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Biomedical subjects

B Bianchi

Publications and source records attributed to B Bianchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Progression of mycosis fungoides is associated with changes in angiogenesis and expression of the matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9.

Changes in angiogenesis and expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes have been substantiated during progression of solid tumours, whereas information on haematological tumours remains circumstantial. In this study, 57 biopsies of mycosis fungoides (MF), a haematological tumour of T-cell lineage, were investigated immunohistochemically for the extent of angiogenesis, and by in situ hybridisation for the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2, collagenase A) and 9 (MMP-9, collagenase B). The biopsies we grouped according to the stage of progression: patch-->plaque-->nodular (most advanced). The extent of angiogenesis, as microvessel area, of MF lesions as a whole was significantly higher than that of normal uninjured skin, used as a control. When the stages of MF progression were compared, the values of MF patch stage overlapped that of control skin, while values were significantly higher in the plaque stage and even higher in the nodular stage. In these stages, microvessels were widely scattered in the tumour tissue, in close association with tumour cells, and they frequently displayed arborisation and microaneurysmatic dilation. In contrast, in the patch stage microvessels were irregularly distributed around the tumour aggregates, and arborisation or dilated structures were only rarely seen. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs underwent significant upregulation in relation to advancing stage. Indeed, the upstaging was significantly associated with higher proportions of lesions positive for each mRNA or for both, and with lesions with the greatest intensity of expression for each mRNA. Besides tumour cells, the MMP-2 mRNA was expressed by microvascular endothelial cells of intratumour and peri-tumour vessels, and by fibroblasts which were especially abundant in the stroma adjacent to the tumour nodules. The MMP-9 mRNA was found to be present in a subset of tissue macrophages which were more frequently located in close vicinity to the tumour nodules. In contrast, in control skin, a weak positivity for the MMP-2 mRNA in very few microvascular endothelial cells and no signal for the MMP-9 mRNA were observed. These in situ data suggest that angiogenesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix occur simultaneously during MF progression. They imply that interaction between tumour cells and their microvasculature are all the more likely to occur during progression, occasionally with the contribution of tumour-associated stromal cells.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

In vivo relevance of CD30 in atopic dermatitis.

CD30 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in lesional skin biopsies of eight patients with active atopic dermatitis (AD) and three patients with allergic contact (nickel-induced) dermatitis (ACD). CD30 expression was also assessed in a large panel of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell clones generated from the skin biopsies of four patients with AD. Finally, the levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) were measured in the serum of 41 patients with AD, 19 patients with ACD, and 60 healthy controls. In all specimens of lesional AD skin, where the great majority of infiltrating cells were CD4+ T cells, remarkable numbers of cells were CD30+, whereas virtually no CD30+ cells were found in the skin of patients with ACD. In CD4+ T-cell clones generated from the lesional AD skin, most of which produced both interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (Th0-like cells) or IL-4 and IL-5, but not IFN-gamma (Th2-like cells), CD30 expression directly correlated with the ability to produce IL-4 and IL-5, but was inversely related to IFN-gamma production. High levels of sCD30 (correlated with disease activity: r = 0.618) were detected in the serum of most AD patients, whereas there was no increase of sCD30 levels in the serum of patients with ACD. These data support the view that Th0/Th2-type responses predominate in the skin of patients with AD and suggest that the presence of CD30+ T cells in tissues and/or increased levels of sCD30 in biologic fluids are indicative of Th2-dominated responses.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibition of elicitation of contact dermatitis in humans by mometasone furoate: evaluation by means of 20-MHz B scanning associated with image analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mometasone furoate (MF) is a new strongly lipophilic steroid which has an anti-inflammatory effect as evaluated by in vivo and in vitro studies. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the degree of inhibition of experimental allergic contact dermatitis induced by the treatment with MF. METHODS: The therapeutic effect was evaluated by an echographic method associated with image analysis. MF activity was compared to that of hydrocortisone acetate 0.5% (Cortaid Cream, Lachifarma), clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate Cream, Glaxo) and clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Clobesol Cream, Glaxo), classified respectively as weak, moderately potent and very potent steroids. RESULTS: The different corticosteroid formulations employed for inhibiting experimentally induced contact dermatitis reflect the expected rank order of efficacy. CONCLUSION: MF behaves like clobetasol butyrate ranking as a moderately potent corticosteroid.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

[Genetics of laryngeal cancer: an experimental study].

Squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma accounts for 1% of all cancer deaths and 95% of all laryngeal malignancies. It is most frequently found in smokers over 40 years of age. This neoplasm is presently the object of cytogenetic studies in an attempt to identify a specific chromosome pattern. In a study of 29 cases of malignant primary laryngeal tumor, Nawroz (1993) found a loss of alleles in different loci mapped in the short arm of chromosome 9 (9p) in more than two-thirds of the cases. In the same chromosome region, the loss of heterozygotes (LOH) was previously described in other neoplasms (leukemia, hematic tumors, melanomas). In an attempt to verify the predominant chromosome pattern and the loss of heterozygotes in chromosome 9, a cytogenetic, genetic-molecular study was performed on ten cases of laryngeal carcinoma. Among these subjects, two showed a hyperdiploid chromosome pattern (metaphase with more than 46 chromosomes per cell), five had a hypodiploid pattern (with less than 46 chromosomes per cell) while, for the remaining three cases, it was not possible to identify any metaphase. Numerous structural and numerical karyotype defects were found in chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, and Y. In 6 of the cases abnormality was found in chromosome 9 while in 10 it was apparently a homozygote. The study was performed with the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a chromosome library specific for chromosome 9. A loss of the 9p segment could be found as a result of different types of alterations: deletion (case 1, 2, 5, 7); non uniform transfer between chromosome 2 and chromosome 9 (case 2); other transfers involving the 9p segment (case 1, 4, 5, 7, 10). In six cases, analysis was further detailed at the molecular level by means of DNA amplification methods (PCR) and electrophoresis on denatured 10% polyacrylammide gels. LOH was studied using a polymorphic system specific for the short arm of chromosome 9. Four of the cases examined showed LOH for the system used while one case (case 4) gave no information. Case 9 did not show any loss of alleles. The present study suggests that the loss of a DNA sequence on chromosome 9p is primary to the neoplastic progression in laryngeal cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Carbon centered radicals reduce the density of L-type calcium channels in rat cardiac membranes.

The carbon centered radicals generated by preincubation of cumene hydroperoxide with rat cardiac membranes dose dependently reduced the Bmax of [3H]nitrendipine binding, while KD was unchanged. The reduction induced by cumene hydroperoxide was prevented by 2,6-di-t-butlyl-4-methyl-phenol. The generation of OH did not influence the [3H]nitrendipine binding; also other oxidative agents (H2O2 and HClO4) did not modify this binding. Therefore the reduction in [3H]nitrendipine binding sites is not attributable to generic oxidative stress but to the formation of carbon centered radicals.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Influence of oestrogens on muscarinic receptor density and contractile response in the guinea-pig uterus.

The objective of this study was to investigate the contractile response in vitro of uterine and myometrial strips from control and oestrogen-treated guinea-pigs to carbachol. In addition, the muscarinic receptor parameters in subcellular preparations from the myometrium of the same animals were evaluated. Strips of guinea-pig uterus contract in response to carbachol in a concentration dependent manner and the effect of carbachol is independent of the presence of an intact endometrium. However, treatment with oestrogen reduces the response to carbachol, when expressed with respect to the effect of KCl. Measurement of the specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate ([3H]QNB) to myometrial membranes from control and oestradiol-treated immature guinea-pigs showed that oestradiol significantly decreased the number of specific binding sites of [3H]QNB, but did not change the apparent affinity of specific [3H]QNB binding. Moreover, the apparent affinity constants for the different antagonists showed a close similarity to those obtained at muscarinic receptors present in the myometrium from control and oestradiol-treated guinea-pigs.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

ABT-431: the diacetyl prodrug of A-86929, a potent and selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist: in vitro characterization and effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease.

(-)-Trans 9,10-hydroxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-thia-5- azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride (A-86929) is a potent and selective full agonist at the dopamine (DA) D1-like receptor. Judging by its binding affinities to the D1 and D2 classes of receptors, the compound is approximately 20-fold D1 receptor-selective, whereas relative potencies based on functional in vitro assays indicate that A-86929 is greater than 400-fold D1-selective. A-86929 has moderate to weak (Ki > 1 microM) affinity at other monoaminergic and peptidergic receptors, at ion channels and at monoamine uptake sites. The catechol of A-86929 was bis-acetylated to produce the prodrug, (-)-trans 9,10-acetoxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11-b-hexahydro-3-thia- 5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride (ABT-431), which is more chemically stable yet is rapidly converted to the parent compound with a half-life of less than 1 min in plasma. Both A-86929 and ABT-431 produced contralateral rotation in rats bearing unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions, with ED50 values of 0.24 mumol/kg s.c. and 0.54 mumol/kg s.c., respectively. A-86929 and ABT-431 improved behavioral disability scores and increased locomotor activity in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned marmoset model of Parkinson's disease in a dose-dependent manner (the minimum effective dose was 0.10 mumol/kg s.c.). When administered three times daily for 30 consecutive days to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned marmosets, A-86929 significantly improved disability scores throughout the duration of the study. Current Parkinson's disease therapy includes L-dopa, which stimulates both classes of DA receptors by virtue of its conversion to DA in vivo, and direct-acting D2-selective agonists. Stimulation of the D2 receptor, which is associated with all current DA agonist-based therapies, may contribute to their dose-limiting side effects. An agent such as A-86929 (or its prodrug ABT-431), which selectively stimulates the D1 receptor, may represent a novel mechanism for Parkinson's disease therapy with the potential for an improved side-effect profile and, consequently, improved patient compliance.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗
PubMed1995

State perspectives on health care reform: Oregon, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Rhode Island.

The general consensus among States which have had their section 1115 demonstration projects approved is that there is no one best way to implement State health care reform. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), however, wished to discern how States were accomplishing the task of implementing the demonstrations, and solicited responses from State representatives whose section 1115 demonstration waivers had been approved. The resulting article gives an overview of this implementation process from four State perspectives. Written by representatives from Oregon, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Rhode Island, the ideas presented here are indicative of the complex undertaking of State health care reform.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗
PubMed1995

Loratadine in the treatment of cough associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: Antihistaminic treatment of allergic asthma or cough-type asthma, including cough associated with allergic rhinocojunctivitis, has been recently reconsidered prospectively since new very potent compounds, nonsedating with anti-allergic properties, are available. OBJECTIVE: The possible effectiveness of loratadine in the treatment of allergic cough was assessed in 20 patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and cough due to Parietaria judaica during the pollen season (April to July 1993). METHODS: Allergic patients were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized study, and received loratadine 10 mg/d or placebo in oral tablets for 4 weeks. Occurrence and severity of conjunctival and nasal symptoms, severity and frequency of cough attacks were assessed daily by the patients together with peak expiratory flow evaluation performed twice a day, ie, in the morning and in the evening. Physicians evaluated conjunctival and nasal signs, and spirometry on admission (before treatment), 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. On admission methacholine challenge was also performed to assess PD20. Pollen counts were assessed during the study. RESULTS: According to patients' diary cards, ocular and nasal symptoms were progressively reduced by loratadine treatment (respectively P < .05 and P < .01), as well as cough frequency (P < .05) and cough intensity (P < .01). Peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in one second significantly decreased in the placebo-treated group (P < .01), while they were not modified in loratadine-treated patients, who remained normal. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that loratadine may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic cough, as well as in rhinoconjunctivitis. Further studies of this may be warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Candida chorioretinitis in meningococcal meningitis.

A case of Candida chorioretinitis in a patient suffering from meningococcal meningitis, admitted to the Infectious Disease Department of Frosinone Hospital, Italy, is reported. Five days after the onset of meningitis during antibiotic and cortisone treatment the patient experienced oropharyngeal candidiasis, ocular pain and blurring of vision; two days later positive scotoma appeared. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed probable Candida chorioretinitis. Treatment with intravenous fluconazole at high doses was employed with complete recovery of the right eye, while visual acuity of the left eye was 2/10. The use of long-term fluconazole at the doses reported, commonly employed in the treatment of systemic mycoses, improves prognosis.

Candidiasis↗
PubMed1995

[Hepatobiliopancreatic surgery in patients over 70 years old: which anesthesia?].

In the last years the criteria of operability have been extended to elderly patients with hepato-pancreatic-biliary diseases. We selected 46 patients (in the seventies or older, class 3 or 4 of ASA score, affected by hepato-pancreatic-biliary neoplasms) in order to evaluate the behavior of these patients undergoing to different anaesthesiological techniques. Randomly, we treated 24 patients (group A) in general anaesthesia, and 22 patients (group B) in peridural anaesthesia. We considered mortality rate, morbidity rate, as sepsis, wound infection, pleuritis, and pneumonias. The data were analyzed by chi2-test and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). Mortality rate was similar in the two groups (A = 4.1, B = 4.5) (p = ns), and no complications were determined by the different anesthesiologic procedures. Pleuritis was present in 44% of group A vs 45% of group B (p = ns). Atelectasis areas were present in 58% of group A vs 27% of group B (p = ns), pneumonia was present in 33% of group A vs 9% of group B: this value was significant (p = 0.049). There were no differences between the two groups regarding wound infection rate (only one case in group B). We think that pulmonary diseases can be determined by intubation and mechanical ventilation. We show a significant reduction of pneumonia in the patients that underwent peridural anaesthesia. For this reason, peridural technique can be safely extended to elderly patients with hepato-pancreatic-biliary diseases.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

[Psychologic implications in loco-regional anesthesia].

A patients, who undergoes surgery, bears so stressful an emotional charge that his personality layout and life conflicts may emerge. When a patient is scheduled for loco-regional anaesthesia, the above mentioned issues should be taken into account to get a proper relation between the patient and the anaesthetist both in the pre- and intraoperative period. The following survey deals with psychological dynamics which compel the patient to ask for or reject a loco-regional anaesthetic procedure. Suggestions are also provided in order to manage adequately the anxiety and the hidden fears of the patient.

Anesthesia, Conduction↗
PubMed1992

Do ethoxy radicals reduce 3H-nitrendipine binding in rat cardiac membranes?

The incubation of xanthine-oxidase (XOD) with rat cardiac membranes induced the formation of free radicals; they were identified by electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) studies using 0.1 M 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide (DMPO) for spin-trapping. The following DMPO adducts were measured: DMPO-OH, which was produced during the first minute of incubation, DMPO-R radicals, which were present after 4 min of incubation and where the signal intensity remained constant for at least 20 min. The binding studies performed after 15 min incubation showed that XOD (1-50 mU) dose dependently reduced 3H-nitrendipine binding. This reduction was caused by a decrease in the density of binding sites while the affinity remained unchanged. These results suggest that ethoxy radical formation may be an important step in the regulation of L type calcium channels.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Therapeutic indications in herpes zoster].

Fifty-two patients with acute Herpes Zoster were divided into two groups and treated respectively as follows: 25 received i.v. acyclovir and 27 received s.c. thymopentin, an immunomodulating drug. Both drugs proved effective in promoting the recovery from herpetic lesions and in relieving the painful symptomatology within approximately the same period of time. Thymopentin apparently has an antiphlogistic effect and is believed to prevent post-herpetic neuropathy through its immunomodulating activity. Further studies based on a larger number of patients would be necessary to confirm the results achieved and for statistical evaluation.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1989

Influenza vaccination in elderly residents in nursing homes: immune response to trivalent and monovalent inactivated influenza virus vaccine in the season 1986-87.

Immune responses to trivalent inactivated whole virus and monovalent subunit influenza vaccines, used in the season 1986-87, were analyzed in elderly residents in nursing homes. Higher levels of induced antibody were found in the group receiving two doses of trivalent vaccine. This suggests that high risk aged patients should receive a booster dose of vaccine annually. The antibody response to administration of supplemental vaccination, using monovalent subunit preparation, did not reach the high level of antibodies found following trivalent influenza vaccine.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

[Clinical experience with the use of Amorosa, a low-mineral water, in athletes].

Nine semi-professional football players have been studied during a pre-championship retreat in a hilly area with their team. The nine athletes drank "Amorosa" oligo mineral water for three weeks and various haematochemical parameters (such as uricaemia, creatinemia, azotemia, sodium content) both before and after the retreat, have been evaluated. Furthermore, LDH and CPK were monitored before and after an exertion test on an exercise bicycle after hydropinic ingestion. The results obtained fully confirm the diuretic and cathartic properties of the water and its property of mobilization of hydroelectrolytic system which are even more useful in subjects needing a rapid elimination of metabolic wastes accumulated during muscle fatigue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Zinc in human semen.

Seminal zinc was measured in normospermic and infertile patients by a new colorimetric method. Analysis of semen from 5 patients with bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens showed high levels of zinc (mean value 1411.2 micrograms/ml). Lower levels were found in 6 patients with monolateral congenital or acquired obstruction (695.2 micrograms/ml). The seminal zinc level in 6 patients who had had a vasectomy or who had an epididymal blockage (125.7 micrograms/ml) was approximately the same as in 41 controls (134.6 +/- 42 +/- SD). Zinc levels were reduced in hypogonadal patients. These data suggest that zinc is secreted mainly by the prostate, while vesicular, epididymal and testicular secretions are devoid of zinc. Evaluation of this metal therefore permits the diagnosis of patency of the seminal pathways, but does not permit identification of prostatitis. No correlation was found between sperm count or motility and the seminal zinc level, nor between the latter and varicocele.

Genital Diseases, Male↗