Anti-oxidant status and lipid peroxidation in patients with essential hypertension.

Background: Lipid peroxidation and derived oxidized products are being intensively investigated, because of their potential to cause injury and their pathogenetic role in several clinically significant diseases. The view that an excess of lipid peroxidation products is present and relevant in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension or in hypertension-induced damage has still not received definitive support.

Objective: To evaluate both the extent of lipoperoxidation in essential hypertensive patients and the status of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants that potentially are able to modulate it

Methods: We selected 105 newly diagnosed essential hypertensives among those referred to our hypertension outpatient clinic and compared them with 100 normotensive controls matched for age.

Cloning and tissue distribution of the human G protein beta 5 cDNA.

Heterotrimeric G proteins integrate signals between receptors and effector proteins. We have cloned the human beta 5 subunit from a human brain cDNA library. The clone has a 1059 bp open reading frame and is highly homologous to the murine clone.

Expression of a progelatinase activator (MT1-MMP) in human fetal membranes.

Problem: The finding of MMP-2 (which degrades type IV collagen) and TIMP-2 (the tissue inhibitor of MMP) in fetal membranes suggests the possibility of membrane self-destruction as an etiology of premature rupture of fetal membranes. MMP-2 is activated by a membrane-bound MMP (MT1-MMP). This study was undertaken to detect the presence of MT1-MMP in human fetal membranes.

Diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma in a children's hospital.

A comprehensive review of 487 emergency dental trauma visits seen at a children's hospital during a 3-year period was performed to investigate aspects of trauma care that have not been previously reported. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and injury treatment were analyzed. General patient characteristics and diagnoses were consistent with other studies.

IL-15, a novel cytokine produced by human fetal membranes, is elevated in preterm labor.

Problem: Interleukin (IL)-15 is a novel cytokine known to have functions similar to those of IL-2 in the cell-mediated immune response. The objectives of this study were to determine whether IL-15 levels change in labor or preterm labor and to identify the regulatory agents and the site of production of IL-15.

Method Of Study: Amniochorionic membranes were cultured in an organ explant system and were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs).

Diagnosis and treatment of dental caries-related emergencies in a children's hospital.

A comprehensive review of 362 caries-related emergency visits presenting to a children's hospital was completed to investigate aspects of care which have not been previously reported. Areas of interest included patient characteristics such as age and whether the emergency visit was the first contact with a dentist, association of the emergency visit with a nursing bottle habit, diagnoses, treatment provided, and behavior management techniques used at the emergency visit. The emergency appointment was the first contact with a dentist for 27% of all patients and for 52% of children 3.

Interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta inhibit amniochorion tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by contrasting mechanisms of action: therapeutic implications in prematurity.

Objective: This study was designed to detect the regulatory effect of the immunoinhibitory cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta on the amniochorion production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Study Design: Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective repeat cesarean section with no history of infection. Membranes were placed in organ explant culture for 48 hours and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml), lipopolysaccharide plus interleukin-10 (50/ 50, 50/100 ng/ml), interleukin-10 (50 and 100 ng/ml), lipopolysaccharide plus transforming growth factor-beta (50/50 and 50/100 ng/ml), and transforming growth factor-beta (50 and 100 ng/ml).

Collagenolytic enzymes (gelatinases) and their inhibitors in human amniochorionic membrane.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (gelatinase A), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (gelatinase B), and their natural inhibitors in both cultured amniochorionic membrane and membrane obtained from women with infection-associated preterm labor.

Study Design: Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women with documented intraamniotic infection and from women not in labor undergoing elective repeat cesarean section with no signs of infection or other complications of pregnancy. Normal membranes were cultured and exposed to endotoxin and peptidoglycan polysaccharide.

Most potential linear B cell epitopes of Env glycoproteins of feline immunodeficiency virus are immunogenically silent in infected cats.

A battery of sixty-six 20- to 23-amino acid synthetic peptides, partially overlapping by 10-12 amino acids, spanning the entire sequence of the envelope (Env) glycoproteins of the Petaluma isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV-Pet), has been used to map Env linear B cell epitopes. By screening FIV-infected cat sera for anti-peptide reactivity, the existence of two immunodominat domains, namely the V3 region of the surface (SU) glycoprotein and the domain including the highly conserved sequence QNQFF of the transmembrane (TM) glycoprotein, was detected; antibody-binding sites were also mapped in the domain overlapping the cleavage site between SU and TM encompassing the V6 variable region. Moreover, at least two novel linear B epitopes, the former spanning residues 427M-H446 and the latter spanning residues 737N-N756 and likely representing a "type-specific" determinant, have been revealed.

Natural variation in the appendicular skeleton of Triturus carnifex (Amphibia: Salamandridae).

Intraspecific variation in the appendicular skeleton of two geographically isolated populations of Triturus carnifex, one from northern Italy (Rosate, Milano) and one from central Italy (Bagnaia, Perugia), has been studied. A total of 1,746 forelimbs and 830 hindlimbs were examined. Forelimb skeletal variability was much greater in the Rosate than the Bagnaia population.

Interleukin-10 inhibition of interleukin-6 in human amniochorionic membrane: transcriptional regulation.

Objective: Our purpose was to study the regulatory effects of recombinant interleukin-10 on interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein production by human fetal membranes.

Study Design: Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective cesarean section. Membranes were maintained in an organ explant system and stimulated with media containing lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml) and various amounts of recombinant interleukin-10 (10, 50, 100 ng/ml).

Inhibition of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in vitro by envelope glycoprotein synthetic peptides.

Sixty-six 20- to 23-amino-acid synthetic peptides, partially overlapping by 10-12 amino acids, spanning the entire sequence of the envelope SU and TM glycoproteins of the Petaluma isolate of FIV, have been used to investigate the Env domains involved in viral infection. Peptides 5 to 7, spanning amino acids 225E-P264 located in a conserved region of the SU protein, and peptides 58 to 61, spanning amino acids 767N-P806 and encompassing hypervariable region 8 of TM protein, exhibited a remarkable and specific antiviral effect against the homologous and one heterologous isolate, as judged by inhibition of FIV-induced syncytium formation and p25 production in CrFK cells. Peptides 5 and 7, but not peptides 58 and 59, also inhibited viral replication of a fresh FIV isolate on nontransformed lymphoid cells.

NiTi shape memory alloys treated by plasma-polymerized tetrafluoroethylene. A physicochemical and electrochemical characterization.

NiTi alloy specimens were plasma cleaned and then coated with a thin film of plasma-polymerized tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) in a Radio-Frequency reactor. The corrosion protection provided by these films was studied by potentiodynamic tests performed in Hank's physiological solution. Surface properties which determine biocompatibility were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Circulating immune complexes and analysis of renal immune deposits in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats.

Total immunoglobulin content and concentration of immune complexes (IC) were determined in the sera of 51 cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and of 40 controls. IgG and IgM were quantified by radial immunodiffusion and circulating IC (CIC) by the CIC-conglutinin assay. IgG fractions were obtained by acid elution from kidney tissues of 15 FIV-infected and five negative control cats to investigate the possible role of IC in the genesis of renal damage observed in infected animals.

Epitope mapping of the V3 domain of feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein by monoclonal antibodies.

A panel of six IgG monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was produced by immunizing mice with a 22 amino acid synthetic peptide, designated V3.3, of the third variable region of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) envelope glycoprotein. This peptide is known to induce neutralizing antibodies in cats.

Examination of variables affecting syncytium formation by, and serum neutralization of, feline immunodeficiency virus on CrFK cells.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) induces syncytia in Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells grown in low fetal bovine serum-containing medium. This finding has allowed the development of sensitive FIV titration and neutralization assays using syncytium formation as an indicator of infection. In this report we examine several variables that can influence number and size of syncytia.

Renal involvement in feline immunodeficiency virus infection: p24 antigen detection, virus isolation and PCR analysis.

Renal alterations characterized morphologically by glomerular and tubulo-interstitial lesions and clinically by a heavy proteinuria and sometimes by renal failure are frequent in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cats. To investigate the possible role of local FIV replication in the genesis of this renal damage, renal tissues of 15 consecutive naturally infected and five non-infected cats were examined for traces of the virus by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal anti-p24 antibody in a streptavidin-biotin peroxidase labeled system, cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tubular epithelial cells as well as scattered interstitial inflammatory and glomerular cells were positive for p24 antigen in 13 cats.

Feline immunodeficiency virus: an interesting model for AIDS studies and an important cat pathogen.

The lentivirus feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a widespread pathogen of the domestic cat that is mainly transmitted through bites, although other means of transmission are also possible. Its prevalence ranges from 1 to 10% in different cat populations throughout the world, thus representing a large reservoir of naturally infected animals. FIV resembles the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in many respects.

The fluctuations of hepatitis C virus RNA and IgM anti-HCV (core) serum levels correlate with those of alanine aminotransferases during the hepatitis relapses of patients treated with interferon.

Variations in the serum levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. IgM antibody against the HCV 'core' structural protein (c22) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) were measured in 23 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent therapy with interferon-alpha 2a (IFN alpha 2a). Low pretreatment levels of viraemia and undetectable IgM anti-core were significantly associated with a long-term response to treatment.

A neutralizing antibody-inducing peptide of the V3 domain of feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein does not induce protective immunity.

Specific-pathogen-free cats, immunized with a 22-amino-acid synthetic peptide designated V3.3 and derived from the third variable region of the envelope glycoprotein of the Petaluma isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), developed high antibody titers to the V3.3 peptide and to purified virus, as assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassays, as well as neutralizing antibodies, as assayed by the inhibition of syncytium formation in Crandell feline kidney cells.

Detection of feline immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen and p24-specific antibodies by monoclonal antibody-based assays.

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) detecting distinct B-cell epitopes on p24 core viral protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were employed to develop immunoassays to measure p24 concentration in culture and serum samples, to localize p24 in FIV-infected cells and tissues, and to detect anti-p24 antibodies in cat sera. In its optimized configuration the p24 capture assay detected as little as 0.25 ng/ml of protein.

Effect of plasma treatment on tribological properties of synthetic ligaments.

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal experimental conditions for plasma treatment of polyester ligaments. Two different surface modification techniques were used: tetrafluoroethylene and methane. Gas flow rate, pressure, power, and treatment period giving a thin film with low friction coefficient and low surface energy was determined.

[Assays of cytotoxicity of the Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy].

The equiatomic Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloy has exceptional mechanical properties such as shape memory and superelasticity. It already has applications in orthodontics and is a promising orthopaedic biomaterial. Cytocompatibility studies must therefore be undertaken.

Identification of a linear neutralization site within the third variable region of the feline immunodeficiency virus envelope.

Synthetic peptides have been used to map linear B-cell epitopes of the third variable (V3) region of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) external membrane glycoprotein gp120. The analysis of sera from naturally and experimentally FIV-infected cats by Pepscan and enzyme immunoassay with four partially overlapping peptides evidenced three antibody-binding domains, two of which mapped in the carboxyl-terminal half of V3. In particular, the V3.

Detection of B epitopes on the p24 gag protein of feline immunodeficiency virus by monoclonal antibodies.

Seven monoclonal antibodies were obtained after immunization of mice with purified sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-disrupted feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Six antibodies specifically bound antigens in the cytoplasm of FIV-infected cells as determined by indirect immunofluorescence and reacted with FIV p24 gag gene product in immunoblots. One reacted positively with virus-infected cells, but failed to recognize FIV structural proteins by immunoblotting.