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Biomedical subjects

G Gavazzi

Publications and source records attributed to G Gavazzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Aeromonas bacteremia in an elderly immunocompetent patient.

We report the case of an elderly immunocompetent patient with Aeromonas hydrophila bacteremia without evidence of portal of entry. Despite several risk factors for a poor outcome, such as impaired renal function, two positive blood cultures, and community-acquired infections, the patient survived. Antimicrobial susceptibility was normal. Unknown polycystic liver disease was discovered and misdiagnosed as a hepatic abscess at the time of the bacteremia which was confirmed by repeated CT scans. Because of the absence of other risk factors for Aeromonas bacteremia, hepatic polycystic disease may take part in the onset of Aeromonas sp bacteremia as well as immunosenescence.

Aeromonas↗
PubMed2004

[Infections in the elderly].

Demographic aging is now well established. Thus, infections in the elderly will continue to become an increasingly important public health issue. Infections are not only more frequent in the elderly, but they also have distinct properties. Infectious diseases of the elderly are distinct with respect to epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. Theses specificities are explained through a variety of factors, including the ageing process itself, but also comorbidities, sociological and environmental factors. Geriatric infectious diseases is likely to develop as an increasingly important branch of geriatrics and infectious disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Phenotypic, genetic and molecular characterization of a maize low phytic acid mutant (lpa241).

Phytic acid, myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate, is the major storage compound of phosphorous (P) in plants, predominantly accumulating in seeds (up to 4-5% of dry weight) and pollen. In cereals, phytic acid is deposited in embryo and aleurone grain tissues as a mixed "phytate" salt of potassium and magnesium, although phytates contain other mineral cations such as iron and zinc. During germination, phytates are broken down by the action of phytases, releasing their P, minerals and myo-inositol which become available to the growing seedling. Phytic acid represents an anti-nutritional factor for animals, and isolation of maize low phytic acid ( lpa) mutants provides a novel approach to study its biochemical pathway and to tackle the nutritional problems associated with it. Following chemical mutagenesis of pollen, we have isolated a viable recessive mutant named lpa 241 showing about 90% reduction of phytic acid and about a tenfold increase in seed-free phosphate content. Although germination rate was decreased by about 30% compared to wild-type, developement of mutant plants was apparentely unaffected. The results of the genetic, biochemical and molecular characterization experiments carried out by SSR mapping, MDD-HPLC and RT-PCR are consistent with a mutation affecting the MIPS1S gene, coding for the first enzyme of the phytic acid biosynthetic pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Thoracic lymphangiectasis presenting with chyloptysis and bronchial cast expectoration.

A 70-year-old man with recurrent undiagnosed episodes of bronchial cast expectoration and pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiography for 15 years is described. The diagnosis of chyloptysis was established by chemical analysis of the bronchial aspiration. We emphasize the radiological findings of this rare observation. The CT-associated lymphangiography showed mediastinal lymphangiectasis with retrograde opacification of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes as well as submucosal lymphatic vessels protruding into the lumen of the tracheo-bronchial tree without evidence of thoracic duct obstruction as well as a "crazy-paving appearance." Congenital incompetence of the valves of the lymphatic vessels originating from the thoracic duct is held to be the cause. Chyloptysis and pulmonary lymphatic disorder should be sought in cases of bronchial cast expectoration.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Lilliputian mutant of maize lacks cell elongation and shows defects in organization of actin cytoskeleton.

The maize mutant lilliputian is characterized by miniature seedling stature, reduced cell elongation, and aberrant root anatomy. Here, we document that root cells of this mutant show several defects in the organization of actin filaments (AFs). Specifically, cells within the meristem lack dense perinuclear AF baskets and fail to redistribute AFs during mitosis. In contrast, mitotic cells of wild-type roots accumulate AFs at plasma membrane-associated domains that face the mitotic spindle poles. Both mitotic and early postmitotic mutant cells fail to assemble transverse arrays of cortical AFs, which are characteristic for wild-type root cells. In addition, early postmitotic cells show aberrant distribution of endoplasmic AF bundles that are normally organized through anchorage sites at cross-walls and nuclear surfaces. In wild-type root apices, these latter AF bundles are organized in the form of symmetrically arranged conical arrays and appear to be essential for the onset of rapid cell elongation. Exposure of wild-type and cv. Alarik maize root apices to the F-actin drugs cytochalasin D and latrunculin B mimics the phenotype of lilliputian root apices. In contrast to AFs, microtubules are more or less normally organized in root cells of lilliputian mutant. Collectively, these data suggest that the LILLIPUTIAN protein, the nature of which is still unknown, impinges on plant development via its action on the actin cytoskeleton.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

[Thoracic empyema in very old patients: two types of clinical presentation].

INTRODUCTION: Primitive thoracic empyema or empyema secondary to pneumonia represents a significant medical problem necessitating prolonged hospitalizations and increasing the rates of morbidity and mortality. Average patient age is 55 years and remains rare in very old patients (> 85). We report here two observations in very old patients, pointing out the diversity of the clinical presentation. EXEGESIS: Empyema thoracis is classically associated with underlying diseases. It is often polymicrobial but Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes are more frequent than Gram-negative bacteria. The clinical presentation may be aspecific without any parameters in favor of infectious disease: the rapidity of pleural drainage and antibiotic therapy are the main prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Because of the diversity of clinical presentation in the elderly population, and because of the efficiency of rapid treatment, geriatric physicians should perform an examination of pleural fluid when pleural effusion is unknown.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

A preliminary study of the feasibility of wound telecare for the elderly.

We have developed a method for remote wound assessment in the elderly. Wound images were taken with a digital camera at a resolution of 640x480 pixels. JPEG compression was then used to produce images of about 100 kByte. Selected clinical data were transmitted by email, together with standardized digital images of wounds. The remote physician then read the clinical data and viewed the digital images on a 38 cm colour display monitor, at a resolution of 800x600 pixels, in 16-bit colour, using standard software. Three elderly inpatients with pressure sores or leg ulcers had both bedside and remote examinations, by different physicians. The diagnosis and therapeutic recommendations proposed after each of the two examinations were compared qualitatively. There was reasonable agreement between the two physicians in the assessment of wound size, anatomical classification, wound bed and status of infection. However, the lack of palpation represented a major limitation to remote wound assessment, despite the use of probes to delineate the depth of any opening in the wound bed.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Change in transaminases in hepatitis C virus- and HIV-coinfected patients after highly active antiretroviral therapy: differences between complete and partial virologic responders?

Patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection have more severe hepatitis-related disease than do patients with HCV infection alone. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with protease inhibitor appears to restore pathogen-specific immune responses, especially in patients with persistent undetectable HIV viral load. To evaluate the potent impact of immune restoration induced by HAART on the course of HCV-related disease, HCV viremia and levels of transaminases were compared between two groups of patients: 10 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with persistently undetectable HIV viremia (group A) and 12 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with persistent detectable HIV viremia. No difference was detected in HCV viral load in either group. An increase in transaminases was found only in patients with persistent undetectable HIV viral load, which was correlated with the increase in CD8+ T cells. This may suggest that the restoration of CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity could lead to an enhancement of hepatitis C-related disease in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients receiving HAART.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The developmental expression of the maize regulatory gene Hopi determines germination-dependent anthocyanin accumulation.

The Hopi gene is a member of the maize r1 gene family. By genetic and molecular analyses we report that Hopi consists of a single gene residing on chromosome 10 approximately 4.5 cM distal to r1. Hopi conditions anthocyanin deposition in aleurone, scutellum, pericarp, root, mesocotyl, leaves, and anthers, thus representing one of the broadest specifications of pigmentation pattern reported to date of all the r1 genes. A unique feature of the Hopi gene is that seeds are completely devoid of pigment at maturity but show a photoinducible germination-dependent anthocyanin accumulation in aleurone and scutellum. Our analysis has shown that the Hopi transcript is not present in scutellum of developing seeds but is induced only upon germination and that the simultaneous presence of both C1 and Hopi mRNAs is necessary to achieve A1 activation in scutella. We conclude that the expression pattern of the Hopi gene accounts for the germination-dependent anthocyanin synthesis in scutella, whereas the developmental competence of germinating seeds to induce anthocyanin production in scutella results from the combination of the light-inducible expression of C1 and the developmentally regulated expression of the Hopi gene.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1999

[Experience with an "isolation unit" for patients infected with multi-resistant bacteria. Retrospective study of 49 patients].

OBJECTIVES: Perform a retrospective analysis of care in a hospital "isolation unit" for patients infected with multirestant bacteria (MRB), i.e. meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (SAMR), broad spectrum beta-lactamase secreting enterobacteria. (BLSE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients infected with MRB were cared for in our hospital isolation unit between January 1, 1996 and January 1, 1997. Each patient was in a separate room equipped with a sink and soap distributor, single-use towels, and individual material for patient care (stethoscope, mobile equipment, writing material, etc.). The personnel were given special training in the prevention of nosocomial infections. At admission, and in all patients, bacteriological samples to search for SAMR were acquired from nasal discharge, urine, perineal swabs, wounds and bed sores. Wound, urine and fecal samples were also taken to search for BLSE. Search for other sites of infection depended on the clinical situation. The management protocol in the isolation unit included: isolation, daily antiseptic baths, topical application of antibiotics or antiseptics on all bacteriologically proven sites of SAMR infection, selective decontamination of the digestive tract for patients with BLSE positive stools. Systemic antibiotics were given case by case. RESULTS: Mean duration of stay in the isolation unit was 17 days for SAMR infections and 14 days for BLSE infections. Mean delay to sterilization of the infected sites varied depending on the localization: 2.3 days for blood and 19.4 days for stools. Seven patients died. After leaving the isolation unit, the bacteriological course was followed in 23 patients: there were 7 cases of recurrence at least one site within a mean delay of 34.5 days. CONCLUSION: Use of isolation units provides an interesting solution for health care centers to control spread of multiresistant bacteria. Considering the endemic state of multiresistant bacteria infections in French hospitals, each health care unit should have correctly equipped facilities for isolating infected patients.

Drug Resistance, Microbial↗
PubMed1999

Association between primary cytomegalovirus infection and severe hemolytic anemia in an immunocompetent adult.

Hemolysis is a rare complication of cytomegalovirus infection in the immunocompetent adult, and the mechanisms responsible for it remain obscure. Guidelines for treatment have yet to be established, and the effectiveness of antiviral therapy has not been proven. In this report, an unusual case of primary cytomegalovirus infection manifested by severe hemolysis in an immunocompetent adult is presented. Treatment with ganciclovir (5 mg/kg b.i.d.) for 10 days and prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day) for more than 3 months suggests that both virological and immunological mechanisms are probably responsible for the hemolysis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Cerebral and pulmonary miliary tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient: aggravation in an adequately treated patient].

BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary localizations are observed in 20% of tuberculosis cases, mainly in immunosuppressed patients. Prognosis is poor in case of relatively uncommon cerebral localizations and miliary dissemination, especially if treatment is initiated in late stages. We report a case of disseminated tuberculosis associated with cerebral and pulmonary localizations in an immunocompetent patient. THe disease progressed despite adapted treatment. CASE REPORT: A young immunocompetent man with an uneventful history developed miliary tuberculosis with pulmonary localizations visualized on the computed tomography (CT) of the thorax. Brain CT was normal, but magnetic resonance imaging revealed several intracranial lesions. The disease course was marked by development of neurological symptoms and progression of the cerebral lesions after one month of treatment. No evidence of therapeutic failure (insufficient dosing, non-compliance, primary resistance) could be identified. DISCUSSION: Magnetic resonance imaging provides a more precise evaluation of tuberculosis lesions in the brain. Early antituberculosis therapy associated with corticosteroids can improve prognosis. Clinicians should be aware that cerebral lesions may continue to progress despite appropriate treatment, a course which is not satisfactorily explained by any current pathogenic hypothesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Effects of double and triple antiretroviral agents on the HCV viral load in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV].

HIV infection accelerates natural course of HCV infection, but impact of antiretroviral treatment on HCV infection is not well known. The aim of this study is to compare the change of HCV viral load in patients on combination of 2 nucleoside analogues and in patients on combination of 2 nucleoside analogues and protease inhibitor. HCV and HIV viral load, lymphocyte CD4 counts, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were measured before and 3 months after starting treatment in 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 15) treated with 2 nucleoside analogues and Group 2 (n = 15) treated with 2 nucleoside analogues and a protease inhibitor. Results show a significant increase in lymphocyte and a significant decrease in HIV viral load in the both group but no significant change in HCV viral load and in ALT and AST. In conclusion efficiency of anti-HIV therapy (combination of 2 nucleoside analogues with or without a protease inhibitor) doesn't seem to have any impact on the course of HCV viremia in HIV-coinfected patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

[Acute eosinophilic pneumonia due to hypersensitivity to carbamazepine].

The authors report a case of hypersensitivity to carbamazepine presenting as an acute eosinophilic pneumonia and a probable hypersensitivity myopericarditis in a 54-year-old patient treated with carbamazepine for three weeks. Treatment consisted of stopping the carbamazepine and in prolonged corticosteroid therapy. The features of the hypersensitivity syndrome to carbamazepine are mentioned as well as the different pulmonary disorders attributable to carbamazepine.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗