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A Pugliese

Publications and source records attributed to A Pugliese.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

An AIDS model with distributed incubation and variable infectiousness: applications to i.v. drug users in Latium, Italy.

An AIDS model with distributed incubation and variable infectiousness is considered and simulated via a second-order numerical method. The method is applied to the HIV epidemic among IV drug users in the Latium region of Italy, using available data on the length of the incubation period before the onset of AIDS, on the infectivity of infected individuals during that period, and on the demography of drug users. The contact rate is adjusted to match the actual number of AIDS cases. The sensitivity of the model to uncertainties in the parameters is finally investigated, by performing several simulations.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Insulin autoimmunity: the rate limiting factor in pre-type I diabetes.

Type I diabetes is preceded by a series of autoantibodies including recently recognized subtypes of cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies (ICA) which we have termed 'restricted' and 'non-restricted'. Amongst the autoantibodies detected in prediabetics the antibodies to insulin are unique in that their levels correlate with the rate of progression to type I diabetes. The levels of insulin autoantibodies appear to be stably regulated prior to the appearance of ICA and the highest levels are associated with expression of DR4. The above studies have led to the hypothesis that an immune response to insulin is an early and central feature of anti-islet autoimmunity and that such as immune response when associated with loss of tolerance to other islet antigens (e.g. ICA) is pathogenic.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

Analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets after phytohemagglutinin stimulation in normal and type 1 diabetic mothers and their infants.

PROBLEM: Our aim was to investigate the immunological status of diabetic pregnancy, which is an overlap of diabetic immunity abnormalities and the immunological modifications normally occurring during pregnancy. METHOD: We studied lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphokine production, after 96 h of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation, from normal and Type I diabetic pregnant women at delivery time and from the respective cord blood. RESULTS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both normal and Type I diabetic mothers showed an increase in CD8+ and a decrease in CD4+ cells compared to the respective cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC). Moreover, Type I PBMC showed a lower number of "activated" CD3+ DR+ cells and a higher number of CD8+ CD25+ cells with respect to normal women, which may reflect the dysregulatory pattern due to the autoimmune condition. Type I CBMC showed a big increase in the number of CD4+ Leu8+ cells, a cell subpopulation characterized by inhibitory activity. Finally, as regards lymphokine release in culture supernatants, type I diabetes seemed to be associated with an over-production of IL1 and IL6, although the latter increase is less evident in CBMC cultures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that diabetic pregnancy is associated with major alterations of cell-mediated immunity leading to a state of immunodepression. Moreover, our study suggests that the maternal immunological status influences fetal immunity, as demonstrated by the increase in the number of regulatory cells and by the altered pattern of lymphokine production (IL1 and IL6) by lymphocytes derived from diabetic CBMC. The latter phenomenon perfectly mirrors maternal PBMC characteristics.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Prognostically significant heterogeneity of cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies in relatives of patients with type I diabetes.

A significant proportion of relatives of patients with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes with high titers of cytoplasmic islet cell autoantibodies (ICAs) do not progress to overt diabetes with up to 8 yr of follow-up. This may reflect that follow-up of such relatives has not been long enough to observe diabetes, that despite expression of identical ICAs, some relatives will not progress to diabetes; or that there is heterogeneity in what is identified as ICA. We identified a subset of ICA that was restricted in its species (not reacting with mouse islets) and cell-type reactivity within islets (beta-cell specific). Only one of eight relatives whose sera had the restricted pattern of reactivity progressed to overt diabetes, and on sequential evaluation, all but the one relative who progressed to diabetes have maintained normal first-phase insulin secretion to intravenous glucose. In contrast, by life-table analysis, 70% of relatives expressing nonrestricted ICA became diabetic within 5 yr of follow-up (1 of 8 vs. 16 of 25 diabetic at last follow-up, P less than 0.02). Moreover, preliminary data suggest a significant association of the human leukocyte antigen DQB1*0602 allele of DR2 haplotypes with the restricted ICA pattern (4 of 5 DQB1*0602 restricted vs. 0 nonrestricted ICA, P = 0.006). We propose that expression of a genetically determined restricted ICA pattern confers a markedly lower risk for progression to diabetes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

No independent association between HSP70 gene polymorphism and IDDM.

A role for heat shock proteins (HSPs) in autoimmunity has recently been suggested by several authors. Autoantibodies against HSPs have been associated with such autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, and the NOD mouse model of diabetes. Moreover, genes for the major 70,000-M(r) HSP (HSP70) are located within the MHC. To investigate a potential association of an HSP70-2 gene polymorphism with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), we analyzed restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) of this gene in 29 families with one or more member affected by IDDM. With the enzyme PstI, as reported previously, two HSP70-2 alleles of 8.5- and 9.0-kb were found. The 8.5-kb allele was found more frequently on diabetic haplotypes compared with control haplotypes (41 of 66 [62%] vs. 20 of 46 [43%], P = 0.03). This association was due to the conservation of alleles on extended haplotypes we previously reported to be associated with diabetes on initial analysis of families. Twenty-three of 26 diabetic DR3 haplotypes and 3 of 3 normal DR3 haplotypes and all instances of [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] and [HLA-B18, F1C30, DR3] had the 8.5-kb allele, whereas 0 of 9 normal DR2 haplotypes and 0 of 2 diabetic DR2 haplotypes had the 8.5-kb allele (P = 8 x 10(-7) DR3 vs. DR2 haplotypes). The alleles were equally distributed among DR4 haplotypes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alleles↗
PubMed1992

[Emergent infections].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Contact matrices for multipopulation epidemic models: how to build a consistent matrix close to data.

In models of the dynamics of sexually transmitted diseases between and within N interacting populations, it is necessary to specify the matrix of contacts between populations. Mixing matrices have to satisfy a consistency condition that generally will not be satisfied by empirically obtained matrices. The problem of inferring a mixing matrix from data is phrased here as the problem of finding a matrix in a prescribed set that minimizes an opportune distance from the matrix of data. Two different distances that attempt to measure relative errors are suggested. When no constraints are posed on the activity rates of the populations, the author shows that the minimum distance from data is attained at Knox's (1986) matrix. When activity rates are to be preserved, the minimum cannot be found explicitly for N greater than 2. An algorithm proposed by Arcà, Perucci, Spadea, and Rossi (1990) is then investigated, and shown always to converge to a consistent matrix. Through several examples, it is shown that this limiting matrix does not minimize distance from data, but is generally close to the minimum. Finally, the author simulated the collection of data with sampling errors and possible bias and evaluated the performance of this algorithm in approximating the 'true' contact matrix starting from the simulated 'data' matrix.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1991

Effects of long-term zidovudine treatment on cell-mediated immune response and lymphokine production.

The effects of long-term zidovudine treatment on functional parameters of cell-mediated immunity were investigated in 15 symptomatic HIV-antibody-positive patients with clinical evidence of opportunistic infections. Mononuclear leukocytes were obtained before administering the drug, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. The cells were stimulated with lectins in order to assess variations of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of gamma-interferon (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to assess variations of alpha-IFN production. Mean proliferative responses to PHA and Con-A did not show any significant change between baseline, 3 months, and 6 months values (25,158 +/- 11,763, 24,662 +/- 8,955, and 34,924 +/- 16,283 D-cpm, respectively, for PHA, p greater than 0.05; and 5,470 +/- 1,890, 4,953 +/- 2,518, and 4,539 +/- 3,286 D-cpm, respectively, for Con-A, p less than 0.05). Mean response to PWM (9,707 +/- 4,429 D-cpm at entry) increased significantly after 3 months, but returned to baseline values at 6 months (17,039 +/- 5,123 and 10,314 +/- 3,855 D-cpm, respectively, p = 0.016). IL-2 production (5.51 +/- 4.0 I.U. at entry) rose particularly at 3 months and persisted at the same levels at 6 months (9.6 +/- 4.8 and 9.5 +/- 6 I.U., respectively, p less than 0.05). By contrast, a moderate but significant decrease in gamma- and alpha-IFN production was observed (65 +/- 2.2, 35.1 +/- 1.6, and 22 +/- 2 I.U., respectively, for gamma-IFN, p less than 0.05; 60 +/- 3, 64 +/- 2.6, and 12 +/- 1.5 I.U., respectively for alpha-IFN, p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

[The treatment of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract in childhood. An open comparative study of sulbactam/ampicillin vs. ceftazidime].

Sixty children suffering from lower respiratory tract infections have been included into this study, respectively 30 (18 M + 12 F) in the sulbactam/ampicillin (S/A) group and 30 (20 M + 10 F) in the ceftazidime (CFT) group. Average age was 42.9 months +/- 34.4 in S/A group (range 6-120) and 48.7 +/- 42.1 (range 6-144) in CFT group. Both groups were similar as to sex, age, type and duration of the infection. Posology was 150 mg/kg/die for S/A and 50 mg/kg/die for CFT. The duration of treatment was 7.2 days +/- 2.2 (range 5-12) for S/A group and 6.4 days +/- 1.6 (range 5-12) for CFT group. At the end of the therapy clinical recovery has been obtained in all cases. A rapid defervescence and remission of symptoms at an identical rate has been recorded in both treatment groups. General and local tolerability was excellent in both treatment groups.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Population models for diseases with no recovery.

An S----I epidemic model with a general shape of density-dependent mortality and incidence rate is studied. The asymptotic behaviour is global convergence to an endemic equilibrium, above a threshold, and to a disease-free equilibrium, below the threshold. The effect of vaccination is then examined.

Epidemiology↗
PubMed1990

The influence of high dose intravenous immunoglobulins on immunological and metabolic pattern in newly diagnosed type I diabetic patients.

In autoimmune disease the functional deficiency of T suppressor cells, also described in Type I diabetes, may be restored through immunoglobulin (Ig) infusion, which increases antigen phagocytosis, NK activity, cell clones and antibody anti-idiotype responses. Sixteen Type I diabetic patients were studied: eight were treated soon after the initial correction of disease-onset glycemic deterioration with intensive intravenous (i.v.) 7S Ig treatment (0.4 g/kg/BW) for 1 week and once per week for 6 months, whilst the remaining patients constituted the control group. All patients were evaluated during the study for metabolic and immunological parameters. A reduction in insulin requirement compared to conventionally treated patients was observed at the third (0.17 +/- 0.06 vs 0.44 +/- 0.08 IU/kg/BW; P less than 0.02) and at the sixth month of therapy (0.19 +/- 0.07 vs 0.54 +/- 0.07 IU/kg/BW; P less than 0.005). Two patients ceased to require insulin therapy within the BW; P less than 0.005). Two patients ceased to require insulin therapy within the first month, showing a prolonged restoration of B-cell function. Serum C-peptide values were also significantly higher in the Ig-treated group compared to the control group after 3 and 6 months. As regards immunological parameters, patients showed a decrease in insulin antibody levels and a reduction in TAC+ cells. Intravenous Ig therapy seems able to affect positively the first phases of metabolic and immunological deterioration of Type I diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Early administration of an immunomodulator and induction of remission in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

A clinical trial was undertaken to determine whether intensive thymopentin administration enhances remission of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) during the first year after diagnosis. Dosage with insulin was minimized with target control of blood glucose levels less than or equal to 7.8 mmol/l before meals. Remission was defined as a prolonged period after IDDM onset (not less than 3 months) characterized by a non-insulin-receiving (NIR) state in which target metabolic control was reached without administration of insulin and with a valid C-peptide response, evaluated after standard breakfast. Sixteen IDDM patients aged 12-31 years, recruited within 2 weeks of initiation of insulin therapy and within 5 weeks of onset of symptoms, were treated with intravenous (i.v.) thymopoietin32-36 pentapeptide (Thy) (1 mg/kg/body weight) for 7 days and twice per week for up to 3 months. A control IDDM group without initial significant differences in metabolic control parameters was also studied. No difference was observed between the two IDDM groups regarding the after-diagnosis normalization curve of HbA1c; mean daily glycemic level rates and ICA titer decreased during the observation. A reduction in anti-insulin antibodies (AIA) in Thy-treated patients was observed in comparison to conventionally treated IDDM starting from 6 months and reaching a reduction peak at 1 year (P less than or equal to 0.02). As regards the NIR remission rate, it was significantly more accelerated in Thy-treated patients, reaching 43% at 6 months and 57% at 1 year vs 12% and 6.7% respectively in the control IDDM group (P range less than or equal to 0.05-0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Effects of ofloxacin on cell-mediated immune response and lymphokine production.

The effects of orally administered ofloxacin on functional parameters of cell-mediated immunity were investigated in 15 patients with respiratory or urinary tract infections. Mononuclear leucocytes were obtained before administering the drug, 1 h after the first dose, and five days later. The cells were stimulated with lectins, tetanus toxoid and Newcastle Disease virus in order to assess mitogen- and antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of gamma-interferon, interleukin-2 and alpha-interferon. An increase in proliferative response to pokeweed mitogen and a slight but significant decrease in alpha-interferon production were observed, while other parameters remained unaffected by treatment.

Analysis of Variance↗