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Biomedical subjects

F Meloni

Publications and source records attributed to F Meloni.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus markers and risk factors in patients and staff of an Italian residential institution for the mentally disabled.

We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the prevalence rate and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among residents and staff at the Fatebenefratelli Institute in San Colombano in the province of Milan. We tested serum from 510 patients and 165 staff members. In addition, a medical record and a completed questionnaire were obtained from each patient. A total of 338 (66.5%) residents were found to have markers of HBV infection, including 29 (5.7%) who were identified as carriers. Thirty-nine members of staff (24.1%) showed evidence of HBV infection but only 1 (0.6%) was identified as a carrier. Among patients the prevalence rate of HBV was significantly associated with length of stay and age at admission, as it was with length of employment among staff members. The hepatitis B vaccine was offered to all patients and staff in the institution during 1994. A total of 143 (84%) patients and 111 (90%) members of the staff were vaccinated in the same year. To prevent the further spread of HBV infection in this institution, all current and future residents and staff members should be screened for serological markers for HBV and subjects identified as being susceptible should be vaccinated according to a compulsory routine policy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Bombesin enhances monocyte and macrophage activities: possible role in the modulation of local pulmonary defenses in chronic bronchitis.

Increased lung levels of bombesin-related peptides (BRPs) have been described in smokers and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs). Moreover, previous studies have shown that BRPs are endowed with immunoregulatory activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro influence of synthetic bombesin on the activity of mononuclear phagocytes obtained from healthy donors and from COPD patients. Bombesin significantly enhanced in vitro phagocytosis of monocytes and alveolar macrophages in both groups of subjects, restoring deficient phagocytosis in a group of COPD patients. Moreover, bombesin stimulated superoxide anion production and interleukin-8 release by peripheral monocytes.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[The evolution of the techniques used to correct nasal septum function].

At the dawn of rhinosurgery, the otolaryngologist operated on the nasal septum while a plastic surgeon handled treatment of the "noble" portion of the nose, i.e. the nasal pyramid. However, the plastic surgeon dealt more with esthetics than with function. Discussion and doubts revolved around the priorities of septum vs. pyramid treatment. Such doubts have often gone unresolved and has led to an unusual dichotomy in nasal surgery: the break down into septoplasty and rhinoplasty. This scission has fallen by the wayside during the course of the years. Indeed, today, where necessary, one tends associate corrective rhinoplasty during the course of septal procedures. During this historical review of functional surgery of the nasal septum, some mention is made of the numerous techniques and variations thereof which have been presented by various authors.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Effects of 3'-hydroxyfarrerol (IdB 1031), a novel flavonoid agent, on phagocyte products.

The novel flavonoid compound 3'-hydroxyfarrerol (IdB 1031) was tested in a number of in vitro experiments in order to ascertain its effects on some functions and products of human phagocytes. We found that IdB 1031 did not depress neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis, whereas at a concentration of 10(-4) M it significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fMLP-triggered neutrophil production of superoxide anion. At the same concentration, the compound decreased the release of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase from neutrophils (p < 0.05). We also found evidence that IdB 1031 is a non competitive, reversible inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase (Ki 200 microns). Finally, IdB 1031 at the concentration of 10(-5) M significantly reduced the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 from monocytes (p < 0.05). We conclude that, in spite of the moderate activity displayed by IdB 1031, these findings add to our current knowledge on the spectrum of the antiinflammatory activities of flavonoids.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1995

In vitro effect of bombesin-related peptides on the procoagulant activity of alveolar macrophages.

Bombesin-related peptides (BRP) are present in the lung during foetal life and are mitogenic for normal bronchial epithelial cells, pulmonary fibroblasts, and small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines. Increased levels of BRP have been described in the adult lung of cigarette smokers and in smoking related lung diseases. BRP have also been involved in the network of neuroimmune interactions, having been shown to modulate the phagocytic function of monocytes and alveolar macrophages. BRP have recently been shown to modulate the release of procoagulant activity (PCA) by human monocytes and alveolar macrophages after a 24 h culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bombesin on cell-associated PCA of alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained from asymptomatic subjects. In basal conditions, AMs were found to possess a low procoagulant activity, that was not affected by their preincubation (4 h at 37 degrees C) with phorbol myristate acetate (1 microgram-mL-1). On the contrary, endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) induced a significant increase of procoagulant activity of macrophages when used at a concentration of 1 microgram.mL-1, in the same experimental conditions; whilst a lower (1 ng.mL-1) concentration of LPS nonsignificantly enhanced cell-associated PCA. Treatment of AMs with synthetic bombesin (BN) alone (10(-6) to 10(-10) M) did not enhance cell-associated PCA, whilst a significant effect was seen when BN was added to the lower concentration of LPS (BN 10(-6) M+LPS 1 ng.mL-1: 12.6 U.10(-6) cells; LPS alone 1 ng.mL-1: 7.8 U.10(-6) cells).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Coagulation Factors↗
PubMed1995

[Coronal CT in the indication of the endoscopic surgery of the sinus].

In this paper the Authors affirm that Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is the technique of choice for treatment of nonneoplastic pathologies of paranasal sinuses, particularly in chronic infective and polypoid sinusitis. Furthermore, they confirm CT scans are mandatory in preoperative planning in order to delineate precisely the structures surrounding the surgical field (the lamina papyracea and possible dehiscences, the brain, the lacrimal duct, the internal carotid artery and the optic nerve), and thereby avoid any possible damage during surgery. If endoscopic examination and clinical history suggest a massive involvement of ethmoid cavities, both axial and coronal CT scans are necessary. Inasmuch as the crucial point in the development of chronic sinus pathology is the ostio-meatal complex, the Authors indicate that this structure can be clearly identified and studied by means of coronal CT scans, since in this case it is not necessary to clarify the depth of the nasal fossae, but, instead, to reveal the exact situation and configuration of the two fundamental lamellae, the uncinate process and the bulla. These structures lie on a vertical plane and cannot be studied with axial CT scans without reviewing several series scans made in close proximity, which increases the patient's exposure to x-rays as well as the expense of the study. This paper is an attempt to shorten and rationalize routine radiologic procedures when a limited ethmoid involvement, previously detected by careful endoscopic examination, is under investigation.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1994

Interactions of P 1507, a new antioxidant agent, with phagocyte functions.

Toxic oxygen free radicals are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of a number of respiratory diseases. In particular, pulmonary emphysema may occur because of the oxidative impairment of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI). We report in vitro data on a new thiol agent, P 1507 [N-5-(thioxo-L-prolyl)-L-cysteine], obtained in a series of experiments designed in view of its therapeutic potential in these clinical conditions. We found that P 1507 at the concentration of 5 x 10(-6) M was able to almost fully abolish the PMA-triggered PMN-induced oxidative impairment of alpha 1-PI. Protection may be due to the radical scavenger ability of P 1507, that markedly reduced superoxide anion production from PMNs. We also found that P 1507 did not significantly impair other defence mechanisms of PMNs (i.e. phagocytosis, chemotaxis and bactericidal activity). The release of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8) from monocytes was not altered in the presence of P 1507. We conclude that the compound P 1507 may be considered for treatment of clinical conditions characterized by overload of oxidants, on the basis of its ability in preventing the oxidative damage of alpha 1-PI and of a lack of unwanted inhibitory effects towards defence mechanisms of phagocytes.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1994

Elevated IL-8 and MCP-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The potential for interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) to induce neutrophil and mononuclear phagocyte accumulation in the lungs of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was investigated. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from 12 patients with IPF and 15 with sarcoidosis were concentrated by reversed-phase chromatography, and their IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemotaxis, and enzyme-releasing assays with monocytes and neutrophils. ELISA revealed significantly elevated concentrations of MCP-1 (20.1 ng/mg albumin) in the BAL fluids of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and those with IPF (41.8 ng/mg) in comparison to 11 normal individuals (4.24 ng/mg) and 15 patients with chronic bronchitis (CB) (5.16 ng/mg). Similarly, the chemotactic activity for monocytes (MCP-1 equivalent) was strongly increased in patients with sarcoidosis (86.03 ng/mg) as well as in those with IPF (54.47 ng/mg). The chemoattractant activity of normal individuals and CB patients was 7- or 3-fold lower, respectively. Patients with IPF and sarcoidosis also had elevated IL-8 levels (15.5 and 26.0 ng/mg, respectively; normals: 2.14 ng/mg; and CB patients: 4.23 ng/mg) and greater neutrophil chemotaxis (60.25 and 49.68 ng/mg, respectively; normals: 0.35 ng/mg; and CB patients: 11.06 ng/mg). These data suggest that increased levels of both MCP-1 and IL-8 may be characteristic for sarcoidosis or IPF. It appears likely that both of these chemoattractants contribute to the influx of monocytes and neutrophils into the pulmonary alveolus and interstitium in these diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Behçet disease. Description of three cases with manifestations at multiple localizations. Current status of understanding].

On the basis of their personal experience and of a review of the literature, the authors stress that in view of its multiple localizations Behçet's disease must be considered a systemic disorder. The authors further stress the importance of recognizing by new and more suitable diagnostic methods all atypical localizations of this pathology in order to ensure early detection and appropriate management.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Role of bronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage in chronic obstructive lung disease.

The authors review the role of bronchoalveolar and bronchial lavage in chronic obstructive lung disease patients. Only a few papers were published in the last ten years on this matter. In addition, data are incomplete and often conflicting, mainly because of the limited number of patients sampled and of non-standardized techniques of analysis. However, both bronchoalveolar and bronchial lavage are likely to be useful research tools to understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive lung disease.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1992

Anatomic variations of surgical importance in ethmoid labyrinth and sphenoid sinus. A study of radiological anatomy.

The present study was performed on axial and coronal CT scans of 100 patients, most of whom were affected by nasal polyposis. Five observers had to analyse the radiograms and answer a questionnaire including the following items: presence of a supraorbital recess; identification of anterior and posterior ethmoidal canals; dehiscences in the lamina papyracea; pneumatized middle turbinate; presence of a sphenomaxillary plate; presence of Haller's cells; presence of Onodi's cells; relationships of the optic canal; relationships of the internal carotid artery; relationships of the maxillary nerve; relationships of the vidian nerve; level difference between the ethmoid roof and nasal vault; depth of the sphenoethmoidal recess. The data obtained were compared with those drawn from anatomical studies. The fair agreement between them proves the value of CT as an alternative method for studying paranasal sinuses anatomy.

Ethmoid Bone↗
PubMed1992

[Horton's bitemporal arteritis. A case report].

The authors report a case of Horton's arteritis in a woman (aged 76) presented some peculiarities. The arteritis simultaneously interested both superficial temporal arteries; in a second time caused a bilateral "claudicatio masticationis"; induced a worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms from which the patient had been suffering for many years, due to the possible involvement also of the endocranial arteries. The histologic picture on a biopsy of the left temporal artery was typical of the Horton's disease, but without giant cells; the authors suppose that this is due to a therapy with FANS administered before carrying out the biopsy. The patient was treated with cortisone per os at a low dosage, causing a quick regression of the symptoms and a normalization of the laboratory tests. Also this result differs from what most authors have observed: they maintain that Horton's arteritis has become rather resistant to the cortisone therapy and required high dosage for a very long time. The authors maintain that precocity of diagnosis and an immediate treatment can influence in a significant way the course of the disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide levels of peripheral mononuclear cells, monocytes and alveolar macrophages in chronic bronchitis.

Bombesin-related peptides (BRP), a family of neuropeptides showing carboxy-terminal homology with the amphibian bombesin, are present in humans in many body systems (CNS, lung, gastro-intestinal tract) with a variety of biological activities. In the lung, BRP are mitogens for normal bronchial epithelial cells and fibroblasts, chemoattractant for monocytes and exert bronchoconstrictive activity. Increased levels of BRP have been described in the lung of cigarette smokers and in smoking-related diseases. Moreover appreciable quantities of BRP have been recently found in lysates of peripheral monocytes and alveolar macrophages of man and guinea pig. It has therefore been inferred that these peptides may play a role in the immunological function of lung tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of BRP present in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC), monocytes and alveolar macrophages (AM) of normal subjects (n = 36) and chronic bronchitis patients (n = 36). Patients with chronic bronchitis showed a significant increase in BRP levels in all cell types (PBMNC, monocytes and AM) (p < 0.005) in comparison with normal subjects. In addition levels of BRP in monocytes and AM were found to be nearly four times higher than in PBMNC in both groups of subjects. We can therefore confirm previous observations concerning the presence of BRP in human cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage. Furthermore our results demonstrate that BRP levels are increased in monocytes of chronic bronchitis patients and imply a potential role for these neuropeptides in lung immunological response in smoking-related diseases.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[Ca2+]i changes and respiratory burst in human neutrophils and monocytes induced by NAP-1/interleukin-8, NAP-2, and gro/MGSA.

The stimulatory effects of neutrophil-activating peptide 1 (NAP-1), also termed interleukin 8 (IL-8), neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2), and melanoma growth-stimulatory activity (gro/MGSA) on human neutrophils and monocytes were compared on the basis of two responses that can be assessed in real time, the changes in cytosolic free calcium and the respiratory burst. All three peptides induced a rapid and transient rise of cytosolic-free calcium and the respiratory burst in neutrophils. Both responses were also obtained in monocytes on stimulation with NAP-1/IL-8 and gro/MGSA, but not with NAP-2, which appeared to be more selective for neutrophils. Pretreatment with concanavalin A (ConA) enhanced several fold the rate and duration of the respiratory burst of neutrophils stimulated with all three peptides and of monocytes stimulated with NAP-1/IL-8 and gro/MGSA, but not with NAP-2. Sequential stimulation showed mutual cross desensitization by NAP-2 and gro/MGSA in neutrophils. In addition, desensitization of neutrophils toward NAP-2 and gro/MGSA, and of monocytes toward gro/MGSA, was obtained by prestimulation with NAP-1/IL-8. Prestimulation with either NAP-2 or gro/MGSA, however, did not desensitize the cells for NAP-1/IL-8. These results suggest that under conditions where multiple stimulatory agents are produced, neutrophil-activating peptides may contribute to the formation of substantial amounts of oxygen-derived radicals. In addition, the study shows that NAP-1/IL-8 and gro/MGSA, but not NAP-2, have some stimulatory effects on monocytes as well.

Calcium↗