PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Capone

Publications and source records attributed to A Capone.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Up-modulation of the expression of functional keratinocyte growth factor receptors induced by high cell density in the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is involved in the control of proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes. It binds to, and activates, the tyrosine kinase KGF receptor (KGFR), a splicing transcript variant of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. We have previously shown (C. Marchese et al., Cell Growth Differ., 8: 989-997, 1997) that differentiation of primary cultured keratinocytes triggered by high Ca2+ concentrations in the growing medium induced up-regulation of KGFR expression, which suggested that KGFR may play a crucial role in the control of the proliferative/differentiative program during transition from basal to suprabasal cells. Here we analyzed the process of modulation of the expression of KGFRs in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, widely used as a model to study keratinocyte differentiation. Western blot and double immunofluorescence for KGFR and the K1 differentiation marker showed that cell differentiation and stratification induced by confluence and high cell density correlated with an increase in KGFR expression. KGFRs, present on suprabasal differentiated cells, appeared to be efficiently tyrosine-phosphorylated by KGF, which indicated that the receptors up-regulated by differentiation can be functionally activated by ligand binding. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay revealed that a significant portion of suprabasal differentiated cells expressing KGFR seemed to be still able to synthesize DNA and to proliferate in response to KGF, which suggested that increased KGFR expression may be required for retention of the proliferative activity.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1999

A 140-kDa glycopeptide from the sperm ligand of the vitelline coat of the freshwater bivalve Unio elongatulus, only contains O-linked oligosaccharide chains and mediates sperm-egg interaction.

In previous studies we found that sperm binding activity in the vitelline coat of the freshwater bivalve Unio elongatulus is located on the O-linked oligosaccharide chains of gp273, one of the two major components of the extracellular coat, and that fucose plays a key role in this interaction. In this paper we report the partial characterization of a large glycopeptide (about 140 kDa) obtained by cyanogen bromide fragmentation of gp273, that maintains sperm binding activity. Lectin blotting revealed that the glycopeptide reacted with lectins from Arachis hypogaea (PNA) and Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA) but not Canavalia ensiformis (ConA). No other PNA-positive fragments could be detected in the electrophoretic pattern of fragmented gp273 but several ConA-positive fragments of lower molecular weight were present indicating that all the O-linked chains are clustered together in this fragment. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the fragment revealed it to be acidic in nature in contrast with the neutral character of the whole gp273 molecule. Competition binding assay showed that this fragment is a strong inhibitor of the interaction, whereas no effect was detected using the ConA-positive peptides. This confirms that the sperm receptor activity of gp273 is related to its O-linked chains. The immunodominance of this fragment is also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To report a case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma effectively managed with transpupillary thermotherapy. METHOD: A 53-year-old man affected by extramacular circumscribed choroidal hemangioma had sustained a decline in visual acuity caused by subretinal fluid exudation into the macular area. Multiple attempts at treatment with scatter photocoagulation over the surface of the lesion for several years had been unsuccessful in reducing tumor-related exudation. The patient was examined on referral and underwent a single session of treatment employing transpupillary thermotherapy. The course of the lesion after treatment was documented with fundus photography and ultrasonography. RESULT: Complete atrophy of the choroidal hemangioma with resorption of subretinal fluid was documented over the 6 months after transpupillary thermotherapy, with improvement in visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary thermotherapy is an effective alternative to conventional scatter photocoagulation or radiation therapy for precise ablation of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

Choroid Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Transpupillary thermotherapy for small choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To report the treatment of small choroidal melanoma with transpupillary thermotherapy. METHODS: We examined a nonrandomized and uncontrolled series of 14 eyes of 14 patients who were followed up with serial ophthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, and photography. Transpupillary thermotherapy was performed upon documented evidence of tumor growth. RESULTS: After transpupillary thermotherapy, mean follow-up +/- SD was 16 +/- 6.41 months (range, 7 to 28 months) with 10 eyes followed up for at least 1 year. The mean preoperative tumor height was 1.79 +/- 0.59 mm (range, 0.78 to 2.60 mm). Six months after treatment, the mean height was 0.54 mm +/- 0.57 mm (range, 0.00 to 1.16 mm). In 10 eyes, the treated lesion flattened entirely with a mean interval between treatment and flattening of 8.7 months (range, 3 to 21 months). Three patients required retreatment for lack of regression or recurrent growth. The average time to retreatment was 11 months (range, 5 to 15 months). No eye was retreated more than once. There were three amelanotic lesions, all treated in a single session without recurrence. Complications consisted of retinal hemorrhage, retinal vascular occlusion, retinal traction, exudative serous neurosensory detachment, vitreitis, and postoperative pain. The sole treatment failure occurred in an eye treated with a juxtapapillary tumor, with recurrence developing from a previously flattened lesion. This eye was enucleated 10 months after the single initial treatment. At the time of writing, there had been no tumor-related death. CONCLUSIONS: Transpupillary thermotherapy may represent a viable treatment alternative for both pigmented and amelanotic small choroidal melanoma. Diligent follow-up is axiomatic because retreatment may be necessary. Recurrent tumors may develop from flat lesions. Juxtapapillary tumors may be at higher risk for recurrence. Definitive statements regarding the role of transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of small choroidal melanoma await 5-year and 10-year morbidity and mortality data.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Unilateral retinal hemorrhages in documented cases of child abuse.

PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence of unilateral retinal hemorrhages in four cases of documented child abuse, including a case in which retinal hemorrhages were an incidental finding on routine examination. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: Three children, 5 to 17 months of age, with suspected child abuse had fundus examinations with a dilated pupil as part of their evaluation. An additional child, 6 months of age, received fundus examination with a dilated pupil as part of follow-up for regressed retinopathy of prematurity. Each of the four children had extensive retinal or preretinal hemorrhages in one eye only. Three of the four had ecchymoses on the ipsilateral face or neck. Two had evidence of bone fractures on skeletal surveys. All four had neuroimaging that documented cerebral hemorrhage or infarct. In all four cases an adult caretaker was found responsible for shaking, choking, or squeezing the child. One child died. Two had resolution of retinal hemorrhage, whereas one required vitrectomy. All three had at least partial recovery of vision in the affected eye after amblyopia treatment. CONCLUSION: In cases of documented child abuse, unilateral retinal or preretinal hemorrhages may be present. Ophthalmologists should recognize that unilateral retinal or preretinal hemorrhages may be associated with child abuse.

Battered Child Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

Surgical management of subfoveal neovascularization in children.

OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' clinical experience with submacular surgery for subfoveal membranes in children and to evaluate the histopathologic findings of membranes in children with various etiologies of choroidal neovascularization. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve eyes of 12 consecutive children with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization treated by vitrectomy and excision of the choroidal neovascular complex. INTERVENTION: Vitrectomy, excision of the choroidal neovascular complex, and air-fluid exchange. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and recurrence of choroidal neovascular membrane. RESULTS: Preoperative visual acuities ranged from 20/60 to 20/800 (median, 20/300). Postoperative visual acuities ranged from 20/25 to 20/400 (median, 20/80) after an average follow-up of 20 months (range, 7-62 months). Ten of 12 eyes improved from immediate preoperative visual acuity, and four eyes developed recurrence of neovascular membranes over a mean follow-up of 18 months. Histopathologic examination of six excised membranes showed that the most common components of the membranes were retinal pigment epithelium, fibrocytes, vascular endothelium, and collagen. CONCLUSION: Selected eyes of children with subfoveal neovascular membranes and no evidence of membrane regression may benefit from submacular surgery. The histopathologic findings were similar to adult choroidal neovascularization not associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Comparative in-vitro activity of moxifloxacin, penicillin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin against pneumococci isolated from meningitis.

Minimum inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and moxifloxacin (BAY 12-8039), a new 8-methoxyquinolone, were determined for 60 cerebrospinal fluid isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae collected during January 1997-April 1998 at Italian medical centres. Three reference isolates with predetermined MIC values (two penicillin- and multidrug-resistant isolates, one uniformly susceptible to all antibiotics) were also tested with the same antibiotics. The MIC90 of penicillin was < or = 0.03 mg/L (range < or = 0.03-2 mg/L), of ceftriaxone 0.06 mg/L (range < or = 0.03-0.5 mg/L), of ciprofloxacin 2 mg/L (range 0.5-8 mg/L) and of moxifloxacin 0.06 mg/L (range 0.03-0.12 mg/L). Moxifloxacin was effective against all the penicillin-resistant isolates tested, with an MIC of 0.06 mg/L. Moxifloxacin was 32-fold more active than ciprofloxacin and was not affected by penicillin and cephalosporin resistance. These results indicate that moxifloxacin could be useful for the treatment of both penicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. pneumoniae meningitis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1999

[New therapeutic prospects in heart failure. ACE inhibitors and beta blockers].

Heart failure, still nowadays an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries, is a complex of symptoms related to inadequate peripheric perfusion and often to the retention of fluid, that results from an impaired left ventricular pump function. Treatment of heart failure has seen considerable changes in the last years. Short term goals of therapy are directed towards the relieve of symptoms that can be commonly managed by the use of vasodilators, diuretics, digoxin, in order to obtain an improvement in myocardial functional capacity and quality of life of patients. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that improvement of symptoms is not necessarily correlated with correction of left ventricular dysfunction and, most important, with improvement of survival. In late 1980s both experimental and clinical observations carried out in an attempt to explain the progression of the disease and its poor long-term survival, led the physicians to think about heart failure as a neurohormonal disorder. This new conceptual model has first led to the widespread introduction of angiotensin converting inhibitors in clinical practice; then, the evidence that sympathetic activation might play an important role in the progression of heart failure, led the investigators to propose that beta-blocking agents might be useful in the management of heart failure. Accumulating clinical evidence indicates that beta blocker therapy, particularly with third generation beta-blocking agents, not only improves left ventricular function but also may reduce and reverse pathological remodeling in the heart. Ongoing large scale clinical trials may confirm the mounting evidence, from numerous clinical studies, that these agents may prolong survival in patients with heart failure.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1998

Ciliary body endophotocoagulation during pars plana vitrectomy for pediatric patients with vitreoretinal disorders and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of ciliary body endophotocoagulation during pars plana vitrectomy in eyes of pediatric patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. METHOD: We compared preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure and visual acuity in five eyes of five patients aged between 10 months and 14.5 years who had 180 degrees of ciliary body endophotocoagulation with pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: Preoperative intraocular pressure on medical therapy for glaucoma ranged from 30 to 55 mm Hg (median, 35 mm Hg). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months, with a median of 16 months. Postoperative intraocular pressure on medical therapy ranged from 12 to 35 mm Hg (median, 25 mm Hg) at 6 weeks, from 12 to 33 mm Hg (median, 29 mm Hg) at 6 months, and from 12 to 29 mm Hg (median, 27 mm Hg) at 12 months. Twelve months after surgery, mean intraocular pressure reduction of 20 mm Hg was statistically significant (P = .020). CONCLUSION: Ciliary body endophotocoagulation during pars plana vitrectomy may be an effective treatment for pediatric patients with simultaneous uncontrolled glaucoma and vitreoretinal disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Clinicopathologic findings in recurrent choroidal melanoma after transpupillary thermotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the clinicopathologic findings of recurrent choroidal melanoma after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). DESIGN: Two case reports. METHODS: The clinical histories and ophthalmologic findings of two patients with recurrent choroidal melanomas who did not respond to TTT were reviewed. Both patients had their eyes with the melanoma enucleated and processed routinely for light and electron microscopic examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The eyes were examined for histopathologic and ultrastructural findings. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination showed choroidal melanomas with extensive tumor necrosis and hemorrhage. In areas, tumor cells appeared histologically intact and presumably viable, with ultrastructural evidence of melanogenesis. The eye from one patient was treated only with TTT and showed hemorrhagic necrosis with cytolysis and no changes to tissues surrounding the melanoma. The eye from the other patient, treated with TTT and a radioactive isotope of iodine (I125) plaque, exhibited areas of intact tumor, tumor necrosis, fibrosis, and radiation retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: These two cases among a total treated series of 14 patients represent examples of uveal melanoma regrowth after TTT. Opaque media precluded adequate treatment in the first case that showed some TTT effect. The second case showed a combination of TTT and I125 effect and failed because of the aggressive nature of tumor.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Macular hole surgery using thrombin-activated fibrinogen and selective removal of the internal limiting membrane.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a tissue sealant (autologous cryoprecipitate activated with bovine thrombin) as an adjuvant in macular hole surgery. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with stage 2, 3, or 4 full-thickness macular hole were enrolled consecutively in a prospective pilot study. Anatomic closure of the macular holes with a single operation was the primary outcome. Fifty-eight patients had pre- and postoperative standardized measurements including best refracted visual acuity, reading speed, and contrast sensitivity. Group A patients (45) had primary macular holes; Group B patients (13) had recurrent macular holes or macular holes with "other" retinal pathology. Surgical technique was standardized and membrane dissections were optional. RESULTS: The anatomic closure rate was 80% with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Mean improvement in visual acuity for Group A (2.9+/-0.4 lines) was significantly better than for Group B (0.8+/-0.5 lines; P = 0.008). Eyes that underwent internal limiting membrane (ILM) dissections had an anatomic closure rate of 96% (23/24), compared with 71% (32/45) in "non-ILM" cases (P = 0.034). Adverse reactions included sterile hypopyon (10%), intraretinal hemorrhage (9%), pigmentary hyperplasia (3%), and retinal detachment (3%). CONCLUSION: Tissue sealants should be evaluated as an adjuvant in macular hole surgery in a randomized clinical trial. Inflammatory reactions may occur in some patients. Internal limiting membrane dissection may improve anatomic closure rates without adversely affecting the visual acuity.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Fatal suppurative mesenteric thrombophlebitis caused by an Enterococcus faecalis highly resistant to aminoglycosides: case report.

A 56-year old man with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and biliary tract endoprosthesis, developed chronic bacteremia caused by Enterococcus faecalis with high-level resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin. The sources of bacteremia were a device-associated biliary tract infection, a suppurative thrombophlebitis of the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein with the splenic vein as well as multiple liver and pancreatic abscesses. Despite antibiotic therapy and multiple drainages of abscesses, the patient died due to overwhelming infection.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1997

Indocyanine green angiography-guided photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment.

PURPOSE: To determine visual acuity outcome after indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization associated with pigment epithelial detachment in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed pretreatment and posttreatment visual acuity after laser photocoagulation to well-demarcated hyperfluorescent areas seen with indocyanine green angiography adjacent to or within pigment epithelial detachments in 20 eyes of 20 patients with age-related macular degeneration and suspected choroidal neovascularization. RESULTS: Visual acuity before and after laser photocoagulation was followed up for 3 to 24 months (median, 9 months). At 3 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved 2 or more Snellen lines in two eyes (10%), worsened by 2 or more lines in 10 (50%), and remained unchanged in eight of 20 (40%). By 6 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved by 2 or more lines in two eyes (12%), worsened by 2 or more lines in nine (53%), and remained unchanged in six of 17 (35%). At 9 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved by 2 or more lines in one eye (9%), worsened by 2 or more lines in nine (82%), and remained unchanged in one of 11 (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation may temporarily stabilize visual acuity in some eyes with choroidal neovascularization associated with pigment epithelial detachments, but final visual acuity decreases with time.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

A system for classifying mechanical injuries of the eye (globe). The Ocular Trauma Classification Group.

PURPOSE: To develop a classification system for mechanical injuries of the eye. METHODS: The Ocular Trauma Classification Group, a committee of 13 ophthalmologists from seven separate institutions, was organized to discuss the standardization of ocular trauma classification. To develop the classification system, the group reviewed trauma classification systems in ophthalmology and general medicine and, in detail, reports on the characteristics and outcomes of eye trauma, then established a classification system based on standard terminology and features of eye injuries at initial examination that have demonstrated prognostic significance. RESULTS: This system classifies both open-globe and closed-globe injuries according to four separate variables: type of injury, based on the mechanism of injury; grade of injury, defined by visual acuity in the injured eye at initial examination; pupil, defined as the presence or absence of a relative afferent pupillary defect in the injured eye; and zone of injury, based on the anteroposterior extent of the injury. This system is designed to be used by ophthalmologists and nonophthalmologists who care for patients or conduct research on ocular injuries. An ocular injury is classified during the initial examination or at the time of the primary surgical intervention and does not require extraordinary testing. CONCLUSIONS: This classification system will categorize ocular injuries at the time of initial examination. It is designed to promote the use of standard terminology and assessment, with applications to clinical management and research stud ies regarding eye injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effect of intraocular irrigating solutions on the viability of cultured retinal vascular endothelial cells.

PURPOSE: To compare the abilities of balanced salt solution, BSS Plus and Hartmann's lactated Ringer's (HLR) solution to maintain the viability of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVEC) in vitro. METHODS: Cultured retinal vascular endothelial cells were suspended in each irrigating solution for four hours. Viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion at 30 minute intervals. Regression analysis was used to determine the rate of viability loss. Additional studies were performed to determine the effectiveness of lactate in maintaining cell viability. RESULTS: Retinal vascular endothelial cells lost viability at a greater rate (p < 0.001) in BSS (8.7%/hr) compared with BSS Plus (3.3%/hr). Cells in Hartmann's lactated Ringer's lost viability at a significantly lower rate (4.4%/hr) than retinal vascular endothelial cells in lactate-free Hartmann's lactated Ringer's solution (8.4%/hr). Lactate was as effective as glucose in preserving RVEC viability. By comparison, the viability of corneal endothelial cells was not effectively maintained by lactate. For these cells, BSS Plus was clearly superior to Hartmann's lactated Ringer's solution in maintaining viability. CONCLUSIONS: BSS Plus and Hartmann's lactated Ringer's solution are both superior to balanced salt solution in maintaining retinal vascular endothelial cell viability. For retinal vascular endothelial cells, Hartmann's lactated Ringer's solution preserves cell viability as well as BSS Plus, since the retinal vascular endothelial cells, unlike corneal endothelial cells, can apparently utilize lactate as an energy source.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Teicoplanin in the treatment of enterococcal endocarditis: clinical and microbiological study.

Seven cases of enterococcal endocarditis treated with teicoplanin (7-10 mg/kg/day for 28-105 days) alone (one case) or in combination with aminoglycosides (six cases) were reviewed. All patients were cured. Serum bactericidal activity titres after intravenous gentamicin (5 mg/kg every 24 h) and teicoplanin (10 mg/kg every 24 h) were measured on day 7 of treatment in four patients against five enterococcal isolates: mean titres were 1:54 (range 1:16-64) and 1:22 (1:8-32) at 0.5 and 24 h post-infusion, respectively. Time-kill studies showed synergy between teicoplanin and gentamicin against three isolates. We conclude that single daily-dose teicoplanin/gentamicin combined therapy may represent a rational alternative to standard penicillin/gentamicin therapy and a useful regimen for home treatment of selected cases of enterococcal endocarditis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Hypothermia and minimal fluid resuscitation increase survival after uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that protective-preservative moderate hypothermia during uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock (UHS) in rats increases survival. DESIGN: Randomized outcome study in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UHS phase I of 90 minutes, with initial withdrawal of 3 mL/100 g of blood plus tail amputation, was followed by hemostasis and all-out resuscitation phase II from 90 to 150 minutes, and observation phase III to 72 hours. Forty male rats under light anesthesia and spontaneous breathing were randomized into four groups: Group 1 received no fluid resuscitation during UHS and normothermia (37.5 degrees C) throughout. Group 2 received no fluid resuscitation and hypothermia (30 degrees C) from 15 to 120 minutes. Group 3 received lactated Ringer's solution to maintain mean arterial pressure at 40 mm Hg during UHS and normothermia. Group 4 received lactated Ringer's solution to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg during UHS and hypothermia from 15 to 120 minutes. RESULTS: UHS phase I was survived by 0 of 10 rats in group 1, 7 of 10 in group 2, 5 of 10 in group 3, and 10 of 10 in group 4 (p < 0.01 for group 1 vs. 2, 3, or 4; p < 0.05 for group 4 vs. 3). Survival to 72 hours was achieved by 0 of 10 rats in group 1, 3 of 10 in group 2 (p < 0.001 vs. group 1), 1 of 10 in group 3, and 7 of 10 in group 4 (p < 0.001 vs. group 1, and p < 0.01 vs. group 3). All 72-hour survivors were neurologically normal. Necropsies in rats that died early during phase III showed edema and gastrointestinal hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate hypothermia or limited (hypotensive) fluid resuscitation --best both combined--increases survival during and after UHS in rats.

Animals↗