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Biomedical subjects

T Moretti

Publications and source records attributed to T Moretti.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

STR primer concordance study.

Over 1500 population database samples comprising African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Native Americans, Chamorros and Filipinos were typed using the PowerPlex 16 and the Profiler Plus/COfiler kits. Except for the D8S1179 locus in Chamorros and Filipinos from Guam, there were eight examples in which a typing difference due to allele dropout was observed. At the D8S1179 locus in the population samples from Guam, there were 13 examples of allele dropout observed when using the Profiler Plus kit. The data support that the primers used in the PowerPlex 16, Profiler Plus, and COfiler kits are reliable for typing reference samples that are for use in CODIS. In addition, allele frequency databases have been established for the STR loci Penta D and Penta E. Both loci are highly polymorphic.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Down-regulation of natural killer cells and of gamma/delta T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Does it correlate to autoimmunity and to laboratory indices of disease activity?

A depletion of natural killer (NK) cells seems to play a role in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) whereas the possible involvement in this disease of T cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta positive T cells is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that express NK surface markers CD16 and CD56 or gamma/delta TCR antigen in 58 SLE patients, investigating the possible role of these cell subsets involved in non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity and their relationship with the main clinical and laboratory parameters. SLE patients had, with respect to controls, considerably decreased values of NK cells (P<0.0004 in percentage and P<0.00004 as absolute number), of non-MHC-restricted T cytotoxic lymphocytes (P<0.007 and P<0.0015, respectively) and of T cells expressing gamma/delta TCR (P<0.02 and P<0.004, respectively). The absolute numbers of these cell subsets positively correlated to each other (P<0.009). gamma/delta T cells inversely correlated with higher ESR values, both percentually (P<0. 006; r=-0.367) and in absolute number (P<0.009; r=-0.350). Moreover, the percentage values of this cell subset inversely correlated with higher levels of CRP (P<0.05; r=-0.256) while SLE patients with anti-SSB/La antibodies had lower values of T lymphocytes bearing gamma/delta TCR, both as percentage (P<0.008) and as absolute number (P<0.02). Our study indicates that non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity, shared by NK, NK-like and gamma/delta T cells, may be down-regulated in SLE patients, owing to a significant reduction of these PBMC subsets. These specific cell subset impairments seem to affect only some aspects of the disease, suggesting a weakening of the regulatory properties of these cells in the control of different immunological and inflammatory features of SLE, that could be of importance in its clinical expression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Fluorescent multiplex analysis of nine STR loci: Spanish population data.

A total of 171 Caucasians living in Andalucia (southern Spain) have been typed for nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci by multiplex PCR amplification using a commercially available kit (Profiler Plus; Perkin-Elmer, Norwalk, CT, USA) and semi-automatic electrophoresis (ABI Prism 377 DNA Sequencer, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The kit enables typing of the STR loci D3S1358, VWA, FGA, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D8S1179, D21S11, and D18S51. All loci, except D7S820, meet Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Because of the large number of loci that can be analyzed, the power of discrimination (PD) is greater than 0.99999, and the probability of exclusion (PE) reaches 0.99991 in our population sample.

Alleles↗
PubMed1998

Enhancement of PCR amplification yield and specificity using AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase.

Inadequate yields of PCR product and the generation of nonspecific PCR products can complicate genotyping studies, particularly when the DNA template is of inferior quality and/or has a low-copy number. In this study, the ability of AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase to enhance the specificity and yield of amplification was evaluated in a quadruplex short tandem repeat (STR) system in which a nonspecific PCR product and poor yield had been previously observed with AmpliTaq DNA Polymerase usage. Because AmpliTaq Gold is inactive until heated during the PCR before thermal cycling, effects similar to those achieved with "hot-start" PCR were attained in a fast, simple and practical fashion. A significant enhancement in yield at the four STR loci and improved balance of alleles resulted with the use of AmpliTaq Gold. Furthermore, a non-specific PCR product, the result of mispriming, was effectively eliminated. The consistency of quality results was improved, thereby promoting successful typing of suboptimal DNA samples and enhancing the accuracy of genotyping. Since PCR product yield is elevated with AmpliTaq Gold usage, and consistent performance and low background are achieved with higher amounts of AmpliTaq Gold compared with AmpliTaq, AmpliTaq Gold can be used to augment measures taken to counteract the effects of some PCR/Taq DNA polymerase inhibitors, such as those found in blood and some forensic specimens. Studies showed that pH affects either the activity or the activation of the polymerase. AmpliTaq Gold was found to be compatible with pH 8.3 buffers, such as GeneAmp PCR Buffer and AmpFlSTR PCR Reaction Mix but not compatible with pH 9.0 buffers, such as GenePrint STR 10 x Buffer (however, conditions for the usage of AmpliTaq Gold with the GenePrint CTTv system are provided). AmpliTaq Gold is useful for the development and optimization of multiplex amplification systems, particularly those in which the primers are not well designed and/or the reaction conditions are not optimal. Finally, because AmpliTaq Gold is initially inactive, preparation of reactions at ambient temperature and automation of the PCR are facilitated. Therefore throughput can be expanded significantly with the use of AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase.

Buffers↗
PubMed1990

[Anesthesiologic problems in transluminal balloon dilatation of esophageal stenosis in children].

The authors report their anesthesiological experience in 88 cases of transluminal balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in children. The most serious problems are caused by the need to repeat the dilatation process (up to a maximum of 24 times in one patient) and to the risk of extrinsic mechanical compression of the trachea with consequent transient anoxia. Good sedation was achieved using premedication with haloperidol and diazepam, but was not sufficient to avoid the child's anxiety on entering the operating theatre. Anesthesia using ketamine plus fentanyl, combined with tracheal intubation gave good results in almost all cases, but marked bradycardia was observed in several patients during balloon dilatation. In conclusion, although the technique itself is simple to perform, very careful anesthesia is required to avoid the risk of serious intraoperative complications.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1989

Induction of immunotolerance in hemophilia for high titre inhibitor eradication: a long-term follow-up.

Three hemophiliacs with high titre inhibitor were treated with a medium-high FVIII dose schedule (100 IU/kg bw daily) with the aim of inducing the immunotolerance. These patients were followed-up extensively concerning their immunological status and HIV serology. In all of them the inhibitor disappeared and normal FVIII kinetics were obtained after 22, 15 and 29 months. After eradication of the inhibitor, no recurrence took place in any of the patients. All the patients were HIV Ab positive before the beginning of the treatment. In one of them CD4+ cells fell progressively 32 months after the treatment was started, a full-blown AIDS showed up, and the patient died 5 1/2 years after the beginning of the treatment. In the second and third patient the CD4+ cells varied widely but remained greater than 400/microliter during the whole immunotolerance treatment. The latter two patients are AIDS and ARC free so far, but patient No. 2 developed a mild-to-severe thrombocytopenia. Considering the high cost of the treatment and the possibility that such an intensive administration of FVIII concentrates might worsen the immunological status of patients, this therapeutic procedure should only be applied with caution.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Cloning and comparative mapping of a human class III (chi) alcohol dehydrogenase cDNA.

A cDNA encoding human class III (chi ADH5) alcohol dehydrogenase was isolated, sequenced and used to comparatively map this unusual ADH. In their coding sequences, the three major ADH classes were approximately equisimilar, class II and III ADHs sharing the highest sequence identity (67%). A class III-like ADH was mapped to mouse chromosome 3, site of the ADH gene complex, and synteny of ADH5 with four other ADH loci on human chromosome 4 was confirmed. The nearly full-length 1613 nucleotide cDNA contained 433 nucleotides of 3' nontranslated sequence and two possible initiation sites for translation. A protein of 374 amino acid residues could be synthesized using the potential initiation codon at nucleotide 59. However, use of the likely initiation codon at nucleotide 5 would produce a protein of 392 residues with 19 additional N-terminal residues as compared to the known protein sequence. The derived protein sequence also differs at residue 166, where Tyr is found. This difference, due to a single base substitution, could result from cloning artifact, polymorphism, or two expressed class III ADH genes.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1987

Concentrated DDAVP: further improvement in the management of mild factor VIII deficiencies.

This study was carried out to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of a new concentrated 1 Deamino - (8-D-arginine)-vasopressin (DDAVP) preparation. Concentrated DDAVP (C-DDAVP), (40 micrograms/mL) was given subcutaneously (s.c.) in hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease (vWD), and the response was evaluated in terms of factor VIII/vWF (VIII/von Willebrand Factor) complex response. This response was also compared to that obtained using the currently available commercial preparation (4 micrograms/mL) given either s.c. or intravenously (i.v.). The maximal f. VIII response after s.c. C-DDAVP was reached one hour after the injection (means:3.5 times the resting values) with an average decline of 15% at two hours. The response to s.c. C-DDAVP in patients with hemophilia was slightly better than that obtained with the diluted brand, but the difference did not reach any statistical significance even when the schedules were compared in the same patients. In type I (platelet normal subtype) vWD, a higher response in terms of factor VIII:C increase in comparison with hemophiliacs was obtained. Both Ristocetin co-factor activity (RiCof) and bleeding time responded to this vasopressin analogue, when administered subcutaneously.

Deamino Arginine Vasopressin↗
PubMed1987

Inhibitor to factor VIII in a non-haemophilic patient: evaluation of the response to DDAVP and the in vitro kinetics of factor VIII. A case report.

We report a case of inhibitor to factor VIII in a non-haemophilic patient. Immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine was started, but without any advantage. Evaluation of the kinetics of exogenous factor VIII in vitro showed a rapid but incomplete neutralization of factor VIII. Following s.c. 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) administration, a large and prolonged increase in factor VIII:C and von Willebrand factor antigen occurred together with complete inhibitor saturation. Therefore DDAVP may represent an important tool in the management of the bleeding episodes in these patients and evaluation of its suitability in the management of these patients should be carried out.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗
PubMed1985

Turnover of alpha-2-antiplasmin in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia have a bleeding disorder which was thus far explained by a coagulopathy based on diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC). We observed severe alpha-2-antiplasmin deficiency in a consecutive series of such patients. We postulate proteolysis rather than DIC, also because of increased turnover of 125I-alpha-2-antiplasmin, to be responsible for the coagulopathy. Alpha-2-antiplasmin deficiency may well contribute to the bleeding disorder in acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Antithrombin III↗
PubMed1984

Studies on PIVKA VII.

In 30 subjects on stabilized oral anticoagulant treatment, factor VII activity (VII:C) and factor VII antigen (VII:Ag) were evaluated. The average VII:C and VII:Ag levels were 8.7 and 30.7, respectively. All plasma samples were treated with 1 M barium chloride: all the activity and a corresponding average amount of antigen were adsorbed by the salt. The cold-promoted activation of factor VII was found in 5/30 subjects. Corresponding amounts of VII:C and VII:Ag were also removed from the plasma of these subjects after cold activation following the addition of barium chloride. It clearly results from these studies that a portion of VII:Ag cannot be adsorbed by barium chloride because of a reduction (or a lack) of the gamma-carboxyglutamic groups. This portion of VII:Ag can therefore be identified as Pivka VII.

Acenocoumarol↗