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Biomedical subjects

D Cirillo

Publications and source records attributed to D Cirillo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Evaluation of clinical data and effort test in patients with angina pectoris: an approach to a multivariate analysis in different groups].

One-hundred and eighty-nine patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for suspected ischemic heart disease were assigned to four different groups depending on the number of diseased vessels (0, 1, 2, 3), the dominant artery and the presence of left main coronary stenosis. Among the 45 parameters obtained from history, physical examination, E.C.G., and exercise test multivariate analysis identified (positive stress test, maximal systolic blood pressure, documented myocardial infarction, maximal heart rate, ipercholesterolemia, lateral myocardial infarction, angina during stress test) that were statistically significant. A score system was devised on the basis of the summed-up value of the seven parameters. When the patients were assigned, according to the score, to one of the previously mentioned 4 groups, the classification proved to be correct in 54% of the cases. When we divided the patients in two groups with or without coronary artery disease so that the attribution turned out to be correct in 92% of the cases (sensitivity 94%, specificity 77%), whereas when based on ST segment depression only, the classification was correct in 85% of the cases (sensitivity 84%, specificity 88%).

Adult↗

Microtubules and microfilaments in fixed and permeabilized cells are selectively decorated by nerve growth factor.

A specific antibody against nerve growth factor (NGF) and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy have been used to follow the in vitro binding of NGF to cells made permeable to large molecules. All cells tested, both target (sensory neurons and PCI2 cells) and nontarget (3T3, BKH 2I, C6 glioma cells), revealed a decoration of cytoskeletal structures which on the basis of their form, reactivity with antibodies, and sensitivity to specific drugs may be identified as microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments (MFs). The decoration of either structure depends on the fixation and permeabilization conditions: MFs, in the form of stress fibers, are stained by NGF when the plasma membrane is permeabilized with methanol/acetone; MTs become intensely stained when the plasma membrane is solubilized with a nonionic detergent in the presence of a MT-stabilizing medium. The two procedures do not affect the staining of these structures with specific antibodies. Binding of 125I-labeled NGF to PCI2 cells was not competitively inhibited by a 100-fold excess of several positively charged proteins but it was markedly decreased in the presence of DNase I. 125I-Labeled NGF interacted with MTs and F-actin (fixed with paraformaldehyde) in a range of concentrations similar to that used for their cellular localization with NGF-anti-NGF. Our studies show that the specificity and affinity of NGF binding to MTs and MFs is in the range of that of antibodies against tubulin and actin. The possible relevance of these findings to the mechanism of action of NGF in target cells is discussed.

Actins↗

Hemoperfusion in diabetic coma.

Hemoperfusion on ionic exchange resins in the therapy of diabetic keto-acidosis (DKA) coma is proposed. Resins used are strong anionic resins in mixed form able to release bicarbonates and to trap ketoanions and organic anions in a stoichiometric manner. A series of trials in open circuit are performed in order to search for a suitable mixture of resins and to establish the amounts of HCO3- and ketoanions respectively released or entrapped. Therefore, ten simulated hemoperfusions in closed circuit systems were performed, utilizing cartridges containing 1,700 g of mixed resin (9% HCO3- form and 91% Cl- form). The results indicate that all side effects of bicarbonate i.v. therapy of DKA coma are avoided because of the smooth HCO3- administration to the patient. Furthermore, a good removal of ketoanions and organic acids is obtained without changing the blood osmolality.

Bicarbonates↗

Distribution of nerve growth factor in chick embryo sympathetic neurons in vitro.

The distribution of nerve growth factor (NGF) in chick embryo sympathetic neurons has been followed by two distinct procedures, that is, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy employing purified NGF antibodies and autoradiography after exposure of cells to [125I]NGF. This study shows that NGF bound to sympathetic neurons is not uniformly distributed but appears in spots over the surface of perikarya and along processes. If the same cells, after incubation with NGF and fixation, are treated with methanol-acetone to allow permeation of immunoglobulins across the plasma membrane, NGF antibody immunoreactive material is also found within the cytoplasm and notably in the paranuclear area only in sympathetic neurons. Analogous findings are obtained when sympathetic neurons are incubated in the presence of [125I]NGF, fixed, sectioned and processed for autoradiography. Also with this technique NGF appears to be localized in the cytoplasmic compartment and is found around the nucleus. These studies are discussed in connection with the results of similar experiments performed on a clonal line of NGF target cells known as PC12.

Animals↗

L-glutaminase and L-asparaginase by extracorporeal route in acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy.

Use of L-asparaginase by the extracorporeal route in the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been proposed. Results, however, are not so satisfactory as i.v. administration of this enzyme, because the levels of L-asparagine do not fall for a sufficient length of time due to the antagonistic action of the L-asparagine-synthetase. To avoid the L-asparagine rebound we have utilized, by extracorporeal route, L-glutaminase together with L-asparaginase, in order to reduce L-asparagine and L-glutamine levels. We have therefore performed a series of experiments in vitro and in vivo either using L-asparaginase alone or together with L-glutaminase. Results show that, contrary to what happens when L-asparaginase is used alone, L-asparagine levels decrease and remain low even after 24 hours from the treatment, when L-glutaminase is added to the system. Thus a lowering of L-glutamine levels, which seems to play an important role in the therapy of ALL, is obtained.

Animals↗

Kinetics of amino acids equilibration in the dialysate during CAPD.

The equilibrium between plasma and peritoneal dialysis fluid has been studies for 23 amino acids during peritoneal exchanges at dwell times up to 8 hours in patients on CAPD. It is demonstrated that equilibration is a particular process typical for each amino acid which after 8 hour is nearly complete only for Glycine, Alanine and Asparagine.

Adult↗

Amino acid losses during CAPD.

Amino acid losses in peritoneal dialyzate during CAPD were less than 2 g a day (15, 128 micrometers). CAPD does not correct the tyrosine/phenylalanine ratio in plasma and does not prevent accumulation of 3-methylhistidine.

Adult↗

Protein requirement of patients on CAPD: a study on nitrogen balance.

Nitrogen balance studies were performed in 8 patients undergoing CAPD. Patients were studied in a metabolic ward for 14 days while eating a diet providing 1.2 g/kg B.W. of proteins and supplying 166-188 KG/Kg. From these studies it is concluded that 1.2 g/Kg are a safe intake for patients on CAPD. Nevertheless it is strongly suggested that patients on CAPD should undergo a nitrogen balance study in order to ascertain whether such a diet is safe or should be modified for energy and/or protein supply.

Adult↗

Stability of peritoneal urea clearance in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (18 months experience with CAPD).

A group of 13 patients on Continous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis up to 18 months was studied. During the study period, Peritoneal Urea Clearance was stable. In all but 2 cases peritonitis did not depress the efficiency in clearing urea. When Peritoneal Urea Clearance was corrected for 1.73 m2 surface area, there was on the average an 11.8% increase over not corrected clearance rates. This increase was statistically significant.

Adolescent↗

Short daily peritoneal dialysis: 3 years' experience.

During the last 3 years 3,964 short daily peritoneal dialyses (71.4% at home) have been performed in 18 patients aged between 8 and 82 years. 6-10 liters of dialysate have been associated with high caloric-low protein (0.6 g/kg) diets. In 330 predialysis determinations serum urea was 1.30 +/- 0.09 g/l and serum creatinine was 13.9 +/- 1.9 mg/dl. The incidence of peritonitis was 0.18%. The control of anemia, plasma levels of proteins, albumins, transferrin, C-3c and C-4 were satisfactory. The data support the concept of a wider application of this dialysis technique, which may be extended to every uremic patient.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of the detergent solubilized receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide.

Properties of detergent solubilized gastrin-releasing peptide receptor were investigated. Swiss 3T3 membranes were covalently labeled with [125I]GRP and homobifunctional cross-linkers. A major labeled protein of 75 kDa was resolved using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When the same preparation was solubilized with zwitterionic detergent and analyzed under nondenaturing conditions the protein bound radioactivity was resolved in two different peaks, a major one of apparent molecular weight 220,000 (peak 1) and a minor one of 80,000 (peak 2) both containing the 75 kDa protein. Specific ligand binding activity also eluted with peak 1. These results indicate that the active form of bombesin/GRP receptor is a large complex containing the 75 kDa ligand binding domain.

Animals↗

Visual evoked potentials in diabetic children and adolescents.

Visual evoked potentials were studied in 30 insulin-dependent diabetic children and adolescents. Thirty percent of the subjects had evidence of significant abnormalities. No correlation was found between visual evoked potentials and age, duration of diabetes, metabolic control, and retinopathy.

Adolescent↗