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Biomedical subjects

L Franchi

Publications and source records attributed to L Franchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Correlation between histochemically assessed hormonal receptor content and clinical course in breast cancer. Presentation of 1,005 cases.

Lee's histochemical method was used to assess hormonal receptors in 1,005 patients with breast cancer. Patients were from 8 oncological departments in northern Italy. The group was subdivided into four subgroups in relation to menopausal status and presence or absence of axillary node metastasis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed in all subgroups in relation to receptorial status. We observed: (1) when hormonal receptors are present, OS and DFS are longer in all subgroups; (2) the presence of hormonal receptors influences favourably both DFS and OS, but it seems to play a more important role for DFS; (3) the positive receptorial status is a better prognostic factor in groups without axillary node metastasis, especially in premenopausal patients. We conclude that the histochemical assessment of hormonal receptors is a valid method for the prognostic evaluation of patients with breast cancer.

Adult↗

[The transmigration of the permanent lower canine].

A rare dental anomaly--the transmigration--is analysed. This condition, which is sparsely recorded in the literature, typically affects the mandibular canine. Twelve cases in which an unerupted mandibular canine has crossed the midline, are described and discussed. Reference is made to considerations put forward in the past by other Authors on this subject, after which personal conclusions are drawn on the diagnosis, etiology and therapy of this rare but serious behaviour of the mandibular canine. The anomaly can be properly diagnosed only by an attentive radiographic evaluation which is primarily based on the orthopantomogram. A series of successive panoramic radiographs taken over years documents the progressive ectopic movement of an unerupted mandibular canine from its developmental site, through the symphysis of the mandible. Lateral, postero-anterior cephalometric films and periapical radiographs, provide additional important information. After having analysed the most frequent etiological factors of mandibular canine impaction, the authors present their considerations concerning the probable pathogenetic mechanism of transmigration. In addition to the proinclination of the lower incisors and the increasing axial inclination of the unerupted canine, already pointed out by other authors, an enlargement of the symphyseal cross-sectional area has been observed and documented. In conclusion it is important, also from a therapeutical point of view, to keep under control, by periodical panoramic radiographs, all those clinical situations considered at risk due to their possible evolution in transmigration and which are characterized by: 1) an unerupted canine which can be palpated in a mesial position in the labial sulcus; 2) an enlarged symphyseal cross-sectional area; 3) an obstacle to normal eruption (cysts, odontomas, ecc.); 4) a proinclination of the lower incisors. A progressive worsening of the position of the unerupted canine should induce to consider the possibility of an early interception of this anomalous condition, which, once established, results in the definitive impaction of the tooth.

Adolescent↗

[The dentomaxillofacial characteristics of the Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome. A clinical case report].

The authors describe the clinical and cephalometric characteristics of a case of Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome (obesity, hypogonadism, oligophrenia, hypotonia, small hands and feet). Taurodontism and enamel-dentine dysplasia are reported as the main dental features. The craniofacial region shows an increased bony interorbital distance and a low level of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. The possibility that these anomalies could be related to the etiopathogenesis of the syndrome is discussed.

Cephalometry↗

Islands of acetylated histone H4 in polytene chromosomes and their relationship to chromatin packaging and transcriptional activity.

The four histones of the nucleosome core particle are all subject to enzyme-catalysed, post-translational acetylation at defined lysine residues in their amino-terminal domains. Much circumstantial evidence suggests a role for this process in modifying chromatin structure and function, but detailed mechanisms have not been defined. To facilitate studies on the functional significance of histone acetylation, we have prepared antibodies specific for the acetylated isoforms of histone H4. Because of the extreme evolutionary conservation of H4, these antisera can be applied to a wide variety of organisms and experimental systems. In the present study we have used polytene chromosomes from the salivary glands of larvae of the midge Chironomus to examine the distribution of acetylated H4 in interphase chromatin. By indirect immunofluorescence, antisera to acetylated H4 labeled the four Chironomus chromosomes with reproducible patterns of sharply defined, fluorescent bands. An antiserum to non-acetylated H4 gave a completely different, more-diffuse labelling pattern. Thus, there are defined regions, or islands, in the interphase genome that are enriched in acetylated H4. Double-labelling experiments with two antisera specific for H4 molecules acetylated at different sites, showed that each antiserum gave the same banding pattern. Immunolabelling patterns were not dependent on the pattern of phase-dense bands characteristic of these chromosomes; strongly labelled regions could correspond to phase-dense bands (i.e. condensed chromatin), to interbands or, frequently, to band-interband junctions. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed the immunofluorescence results and showed further that regions of relatively high labelling could be either transcriptionally active or quiescent, as judged by the presence or absence of ribonucleoprotein particles. Two rapidly transcribed genes on chromosome 4 of Chironomus form characteristic 'puffs', the Balbiani rings BRb and BRc. The antiserum to non-acetylated H4 gave diffuse labelling throughout these puffs, demonstrating the continued presence of this histone in these transcriptionally active regions. Antisera to acetylated H4 strongly labelled the boundaries of BRb and BRc, and revealed clearly defined islands of increased H4 acetylation just within the expanded chromatin of the puffs. Labelling within the central region of each puff was much less intense. A similar pattern was observed in puffs on other chromosomes. Thus, increased H4 acetylation is not found throughout actively transcribed chromatin but occurs only at defined sites, possibly in the non-transcribed flanking regions. H4 acetylation is clearly not required for the passage of RNA polymerase through the nucleosome and we speculate that its role may be to facilitate the binding to DNA of polymerases and other proteins prior to the onset of transcription and possibly replication.

Acetylation↗

Identification of protein antigens associated with the nuclear matrix and with clusters of interchromatin granules in both interphase and mitotic cells.

Monoclonal antibody 3C5 recognizes a family of protein antigens present predominantly within the nucleus of interphase cells. We have shown previously that the epitope recognized by 3C5 is phosphorylated and have concluded that the proteins defined by this antibody share a common phosphorylation site. Using a combination of immunofluorescence microscopy and immunogold labelling in conjunction with electron microscopy, we have studied the distribution of 3C5-reactive material within interphase and mitotic cells. Antibody 3C5 was found to label specific structures within the interphase nucleus that, on the basis of their characteristic granulofibrillar morphology and strong staining with bismuth, have been identified as clusters of interchromatin granules (IG clusters). Double-labelling experiments with 3C5 and monoclonal antibodies to DNA have shown that these structures contain no detectable DNA. However, by indirect immunofluorescence, we have shown that 3C5-reactive nuclear structures do label with human autoantibodies to the Sm antigen, a component of small nuclear RNP particles (snRNPs). Granulofibrillar structures that stained strongly with bismuth, and were morphologically identical to nuclear IG clusters, were observed in the cytoplasm of mitotic cells. These structures also labelled with 3C5 but not with anti-Sm antibodies. Our results suggest that IG clusters remain essentially intact through mitosis though some snRNP components are apparently lost. In situ extraction of cultured cells with Triton X-100, micrococcal nuclease and 1-2M-NaCl failed to deplete 3C5-reactive material in either interphase or mitotic cells, though some redistribution was evident. In addition, 3C5-reactive proteins were identified in nuclear matrices prepared from rat liver by high-salt extraction procedures. However, the recovery of such proteins was strongly influenced by the preparation technique employed. Our results suggest that 3C5-reactive proteins and IG clusters are anchored to, but not integral components of, salt-resistant structural elements of the interphase nucleus and the mitotic cytoplasm, presumably the nuclear matrix and the cytoskeleton, respectively.

Animals↗

Rapid immunoperoxidase assay for detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal secretions.

Samples of nasopharyngeal secretions obtained from 70 infants and young children with acute respiratory disease were examined for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus by immunoperoxidase assay (IPA). The IPA was compared with the immunofluorescence assay and with cell culture isolation. Respiratory syncytial virus antigen-positive cells were detected by both IPA and immunofluorescence assay in 28 specimens; 25 samples were positive in cell culture. The agreement between virus isolation and IPA and IFA was 89%. The applicability of IPA to rapid viral diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection is discussed.

Child↗

Antiviral compounds. XVII - Synthesis and in vitro antiviral activity of 1-substituted 2-chloro- and 2-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones.

A series of indole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones with substituent variations at the 1 and 2 positions were prepared and evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against vaccinia virus strain IHD and parainfluenza virus type 3, HA-I/CR-8 strain. The inhibitory activity of most compounds was restricted to the vaccinia virus, only compounds (III e) and (III f) being effective against both viruses. Structure-activity relationship are discussed.

Antiviral Agents↗

Immunohistochemical evaluation of prostatic carcinoma before and after radiotherapy.

Immunohistochemical procedures were applied to the examination of human tissues for prostatic acid phosphatase. With antisera against purified human prostatic acid phosphatase 173 normal and neoplastic tissues were tested. Samples of 45 non-prostatic carcinomas and their respective normal tissues were negative. Of 4 seminal vesicles studied 2 showed weak reactivity. The epithelial cells of normal prostatic acini were uniformly positive in 25 patients studied. In contrast to normal prostatic tissue the malignant acini in 53 of 55 patients with prostatic carcinoma had variable but positive reactivity. Of 27 patients receiving radiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate variable staining was observed in the neoplastic cells of 24, 8 to 52 months after treatment. The continued production of prostatic acid phosphatase in the malignant cells after radiotherapy suggests that they also may maintain metabolic activities necessary for growth and metastasis.

Acid Phosphatase↗

[Substances with antiviral activity. XIII. Synthesis and in vitro activity of thiosemicarbazones of 1-benzoyl- and 1-benzyl-2-chloro-3-formylindoles].

A series of 1-benzoyl- and 1-benzyl-2-chloro-3-formylindole thiosemicarbazones was synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against vaccinia virus IHD strain and parainfluenza virus type 3, HA-I/CR-8 strain. The results confirmed the previously observed high activity against vaccinia virus of m-substituted benzoyl derivatives. On the contrary, the analogous benzyl derivatives showed marginal activity; the compound (V c), however, was the most active against the parainfluenza virus.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Research on substances with antiviral activity. VIII. Benzindanoncarboxylic acids].

New derivatives (esters, amides, nitriles, amidines, thiosemicarbazones and guanylhydrazones) of 1H-benz[e]indene-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-1-oxo-3-carboxylic acid and 1H-benz[e]indene-2,3-dihydro-7-methyl-3-oxo-1-carboxylic acid were prepared and tested for antiviral activities in vitro against vaccinia virus, HID stock and parainfluenza type 3 virus, HA-I/CR-8 stock. Four compounds (II g), (II i), (III b), (III g), showed weak activity in vitro against vaccinia virus.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Substances having antiviral activity. IX. Synthesis and antiviral activity of 1-acyl-2-halo-3-formylindole thiosemicarbazones].

Some thiosemicarbazones of 1-acyl-2-chloro-3-formylindoles were synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against vaccinia virus, HID stock and parainfluenza virus type 3 HA-I/CR-8 stock. Evidence of antiviral activity was found only against vaccinia virus, and was particular significant with the m-substituted 1-benzoyl-2-chloro-3-formylindoles. The first results of 2-substitution of chlorine by bromine in the indole skeleton, are reported.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Research on substances with antiviral activity. VII. Activity and lipophilic of property N-alkyl-2-chloro-3-formylindole thiosemicarbazone].

Thiosemicarbazones of N-alkyl-2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehydes were synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against RNA virus (parainfluenza type 3, HA-I/CR-8 stock) and DNA virus (vaccinia virus, HID stock). The effect of lipophilicity on the activity against vaccinia virus was considered. Relative lipophilicities were measured by a reversed phase thin-layer chromatographic technique. The most active compound N-isopropyl-2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone appeared comparable for its activity to methisazone.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Research on substances with antiviral activity. II. Derivatives of N-substituted 2-chloro-3-formylindoles].

Thiosemicarbazones and amidinohydrazones of N-substituted 2-chloroindole-3-aldehydes were synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against RNA virus (parainfluenza type 3, HA-I/CR-8 stock) and DNA virus (vaccinia virus, HID stock). The thiosemicarbazones of 1-(o,m,p,-chlorobenzoyl)-2-chloroindole-3-aldehydes were more active than methisazone against vaccinia virus.

Amidines↗