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Biomedical subjects

V Pucci

Publications and source records attributed to V Pucci.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Rapid methods for determination of fluoxetine in pharmaceutical formulations.

Two different analytical methods for the quality control of fluoxetine in commercial formulations have been developed and compared: a spectrofluorimetric method and a capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) method. The fluorescence emission values were measured at lambda=293 nm when exciting at lambda=230 nm. The CZE method used an uncoated fused-silica capillary and pH 2.5 phosphate buffer as the background electrolyte. The extraction of fluoxetine from the capsules consisted of a simple one-step dissolution with methanol/water, filtration and dilution. Both methods gave satisfactory results in terms of precision; the best results were obtained for the electrophoretic method, with RSD% values always lower than 2.0%. The accuracy was assessed by means of recovery studies, which gave very good results, between 97.5 and 102.6%. Furthermore, both methods also have the advantage of being very rapid.

Capsules↗
PubMed2001

Clear lens phacoemulsification for correction of high myopia.

PURPOSE: To assess phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation as an effective, safe, and predictable technique for the correction of high myopia. SETTING: University Eye Clinic of Verona, Verona, Italy. METHODS: A series of 25 eyes with myopia higher than -12.0 diopters (D) had clear lens extraction by phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the capsular bag. The mean postoperative follow-up was 42.92 months +/- 3.76 (SD). RESULTS: No serious intraoperative complications occurred. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all cases. The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity improved by an average of 1 line. One case (4.0%) of postoperative retinal detachment (RD) occurred at 12 months. One case (4.0%) of biometric error (3.0 D) occurred. CONCLUSION: Clear lens extraction by phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in a series of highly myopic eyes was effective and had an acceptable predictability and a low rate of complications. Careful evaluation of the retinal periphery by indirect ophthalmoscopy is recommended to avoid postoperative RD.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Quality control of benserazide-levodopa and carbidopa-levodopa tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis.

In modern practice, the treatment of Parkinson's disease and syndrome is carried out using pharmaceutical formulations containing a combination of levodopa and a decarboxylation inhibitor (carbidopa or benserazide). Two pharmaceutical formulations were quantified by capillary zone electrophoresis using two procedures which differed only in the kind of background electrolyte used. One procedure used a 25 mM phosphate buffer, pH 2.5, while the second one used a 25 mM borate buffer, pH 8.5. The electrophoretic analysis was carried out using an uncoated fused- silica capillary, a separation voltage of 20 kV with currents typically less than 60 microA, and spectrophotometric detection at 205 nm. Calibration curves were performed for levodopa (concentration range 1-100 microg/mL), for carbidopa and benserazide (1-50 microg/mL), and the plots of the peak area versus concentration were found to be linear with a correlation coefficient better than 0.9990. Satisfactory results were obtained when commercial tablets were analyzed in terms of accuracy (98-102%), repeatability (0.6-2.0%), and intermediate precision (1.1-2.6%).

Benserazide↗
PubMed1999

Separation of antipsychotic drugs (clozapine, loxapine) and their metabolites by capillary zone electrophoresis.

Two antipsychotic drugs (clozapine and loxapine) and six metabolites, N-demethylclozapine, clozapine N-oxide, N-demethylloxapine (amoxapine), 7-hydroxyloxapine, 8-hydroxyloxapine, 8-hydroxyamoxapine, were separated by capillary zone electrophoresis. Variation of pH and ionic strength of the acidic phosphate buffer (pH below 4) did not enable the separation of loxapine and one of its metabolites. Resolution of the single parent drugs and their metabolites was possible in background electrolytes (phosphate, pH 3.5, 60 mmol/l) containing either 0.2% (w/v) polyvinylpyrrolidone as replaceable pseudo-stationary phase, or 0.75 mmol/l beta-cyclodextrin added as complex-forming agent. Full separation of the mixture with baseline resolution of all analytes was obtained with a background electrolyte with heptakis-6-sulfato-beta-cyclodextrin added as negatively charged complexation agent with improved separation selectivity.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed1999

Separation of eleven central nervous system drugs by capillary zone electrophoresis.

Several strategies to improve the separation of 11 central nervous system drugs (antipsychotics and antidepressants) with capillary zone electrophoresis were applied: the variation of the pH of the buffering background electrolyte, its ionic strength, addition of inclusion-complex forming beta-cyclodextrin or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), respectively, as a replaceable, soluble, polymeric pseudo-stationary phase. Best separation was achieved at pH 2.5 and 35 mmol/l ionic strength (phosphate buffer), with 0.5% (w/v) PVP.

Central Nervous System Agents↗
PubMed1999

Intraocular penetration of topical lidocaine 4%.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular penetration of lidocaine 4% topically applied before phacoemulsification. SETTINGS: Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Verona, and Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Padua, Italy. METHODS: Thirty eyes having phacoemulsification for senile cataract were anesthetized by topical application of lidocaine 4%. The drug was applied 3 times in 30 minutes in 15 eyes and 6 times in 60 minutes in 15 eyes. At the beginning of surgery, aqueous humor samples were obtained to measure the lidocaine levels. Blood samples were obtained in 6 patients 30 and 60 minutes after aqueous humor collection. The aqueous humor levels were compared with the amount of pain perceived by patients during surgery. RESULTS: Mean aqueous humor lidocaine concentration was 8.68 micrograms/mL +/- 2.43 (SD) after 3 instillations and 23.21 +/- 8.87 micrograms/mL after 6 instillations. Blood levels of lidocaine were negligible. Patients whose intraocular level was below 12 micrograms/mL perceived more pain during surgery. Only 2 eyes had these low levels after 6 instillations. CONCLUSIONS: Topically applied lidocaine 4% effectively penetrates the eye, providing analgesia for phacoemulsification. We suggest at least 6 instillations in the hour preceding surgery. In this study, pain during surgery was primarily related to poor intraocular levels of the anesthetic agent.

Absorption↗
PubMed1996

Secondary implantation of angle-supported anterior chamber and scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of secondary implantation of angle-supported anterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) and scleral-fixated posterior chamber lenses. SETTING: Eye Clinic, University of Verona, Italy. METHODS: This study of 68 eyes of 60 patients comprised two groups. In Group A (n = 35), an angle-supported anterior chamber IOL was implanted and in Group B (n = 33), a scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOL. Follow-up was from 12 to 45 months. RESULTS: In Group A, one eye developed a retinal detachment and another, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. In Group B, one eye had a major intraoperative choroidal hemorrhage and two developed a retinal detachment postoperatively. All other complications were minor. CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of sight-threatening complications was about 6% for both groups, scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOLs were associated with more intraoperative and postoperative complications than angle-fixated anterior chamber IOLs, and surgery took longer. Thus, anterior chamber IOL implantation should be considered for older patients with relatively good endothelial cell counts.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

HPR perimetry and Humphrey perimetry in glaucomatous children.

Fifteen children aged less than 11 years, affected by congenital glaucoma, underwent visual field testing using two different methods: conventional computerized perimetry (24-2 Humphrey program) and High Pass Resolution perimetry (Ring test). The aim of the study was to discover which of the two perimetric techniques was more suitable for younger patient. Results showed that HPR perimetry is more suitable to children. Reasons include the short duration of the test (5 min), and the appearance like a pleasant game to 80% of the subjects tested. In addition it proved to be better than Humphrey test because of the minimal possibilities of memorisation with a reproducibility factor of 68% in our sample and because of the reliable results and satisfactory evaluation in 76% of the eyes examined.

Child↗
PubMed1995

Cataract surgery in eyes with early cataracts.

This prospective study assessed visual results and subjective rehabilitation after cataract surgery in eyes with a preoperative acuity of 0.4 (20/40) or better. Fifty eyes (50 patients) were entered in the study. Corrected and uncorrected visual acuity, lens opacity, glare disability, and contrast sensitivity were measured before surgery and four months after surgery. Patient satisfaction was also measured. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.54 +/- 0.12 before surgery and 0.95 +/- 0.15 four months after surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity was 0.24 +/- 0.18 before and 0.58 +/- 0.27 after surgery. Impairment of corrected visual acuity from glare decreased from 0.12 +/- 0.09 before surgery to 0.04 +/- 0.08 four months after surgery. Contrast sensitivity at 6 cycles/degree increased from 2.71 +/- 0.94 units to 4.73 +/- 1.09 units. After surgery, 62% of patients judged their vision to be greatly improved, 32% judged it improved, 6% judged it unchanged. The patient's satisfaction was partially related to the improvement in uncorrected visual acuity. We conclude that cataract surgery can benefit eyes with limited visual impairment if the surgery is uncomplicated and IOL power is calculated correctly.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Immunoactivity of pidotimod against episodes of recurrent tonsillitis in childhood.

The therapeutic efficacy of the synthetic immunostimulant pidotimod ((R)-3-[(S)-(5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinyl) carbonyl]-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, PGT/1A, CAS 121808-62-6) was evaluated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in parallel groups in the management of recurrences in 235 children with recurrent tonsillitis. The ambulant study provided for 15 days of treatment with two oral vials of pidotimod 400 mg or placebo daily, in accordance with a randomisation list, 60 days of treatment with one oral vial of pidotimod 400 mg or placebo daily, and a 90-day follow-up period. The total trial period was 165 days. In addition to evaluating the number of tonsillitis recurrences which occurred during the 75 days of treatment and the 90-day follow-up period, the number of days on which the principal symptoms of the illness were present and on which drugs such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents were used concomitantly, as well as the number of days' absence from school, were analyzed. The findings showed that, taking the treatment phase and the three-month follow-up period together, pidotimod significantly reduces the incidence of inflammatory upper airways episodes. The very low incidence of adverse effects, which was the same as that in the placebo group, confirmed the excellent safety of the product.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1994

Nucleus viscoexpression compared with other techniques of nucleus removal in extracapsular cataract extraction with capsulorhexis.

We compared three nucleus delivery procedures used during extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) after capsulorhexis in 142 eyes. In 25 eyes, the nucleus was expressed through a capsulorhexis 7 mm or wider. In 40 eyes, the nucleus was broken into two pieces and removed through a capsulorhexis 6 mm or less. In 77 eyes, viscoexpression was used to remove the nucleus from the capsular bag through a capsulorhexis 6 mm or less. Nucleus expression after a wide capsulorhexis was successful in 68% of the eyes in which it was attempted. Nucleus fragmentation was successful in 90%. Postoperative inflammation was high in both of these groups. Nucleus viscoexpression was successful in 93%, with low postoperative inflammation. Although it requires a 7- to 8-millimeter corneoscleral incision, based on our study, viscoexpression would appear to be the best nuclear delivery technique when ECCE, rather than phacoemulsification, is being performed.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Results of photorefractometric screening for amblyogenic defects in children aged 20 months.

This report evaluates the validity of a preventive programme in a population which underwent refractometric screening at the ages of 20 months and 4 years. In 1987, 1,046 children born in 1985 in the territory of the Veneto National Health Unit No. 19 were invited to undergo screening for amblyogenic factors such as meridional hyperopia greater than or equal to +2.50 diopters (D), myopia less than or equal to -2.50 D, anisometropia greater than or equal to 2 D, opacity of the dioptric media and strabismus. The test method was non-cycloplegic photorefractometry (PhR). Seven hundred and ninety-five children were tested (76%); positive cases underwent subsequent cycloplegic autorefractometry (AR) and corrective lenses were prescribed as necessary. In 1989, an eye test was performed on 653 children who had taken part in the previous PhR screening and on 350 similar children who had not: the test included evaluation of visual acuity, stereopsis and AR. An eye with a corrected visual acuity of less than 0.7 was considered amblyopic. PhR demonstrated a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 96% and a positive prediction rating of 46% in the identification of amblyogenic factors. The prevalence of amblyopia at 4 years of age in the group which had undergone previous screening was 1.07% vs. 2.57% in the group which had not (P: not significant). The progress of the myopia was studied in a group with full optical correction used continuously (Group A) and in a control group under-corrected by at least 1.5 D (Group B).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amblyopia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Corneal topography and astigmatism after superior sutured 8 mm scleral tunnel incisions.

OBJECTIVES: To verify corneal topography and astigmatism after cataract surgery with 8 mm scleral tunnel incisions closed with a continuous 10-0 nylon suture. SETTING: Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Verona, Italy. METHOD: Twenty eyes were studied for 12 months after cataract extraction with 8 mm, sutured, scleral tunnel incisions. Corneal topography (EyeSys 2.1) was evaluated for the first 5 months. Astigmatism (absolute and induced) was measured by Javal ophthalmometry preoperatively and 1, 7, 30, 60, 90, 150, and 360 days after surgery. RESULTS: In the week following surgery, corneal shape was minimally affected and uncorrected visual acuity was not compromised. Mean with-the-rule induced cylinder was less than 1.00 diopter (D). After 5 and after 12 months, the mean induced cylinder was still less than 1.50 D but with an against-the-rule shift in almost all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Sutured 8 mm tunnel incisions showed good results in terms of absolute cylinders but late against-the-rule shift could not be avoided.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Micelles based on polyvinyl alcohol substituted with oleic acid for targeting of lipophilic drugs.

Polymeric micelles based on polyvinyl alcohol substituted with oleic acid were used as vehicles for progesterone and folic acid. The ability of this amphiphilic polymer to entrap lipophilic drugs and to generate stable micelles in aqueous neutral medium makes it a good candidate for drug delivery. The release of the loaded drugs in acidic environments represents another important property of these systems. Size of micelles, their stability, and their drug-loading capacity were evaluated, as well as the in vitro controlled-release profiles at pH 7.4 and 5.5.

Drug Delivery Systems↗