molecules on normal, activated, and malignant B cells. We report that blood and spleen contain CD1c+ B cells that account for 49% +/- 20.4% (mean +/- SD) and 50.9% +/- 4.4% of the total B cell population, respectively. CD1a- and CD1b-specific MoAbs are unreactive with both B and T cells; these latter are CD1c- as well. When CD1c+ and CD1c- B cells are activated in vitro, the CD1c molecule is upregulated in the former subset and induced de novo in the latter. Conversely, activated blood T cells remain CD1c-. Neither CD1a nor CD1b molecules are detected on activated T and B lymphocytes. At ultrastructural level, the CD1c+ B cells exhibit distinctive features, namely, condensed chromatin with or without a nucleolus and a unique cluster of cytoplasmic vesicles and organelles; the number of nucleolated cells is higher in the spleen (95%) than in the tonsil (40%) or blood (5%). These findings further confirm the similarity between blood and MZ B cells. The CD1c expression assessed on 27 B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias (B-CLL) and 46 B non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL) was detected on 41% and 32% of cases, respectively; the latter comprised four follicular and 11 diffuse histotypes. The Burkitt's lymphomas were CD1c-negative. The B-cell neoplasms were all CD1a- and, except for four with a weak cytoplasmic staining, all CD1b- as well. The clear-cut CD1c distribution in normal LN (MZ+, GC-) contrasted with the evidence that some B-NHL cells of GC origin (eg, follicular with predominantly small cleaved cells) were CD1c+. Overall, the finding that CD1c expression is restricted to a fraction of B cells present in lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood indicates that CD1c is a powerful marker for the identification and dissection of B-cell subsets whose functional properties can now be evaluated.

Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte↗
PubMed1988

Isolation of a nonendotoxic antitumor preparation from Serratia marcescens.

White-type polysaccharide preparation (WPS) obtained from Serratia marcescens bacteria by hot 0.2 N acetic acid extraction was shown to have antitumor effects. These were manifested by enhanced resistance to the take of TA3 transplantable murine adenocarcinoma and by the induction of regression of Meth A sarcoma in mice. Optimal conditions for the liberation and isolation of these substances were sought to achieve the highest antitumor activity and the lowest endotoxin (ET) content. Simultaneously, the activities of the WPS preparations were tested in various tests which are frequently used as in vitro correlates of in vivo antitumor effects, such as the activation of macrophage cytotoxicity, activation of natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) generation. We found that the enhanced resistance to the take of TA3 tumor correlated with ET content of the WPS preparations. Preparations with reduced or no ET content showed diminishing activity in this assay or were without any measurable effect. The induction of TNF production and NK activation did not show such close relationship with the ET content. This was particularly evident if testing WPS samples obtained after 60 or 120 min hydrolysis at 90 degrees C. The greatest discrepancy was found between ET content and the Meth A regression induction. Samples with no detectable ET content and no activity in the macrophage, NK, or TNF tests were potent inducers of Meth A regression. Partial purification of such WPS samples could be achieved and a preparation was obtained with high Meth A regression capacity. Preliminary chemical analysis of this preparation showed 25.5% amino acid, 53.7% neutral carbohydrate, less than 0.4% KDO, 0.8% hexosamine, less than 0.1% phosphorous, and less 1.0% long-chain carboxylic acid content. The above chemical analytical data are not consistent with designating such preparations as ET or ET derivatives, such as Lipid A or its split products. This conclusion was confirmed by the lack of endotoxic properties as determined by biological assays on this preparation.

Adenocarcinoma↗