PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Antonelli

Publications and source records attributed to L Antonelli.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Expression of biomarkers of interferon type I in patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Interferons (IFNs) are used widely in the treatment of viral infections, tumours and neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endogenous expressions of various IFN-induced compounds [specifically: neopterin (NPT), beta2microglobulin (beta2mg) and 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 OAS)] in patients with various chronic diseases requiring treatment with IFN type I. The results showed that patients with such chronic diseases as hepatitis C virus-associated type II mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are characterized by different activations of the IFN system. Furthermore, the interindividual variability in baseline levels of IFN-induced biomarkers was higher in patients with chronic diseases than in healthy individuals. When levels of the above biomarkers were measured 24 h after the first injection of IFN in patients with CHC or RRMS, significant increases in expression levels of IFN-induced compounds were recorded but, again, there is a broad range of variability in the degree of increase. Further, a significant inverse correlation between baseline levels of NPT, beta2mg and 2-5 OAS activity and their relative increases after IFN administration was found in patients with CHC or RRMS. Together, the results are consistent with the observation that there is considerable interindividual heterogeneity in the clinical response to IFNs, which suggests that host factors other than disease markers must be taken into account in order to manage and optimize the IFN therapy.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1999

Correlation of interferon-induced expression of MxA mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the response of patients with chronic active hepatitis C to IFN-alpha therapy.

MxA, a protein with selective activity against certain viruses, is an accepted specific indicator of type I interferon (IFN) activity. We have developed an internally controlled quantitative-competitive PCR to measure the amounts of MxA mRNA expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). This assay is more sensitive, quantitative, and easily applied to serial clinical samples than previously described methods. We have applied this assay retrospectively to 27 patients with chronic active hepatitis C given IFN-alpha2. Most such patients gain no sustained benefit but nevertheless suffer from the side effects, expense, and inconvenience of the treatment. Fourteen of the 27 had been classified on clinical grounds as responders and 13 as nonresponders at the end of a 6 month treatment period. We measured MxA mRNA in PBMC obtained before and after 8 weeks of IFN-alpha2 treatment. All the patients expressed some level of mRNA before treatment began, and after 8 weeks of treatment, the level rose in 19. This increase was significant (p < 0.001) only in patients classified as responders. This strongly suggests that hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who express increased amounts of MxA mRNA in their PBMC during IFN-alpha treatment are most likely to obtain long-term benefit. If this finding is confirmed in future prospective studies, it will provide an extremely important predictive marker for managing IFN-alpha therapy in patients with HCV.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Cement penetration with pulsed lavage versus syringe irrigation in total knee arthroplasty.

Twelve total knee arthroplasties were performed on 12 patients who had osteoarthritis. The freshly resected tibial plateaus and femoral condyles were divided in 2, and each half was subjected to different methods of preparation. One half of the specimen was irrigated with saline with a standard bulb syringe, while the other half was irrigated with pulsed lavage. Cement then was pressurized into the cut surfaces. Sections were analyzed using the Image Analysis Software Morphometry System. A significant increase in cement penetration and decrease in bone debris were found in pulsed lavage specimens as compared with controls (p < 0.05). The penetration of cement in total knee components can be significantly increased by using pulsed lavage of the cancellous surfaces.

Bone Cements↗
PubMed1993

Functional osseointegration of hydroxyapatite-coated implants in a weight-bearing canine model.

That hydroxyapatite (HA) can form a strong chemical bond with bone has been confirmed by several precedent workers using unloaded implants. The relationship between the histomorphometric measurements of the interface of the cementless femoral stems with and without HA coating and their mechanical properties in a weight-bearing canine model was evaluated in this study. Seven HA-coated and seven uncoated titanium (Ti6Al4V) hemiarthroplasties were implanted in the right hip of 14 dogs for a 5-month period. The specimens were taken to conduct mechanical testing and morphometric measuring. The average interface shear strength of 2.13 MPa for the HA-coated specimens was significantly higher than 0.93 MPa for the uncoated specimens (P < .05). There was greater bone apposition with the HA coating (72.39%) than without the coating (15.96%). Bone interfaces were divided into two types histomorphometrically: type A, simple bony shell without supporting trabeculae and type B, buttressed bony shell with supporting trabeculae. A positive correlation between the type B HA-bone interface and interface shear strength was found (r = .81).

Alloys↗
PubMed1992

Locked-in syndrome.

A patient, young fisherman, with a locked-in syndrome is reported, in whom intact consciousness, quadriplegia of spastic type, voluntary eye blinking, (de)sursumvergence and anarthria were observed. Thrombosis of the basilar artery and slightly disturbed bioelectrogenesis of the cerebral cortex were proved by clinical examination. The patient died after 41 days. At the autopsy thrombosis a. basilaris and ventrobasal pontine infarction were confirmed. Differential diagnosis of this and similar syndromes has been discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Epidemiology of Huntington's disease in Rijeka district, Yugoslavia.

Epidemiologic study of Huntington's disease (HD) in the Rijeka district represents the first research of its kind carried out in Yugoslavia. After a detailed investigation of all available sources of health information, ten families, with a total number of 24 HD patients, were found. The prevalence rate of HD on March 31, 1981, was 4.46/100,000 population. Most of the patients involved were members from the second or third familial generation. The age at recognition of disease was 41.6 years, with earlier onset among the males. Involuntary movements frequently appeared as the initial symptomatology (45.8%). Duration of the disease from initial symptomatology to death averaged at 10.6 years. Six of nine patients who died had committed suicide. It took physicians of primary care, neurologists, and psychiatrists 5.3 years (1-12 years) to make a definite diagnosis. Nine of the affected families from Rijeka district were autochthonic households. Six of these families immigrated from Saxony, Slovakia and Upper Carinthia during the reign of the Habsburg dynasty (1619-1780).

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Multiple sclerosis in Istria, Yugoslavia.

An epidemiological research of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Istria, Yugoslavia, was made in the period of 1980-1981. After examining all the sources of health care information, 125 potential MS patients were found in the investigated area. According to the diagnostic criteria by Schumacher et al., 47 affected were recognized and accepted as clinically definite MS patients. The MS prevalence rate in Istria on March 31st, 1981 amounted to 25.0/10(5) inhabitants (CI: 19.9-38.9). Such rates classify Istria in the middle between the medium and high risk zones for the disease in Europe and in the world. The onset age of MS in Istria was about 30 years, the female/male sex ratio was 2.13. The average duration of MS in Istria up to the prevalence day was 16.5 years. The average annual incidence rate was 1.5/10(5) inhabitants.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Closed intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal fractures of the femur. Problems related to anatomical variations of the greater trochanter.

An examination of the radiographs of 100 normal femurs revealed an anatomical variation consisting of lateralization of the trochanteric mass in relation to the femoral diaphysis. This involves disalignment of the apex of the greater trochanter in relation to the medullary canal, with consequent complications during closed intramedullary nailing such as varus of the fracture segments, valgus of the nail, fracture of the medial cortex. Since becoming aware of this anatomical variation and its possible consequences, the authors now carry out routine preoperative A.P. radiographs of the contralateral femur and if lateralization of the trochanteric mass is observed, the nail is not inserted at the apex of the greater trochanter but at the base of the femoral neck in order to restore alignment of the nail with the femoral diaphysis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of catheter and arterial diameter on flow distal to an intra-aortic balloon insertion site: a theoretic examination and in vitro assessment.

Percutaneous placement of an intra-aortic balloon (IAB) through a femoral artery of a patient is associated with a risk of reduction of blood flow distal to the balloon insertion site. If this reduction is severe, it ultimately causes limb ischemia and necessitates IAB removal. Although clinicians intuitively know that larger catheters cause higher flow restrictions, very few studies have examined this situation quantitatively. The authors theoretically analyzed the insertion site geometry in relationship to the catheter diameter and other factors effecting distal flow. To verify the findings, in vitro flow tests were conducted with various IAB catheters currently available on the market, as well as their respective sheaths and hemostasis plugs. This was done using a blood analog solution in an array of polyvinyl chloride tubing sizes. Diameters of the vessel and catheter have a profound and nonlinear effect on the distal flow. For example, a 12.2 Fr catheter in a 0.187 in. vessel only allows 19.9% of normal flow, whereas a 6.1 Fr catheter in the same size vessel allows a 92.0% flow. As the catheter diameter increases, the physical resistance suddenly grows, which causes a significant drop in distal flow. These results are accurately predicted by a mathematical model that gives flow percentage results to within 15% of those measured experimentally. In general, vessels larger than 5 mm in diameter do not exhibit substantial flow reduction for most IABs with and without sheaths. In smaller vessels, however, this reduction may be significant. Sheathless insertion is extremely effective in improving distal blood flow in such a situation. Hemostasis plugs restrict the distal flow similar to respective sheaths, thus diminishing the benefits of sheathless insertion.

Catheterization↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Diagnostic criteria in multiple sclerosis].

Almost all the neurological diseases can imitate multiple sclerosis. No strictly specific laboratory test has become as yet available for its diagnosis. Information obtained by clinical examination of the patient--dissemination of different symptoms at the same time and the same symptom in various periods--supplemented by neuroradiological, neurophysiological and biological supplementary tests allow making diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with about hundred percent certainty.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Results of neonatal vaccination against hepatitis B in Frosinone].

Neonates born to HBSAg-positive mothers are at increased risk of HBV, mainly because of perinatal exposure. Since 1985 the HBV Regional prevention and control program of Latium recommends prophylaxis both with HBIG and HBV vaccine at birth for all infants born to HBaAg-positive mothers. From 1-1-80 to 1-5-88 89 neonates (52 males, 37 female) from Local Health Units (U.S.L.) FR 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 have been examined at the Centre for Vaccination against HBV of Frosinone. Prophylaxis was accomplished both by HBIG 1 ml. I.M.) at birth and HBV vaccine (5.5 ml. I.M. of HBVAX) at birth, and at 1 and 6 months. All injections were given in the gluteal muscle. Antibody titer to HBsAg (antiHBs) detectable by RIA was tested 1 month after or by the time of the third injection of vaccine. Non-responders (anti HBs less than 10 mUI/ml) were given an extra dose of vaccine (0.5 ml I.M.). 85 neonates accomplished vaccination receiving three injections of HBVAX; 4 neonates received only one dose as their parents refused to continue vaccination. Two neonates (non-responders) out of 85 required another dose of vaccine, but only one seroconvertion appeared. No serious side effects have been seen: one case of anorexia and one case of low-grade fever, with no need to interrupt or modify immunization schedule. In the present study the prophylactic efficacy of HBV vaccine has been demonstrated providing 98.6% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 10 mUI/ml, and 84% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 150 mUI/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microbiological control of hospital infections].

In the recent years there is a growing interest in Nosocomial Infections in Italy, because of current studies providing useful information on hospital epidemiology, hospital cost and infection control measures. Besides there is an increasing awareness that clinical and epidemiologic data provide a more important support for infection control program than microbiologic data, which are not always required to identify Nosocomial Infections. Still a reliable microbiology laboratory is an integral support system for infection control program, contributing information on Nosocomial Infection Surveillance and Education of personnel. Over the past five years in the Hospital of Frosinone, prevalence and incidence studies on patient population and microbiologic monitoring were performed. All investigations were accomplished by the Hospital Infection Control Team by collecting and reporting data on special forms, since 1988 information on microbial cultures were included. The prevalence and incidence studies have demonstrated few microbial isolates compared to the number of infections identified. Antibiotic monitoring is considered an integral component of Infection Control Programs, contributing to the surveillance of emerging resistance. All data concerning microbial isolates have been routinely an orderly collected and tabulated. A three-monthly report is distributed throughout the hospital and pertinent data are briefly reviewed. This simple method of surveillance is used to identify trends in problem areas, support antibiotic policy statements and serve as a focus for educational programs of personnel. These routine studies have some limitation: 1) all microbial agents are considered, irrespective of nosocomial infection cases; 2) 100-120 hours of work from an infection control nurse are required. Therefore microbial data are not adequate in containing Nosocomial infections, if not supported by Infection Control Team's investigation.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Osteointegrated porous-coated titanium implants.

The study deals with the bone-prosthesis interface using an in vivo experimental animal model in relation to loading and walking on the prosthetized hip, studied by force plate analysis. The interface is studied from a histological and morphometric point of view by means of a LECO 2001 system. Results show that titanium favors osteointegration according to the criteria of Branemark even in conditions of physiological loading; bone ingrowth (that cannot be considered a true process of osteointegration) was 27.6%; furthermore, we quantified two models of periprosthetic bone growth in an osteointegrative sense: total bone bonding (27.4%) and core bone bonding (bone that grows in direct contact with the prosthesis) that was 16.1%. Finally, osteointegration tends to be greater where contact between the bone and the prosthetic is closer, regardless of the type of prosthetic coating.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Injuries in the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis].

An injury might derange the protective function of the blood-brain barrier, and thus it represents one of the possible pathogenetic factors in the demyelination of the neural axis. However, the effect of injury on the occurrence or deterioration of multiple sclerosis is still controversial. According to most authors, the importance of injury in individual cases of multiple sclerosis is undeniable, as well as the fact that injuries are factors of progression and deterioration of the disease, but never its cause. Consequently, injuries can cause only temporary disability, and not permanent. Nevertheless, the incidence of multiple sclerosis increases proportionally to the severity of injury. The length of the period from the occurrence of injury to possible demyelination is still not established. Studies and clinical reports point to the fact that in the evaluation of injury as a precipitating factor for the vulnerability of the blood-brain barrier, the severity of the injury is of greater importance than its site.

Humans↗