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Biomedical subjects

M Russo

Publications and source records attributed to M Russo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Molecular cloning and complete nucleotide sequence of carnation Italian ringspot tombusvirus genomic and defective interfering RNAs.

The complete sequences of genomic and defective interfering (DI) RNAs of carnation Italian ringspot tombusvirus (CIRV) were determined. The genome (4760 nt) has an organization identical to that reported for other tombusviruses except that the pre-readthrough domain of the viral replicase encoded by the 5'-proximal open reading frame (ORF) is larger. In particular, the N-terminal region of this protein differs from the corresponding region of the other members of the genus Tombusvirus and Carmovirus. Two DI RNAs were found in infected tissues whose sequences were completely derived from genomic RNA. The smaller molecule (474 nt) is contained completely within the larger molecule (656 nt), which suggests that it is derived from the larger one.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Iron status in breast-fed infants.

Iron status of 30 infants who had been breast fed until their first birthday and who had never received cow milk, medicinal iron, or iron-enriched formula and cereals was investigated; 30% were anemic at 12 months of age. The duration of exclusive breast-feeding was significantly longer among nonanemic infants (6.5 vs 5.5 months). None of the infants who were exclusively breast fed for 7 months or more and 43% of those who were breast fed for a shorter time were anemic. Infants who were exclusively breast fed for a prolonged period had a good iron status at 12 and 24 months.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Sequence analysis of pothos latent virus genomic RNA.

The complete genomic sequence of pothos latent virus (PoLV) has been determined. The genome organization is very similar to that of tombusviruses. The genome is 4415 nucleotides long and contains five ORFs. The 5' ORF (ORF 1) encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 25 kDa and readthrough of its amber stop codon results in an 84 kDa protein (ORF 2). ORF 3 encodes the 40 kDa capsid protein. Two nested ORFs (ORFs 4 and 5) in different reading frames encode 27 and 14 kDa proteins, respectively. Amino acid sequence alignments revealed significant similarities between the readthrough portion of ORF 2 and the coat protein (ORF 3) of PoLV and the corresponding proteins of several tombusviruses. Conversely, the predicted products of ORFs 1, 4 and 5 showed only limited similarity to the equivalent tombusvirus proteins. These results support the conclusion that PoLV is a new but atypical member of the family Tombusviridae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

[Echo Doppler in the characterization of thyroid nodular disease].

This study was aimed at investigating role and efficacy of color-Doppler US in the characterization of thyroid nodules. Eight-three consecutive patients with only one solid thyroid nodule, not smaller than 0.8 cm, were examined. They were submitted to scintigraphy and laboratory tests first and then to color-Doppler US, to fine-needle biopsy and/or to histologic examinations. Color-Doppler US examinations were performed with a 7.5 MHZ linear probe, 5-MHz Doppler frequency, PRF = 0.8 KHz, 40-50 degrees insonation angle, wall filters at the lowest level, 2-5 mm sample volume, color and Doppler gains set at 30-50% and asynchronous data collection. The final diagnosis, made at cytology and/or histology, showed 43 follicular hyperplasias, 19 follicular adenomas and 21 carcinomas. The following US variables were considered: nodule size, site, margins and the possible presence of the "halo sign" pattern, with a special attention paid to micro-/macrocalcifications, signs of invasion of surrounding anatomic structures and possible adenopathies. With color-Doppler US, we studied presence and distribution of nodular vascularization, peak (Vp) and middle (Vm) velocity, resistive index (RI) and Doppler spectrum morphology. In agreement with the current literature, 3 patterns of nodular vascularization were considered: not apparent, or type I (3/83), which was found only in follicular hyperplasia; peripheral, or type II (46/83) and finally, peri- and intranodular, or type III (31/83). Hyperplasias exhibited a type I pattern rarely and exclusively and, if vascularized, they always exhibited Vp < 50 cm/s, Vm < or = 40 cm/s and mostly (39/40 RI < or = 0.75; adenomas were always vascularized, with Vp > 50 cm/s and mostly (18/19) RI < or = 0.75; primary or secondary tumors were always vascularized, with an extremely variable distribution, and if Vp < 50 cm/s, their RI > 0.75, while if Vp < 50 cm/s, their RI was independent of the threshold value of 0.75. These preliminary conclusions seem to confirm that vascular patterns alone are not particularly helpful, compared with B-mode US results, in distinguishing among thyroid nodules. Nevertheless, Vp and RI may be of great usefulness in the characterization of solid nodules and in the selection of the patients to submit to fine-needle biopsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Typhoid fever in the Neapolitan area: a case-control study.

Typhoid fever is endemic in the Neapolitan area, where its yearly incidence rate largely exceeds the corresponding national figure. During the period from January to June, 1990, a matched case-control study was carried out in order to identify risk factors of the disease in this area; 51 subjects (mean age 27.2 years) with typhoid fever were compared with 102 controls matched with respect to age, sex and educational level. Consumption of raw shellfish was reported by 76.5% of the cases, as opposed to 19.6% of the controls (P < 0.01). Subjects who had eaten this food item had a 13.3-fold risk (C.I. 95% = 5.5 - 32.8) of contracting typhoid fever. In contrast, no risk was found to be associated with consumption of cooked shellfish, raw vegetables, ice-cream, non-potable water, or unpasteurized milk. The risk factor identified in this study shows that hazardous dietary habits and inadequate sewage treatment facilities, combined with lack of sanitation in the harvesting and marketing of shellfish, play a major role in the endemicity of typhoid fever in the Neapolitan area.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

Unusual onset of severe varicella in adult immunocompromised patients.

Abdominal and back pain has until now been reported as a first sign of severe varicella in immunocompromised children only. We report two adult leukemia patients in whom these symptoms preceded visceral dissemination of varicella infection. Recognizing that this syndrome may occur in adult patients is of clinical importance, since it allows early diagnosis and treatment of the infection.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1992

Biologically active cymbidium ringspot virus satellite RNA in transgenic plants suppresses accumulation of DI RNA.

A full-length DNA copy of cymbidium ringspot virus (CyRSV) satellite RNA was cloned downstream of the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter. In vitro transcripts were biologically active in plants when coinoculated with the helper virus or its RNA. Although the transcripts contained 7 or 29 extra nucleotides at the 3' end, the proper 3' terminus was restored in the satRNA progeny. Full-length cDNA clones of CyRSV satRNA under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and terminator were used to transform Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Integration of CyRSV satRNA sequence in the plant genome was tested by PCR amplification of DNA extracts from transformed plants and by detection of satRNA-related transcripts in total RNA extracts. Inoculation of transgenic plants with the helper virus induced replication of satRNA of the same size as the native molecule. Sequence analysis of the satRNA progeny showed that it was identical to natural CyRSV satRNA. Infected transgenic plants were not protected from apical necrosis and death by the presence of satRNA sequences. Rather, replication of satRNA was found to suppress accumulation of defective interfering RNA, which acts in the absence of satRNA as an attenuator of virus replication and disease.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The replication of cymbidium ringspot tombusvirus defective interfering-satellite RNA hybrid molecules.

A DNA copy of DI RNA of cymbidium ringspot tombusvirus was cloned downstream of a phage T7 promoter. In vitro-transcribed RNA replicated in Nicotiana clevelandii when co-inoculated with full-length viral genomic RNA transcripts and protected plants from apical necrosis. Artificial deletion mutants derived from the DI RNA clone showed that most of the central sequence block is necessary for replication. Hybrid DI RNA-satRNA clones were prepared and in vitro-synthesized RNA was inoculated to plants in the presence of helper viral RNA. There was replication only of in vitro transcripts derived from hybrid clones where satRNA sequences were inserted upstream or downstream from the central block, but not of those derived from clones where satRNA sequence replaced the central block. Progeny RNA of biologically active clones was either full-length or showed deletions depending on the insertion of satRNA sequences in DI RNA. DI RNA-satRNA constructs having part of the 5' region exchanged were not replicated.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

A liquid chromatographic assay using a high-speed column for the determination of lamotrigine, a new antiepileptic drug, in human plasma.

A sensitive, specific and rapid liquid-chromatographic method for the determination of the new antiepileptic drug lamotrigine (LTG) in human plasma is described. The method involves the use of a commercially available 3-microns particle size normal-phase column and a microflow-cell-equipped ultraviolet detector. Extraction is carried out with ethyl acetate after alkalinization on a 100-microliters plasma sample containing LTG and 3,5-diamino-6-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazine as internal standard. The residue is reconstituted with 50 microliters of ethanol, and 5 microliters of the final solution is injected into the column. Elution is carried out at 35 degrees C using n-hexane/absolute ethanol/35% ammonia (80/20/0.25 by volume) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 2.0 ml/min. Detection is at 313 nm. The chromatographic separation requires < 3 min and the sensitivity limit is < 0.1 mg/L. Recovery is 88-96.2%, whereas within-day and day-to-day coefficients of variation are between 4.1 and 7.7%.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1992

Elevation of plasma phenytoin by viloxazine in epileptic patients: a clinically significant drug interaction.

The effect of viloxazine (150-300 mg daily for 21 days) on plasma phenytoin levels at steady state was examined in 10 epileptic patients stabilised on a fixed phenytoin dosage. After starting viloxazine treatment, plasma phenytoin concentrations increased by 37% on average (range 7-94%) from a mean value of 18.8 micrograms/ml at baseline to a mean value of 25.7 micrograms/ml during the last week of combined therapy. In four patients the rise in plasma phenytoin was associated with the development of signs of phenytoin toxicity. Discontinuation of viloxazine resulted in return of plasma phenytoin towards baseline values and disappearance of the clinical symptoms. The mechanism of interaction probably involves inhibition of phenytoin metabolism by viloxazine. Careful monitoring of plasma phenytoin levels is recommended in patients treated with phenytoin who need to be started on viloxazine therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Vaccination against hepatitis A].

Hepatitis A is a worldwide disease transmitted by oral-fecal route, the endemicity level is high in developing countries and in the Far East. In northern Europe the endemicity level is low, but it is intermediate in the European Mediterranean area. Seroepidemiological surveys show that in Italy, as in many other European countries, hepatitis type A endemicity is declining. Therefore, immunity to infection shifts towards the older generations, leaving an increasing number of teenagers and young adults susceptible to the infection. Since in adults the infection is associated with higher levels of morbidity and mortality than in children, hepatitis A remains a public health problem. Moreover, travellers visiting an endemic area are at risk of acquiring the disease. Short-term, passive immunization with immune serum globulins is not a satisfactory method of controlling hepatitis A. The best way of controlling HAV endemicity is vaccination and a satisfactory vaccine will be available by 1993. Soon after HAV propagation in cell culture was achieved, three different approaches to HAV vaccine production were investigated: recombinant vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines. The production of a recombinant vaccine is, as yet, unavailable, because two HAV surface proteins linked together in a definite three dimensional configuration are needed to stimulate an effective immune response. A satisfactory live attenuated vaccine has not yet been obtained because of difficulties in maintaining a stable level of attenuation. Consequently, attention has shifted towards inactivated vaccines, and the HM 175 strain inactivated vaccine has been produced and widely studied in over 25,000 human volunteers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Differences in macrophage stimulation and leukocyte accumulation in response to intraperitoneal administration of glucose/mannose-binding plant lectins.

Peritoneal macrophage stimulation (rapid spreading on glass surface and hydrogen peroxide production) and inflammatory reaction (leukocyte accumulation) obtained in C3H/HeJ mice at 8 weeks of age, after a single ip injection of 10 micrograms concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin extracted from Canavalia ensiformis, were compared with those obtained with two other glucose/mannose-binding lectins extracted from Canavalia brasiliensis (Con Br) and Dioclea grandiflora (DGL). All lectins enhanced macrophage spreading 3- to 4-fold at 24-72 h compared to control. Stimulation of hydrogen peroxide release by Con A, Con Br and DGL lasted 1, 2 and 3 days, respectively. Leukocyte cell influx at 24-72 h after lectin injection consisted mainly of mononuclear cells. Con A induced a moderate increase in the total number of peritoneal cells, whereas administration of Con Br or DGL increased the number of peritoneal cells 2- to 3-fold. The results indicate that DGL and Con Br have more pronounced effects on macrophage stimulation and inflammatory reactions than Con A.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Mutagenesis of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis by UV and nitrosoguanidine treatment.

The production of Spirulina platensis cells resistant to 8-azaguanine or beta-(2-thienyl)-DL-alanine following mutagenesis with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and UV-irradiation is described. The conditions for the mutagenesis were determined by monitoring cell viability and the appearance of the two types of mutants as a function of the stage of growth of the tricomes and the length and the conditions of the treatment. The optimal conditions for UV and MNNG mutagenesis were found to be 1-3 min irradiation and 30 min incubation with 50 micrograms MNNG/ml of tricomes derived from cultures entering stationary phase sonicated for 10 s and 5 s respectively. Under these conditions beta-(2-thienyl)-DL-alanine-resistant mutants appeared at a frequency greater than or equal to 10(-4) and greater than or equal to 10(-5) following UV- and MNNG-mutagenesis, respectively. Mutants resistant to 8-azaguanine were found at a frequency approx. 10(-5) only after MNNG mutagenesis. A few chlorate-resistant mutants were also obtained following UV treatment.

Cyanobacteria↗
PubMed1991

Activation signals leading to proliferation of normal and leukemic CD3+ large granular lymphocytes.

The activation signals leading to proliferation of normal and leukemic CD3+ large granular lymphocytes (LGL) were studied in vitro. Anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) alone (P less than .01) and recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) alone (P less than .01) caused significant stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from four CD3+ LGL leukemia patients, as measured in a 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. Recombinant interleukin-4 (IL-4) alone had no effect (P = .11). The combination signals of anti-CD3 MoAb and either IL-2 or IL-4 produced a proliferative response greater than anti-CD3 MoAb alone (P less than .01) or lymphokine alone (P less than .01). Leukemic LGL, purified by two-color sorting, were subsequently activated by anti-CD3 MoAb and IL-2 and assessed for DNA content by viable Hoechst No. 33342 (HO) staining. Results of these studies demonstrated that leukemic LGL were stimulated directly by anti-CD3 MoAb and IL-2, with the percentage of cells in cell cycle (S + G2/M) ranging from 16% to 72%. Normal CD3+ LGL were also stimulated to enter the cell cycle by anti-CD3 and IL-2. These results show that leukemic LGL proliferate in vitro after activation through the T-cell receptor and/or lymphokine.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Is TNF alpha involved in early susceptibility of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected C3H/He mice?

Early wasting and subsequent mortality may occur in mice of some inbred strains following infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. It was hypothesized that TNF alpha/cachectin might be involved in this process. Thus, sera collected from mice of strains differing in their susceptibility or resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi infection were checked for the presence and level of TNF alpha, a cytokine able to exert acute toxic effects. C3H/HeJ or C3H/HePas (susceptible), BALB/c (intermediate) and C57BL/6 (resistant) mice were infected with the CL or Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, and TNF activity was measured in the sera during the acute phase of the infection. Only serum collected from infected C3H/He mice contained TNF activity. However, TNF activity could be measured in serum of all strains, following LPS infection, indicating that the infection was able to prime macrophages of infected mice to secrete TNF alpha. The TNF alpha/cachectin release in the sera of C3H mice may play a role in the early wasting and death of these mice after Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

De novo generation of cymbidium ringspot virus defective interfering RNA.

Nicotiana clevelandii plants were inoculated with cymbidium ringspot tombusvirus RNA synthesized in vitro, after which further passages were made by sap inoculation. During the third passage, low Mr RNA species appeared which had the characteristics of deletion mutants of genomic RNA. Sequence analysis of several of these defective interfering RNAs suggested a possible evolution of smaller from larger molecules. Computer-generated secondary structures of sequences surrounding recombination sites were extensive and stable and these sites occurred in interior or hairpin loops, thus providing a possible explanation for discontinuous RNA transcription and the formation of deletions in genomic RNA.

Base Sequence↗