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Biomedical subjects

A Poli

Publications and source records attributed to A Poli.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Comparison of dobutamine stress echocardiography, dipyridamole stress echocardiography and exercise stress testing for diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

To compare the value of dobutamine and dipyridamole stress echocardiography with exercise stress testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), 80 patients with chest pain of suspected myocardial ischemic origin (57 with CAD and 23 without significant CAD) underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (5 to 40 micrograms/kg/min), dipyridamole echocardiography (0.84 mg/kg over 10 minutes) and bicycle exercise electrocardiography after discontinuation of antianginal treatment. Dobutamine echocardiography and exercise testing revealed a higher overall sensitivity than dipyridamole echocardiography (79 vs 60%, p < 0.005; 77 vs 60%, p < 0.05, respectively); this finding was due to a higher dobutamine and exercise sensitivity in 1-vessel CAD (62 vs 33%, p < 0.05 for both tests), whereas sensitivity of the 3 tests was similar in multivessel CAD. Dobutamine and dipyridamole showed a higher specificity than exercise (83 vs 43%, p < 0.01; 96 vs 43%, p < 0.005, respectively). Diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine echocardiography was higher than that of exercise (80 vs 67%, p < 0.05), whereas the difference with dipyridamole (80 vs 70%) was not significant. In the tests that yielded positive results, double product during exercise was significantly higher than that during dobutamine and dipyridamole echocardiography. No major complications occurred during the tests, but adverse effects were more frequent during dobutamine testing. Thus, dobutamine echocardiography may be superior to dipyridamole echocardiography and exercise electrocardiography for the diagnosis of CAD.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated inhibition of evoked glutamate release is coupled to calcium influx decrease in goldfish brain synaptosomes.

Binding of [3H]cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) to the cellular fractions and P2 subfractions of the goldfish brain was studied. The A1 receptor density was predominantly in synaptosomal membranes. In goldfish brain synaptosomes (P2), 30 mM K+ stimulated glutamate, taurine and GABA release in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion, whereas the aspartate release was Ca(2+)-independent. Adenosine, R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and CHA (100 microM) inhibited K(+)-stimulated glutamate release (31%, 34% and 45%, respectively). All of these effects were reversed by the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT). In the same synaptosomal preparation, K+ (30 mM) stimulated Ca2+ influx (46.8 +/- 6.8%) and this increase was completely abolished by pretreatment with 100 nM omega-conotoxin. Pretreatment with 100 microM R-PIA or 100 microM CHA, reduced the evoked increase of intra-synaptosomal Ca2+ concentration, respectively by 37.7 +/- 4.3% and 39.7 +/- 9.0%. A possible correlation between presynaptic A1 receptor inhibition of glutamate release and inhibition of calcium influx is discussed.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Detection of feline immunodeficiency virus in saliva and plasma by cultivation and polymerase chain reaction.

The rates of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolation from saliva, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of infected cats were compared; isolation rates were 18, 14, and 81%, respectively, in naturally infected cats and 25, 57, and 100%, respectively, in experimentally infected animals. There was no obvious relationship between isolation rate and clinical stage or between isolation rate and the titer of neutralizing antibody in serum. Virus could be isolated from one salivary gland as early as 1 week postinfection and, on a more regular basis, starting at 3 weeks postinfection, when, however, most other tissues were also positive. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that FIV genomes are present in saliva and plasma more frequently than expected on the basis of isolation data. Saliva was also found to contain viral DNA, indicating that it may harbor virus-infected cells as well as free virus. The addition of plasma but not of saliva to PBMC cultures delayed FIV growth. Isolation from plasma may be hampered by FIV neutralizing antibody and by the cytotoxic activity of this fluid for the PBMC used as a cell substrate.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Renal involvement in feline immunodeficiency virus infection: a clinicopathological study.

Renal tissues from 15 cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were examined histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. Renal function and urinary proteins were also studied. Kidney abnormalities were found in 12 cats and were characterized by mesangial widening with segmental to diffuse glomerulosclerosis and presence of IgM and C3, and scanty IgG deposits in the mesangium. Tubulointerstitial lesions were also present. In 6 cats the lesions were severe enough to cause marked increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and heavy glomerular nonselective proteinuria. These findings suggest that a renal involvement is a frequent occurrence in FIV-infected cats. As the histopathological features observed were similar to those described in HIV-infected patients, FIV-infected cats may represent a valuable model for a better understanding of HIV-associated nephropathy in humans.

AIDS-Associated Nephropathy↗
PubMed1993

[Malignant mesothelioma located in the pleura: its radical surgical treatment].

The authors report a rare case of localized malignant pleural mesothelioma infiltrating the thoracic wall. The absence of widespread pleural involvement allowed for a radical operation with removal of a large portion of the thoracic wall. However, due to rarity of such tumor, an hypothesis on long term prognosis is difficult to formulate.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Spontaneous recovery of MPTP-damaged catecholamine systems in goldfish brain areas.

In goldfish, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administered for 3 consecutive days (10 mg/kg), produced a marked decrease in dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) levels in telencephalon, diencephalon and medulla oblongata, without affecting the serotonin (5-HT) content. Furthermore the neurotoxin decreased either [3H]DA high affinity uptake or K(+)-stimulated DA release from synaptosomal (P2) preparations, with concomitant up-regulation of D2 postsynaptic receptors as well. No significant changes of choline acetyltransferase and glutamic acid decarboxylase activity or [3H]glutamate uptake were observed. Moreover the pretreatment with deprenyl (1 mg/kg) or mazindol (10 mg/kg) but not with clorgyline (5 mg/kg) prevented catecholamine depletion. Added in vitro to synaptosomal preparations both MPTP and more potently MPP+, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited [3H]DA uptake. Time course study revealed that MPTP-induced alteration of neurochemical parameters in goldfish brain areas were almost completely reversed within 6 weeks, suggesting that catecholamine systems in goldfish brain show a remarkable power of recovery after MPTP lesion.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗
PubMed1992

Simple in vitro methods for titrating feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and FIV neutralizing antibodies.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) readily produced syncytia in Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells adapted to a medium containing 0.5% fetal calf serum, a variety of growth factors and other supplements. This finding has been exploited to develop simple and sensitive virus titration and neutralization assays. High titre neutralizing antibodies were detected in cats infected naturally and experimentally with FIV, but not in uninfected animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Renal involvement in mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis embryonated eggs.

Histological examination of kidneys from mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis embryonated eggs demonstrated the presence of a segmental or diffuse mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. Immunohistochemical studies established that renal alterations were associated with glomerular deposits of IgG, IgM and third component of complement (C3). These findings suggest that an immunomediated mechanism might possibly be involved in the genesis of kidney damage observed in mice infected with T. canis embryonated eggs.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Preliminary pharmacologic evaluation of crude whole plant extracts of Elephantopus scaber. Part I: In vivo studies.

Elephantopus scaber has been used in Brazil as a traditional remedy to cause diuresis, antipyresis and to eliminate bladder stones. In the current study, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of whole plants were tested for acute toxicity, analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, cardiovascular, diuretic and constipating activities. Both extracts (0.3-6 g/kg i.p.) induced writhing, loss of muscle tone, ataxia, prostration and death in mice. No analgesic effects of these extracts were detected using mouse hot-plate and acetic acid-induced writhing tests. Both extracts failed to modify diuresis or carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. In contrast, given intraperitoneally, both reduced brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats, but when given orally did not affect it. Moreover, the aqueous extract decreased the intestinal transit time in mice while the hydroalcoholic extract increased it. Finally, these extracts, given intravenously, reduced blood pressure and heart rate in rats; these effects could be blocked by atropine but not by co-administration of pyrilamine and cimetidine.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

Mycological findings in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats.

Thirty-five FIV-seropositive cats and 55 FIV-seronegative matched cats were examined for yeasts (oropharyngeal swabs) and dermatophytes (hair brushings). The frequency of isolation of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans was significantly higher in the former group. The only dermatophyte isolated was Microsporum canis. Its prevalence was three times higher among FIV-infected cats than among control animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Detection of salivary antibodies in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus.

The saliva of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus was examined for total immunoglobulin content and antiviral antibodies. Seropositive cats showed an increase in salivary immunoglobulin G levels, which was only partly attributable to the enhanced prevalence of oral inflammatory lesions, compared with the levels in seronegative cats. Immunoglobulin G, but not immunoglobulin M, levels in serum were also increased. Salivary antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis. All but 1 of the 16 seropositive cats examined were positive, while all 16 control cats were negative. The presence of oral lesions was not a prerequisite for antibody detection in saliva. It was concluded that salivary antibody might be usefully exploited for diagnostic and epidemiologic purposes.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Hemodynamic effects of enalapril in patients with non-complicated acute myocardial infarct].

To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of the first oral administration of enalapril maleate, a long-acting ACE-inhibitor, in the early phase of an acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction, we studied 15 patients, in Killip class I or II, within 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained by a triple lumen 7 F Swan-Ganz catheter, inserted into the pulmonary artery, under control conditions and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours after 10 mg (15 patients) and 20 mg (11 patients) of the drug. Ten milligrams of enalapril reduced systolic and mean arterial blood pressure (from 118 +/- 17 to 111 +/- 18 mmHg, p < .05, and from 92 +/- 12 to 83 +/- 12 mmHg, p < .01, respectively), with a maximum effect after 4 hours from administration. Heart rate and vascular resistances showed an insignificant trend toward reduction, and no changes were observed in left ventricular systolic work index, right and left ventricular filling pressures or cardiac index. Hemodynamic changes induced by 20 mg of the drug, in a smaller group of patients, had a similar trend, which did not reach a statistical significance. In conclusion, in patients with acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction, a single oral dose of enalapril maleate is safe and well tolerated, does not induce severe hypotension, and produces potentially beneficial changes in hemodynamics.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

[Comparison of results of echo-dobutamine and ECG-dobutamine tests in the diagnosis of coronary disease].

The aim of the study was to compare the results of 2D-Echocardiographic (ECHO) vs 12-lead Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring during Dobutamine (DOB) infusion performed as a stress test in patients referred for the evaluation of chest pain of suspected ischemic origin. Fourty-seven consecutive patients, 40 m and 7 f, mean age 52 +/- 9 years, were studied after interruption of any antianginal therapy. DOB was infused in 5-minute stages with incremental doses of 5 mcg/kg/min up to a maximal dose of 40 mcg/kg/min. 2D-ECHO monitoring could not be performed in 3 out of 47 patients because of a poor acoustic window. Thus, the overall feasibility was 94% for 2D-ECHO DOB test vs 100% for ECG DOB test (p = ns). The ECG and 2D-ECHO findings were compared in the remaining 44 patients. Criteria for positivity were: transient regional dyssynergy absent or of lesser degree in the baseline examination for 2D-ECHO; ST-segment shift > 0.1 mV from baseline for ECG. The test was stopped when a regional wall motion abnormality developed even in the absence of significant ECG changes. Angiographically assessed coronary artery disease (CAD) was considered significant when a > 50% reduction of the luminal diameter in at least 1 major coronary vessel occurred. There were 10/44 patients with no significant CAD and 34/44 patients with CAD; 16 had single, 18 double or triple and/or left main vessel disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Dihydroergocristine in organic brain psychosyndrome. Multicenter placebo-controlled clinical double-blind study in 240 patients].

The aim of this 3-month study was to assess the activity of dihydroergocristine (DHEC, CAS 17479-15-5) on organic brain syndrome. DHEC is an ergot alkaloid derivative with a dopaminergic activity on the central nervous system (CNS). It improves cerebral metabolism and increases the bioelectric potential in the cerebral cortex. The randomized double-blind trial versus placebo involved 240 outpatients (138 females and 102 males, mean age 68 years) recruited in 6 hospitals. Subjects with Hachinski Ischemic Score > 6 and Mini Mental State < 22 were excluded. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups of 60 subjects each to receive either one 6-mg DHEC oral vial or placebo vial, or one 6-mg DHEC tablet or placebo tablet once daily for 3 months. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline, and then after 45 and 90 days of treatment. The statistical analysis of results showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) between DHEC and placebo groups with regard to the following tests: "Scale of Clinical Assessment for Geriatrics (SCAG), Digit Symbol, Digit Span, Toulouse-Pieron, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Rey's Words". The amelioration of clinical symptoms pointed out the equivalence of DHEC oral vials and tablets. The drug was well tolerated. It is concluded that DHEC is an effective and safe drug in the treatment or organic brain syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Hemoccult sensitivity estimate in a screening program for colorectal cancer in the Province of Florence.

The sensitivity of Hemoccult testing (HO) in a population-based screening for colorectal cancer was evaluated. HO sensitivity estimates were calculated as the ratio of screen-detected HO-positives to total screen or interval-detected cancers. Sensitivity was estimated according to 1, 2, and 3-year rescreening intervals. Corresponding estimates are 69.4%, 61.8% and 57.7%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between HO sensitivity and other variables, such as calendar period, tumor stage or site, or patient age or sex. HO sensitivity as estimated in the present experience is consistent with other reports of population-based screenings. Screening every year would achieve too limited an increase in sensitivity, compared to biennal screening, to be worth the difficulties of doubling organizational efforts and costs.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Adenosine and glutamate modulate each other's release from rat hippocampal synaptosomes.

In rat hippocampal synaptosomes, adenosine decreased the K+ (15 mM) or the kainate (1 mM) evoked release of glutamate and aspartate. An even more pronounced effect was observed in the presence of the stable adenosine analogue, R-phenylisopropyladenosine. All these effects were reversed by the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline. In the same synaptosomal preparation, K+ (30 mM) strongly stimulated the release of the preloaded [3H]adenosine in a partially Ca(2+)-dependent and tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive manner. Moreover, in the same experimental conditions, both L-glutamate and L-aspartate enhanced the release of [3H]adenosine derivatives ([3H]ADD). The glutamate-evoked release was dose dependent and appeared to be Ca2+ independent and tetrodotoxin insensitive. This effect was not due to metabolism because even the nonmetabolizable isomers D-glutamate and D-aspartate were able to stimulate [3H]ADD release. In contrast, the specific glutamate agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate, kainate, and quisqualate failed to stimulate [3H]ADD release, suggesting that glutamate and aspartate effects were not mediated by known excitatory amino acid receptors. Moreover, NMDA was also ineffective in the absence of Mg2+ and L-glutamate-evoked release was not inhibited by adding the specific antagonists 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid or 6-7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. The stimulatory effect did not appear specific for only excitatory amino acids, as gamma-aminobutyric acid stimulated [3H]ADD release in a dose-related manner. These results suggest that, at least in synaptosomal preparations from rat hippocampus, adenosine and glutamate modulate each other's release. The exact mechanism of such interplay, although still unknown, could help in the understanding of excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1991

Renal involvement in canine leishmaniasis. A light-microscopic, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic study.

In a prospective survey in the Isle of Elba, 413 dogs affected by naturally acquired Leishmania infantum infection were identified out of a controlled population of 1,500 resident mongrel dogs. In all the 34 randomly selected dogs of different breed, age, and duration of disease, the presence of glomerular lesions which defined mainly two categories of glomerulonephritis (GN) was observed. The first group was characterized by mesangial-cell proliferation either with focal features (11 dogs), or with a diffuse pattern (10 dogs). The second group (12 dogs) showed the typical findings of segmental membrano-proliferative GN; amyloid deposits were seen in the glomerular tuft and interstitium in 1 dog. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed granular deposits of IgG, IgM, and C3 both in mesangial areas as well as on glomerular capillary walls. Granular immune deposits om the tubular basement membrane were also found in 31 out of 34 dogs examined. With ultrastructural investigation, subendothelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits were revealed. Age, sex, serum creatinine, BUN, duration of disease, anti-Leishmania antibody titers, and immune complexes did not discriminate between the types of observed GN, while proteinuria did. The study shows that the renal involvement is the natural sequela in dogs infected with L. infantum, and that the kidney lesions are characterized by immunologically mediated glomerular and tubular damage.

Amyloidosis↗