PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Caruso

Publications and source records attributed to F Caruso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Association between interleukin-1 composite genotype and severe periodontitis: case-control study].

AIM: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a bone resorption stimulating cytokine that is implicated in the development of periodondal lesions. Recent studies suggest that the production of this mediator depends for quantity on a specific allelic combination in its genetic cluster. Periodontitis severity was correlated with the extent of the form 2 allele at the position -889 in the gene IL-1A, together with the form 2 allele at the position +3953 of the gene IL-1B. Aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of the previously mentioned composite genotype and severity of periodontal lesions. METHODS: A group of 20 subjects aged more than 35 with clinical and radiographic signs of severe periodontitis (cases) underwent the salivary genetic test to single out the alleles of the genes IL-1A and IL-1B, by the PCR technique. The same test was performed to a group of 10 periodontally healthy people (controls) recruited by the same conditions. Excluding criteria were: smoking (actual or past), systemic diseases, drug absumption. RESULTS: Only 7/20 patients of the case-group were positive for the composite genotype (Allele 2 of both the genes IL-1A and IL-1B), consisting in the 35% of the group. In the control-group, 4/10 subjects were positive (40%). In the case group it was not possible to underline any difference in clinical signs between positive and negative patients (respectively: Mean Probing Depth 5.05 mm vs 5.27 mm; Full Mouth Bleeding Score 56.43% vs 43.33%; Full Mouth Plaque Score 49.7% vs 41.75%) CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained lead us to consider of little value the meaning of this genetic test. The test did not supply any useful element in discriminating controls from severe periodontal cases; therefore, it is not useful in the formulation of the prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Sperm count and chromatin structure in men exposed to inorganic lead: lowest adverse effect levels.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain knowledge on male reproductive toxicity of inorganic lead at current European exposure levels and to establish lowest adverse effect levels, if any. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of the semen of 503 men employed by 10 companies was conducted in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Belgium. The mean blood lead concentration was 31.0 microg/dl (range 4.6-64.5) in 362 workers exposed to lead and 4.4 microg/dl (range below the detection limit of 19.8) in 141 reference workers. Semen volume and sperm concentration were determined in a fresh semen sample according to an agreed protocol subject to quality assurance. The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was performed at a centralised laboratory. Extraneous determinants including centre, period of sexual abstinence, and age were taken into account in the statistical analysis. If appropriate, possible thresholds were examined by iterative threshold slope linear regression. RESULTS: The median sperm concentration was reduced by 49% in men with blood lead concentration above 50 microg/dl. There was no indication of a linear trend of lower sperm concentration with increasing blood lead values, but threshold slope least square regression identified a blood lead concentration of 44 microg/dl (beta=-0.037, F=4.35, p=0.038) as a likely threshold. Abnormal sperm chromatin structure was not related to blood lead concentration, but some indications of deterioration of sperm chromatin was found in men with the highest concentrations of lead within spermatozoa. Biological monitoring data did not indicate long term effects of lead on semen quantity or sperm chromatin. CONCLUSION: Adverse effects of lead on sperm concentration and susceptibility to acid induced denaturation of sperm chromatin are unlikely at blood lead concentrations below 45 microg/dl. Effects of low level exposure to lead on other measures of testicular function cannot be ruled out.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Biocolloids with ordered urease multilayer shells as enzymatic reactors.

The preparation of biocolloids with organized enzyme-containing multilayer shells for exploitation as colloidal enzymatic nanoreactors is described. Urease multilayers were assembled onto submicrometer-sized polystyrene spheres by the sequential adsorption of urease and polyelectrolyte, in a predetermined order, utilizing electrostatic interactions for layer growth. The catalytic activity of the biocolloids increased proportionally with the number of urease layers deposited on the particles, demonstrating that biocolloid particles with tailored enzymatic activities can be produced. It was further found that precoating the latex spheres with nanoparticles (40-nm silica or 12-nm magnetite) enhanced both the stability (with respect to adsorption) and enzymatic activity of the urease multilayers. The presence of the magnetite nanoparticle coating also provided a magnetic function that allowed the biocolloids to be easily and rapidly separated with a permanent magnet. The fabrication of such colloids opens new avenues for the application of bioparticles and represents a promising route for the creation of complex catalytic particles.

Colloids↗
PubMed2001

Spontaneous phase transfer of nanoparticulate metals from organic to aqueous media.

4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) is the answer to the quest for an efficient transfer of metallic nanoparticles from organic to aqueous solutions. The picture shows the transfer of gold nanoparticles from toluene to water by the addition of DMAP (0.1 M, pH 10.5). This method enables the generation of high concentrations of nanoparticles with better monodispersity than those commonly prepared in water.

colloids↗
PubMed2001

Decomposable hollow biopolymer-based capsules.

Decomposable hollow capsules based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and a low molecular weight organic molecule, a naturally occurring polyamine, spermidine (SP), were formed by applying the layer-by-layer adsorption strategy to colloid particles, viz., assembling DNA/SP multilayers on colloids and subsequently removing the templated core. For comparison, hollow capsules from the higher molecular weight biopolymers, alginate (ALG) and poly(lysine) (PL), were also prepared. The multilayers were first formed on polystyrene spheres, and their growth was followed by microelectrophoresis. The preparation of hollow capsules, derived from multilayer coating melamine formaldehyde core particles and then decomposing the core by acid treatment, was verified by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to the hollow ALG/PL capsules, the hollow DNA/SP capsules displayed a high sensitivity to salt solutions: Decomposition of the DNA/SP multilayers occurred after exposure to sodium chloride solutions. The hollow capsules prepared are attractive for the encapsulation and release of various substances; for example, the release of encapsulated compounds, such as dyes or drugs, can occur when loaded DNA/SP capsules are exposed to environmental (salt) conditions that decompose them, e.g., in the bloodstream.

Alginates↗
PubMed2001

Molecular structure and activity toward DNA of baicalein, a flavone constituent of the Asian herbal medicine "Sho-saiko-to".

Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone, 1) is of interest because of its broad spectrum of biological activity. It is a constituent of the east Asian herbal remedy, "Sho-saiko-to". The 3D structure of 1 was determined using X-ray diffraction. The compound exists in an almost planar conformation with a C-2-C-1' bond distance of 1.476(5) A. Hydrogen-bonding interactions predominate in the crystal structure. The position of the three hydroxyl groups maximizes intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and each of the hydroxyl hydrogen atoms is a donor in a three-center hydrogen bond. The carbonyl oxygen, O-4, is an acceptor in an intramolecular hydrogen bond (with OH-5). Two molecules of 1 exist as hydrogen-bonded dimers related by inversion center (-x + 1, -y, -z + 1). O-4 is also an acceptor in an intermolecular hydrogen bond with OH-6. The planarity of the flavone framework is dependent on structural and/or electronic forces that stabilize the negative charge on the exocyclic oxygen atom, O-4. Compound 1, therefore, is planar in any situation where forces can stabilize the negative charge on O-4. Consistent with this, UV absorbance studies performed on 1-DNA complexes with varying concentrations of 1 strongly suggest intercalation of 1 within the double helix, followed by possible interstrand cross-links.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Synthesis, structure, and antitumor activity of a novel tetranuclear titanium complex.

The coordination complex cyclo-tetrakis[bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolon-5-ato++ +)mu-o xotitanium(IV)] has been synthesized and characterized with IR and NMR spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction. The core of this species consists of an eight-membered Ti-mu-oxo ring with alternate short-long Ti-O bond lengths. Besides these two O ligands, each metal is bound octahedrally to four O atoms from two chelating 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolon-5-ato anions. Several sets of Ti-O bond lengths are present: the shortest are the two Ti-O(oxo) (which are cis to each other), the longest are the two Ti-O(acyl) (cis to each other), and the two Ti-O(pyrazolonato) (trans to each other) are intermediate. The beta-diketonate ligand asymmetry, a feature considered essential in other antitumor Ti compounds, induces the short-long Ti-O(oxo) sequence of bond lengths. The antitumor activity of this compound, encapsulated in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposome, has been studied in vitro using TA-3 (mouse mammary adenocarcinoma), HEP-2 (human epithelial larynx carcinoma), and VERO (African green monkey kidney) cell lines and in vivo in CF-1 and AJ female mice ip inoculated with TA-3. In vitro cytotoxicity is greater for TA-3 than for HEP-2 and null for VERO cell lines. In vivo results show a marked increase in survival time (T/C = 293% for AJ and 208% for CF-1), whereas tumor weight decrease was observed for CF-1-treated mice. These results suggest the Ti complex-liposome system may be promising as an antitumor drug.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed2000

Hollow capsule processing through colloidal templating and self-assembly

Hollow capsules of nanometer to micrometer dimensions constitute an important class of materials that are employed in diverse technological applications, ranging from the delivery of encapsulated products for cosmetic and medicinal purposes to their use as light-weight composite materials and as fillers with low dielectric constant in electronic components. Hollow capsules comprising polymer, glass, metal, and ceramic are nowadays routinely produced by using various chemical and physicochemical methods. The current article focuses on a recent novel and versatile technique, based on a combination of colloidal templating and self-assembly processes, developed for synthesizing uniform hollow capsules of a broad range of materials. The strategy outlined readily affords control over the size, shape, composition, and wall thickness of the hollow capsules.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Primary diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: case report and update of therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare disease, with an incidence of 2.2 cases in 1. 000.000 in the USA. It occupies 10% of all mesotheliomas referred in literature. METHODS: We describe a case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma arising in a 54-year-old woman who presented a small bowel occlusion. A middle line laparotomy was done; multiple biopsies and an ileostomy were performed. There was not a history of exposure to asbestos. Histologic diagnosis was based on light microscopy, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Patient had no further treatment because of her poor general conditions. She died 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Update of treatment is briefly described with particular attention to multimodality approach (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and other new therapeutic options (iperthermochemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy), currently in clinical trials.

Female↗
PubMed2000

The quaternary geological history of the Santa Catarina Southeastern Region (Brazil).

This paper supply subsidies for Quaternary geological reconstruction of the southeastern State of Santa Catarina coast in Brazil, being based on detailed geological mapping supported by a series of drilling data, which allowed to establish a stratigraphical hierarchy of the sedimentary deposits. Among the mapped geological units stand out the extensive Pleistocene shallow marine sandy sediments, which are commonly referred as a barrier island - lagoonal depositional system. A drilling campaign done in the domain permitted the sampling of material for 14C datings, and the obtained data confirmed some previously assumed ages. The sequence of events, that originated the Holocene deposits, has been also reconstructed through drilling and 14C dating of the collected peat and shell samples. Finally, the main characteristics of the most promising mineral prospect of the area, represented by voluminous calcareous shell deposits associated with Holocene sediments, are also presented.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Electromagnetic interference of digital and analog cellular telephones with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: in vitro and in vivo studies.

The present study examines the potential electromagnetic interference effects induced by cellular telephones on ICDs. We developed ad hoc protocols to conduct both in vitro and in vivo trials on most of the implantable cardioverter defibrillators available on the international market. Trials were conducted with three cellular telephones: two GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and one TACS (Total Access Communication System). A human trunk simulator was used to carry out in vitro observations on six ICDs from five manufacturers. In vivo tests were conducted on 13 informed patients with eight different ICD models. During the trials in air, GSM telephones induced interference effects on 4 out of the 6 cardioverter defibrillators tested. Specifically, pulse inhibition, reprogramming, false ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia detections occurred, which would have entailed inappropriate therapy delivery had this been activated. Effects were circumscribed to the area closely surrounding the connectors. When the ICD was immersed in saline solution, no effects were observed. Three cases of just ventricular triggering with the interfering signal were observed in vivo.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: authors' experience].

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon slow-growing cutaneous neoplasm. Surgical excision is an effective therapeutic approach although a significant number of local recurrences has been documented in the literature. In the present paper the Authors report 3 cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. All cases have been surgically treated with a wide local excision extended up to 3 cm from the tumor borders. No local recurrence has been reported. The Authors conclude that the surgical technique employed could reduce the local recurrence rate of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1998

Nanoengineering of inorganic and hybrid hollow spheres by colloidal templating

Hollow silica and silica-polymer spheres with diameters between 720 and 1000 nanometers were fabricated by consecutively assembling silica nanoparticles and polymer onto colloids and subsequently removing the templated colloid either by calcination or decomposition upon exposure to solvents. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images demonstrate that the wall thickness of the hollow spheres can be readily controlled by varying the number of nanoparticle-polymer deposition cycles, and the size and shape are determined by the morphology of the templating colloid. The hollow spheres produced are envisioned to have applications in areas ranging from medicine to pharmaceutics to materials science.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

[Intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast. Personal experience].

The Authors, on the base of three cases of intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast, discuss about the diagnostic means and the modalities of treatment of such rare cancer. They stress the value of cytology by fine needle aspiration, which gives more detailed informations than mammography or ultrasonography. As far as the treatment concerns, the Authors, according to the data of the literature, suggest for this tumor, still at an "in situ" stage, a conservative surgical treatment such as a quadrantectomy or tumorectomy plus lymphadenectomy followed both by radiotherapy. Finally, they remark that the intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast, mainly arising in old women (7th, 8th decade), was found within their series (two out of three) in young women in the 5th decade of life.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[The sporadic use of intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

The authors report their experience with 850 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed from May 1990 to July 1997. In this series, despite a sporadic use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), there were no lesions of main biliary tract and there was only a biliary leaking cystic duct resolved with conservative treatment. The authors are satisfied with selective use of endoscopic cholangiography and sphincterotomy for the management of choledocholithiasis, and conclude that the use of IOC is not so essential to avoid iatrogenic lesions of main biliary tract, that could be avoid by applying a meticulous operative technique.

Cholangiography↗
PubMed1998

[The immediate reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy for carcinoma. Our experience].

The authors surgically treated 281 consecutive women with breast cancer by breast conservation techniques (45.2%) or by mastectomy (38.8%), during a four-year period. Forty-five of these 281 patients (16%) were treated in the same period of time by mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (IR) of the breast. IR of the breast was performed by inserting a submuscular tissue expander at the same time of mastectomy (first stage of reconstruction). A second operation allowed the replacement of the expander with a prosthesis (second stage of reconstruction) and the simultaneous symmetrization of the contralateral breast (not always performed, however). In some cases nipple-areola complex was eventually reconstructed with a delayed surgical procedure (third stage of reconstruction). In the present paper the authors analyze the results and outline the advantages of IR. This easy and safe technique slightly increased the average operative time of a mastectomy, did not interfere with routine oncological follow-up, did definitely reduce patient's psychological trauma following mastectomy. The authors conclude that IR of the breast undoubtedly plays a major role in the so called "onco-plastic"" surgical management of breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[A biocompatibility study and the effects of slow-release antibiotic materials in the treatment of periodontal disease. I. The biocompatibility of cellulose acetate charged with 25% tetracycline hydrochloride. A clinical and scanning microscopic study of a case].

A clinical and microscopical (SEM) investigation has been carried out on the biocompatibility of cellulose acetate fiber tetracycline with 25% of tetracycline hydrochloride (Actisite R). A subject with advanced periodontal disease was selected and a pocket of 8 mm of PD was chosen. A segment of fiber was inserted into the pocket for 8 days. After removal, PD and GI clinical parameters were detected and the fiber removed was analyzed at the scanning electronic microscope. The results showed clinical signs of inflammation after removal of fiber. SEM analysis showed macrophagic reaction, a typical sign of inflammatory response to material. The study suggests the need of more biocompatible materials, easier to use as delivery system of antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Adult↗