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Biomedical subjects

G Marsili

Publications and source records attributed to G Marsili.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

IRF regulation of HIV-1 long terminal repeat activity.

Interferon (IFN) regulatory factors (IRF) constitute a family of transcriptional activators and repressors implicated in multiple biologic processes, including regulation of immune responses and host defense, cytokine signalling, cell growth regulation, and hematopoietic development. All members are characterized by well-conserved DNA binding domains at the N-terminal region that recognize similar DNA sequences termed IRF-binding element/IFN-stimulated response element (IRF-E/ISRE) present on the promoter of the IFN-alpha/beta genes and of some IFN-stimulated genes (ISG). Recently, a sequence homologous to the ISRE has been identified downstream of the 5' human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR). This sequence is a binding site for IRF-1 and IRF-2. Deletion of the LTR-ISRE results in impaired LTR promoter activity and decreased synthesis of viral RNA and proteins. Here, we briefly summarize characteristics of IRF-1 and IRF-2 binding to the HIV-1 LTR-ISRE and the data obtained to date on the functionality of this cis-element and on the role of IRF in the regulation of HIV-1 LTR transcriptional activity.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

DNA sequence heterogeneity within the Epstein-Barr virus family of repeats in the latent origin of replication.

To detect the presence of variability in the tandemly repeated sequences of the Epstein-Barr virus latent origin of replication, we analyzed the length of the family of repeats in 14 lymphoblastoid and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines by PCR amplification. The gel electrophoresis analysis of the PCR products revealed a broad banding pattern, characteristic of each line, consisting of several fragments, sometimes smeared, of variable length. This finding was interpreted as a result of the hairpin-like structures generated by the palindrome within the family of repeats, able to originate artefacts. Since the banding pattern was different only in strictly non-correlated cell lines, we supposed that the sequence of the repeat units was polymorphic. We therefore sequenced the family of repeats in three healthy bone marrow derived lymphoblastoid cell lines carrying an endogenous EBV as well as in a B95-8 infected cell line as control. The sequence analysis revealed that each line is different both in the number and in the sequence of repeats. At the 3' end of the family of repeats the B95-8 virus was found to have a 252 bp region missing in the GenBank standard sequence. This one is probably a partial sequence since it was shorter than the control specimens obtained from different sources of B95-8 DNA analyzed by Southern blot hybridization. The length analysis of the family of repeats can be used to characterize EBV strains by PCR.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

A pilot programme of external quality assessment for general haematology in Italy.

In the years 1984-1989 the Istituto Superiore di Sanità organized an EQAS for haematology (SVEQE) in Italy. A series of trials for haemocytometry, abnormal haemoglobins, HbA2, HbF, red cell G6PD and peripheral blood films, were carried out with the participation of 126 hospital laboratories, in different regions. SVEQE was an educative programme, aiming at promotion of quality assurance (QA) in laboratory haematology. At the same time an attempt was made to survey the analytical methods and instruments and to estimate the "state of the art" by the dispersion of all results. Participant laboratories were not scored for their performances. The operative protocol was harmonized to the guidelines established by WHO and ICSH; the trial specimens were prepared from normal or pathologic blood samples provided by blood banks or hospital departments. The trials for haemocytometry demonstrated a wide use of completely automated analyzers and in a steady state of performance during about five years. CVs, mainly for WBV and PLT, were somewhat higher than in other countries, where national QA systems have been established for a long time. Such discrepancies were not surprising in a pilot programme and were likely to be caused by inadequate internal quality control. The exercises for abnormal haemoglobins, HbA2, HbF and G6PD pointed out the need of using standardized methods according to the recommendations of ICSH. A large number of participating laboratories took part in the trial for blood cell morphology, being convinced of the educative function of this exercise; it is important to continue with systematic surveys, even including rare haematological disorders amongst the selected cases.

Hematologic Tests↗
PubMed1991

Analysis of leucocyte populations with the Coulter S-Plus STKR as a screening tool for haematological abnormalities.

In two institutions at Rome and Florence we evaluated the clinical sensitivity of two Coulter STKR systems using the NCCLS standard H20-T for leucocyte differential count in a patient population with high prevalence of haematologic abnormalities. Reference ranges of normal leucocytes were obtained on 278 adult subjects. On a population of 455 patient specimens, 200 specimens (44%) were flagged by the STKR because of a distributional abnormality, and 122 (27%) because of a morphological abnormality. Percentage of subtotal agreements between the STKR and the reference manual differential count was 85.4%, with 67.5% full and 20.9% partial agreements. Eight specimens that showed a morphological abnormality with the reference manual differential count were classified as normal by the STKR, with a false normal rate of 6.6%. Analysis of the STKR performance for morphological abnormalities showed acceptable sensitivity (82.0%) and rather low specificity (71.5%), low predictive value of positive results (51.3), high predictive value of negative results (91.5%) and efficiency of 74.3%. The main problems of the STKR differential count were a high rate of false monocyte count, and the misidentification of eosinophilias and low-concentration abnormal cells.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1991

[Territorial distribution of mortality from malignant pleural tumors in Lombardy].

Mortality for malignant neoplasms of pleura in Lombardy, 1980-87, was investigated in order to detect municipalities showing significantly increased standardized mortality ratios, with reference to regional rates, based on at least three observed cases. Neighbouring municipalities were taken into account as well, and a series of areas characterized by increased mortality rates were defined. The geographic location of these areas seems to be correlated with the distribution of industries manufacturing asbestos products.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMed1983

[Direct radioimmunologic analysis of serum progesterone].

Different radioimmunological methods to dose progesterone, without previous extraction of hormone with organic solvents, have been compared with a method using extraction. Furthermore the specific characteristics, precision and accuracy of direct methods and their diagnostic validity in a normal ovulatory cycle and in the luteal insufficiency, have been evaluated.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1979

[Usage of the gel filtration method for the determination of urinary proteins (author's transl)].

The urinary proteins determination was carried out after purification by gel filtration over Sephadex rosin. The proteins eluaded react with Biuret-reagent to establish the coloured copper-proteins complex. If proteins concentrations is inferior, the proteins can be determinated by the copper-proteins complex isolation with second gel filtration and titrating Cu++ with reactives: dietildithiocarbamate or the PAR (4-(2pyridyl-azo)resorcinol monosodium salt).

Biuret↗