Showing papers by "Catholic University of the Sacred Heart published in 1988"
TL;DR: In this paper, patterns of dissociation in comprehension and production of nouns and verbs are discussed. But they do not consider the relation between noun and verb in the same context.
Abstract: (1988). Patterns of dissociation in comprehension and production of nouns and verbs. Aphasiology: Vol. 2, No. 3-4, pp. 351-358.
271 citations
TL;DR: A patient is described who makes morphological errors in spontaneous sentence production and in repetition of single words, providing support for the thesis that morphological processes are located in the lexicon but that inflectional and derivational processes constitute autonomous subcomponents of the Lexicon.
197 citations
TL;DR: The ratio between the mean temporal velocities was inversed with the transmitral velocity progressively greater than the transtricuspid velocity suggesting the existence of intracardiac hacmodynamic changes in these fetuses.
104 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Encouraging preliminary results need a longer follow-up to evaluate the influence of treatment on disease-free survival and the combination of cisplatin, bleomycin, and methotrexate chemotherapy and surgery did not produce severe morbidity.
82 citations
TL;DR: AFGPs from the antarctic fish Dissostichus mamoni inhibit the ice-nucleating activity of membrane vesicles from the bacterium Erwinia herbicola, and the inhibition effect shows saturation at high concentration of AFGP and conforms to a simple binding reaction between theAFGP and the nucleation centre.
Abstract: Certain bacteria promote the formation of ice in super-cooled water by means of ice nucleators which contain a unique protein associated with the cell membrane1. Ice nucleators in general are believed to act by mimicking the structure of an ice crystal surface, thus imposing an ice-like arrangement on the water molecules in contact with the nucleating surface and lowering the energy necessary for the initiation of ice formation2. Quantitative investi-gation of the bacterial ice-nucleating process has recently been made possible by the discovery of certain bacteria that shed stable membrane vesicles with ice nucleating activity3. The opposite effect, inhibition of ice formation, has been described for a group of glycoproteins found in different fish and insect species4,5. This group of substances, termed antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs), promotes the supercooling of water with no appreciable effect on the equilibrium freezing point or melting temperature6. Substantial evidence now indicates that AFGPs act by binding to a growing ice crystal and slowing crystal growth7,8. As the ice-nucleating protein surface is believed to have a structure similar to an embry-onic ice crystal, AFGPs might be predicted to interact directly with a bacterial ice-nucleating site. We report here that AFGPs from the antarctic fish Dissostichus mamoni inhibit the ice-nucleating activity of membrane vesicles from the bacterium Erwinia herbicola. The inhibition effect shows saturation at high concentration of AFGP and conforms to a simple binding reaction between the AFGP and the nucleation centre.
81 citations
TL;DR: The hourly VT frequency in patients with AMI has a significant circadian variation with the highest occurrence in the awake hours, similar to the rhythms described for AMI and sudden death.
Abstract: Circadian rhythms have been described both for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden death. In this study the diurnal distribution of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with AMI was analyzed. Ninety-four AMI patients with ≥1 VT on Holter electrocardiographic monitoring who were not taking antiarrhythmic drugs were studied. Forty-seven patients had a recent AMI (group A) and 47 an old AMI (group B). Chronobiologic analysis was made by single cosinor method. There were 157 VTs (mean 1.67 VTs/patient, range 1 to 10) in the 94 patients: 70 in group A and 87 in group B. A significant circadian rhythm of VT was found in the total population with acrophase at 2:29 P.M. The hourly distribution of VT showed a tendency to bimodality, which seemed due to a different time of peak VT occurrence in group A (significant rhythm with acrophase at 4:40 P.M.) and group B (significant rhythm with acrophase at 12:39 P.M.). Thus, the hourly VT frequency in patients with AMI has a significant circadian variation with the highest occurrence in the awake hours, similar to the rhythms described for AMI and sudden death.
77 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of faecal content of associated mice demonstrated that the in vivo transfer of this plasmid did occur and that frequencies of conjugation were affected by the presence of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotic in the diet.
Abstract: Trials were conducted to determine the in vivo transferability of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance between two strains of enteric Gram-positive bacteria. Germ-free mice were associated with the donor Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016 strain, carrying the broad host range pAM beta 1 plasmid, and with the Enterococcus faecalis JH2SS recipient strain. Analysis of faecal content of associated mice demonstrated that the in vivo transfer of this plasmid did occur and that frequencies of conjugation were affected by the presence of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotic in the diet.
69 citations
TL;DR: In order to assess the significance of malnutrition in determining surgical complications and the possibility of their reduction by preoperative nutritional support (PNS), a randomized controlled trial is being performed at this institution.
Abstract: In order to assess the significance of malnutrition in determining surgical complications and the possibility of their reduction by preoperative nutritional support (PNS), a randomized controlled trial is being performed at our institution. The results relative to 100 patients who underwent major surgery for gastrointestinal disease, are presented here. In the treatment group 49 patients received 30 kcal/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of nitrogen for at least 7 days in the immediate preoperative period (nine patients were excluded from this group due to early surgery--seven cases; or refusal to accept PNS--two cases. Data analysis with their inclusion or exclusion showed similar results.) Fifty-one patients constituted the control group. The observed septic complication rate was, respectively, 30 and 35.3% (p:NS). When the analysis was restricted to the patients with abnormal instant nutritional assessment (INA), as defined by Seltzer et al (serum albumin less than 3.5 g/dl and/or total lymphocyte count less than 1500 cells/mm3), a statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of sepsis between the two subgroups (21% vs 53.3%, p less than 0.05). Analogous results were obtained from the patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer: 16.7% of septic complications in the malnourished treated patients and 100% in the malnourished control ones (p less than 0.05). The occurrence of serious sepsis (sepsis score greater than or equal to 10, according to the scoring system developed by Elebute and Stoner) in the malnourished subgroups was 5.2% and 26.7%, respectively, (p = 0.09). The postoperative mortality rate was not significantly changed by the PNS (reduction from 3.9% to 2.5%, p:NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
69 citations
TL;DR: Spikes were present in the sleep EEG of one nonepileptic and four epileptic subjects; these spikes were similar in location, occurrence, voltage, frequency, and morphology (and similar to those of the Rolandic spikes); these data, together with the clinical similarities, have resulted in the postulation of EEG characteristics of epileptic and nonePileptic fragile‐X patients.
Abstract: Summary: A clinical and EEG study of 12 fragile-X syndrome subjects (six with epilepsy) is presented. All subjects had clinical-family history examinations. EEG evaluations, and karyotyping. Spikes were present in the sleep EEG of one nonepileptic and four epileptic subjects; these spikes were similar in location, occurrence. voltage, frequency, and morphology (and similar to those of the Rolandic spikes). These data, together with the clinical similarities (type of epilepsy, responses to drugs. ages of seizure onset, etc.). have resulted in the postulation of EEG characteristics of epileptic and nonepileptic fragile-X patients. However, further studies with fragile-X patients are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
62 citations
01 Oct 1988
TL;DR: The present study is a preliminary step toward the analysis of the coupling between Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows using the spectral collocation method, as an example of space discretization.
Abstract: We deal with the coupling of hyperbolic and parabolic systems in a domain Ω divided into two disjoint subdomains Ω+ and Ω− . Our main concern is to find out the proper interface conditions to be fulfilled at the surface separating the two domains. Next, we will use them in the numerical approximation of the problem. The justification of the interface conditions is based on a singular perturbation analysis, that is, the hyperbolic system is rendered parabolic by adding a small artificial “viscosity”. As this goes to zero, the coupled parabolic-parabolic problem degenerates into the original one, yielding some conditions at the interface. These we take as interface conditions for the hyperbolic-parabolic problem. Actually, we discuss two alternative sets of interface conditions according to whether the regularization procedure is variational or nonvariational. We show how these conditions can be used in the frame of a numerical approximation to the given problem. Furthermore, we discuss a method of resolution which alternates the resolution of the hyperbolic problem within Ω− and of the parabolic one within Ω+ . The spectral collocation method is proposed, as an example of space discretization (different methods could be used as well); both explicit and implicit time-advancing schemes are considered. The present study is a preliminary step toward the analysis of the coupling between Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows.
57 citations
TL;DR: The measurement of 90K in sera appears to be a useful adjunct to other available assays for the detection and monitoring of breast cancer and other malignant tumors.
Abstract: An enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay has been developed for the detection of a circulating tumorassociated antigen, 90K, recognized by murine monoclonal antibody SP-2 (Iacobelliet al., Cancer Res 46: 3005–3010, 1986). This assay was found to be simple and reproducible. Using this method, 6% of 165 apparently healthy individuals and 15% of 91 patients with benign breast disease showed 90K levels above 1.7 units/ml. Approximately 50% of 129 patients with advanced breast cancer demonstrated serum antigen levels above 1.7 units/ml. All histological types of breast cancer were positive, and no association between the incidence of elevated 90K levels and other prognostic variables could be detected. The titers of 90K were significantly higher in sera from advanced-stage (3 and 4) patients than in those from patients with limited-stage (1 and 2) disease. Elevated 90K levels were also observed in patients with carcinomas of other sites, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, and lung tumors. By means of the immune blotting technique, the antigenic components carrying the determinants in serum and extracts of breast cancer cells have been identified. The levels of 90K did not correlate with those of CA 15-3 or CEA. The measurement of 90K in sera appears to be a useful adjunct to other available assays for the detection and monitoring of breast cancer and other malignant tumors.
TL;DR: The genus Lactobacillus is mainly found in the intestinal tract of healthy humans and animals as well as in fermenting vegetables or plant materials, such as silage, which has a moderate diffusion in meat products and is rarely found in wines and beers.
TL;DR: The results suggest that somatostatin is a peptide inhibitory factor for human breast cancer cells and possible therapeutic implications are still to be investigated.
Abstract: The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin and the somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 on three human breast cancer cell lines (CG5, T 47 D, and ZR 75-1 is reported. Both peptides markedly inhibited CG5 cell growth with a maximal inhibition of about 40% as compared with control cells. The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin on T 47 D and ZE 75-1 cells was much less evident. These results suggest that somatostatin is a peptide inhibitory factor for human breast cancer cells. Possible therapeutic implications of these findings are still to be investigated.
TL;DR: Knowing the normal gastric wall thickness value on a standard ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen is useful, as ultrasound is often performed as a screening or first-step procedure, in order to address the patients with higher values toward more specific techniques.
Abstract: Gastric wall thickness (body-antrum) was blind measured prospectively by real-time ultrasound in 58 patients (30 with gastric cancer and 28 healthy) who had previously undergone endoscopy. Gastric wall thickness on the average measured 15.933 +/- 4.471 mm in the neoplastic patients and 5.107 +/- 1.100 mm in the normal subjects. Seven millimeters was the highest value found in the normal subjects (4 cases) and the minimum value found in the neoplastic patients (1 case). Knowing the normal gastric wall thickness value on a standard ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen is useful, as ultrasound is often performed as a screening or first-step procedure, in order to address the patients with higher values toward more specific techniques.
TL;DR: The reactivation constant, in vitro, supports the view that the derivatives described would be more suitable for therapeutic use than physostigmine.
TL;DR: Results suggest that peptides 735-752 and 846-860 homologous to sequences within the HIV transmembrane gp41 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the defective NK cell activity observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
TL;DR: It is suggested that maternal oxygen administration can modify fetal hemodynamics in cases of growth retardation associated with abnormal blood flow velocity waveforms.
TL;DR: Four pregnant women with antithrombin III congenital deficiency underwent thrombosis prophylaxis including oral anticoagulants administered from the 16-18th week to the 36-37th week of pregnancy, and a single infusion of AT III concentrate in the peripartum period to obtain a minimal level of 0.8 U/ml of ATIII functional activity.
Abstract: Four pregnant women with antithrombin III congenital deficiency underwent thrombosis prophylaxis including oral anticoagulants administered from the 16-18th week to the 36-37th week of pregnancy, subcutaneous heparin before the 16-18th week and after the 36-37th week, and a single infusion of AT III concentrate in the peripartum period in order to obtain a minimal level of 0.8 U/ml of AT III functional activity. The level of circulating AT III after the concentrate infusion needs to be evaluated by functional methods, because of a consistent amount in the concentrates of inactive AT III immunoreactive material. No thrombotic or haemorrhagic complication occurred after starting prophylaxis in any woman either in any newborn.
TL;DR: It is concluded that depletion of cholinergic perikarya is a specific feature of natural ageing, which affects diffusely the neostriatum, and particularly its ventromedial territories.
TL;DR: Results suggest that, in some cases, anti-Ids might be useful tools for elucidating structure-function relationships for sensitive cell receptors.
Abstract: Anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Ids) were raised in a rabbit against a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) neutralizing the yeast killer toxin produced by a strain of Pichia (Hansenula) anomala. In an immunodiffusion test, the anti-Ids produced in the rabbit recognized the antigen-binding site of the MAb used as the immunogen (KT4) but not that of another heterologous MAb. The absence of any significant cross-reactivity among the anti-Ids raised in a rabbit for a heterologous MAb suggested that the anti-Ids were highly specific for unique variable-region determinants. Furthermore, the P. anomala killer toxin proved to be competing with anti-Ids for the binding site of MAb KT4. Anti-Ids against the MAb to yeast killer toxin inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, thereby mimicking the effect of the yeast killer toxin. These results suggest that, in some cases, anti-Ids might be useful tools for elucidating structure-function relationships for sensitive cell receptors.
TL;DR: Reduction associated with the absence of high density thymocytes, with the reduction of cells expressing alpha- and beta-chains of the T cell receptor and in conclusion with the lymphocyte depletion, suggests that in DS thymuses there is a deficient expansion of immature T cells resulting in a reduction of the various thymocyte subpopulations, including theThymocyte pool able to differentiate into functionally mature T cells.
TL;DR: It is shown that convergence is achieved with a rate that does not depend on the polynomial degree of the spectral solution, and can be effectively implemented on multiprocessor systems due to their high degree of parallelism.
Abstract: We propose and analyze several block iteration preconditioners for the solution of elliptic problems by spectral collocation methods in a region partitioned into several rectangles. It is shown that convergence is achieved with a rate that does not depend on the polynomial degree of the spectral solution. The iterative methods here presented can be effectively implemented on multiprocessor systems due to their high degree of parallelism.
TL;DR: The histochemical localisation of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in marmoset brain was described, and high activity was present in the raphe nuclei, however, unlike the rat, no enrichment of MAO B was observed in blood vessels or ventricular linings.
TL;DR: It is concluded that human PBMC specifically take up, retain, and metabolize E2, and type II EBS were estrogen specific, as demonstrated by competition experiments.
Abstract: Type II estrogen-binding sites (type II EBS) have been demonstrated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using a whole cell assay with [6,7-3H]estradiol ([3H]E2) as tracer. During whole cell incubations for 60 min at 37 C for type II EBS quantification, we found that PBMC contain 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) activity, which led to errors in estimating type II EBS concentrations by diminishing, by about 70%, the amount of available labeled E2. On the other hand, after 150 min at 4 C only 16% of the tracer was converted to estrone. Thus, we measured the maximal steady state binding in PBMC by incubating the cells with [3H]E2 at 4 C for 150 min. Equilibrium binding analysis of PBMC yielded sigmoid saturation curves with a saturation point at a ligand concentration of about 40 nmol/L. Scatchard analysis of binding data yielded a concave plot, which together with a Hill coefficient of 2.13, suggests that the type II EBS may have multiple binding sites which display positive cooperati...
TL;DR: Besides the known compound verbascoside, two new phenylpropanoid glycosides, calceolarioside C, 1′-O-β-d -(3,4-dihydroxy)-β-phenyl)-ethyl-4′- O-caffeoyl-β -d -Xylopyranosyl-(1ṫ' → 6′)-glucopyranoide, were isolated from the aerial parts of Calceolaria hypericina and elucidated by spectroscopic methods as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: A factor × molecular variant was identified in a 13‐year‐old girl affected by a bleeding tendency and appears different from the other ones so far described and was named ‘Factor × Roma’.
Abstract: A factor X molecular variant was identified in a 13-year-old girl affected by a bleeding tendency. Factor X antigen levels and activation by Russel's viper venom (tested both by clotting and amidolytic assays) were normal. Factor X crossed immunoelectrophoresis was found to be identical to that of the control plasma. Factor X functional activity was low (3% of the normal) if tested by PTT-derived assays, whereas it was found at intermediate levels (about 30-50% of the normal) if measured by prothrombin time-derived assays. The defect in the extrinsic activation was more clearly disclosed using as activating agent thromboplastin from ox brain. The factor X of the patient was completely adsorbed by aluminum hydroxide. The parents of the propositus (first degree cousins) showed factor X functional levels compatible with a condition of heterozygosity for the abnormality. This factor X molecular variant appears different from the other ones so far described and was named 'Factor X Roma'.
TL;DR: A molecular rearrangement of benzophenones (hydrolysis products of 1,4-benzodiazepines) to 9-acridones has been studied and the method is reliable for the analysis of these compounds in biological samples at therapeutic concentrations.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Parenteral nutrition decreased the incidence of septic complications and serious sepsis in malnourished patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery as compared with control patients.
Abstract: Malnutrition is associated with increased incidence of surgical complications and mortality The efficacy of preoperative parenteral nutrition in preventing septic states and mortality was evaluated in malnourished patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery The patients were allocated to three groups according to criteria of malnourishment In all groups parenteral nutrition decreased the incidence of septic complications and serious sepsis as compared with control patients
TL;DR: The action exerted by the sympathetic system on skeletal muscle is briefly reviewed with regard to the effects induced by the adrenergic mediator on extrafusal muscle fibre contractility and on muscle spindle receptor organs.
Abstract: The action exerted by the sympathetic system on skeletal muscle is briefly reviewed with regard to the effects induced by the adrenergic mediator on extrafusal muscle fibre contractility and on muscle spindle receptor organs. In particular, the different responses of slow-and fast-contracting muscles to catecholamine administration and to sympathetic stimulation are reported. Also, the sympathetically-induced effects on muscle spindle afferent activity are discussed on the basis of recent anatomical and functional data suggesting the existence of a direct action exerted by noradrenergic axons on intrafusal muscle fibres. Some of the possible implications of these data are then briefly mentioned.
TL;DR: In children suffering from recurrent tonsillitis, the same mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora were obtained in both samples thus demonstrating the reliability of the surface swabbing technique.