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Biomedical subjects

S Fiore

Publications and source records attributed to S Fiore.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Access to gynecological services and Papanicolau tests in HIV-infected Italian women: a questionnaire survey.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the access to Papanicolau (Pap) tests of HIV-infected women in Italy. A cross-sectional survey on a cohort of HIV-infected women seen at 27 HIV clinics was performed. At each clinic a female physician involved in the care of HIV-infected women was asked questions on clinic and patients' characteristics and on access to Pap tests. The outcome of the study was to find the percentage of women who had not had a Pap test before coming to the HIV clinic and the percentage having had a Pap test in 2001. In the survey, 7,600 HIV-infected women were represented. Women who came to the clinic without having ever had a Pap test were 62+/-22%, while women who had had a Pap test in 2001 were 43+/-36%. Women who reported never having had a Pap test before coming to the HIV clinic were more often from the south than the north of Italy (17.9+/-49% from the north, 18+/-53% from the center and 9.3+/-83.9% from the south; p<0.001). This a difference disappeared when comparing the women who had had a Pap test in 2001 (28+/-39.6% from the north, 31.6+/-44.2% from the center and 25.6+/-45.7% from the south; p=0.88). Despite the published guidelines in Italy, only 38% of women had ever had a Pap test before coming to the HIV clinic and only 43% had had a Pap test in 2001. Strategies aimed to improve these proportions should be rapidly implemented at all levels of care organization.

Female↗
PubMed2005

The Healthgrid White Paper.

Over the last four years, a community of researchers working on Grid and High Performance Computing technologies started discussing the barriers and opportunities that grid technologies must face and exploit for the development of health-related applications. This interest lead to the first Healthgrid conference, held in Lyon, France, on January 16th-17th, 2003, with the focus of creating increased awareness about the possibilities and advantages linked to the deployment of grid technologies in health, ultimately targeting the creation of a European/international grid infrastructure for health. The topics of this conference converged with the position of the eHealth division of the European Commission, whose mandate from the Lisbon Meeting was "To develop an intelligent environment that enables ubiquitous management of citizens' health status, and to assist health professionals in coping with some major challenges, risk management and the integration into clinical practice of advances in health knowledge." In this context "Health" involves not only clinical procedures but covers the whole range of information from molecular level (genetic and proteomic information) over cells and tissues, to the individual and finally the population level (social healthcare). Grid technology offers the opportunity to create a common working backbone for all different members of this large "health family" and will hopefully lead to an increased awareness and interoperability among disciplines. The first HealthGrid conference led to the creation of the Healthgrid association, a non-profit research association legally incorporated in France but formed from the broad community of European researchers and institutions sharing expertise in health grids. After the second Healthgrid conference, held in Clermont-Ferrand on January 29th-30th, 2004, the need for a "white paper" on the current status and prospective of health grids was raised. Over fifty experts from different areas of grid technologies, eHealth applications and the medical world were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2005

A web service-based Grid portal for Edgebreaker compression.

BACKGROUND: In health applications, and elsewhere, 3D data sets are increasingly accessed through the Internet. To reduce the transfer time while maintaining an unaltered 3D model, adequate compression and decompression techniques are needed. Recently, Grid technologies have been integrated with Web Services technologies to provide a framework for interoperable application-to-application interaction. OBJECTIVES: The paper describes an implementation of the Edgebreaker compression technique exploiting web services technology and presents a novel approach for using such services in a Grid Portal. The Grid portal, developed at the CACT/ISUFI of the University of Lecce, allows the processing and delivery of biomedical images (CT--computerized tomography--and MRI--magnetic resonance images) in a distributed environment, using the power and security of computational Grids. METHODS: The Edgebreaker Compression Web Service has been deployed on a Grid portal and allows compressing and decompressing 3D data sets using the Globus toolkit GSI (Globus Security Infrastructure) protocol. Moreover, the classical algorithm has been modified extending the compression to files containing more than one object. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: An implementation of the Edgebreaker compression technique and related experimental results are presented. A novel approach for using the compression web service in a Grid portal allowing storing and preprocessing of huge 3D data sets, and subsequent efficient transmission of results for remote visualization is also described.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Navajo neurohepatopathy: a mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome?

Navajo neurohepatopathy (NNH) is an autosomal recessive disease of full-blooded Navajo children living in the Navajo Reservation of southwestern United States. Clinical features of NNH include peripheral and central nervous system involvement, acral mutilation, corneal scarring or ulceration, liver failure, and metabolic and immunologic derangement. The cause of NNH is unknown, but the clinical features of NNH are similar to those of patients with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion. Therefore, we studied mtDNA concentration in the liver from 2 patients with NNH. Using histochemical, biochemical, and molecular techniques, we found evidence of mtDNA depletion, and we propose that the primary defect in NNH is in the nuclear regulation of mtDNA copy number.

Citrate (si)-Synthase↗
PubMed2000

Mutations of serine 236-237 and tyrosine 302 residues in the human lipoxin A4 receptor intracellular domains result in sustained signaling.

Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is a potent negative modulator of the inflammatory response. The antiinflammatory activities of LXA(4), such as inhibition of agonist-induced polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) chemotaxis and upregulation of beta-2 integrins, require the expression of a G-protein-coupled, high-affinity LXA(4) receptor (LXA(4)R). We now report that stimulation of PMN with proinflammatory agonist N-formyl peptides (FMLP), calcium ionophore A(23187), or phorbol mirystate acetate (PMA) is followed by marked downregulation of LXA(4) binding (B(max) decrease of approximately 45%) and decreased activation of phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) and D (PLD). Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying these effects was addressed by structure-function analyses of the intracellular domains of LXA(4)R. Mutant molecule, S236/S237 --> A/G (LXA(4)R(pk)) and Y302 --> F (LXA(4)R(tk)) were obtained by site-directed mutagenesis to yield receptors lacking the putative targets for serine/threonine kinase- or tyrosine kinase-dependent phosphorylation. Expression of wild-type and mutated LXA(4)R sequences in CHO and HL-60 cells was used to examine LXA(4) ligand-receptor interactions and signal transduction events. Results indicated that cells expressing LXA(4)R(pk) or LXA(4)R(tk) displayed sustained activation of PLA(2) and PLD in contrast to the transient ones obtained with LXA(4)R(wt) (peak activation at 2-3 min). Moreover, inhibition of LXA(4)-dependent PLA(2) activity by PMA in LXA(4)R(wt) transfected CHO cells was not observed in cells expressing LXA(4)R(pk). Phosphopeptide immunoblotting revealed that the functional differences between wild-type and mutant LXA(4) receptors are accompanied by distinct changes in the receptor protein phosphorylation pattern. Further characterization of these and related LXA(4)R intracellular domains will help to better understand specific events that regulate the antiinflammatory activities of LXA(4).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Structure elucidation of the O-chain from the major lipopolysaccharide of the Xanthomonas campestris strain 642.

A novel O-polysaccharide consisting of D-Xylp and L-Rhap in the molar ratio of 1:2.5 was identified as the major component in the lipopolysaccharide fraction of Xanthomonas campestris strain 642, which is responsible for a new bacterial disease of the strawberry plant. Its structure was mainly determined using chemical analysis, Smith degradation and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy experiments as: carbohydrate sequence [see text].

Carbohydrate Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Lipoxin A4 inhibits IL-1 beta-induced IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 production in human synovial fibroblasts and enhances synthesis of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.

Lipoxins are a novel class of endogenous eicosanoid mediators that potently inhibit inflammatory events by signaling via specific receptors expressed on phagocytic cells. Animal models have shown that lipoxin A4 (LXA4) down-regulates inflammation in vivo. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the expression of LXA4 receptors, and their up-regulation by IL-1 beta, in normal human synovial fibroblasts (SF). We examined whether exogenous LXA4 abrogated IL-1 beta stimulation of SF in vitro. IL-1 beta induced the synthesis of IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -3. At nanomolar concentrations, LXA4 inhibited these IL-1 beta responses with reduction of IL-6 and IL-8 synthesis, by 45 +/- 7% and 75 +/- 11%, respectively, and prevented IL-1 beta-induced MMP-3 synthesis without significantly affecting MMP-1 levels. Furthermore, LXA4 induced a 2-fold increase of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and a approximately 3-fold increase of TIMP-2 protein levels. LXA4 inhibitory responses were dose dependent and were abrogated by pretreatment with LXA4 receptor antiserum. LXA4-induced changes of IL-6 and TIMP were accompanied by parallel changes in mRNA levels. These results indicate that LXA4 in activated SF inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and MMP and stimulates TIMP production in vitro. These findings suggest that LXA4 may be involved in a negative feedback loop opposing inflammatory cytokine-induced activation of SF.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2000

The changing HIV epidemic in Italian pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in the characteristics of HIV-pregnant women in Italy and the impact of strategies for prevention of HIV vertical transmission. STUDY DESIGN: Since 1985, HIV-infected women and their children are followed in 23 European centres in the European Collaborative Study (ECS), according to a standard protocol. Eight Italian Obstetric units participating in the ECS enrolled 815 patients. RESULTS: Overall use of zidovudine to reduce HIV vertical transmission has increased significantly since 1994 and between 1995 and 1997, 57% of Italian women were treated. However, 27% of babies received the infant component of the 076 regimen. Over the years, age at delivery has increased and their CD4 count at delivery decreased, most likely reflecting heterosexually infected women with a longer duration of infection. The increasing rate of elective caesarean section (42%) is not related to maternal, foetal or obstetrical indications, but its use as an intervention to reduce HIV vertical transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of HIV-infected women during pregnancy or before delivery ensures the appropriate management of the woman and her child, and clinicians should be aware of the increasing number of women with heterosexual acquisition of HIV-infection who may be less easily identified.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Preventing perinatal transmission of HIV-1 infection.

It is now known that with the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis with zidovudine, elective caesarean section delivery and refraining from breastfeeding the rate of mother-child transmission of HIV infection can be reduced to less than 2%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Improved stable isotope dilution-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for serum or plasma free 3-hydroxy-fatty acids and its utility for the study of disorders of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation.

BACKGROUND: Disorders of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) are difficult to diagnose, primarily because in many of the FAO disorders measurable biochemical intermediates accumulate in body fluids only during acute illness. Increased concentrations of 3-hydroxy-fatty acids (3-OH-FAs) in the blood are indicative of FAO disorders of the long- and short-chain 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, LCHAD and SCHAD. We describe a serum/plasma assay for the measurement of 3-OH-FAs with carbon chain lengths from C(6) to C(16). METHODS: We used stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with electron impact ionization and selected ion monitoring. Natural and isotope-labeled compounds were synthesized for the assay. RESULTS: The assay was linear from 0.2 to 50 micromol/L for all six 3-OH-FAs. CVs were 5-15% at concentrations near the upper limits seen in healthy subjects. In 43 subjects, the medians (and ranges) in micromol/L were as follows: 3-OH-C(6), 0.8 (0.3-2.2); 3-OH-C(8), 0.4 (0.2-1.0); 3-OH-C(10), 0.3 (0.2-0.6); 3-OH-C(12), 0.3 (0.2-0.6); 3-OH-C(14), 0.2 (0.0-0.4); and 3-OH-C(16), 0.2 (0.0-0.5). 3-OH-FAs were increased in infants receiving formula containing medium chain triglycerides. Two patients diagnosed with LCHAD deficiency showed marked increases in 3-OH-C(14) and 3-OH-C(16) concentrations. Two patients diagnosed with SCHAD deficiency showed increased shorter chain 3-OH-FAs but no increases in 3-OH-C(14) to 3-OH-C(16). CONCLUSION: Measuring blood concentrations of the 3-OH-FAs with this assay may be a valuable tool for helping to rapidly identify deficiencies in LCHAD and SCHAD and may also provide useful information about the status of the FAO pathway.

3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1999

Web alert.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and LXA4 stable analogues are potent inhibitors of acute inflammation: evidence for anti-inflammatory receptors.

Lipoxins are bioactive eicosanoids that are immunomodulators. In human myeloid cells, lipoxin (LX) A4 actions are mediated by interaction with a G protein-coupled receptor. To explore functions of LXA4 and aspirin-triggered 5(S),6(R),15(R)-trihydroxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-epi-LXA4) in vivo, we cloned and characterized a mouse LXA4 receptor (LXA4R). When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the mouse LXA4R showed specific binding to [3H]LXA4 (K(d) approximately 1.5 nM), and with LXA4 activated GTP hydrolysis. Mouse LXA4R mRNA was most abundant in neutrophils. In addition to LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4, bioactive LX stable analogues competed with both [3H]LXA4 and [3H]leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-specific binding in vitro to neutrophils and endothelial cells, respectively. Topical application of LXA4 analogues and novel aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 stable analogues to mouse ears markedly inhibited neutrophil infiltration in vivo as assessed by both light microscopy and reduced myeloperoxidase activity in skin biopsies. The 15(R)-16-phenoxy-17,18, 19,20-tetranor-LXA4 methyl ester (15-epi-16-phenoxy-LXA4), an analogue of aspirin triggered 15-epi-LXA4, and 15(S)-16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-LXA4 methyl ester (16-phenoxy-LXA4) were each as potent as equimolar applications of the anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone. Thus, we identified murine LXA4R, which is highly expressed on murine neutrophils, and showed that both LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 stable analogues inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the mouse ear model of inflammation. These findings provide direct in vivo evidence for an anti-inflammatory action for both aspirin-triggered LXA4 and LXA4 stable analogues and their site of action in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Characterisation of the binding of leukotriene B4 to macrophages of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

The binding of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) to macrophages from the head kidney of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was measured. Binding of [3H]LTB4 achieved a steady state after approximately 30 min of incubation and was 30% reversible in the presence of a minimum of 1000-fold excess of LTB4. Scatchard analysis of the kinetics of LTB4 binding over a range of [3H]LTB4 concentrations indicated the existence of only a single class of receptor with a dissociation constant, KD, of 0.14 nmol l-1 and a maximum receptor density, Bmax, of approximately 17,800 sites per macrophage. The LTB4 receptor antagonist LY223982 was ineffective in inhibiting the binding of [3H]LTB4 to trout macrophages, although another receptor antagonist, LTB4-dimethylamide, displaced a maximum of 25% of the total binding. LTB5 was equally effective as LTB4 at displacing [3H]LTB4, while other eicosanoids tested were without significant effect. It is suggested that the putative receptors for LTB4 on trout macrophages are similar to the high-affinity receptors for this compound reported to occur on mammalian granulocytes, although any structural similarities of the binding sites await further investigation.

Animals↗