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Biomedical subjects

A Marcuzzi

Publications and source records attributed to A Marcuzzi.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Transcellular activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat in T lymphocytes requires CD4-gp120 binding.

Cells expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) tat can transactivate the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) in cocultured T lymphocytes. In this report, we describe the molecular requirements for transcellular activation of the LTR in Jurkat cells. An analysis with deletion mutants and blocking antibodies demonstrated a requirement for env expression in addition to tat expression for transcellular activation to occur. The results suggest that the transient association of CD4 and gp120 in cocultured cells is required for tat-mediated transcellular activation. The events that follow CD4-gp120 binding in transactivation, however, do not require the gp120-neutralizing domain, in contrast to HIV-mediated fusion and infection. The consequences of this interaction on cellular function are currently under investigation.

CD4 Antigens↗
PubMed1991

Epidemiological and structural findings supporting the fibromatous origin of dorsal knuckle pads.

Epidemiological, optical and electron microscopical findings suggest that dorsal knuckle pads and Dupuytren's disease are fibrosing disorders with common features. In all cases examined, knuckle pads were always associated with Dupuytren's contracture and, in a significant number of cases, with bilateral Dupuytren's contracture. In a statistically significant number of patients with knuckle pads, Ledderhose's and Peyronie's diseases were also present (P less than 0.001). Optical and electron microscopical studies showed that cell types and extracellular matrix were identical in knuckle pads and Dupuytren's nodules in different patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with semilunar forms and massive deposits of IgA associated with HBsAg].

The association of HBV infection and glomerular damage was first reported by Combes et al in 1971, in a patient with nephrotic syndrome due to membranous glomerulopathy and chronic hepatitis B. Since, then, other glomerular diseases have been reported such as a) minimal changes nephropathy, b) IgA nephropathy, c) membranous-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), d) membranous, e) mesangial proliferative and f) lupus nephritis. All of them are associated with chronic hepatic disease and some of the following antigens: 1) HBsAg; 2) HBeAg; 3) HBcAg. These disorders are very frequent in Southeast Asia. Vertical transmission from mothers to fetuses may be important in maintaining the high carrier rate, and possibly plays a role in the development of glomerular damage. On the other hand, MPGN associated with HBsAg has rarely been reported and always with a favorable benign course. The present report describes interesting findings in a renal biopsy from a HBsAg and HBeAg carrier, who developed renal failure requiring hemodialysis. A 21 year old Korean man was admitted to the Hospital for nephrotic syndrome, microhematuria hypertension and renal failure. He had no previous history of blood transfusion, intravenous drug addiction, jaundice or liver disease. His father was HBsAg carrier with hepatic cirrhosis. An ultrasound examination showed normal renal size. Renal biopsy was performed and the patient received hemodialysis treatment. The specimen was processed for light microscopy, immunofluorescent studies and peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Frozen sections were studied by direct immunofluorescence for the identification of IgG, IgA, C1q, C3, fibrinogen and albumin. Paraffin sections stained by immunoperoxidase technique for HBsAg, using polyclonal monospecific rabbit anti-Human antisera (Dakopatts, Copenhagen).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Effects of anti-IgM suppression on polyclonally activated murine B cells: analysis of immunoglobulin mRNA, gene specific nuclear factors and cell cycle distribution.

Polyclonal activation of murine B cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dextran sulfate (DxS) results in cell proliferation as well as increased immunoglobulin gene transcription and antibody secretion. When added to B cell cultures during mitogen activation, anti-mu antibody suppresses the rate of proliferation and immunoglobulin gene expression. Using this model system we show that co-cultures of B cells with LPS/DxS and anti-mu resulted in a decrease of both mu and kappa chain mRNA. Suppression did not prevent B cell entry into cycle nor a significant alteration in the distribution of cells in phases of cell cycle, although it did prolong the cycle transit time in a dose dependent fashion as determined by bromodeoxyuridine pulse labelling. Analysis of B cell specific nuclear binding factors, which previously have been shown to be important in regulating immunoglobulin gene transcription were examined. Results show that the kappa-specific enhancer binding activity of NF-kappa B was induced in activated as well as suppressed cultures. The lymphoid specific factor NF-A2, which recognizes the octamer sequence motif in the promoters of immunoglobulin genes, was induced by the polyclonal activation but was selectively lost in extracts from suppressed cells. Thus, specific regulation of the nuclear factor which plays a critical role in both heavy and light chain immunoglobulin gene expression may contribute to the transcriptional suppression observed in anti-mu treated B cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Glomus tumours of the hand.

Based on 8 cases of glomus tumour of the hand, observed over the last 3 years, the authors review the clinical features and pathological anatomy of this rare condition. They propose nuclear magnetic resonance as a preoperative instrumental study as an alternative to angiography because it is non-invasive, free from risk and is clinically very effective.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Inducible DNA-protein interactions of the murine kappa immunoglobulin enhancer in intact cells: comparison with in vitro interactions.

The large intron of the kappa immunoglobulin gene contains a cis-acting enhancer element, which is important in the tissue-specific expression of the gene. We have confirmed the binding activity of a sequence-specific factor present in lymphoid extracts derived from cell lines expressing, or induced to express, the kappa gene. We have extended these studies to show the binding activity is present in normal activated splenic B cells as well as lambda producing cells, and have demonstrated by DNAse footprint analysis full protection of a sequence containing the 11 bp homology to the SV-40 core enhancer. We have compared these in vitro binding studies with an analysis of protein-DNA interactions in intact murine cell lines using genomic sequencing techniques. We demonstrate significant alterations in DMS reactivity of DNA in the murine 70Z/3 cell line after it is induced to kappa expression. These alterations occur at guanine residues which are part of the the 11 bp core sequence, and are identical to those observed in cells constitutively expressing kappa. This provides direct evidence for the induced binding of the tissue specific factor to intact chromatin. In intact chromatin we also observed significant alteration in the reactivity of a guanine, 3' of the core sequence, which is part of a potential secondary DNA structure, and protection of four residues that are part of a region homologous to the heavy chain enhancer.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Percutaneous removal of renal and ureteral calculi: experience with 400 cases.

Percutaneous removal of renal and ureteral calculi was performed in 500 patients since 1979. Experience with our first 100 cases enabled us to accumulate a variety of techniques. We report our experience with the subsequent 400 cases. As judged by plain films of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and renal tomograms without contrast medium we attained a status free of stones in 99 per cent of the patients with renal and 94.5 per cent with ureteral calculi. Intravenous-assisted local anesthesia was used in 94 per cent of the cases. There was no mortality and the incidence of complications was low. Most patients with renal and ureteral calculi can be managed successfully and safely by percutaneous methods with good patient tolerance and minimal convalescence.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Leiomyoma of the hand: a case report.

We report a case of leiomyoma of the finger in the right hand of a 12-year-old boy: a rare site for localization and unusual for age. This is a benign tumor originating from non-striated muscle that is very uncommon in the hand. The uterus is considered the most common location for leiomyoma and when it occurs in the extremities, it is more common in the leg, ankle and foot. It usually occurs in the third and fourth decades of life and it is rarely diagnosed before surgery as the diagnosis can only be confirmed histologically.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A survey of Canadian hand therapists: demographics, roles, and educational needs.

A questionnaire was mailed to 236 occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) practicing hand rehabilitation in Canada, to develop a demographic profile of practitioners, determine the scope of practice in Canada, and study educational and certification issues. The response rate was 78%, which provided an accurate profile. Sixty-two percent of respondents were OTs, 35% PTs, and 3% combined P/OTs. While 82% of respondents supported a certification process, only 13% were certified hand therapists. Forty-two percent practice with both OT and PT skills. Most respondents held bachelor's degrees and reported formal OT or PT education as their primary mode of acquiring knowledge. The high response rate indicated that commitment to and interest in the practice of hand therapy are strong in Canada. Therapists would like to see more continuing education offered in Canada, and a certification process to ensure professional standards.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Partial arthrodeses of the wrist.

The authors report 16 cases of partial arthrodeses of the wrist for the treatment of Kienboeck's disease, pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid, rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Based on the good results obtained (76.6%) the authors believe that partial arthrodeses constitute the type of treatment indicated for the treatment of pathologies that involve only some of the carpal bones, and they also emphasize that this type of surgery represents a valid alternative to total arthrodesis of the wrist.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Preliminary experiences on triscaphoid arthrodesis].

The authors report their experience of 5 patients (4 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 36.4 years (min 25 years, max 45 years), undergoing triscaphoid arthrodesis between May 1989 and August 1993. The patients suffered from rotatory dislocation of the scaphoid (1 case) and stage 3A of Kienboeck's disease according to Lichtman's classification (4 cases). The paper describes the surgical technique used for partial arthrodesis of the wrist performed using plexual anesthesia. A dorsal access route is used through a curved longitudinal skin incision corresponding to the anatomical site of the scaphoid. The skin flaps are then peeled back revealing the surface veins and sensitive branches of the radial nerve which are isolated and conserved. Having cut through the retinaculum of the extensors, the extensor tendons are spread so as to reach the joint capsule which is sectioned crosswise. After the bone to be fused have been exposed, the cartilage is removed from the joint faces between the scaphoid, trapezium and trapezoid and, using a osteotribe, the subchondral bone is removed to reveal the spongy bone, leaving a space of approximately 6 mm between the spongy surface of the bones to be fused. Arthodesis is stabilised using Kirschner wires or metal minicambres enclosing scaphoid, trapezium and trapezoid. Spongy tissue is taken from the distal radial head and used as a graft to fill the spaces created between them which will consolidate over time. The wrist is immobilised in a plaster cast for 8 weeks before starting functional rehabilitation. Patients were checked both clinically and radiographically with a mean follow-up of 36.4 months (min 25, max 50 months). Using the assessment criteria proposed by Minami et al. excellent results were obtained in 4 patients (80%) with the disappearance of painful symptoms, joint excursion 50% greater than the normal wrist, and hand grip 70% greater than in the controlateral hand. There was good radiographical consolidation of the arthrodesis. Poor results were only recorded in one case (20%) with persisting pain and functional impotent. Radio-scaphoid arthrosis was observed radiographically consequent to hypercorrection of the scaphoid with a radio-scaphoid angle of less than 45 degrees. The authors underline the technical difficulty of this arthrodesis characterised by reduction of the scaphoid in a correct position in which the radio-scaphoid angle must be 45 degrees when measured from a lateral position. Lastly, the authors conclude that this from of arthrodesis may be used with good results to treat wrist pathologies such as rotatory scaphoid dislocation, triscaphoid arthrosis and Kien-boeck's disease at stage 3A according to Lichtman. They also affirm that arthrodesis limited to the wrist is preferable to total arthrodesis because it enables some joint movement to be conserved which is important for hand function.

Adult↗