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Biomedical subjects

E Grasso

Publications and source records attributed to E Grasso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Cerebral venous thrombosis: a retrospective multicentre study of 48 patients.

The objective was to describe the clinical features and management of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in non-selected centres. An observational study in 11 neurological departments in NW Italy was carried out from 1995 through 1999 on 38 female and 10 male patients. Mean age: 44.8 years, SD=14.3. Onset: acute in 21 patients (44%), subacute in 17 (35%) and chronic in 10 (21%). Most frequent onset: with focal deficits and/or seizures, followed by impaired consciousness or confusion, isolated headache, isolated intracranial hypertension and cavernous syndrome. No risk factor was found in 8 patients (17%). The superior sagittal sinus was involved in 27 patients (56%) and the transverse sinus in 29 (60%). Anticoagulants were used in 45 patients (94%). Rankin Scale score at discharge: 0 (27 patients), 1 (four), 2 (five), 3 (five), 4 (none), 5 (one) and six were dead. Thirteen patients had deep CVT: age, risk factors, neurological signs and outcome differed from cortical CVT (35 patients), although not significantly. Clinical features, risk factors and outcome of CVT patients from non-selected centres are similar to those from specialised centres.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

New daily persistent headache: clinical and serological characteristics in a retrospective study.

We present a retrospective clinical study of 18 cases of new daily persistent headache (NDPH), a rare chronic headache, included in the fourth chapter of the II IHS classification; the pathophysiology of NDPH is unknown but a link with viral infections (especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)) has been suggested. Comparing our series with the other two published until now, we did not find any particular difference, as regards to clinical aspects. However, our laboratory tests show a recent herpes simplex virus infection in 42% and cytomegalovirus in 11% of cases; moreover we could not find any EBV infection. Our data suggest that viruses other than EBV can play a role in NDPH.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

4-Biphenylaldehyde and 9-anthraldehyde: two fluorescent substrates for determining P450 enzyme activities in rat and human.

1. 4-Biphenylaldehyde (4-BA) and 9-anthraldehyde (9-AA) were examined as substrates for cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes in rat and human. Both aldehydes were oxidized by CYPs to fluorescent carboxylic acids, which can be assayed with a high sensitivity by an easy fluorimetric method. 2. With liver microsomes from control and induced rats, the oxidation of both 9-AA and 4-BA followed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Only microsomes from rats pretreated with phenobarbital (a strong inducer of P4502B1/2) could increase (about threefold) the oxidation rates (V(max)) of both aldehydes above the control values, which were 6.7+/-1.1 and 3.3+/-0.6 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein for 4-BA and 9-AA, respectively. On the other hand, the (K)(m)'s, which were similar for both aldehydes (about 25 micro M), did not change significantly with any inducer. The use of purified rat CYP1A1, 2E1, 2B1 and 2C11 in a reconstituted system showed that only 2B1 and 2C11 could oxidize both substrates with a high turnover. 3. In human liver microsomes, the oxidation rates of these aldehydes (1.6+/-0.2 and 0.42+/-0.1 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein for 4-BA and 9-AA, respectively) were lower than those of rat but with similar K(m)'s(20-26 microm). 4. The oxidation of these aldehydes was also determined with cDNA-expressed CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 and with a characterized bank of 14 human liver microsomes. In a reconstituted system, only CYP2B6, 2A6, 3A4 and with a lower turnover 2C9 oxidized both substrates. 5. Among the CYP marker activities of the 14 human samples, good correlations were only observed between CYP3A-dependent 6 beta-testosterone hydroxylase and the oxidation of 4-BA (r = 0.74) or 9-AA (r = 0.80) and between the oxidation of 4-BA versus 9-AA (r = 0.74). Weak correlations were also found between the 2B6-linked S-mephenytoin N- demethylase and the oxidation of 4-BA (r = 0.58) or 9-AA (r = 0.65). 6. Inhibition experiments revealed that the oxidation of these aldehydes was inhibited by ketoconazole, 8-methoxypsoralene and sulphophenazole, selective inhibitors for P4503A6, 2A6 and 2C9, respectively. 7. In summary, based on the use of cDNA-expressed CYPs, correlation analysis and chemical inhibition, the metabolism in human liver microsomes of these aldehydes appears primarily catalysed by CYP3A, although CYP2A6, 2B6 and 2C9 may play a role. 9-AA and particularly 4-BA, owing to the high rate of its metabolism, may be two novel useful fluorescent probe substrates for assaying CYP activities in various species.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Oxidation of N,N-dimethylformamide and N,N-diethylformamide by human liver microsomes and human recombinant P450s.

N-N, dimethyl- (DMF) and N-N, diethyl-formamide (DEF) are two hepatotoxic solvents, whose metabolism has not been investigated in humans. To identify the P450 isoforms involved in the microsomal oxidation of these solvents we used (a) 12 human liver samples; (b) human recombinant P450 isoforms (1A1, 1A2, 2B6, 2C10, 2E1, 3A4); (c) chemical and immunological inhibitions. When correlation analyses were performed using enzymatic markers in human liver microsomes, the p-nitrophenol hydroxylation rate significantly correlated (r=0.87) with the dealkylation rate of DMF but not with that of DEF. Among the tested recombinant P450s only 2E1 oxidised DMF, while DEF was oxidised by 2E1, 2C10 and 3A4. 4-Methylpyrazole and anti human 2E1 IgG strongly inhibited the DMF demethylation but only partially the DEF deethylation. These findings indicate that, in the DMF metabolism, the role of 2E1 is crucial and its expression may be an important factor in determining the susceptibility of human to this solvent.

Cell Culture Techniques↗
PubMed1998

Molecular Probe Data Base (MPDB).

In this paper, the current status of the Molecular Probe Data Base (http://www.biotech.ist.unige.it/interlab/ mpdb.html ) is briefly presented together with a short analysis of its activity during 1997. This has been performed by statistically evaluating the 'logs' of the Internet servers that are used for its distribution with reference to the geographical origin of the requests, the words that were utilized to carry out of the searches and the oligonucleotides that were retrieved. Planned enhancements of this database are also described. They include a revision of its data structure and, even more relevant, of its data management procedures.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1996

ESWL experience in the therapy of difficult bile duct stones.

In recent years, alternatives to surgery for difficult bile duct stones have been developed. Routine endoscopy fails in about 10% of patients. To verify the role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in residual CBD stones, we treated 32 patients by HM4 or MPL 9000 Dornier lithotripters. Ten (34.4%) patients needed two extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy sessions, and 3 (10.3%) patients three. Complete clearance was achieved in 29 patients (90.6%) after one or more sessions either by endoscopic (20 pts) or percutaneous (9 pts) extraction of the debris; of the remaining 3 patients, in 2 a bilioduodenal stent was placed and in 1 electrohydraulic lithotripsy was performed. Eighteen and seven-tenths percent transient mild hemobilia, 12.5% microhematuria, and no mortality were observed. It is possible to state that in site- or size-related difficult biliary stones, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a rapid, safe, and highly effective treatment as an additional nonoperative option to resolve the failure of routine endoscopic measures.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Echographic and ERCP-manometric study of gallbladder and Oddi's sphincter behavior in biliary colic in patients with cholelithiasis. Effects of cerulein].

In a previous study, we have shown that caerulein relieves biliary colic pain in gallstone patients. This study was initiated to determine gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi behaviour during biliary colic and their response to caerulein. In 10 gallstone patients gallbladder volume was measured by real-time ultrasonography during a biliary colic episode and 72 hours after cessation of pain, before and after caerulein administration. Basal sphincter of Oddi pressure was determined by CPRE manometry in 10 gallstone patients during biliary colic and three days after cessation of pain, before and after caerulein. The results of this study show that, during biliary colic, gallbladder volume is 8 times greater than in the post-colic state. Basal sphincter of Oddi pressure was also significantly higher during biliary colic than in the post-colic state. Caerulein relieved in all cases the biliary colic pain while reducing gallbladder volume and decreasing the sphincter of Oddi.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effect of nizatidine versus ranitidine on gastric intraluminal prostaglandin release in duodenal ulcer patients.

The role of prostaglandins in peptic ulcer disease and their relation to Helicobacter pylori infection remain controversial. This study sought to compare the effects of oral nizatidine and ranitidine on the gastric mucosal release of prostanoids in duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and to correlate prostanoid concentrations with H. pylori status. Twenty-eight patients with DUs were randomized to receive either nizatidine or ranitidine. Nizatidine 300 mg at night elevated intraluminal PGE2 concentrations; 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations also rose, but did not reach statistical significance. Ranitidine induced non-significant falls in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGE1 alpha concentrations. Patients with H. pylori infection had lower PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations than non-infected patients, but nizatidine was equally effective in increasing prostanoid levels in both groups. These findings may be considered as favourable side effects of nizatidine with uncertain clinical significance. Further studies are needed to elucidate the synergism between prostanoids, eradication of H. pylori and nizatidine in the treatment of DU.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Streptococcal pharyngitis in Italian children: epidemiology and treatment with miocamycin.

A prospective multicentre study of Italian children with acute pharyngotonsillitis was carried out to determine the incidence of beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection and its epidemiological characteristics and to evaluate the effectiveness of a recently marketed macrolide, miocamycin. From February 1988 to March 1989, 865 children (aged 5 months to 14 years) were enrolled in 11 paediatric departments. Of these 31.9% had a positive throat culture for beta-haemolytic streptococci (26.6% group A streptococci, 5.3% group B, C, D or F). In 68.1% of the patients the throat culture did not yield any pathogen and the disease was considered to be probably viral. No epidemiological (age, season of occurrence, sex) or clinical characteristics (fever, pharyngeal hyperaemia, exudate etc.) could differentiate children with streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis from those with a probably viral one. Breese's score correctly identified only 19.1% of the cases with group A streptococcal infection. Miocamycin was given 50 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for 10 days in 225 children with streptococcal pharyngitis. The drug exhibited good clinical efficacy (resolution or improvement of acute signs and symptoms) in 96.3% of the children and a microbiological efficacy (eradication of the causative bacteria) in 85.3%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Single photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc HM-PAO in the study of focal epilepsy.

We used 99mTc HM-PAO SPECT to study 50 patients with partial epilepsy: 47 interictally and 3 during a seizure. All 3 patients studied during a seizure presented an area of increased tracer uptake. Of those in whom recordings were taken during seizure-free intervals 35 (74%) showed perfusion asymmetries: 27 (57%) with decreased and 8 (17%) with increased uptake. We discuss the findings and compare them with those of similar studies using SPECT and positron emission tomography.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

[295 cases of brucellosis treated with minocycline].

295 cases of acute and subacute cases of brucellosis were treated with minocycline. It is concluded that because of its in vitro activity, its penetrability in macrophages and granulomas and its tolerance, minocycline is the antibiotic of choice for brucellosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

[Frequency of risk factors in cerebrovascular disease and their effect on the course and outcome. Study on 423 hospitalized patients].

In a group of 423 patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) the so-called risk factors have been studied and correlated with course and outcome of the disease. High levels of glycemia, seric lipids and uric acids, high blood pressure and cardiopathy are the most often observed abnormalities, but age is anyhow strictly correlated with the frequency of the disease and in old patients with diabetes bad outcome of the cerebrovascular accident is to be expected. The EEG, often a valid tool to evaluate the gravity of the cerebral lesion, can give clear information about the prognosis: bioelectrical signs of diffuse suffering of the brain are supporting a bad prognosis. The nature (ischaemic and haemorrhagic) of the CVA remains the most important factor influencing the course of the disease and death is very predictable in haemorrhagic accidents of diabetic patients.

Aged↗