Biomedical subjects

E Ventura

Publications and source records attributed to E Ventura.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

A theoretical prediction of stability in hydrogen-bonded complexes formed between oxirane and oxetane rings with HX (X=F and Cl).

The optimised geometries of heterocyclic hydrogen-bonded complexes, C2H4O...HX and C3H6O...HX, where X=F or Cl, were determined at DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level. Structural, electronic and vibrational properties of these complexes are used in order to compare the strained ring, which confer the great reactivity of these heterocyclic rings with monoprotic acids, forming a primary hydrogen bond. A secondary hydrogen bond between the hydrogen atoms of the CH2 groups and the halide species also takes place, thus causing a nonlinearity (characterized by the theta angle), in the primary hydrogen bond.

Ethers, Cyclic↗

PubMed2005

[Melanocytoma of the optic disc. Three case studies].

PURPOSE: Melanocytoma is a rare benign tumor that usually occurs as a pigmented lesion in the optic nerve head. It seems to be more frequently encountered in the Black population. We report three cases of melanocytoma observed in Martinique, where 90% of the population is of African origin. OBSERVATIONS: The first and second cases were found on routine ophthalmic examination. These patients had a heavily pigmented lesion that obscured part or all of the optic disc with slight extension into the adjacent nerve fiber layer of the retina. The tumor's margins were finely fibrillated. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a homogenous hypofluorescent black tumor obscuring the optic disc vessels, with no tumor vessels visible. There were no juxtapapillary choroid vascular abnormalities. The third case was discovered on visual field examination. This melanocytoma was accompanied by papillary edema. CONCLUSION: Only three cases of melanocytoma have been noted from 1994 to 2004 in 150,000 Caribbean patients examined in the University Hospital Center of Fort de France. The rarity of melanoma and the predisposition to melanocytoma are important epidemiologic factors in the etiologic search for pigmented tumor within the Black population. Yearly fundus examination is useful for monitoring growth and detecting malignant transformation.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Relationship between number of allergic sensitizations and immunity impairment: anything new in immunotherapy for allergies and vaccines planning?

To 106 14-56 year-old allergic people (30 monosensitized, 24 sensitized to 2 pollens, 52 polysensitized) we have evaluated the Global Immune Competence Status (GICS). That's a compound score, made of ten parameters, six regarding cell-mediated immunity (WBC/mmc, Gr/mmc, Ly/mmc, Ly CD3+/mmc, Ly CD4+/mmc, CD4/CD8 Ratio), four regarding nutritional status and humoral immunity (Tot. Protein mg/dl, Albumin mg/dl, Gammaglobulins mg/dl, IgG mg/dl). Each parameter is brought on a grid including 4 worth scores worsening from 4 to 1, related to different ranges of values; this way quickly leads to characterize type and grade of immune deficiency. So doing we found that in 30 monosensitized people 27 (90%) show a complete immune competence, while just 3 people (10%) have impaired GICS: in these 1 (3%) regards cell-mediated immunity, while 2 (7%) regard humoral immunity. In 24 patients sensitized to 2 allergenes, 18 (75%) showed complete immune competence, while 6 (25%) a GICS impairment regarding cell-mediated immunity. In leaving 52 polysensitized patients, 30 people showed complete immune competence (58%), while 20 (38%) showed a GICS impairment regarding cell-mediated immunity and 2 (4%) impaired humoral immunity. This work shows that the higher the number of sensitizations is, the stronger the cell-mediated immunity impairment in allergic people become.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The rational use of albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. A Delphi study for the attainment of a consensus on prescribing standards.

BACKGROUND: Ascites is one of the most frequent severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. The treatment of this chronic disease usually requires the prolonged use of albumin, frequently continued even after patients' discharge from the hospital. AIMS: Aim of the study was to define a consensus among Italian physicians with regard to the use of albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. METHODS: The study adopted the Delphi technique to conduct the consensus activities. All controversial issues related to the use of albumin were identified by the experts' board and proposed to the 68 participating hepatology centres through two subsequent questionnaires. The questionnaires, returned by the specialists involved, were collected and the answers classified to verify the elements on which a consensus was reached. RESULTS: The home use of albumin can help to improve the patient's general conditions and well-being. About 77% of the experts involved considered likely that albumin administration could shorten hospital stays or could reduce the number of hospital admissions. The results of the study, along with a socioeconomic analysis, were presented to the Italian Drug Commission, which subsequently removed the specific hypoalbuminemia level as a prerequisite for having the drug reimbursed by the National Health Service. CONCLUSIONS: For an outpatient prescription, the hypoalbuminemia limit of 2.5 g/dl or less is not sufficient, while the decision whether to administer the drug requires the evaluation of patient's overall clinical conditions as an essential criterion for the prescription of a home treatment with albumin.

Albumins↗

PubMed2004

[Glaucoma screening in Martinique. Results in 813 hospital employees].

INTRODUCTION: Several US and Jamaican studies have shown that glaucoma is more severe in black populations than in Caucasian populations, which would lead to the assumption that the people of Martinique have a high glaucoma risk. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in workers of Fort de France University Hospital with the occupational medicine unit. Intraocular pressure was measured with a pulse air tonometer (Topcon CT 60) and visual field abnormalities were detected with automated perimetry using Humphrey frequency doubling technology (FDT). Patients with known glaucoma or with intraocular pressure over 21 mmHg and/or a visual field abnormality were referred to ophthalmology examination to diagnose ocular hypertension, open-angle glaucoma or normal-pressure glaucoma. RESULTS: The occupational medicine unit examined 813 workers. The sex ratio was 0.36, mean age was 45.35+/-8.4 years (22-64 years), and mean ocular pressure was 12.1+/-2.62 mmHg (6-28 mmHg). Roughly 20% of workers had a family history of glaucoma. We found 22 patients with glaucoma (2.7%) (CI95: 1.6%-4%): 12 patients had open-angle glaucoma (1.5%) and 10 patients were diagnosed with normal-pressure glaucoma (1.3%). Glaucoma prevalence increased with age, reaching 8% in patients over 55 years of age. Of patients with normal-pressure glaucoma, 42.9% had a family history of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous data from the literature that found higher glaucoma prevalence in black people and in particular in the mixed-race population of Martinique. In addition to this ethnic feature, the insularity of Martinique could support glaucoma expression. Easy and fast to use, FDT associated with the pulse air tonometer provides early detection of glaucoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis].

We report a case of cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis for which systemic and ocular investigations proved the responsibility of Bartonella henselae. An 11-year-old boy was referred to the hospital in November 2002 for severe visual loss in the left eye over the preceding 2 weeks. At the same time, he also developed a flu-like illness. The best corrected acuity in the left eye was counting fingers at 30 cm. Posterior segment examination on the left eye showed an optic disk edema with papillary and peripapillary hemorrhages and serous retinal detachment, mild vitreous inflammation, and two little perivascular white spots. The medical history was unremarkable except for a cat scratch on his left forearm 2 months before. Four weeks of antibiotic therapy including oral rifampin and doxycycline was used. Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin M were first detected with Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin G testing negative at this time. A 3-week serum showed immunoglobulin M seroreversion, while Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin G appeared. Other causes of optic disk edema with macular star were excluded by biological data. Bartonella antibodies to both Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in the cat. Ophthalmic follow-up showed progressive resorption of the neuroretinitis and the visual acuity increased to 5/10. The significance of this case report lies in the reminder that this pathology can be the cause of neuroretinitis; the prognosis can be improved by earlier treatment.

Bartonella henselae↗

PubMed2003

[Hypophysis metastasis of a hypernephroma tumor revealed by a chiasma syndrome].

In a 45-year-old man with a hypernephroma tumor of the right kidney, a metastasis in the pituitary gland of this neoplasm was diagnosed 9 years after removal of this kidney. He complained of bitemporal hemianopsia and slight impairment of vision. A hypernephroma metastasis in the pituitary gland is very rare and few have been reported to date. In general, these metastases occur in cases with multiple metastasis to many organs, which suggests that the appearance of pituitary metastasis represents extensive disease. Many of these patients present diabetes insipidus. Visual defects are frequently associated. The Goldmann perimeter is important to detect visual field anomalies. MRI is the key radiological exam to localize the tumor. Surgery is the preferred treatment and should be undertaken quickly if visual function is affected. The histological exam should be made to confirm the diagnosis.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2001

Modulation of susceptibility and resistance to an autoimmune model of multiple sclerosis in prototypically susceptible and resistant strains by neutralization of interleukin-12 and interleukin-4, respectively.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis, is mediated by Th1 cells. The major Th1 inducer, IL-12, enhances EAE, while its blockade suppresses it. IL-4 suppresses EAE. Here, we determined IFN-gamma and IL-4 production by myelin basic protein-stimulated lymphocytes from prototypically EAE-susceptible SJL/J and EAE-resistant BALB/c mice, 9 days after immunization with spinal cord homogenate. While lymphocytes from SJL/J mice produce IFN-gamma and no IL-4, lymphocytes from BALB/c mice produce IL-4 and no IFN-gamma. Since early endogenous production of IL-12/IFN-gamma or IL-4 is linked to Th1 or Th2 responses, respectively, we determined whether neutralization of IL-12 or IL-4 at immunization modifies susceptibility or resistance to EAE. SJL/J mice given neutralizing anti-IL-12 mAb are protected from EAE. BALB/c mice given neutralizing anti-IL-4 mAb develop EAE, while those treated with control antibody remain resistant. These studies confirm the pivotal role of IL-12 in EAE development and show that endogenous IL-4 is important for determining the genetic resistance to EAE.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Antioxidant liposoluble vitamins and carotenoids in chronic hepatitis.

Background: It is known that antioxidant liposoluble vitamins and carotenoids are reduced in liver cirrhosis, but little is known about chronic viral hepatitis, where oxidative damage has to be taken into account. Methods: Fifty-five patients with chronic hepatitis, mainly C virus-related, were matched with 16 patients with biliary stones and 20 healthy controls. Plasma and liver analyses were carried out using a well-tried HPLC technique that affords an accurate quantification of retinol, tocopherol, alpha- and beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene. Results: Plasma concentration of retinol, tocopherol, beta-carotene, and lycopene was significantly decreased in both patient groups, particularly in those with chronic hepatitis. In contrast, liver concentration of both esterified and free retinol, tocopherol, and some carotenoids was better preserved in the hepatitis group than in the cholelithiasis group. A strict correspondence between aminotransferases and the amount of liver-stored retinol was documented. Conclusions: Plasma vitamin and carotenoid depletion co-existing with preserved liver storage may indicate a functional defect in liver pool mobilization or even a real depletion of the antioxidant defenses, which play a key role in averting cellular damage. The implications for nutrition and therapy need to be taken into account.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Experimental allergic neuritis in the SJL/J mouse: induction of severe and reproducible disease with bovine peripheral nerve myelin and pertussis toxin with or without interleukin-12.

We report a reproducible model of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) with severe clinical signs and consistent pathological features in mice. Pertussis toxin (PT) in the presence or absence of murine recombinant interleukin-12 (mrIL-12) was used as an adjuvant with bovine peripheral nerve myelin (BPNM) to induce clinical EAN in SJL/J mice. After immunization with a combination of BPNM in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and PT, mice developed severe consistent signs of EAN. The additional treatment of immunized mice with mrIL-12 prolonged the course of EAN characterized by earlier clinical signs of the disease and delayed the recovery stage. Mice injected with BPNM and CFA without PT developed mild clinical signs. Histological examination of the caudae equinae and the sciatic nerves taken from mice with clinical signs of EAN during the recovery stage revealed severe demyelination, remyelination and remnants of mononuclear cell infiltration. Moderate to severe EAN can be induced in SJL/J mice by the injection of a combination of BPNM in CFA and PT. This model can provide a better understanding of mechanism of demyelination in infiltrating peripheral neuropathy.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Mechanisms of suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by intravenous administration of myelin basic protein: role of regulatory spleen cells.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be downregulated by intravenous (iv) administration of myelin basic protein (MBP). In this report we show that downregulation of EAE by two 500-microgram doses of MBP administered iv before immunization was associated with reduced encephalitogenicity of both spleen and lymph node cells (day 12 postimmunization) in adoptive transfer studies. However, efficient downregulation of EAE by two 500-microgram iv doses of MBP on days 10 and 11 after active immunization (at the time of disease onset) was associated with no significant change in the encephalitogenicity of lymph node cells, but a complete abrogation of the ability of spleen cells (both at day 12 postimmunization) to transfer EAE compared to controls. Furthermore, coculture of spleen cells from rats tolerized by iv MBP on days 10 and 11 after active immunization with MBP with MBP-reactive T cells resulted in a decreased ability of the spleen T cells to transfer EAE compared to effector cells in monoculture. In contrast, coculture of MBP-reactive T cells with spleen cells from rats tolerized by iv MBP on days 14 and 7 before active immunization resulted in increased disease in recipient rats. These results suggest that reversal of clinical EAE by iv injection of MBP at the time of disease onset is due at least in part to a T cell control mechanism located in the spleen and suggest the presence of splenocyte regulatory cells that can suppress the ability of encephalitogenic T cells to induce EAE.

Adoptive Transfer↗

PubMed2000

[Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous alcohol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic patient].

The present study, performed in the Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology of Policlinico of Modena, shows the results of the treatment with percutaneous ethanol injection of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In the period between June 1991-May 1998, 37 nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma, in 26 cirrhotic patients, were treated with ethanol injection under the ecographic guidance; the total number of sessions was 179. Ten lesions were recurrences (local or distant) in patients already treated. These patients were excluded from surgical treatment because of the high age, the high surgical risk or patient's choice. "Therapeutic success", defined as radiologic (TC or RM) demonstration of complete necrosis at the end of the first cycle of treatment, was achieved in 22/27 nodules after the first treatment (81.5%). Therapeutic success of the recurrence (second treatment) was achieved in 7/10 nodules (70%). In treated patients, survival probability (obtained with Kaplan Meier method) was 84.5%, 73.0%, 50.0%, 38.5%, 26.9%, respectively at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th year. After a total number of 179 sessions, there were no relevant complications. The results obtained in our experience prove the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic technique in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed1999

Prediction of successful outcome in a randomised controlled trial of the long-term efficacy of interferon alpha treatment for chronic hepatitis C.

To evaluate the efficacy of a 12-month course of recombinant interferon alpha (IFN-alpha2b), and to assess predictive factors of successful response to IFN therapy in chronic active hepatitis C (HCV CAH), 242 patients with histologically proven HCV CAH were assigned randomly to two groups, one treated with IFN-alpha2b (3 MU three times weekly, intramuscularly), the other untreated. To determine the efficacy of IFN-alpha2b 12 months after therapy, a second liver biopsy was carried out on 100 treated patients and 27 untreated patients. The biochemical, virological, and serological response of patients followed up for at least 50 months after treatment was also evaluated to confirm the efficacy of IFN-alpha2b. The genotypes of infecting HCV, anti-HCV core IgM, and HCV-RNA concentrations were also analysed and the predictors of response determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Response was defined in terms of the normalisation of aminotransferase activities and the disappearance of HCV-RNA. The overall long-term response was 39.4%. Anti-HCV core IgM levels were significantly lower in long-term responders. Patients with increased levels of IgM anti HCV core (>3.8 sample/cut-off), infected with genotype 1b were nonresponders. Liver histology improved significantly in patients with long-term response. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of the likelihood of long-term response to IFN therapy: age younger than 40 years, basal anti-HCV core IgM levels < or = 3.8, and genotypes other than 1b. These data indicate that the treatment with IFN-alpha2b used in this randomised controlled trial is effective in HCV CAH. Anti-HCV core IgM was the strongest predictor of long-term response in the present study.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1999

Prevention of a first episode of variceal bleeding: role of duplex Doppler sonographic measurement of the acute response to beta-blockers.

The aim of our study was to assess whether acute variations in portal vein Doppler sonographic parameters induced by administration of a single beta-blocker agent are predictive of the long-term effects of these drugs in the prevention of a first episode of variceal bleeding. In 30 patients with liver cirrhosis at high risk for variceal bleeding, duplex Doppler sonographic parameters (maximal portal flow velocity, portal blood flow, and congestion index) were measured before and 4 h after the administration of 40 mg of propranolol. Twenty-three of these patients started chronic therapy with propanolol and were evaluated periodically (seven patients were excluded because they did not continue the therapy). The percentage of patients free from bleeding was 86.9% at the first year and 77.8% at the second year. Among a series of clinical, laboratory, and instrument-based parameters, the only one related to first bleeding, selected by the Cox regression model, was the percentage decrease in maximal portal flow velocity observed after initial administration of propranolol (P < 0.01). The best cutoff value for the percentage decrease in portal flow velocity (portal flow velocity test) was 12%. The prevalence of bleeding had been 25% (3 of 12) in patients with positive portal flow velocity test results (12% decrease or more), versus 64% (7 of 11) in patients with negative portal flow velocity test results. The actuarial probability of remaining free from bleeding (Kaplan-Meier analysis) was different in these two groups (log rank P < 0.01). The portal flow velocity test represents a safe and feasible method to predict the efficacy of beta-blockers in the prevention of a first bleeding episode in patients with cirrhosis. In patients with negative results on the portal flow velocity test, an alternative therapeutic approach should be considered.

Actuarial Analysis↗

PubMed1999

Circulating pro- and antioxidant factors in iron and porphyrin metabolism disorders.

BACKGROUND: Porphyria cutanea tarda and haemochromatosis are taken to be spontaneous human models of oxidative cellular damage, with an increased risk of fibrosis and cancer evolution. AIM: To define the relative pro-oxidant roles of porphyrin and iron, in their different molecular forms, and their effects on antioxidant biological systems. PATIENTS: A group of 17 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and a group of 14 patients with primary and secondary haemochromatosis, were compared with 21 healthy controls. METHODS: Plasma retinol, tocopherol, alpha- and beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, glutathione, malonyldialdehyde and red blood cell free iron were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Only a modest increase in iron stores was demonstrated in the porphyria cutanea tarda group; in the haemochromatosis patients ferritin levels were almost seven times higher. By contrast, there was a sharp and virtually identical increase in red blood cell free iron and malonyldialdehyde in both the patient groups. A significant reduction was observed in retinol, alpha-, beta-carotene and red blood cell glutathione levels being more marked in porphyria cutanea tarda than in haemochromatosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the strong pro-oxidant effects of porphyrins in vivo, through an induction of the free toxic iron form, even though the total iron pool is not greatly expanded. The additional free-iron and porphyrin oxidant effects are documented both in red blood cell and plasma in the porphyria cutanea tarda group. It confirmed that aging exerts a negative influence in terms of pro- and antioxidant balance in all cases, but particularly in the haemochromatosis group.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1997

Perceptions of malaria in a low endemic area in the Philippines: transmission and prevention of disease.

Qualitative methods were used to gather data on community perceptions of malaria in Morong, Bataan. People recognised an illness which they called "malarya' through a discrete set of symptoms: high fever and intense chills, with or without a severe headache. Self-medication was common. Enquiry into perceptions of cause and prevention of the disease revealed a complex mixture of beliefs involving environmental conditions, the mosquito vector and parasites, but included also various ideas about dirty water, diet, hunger and conditions of hygiene. The implications of these findings for disease control, and the relationship between knowledge and practices, are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Value of the measurement of portal flow velocity in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic splenomegaly.

AIM AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried on 20 patients (10 with liver cirrhosis and 10 with myelo-lymphoproliferative disorders), consecutively admitted to our ward for splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, with the aim of evaluating the ability of Duplex-Doppler ultrasonography (DDUS) to discriminate between congestive splenomegaly and enlarged spleen caused by haematological disorders. RESULTS: Comparing the clinical/laboratory and DDUS findings for the two groups, it emerged that maximum-portal flow velocity (PFV) values revealed the most statistically significant differences: 17.31 SD 2.48 vs. 28.27 SD 3.53 (cm/s, P < 0.001). Discriminant analysis showed that max-PFV is the variable which by itself maximizes the separation between the two groups (F = 71.56; P < 0.0001). The patients with congestive splenomegaly exhibited lower max-PFV than the controls (17.31 SD 2.48 vs. 26.29 SD 2.38 cm/s, P < 0.001), unlike those with haematological diseases, whose max-PFV values were greater, albeit not significantly so (28.27 SD 3.53 vs. 26.29 SD 2.38 cm/s, P = 0.161). CONCLUSIONS: DDUS assessment of portal haemodynamics thus proved useful in the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly in asymptomatic patients since it distinguishes rapidly and non-invasively between congestive and haemotological splenomegaly. A lower-than-normal max-PFV value indicates congestive splenomegaly; a highish value, on the other hand, suggests a splenomegaly of haematological origin.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Melatonin has immune-enhancing effects and can exacerbate autoimmunity. Pinealectomy or light exposure, which suppress melatonin, inhibit T cell autoimmunity. To investigate the involvement of melatonin in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a T-cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease, we tested the effect of luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, on EAE. Luzindole-treated mice did not develop EAE after immunization with spinal cord homogenate, whereas control mice developed EAE. This study suggests that pharmacological inhibition of the immunoenhancing effects of melatonin may prevent autoimmune demyelination.

Animals↗