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Biomedical subjects

P Caruso

Publications and source records attributed to P Caruso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Guillain-Barré syndrome after varicella zoster virus infections. A case report.

The case of a 13 year-old patient affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome developed after varicella zoster virus infection is reported. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and motor and sensory conduction velocity were consistent with GBS. Antibodies against gangliosides GM1 were present; it is likely that some of these may play an important role in the pathogenesis of syndrome after varicella infection. The therapy was carried out with increasing high-doses of immunoglobulins, with full clinical recovery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A simple extraction procedure for efficient routine detection of pathogenic bacteria in plant material by polymerase chain reaction.

A simple and rapid method for extracting DNA from plants based on the use of an extraction buffer and precipitation with isopropanol was assayed to see its usefulness in detecting pathogenic bacteria in plant material. The method was compared with a phenol-chloroform standard procedure obtaining higher sensitivity levels of detection. The protocol developed was efficient for detecting a Gram-positive bacterium, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and several Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum, Erwinia amylovora, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri) with a sensitivity of 10(2)-10(3) cfu/ml in spiked samples. It was also efficient to specifically identify such bacteria in naturally infected plant material. This procedure is proposed as a routine tool for detection of plant pathogenic bacteria, as well as in environmental microbiology and biotechnology studies.

2-Propanol↗
PubMed1999

The unidirectional valve is the best method to determine maximal inspiratory pressure during weaning.

OBJECTIVES: Although maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is used as an index of inspiratory muscular strength, there is no consensus on how to measure it. We compared, during weaning from mechanical ventilation, two methods of measurement to determine which shows the greater values (MIPbest) and is more reproducible. One method measured MIP when negative pressure was maintained for at least 1 s after a forceful expiration, and the other method measured MIP with a unidirectional expiratory valve (MIPuni). DESIGN: The study had a crossover design, and patients randomly performed three measurements of each method (t1). The procedure was repeated by the same observer after 20 min (t2). The maximal value in each method was considered. SETTING: ICU, Hospital A.C. Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: Fifty-four consecutive patients undergoing short-term mechanical ventilation who became eligible for the study when their physicians decided to restore spontaneous breathing. RESULTS: MIPbest values were arrived at using MIPuni 75% of the time either in tl or t2. MIPuni yielded a higher average of MIPbest values in t1 and t2 (p < 0.0001). The effort-to-effort coefficient of variation of one method compared with the other during t1 and t2 was similar (p > 0.2 for t1; p > 0.8 for t2). Also, when comparing tl and t2, the coefficients of variation were similar for each method (p > 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Because MIPuni displayed the maximal values, it is the best method for estimating MIP in patients undergoing short-term mechanical ventilation. The reproducibility of consecutive measurements was similar between the methods, even after a short period of time.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A foodborne outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis vehicled by duck and hen eggs in southern Italy.

A foodborne outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis PT4 is described. This microrganism was detected in a home-made dessert, in the duck and hen eggs used for its preparation and in faecal samples of six persons involved in the outbreak. PCR ribotyping revealed that all the strains shared a profile of S. enteritidis never previously identified in southern Italy and quite different from that of the strains simultaneously isolated in the same geographic area. The possible identification of a clonal variant of S. enteritidis PT4 host-adapted to duck is hypothesized.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Comparative analysis of isolated human bronchi contraction and biosynthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes using a direct 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor.

Quantitation of cysteinyl leukotriene production and smooth muscle contraction upon immunological challenge of isolated human bronchi was evaluated. Analysis of picomole amounts of leukotriene C4, D4, and E4 was achieved using HPLC separation and enzyme immunoassay quantitative determination. The aim of the study was to correlate the contraction of airway smooth muscle and cysteinyl leukotriene production with and without 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. In human isolated bronchial tissue treated with indomethacin and pyrilamine to make their contractile responses leukotriene dependent only, the novel 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor 5,6-Dihydroxy-2-(N,N-Dimethylhydrazino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naph talene bromide (CHF 1909) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the immunologically induced contraction, showing an IC50 value of 13 +/- 2.2 microM (mean +/- CV). At the concentration of 30 microM, this compound caused more than 90% inhibition of the maximal bronchoconstriction in vitro, and inhibited cysteinyl leukotriene production by 90% as well. Contemporary measurement of immunologically induced contraction and production of cysteinyl leukotrienes in isolated human bronchi provided a direct correlation between smooth muscle contraction and synthesis of leukotriene C4, D4, and E4.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1996

Inhibition of parathyroid hormone-stimulated resorption in cultured fetal rat long bones by the main metabolites of ipriflavone.

Ipriflavone is an isoflavone derivative used in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis in humans. To assess the potential contribution of the main in vivo ipriflavone metabolites (M1, M2, M3, and M5) on the pharmacological properties of the drug, we investigated their effect on osteoclastic resorption induced by the well-known stimulator of bone resorption bovine parathyroid hormone fragment 1-34 (bPTH 1-34). The study was carried out using fetal rat long bones in stationary cultures. The amount of osteoclastic resorption was determined by assaying for 5 days the release from bones in the media of previously incorporated 45Ca. All metabolites were effective at inhibiting osteoclastic resorption. Maximal potency was shown by M3, characterized by a significant effect at 10 microM (P < 0.01) and by an IC50 value of 17 microM. M2 was about threefold less potent than M3 (IC50 = 46 microM). M1 and M5 were the least active compounds with an IC50 value of 117 and 200 microM, respectively. The present evidence indicates that metabolites of ipriflavone, in particular M3 and M2, inhibit bPTH 1-34-induced bone resorption in fetal rat long bones. Accordingly, they may play an important role in the pharmacological effects of the drug.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The involvement of the release of nitric oxide in the pharmacological activity of the new furoxan derivative CHF 2363.

1. The mechanism of action and the pharmacological effects of the new furoxan derivative, CHF 2363 (4-ethoxy-3-phenylsulphonylfuroxan), were investigated. 2. Pre-incubation of CHF 2363 with human platelet-rich plasma produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the platelet aggregation induced by collagen, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and platelet activating factor (PAF). The test compound was about 5 times more potent than sodium nitroprusside. 3-Isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) potentiated the antiaggregating effect of CHF 2363. 3. CHF 2363 was a potent inhibitor of rubbed endothelium rabbit aortic ring contraction induced by noradrenaline. Comparison of IC50 values showed that CHF 2363 was as potent as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). 4. Increasing concentrations of CHF 2363 elevated platelet guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) levels. Adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels were unaffected. 5. Oxyhaemoglobin reduced all the pharmacological actions of the test compound. Moreover, CHF 2363 concentration-dependently released nitric oxide (NO) in platelet-rich plasma. The NO release was correlated to its ability to increase platelet cyclic GMP levels. 6. After exposure of rat aortic strips to supramaximal concentrations of GTN (550 microM), the vasorelaxant activity of CHF 2363 did not change, although that of GTN decreased about 55 fold. 7. It has been concluded that the new furoxan derivative CHF 2363 exerts a potent antiaggregating and vasorelaxant activity via NO release and increase of cyclic GMP levels. No in vitro cross tolerance between GTN and CHF 2363 was observed.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of tailored and empiric scan delays for CT angiography of the abdomen.

OBJECTIVE: Scan delays for CT angiography of the abdomen are currently individualized by matching a scan delay to the transit time of a test bolus of IV contrast material to the abdominal aorta. We sought to determine whether this procedure improves the extent and uniformity of aortic enhancement when compared with the use of a standard scan delay that is determined empirically. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: CT angiography of the upper abdomen (either the entire abdominal aorta or the aorta spanning the length of both kidneys for dedicated renal studies) was obtained in 48 patients who were considered to have normal cardiac function as determined by their referring physicians. Patients were randomized to undergo CT angiography that used either a standard scan delay of 20 or 22 sec (group 1, n = 26) or a tailored scan delay (group 2, n = 22), all other imaging parameters being identical. Tailored delays were determined by measuring contrast transit time to the abdominal aorta with software from the SmartPrep system. For each patient, aortic attenuation was measured at three different anatomic levels, and a lower threshold of 160 H was considered optimal. The number of attenuation values above this threshold, the mean attenuation, and the attenuation changes for each unit length along the abdominal aorta were then compared for the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Fifty-eight (74%) of 78 aortic attenuation values in group 1 and 55 (88%) of 69 in group 2 were above 160 H. Mean attenuation values were 192.2 H +/- 8.1 (+/-SE) in group 1 and 199.2 H +/- 10.1 in group 2. These values and the attenuation changes for each unit length along the abdominal aorta-3.7 H/cm +/- 1.7 for group 1 and 2.2 H/cm +/- 2.0 for group 2- were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Tailoring the scan delay for CT angiography of the abdomen in patients considered to have normal cardiac function requires additional IV contrast agent, time, and patient imaging and does not improve the extent or uniformity of aortic enhancement over that obtained with a standard, empiric scan delay.

Angiography↗
PubMed1995

Evaluation of cytogenetic effects of a naturally occurring non-ice-nucleation Pseudomonas fluorescens strain in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

One of the main methods for eliminating ice-nucleation-active (INA+) bacteria the micro-organisms responsible for frost injuries to plants at mild freezing temperatures, is the use, as competitors, of other naturally occurring non-nucleating strains (non-INA). In the present article we investigated the cytogenetic effects of a naturally occurring non-INA strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens (MS 1640 R3), evaluating the induction of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the absence and presence of rat S9 metabolism. The results obtained did not show any increase in either chromosomal aberrations or SCEs, both in the absence and presence of rat S9 metabolism when used as i) intact bacteria cells, ii) sonicated bacteria (i.e., potential endotoxins), or iii) metabolic bacterial products (i.e., potential exotoxins) released in the growth medium.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

CHF 2206, a new potent vasodilating and antiaggregating drug as potential nitric oxide donor.

The effects of the new 3,4-disubstituted furoxan, CHF 2206, on vascular tone, platelet aggregation and platelet cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were investigated. The compound was a potent inhibitor of rabbit aortic ring contraction induced by norepinephrine, the stable prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue, U-46619, and KCl; this activity was independent of endothelium integrity. When pre-incubated with platelet-rich plasma, CHF 2206 potently reduced in a dose-dependent manner the aggregation induced by the threshold aggregating concentration of collagen, ADP or platelet activating factor (PAF). In the same experimental conditions, the test compound increased the platelet cGMP levels and this rise was clearly associated with the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Moreover, 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) 5 microM potentiated the antiaggregating activity of CHF 2206. These results indicate that the increase in cGMP plays a key role in the CHF 2206-elicited responses. Oxyhemoglobin reduced all the pharmacological actions of the test compound. This evidence, along with the capacity of CHF 2206 to cause inorganic nitrite production in the presence of platelet-rich plasma, strongly suggests that nitric oxide (NO) may be a common reactive intermediate responsible for the effects induced by the drug. In conclusion, the furoxan derivative CHF 2206 exerts a potent antiaggregating and vasodilating activity with a pharmacological profile similar to the one described for NO-donating pro-drugs.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1991

Modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism by orally administered morniflumate in man.

Unlike other classic NSAIDs, some fenamates given at therapeutic concentrations, have been shown to inhibit, both in vitro and in vivo, the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid cascade as well as the synthesis of cyclooxygenase products. This dual inhibitory property might represent an improvement in anti-inflammatory therapy. The aim of this work was to characterize the effect of morniflumate, administered at therapeutic dosages to normal human volunteers, on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and thromboxane (TXB2) synthesis, both in purified PMNs and in whole blood. PMNs, isolated two hours after a single oral administration of morniflumate and at steady-state condition, fully retain their capacity to release LTB4 and TXB2. Since intracellular concentrations of the drug were undetectable, in spite of its elevated concentrations in platelet poor plasma, the results obtained using PMNs suggest a drug loss during the cells purification procedure. In whole blood experiments, morniflumate reduced blood LTB4 synthesis induced by Ca-ionophore A23187 Bx approximately 50%, both after single dose and at steady state; the degree of inhibition showed a pattern similar to the plasma levels of the bioactive metabolite of morniflumate (M1). The inhibition of serum TXB2 levels was higher than 85%. Hence, morniflumate is capable of reducing arachidonic acid metabolism acting both on cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase. This characteristic might provide a better approach in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

Effects of Nd-Yag laser vitreolysis on lens and vitreous prostaglandins in the rabbit eye.

This study concerns the quantitative modifications of the prostaglandins, PGF alpha e PGE2, in the vitreous and in the lens following the application of Nd-Yag Laser. Five minutes after the Yag-laser treatment, an increase of PGF1 alpha concentration of PGE2 decreased in the lens and increased in the vitreous. These changes, similar to those occurring in the aqueous humor, may be related to the activation of specific enzymatic pathways of prostaglandin synthesis.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of the involvement of the internal anal sphincter by the measurement of the amplitude and duration of the ano-rectal inhibitory reflex].

The aim of this study was the evaluation of a possible correlation between the resting tone of the anal canal (RT) and amplitude and duration of the recto anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). 94 subjects, 72 women and 22 men, aged 9-91 years (mean 53 years) were studied. Manometric testing was performed on all subjects with a three balloon system. The maximal anal canal resting tone, the amplitude and duration of the RAIR, were measured. According with the RT, subjects were divided on three groups: GROUP I: RT up to 79 mmHg GROUP II: 80 to 120 mmHg and GROUP III: with RT more than 121 mmHg. The amplitude of RAIR was for GROUP I: mean = 7.09 SD:4.93, GROUP II: mean-10.5 SD:7.3, GROUP III: mean 15.14 DS: 8.19. p less than 0.001 between GROUPS I and III. The duration (d/s) of RAIR was for GROUP I: mean = 180 DS:70, GROUP II: 175.6 DS: 68, GROUP III mean: 201.6 DS 86.4. No differences were found between GROUPS I and II (p less than 0.13), I and III (p less than 0.17), and II and III (p less than 0,33). Positive Sperman correlation (p less than 0,001) was found between RT and amplitude of RAIR. The observation of a positive correlation between RT and RAIR amplitude suggest that the functional integrity of the internal sphincter could be also evaluated by the amplitude but not duration of the RAIR.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Effects of hyaluronic acid fractions in the rabbit eye.

Two fractions of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weight (Ial, molecular weight 500,000-730,000 and Healon, molecular weight 750,000) were injected intracamerally or intravitreously in the rabbit eye. Although the fraction with higher molecular weight caused an increase in intraocular pressure, no change of this parameter was found after administration of the fraction with the lower molecular weight. Furthermore, various inflammatory reactions in ocular tissues were observed during slit-lamp biomicroscopy after administration of Healon but not of Ial. No inflammatory reaction was found after subchronic instillation of the compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Effects of medicinal fiber on colonic transit in patients with irritable colon syndrome].

Twenty patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, 14 patients with pain and constipation and 6 patients with pain and diarrhoea, were studied in order to: a) Evaluate the symptomatic response to a Plantago Ovatae fiber medicine. b) Study with radio-opaque markers the colonic transit modifications that could explain the therapeutic responses. There were observed the following results: 1) Pain decreased or disappeared in 80% of the patients. 2) Constipation decreased or disappeared in 78.6% of the patients. 3) Diarrhoea decreased or disappeared in 5 of the 6 patients that were studied. 4) There was a significative increase of the feces weight without changes of the dry residue. 5) Taking all the patients as a whole the number of the retained radio-opaque markers was the same before and after the active treatment. If we evaluate the patients with constipation and the patients with diarrhoea separately the first group shows an acceleration of the colonic transit (fewer retained markers) and the second group shows a decrease of the colonic transit (more retained markers). We draw the conclusion that the Plantago Ovatae fiber regulates or moderates the colon motility and enables a physiological balance of the colonic transit.

Adult↗