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G Cerullo

Publications and source records attributed to G Cerullo.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Angiotensin IV stimulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression in proximal tubular epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been shown to be implicated in the development of renal fibrosis in several forms of chronic glomerulonephritides, but the precise mechanisms of its effects remain unclear. It has recently been reported that Ang II stimulates the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in several cell lines. PAI-1 is a major physiological inhibitor of the plasminogen activator/plasmin system, a key regulator of fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. PAI-1 induction by Ang II in endothelial cells seems to be mediated by Ang IV via a receptor that is different from Ang II type 1 and 2 receptors (AT1 and AT2). METHODS: In this study, we sought to evaluate the effects of Ang IV on PAI-1 gene and protein expression in a well-characterized and immortalized human proximal tubular cell line (HK2) by Northern blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Ang IV stimulated PAI-1 mRNA expression, whereas it did not induce a significant increase in tritiated thymidine uptake after 24 hours of incubation. This effect was dose and time dependent. Ang IV (10 nM) induced a 7.8 +/- 3.3-fold increase in PAI-1 mRNA expression. The PAI-1 antigen level was significantly higher in conditioned media and the ECM of cells treated with Ang II and Ang IV than in control cells (both P < 0.02). Although Ang II induced a 4.2 +/- 2. 1-fold increase in PAI-1 mRNA expression, its effect underwent a dose-dependent reduction when amastatin, a potent inhibitor of the endopeptidases that catalyzes the conversion of Ang II to Ang IV, was added. In contrast, amastatin was not able to prevent the expression of PAI-1 mRNA induced by Ang IV. Finally, pretreatment of HK2 cells with losartan and N-Nicotinoyl-Tyr-N3-(Nalpha-CBZ-Arg)-Lys-His-Pro-Ile, the specific antagonists of AT1 and AT2 receptors, failed to modify PAI-1 mRNA expression as induced by Ang II. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Ang II stimulates PAI-1 mRNA expression and the production of its protein in human proximal tubular cells. This is mainly-if not exclusively-due to Ang IV, which acts on a receptor that is different than AT1 or AT2. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the induction of PAI-1 by Ang IV may be implicated in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis in several forms of chronic glomerulonephritides.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1997

Femtosecond Dynamics of Excited-State Evolution in

Time-resolved absorption spectroscopy on the femtosecond time scale has been used to monitor the earliest events associated with excited-state relaxation in tris-(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II). The data reveal dynamics associated with the temporal evolution of the Franck-Condon state to the lowest energy excited state of this molecule. The process is essentially complete in approximately 300 femtoseconds after the initial excitation. This result is discussed with regard to reformulating long-held notions about excited-state relaxation, as well as its implication for the importance of non-equilibrium excited-state processes in understanding and designing molecular-based electron transfer, artificial photosynthetic, and photovoltaic assemblies in which compounds of this class are currently playing a key role.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Anterior cruciate ligament patellar tendon reconstruction: it is probably better to leave the tendon defect open!

The purpose of our prospective study was to establish whether or not in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) patellar tendon reconstruction the tendon defect has to be closed. In 50 consecutive ACL patellar tendon reconstructions, the tendon defect was randomly closed (group I) or left open (group II). The following data were recorded from all patients on the 4th and 14th days post operation: range of motion (ROM), pain at rest, pain and validity at isometric contraction, ability of bent leg raising (at 4th day) and straight leg raising (at 14th day). All the patients underwent ultrasonographic examination after 3 months and X-ray scanning at 6 months post operation. Forty patients underwent a CT-scan examination at 6 months. Thirty patients underwent isokinetic testing between 10 and 12 months post operation. Evaluating the immediate post operation data, no statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. Ultrasonography showed in 68% of the knees of group I (defect closed) a thickened patellar tendon (PT), while in 60% of group II it was of normal thickness. No patients of either group developed patella infera by X-ray evaluation 6 months post operation. CT scans at 6 months showed that 100% of the knees of group I had a thickened PT in toto (nearly twice as thick as normal). Scar tissue was present not only in its central third but also in more than half of the cases in the medial and lateral third. In group II 75% of the patients had a normal thickness PT and 25% presented with only a minimal thickening. Scar tissue was distinguished only at its central third.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The double patella syndrome.

First described by A. Trillat, the double patella is an uncommon clinical feature following repetitive injuries of the extensor mechanism of the knee. The first injury is a tendo-periosteal avulsion of the suprapatellar or, less frequently, infrapatellar tendon from the corresponding patellar pole. Often these avulsions are misdiagnosed and therefore treated only with a cast or no immobilization at all. Subsequent giving-way episodes lead to extensive ossification which is adjacent to or separated from the patella. The peculiar shape of this ossification overriding or underlying the primary kneecap justifies the denomination of double patella. Surgical treatment consists of removal of the calcification and reattachment of the tendon to the patella by transosseous sutures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Arthroscopic treatment of the flexed arthritic knee in active middle-aged patients.

Twenty patients (22 knees) treated by arthroscopic removal of the anterior tibial osteophyte were selected for review from more than 150 arthroscopic debridements of the knee over a 5-year period (1986-1991). All the patients were middle-aged active individuals with competitive sports activity in their past. Their main complaint was flexion deformity of the knee (5 degrees-20 degrees) associated with pain and discomfort in recreational sporting activities and/or in activities of daily living. Roentgenographic examination in all cases showed an anterior tibial osteophyte located just anterior and medial to the anteromedial tibial spine of the intercondylar eminence. No varus or valgus malalignment or subchondral necrosis was detected. Arthroscopic treatment consisting of removal of the anterior tibial osteophyte by shaving and extraction of the bone, followed by a moderate notchplasty, was sufficient to improve the active extension of the knee and to decrease the pain and stiffness of the joint.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and augmentation with PDS graft.

The article briefly explains the biomechanical properties of the PDS and the most important ways of its use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The different techniques of ACL reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are outlined. The authors explain their technique of ACL reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus plus PDS-band. The possible variations and pitfalls are pointed out. The results of this surgery are expounded.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗
PubMed1992

Microvasculature of the human medial meniscus: operative findings.

The purpose of our study was to weigh the probability of a successful meniscus repair on the basis of the microvasculature of the human medial meniscus. In a series of 105 patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between January 1985 and December 1986, we chose the 40 patients who had a subtotal medial meniscectomy (38%) to study the microvasculature of the human medial meniscus adequately; the other patients had either an intact meniscus (23%), a meniscus repair (29%), or an already removed meniscus (10%). Forty medial menisci, from 40 male patients with an average age of 27 years, having an anterolateral and/or anteromedial chronic knee laxity and an associated meniscal pathology, were subdivided into two groups: (a) 20 tears restricted to the posterior horn, and (b) 20 bucket-handle tears observed under light microscopy. Meaningful capillary plexuses penetrating into the meniscal stroma were found in 18 of 40 menisci (45%). They were easier to identify in posterior horn tears (55%) than in bucket-handle tears (35%), and were found especially in younger patients (22 years on the average). Therefore, we encourage meniscus repairs even in chronic tears, particularly in younger patients and in posterior-horn tears.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Phase I-II pilot study on the efficacy and tolerability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Rescue M-VEC) and preoperative radiation therapy for infiltrating bladder cancer: results of an 18-month follow-up.

In spite of the improvement of surgical techniques used alone or in combination with preoperative radiation therapy, more than 50% of the patients with infiltrating transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder die of distant metastases. Systemic antiblastic polychemotherapy has been reported to achieve a complete remission rate of approximately 30% in patients with infiltrating bladder TCC, although there are still doubts relative to the duration of such complete remissions. This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a preoperative chemo- and radiotherapeutic treatment modality and the possibility of performing preservative surgery. Thirty-seven patients with bladder TCC stage T2-T4, N0, M0, have been subjected to neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the "Rescue M-VEC" scheme of methotrexate 30 mg/m2 +folinic acid 15 mg. after 24 hours on days 1, 15, 22; vinblastine 3 mg/m2 on days 1, 15, 22; epidoxorubicin 30 mg/m2 on day 1 and cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on day 1. The course was repeated from day 29. After 2 "Rescue M-VEC" courses, the patients received pelvic cobalt tele-therapy (CTT) combined with cisplatin 24 mg/m2/week. The patients were then restaged. Those with complete remission (CR) received consolidation radiotherapeutic boost combined with cisplatin 24 mg/m2/week, avoiding radical cystectomy. Such treatment was also given to patients with significant partial remission (PR) who had undergone TUR or partial cystectomy. In all the remaining cases we carried out radical cystectomy. We obtained 45.7% CR, 31.4% PR and 22.8% were non-responders (NR), of 35 patients who were evaluable at restaging. Only 9 radical cystectomies were performed in this series. The overall survival rate was 80.6% at a mean follow-up of 18.1 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Potential use of holmium lasers for angioplasty: evaluation of a new solid-state laser for ablation of atherosclerotic plaque.

Tissue effects of the mid-IR Holmium laser (emitting at a wave-length of 2130 nm) were evaluated. This wavelength is attractive because it combines high water absorption and easy transmission through standard optical fibres. The laser was pulsed with pulse durations in the range of 100 microseconds and repetition rates between 2 and 6 Hertz. For all experiments a repetition rate of 2 Hertz was used. The laser beam was coupled into waterfree quartz fibers with core diameters of 200 and 800 microns with an efficiency of 70 and 80%, respectively. Ablation of atherosclerotic plaque has been performed at an ablation threshold of 10J/cm2 for the 800 microns and 40J/cm2 for the 200 microns fibre. Removal of calcified plaque was possible. Ablation efficiency increased in a non-linear fashion with increasing pulse energies. The ablation rate per pulse was approximately 2 mm at energy fluences of 1000J/cm2 for the 200 microns fibre and 1.25 mm at energy fluences of 70J/cm2 for the 800 microns fibre; a further increase in energy densities did not result in higher ablation rates. On macroscopic examination only very limited thermal injury was found in crater adjacent tissue structures. Crater edges were even and did not reveal signs of crater charring or debris in the crater lumen. However, the histologic specimens revealed zones of thermal damage extending 100 up to 1000 microns lateral into adjacent tissue. Thermal damage increased with increasing radiant exposures and depended on the medium used.

Angioplasty, Laser↗
PubMed1991

Results of arthroscopic treatment of degenerative meniscal tears (meniscosis).

The aim of this paper is to propose a new classification of degenerative meniscal tears and assess the validity of arthroscopic treatment. The study is based on 37 of the 47 patients treated, and the average follow-up was 2 years and 2 months. The cases were evaluated using previously adopted systems (HSS, Tapper and Hoover) as well as a new method proposed by the authors. The results were satisfactory (excellent and good) in 68% of the patients who did not have moderate to severe osteoarthritic changes, while patients with these changes had a 66% rate of unsatisfactory (fair or poor) results.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Urethral stenosis: presuppositions on the physiopathology and our experience with internal urethrotomy].

From 1982 till 1986 in our department 92 patients with single or multiple urethral strictures underwent internal urethrotomy according to Sachse. The Authors present a critical evaluation of etiology, pathophysiology, clinical-prognostic factors and therapeutic methodology. The results confirm the efficacy of internal urethrotomy in both the primary and relapsing urethral strictures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Suprascapular neuropathy in volleyball players.

We examined ninety-six top-level volleyball players from eight teams that competed during the 1985 European Championships, and twelve players were found to have asymptomatic isolated paralysis of the infraspinatus of the dominant side. Three players were studied with electromyography and Cybex-II isokinetic dynamometry. The results revealed denervation of the infraspinatus and approximately a 22 per cent loss of strength of the affected arm during external rotation. These findings were attributed to repeated stress due to stretching of the nerve during cocking of the arm and follow-through when the athlete was serving.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the results of extensor mechanism reconstruction.

One hundred sixteen patients underwent extensor mechanism reconstruction. Ninety-four returned at followup (3 to 11 years after surgery). Twenty-two patients were lost to followup. Subjectively, 74% of the patients had either an excellent or good result and 26% either a fair or poor result. We found retrospectively, that the patients with either fair or poor results had a stable or only mildly unstable patella preoperatively.

Adolescent↗