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Biomedical subjects

S Santoro

Publications and source records attributed to S Santoro.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Remaining small bowel length: association with catheter sepsis in patients receiving home total parenteral nutrition: evidence of bacterial translocation.

Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have a high incidence of catheter-related sepsis, one of its major complications. The aim of this study was to correlate the length of remaining small bowel (RSB) with septic episodes related to the central venous catheter in a group of patients with severe SBS with home TPN. The length of the RSB (<50 cm or > or = 50 cm) was related to the frequency of catheter sepsis, time until the first episode, and the agents responsible in eight SBS patients receiving home TPN. There were 13 episodes of catheter infection (0.88 per patient-year). The group with a shorter RSB length (five patients) presented 1.3 to 2.76 infections/year and 2 to 9 months until the first episode, compared to 0 to 0.75 infections/ year (p = 0.0357) and 11 to 65 months until the first episode (p = 0.0332) in the group with the longer RSB. In the first group, the agents isolated were Enterobacteriae (Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Proteus sp.) in eight episodes and Candida sp. in one. In the latter sepsis was caused by Staphylococcus sp. in three episodes and Pseudomonas sp. in one. Therefore patients with remaining small bowel shorter than 50 cm have a higher frequency of catheter-related sepsis, particularly by enteric microorganisms. This might be an evidence of the occurrence of bacterial translocation and its role in the pathogenesis of catheter-related sepsis in patients with an extremely short RSB receiving home TPN.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

N-[omega-(Tetralin-1-yl)alkyl] derivatives of 3,3-dimethylpiperidine are highly potent and selective sigma1 or sigma2 ligands.

Several 3, 3-dimethyl-N-[omega-(tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)alkyl]piperidine derivatives and some related compounds were prepared. Their affinities and sigma-subtype selectivities were investigated by radioligand binding assays, labeling sigma1 receptors with [3H]-SKF 10047 and sigma2 receptors with [3H]-DTG. Many tested compounds bound sigma1 and/or sigma2 receptors with nanomolar or subnanomolar IC50 values. Compound (+)-22, (+)-3,3-dimethyl-1-[3-(5-methoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-n-propyl]piperidine, was the most potent (IC50 = 0.089 nM) and selective sigma1 ligand (1340-fold), showing a 10-fold enantioselectivity. Compounds 29 (3, 3-dimethyl-1-[4-(6-methoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-n-butyl]piperidine) and 31 (3, 3-dimethyl-1-[5-(1,2,3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-n-pentyl]piperidine) were highly potent (IC50 = 0.016 nM and IC50 = 0.008 nM, respectively) and highly selective sigma2 ligands (more than 100000-fold).

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The effects of hemodialysis on platelet activation with new and reprocessed regenerated cellulose dialyzers.

Biocompatibility of dialysis membranes is defined, in part, by the tendency to activate the coagulation system. Methods for evaluating stimulation of the coagulation include analyses of markers of platelet activation. The purpose of these studies was to ascertain the effects of high blood flow rates and reprocessing on platelet activation during routine hemodialysis with regenerated cellulose membranes. The platelet alpha-granule protein, beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), was measured in patients undergoing routine chronic hemodialysis with regenerated cellulose dialyzers. Initial studies showed BTG levels to increase from 24 +/- 2 IU/mL at the baseline to 30 +/- 3 IU/mL at 120 minutes and postdialysis, respectively (P < 0.05). In contrast, BTG levels corrected for hemoconcentration with plasma protein concentrations showed no significant changes compared with baseline values. Further studies assessed the effects of two types of new and reprocessed regenerated cellulose dialyzers during four different treatments. Platelet counts at 10 and 30 minutes did not change compared with the baseline, while white blood cell counts decreased significantly. No significant changes in BTG levels occurred when corrected for hemoconcentration with either dialyzer. Additional studies with new and reprocessed regenerated cellulose dialyzers comparing 450 and 220 mL/min blood flow rates at 10 minutes showed no change in BTG. In summary, these studies show no evidence for platelet activation by routine hemodialysis with regenerated cellulose membranes. Differences from previous studies include correction of BTG for hemoconcentration due to ultrafiltration and pre-rinsing of dialyzers. Methods for assessment of cellular activation by dialysis membranes must account for hemoconcentration.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 deficiency: virilization in early infancy may be due to partial function of mutant enzyme.

Male pseudohermaphroditism due to steroid 5 alpha-reductase deficiency is the consequence of mutations in the gene encoding the type 2 isoenzyme. Most (60%) affected subjects have homozygous mutations, and the remainder are compound heterozygotes or presumed compound heterozygotes. We report an Italian subject with phenotypic and endocrine features of 5 alpha-reductase 2 deficiency who is homozygous for a substitution mutation (H231R). Although close consanguinity is not present, genealogical data demonstrated that the parents are distantly related, and both parents and the maternal grandmother are heterozygous carriers of the mutation. The fact that this particular mutation results in the formation of an enzyme with considerable residual activity may explain in part the significant degree of virilization that took place in this subject in early infancy. This same mutation (H231R) is present in heterozygous form in two other families, an African-American family and an American family of northern European descent.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1995

The effects of hemodialysis on platelet deposition in prosthetic graft fistulas.

The effects of hemodialysis on the coagulation system are not completely understood. The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects of hemodialysis on platelet deposition in prosthetic graft fistulas. Nine patients with polytetrafluoroethylene graft fistulas and two with native vein fistulas were studied. Dialysis was performed thrice weekly with blood flow rates of 400 to 450 mL/min and regenerated cellulose hollow-fiber dialyzers. Platelets were labeled with oxine-111indium. Images of the fistula were obtained immediately after injection (baseline study), postdialysis the same day, the following morning, and before and after the next two routine treatments. Images were analyzed by drawing regions of interest, and activities were expressed as counts per pixel and percent baseline after correction for background and biologic clearance and physical decay. There was a marked dialysis-associated enhancement of platelet deposition in sites along the graft. More than a twofold increase in uptake was noted most frequently in the arterial anastomosis, arterial loop, midloop, venous loop, and venous anastomosis regions. The arterial loop and midloop regions were most consistently affected. The arterial side of the loop during the first dialysis treatment showed an increase from 15 +/- 3 counts/pixel (+/- SE) predialysis to 46 +/- 14 counts/pixel postdialysis (P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney). The uptake increased with dialysis in the midloop region from 12 +/- 2 counts/pixel to 40 +/- 11 counts/pixel (P = 0.04, paired t-test). The uptake was nearly reversed by the next dialysis treatment. Subsequent treatments had a similar pattern. No significant change in activity was found in the two patients with native vein fistulas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia by blocking alpha V beta 3 integrin with a small peptide antagonist GpenGRGDSPCA.

PURPOSE: Neointimal hyperplasia is a leading cause of restenosis after vascular procedures. Recent findings showed that smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration from the media into the neointima is a critical step in the development of the hemodynamically compromising neointimal lesion. Moreover, integrins are believed to play a role in SMC motility. Therefore we studied the role of one ubiquitous integrin, alpha V beta 3, in SMC migration. METHODS: Transwell assay was used to study in vitro migration of human and rabbit SMCs after stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A neutralizing monoclonal antibody to alpha V beta 3, LM609, and a specific arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) antagonist, GpenGRGDSPCA, were used in the migration assay to inhibit alpha V beta 3-mediated SMC migration. In addition, GpenGRGDSPCA was administered locally to rabbit carotid artery after balloon angioplasty to determine the effect of blocking alpha V beta 3 on neointimal hyperplasia. RESULTS: We showed that PDGF-induced human SMC migration is mediated by the alpha V beta 3 integrin by use of LM609 to inhibit migration and that SMC migration is RGD dependent by use of GpenGRGDSPCA to inhibit migration. We have also inhibited rabbit SMC migration with GpenGRGDSPCA to demonstrate the cross-species preservation of the RGD peptide sequence in SMC mortality. Finally, when we administered GpenGRGDSPCA locally to rabbit carotid artery after balloon angioplasty, there was a statistically significant reduction in neointimal lesion formation compared with arteries administered an inactive peptide or saline solution. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the important role of the alpha V beta 3 integrin in SMC migration in vitro and in neointimal hyperplasia in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Spermatic and peripheral venous plasma concentrations of immunoreactive inhibin in prepubertal boys with undescended testis and in pubertal boys with varicocele.

To obtain more information about testicular inhibin secretion in the prepubertal and pubertal human male, we measured the concentrations of immunoreactive inhibin with a heterologous radioimmunoassay in the spermatic and peripheral venous plasma of 5 prepubertal boys with unilateral undescended testis (Group I, P1), 3 prepubertal boys with inguinal hernia (Group II, P1), and 12 pubertal boys with left idiopathic varicocele. The latter subjects were divided, according to the degree of their pubertal development, in early pubertal (Group III, N = 5, P2) and mid-pubertal groups (Group IV, N = 7, P3-4). In Group I, the mean (+/- SD) spermatic venous concentrations of inhibin (289.4 +/- 120.4 ml eq/l) were significantly higher than the corresponding mean peripheral venous concentrations (162.6 +/- 47.2; p < 0.02) suggesting active testicular secretion of inhibin. In Group II, the spermatic-peripheral inhibin gradient was not significant. In pubertal boys with idiopathic varicocele, the mean concentrations of spermatic inhibin were 1076.6 +/- 532.0 and 1023.4 +/- 274.5 in Groups III and IV, respectively. These levels were about five times higher than the corresponding peripheral concentrations (204.8 +/- 41.9 and 238.9 +/- 38.9; p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). When the data of all the boys were considered together the spermatic venous concentrations of inhibin were significantly correlated with those of peripheral venous FSH (r = 0.4749, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child↗
PubMed1992

High systolic blood pressure increases prevalence and severity of retinopathy in NIDDM patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the severity of retinopathy is higher in a group of NIDDM patients with sBP greater than or equal to 140 mmHg compared with NIDDM patients with sBP less than 140 mmHg. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ophthalmoscopy and FAG were conducted among a group of NIDDM patients with either a sBP above (n = 54) or below (n = 55) 140 mmHg. The groups were matched according to diabetes duration, metabolic control (HbA1c), and AER. RESULTS: Patients with sBP greater than 140 mmHg had a higher prevalence of retinopathy, as established according to a rating scale (4.9 +/- 3.8 vs. 3.2 +/- 3.3, P less than 0.02); furthermore, their BMI values were higher (28.1 +/- 4.5 vs. 24.9 +/- 4.1 kg/m2, P less than 0.001). The group of normotensive subjects showed the highest rate of low grading (0-2) values. However, the highest prevalence rates of 8-10 grading values (proliferative retinopathy) were found in the hypertensive group. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sBP values greater than or equal to 140 mmHg favor the onset of retinopathy in NIDDM patients during their 1st 10 yr of disease.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1990

[Sialographic and computed tomographic studies in pathology of the major salivary glands].

A retrospective study is reported which took place over 3 years (1986-1989) and included 99 patients (57 men and 33 women, age range 8-90 years) with lesions attributable to salivary gland diseases. Patients were examined using CAT and sialographic tests. From an analysis of the results it is clear that sialography retains its importance as a means of diagnosis in inflammatory diseases, calculosis and autoimmune disorders, whereas CAT should be used as the preferential diagnostic test for neoplastic lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Comparison of computerized tomography and sialography in diagnosis of parotid cysts].

In this study it has been valued the differences between T.C. and "scialography" in the parotid gland cystic lesions. Between 1986 and 1987 we examined 100 patients affected by parotid gland diseases utilizing the two different techniques. In 7 patients we diagnosed cystic lesions of parotid gland. Afterwards we compared the results obtained by T.C. and by scialography.

Cysts↗
PubMed1988

The effect of general and regional anesthesia on oxygen-dependent microbicidal mechanisms of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in children.

The microbicidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) was investigated in two groups of children undergoing hernia repair surgery. Group 1, after short general halothane anesthesia, received caudal analgesia, whereas group 2 received halothane anesthesia alone. Both groups showed a decrease in singlet oxygen production as demonstrated using chemiluminescence method. However, 24 hours after the end of surgery singlet oxygen production was fully recovered in the caudal analgesia group (group 1), whereas in the general anesthesia group (group 2), production was still significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed. It is concluded that halothane may be associated with PMNL impairment, perhaps in a time-dependent manner.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Reliability and usefulness of random fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration: further simplification of the method.

The reliability of random fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA-1-AT) concentration has been evaluated by comparing FA-1-AT values on random specimens and on concomitant 24-72 h fecal collections. In order to simplify the method, FA-1-AT data derived from lyophilized fecal samples were compared with those obtained from 37 degrees C heat-dried fecal samples. Random FA-1-AT concentration was assayed in 80 children with various gastrointestinal illnesses and 36 healthy age-matched controls. There was a close relationship between FA-1-AT values obtained from random samples and 1-day or 3-day collections. There was also a significant relationship between FA-1-AT values derived from the two different ways of drying the stools. Mean FA-1-AT values were statistically different when compared to the controls in the following groups of disorders: untreated and after-gluten-challenge celiac disease, post-enteritis syndrome, and cow's milk intolerance. The possible meanings of the abnormal FA-1-AT concentration in the various disorders are discussed. We conclude that FA-1-AT is a simple and reliable test for enteric protein loss. The simplification of the method proposed by us should reduce the cost of the test and moreover make it feasible in all laboratories.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Spermatic and peripheral venous plasma concentrations of testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, delta 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol, dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol, 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol, and estradiol in boys with idiopathic varicocele in different stages of puberty.

Serum testosterone (T), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17P), androstenedione (delta 4-dione), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), delta 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (delta 5-diol), estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT),5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (3 alpha diol), and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (3 beta diol) were measured in the peripheral and spermatic venous blood of 21 boys undergoing surgery for idiopathic left varicocele. The boys were divided into 3 groups according to their pubertal development: prepubertal (group 1 or P1; n = 8), pubertal stage 2 (group II or P2; n = 6), and pubertal stages 3-4 (group III or P3-4; n = 7). The testes of the prepubertal boys secreted T, 17P, DHA, delta 5-diol, DHT, and 3 alpha diol, but not delta 4-dione, E2, and 3 beta diol. In pubertal stage P2, the mean spermatic-peripheral secretory gradients of T, 17P, DHA, delta 5-diol, DHT, and 3 alpha diol were significantly higher than those in the prepubertal stage, and there was testicular secretion of delta 4-dione, E2, and 3 beta diol. In pubertal stage P3-4, the mean spermatic-peripheral secretory gradients of most of these steroids, even if increased, were not significantly different from those in stage P2 (with the exception of 17P, delta 5-diol, and DHA). We suggest that after the important modifications of testicular secretion occurring in pubertal stage P2, the testicular secretory pattern of the pubertal testis is similar to the pattern of the adult testis. We suggest also that these results, obtained in boys with idiopathic varicocele, can probably be extended to the secretory activity of the testes of normal pubertal boys.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1984

[Effect of scleral buckling on ocular tone].

Having examined in literature the intraocular pressure changings due to periocular encirclement, the Authors analyse a casenstry of 135 eyeballs in which a silicone band encirclement was performed. They conclude emphasizing the hypotonizing action of this technique, due to ciliary body ischemia, hypothesizing the use of this surgical technique in case of neovascular glaucoma.

Ciliary Body↗
PubMed1983

Steroid secretion by the prepubertal human testis.

It has been demonstrated that the human testis secretes testosterone and, to a smaller extent and less constantly, also androstenedione. Testosterone, progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone have been measured in the spermatic and peripheral venous blood of prepubertal boys undergoing surgery for undescended testis or inguinal hernia repair. The spermatic plasma levels of testosterone and progesterone were significantly higher than peripheral levels. A significant spermatic-peripheral gradient was not found for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone. These studies demonstrate that the secretory pattern of the human prepubertal testis is different from that of the adults.

Androgens↗
PubMed1983

Spermatic and peripheral venous plasma concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in prepubertal and pubertal boys.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEAS), a major adrenal product, is quantitatively one of the most important steroids found in human testicular tissue. However, conflicting data have been reported about the testicular production of DEAS 'in vivo'. We have measured the spermatic and peripheral concentrations of testosterone (T) and DEAS in two groups of prepubertal (Group I, N = 18) and pubertal (Group II; N = 11) boys undergoing surgery for undescended testis, inguinal hernia or varicocele. Mean (+/- SE) spermatic concentrations of DEAS (77 +/- 16 and 113 +/- 19 micrograms/dl in Group I and II respectively) were not significantly different from peripheral concentrations (70 +/- 13 and 130 +/- 16 micrograms/dl in Group I and II respectively). Mean spermatic concentrations of T (153 +/- 101 and 7515 +/- 4314 ng/dl in Group I and II respectively) were significantly different from peripheral concentrations (9 +/- 1 and 149 +/- 53 ng/dl; P less than 0.001 in both groups). Spermatic and peripheral levels of T and DEAS found in prepubertal boys were significantly lower than those found in pubertal boys. Spermatic levels of DEAS were not significantly related with spermatic levels of T in both groups. Our data show that, as in adult subjects, no significant spermatic-peripheral DEAS gradient is present in prepubertal and pubertal boys.

Adolescent↗