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Biomedical subjects

R Gentile

Publications and source records attributed to R Gentile.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Imaging congenital optic disc pits and associated maculopathy using optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the anatomy of congenital optic disc pits with and without maculopathy using optical coherence tomography. SETTING: All patient were examined, photographed, and scanned at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. PATIENTS: Ten eyes of eight consecutive patients with congenital optic disc pits were studied. Three eyes had associated serous macular detachment (group 1), four had evidence of resolved detachment (group 2), and three had no clinical macular pathologic lesion (group 3). METHODS: Optical coherence tomography, a new, noninvasive, noncontact, imaging technology capable of producing cross-sectional images of the retina in vivo with high resolution ( < 17 microns) was used to obtain multiple cross-sectional images of the pit, peripapillary retina, and macula. Ophthalmologic examination and standard fundus photography were performed on all eyes. Fluorescein angiography was performed in eyes that had associated macular detachment. RESULTS: Communication between a schisis cavity or subretinal space and the optic nerve pit was imaged in all eyes in group 1. No such communication could be identified in groups 2 and 3. Cystic degeneration and schisis were imaged in the peripapillary retina, macula, or both in all eyes of groups 1 and 2 and in one patient in group 3. A direct communication between the subretinal space and vitreous cavity could not be identified in any eye. CONCLUSIONS: Schisis formation plays an integral role in the development of serous retinal detachment in the presence of congenital optic disc pits. Our findings are consistent with the theory that the optic disc pit acts as a conduit for fluid flow between the schisis cavity or subretinal space and the subarachnoid space.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hepatitis C virus infection and monoclonal gammopathies not associated with cryoglobulinemia.

A pathogenetic role of HCV has been recently postulated in some lymphoproliferative disorders and in particular in essential mixed cryoglobulinemia. To assess the relevance of HCV infection in multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in the absence of cryoglobulinemia (cryo-ve MG), 102 patients were evaluated for antiHCV, HCVRNA and HCV genotypes. A control group of 466 patients referring for acute trauma to the Orthopedic Division of our hospital was also studied. The overall prevalence of HCV was 15.6% in MG patients and 5.4% in the control group (P= < 0.001). Since only patients with MG older than 50 years had HCV infection, we compared the prevalence rate of infection in patients aged 50 and older: in cryo-ve MG HCV prevalence was 17.9%, while in patients with an acute trauma it was 10%; the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, occurrence of cryo-ve MG was investigated in 614 antiHCV+ patients with chronic liver disease and was found in 1.9%. Comparing all the 28 cryo-ve MG patients HCV+ with an appropriately matched control group of HCV+ patients without MG, no difference in severity of liver disease and genotype distribution was detected. These findings show that: (1) among cryo-ve MG, HCV infection is frequent as shown in the appropriately matched control population; (2) prevalence of cryo-ve MG in antiHCV patients with chronic liver disease is similar to the rate found in the general population; and (3) HCV infection and disease do not differ in patients with and without cryo-ve MG.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Ultrasound biomicroscopic features of iris retraction syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To examine anatomic relationships of anterior and posterior chamber structures in iris retraction syndrome using ultrasound biomicroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four eyes of four patients with iris retraction syndrome were imaged using high-frequency, high-resolution, anterior segment ultrasound biomicroscopy. In two patients, scans were obtained before and after medical therapy. RESULTS: Three patients presented with iris retraction configuration and one with iris bombe. In the latter case, iris bombe converted to iris retraction and back to iris bombe with the administration and later withdrawal of aqueous suppressants. Ciliochoroidal effusion was present in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Ciliochoroidal effusion is a constant feature of iris retraction syndrome. The hypotony associated with this disorder may result in part from aqueous hyposecretion related to ciliary body detachment. Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a useful aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of eyes with iris retraction syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Intramuscular myxoma].

Intramuscolar mixoma is a rare benign neoplasm of mesenchymal origin consisting of stellate shaped cells in an abundant loose, mucopolysaccharide rich matrix. We report two cases of intramuscolar mixoma with review of the literature. Our objectives are to delineate the clinico pathologic characteristic, the nature of constituent cells and the features differing from others benign and malignant neoplasms.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Spindle-cell lipoma of the palatine tonsil].

Lipomatous tumor of palatine tonsil are rare. We report a case detected in a 72 year old male with a discussion about differential diagnosis of malignant polipoid lesions of the tonsil and some consideration about the problem of the growth of such neoformation.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Lipoleiomyoma of the uterus.

We report a case of uterine lipoleiomyoma. The tumor contained mature spindled muscle cells connective tissue and mature lipocytes which were positive for vimentin, desmin and myoglobin. This indicated the possibility that the lipoleiomyoma derived from a multipotential undifferentiated mesenchymal cell.

Female↗
PubMed1995

[Multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum].

A case of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in a young woman is reported. Tumor consisted of multiple cysts involving the pelvic peritoneum. The cells demonstrated positive staining for keratin peptides, and epithelial membrane antigen. No staining was demonstrable for endothelial markers. The findings are in accord with the proposed mesothelial origin of the neoplasm and can be of help in the differential diagnosis of the other multicystic neoplasm arising in the peritoneal cavity.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum in a 15-year-old youngster].

Primary colonic signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasia. The prognosis is particularly poor with only very few patients surviving more than one year following diagnosis. We report a case of primary signet ring cells carcinoma of the rectum, detected in a 15 year old young male, particularly interesting for the patient young age and for good prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Risk stratification for restenosis after coronary angioplasty by means of exercise echocardiography.

To assess the prognostic contribution of exercise two-dimensional echocardiography in patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty, 60 patients (44 males, 16 females, mean age 61 years) were enrolled in this study. The series included 31 patients with single-vessel disease, 23 with two vessel, and 5 with three vessel disease. After successful PTCA, they underwent stress echocardiographic testing either by treadmill (n = 23) or bicycle ergometry (n = 37), performed with digital continuous loop technique. A wall motion index (WMI) was calculated at rest and at peak stress. According to WMI values, the study population was divided into three groups: patients with normal WMI both at rest and stress (Group 1); patients with abnormal baseline WMI without change at stress (Group 2) and abnormal WMI diagnostic of stress-induced ischemia (Group 3). During the follow-up period, minimum of 1 year, 21 patients complaining of recurrent angina or chest discomfort, had repeat angiography: in 13 of these, typical restenosis of a previously dilated artery was found; 2 patients had progression of atherosclerotic plaque and in 6 the angiogram showed a good result of PTCA. Thirteen patients with restenosis or progressive disease underwent repeat PTCA. In this group, only 2 belonged to Group 1, 4 to Group 2, and 7 to Group 3. Thus, a linear correlation between the WMI value post-angioplasty and the clinical course could be documented (p = 0.001). Stress echocardiography was superior to stress ECG in both negative predictive value (88 and 77% respectively) and positive predictive value (73 versus 50%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The role of morphometry in the cytology of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands].

A morphometric analysis was performed on cytologic smears (FNAB) of 5 cases of pleomorphic adenoma that recurred after the first diagnosis and on 5 ordinary pleomorphic adenoma. The considered parameters were as follows: nuclear area, perimeter, maximum diameter, feret x, feret y, F shaped and D circle. A statistical analysis was performed between the two groups for all the considered parameters using a two-sided Student's t-test for independent samples. The test showed significant differences of the parameter nuclear area. The authors conclude that a morphometric assessment may bring a significant contribution in the knowledge and prediction of the outcome of pleomorphic adenoma.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1993

Left ventricular dynamics during strenuous isometric exercise in marathon runners, weight lifters and healthy sedentary men: comparative echocardiographic study.

Global and segmental left ventricular dynamics during strenuous large-muscle isometric exercise were compared between endurance and static type professional athletes and sedentary men. Using a trunk dynamometer and supine echocardiography, only the weight lifters manifested increased (p < 0.01) wall thickness during both diastole and systole, resulting in decreased left ventricular volume at end systole. These group-related differences would suggest a causal relationship between chronic intensive weight-lifting training and efficient myocardial dynamics at the time of strenuous isometric exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Comparative anatomo-microscopic observations on the esophagus of teleosts with different feeding habits].

The authors describe the micro-anatomy of the oesophagus of different diet fish: herbivorous (Boops salpa), omnivorous (Liza aurata) and carnivorous fish (Blennius gattorugine and Gaidropsarus mediterraneus). In all the observed species the oesophagus is formed by a tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The tunica mucosa of the herbivorous fish arises to form thin plicae which protrude into the lumen and are covered with squamous stratified epithelium. The goblet cells do not arrange among the covering cells but take place laterally and on the basis of the plicae. The tunica muscularis is constituted by an external circular layer and an inner longitudinal layer of striated muscle. The oesophagus of omnivorous fish shows thick plicae covered with a higher epithelium than that of the herbivorous fish. Among the epithelial cells a lot of taste buds have been found. The tunica muscularis is like that of the herbivorous fish. In the carnivorous fish Blennius the tunica mucosa presents thin plicae like those of the herbivorous fish but they are covered with a thicker epithelium. The tunica muscularis is formed by an external circular layer and by an inner longitudinal layer which constitutes two diametrically opposed bundles placed dorsally and ventrally. In the other carnivorous fish Gaidropsarus, the tunica mucosa shows very thick plicae covered with a quite high squamous epithelium among which there are many goblet cells. In this fish too numerous taste buds have been found. The tunica muscularis is arranged in the same manner observed in the other carnivorous fish.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[The onset of dilated cardiomyopathy in a female HIV-seropositive patient with a history of past peripartal myocarditis].

A case of a young woman with HIV-associated cardiomyopathy is reported. The patient had a history of peri-partum myocarditis, and underwent a blood transfusion during delivery. The very early cardiac manifestation of AIDS-related pattern in this case is underlined, since HIV cardiomyopathy usually develops in the late stage of the disease. Finally, the role of the virus in the etiology and pathogenesis of the myocarditis is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[The prevalence of arrhythmias in subjects over 80 years old. The prognostic role of anamnestic symptomatology and the therapeutic directions].

24-hour Holter monitoring was performed in 129 unselected subjects older than 80 years (69 women and 60 men) in order to evaluate arrhythmia incidence and to establish significance of symptoms; 56% patients had lipothymia and/or syncope, chest pain and palpitations, 44% were asymptomatic. All patients showed high incidence of hyperkinetic and hypokinetic arrhythmias; no significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in arrhythmia incidence were seen. Moreover, no correlation could be seen of the symptoms reported by the patient to the incidence of any particular type of arrhythmia. In conclusion, these preliminary data suggest a criticism of the opportunity of indiscriminate and long term antiarrhythmic therapy. Nevertheless, Holter monitoring is useful in detecting hypokinetic arrhythmias of asymptomatic patients in whom pacemaker implantation is essential and curative.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Polarized secretion of plasminogen activators by epithelial cell monolayers.

We have investigated the synthesis and the polarized secretion of plasminogen activators (PAs) in three epithelial cell lines (FRT, derived from rat thyroid; MDCK, from canine kidney, and CaCo-2, from human intestine) grown on filters, in bicameral systems. Confluency and acquisition of functional polarity were assessed by measuring transepithelial resistance and by showing polarized secretion of endogenous proteins. By zymography, before and after immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies, we found that FRT cells synthesized tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and that tPA activity was mostly confined to the apical cell compartment. MDCK and CaCo-2 cells, instead, synthesized urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). In MDCK cells the uPA activity was found predominantly in the apical cell compartment while in CaCo-2 cells it was mostly basolateral.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Opposite polarity of virus budding and of viral envelope glycoprotein distribution in epithelial cells derived from different tissues.

We compared the surface envelope glycoprotein distribution and the budding polarity of four RNA viruses in Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells and in CaCo-2 cells derived from a human colon carcinoma. Whereas both FRT and CaCo-2 cells sort similarly influenza hemagglutinin and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) G protein, respectively, to apical and basolateral membrane domains, they differ in their handling of two togaviruses, Sindbis and Semliki Forest virus (SFV). By conventional EM Sindbis virus and SFV were shown to bud apically in FRT cells and basolaterally in CaCo-2 cells. Consistent with this finding, the distribution of the p62/E2 envelope glycoprotein of SFV, assayed by immunoelectronmicroscopy and by domain-selective surface biotinylation was predominantly apical on FRT cells and basolateral on CaCo-2 cells. We conclude that a given virus and its envelope glycoprotein can be delivered to opposite membrane domains in epithelial cells derived from different tissues. The tissue specificity in the polarity of virus budding and viral envelope glycoprotein distribution indicate that the sorting machinery varies considerably between different epithelial cell types.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The polarized epithelial phenotype is dominant in hybrids between polarized and unpolarized rat thyroid cell lines.

We have studied the expression of cell polarity in hybrids between two rat thyroid epithelial cells: FRT and FRTL-5. FRT cells are polarized but do not express tissue-specific properties, FRTL-5 are unpolarized and express many thyroid-specific genes. A and express many thyroid-specific genes. A pool of 170 hybrid clones and five independent clones were characterized. The chromosome complement was that expected from 1:1 fusion of the parental cells. No chromosome loss was observed for several generations. All hybrids were polarized as judged from: (1) morphology, (2) transepithelial resistance, (3) preferential secretion of several proteins either through the apical (e.g. thyroglobulin) or through the basolateral pole, and (4) basolateral trapping of iodide. On the other hand, the expression of thyroid-specific markers: thyroglobulin synthesis and secretion, trapping of iodide, thyrotropin-dependent growth and expression of specific membrane antigens, were greatly reduced or inhibited in the pool and in the isolated clones. We also found that reduction of thyroglobulin synthesis was correlated with the loss of activity of the trans-acting factor TgTF1. We conclude that cell polarity, a property of FRT cells, is dominant in the hybrids whereas thyroid differentiation is recessive.

Animals↗