Biomedical subjects

M Cellini

Publications and source records attributed to M Cellini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Optical coherence tomography, frequency-doubling technology, and colour Doppler imaging in ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To study in ocular hypertension (OH) the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the neuronal function with frequency-doubling technology (FDT) to assess which of the two methods was more sensitive in detecting early glaucomatous damage. Furthermore, a colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the optic nerve was carried out to highlight any correlation with RNFL thickness and FDT abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 28 ocular hypertensive patients who underwent OCT of the RNFL and FDT. Moreover, we performed a CDI of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs). RESULTS: The patients with OH following OCT revealed a significant thinning in the RNFL as compared to the control group only in the inferior quadrant: 122.250+/-14.091 vs131.750+/-10.729 mum (P<0.045). As regards FDT, there was a significant difference between the two groups only for pattern standard deviation (PSD): 3.873+/-1.488 vs1.938+/-0.704 dB (P<0.044). In OH and in the control group, CDI resistance index (RI) in the OA was 0.768+/-0.012 vs0.745+/-0.019 (P<0.022), in the CRA was 0.66+/-0.012 vs0.645+/-0.019 (P<0.032), and in PCAs was 0.673+/-0.039 vs0.622+/-0.012 (P<0.037). The OCT had a sensitivity of 83% but only in the inferior RNFL quadrant. The FDT-PSD revealed a sensitivity of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Both FDT and OCT detect early glaucomatous damage with a slightly superior sensitivity of FDT vsOCT. The CDI measurements suggest that circulatory abnormalities may have a role in the development of OCT and FDT damage.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

The use of nerve growth factor in surgical wound healing of the cornea.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown how the topical application of nerve growth factor (NGF) has led to the repair of neurotrophic corneal ulcers with recovery of corneal surface sensitivity. The biological effect of NGF, at a corneal level, is mediated by the presence of specific receptors localized on the surfaces of the corneal and conjunctival cells. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of NGF to promote corneal wound healing after cataract surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients were divided into two groups (groups A and B) and underwent cataract surgery. After surgery patients in group A received 1 drop of NGF solution (10 microg of NGF dissolved in 50 microl of saline solution, 0.9% of sodium chloride) in the conjunctival fornix every 2 h (from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) for 2 weeks and then 4 times a day for another week. The patients in group B received 1 drop of hyaluronic acid 0.2% eye drops in the conjunctival fornix every 2 h for 2 weeks and then 4 times a day for another week. With optical coherence tomography (OCT) we evaluated the corneal thickness at the side of the surgical wound, the endothelial cell count and the incision line in the stroma 1, 7 and 21 days after surgery. RESULTS: Before surgery in group A and in group B, the endothelial cell count was 2,607.4 +/- 261.0 versus 2,602.0 +/- 266.6 (p < 0.991), and the temporal cornea edge thickness was 639.2 +/- 24.7 versus 644.4 +/- 31.9 microm (p < 0.605), respectively. At 24 h after surgery, the results were: 2,523.2 +/- 280.5 versus 2,528.2 +/- 235.7 (p < 0.988) and 804.4 +/- 29.5 versus 802.6 +/- 35.0 microm (p < 0.953). After 7 days the cell count values were: 2,511.4 +/- 229.8 versus 2,490.0 +/- 230.4 (p < 0.361) and corneal thickness 713.6 +/- 16.5 versus 771.4 +/- 36.5 microm (p < 0.047). Finally, 21 days after surgery, the number of endothelial cells was 2,540.2 +/- 237.3 versus 2,503.4 +/- 224.5 (p < 0.382) and corneal thickness 645.2 +/- 22.6 versus 704.2 +/- 11.8 microm (p < 0.002). In the patients treated with NGF, on day 21, we found with OCT a complete wound healing, and the stromal incision was not visible. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical experience shows that the topical administration of NGF is effective in accelerating the healing of surgical corneal wounds.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Diagnostic performance of tear function tests in Sjogren's syndrome patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the tests included in primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS-I) diagnostic criteria (Schirmer I, break-up time, vital dye staining) and to compare them with other examinations related to the ocular surface status. METHODS: Clinical and cytological data were collected from 177 patients (62 SS-1, 56 non-SS autoimmune diseases, 59 Sicca syndrome). Tear tests included: a validated questionnaire on symptoms, Schirmer I, Jones test, Ferning test, BUT, corneal aesthesiometry, tear clearance test, lissamine green staining, impression conjunctival cytology. Data were statistically evaluated and sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR+), receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated for each test. RESULTS: Data showed a poor diagnostic performance of Schirmer test I (sensitivity 0.42; specificity 0.76; LR+1.75) and BUT (sensitivity 0.92; specificity 0.17; LR+1.11) (area under the curve in ROC analysis <0.58). Validated subjective symptoms questionnaire (sensitivity 0.89; specificity 0.72; LR+3.18), Jones test (sensitivity 0.60; specificity 0.88; LR+5), corneal aesthesiometry (sensitivity 0.80; specificity 0.67; LR+2.42), and tear clearance test (sensitivity 0.63; specificity 0.84; LR+3.93), all exhibited a high diagnostic performance (area under the curve in the ROC analysis always >0.70). Lissamine green staining exhibited the best performance (sensitivity 0.63; specificity 0.89; LR+5.72) but the result could be distorted by an incorporation bias. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest to implement the items for ocular signs and symptoms contained in many SS-I diagnostic criteria with the use of a validated questionnaire, performance of Jones test, corneal aesthesiometry measurement, and tear clearance rate evaluation.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Frequency doubling perimetry in ocular hypertension and chronic open angle glaucoma.

The authors have studied the reliability of frequency doubling perimetry (FDP) in screening glaucomatous disease and in ocular hypertension. The study was made on 30 patients affected by chronic simple open-angle glaucoma (COAG) and 30 patients with ocular hypertension. MD and PSD variations were evaluated after a W/W perimetry and after FDP. In the COAG patients, FDP confirmed the perimetric alterations found by the W/W method. In the ocular hypertensive patients, with FDP we found a significant PSD increase over that found by the W/W technique: 4.051 +/- 0.822 against 2.501 +/- 0.928 (P < 0.001). FDP can therefore be put forward as a valid instrument for screening even precocious perimetric defects.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2001

Local chemotherapy with interferon-alpha for conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of subconjunctival interferon-alpha for the treatment of conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. DESIGN: Small, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five patients with histologically proven conjunctival MALT lymphoma were studied prospectively. METHODS: Patients were given 1,500,000 international units (IU) of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) (Roferon-A) subconjunctivally inside the lesion, three times a week for four weeks. If there was even a minimal response, a further cycle of 1,000,000 IU three times a week for four weeks was administered. Patients received a maintenance dose of 1 million IU, every 15 days for 4 times, after clinical resolution of the lesion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were followed clinically, with slit lamp examination, for evidence of tumor disappearance or recurrence. RESULTS: Complete response was obtained in all patients. The lesion resolved completely by the eighth week. Four patients did not show any local recurrence with a median follow-up of 21 months (12-36 months). One patient presented with a recurrence after 11 months, in association with systemic lymphoma progression. CONCLUSIONS: Local chemotherapy with IFN-alpha seems to be an effective treatment modality, alternative to radiotherapy, for conjunctival MALT lymphomas.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Pseudoexfoliatio capsulae and endothelin-1 plasma levels.

The authors found an increase of endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma levels in patients with pseudoexfoliatio syndrome (PXS): 2.730 +/- 0.224 pg/ml vs 1.420 +/- 0.30S pg/ml. With Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) they found in PXS patients a decrease of peak systolic velocity values in the posterior ciliary arteries that were 12.725 +/- 2.536 cm/sec vs 15.450 +/- 3.173 cm/sec (p < 0.049) while the resistance values were increased 0.640 +/- 0.051 vs 0.548 +/- 0.058 (p < 0.001). The increase of ET-1 plasma levels may assess the vasospasm and uveal tissue hypoxia.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

MHC isoform composition and Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation properties of rat skeletal muscle fibers.

Chemically skinned single fibers from adult rat skeletal muscles were used to test the hypothesis that, in mammalian muscle fibers, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression and Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation characteristics are only partly correlated. The fibers were first activated in Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-buffered solutions under near-physiological conditions, and then their MHC isoform composition was determined electrophoretically. Fibers expressing only the MHC I isoform could be appropriately identified on the basis of either the Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation characteristics or the MHC isoform composition. Fibers expressing one or a combination of fast MHC isoforms displayed no significant differences in their Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation properties; therefore, their MHC isoform composition could not be predicted from their Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation characteristics. A large proportion of fibers expressing both fast- and slow-twitch MHC isoforms displayed Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation properties that were not consistent with their MHC isoform composition; thus both fiber-typing methods were needed to fully characterize such fibers. These data show that, in rat skeletal muscles, the extent of correlation between MHC isoform expression and Ca(2+)- or Sr(2+)-activation characteristics is fiber-type dependent.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Frequent replacement and conventional daily wear soft contact lens symptomatic patients: tear film and ocular surface changes.

We analyzed tear film changes, ocular surface tissue alterations and inflammatory conditions in Frequent Replacement Soft (FRS) Contact Lens (CL) or Conventional Soft (CS)-CL wearers suffering from eye discomfort, by applying complementary diagnostic tests. Our data suggest the following conclusions: i) eye discomfort symptoms begin after 1-3 years of successful wear, mainly in FRS-CL wearers; ii) tear film stability is affected by CL wear, mainly in FRS-CL wearers; iii) CL wear produces a subclinical moderate inflammation based on mononuclear cell recruitment in 3 out of 4 patients of both types of lenses; iv) CL wear induces dry eye conditions, more pronounced in FRS-CL users; v) discomfort symptoms, presence of subclinical inflammation, degree of dryness are not directly related to a clinical presentation of intolerance, mainly in FRS-CL wearers; vi) CL wear-related discomfort symptoms should never be underestimated, since a hidden inflammation or dryness can be present beyond an apparently good clinical picture.

Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic↗

PubMed1999

Venlafaxine versus fluoxetine in the treatment of atypical anorectic outpatients: a preliminary study.

The efficacy of venlafaxine and fluoxetine in the treatment of atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) was compared in a controlled trial. A consecutive series of 24 atypical anorectic females was assigned to either venlafaxine (75 mg/day) or fluoxetine (40 mg/day) plus cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Eating Disorder Examination (EDE12.0D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were compared before and after 6 months of treatment. Venlafaxine and fluoxetine determined an increase of body mass index (BMI) and a significant reduction of EDE12.0D and BDI scores; venlafaxine alone reduced STAI scores. It would seem that venlafaxine is as effective as fluoxetine when combined with CBT in the treatment of atypical AN.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Adhesion mechanisms of human lens epithelial cells on 4 intraocular lens materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate lens epithelial cell (LEC) adhesion on different intraocular lens (IOL) materials with particular attention to the distribution of proteins located in the focal contacts. SETTING: Center of Biotechnological and Clinical Research in Ophthalmology, University of Bologna, Italy. METHODS: The IOL materials tested were poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), heparin-surface-modified PMMA (HSM PMMA), polyHEMA, and silicone. Primary cultures of human LECs were established from human anterior capsules obtained during cataract surgery. The mean number of cells attached per square millimeter was calculated for each material after 24 and 72 hours. Transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemical analysis were performed to detect the proteins actin, vinculin, and talin. RESULTS: Mean adhesiveness of human LECs increased over time with PMMA and decreased with the other materials. At 72 hours, mean LECs ranged from 54.8 cells/mm2 +/- 12.8 (SD) on PMMA to 2.1 +/- 0.7 cells/mm2 on silicone. The means for HSM PMMA and polyHEMA fell in between. The cytoskeletal proteins were arranged to produce focal contacts in only the LECs cultured on PMMA. The LECs cultured on polyHEMA, HSM PMMA, and silicone attached but failed to develop focal contacts or stress fibers. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the multifactorial pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification and suggests its incidence will be reduced by improving surgical techniques and using IOL surfaces that discourage cell adhesion.

Actins↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection detected by serology and 13C-urea breath test in HIV-1 perinatally infected children.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported in adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) who were investigated for Helicobacter pylori infection. Most studies indicate a lower prevalence than is found in the general population. The purposes of this study were to evaluate H. pylori prevalence by noninvasive methods in a population of children perinatally infected with HIV-1 and to correlate H. pylori prevalence with HIV-1-related clinical and immunologic status. METHODS: H. pylori infection was studied in 45 children perinatally infected with HIV-1 by performing serologic testing of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies and the 13C-urea breath test. RESULTS: Eight children with HIV-1 (17.7%) were positive by serology, and nine (20%) were positive by 13C-urea breath test. No significant differences related to age, previous antibiotic treatment, immunoglobulin administration, antiretroviral treatment, abdominal pain, CD4+ cell count, number of HIV-1 RNA copies, and frequency of severe immunodepression were noted between children with positive 13C-urea breath test results and those with negative results. Children with positive results were significantly more likely to have severe clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: The results show, by both serology and 13C-urea breath test, a prevalence of H. pylori infection comparable with the prevalence in the normal population of the same age. H. pylori prevalence has probably been underestimated in patients with HIV. Results of serologic and histologic analyses for H. pylori require cautious interpretation, especially in severely immunodeficient patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1999

Eye discomfort and air pollution.

Discomfort eye syndrome (DES) comprises a series of 'minor' subjective symptoms in patients where no relevant clinical signs are observed suggesting ocular disease. Our study includes 100 DES patients, excluding video terminal users, selected from the First Aid Service of our Department over two peak periods in both winter and summer time. The Schirmer test I, ferning test, breakup time and conjunctival cytology (scraping and imprint) were performed and data were related to sex, age and air pollution indexes, recorded in the patients' living zones. Our results demonstrate that: (i) the ocular surface cytology and the analysis of tear film changes provide significant information in those patients where no other clinical signs are evident; (ii) DES symptoms are more frequent in women than in men (ratio about 2:1), both with ages over 51 years; (iii) DES is significantly associated with ocular surface inflammation, as detected by cytological methods, and (iv) ocular surface subclinical inflammation and ocular dryness are related to high concentrations of atmospheric polluters, in both sexes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Color doppler imaging of ocular blood flow after topical ketanserin.

The authors investigated the effect of ketanserin 0.5% eye drops on intraocular pressure and orbital blood flow in some healthy volunteers. Ketanserin is a selective antagonist of serotonin S(2) receptors; moreover, it produces an alpha(1)-blocking effect. It causes a systemic reduction of blood pressure and capillary vasodilatation. Three hours after topical administration of ketanserin 0.5%, the intraocular pressure was decreased by about 14% from the baseline. At the same time, we observed by color Doppler imaging that the mean percent increase in the peak systolic velocity in the ophthalmic artery (OA) was 5.18% (p < 0.161) and 23.18% (p < 0.001) in the posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs). The mean resistance index of the OA was in contrast reduced by 1.16% (p < 0.669) and by 32.14% (p < 0.003) in the PCAs. These data show that ketanserin 0.5% eye drops may be useful not only to decrease intraocular pressure but also to improve blood flow in the PCAs that supply the optic nerve head.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1998

Fatty acid use in glaucomatous optic neuropathy treatment.

The authors have studied the efficacy of an association of DHA, vitamin E and vitamin B complex (TROFINERV) in glaucomatous patients. The parameters evaluated were computerized visual field (CVF) and retinal contrast sensitivity (RCS). Thirty chronic simple glaucoma patients in good tensional compensation with local therapy were given TROFINERV oral therapy. The results show significant differences after 90 days of treatment both in the perimetric indices (MD, SF, CPSD; p < 0.05) and in the RCS frequency values (p < 0.05). In the light of the results obtained, the authors consider the use of such association to be a useful support in glaucomatous patient therapy for preventing or delaying the progress of damage.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1997

Color Doppler imaging and plasma levels of endothelin-1 in low-tension glaucoma.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelin cells There are reports in the literature that ET-1 plasma levels are raised in low tension glaucoma (LTG). ET-1 plasma concentration and Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) evaluation in ophthalmic and posterior ciliary arteries were measured in 15 LTG patients and in 15 healthy subjects. The blood flow index recorded for the ophthalmic artery in normal subjects was a PSV of 36.646 +/- 6.611 cm/sec with RI of 0.717 +/- 0.019 while in the LTG patients it was 32.961 +/- 3.045 cm/sec (p < 0.003) with RI of 0.789 +/- 0.018 (p < 0.001). For the posterior ciliary arteries in the same two groups, we obtained a PSV of 13.878 +/- 4.149 cm/sec vs 8.720 +/- 1.645 cm/sec (p < 0.001) and an RI of 0.679 +/- 0.039 vs 0.722 +/- 0.024 (p < 0.001). The plasma ET-1 level in normal subjects was 1.720 +/- 0.174 pg while in LTG patients it was 2.947 +/- 0.217 pg (p < 0.001). On the basis of our experience, we think that GON and the visual field damage found in LTG can be attributed to an alteration in the endothelial self-regulating sections and consequent vascular insufficiency, particularly pronounced in the posterior ciliary arteries which, since it is these that provide the blood supply to the optic nerve head, leads to irreversible functional damage.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Diagnostic and prognostic indices in primary open angle glaucoma: a color Doppler study.

The authors compute a diagnostic (Di) and a prognostic (Pi) index in primary open angle glaucoma. Four groups of patients were studied. Group A consisted of subjects under 50 years of age, group B of subjects over 50 years of age, group C of patients with normal tension glaucoma and group D with high tension glaucoma. All patients underwent color doppler imaging of the ophthalmic, posterior ciliary and choroid arteries. The Di of the choroid vessels were 0.967 +/- 0.011 (gp. A), 1.112 +/- 0.010 (gp. B), 1.506 +/- 0.008 (gp. C) and 2.891 +/- 0.083 (gp. D). The Pi of the posterior ciliary arteries were 22.700 +/- 1.160 (gp. A), 20.000 +/- 0.943 (gp. B), 15.100 +/- 0.568 (gp. C) and 12.100 +/- 0.083 (gp. D). Confirmation of these data might validate them as a tool for preventing the evolution of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

The use of flunarizine in the management of low-tension glaucoma: a color Doppler study.

The authors assess the efficacy of flunarizine in improving blood flow and perimetric indices in low-tension glaucoma (LTG). A group of 20 patients with LTG well-compensated by medical treatment underwent Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) of the ophthalmic artery and posterior ciliary arteries with peak systolic velocity (PSV) and Purcelot's index (PI) evaluation. Computerized perimetry was also performed to assess MD, SF and CPSD. The parameters were measured before and after three months' therapy with flunarizine. Data before and after flunarizine treatment were: Ophthalmic artery- PSV 33.261 +/- 1.628 cm/sec vs 35.746 +/- 0.800 cm/sec (p < 0.001); PI 0.697 +/- 0.017 vs 0.627 +/- 0.031 (p < 0.001); Posterior ciliary arteries- PSV 9.385 +/- 0.751 cm/sec vs 10.738 +/- 1.566 cm/sec (p < 0.005); PI 0.673 +/- 0.056 vs 0.589 +/- 0.023 (p < 0.001). The perimetric indices were modified as follows: MD -11.002 +/- 6.574 vs -6.604 +/- 6.426 (p < 0.006); SF 5.05 +/- 5.717 vs 2.937 +/- 1.780 (p < 0.193); CPSD 10.198 +/- 13.392 vs 3.445 +/- 2.709 (p < 0.093). Oral administration of flunarizine, a calcium channel-blocker which acts at a vascular and neuronal level, improves the blood flow indices for the optic nerve, improving thereby the perimetric indices in LTG.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1997

[Color Doppler ultrasonography in retinitis pigmentosa. Preliminary study].

PURPOSE: Retinitis pigmentosa is a bilateral retinal degeneration. The primary disorder is still debated. METHODS: We performed a prospective investigation of the ocular circulation directly by color Doppler imaging (CDI). A total of 28 eyes of 14 patients (8 men and 6 women, affected with retinitis pigmentosa) were recruited for this study. For each case were evaluated protosystolic velocity and the resistive index of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, posterior ciliary arteries and choroid. These values, furthermore, have been compared with a control group. RESULTS: The results of the CDI in the group of RP and in the CG were: in the OA: PSV 31.177 +/- 5.119 cm/sec vs 36.700 +/- 3.152 cm/sec (p < 0.007); RI 0.713 +/- 0.058 vs 0.717 +/- 0.019 (p < 0.0839); in the CRA PSV 7.075 +/- 1.611 cm/sec vs 12.710 +/- 2.795 cm/sec (p < 0.001); RI 0.560 +/- 0.062 vs 0.550 +/- 0.051 (p < 0.234); in the PCA: PSV 8.569 +/- 3.408 cm/sec vs 14.100 +/- 2.571 cm/sec (p < 0.001) with RI 0.634 +/- 0.090 vs 0.681 +/- 0.045 (p < 0.145). In the CHO: PSV 12.312 +/- 2.327 cm/sec vs 16.170 +/- 1.846 cm/sec (p < 0.001) with RI 0.581 +/- 0.072 vs 0.638 +/- 0.050 (p < 0.065). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in the affected eyes there is a statistically significant reduction in blood flow in ophthalmic and ciliary arteries. These data offer new views on the retinitis cause of pigmentosa and possible therapeutics to be studied.

Adult↗