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1.
Sci Data ; 10(1): 427, 2023 07 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37400466

ABSTRACT

Systematic and timely documentation of triggered (i.e. event) landslides is fundamental to build extensive datasets worldwide that may help define and/or validate trends in response to climate change. More in general, preparation of landslide inventories is a crucial activity since it provides the basic data for any subsequent analysis. In this work we present an event landslide inventory map (E-LIM) that was prepared through a systematic reconnaissance field survey in about 1 month after an extreme rainfall event hit an area of about 5000 km2 in the Marche-Umbria regions (central Italy). The inventory reports evidence of 1687 triggered landslides in an area of ~550 km2. All slope failures were classified according to type of movement and involved material, and documented with field pictures, wherever possible. The database of the inventory described in this paper as well as the collection of selected field pictures associated with each feature is publicly available at figshare.

3.
Phys Rev Lett ; 127(13): 131802, 2021 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34623867

ABSTRACT

Searches for the lepton number violating K^{+}→π^{-}µ^{+}e^{+} decay and the lepton flavor violating K^{+}→π^{+}µ^{-}e^{+} and π^{0}→µ^{-}e^{+} decays are reported using data collected by the NA62 experiment at CERN in 2017-2018. No evidence for these decays is found and upper limits of the branching ratios are obtained at 90% confidence level: B(K^{+}→π^{-}µ^{+}e^{+})<4.2×10^{-11}, B(K^{+}→π^{+}µ^{-}e^{+})<6.6×10^{-11} and B(π^{0}→µ^{-}e^{+})<3.2×10^{-10}. These results improve by 1 order of magnitude over previous results for these decay modes.

4.
Gynecol Endocrinol ; 28(4): 241-4, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22420627

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Features of PCOS are hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography. Follicle development is a complex and carefully orchestrated phenomenon, involving gonadotropins and a rapidly expanding list of other intraovarian regulators, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The aim of this study is to evaluate BDNF in plasma and in follicular fluid in women affected by PCOS and in normal menstruating women. In PCOS patients the BDNF levels in plasma and in follicular fluid are higher than values obtained in healthy controls. Therefore we can hypothsize that high levels of luteinizing hormone, probably increase the secretion of BDNF in PCOS patients.


Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism , Follicular Fluid/metabolism , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/blood , Estradiol/blood , Female , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Humans , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Progesterone/blood , Young Adult
5.
Gynecol Endocrinol ; 28(6): 492-5, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22339153

ABSTRACT

The presence of high-affinity brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor Trk B in mouse and in human fetal oocytes, together with the presence of neurotrophins in human follicular fluid suggests a paracrine role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in female biology. This study aims to evaluate if BDNF is present and quantitatively determined in human menstrual blood and endometrium. Twenty-one women were studied and subdivided in two groups: A, 11 fertile women (27 ± 2 days cycle length) and B, 10 anovulatory women and/or women with inadequate luteal phase (36 ± 2 days cycle length). In fertile women menstrual BDNF levels was higher than plasma (679.3 ± 92.2 vs 301.9 ± 46.7 pg/ml p <0.001). Similarly, in Group B, BDNF in menstrual blood was higher than plasma (386.1 ± 85.2 vs 166.8 ± 24.1 pg/ml p < 0.001). Moreover, both menstrual and plasma BDNF concentrations in Group A were significantly higher respect to Group B (679.3 ± 92.2 vs 386.1 ± 85.2 pg/ml p < 0.001; 301.9 ± 46.7 vs 166.8 ± 24.1 pg/ml p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry evidence of BDNF in endometrium, during follicular and luteal phase, was also shown. The detection of BDNF in the human menstrual blood and endometrium further supports the role of this neurotrophin in female reproductive function.


Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/blood , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism , Endometrium/metabolism , Menstruation/blood , Adult , Blood Chemical Analysis , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/isolation & purification , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/physiology , Case-Control Studies , Endometrium/chemistry , Female , Humans , Luteal Phase/blood , Menstrual Cycle/blood , Plasma/chemistry , Plasma/metabolism , Progesterone/blood , Young Adult
6.
G Chir ; 32(6-7): 329-33, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21771403

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of type IIIb endoleak developed six years after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old man underwent successful Talent™ stent-graft positioning to treat a 53 mm abdominal aortic aneurysm. Subsequently the patient did well and yearly routine control computerized tomography (CT) was unremarkable. Six years later the patient suddenly developed abdominal pain irradiating to the back. An emergency angio-CT showed the presence of a type IIIb endoleak arising from the main body of the endograft. There weren't signs of fissuration or rupture. Aneurysm diameter was 85 mm as compared to 52 mm on a CT performed ten months earlier. The patient underwent successful positioning of an aorto-monoiliac endograft followed by the occlusion of the controlateral limb and a femoro-femoral crossover dacron bypass graft. Three months later the patient presented again because of the sudden onset of abdominal pain. On angio-CT aneurysm size was increased up to 11 cm. A distal type I endoleak was found and treated by placing an iliac extension to the right external iliac artery. After uneventful postoperative course the patient was discharged in good general conditions. Control angio-CT done after six months showed the complete exclusion of the large aneurysm sac. CONCLUSIONS: Type IIIb endoleaks can be safely treated by endovascular positioning of an aorto-monoiliac stent-graft followed by the occlusion of the controlateral limb and a femoro-femoral crossover dacron bypass graft. Continuous surveillance after EVAR is mandatory.


Subject(s)
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/surgery , Endoleak , Aged , Endoleak/classification , Endovascular Procedures , Humans , Male
7.
Hum Reprod ; 24(9): 2303-9, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19491202

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are associated with the hormonal status of women. Moreover, the suprachiasmatic nucleus appears to be implicated in the modulation of BDNF central levels. We aimed to investigate whether BDNF circadian rhythms exist in women and if there is a relationship with cortisol circadian rhythmicity. Moreover, we aimed to establish whether the hormonal status influences BDNF diurnal variations. METHODS: A total of 30 women were studied: 10 fertile ovulatory women, 10 women undergoing oral contraceptive (OC) therapy and 10 post-menopausal women. Basal BDNF and estradiol levels were assayed in blood samples collected after overnight fasting at regular intervals (08:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00). BDNF and cortisol levels were measured in samples collected during the follicular and luteal phases in ovulatory women and once a month in OC and post-menopausal women. RESULTS: Luteal BDNF levels were significantly higher than follicular levels in fertile women (P < 0.001). In OC women, BDNF levels were similar to the follicular BDNF levels, whereas in post-menopausal women, they were significantly lower (P < 0.001). BDNF showed a diurnal rhythm in the follicular phase and in women undergoing OC, although the diurnal rhythm was blunted in the luteal phase. In post-menopausal women, BDNF and cortisol levels significantly decreased during the day. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF has a diurnal variation in women that is somewhat analogous to cortisol variation; however, the amplitude of the variation in BDNF levels appears to be influenced by ovarian function. Interactions between BDNF, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and sex steroids might play a critical role in the human homeostasis and adaptation.


Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/blood , Circadian Rhythm , Contraceptives, Oral/therapeutic use , Hydrocortisone/blood , Menstrual Cycle/blood , Postmenopause/blood , Adult , Aged , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Estradiol/blood , Female , Follicular Phase/blood , Humans , Luteal Phase/blood , Middle Aged
8.
Anim Reprod Sci ; 111(2-4): 289-301, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18440734

ABSTRACT

The neuroendocrine conditioning of reproduction in birds could perform a very important role in captive breeding, especially in endangered species. Whereas in domestic and wild mammals pharmacological reproductive conditioning is well developed, in birds an effective method is not available. The aim of this study was to test the influence of a new slow-release GnRH analogue (buserelin acetate) implant on the reproductive activity of the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), used as model species for captive-bred endangered birds. The effects were assessed by looking at reproductive parameters (egg-laying rate, egg fertility rate) and measuring excreted sex steroid metabolite concentrations in male and female birds. Modification of reproductive parameters and steroid metabolites excretion patterns were observed among birds administered with a GnRH analogue implant and maintained under artificial photoperiod (group I; 16L:8D). Implanted birds showed higher rates of egg-laying, potentially a higher proportion of fertile eggs and higher excreted steroid metabolite concentrations than birds maintained under natural photoperiod (group II; 10L:14D) and birds maintained under artificial photoperiod (group III; 16L:8D). Thus, it is concluded that the new slow-release GnRH analogue implant may represent an innovative and practicable treatment to rapidly induce reproductive activity in the Budgerigar, and that excreted sex hormone metabolites detection permits to monitor male and female gonadal activity.


Subject(s)
Buserelin/administration & dosage , Melopsittacus/physiology , Reproduction/drug effects , Animals , Delayed-Action Preparations , Estradiol/metabolism , Feces/chemistry , Female , Fertility Agents, Female/administration & dosage , Male , Melopsittacus/metabolism , Models, Animal , Oviposition/drug effects , Photoperiod , Testosterone/metabolism
9.
Cancer Res ; 61(19): 7189-95, 2001 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11585754

ABSTRACT

Relevant drawbacks of the molecular structure and mechanism of the action of camptothecins are the instability of the E ring lactone and the reversibility of drug-target interaction. Such features are expected to limit the clinical efficacy of conventional camptothecins. In an attempt to overcome these limitations and to improve the pharmacological profile of camptothecins, a novel series of seven modified lipophilic analogues was synthesized based on the hypothesis that lipophilicity could promote a rapid cellular accumulation and stabilization of drug-target interaction. A novel analogue (ST1481) of the series, characterized by a potent antitopoisomerase and cytotoxic activity, was selected for preclinical development. A detailed preclinical study of ST1481 was performed in the H460 non-small cell lung tumor model using oral administration and various treatment schedules. Under all of the conditions, ST1481 exhibited an impressive efficacy in terms of tumor growth inhibition (tumor volume inhibition percentage > 99%), log(10) cell kill, rate of complete responses (including "cures"), and an improvement of the therapeutic index compared with topotecan (used as the reference drug). The cytotoxic potency was also reflected by the in vivo potency, because the drug activity was observed at doses as low as 0.25 mg/kg with the daily schedule. In contrast to topotecan, no cross-resistance to ST1481 was found in ovarian carcinoma cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein (A2780/DX). A similar trend in the improvement of activity was also observed in the same tumor model growing in vivo with a 100% rate of complete tumor regressions. A rapid intestinal absorption and good oral bioavailability were supported by in vivo distribution studies, because the peak values of drug accumulation were found from 1 to 2 h after administration. The relevant liver accumulation may account for a marked effect of ST1481 against liver metastases induced by the ovarian carcinoma IGROV-1. In conclusion, the results support the hypothesis that a potent lipophilic camptothecin with a proper substituent at the position 7 may have therapeutic advantages likely related to a rapid intracellular uptake and tissue distribution, stabilization of the drug-target complex, and good oral bioavailability. Overall, the results support the preclinical interest of ST1481 in terms of efficacy, potency, toxicity profile, and ability to overcome multidrug resistance.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Camptothecin/pharmacology , Administration, Oral , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacokinetics , Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives , Camptothecin/pharmacokinetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Female , Humans , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/secondary , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Nude , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism , Tissue Distribution , Tumor Cells, Cultured , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
10.
Oncogene ; 20(20): 2570-8, 2001 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11420667

ABSTRACT

Rb2/p130, a member of the Retinoblastoma family of growth and tumour suppressor genes, is extensively implicated in the control of cell cycle and differentiation. The minimal promoter region of Rb2/p130 in T98G human glioblastoma cells was identified and its analysis revealed the presence of a KER1 palindromic sequence able to bind the transcription factor AP-2, a regulatory protein that plays a crucial role in ectodermal differentiation. This KER1 site interacted in vitro with AP-2, and AP-2 overexpression increased Rb2/p130 transcription and translation. We also found that rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, when induced to differentiate by NGF, displayed an increase of AP-2 protein levels and of Rb2/p130 transcription and protein levels. AP-2-transfected PC12 cells displayed enhanced transcription and translation of Rb2/p130 and of the cdk inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1), a gene known to be under the control of AP-2, but unable by itself to elicit PC12 differentiation. Overexpression of either AP-2 or Rb2/p130 elicited per se cell differentiation in the absence of NGF, while coexpression of AP-2B, a negative regulator of AP-2 transcriptional activity, inhibited only AP-2-induced differentiation. Altogether, these results indicate that Rb2/p130 is a critical effector of AP-2 in sustaining ectodermal differentiation.


Subject(s)
DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology , Phosphoproteins/genetics , Proteins , Transcription Factors/physiology , Animals , Base Sequence , Binding Sites , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Cell Differentiation/physiology , Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/biosynthesis , Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/genetics , DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/biosynthesis , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Genes, Tumor Suppressor , Glioblastoma/genetics , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Glioblastoma/pathology , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Neurons/cytology , Neurons/physiology , PC12 Cells , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Rats , Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p130 , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Transcription Factor AP-2 , Transcription Factors/biosynthesis , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transfection , Tumor Cells, Cultured
11.
Mol Cell Biol ; 19(7): 5203-17, 1999 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10373569

ABSTRACT

During the terminal differentiation of skeletal myoblasts, the activities of myogenic factors regulate not only tissue-specific gene expressions but also the exit from the cell cycle. The induction of cell cycle inhibitors such as p21 and pRb has been shown to play a prominent role in the growth arrest of differentiating myoblasts. Here we report that, at the onset of differentiation, activation by MyoD of the Rb, p21, and cyclin D3 genes occurs in the absence of new protein synthesis and with the requirement of the p300 transcriptional coactivator. In differentiated myocytes, cyclin D3 also becomes stabilized and is found nearly totally complexed with unphosphorylated pRb. The detection of complexes containing cyclin D3, cdk4, p21, and PCNA suggests that cdk4, along with PCNA, may get sequestered into high-order structures held together by pRb and cyclin D3. Cyclin D3 up-regulation and stabilization is inhibited by adenovirus E1A, and this correlates with the ability of E1A to promote pRb phosphorylation; conversely, the overexpression of cyclin D3 in differentiated myotubes counteracts the E1A-mediated reactivation of DNA synthesis. These results indicate that cyclin D3 critically contributes to the irreversible exit of differentiating myoblasts from the cell cycle.


Subject(s)
Cyclins/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/cytology , MyoD Protein/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins , Adenovirus E1A Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Cell Cycle , Cell Differentiation , Cyclin D3 , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 , Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism , Cyclins/genetics , Cyclins/metabolism , E1A-Associated p300 Protein , Humans , Mice , MyoD Protein/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Phosphorylation , Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/metabolism , Retinoblastoma Protein/genetics , Retinoblastoma Protein/metabolism , Trans-Activators/metabolism
12.
Neurotoxicol Teratol ; 21(1): 29-40, 1999.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10023799

ABSTRACT

Recent evidence has shown that perinatal administration of zidovudine (AZT) to HIV-infected mothers reduces the risk of maternal-infant transmission of the virus. Treatment of pregnant seropositive women with AZT is becoming a common medical practice, despite the paucity of information about the potential neurotoxic/behavioral-teratogenic effects of AZT on the developing organism. The aim of the present study is to evaluate in mice the short-, medium-, and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to AZT on neurobehavioral development. Pregnant mice were given 0.2, 0.4, and 2.0 mg/ml AZT in drinking water from day 10 of gestation to delivery. Offspring's viability was severely affected in the 2.0 mg/ml AZT group. Thus, behavioral analysis was carried out in offspring of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/ml AZT-treated females only. Some limited but significant alterations were found, such as stunted body weight, delayed appearance of the pole-grasping reflex, and a slight impairment in the acquisition phase of a passive avoidance response. Moreover, sexual differences in some items of the social behavior repertoire appeared to be affected by AZT treatment.


Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/toxicity , Avoidance Learning/drug effects , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Nervous System/growth & development , Zidovudine/toxicity , Agonistic Behavior/drug effects , Animals , Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacokinetics , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Female , Male , Memory/drug effects , Mice , Motor Activity/drug effects , Nervous System/drug effects , Pregnancy , Sex Characteristics , Social Behavior , Zidovudine/pharmacokinetics
13.
Anticancer Res ; 18(4A): 2669-74, 1998.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9703926

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present report was to establish the optimal conditions for the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon adducted to DNA by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays (ELISA). Racemic 7,t-8-dihydroxy-t-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-benzo[a]pyrene ((+/-)-anti-BPDE) modified DNA samples were produced in vitro, by reacting (+/-)-anti-BPDE with calf thymus DNA, and in vivo in Swiss female mice by single i.p. injection of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) (200 mg/kg body weight dissolved in tricaprylin). The BPDE adduct content in vitro and in liver and lung modified DNA was detected by direct and competitive ELISA using serial dilutions of the samples in unmodified calf thymus DNA, and polyclonal rabbit immunoglobulin-G elicited toward BPDE-DNA and BPDE-gelatin, both produced in our laboratory. The carcinogen-macromolecule conjugate in which adducts were sought could be used as an immunogen to produce a specific and potent antibody. Moreover, the modification level of the ELISA standards should be as close to the range as of the biological samples to correctly calculate the adducts, since different binding efficiency between antibody and BPDE-modified DNA is dependent on the BPDE modification level (33). Appropriate extraction of the in vitro modified samples is also necessary to guarantee the exact covalent modification level, eliminating noncovalently linked BPDE. Under these conditions, our results confirm that competitive ELISA is much more sensitive than the direct method, mainly because of the limitations caused by the coating of the antigen in each well (max 5 micrograms DNA/well), whereas the amount of DNA (modified or not) that can be employed for adduct detection by competitive ELISA increases 20-fold. The sensitivity obtained was 0.5 fmol B[a]P/microgramDNA (1.6 adducts/10(7) nucleotides).


Subject(s)
7,8-Dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene 9,10-oxide/analysis , Benzo(a)pyrene/analysis , Benzo(a)pyrene/pharmacokinetics , DNA Adducts/analysis , Animals , Benzo(a)pyrene/metabolism , Carcinogens, Environmental/analysis , Cattle , DNA Adducts/metabolism , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Female , Liver/metabolism , Lung/metabolism , Mice , Reproducibility of Results , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet/methods
14.
CLAO J ; 23(3): 161-7, 1997 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9240826

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Irregular corneal astigmatism has been reported in association with annular tinted hydrogel contact lenses. We report the abnormal videokeratographic findings of five patients wearing annular tinted contact lenses, who presented with bilateral blurred vision and revealed a loss of best corrected visual acuity. METHODS/RESULTS: The corneal topographic analysis revealed a previously unreported distinct ring-shaped pattern of irregular astigmatism. The topographic circular band of irregular astigmatism was further characterized by concentric areas of relative steepening, flattening, and steepening with a diameter of approximately 4 mm. This pattern suggests that forces acting at the junctional zone between the tinted area and the clear pupillary area are inducing structural abnormalities of the corneal surface. At the time of presentation, the mean surface regularity index (SRI) was 2.06 (range: 0.61-5.88). The topography and best-corrected visual acuity returned to normal within days of discontinuing annular tinted lens use, and the mean SRI decreased to 0.44 (range: 0.21-1.16). Digital imaging of lenses obtained from our patients and of identical control lenses was performed. A masked analysis suggested that the study lenses contain greater amounts of pigment compared to the control lenses. CONCLUSIONS: We present ten characteristic signs and symptoms of this condition, which we have named "the annular tinted contact lens syndrome." Corneal topographic analysis is a powerful tool for detecting specific reversible irregularities of the corneal surface associated with the use of annular tinted contact lenses.


Subject(s)
Astigmatism/etiology , Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic/adverse effects , Cornea/pathology , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Astigmatism/diagnosis , Female , Filtration , Humans , Ophthalmology/instrumentation , Syndrome , Visual Acuity
15.
CLAO J ; 23(2): 103-12, 1997 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9108975

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We characterized the clinical performance of the 1-Day Acuvue contact lens by direct comparison with four frequently prescribed daily wear lenses. METHODS: Forty-eight patients participated in four prospective, randomized masked clinical trials using the 1-Day Acuvue in one eye and the Medalist, Surevue, Acuvue (regular), and Biomedics 55 lenses in the other eye. Each trial lasted 2 weeks. Thirteen symptom variables and overall lens preference were evaluated using a patient preference questionnaire and a symptom-ranking questionnaire. Overnight corneal swell studies were also performed. RESULTS: In the non-allergic (58.4%) subgroup, the overall lens preference variable revealed a significant preference for the Medalist (P = .004), Surevue (P < .001), and Biomedics 55 (P < .001) lenses. In contrast, in the allergic (41.6%) subgroup, the overall lens preferences for the Medalist, Surevue, and Biomedics 55 lenses were completely absent. Multivariate regression analysis in the non-allergic subgroup revealed that lens comfort (.58, P < .001), lens handling upon insertion (.41, P < .001), and quality of vision (.35, P < .001) were significant variables contributing to patient responses regarding overall lens preference. However, in the allergic subgroup, only the lens comfort (.92, P < .001) variable is significant and appears to dominate the decision making. The overnight corneal swell evaluation revealed no significant differences between the 1-Day Acuvue and the Medalist lens. Patients wearing regular Acuvue had significantly less corneal swelling upon awakening (P = .005) and at 60 minutes after awakening (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The Medalist, Surevue, and Biomedics 55 lenses outperformed the 1-Day Acuvue lens in the non-allergic subgroup. In the allergic subgroup, there was no statistically significant difference between the 1-Day Acuvue lens and all other lenses tested.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses/adverse effects , Corneal Edema/etiology , Adult , Corneal Edema/pathology , Disposable Equipment , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Regression Analysis , Surveys and Questionnaires
16.
CLAO J ; 23(1): 43-8, 1997 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9001771

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical performance of the Optima soft toric contact lens versus the CSI soft toric contact lens. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (five affected by allergies) were followed at 2-week intervals for 4 months in a prospective, randomized, double-masked study comparing the Optima soft toric contact lens to the CSI soft toric contact lens. RESULTS: The patients preference evaluation revealed a statistically significant preference for the CIS toric lens in 14 of 16 variables including overall lens preference (P = 0.0001). The two remaining variables, lens awareness (P = 0.07) and foreign body sensation (P = 0.06), showed a trend toward a preference for the CSI toric lens. The less sensitive symptom ranking questionnaire revealed a significance for, or a trend toward, a significant difference in three of 10 variables, all in favor of the CSI toric lens. The mean degrees of axis rotation were 3.5* for the CSI lens and 7.6* for the Optima lens (P = 0.0001). Factor analysis identified a clustering of variables around specific ranked factors. Factors related to 1) allergy status (.93); 2) visual function (.87); 3) ocular surface (.82); and 4) refractive characteristics (.71) were most significant in determining the overall clinical performance of these toric lenses. Allergic patients significantly preferred the CSI toric lens for 15 of 16 variables, whereas non-allergic patients preferred the CSI lens for seven of 16 variables. CONCLUSIONS: The patient preference, symptom ranking, and axis rotation analysis of this study revealed a superior performance by the CSI toric contact lens when compared to the Optima toric contact lens. Allergic patients revealed an even stronger and statistically significant preference for the CSI lens when compared to non-allergic patients.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic , Refractive Errors/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Double-Blind Method , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Prospective Studies , Refractive Errors/physiopathology , Regression Analysis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment Outcome , Visual Acuity
17.
Radiol Med ; 94(6): 658-63, 1997 Dec.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9524606

ABSTRACT

From March, 1988, to October, 1993, fifty-six consecutive patients with rectal adenocarcinoma in clinical stage T3NxM0, underwent preoperative radiation therapy at the "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital of San Giovanni Rotondo (Italy). The patients were treated with the four-field technique with 6 to 8 MV X photons on the pelvis. The dose given was 36 Gy in 12 fractions of 3 Gy each. Surgery was performed 2-3 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Six patients were excluded from this study for metastatic involvement of the liver found at surgery. 48% of 50 assessable patients underwent abdominoperineal resection and 52% anterior resection. 68% of patients were in pathologic stage pT0-3 pN0 and 32% in pT0-3 pN1-2. Metastatic nodes were found in 16 patients (32%) (11 pN1 and 5 pN2). 4% of patients achieved a complete response. The follow-up ranged 24 to 91 months (mean: 46 months). None of the 50 patients died during the postoperative period and the specific morbidity was 26%. Side-effects, requiring surgery, were found in 4% of patients (1 retroperitoneal fibrosis and 1 small bowel occlusion). The incidence of local relapse was 8%. The overall survival at 5 years, in all stages, calculated with the Kaplan and Meyer method, was 76.5%. The disease-free survival rate was 81.1% in all stages: 94.1% in pT0-3 pN0 patients and 54.1% in pT0-3 pN1-2 patients. The disease-free survival rate related to nodal involvement was 72.7% in pN1 patients and 20% in pN2 patients. Our experience confirms the effectiveness of preoperative radiation therapy to improve local control in rectal cancer patients. In the future, it will be useful to assess the impact on prognosis of the schedules using chemotherapy, different fractionation of radiotherapy, delayed surgery and biological predictors of response to irradiation.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/radiotherapy , Rectal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Adenocarcinoma/surgery , Adult , Aged , Combined Modality Therapy , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Preoperative Care , Radiotherapy Dosage , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Time Factors
18.
Phys Rev B Condens Matter ; 52(9): 6880-6893, 1995 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9981918
19.
Am J Ophthalmol ; 119(5): 620-6, 1995 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7733187

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We studied patients who had mottled cyan-colored opacities of the cornea to better understand the cause and prognosis of this entity. METHODS: We reviewed examinations of patients who had a mottled cyan opacification of the cornea. Risk factors, including contact lens wear and exposure to heavy metals, were analyzed. Clinical findings, pachymetry specular microscopy, and progression of the abnormality were noted. RESULTS: Six patients who had a mottled cyan opacification at the level of Descemet's membrane were identified. These opacities were located in the peripheral and midperipheral cornea. All patients had bilateral findings, had visual acuities of 20/20 or better, and were asymptomatic. All patients had worn soft contact lenses bilaterally for periods ranging from seven to 14 years. CONCLUSION: All patients had the similar clinical appearance of a mottled cyan opacification at the level of Descemet's membrane in the peripheral cornea. Long-term contact lens wear appears to be associated; however, the exact cause is unclear.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear/adverse effects , Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic/adverse effects , Corneal Opacity/etiology , Corneal Opacity/pathology , Descemet Membrane/pathology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Risk Factors , Visual Acuity
20.
CLAO J ; 20(3): 159-66, 1994 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7955295

ABSTRACT

Sixty-three daily wear contact lens patients (42 non-allergic [66.7%] and 21 allergic [33.3%]) were randomized into three groups (CSI vs. Surevue; Focus vs. CSI; Focus vs. Surevue) and evaluated every two weeks for six months with regard to patient preferences and ranked symptom responses for 14 variables, including overall contact lens preference. Allergic patients (43.9 +/- 94.3 ng/mL) revealed significantly higher (P = .011) tear IgE levels versus non-allergic patients (15.6 +/- 25.8 ng/mL). Non-allergic patients preferred CSI over Surevue for 12 of 14 variables including overall lens preference (P < .001); CSI over Focus for 6 of 14 variables, including overall lens preference (P < .009); and Focus over Surevue for 13 of 14 variables, including overall lens preference (P < .001). In contrast, allergic patients preferred Focus over CSI for 8 of 14 variables; CSI over Surevue for 4 of 14 variables, including overall lens preference (P < .001); Focus over Surevue for 4 of 14 variables, including overall lens preference (P < .001). Surevue and Focus lenses were replaced at 4 and 8 week intervals, respectively. No significant differences in the ranked symptom responses were observed for Surevue at 4 weeks versus 2 weeks, or for Focus at 8 weeks versus 4 weeks. A regression of time versus symptom responses for non-allergic patients wearing the CSI lens revealed decreasing symptoms over time, while the allergic patients showed no significant difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic/adverse effects , Eye Diseases/etiology , Hypersensitivity/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Double-Blind Method , Eye Diseases/immunology , Eye Diseases/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin E/analysis , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Prospective Studies , Tears/immunology
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