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Biomedical subjects

M Mosca

Publications and source records attributed to M Mosca.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Incidence of transient ischemic attacks in the Belluno Province, Italy. First-year results of a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: This study formed part of a larger prospective population-based survey on cerebrovascular diseases and aimed to provide reliable and comparable results on TIA incidence and on related risk factors, which could supply investigation objectives and support information for primary and secondary prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook a prospective population-based study in the province of Belluno, an area located in the North-East of Italy where 211,389 people live, utilizing all the possible case-collection sources available in the territory. RESULTS: In the first year of the study (June 1, 1992 to May 31, 1993) 271 patients with a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack were recruited. Among these, we recorded 171 cases of new TIAs. The crude annual incidence rate for new TIAs was 0.80 per 1000, 0.73 per 1000 for men and 0.87 per 1000 for women. After adjustment to the European population, the overall incidence rate decreased to 0.58 per 1000 inhabitants per year. The mean age of new TIA patients was 73.91 years and females were significantly older than males (p < 0.001). A CT scan disclosed an infarct in 21 new TIA patients. CONCLUSION: Our first-year results on new TIAs incidence did not differ from the findings reported in previous population-based studies performed throughout the world and support data as to risk factors for TIA.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of the European classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome in a series of clinically defined cases: results of a prospective multicentre study. The European Study Group on Diagnostic Criteria for Sjögren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the recently proposed preliminary criteria for the classification of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a multicentre European study of a new series of clinically defined cases. METHODS: The criteria included six items: I = ocular symptoms; II = oral symptoms; III = evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca; IV = focal sialoadenitis by minor salivary gland biopsy; V = instrumental evidence of salivary gland involvement; VI = presence of autoantibodies. Each centre was asked to provide five patients with primary SS, five with secondary SS, five with connective tissue diseases (CTD) but without SS, and five controls (patients with ocular or oral features that may simulate SS). The preliminary six item classification criteria set was applied to both the SS patients and the non-SS controls, and the performance of the criteria in terms of sensitivity and specificity was tested. RESULTS: The criteria set was tested on a total of 278 cases (157 SS patients and 121 non-SS controls) collected from 16 centres in 10 countries. At least four of the six items in the criteria set (limiting item VI to the presence of Ro(SS-A) or La(SS-B) antibodies) were present in 79 of 81 patients initially classified as having primary SS (sensitivity 97.5%), but in only seven of 121 non-SS controls (specificity 94.2%). When the presence of item I or II plus any two of items III-V of the criteria set was considered as indicative of secondary SS, 97.3% (71 of 73) of the patients initially defined as having this disorder and 91.8% (45 of 49) of the control patients with CTD without SS were correctly classified. CONCLUSION: This prospective study confirmed the high validity and reliability of the classification criteria for SS recently proposed by the European Community Study Group.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Expression of PTP35, the murine homologue of the protein tyrosine phosphatase-related sequence IA-2, is regulated during cell growth and stimulated by mitogens in 3T3 fibroblasts.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) have been implicated in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. To isolate new members of this family potentially involved in cell growth regulation, we looked for PTPase sequences differently expressed in proliferating or quiescent NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The full-length cDNA of one of these growth-regulated genes, named PTP35, was isolated from a 3T3 library and found to encode the murine IA-2 PTPase-related sequence. Endogenous PTP35 mRNA steady-state levels were found to be strictly regulated during cell growth in 3T3 fibroblasts, being high in actively cycling cells and barely detectable in density-arrested cells. Both PTP35 mRNA and protein levels could be induced in quiescent cells by mitogenic stimulation. The growth factor specificity and kinetics of this induction were analyzed in detail.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Effects of granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on expression of adhesion molecules and production of cytokines in blood monocytes and ovarian cancer-associated macrophages.

The present study was aimed at characterizing the effects of in vitro exposure to GM-CSF on blood monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in human ovarian cancer. Purified populations of TAM from ovarian cancer patients were studied in terms of expression of surface molecules, cytokine production and tumor cytotoxicity after overnight incubation with GM-CSF or IFN gamma and LPS, used as reference activators. GM-CSF augmented the surface expression of ICAM-I and CD18 in TAM and in blood monocytes. Stimulation was more prominent in monocytes than in TAM, which showed higher baseline expression of this adhesion molecule. ICAM-3 was not influenced by GM-CSF or by IFN gamma/LPS. GM-CSF-augmented ICAM-I expression was associated with higher levels of mRNA transcripts. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide super-induced basal and GM-CSF-induced ICAM-I transcripts, thus excluding a role for secondary polypeptide mediators. In the absence of stimuli, TAM produced higher levels, compared to monocytes, of IL-6 and IL-8 but not of IL-1 and TNF. GM-CSF augmented the production of IL-6 and IL-8 (but not that of IL-1 and TNF) in TAM, whereas it had little effect on blood monocyte. Tumoricidal activity was tested against two ovarian tumor cell lines (OVCAR3 and SW626). GM-CSF more prominently augmented monocyte cytotoxicity, while only 2 of 6 TAM preparations were stimulated by GM-CSF. These results suggest that GM-CSF selectively regulates the function of blood monocytes and TAM, the effect of this cytokine varying with the parameter and cell population examined. These data provide a rational and biological endpoint for further studies with GM-CSF as an activator of mononuclear phagocyte function in ovarian cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Effects of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 39166 on the ingestive behaviour of alcohol-preferring rats.

The present study evaluated the effect of the selective and long-acting dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 39166 on several aspects of the ingestive behaviour of genetically selected alcohol-preferring rats, bred from Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. The effect of subchronic (8 days) subcutaneous drug administration was evaluated on the simultaneous daily intake of 10% ethanol, food and water. SCH 39166, 0.1 mg/kg, did not significantly modify the intake of the three ingesta. The dose of 1 mg/kg differentially modified rat ingestive behaviour, inhibiting intake of 10% ethanol, without modifying total fluid and food intake. The higher dose of 5 mg/kg produced a non-selective suppression of ingestive behaviour, which was accompanied by behavioural impairment. Acute drug injection was tested on 2-h intake of 10% sucrose, 0.1% saccharin, water or food. The doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg markedly inhibited the 2-h intake of 10% sucrose and 0.1% saccharin, but they did not modify either the 2-h water intake in water deprived and water sated rats or the 2-h food intake in food deprived rats. These findings suggest an important role of mechanisms mediated by D1 receptors in the control of alcohol and sweet solution intake, but not in water and food intake. Moreover, they indicate that SCH 39166, in relation to its selectivity and long-lasting activity, is an interesting pharmacological tool to investigate further the role of D1 receptor mechanisms in the control of ingestive behaviour.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1995

Infant feeding in the first year of age: composition and nutritional influence of the diet.

In recent years there has been a remarkable progress in infant nutrition, thanks to important development in the fields of nutrition, and food preparation and storage. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health) has carried out the analytical control of the composition of infant foods present on the Italian market, and verified the nutritional quality and the presence, if any, of undesirable substances. Since 1980 the research has often required the development of specific and accurate analytical methods for these products. Adapted and follow-up formulas, cereal-based weaning products and those meant for subjects in special physiological conditions (premature, coeliac, allergic) have been analyzed, monitoring their qualitative transformation during the years. The main essential nutrients-proteins, lipids and minerals-have been assayed to evaluate whether the nutritional requirements of infants during the first year of life were satisfied. The protein and lipid composition of infant formulas was compared with that of human milk, and the influence of such feedings on plasma amino acid levels and erythrocyte fatty acids was assessed.

Diet↗
PubMed1994

Molecular cloning of rat kynurenine aminotransferase: identity with glutamine transaminase K.

The enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) catalyses the conversion of L-kynurenine to kynurenic acid. A combination of polymerase chain reaction techniques and hybridization screening was used to isolate a cDNA clone encompassing the entire coding region of KAT from rat kidney. Identification of the cDNA as coding for KAT was based both on the comparison of amino acid sequences obtained from purified rat KAT and on the expression of KAT activity in COS-1 cells transfected with the cDNA. RNA blot analysis indicated that KAT mRNA is widely expressed in rat tissues. Cultured cells transfected with the cDNA for KAT also showed glutamine transaminase K activity. Based mainly on sequence data, these results demonstrate that rat kidney KAT is identical with glutamine transaminase K.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Protein and lipid composition of human milk and infant formulas: comparison and nutritional consequences.

This work results from some research carried out by the authors during the last few years in nutrition field. The data collected allowed to compare protein and lipid composition of infant formulas with human milk and to evaluate the influence of such feedings on plasma aminoacid levels and erythrocyte fatty acids. In spite of different infant formula compositions with respect to human milk, our nutritional studies did not demonstrate physiological differences between breast and bottle-fed infants if formulas provide with an adequate intake of protein and linoleic acid.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1990

[Dermatomycoses observed at the Dermatologic Clinic, Pavia University. 2) Pathology of Microsporum gypseum].

Microsporum gypseum infections are 0.4% of 4900 suspected dermatomycoses examined with direct microscopic exam and culture on Lactrimel medium or D.T.M. This geophilic dermatophyte was isolated in 20 cases (1.5% of all dermatophytes). More frequently M. gypseum caused tinea corporis (13 cases: 65%) and rarely tinea capitis (2 cases: 10%), tinea faciei (2 cases), tinea manus (2 cases) and tinea cruris (1 case). Both sexes are equally affected. Direct microscopic exam was negative in 2 cases. This dermatophyte was more frequently isolated during the summer and fall. Finally M. gypseum was not isolated in tinea pedis and tinea unguium.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1989

Pityriasis versicolor in the aged: a clinical investigation and epidemiological survey in 190 elderly hospitalized patients.

190 subjects over 60 yrs of age, hospitalized for long stays were checked for scaling and hyperpigmented patches of P. versicolor. 20 patients (10.5%) showed no clinical lesions; 170 patients (89.5%) showed scaling and/or hyperpigmented patches of which 13 patients (6.8%) on direct microscopic exam showed hyphae and yeasts of M. furfur, 64 (33.6%) only globular forms of P. orbiculare and 113 cases (59.4%) showed no fungal elements. Wood's light examination showed that 38 subjects (20%) were 6 positive for M. furfur and 23 for P. orbiculare while in the other 9 no fungal elements were observed on microscopic exam. Whereas 48/132 patients negative to Wood's light were positive for yeasts on microscopic exam (false negative). This study indicates that P. versicolor is not rare in the elderly and that Wood's light examination is not diagnostic. There was no relationship between P. versicolor and underlying illness.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

Superficial mycoses observed at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Pavia. A 13-year survey.

Over a period of 13 years, 4,100 specimens were cultured for fungi. Pityriasis versicolor (Malassezia furfur) was demonstrated in 17.6%, dermatophytosis in 34.6% and candidiasis in 10.8%. The most frequently isolated strains were M. canis (31.5%), T. rubrum (26.3%), E. floccosum (19.7%), T. mentagrophytes (19.3%) for the dermatophytes and C. albicans (88.9%). Those rarely seen were: M. gypseum, T. violaceum, M. audouini, T. schoenleinii. We observed the absolutely complementary results of the microscopic examinations and the cultures of the specimens.

Candidiasis, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1989

[Findings on dermatomycoses observed at the Dermatologic Clinic, University of Pavia. A third pathology caused by Trichophyton rubrum].

From 1974 to 1988 T. rubrum have been isolated in 304 cases (27.8% of dermatophytes) in the Department of Dermatology in Pavia and it is the second most frequent fungus after M. canis. Males are more frequently affected (61.1%) than females (38.9%). A single localization was found in 82.2% of the cases and two or more types of "Tineae" only in 17.8%. The age-group 31-40 is more frequently affected (29%). The most frequent dermatophytosis caused by T. rubrum was Tinea pedis (33.9%) while Tinea capitis resulted a very rare localization (2.1%). An increase of T. rubrum infections is noted particularly in the last years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Efficacy of fenticonazole in patients with pityriasis versicolor].

Thirty patients suffering from Pityriasis versicolor were treated with fenticonazole in cream or lotion form with two applications a day. At microscopy, Malassezia furfur was encountered in 25 cases and Pityrosporum orbiculare in 5. Disappearance of the yeast was obtained on average in 2 weeks of treatment. Measurement of sebum content with a Sebumeter apparatus did not reveal significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between patients suffering from Pityriasis versicolor and controls and in treated patients, in the course of topical therapy.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1988

Diagnostic value of body surface potential mapping in old anterior non-Q myocardial infarction.

Body surface potential maps (BSM) were recorded from 140 chest leads in 30 healthy control subjects (C) and in 20 patients who had had an acute non-Q wave myocardial infarction (MI) 1-82 months before the study, to identify reliable indices of necrosis. In 12 MI patients the QRS complex was within normal limits on standard 12-lead ECG (group A), and in 8 patients no pathologic Q waves were present but the R waves were small and did not normally increase from V1 to V4 (group B). In each subject instantaneous potential distributions throughout the QRS interval were examined. Moreover, the potential--time integrals relating to three intervals (first 40 msec, mid-third, and last third of QRS) were calculated at each lead point and displayed as integral (I) maps. For each time interval, deviation index maps (DI), indicating the standardized differences from normal values, were calculated. An area where the integral values differed at least 2 SD from normal mean was considered abnormal. In most group A patients the inspection of instantaneous potential maps did not reveal definitively abnormal patterns. In group B patients a greater variety of patterns was found and in four cases the characteristic features of the anterior Q wave MI were observed. The DI maps of the first 40 msec of QRS provided the best diagnostic accuracy: areas of negative values 2 SD lower than normal were present in all group B patients (100%), in 8 group A patients (67%), and in 4 group C subjects (13%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Double-blind comparison of astemizole and terfenadine in the treatment of chronic urticaria.

Two new non-sedating antihistamines, astemizole (10 mg per day) and terfenadine (120 mg per day), were compared in a double-blind randomized study in 42 adult patients suffering from chronic urticaria. The trial lasted 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks and kept a daily diary of their symptoms. There was a statistically significant decrease in pruritus, erythema and urticaria papules in both groups throughout the study. Changes in papule size, number and frequency were greater in the astemizole group though not significantly different to the terfenadine group. The effect of astemizole increased with time whereas that of terfenadine decreased after about 3 weeks of treatment. Astemizole was globally considered to be the most effective drug by both investigator and patients, with excellent/good results in 77% of the patients compared with 55% to 60% in the terfenadine group. Both drugs were reported to be more effective and faster acting than other antihistamines taken previously. Side-effects were infrequent and minor in both groups.

Adolescent↗