Bosentan may induce arthritis flare in patients with scleroderma concomitantly treated with methotrexate.
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Antihypertensive Agents↗
Biomedical subjects
M Favaro
Publications and source records attributed to M Favaro.
Efficacy and safety of nadroparin in the treatment of pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome: a prospective cohort study.
The optimal therapeutic management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) during pregnancy is debatable. In the present prospective cohort study the use of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (nadroparin), administered alone twice daily in 30 pregnant women who were diagnosed with APS on the basis of the current classification criteria, is evaluated. Dosage was adjusted according to anti-Xa levels in the patients as the pregnancies progressed. Three women, in whom an important gradual fall in platelet count in the first trimester did not respond to increased nadroparin doses, were shifted to a second-line treatment protocol. Fetal loss occurred in two of the 27 remaining women (7.40%), while 25 (92.59%) delivered 25 live infants, between the 32nd and 40th weeks of gestation. No fetal problems were registered during pregnancies, while maternal complications occurred in two of the 25 patients (8%). Moreover, there were no thrombotic events in any of the women during the study. Patient compliance was good and only minor side-effects were reported. The results of this study indicate that nadroparin alone is useful and safe in the management of pregnant patients with APS. However, in consideration of the good pregnancy outcome obtained in patients with only pregnancy morbidity when heparin and aspirin were used together, other studies comparing nadroparin twice daily with once daily plus Aspirin would be useful to ascertain which is more effective in these patients.
Adult↗
[Sensibility and specificity for pregnancy morbidity of anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome].
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the anti-β2-glycoprotein I (GPI) antibodies for pregnancy morbidity in the antiphosoplipid syndrome (APS). METHODS: 335 women were recruited and on the basis of their clinical features were subdivided into 2 groups homogenous for number and age. The first (study) group contained the women whose pregnancy complications satisfied the classification criteria for APS. The second (control) group was made up of women with pregnancy complications not included in the classification criteria for APS. Anti-β2-GPI, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and lupus anticoagulants (LA) were determined in all of these women. RESULTS: The only antiphospholipid antibodies occurring with a significant frequency (p=0,00) in the women with pregnancy criteria for APS were the IgG anti-β2-GPI and the IgG aCL present respectively in 23,92% and in 27,60% of the women. Its association was found to be significant (p=0,000). The distribution of the different levels of positivity of the IgG and IgM anti-β2-GPI in the patients of the study and control groups was not significantly different. The highest sensitivity for pregnancy complications was that of the IgG aCL and of the IgG anti-β2-GPI whose difference was not statistically significant. The comparison of the specificity of the IgG and IgM anti-β2-GPI with that of the IgG and IGM aCL was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of determining the IgG anti-β2-GPI as part of routine laboratory testing of women with pregnancy complications typical of APS was confirmed. Together with IgG aCL these antibodies have proved to be the most sensitive and specific markers of pregnancy complications in APS.
Adult↗
Detection of free and plankton-associated Helicobacter pylori in seawater.
AIMS: To detect both free and plankton-associated Helicobacter pylori in seawater samples collected on the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea using a nested-PCR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and chlorophyll 'a' were the parameters recorded together with the characterization of zooplanktonic organisms. Plankton-associated H. pylori DNA was searched for in water samples filtered through 200 and 64 microm nylon nets whereas free bacteria were retained with the subsequent filtration through 0.22 microm pore-size membranes. Nested-PCR using primers for the glmM (ureC) gene was performed to reveal the presence of H. pylori. The DNA sequencing of amplified products confirmed the specificity of the assay. The sensitivity of the nested-PCR assay for H. pylori detection was 62 CFU per 100 ml in spiked water samples. Helicobacter pylori either free or bound to planktonic organisms was found in seven of 12 monthly samples. In particular, free bacteria were detected during the summer sampling and in November, December and March associated to planktonic cells. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of free and plankton-associated H. pylori in seawater suggests that it can be a significant reservoir and a potential route of transmission for the microorganism. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study seems to provide a promising background to define new and effective strategies for surveillance of this human pathogen.
Animals↗
[Changes in esophageal peristalsis in diverse clinical forms and antibody specificity in scleroderma: a scintigraphic study in 100 cases].
OBJECTIVE: To define the prevalence and severity of esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its relationship with the different clinical forms and ANA specificities of the disease. METHODS: A hundred consecutive patients with SSc, 48 with cutaneous limited, 26 with intermediate and 26 with diffuse form of disease, 49 with anti-centromere and 37 with anti-Scl70 ANA pattern, were submitted to scintigraphy using a semisolid orally ingested bolus to detect esophageal hypomotility. RESULTS: An impairment of esophageal function has been observed in 68% of SSc patients. Esophageal dysmotility was significantly more frequent and severe in patients with cutaneous diffuse and intermediate forms of SSc and with anti-Scl70 ANA pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal involvement is very common in SSc. The scintigraphy confirms to be a useful and non invasive diagnostic method; moreover it permits to quantify the severity of the esophageal dysmotility by analyzing both global and segmental function.
Adult↗
Cytoreductive surgery followed by intra peritoneal hyperthermic perfusion in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies: morbidity and mortality with closed abdomen technique.
AIMS: The purpose of this phase II study was to analyze the morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP) in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty four patients (36 ovarian cancer, 32 abdominal sarcomatosis, 34 peritoneal mesothelioma, 36 pseudomyxoma peritonei, 12 gastric cancer, 8 colon adenocarcinoma and 8 from other origins) underwent 166 procedures. Two patients underwent the intervention twice due to disease relapse. The mean follow-up was 20.6 months (range: 0.4 - 91.3). The mean age was 52 years (range: 24-76). CRS was performed with peritonectomy procedures. IPHP through Closed abdominal technique was conducted with preheated (42.5 degrees) perfusate containing cisplatin+mitomycin C or cisplatin+doxorubicin for 60/90 minutes. RESULTS: grade 3/4 morbidity rate was 12.0%. Some frequent post-operatory complications were intestinal fistulas (17), respiratory (5) and abdominal bleeding (4). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression model with the backward elimination method identified carcinomatosis extension (OR: 5.3, CI95%: 1.2-24.5) as the best predictor of morbidity grade 3/4. Four patients presented grade 3/4 toxicity. Operative mortality rate was 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS: CRS+ IPHP presented acceptable morbidity 3/4 toxicity and mortality rates what support the need to be tested in prospective phase III clinical trial.
Adult↗
DNA analyses of the remains of the Prince Branciforte Barresi family.
The five skeletons found buried in the church of Militello di Catania, Sicily, were tentatively identified by morphological analysis and historical reports as the remains of Prince Branciforte Barresi, two of his children, his brother and another juvenile member of the family (sixteenth and seventeenth centuries). In order to attempt to clarify the degree of relationships of the five skeletons, sex testing and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence analysis of the hypervariable segments I and II (HV1 and HV2) of control region were performed. Moreover, the 9 bp-deletion marker of region V (COII/tRNAlys) was examined. Molecular genetic analyses were consistent with historical expectations, although they did not directly demonstrate that these are in fact the remains of the Prince and his relatives, due to the impossibility of obtaining DNA from living maternal relatives of the Prince.
Bone and Bones↗
Applications of mass spectrometry in cultural heritage: identification of ligands employed for mordant gilding.
Three different samples of gilding from wall paintings, from the Palazzo della Ragione in Padua, have been investigated by GC/MS analysis of their basic hydrolysis products obtained using trimethyl(alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-m-tolyl)ammonium hydroxide (TMTFTH). The method employed allowed the identification of the mordant used for the paints, and consequently to distinguish Menabuoi's original painting from the others produced by extensive restorations. This was achieved by characterizing, among the hydrolysis products, molecular species characteristic of natural resins, siccative oils and waxes.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗
Isolation and characterization of a DNA probe for Staphylococcus aureus subspecies aureus biovar.
The gene encoding for polynucleotide phosphorylase (pnp) of a new biovar of Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (NBSA) has been isolated from a genomic library of strain M280(0). The coding region consisted of a 1094-bp HindIII-HindIII DNA fragment encoding for a protein of 277 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 29.5 kDa. The nucleotide sequence of the structural gene, contained a continuous open reading frame of 836 bp, showed significant homology with the genes of bacterial polynucleotide phosphorylase from Bacillus subtilis (67.7% identity), from Haemophilus influenzae (62.4% identity), from Pseudomonas luminescens (61.6% identity), and from Escherichia coli (59.7% identity). DNA-DNA and DNA-colony slot-blot hybridizations demonstrated that the pnp gene, employed as a molecular probe, is specific for the identification of NBSA strains.
Base Sequence↗
The region 3' to Calpha1 gene of human IG heavy chain displays a polymorphic duplicated sequence and encodes an RNA associated with polysomes.
A highly spread polymorphism flanking the 3. Calpha1 human IG heavy chain gene was identified. This polymorphism allowed the detection of an internal duplication within the 3' flanking region of both Calpha1 and Calpha2. This region has a regulatory function with four enhancer structures also present at the 3' end of the human Calpha2 as well as in that of mouse and rat single Calpha genes. The 5682-bp sequence of clone lambdapl8 described here starts 3' of Calpha1 and presents three open reading frames; one of them contains part of the tandem repeats with the 20-bp consensus described previously that is expressed in a poly(A)+ RNA and found in three dbEST clones of the human tonsillar cDNA library. Here, we demonstrate that in the CLF1 B lymphoblastoid cell line, this transcript is associated with polysomes. We also discuss the possibility of the presence of a new regulatory gene that does not encode an immunoglobulin and maps in the human IG heavy chain gene cluster.
Animals↗
Identification of a specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein able to activate T lymphocytes.
The recent advances in the field of immunology and molecular biology allow to consider not distant the identification of protective antigens to be used in new prophilactic and diagnostic tools. In our laboratory we have analysed a M. tuberculosis expression library by murine monoclonal antibodies, human sera and human T lymphocytes. We have identified a 35 Kd protein present only on the M. tuberculosis complex (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum). This 35 Kd protein is also detected, by immunohistological analysis, inside the alveolar macrophage of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Both recombinant beta-galactosidase and MS2 polymerase-fused proteins have been produced and used to perform western blotting and T cell proliferation assay. As the cloned fragment contains an internal EcoRI restriction site, it was possible to identify two fragments of 1.7 and 2.2 kb respectively. Southern blot analysis showed that both the fragments hibridized with the genomic DNA from M. tuberculosis complex but not with the DNA from other mycobacterial isolates from 12 pulmonary tuberculous patients hibridized with the 1.7 kb fragment. The possible use of this insert for the molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis is under investigation.
Animals↗
Cardiac and circulatory response to the intravenous administration of urapidil during general anaesthesia.
The authors have assessed the hypotensive response to the intravenous administration of urapidil bolus, during intra-operative hypertensive crises, in 42 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for surgery. Twenty-two of these patients underwent major vascular surgery and were monitored through catheters introduced into the radial and pulmonary arteries, to study the haemodynamic changes induced by urapidil. A significant reduction was observed in these values: systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic pulmonary pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure and systemic vascular resistance. A non-significant reduction was observed in central venous pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Heart rate and cardiac output remained unchanged. Systolic arterial pressure decreased 12% from the baseline in 81% of patients. The transient action of urapidil bolus in some cases (55%) suggests the need for urapidil infusion.
Adult↗
[Electroencephalographic changes during anesthesia with low-dose propofol].
The electroencephalographic changes of 12 patients submitted to anaesthesia with low dosages of propofol (4-2 mg/kg/h + fentanyl) for peripheral vascular surgery have been studied. The standard induction dose of propofol was 2 mg/kg for all the patients. The EEG recording was carried out during the whole length of anaesthesia and the EEG changes were analysed during induction and maintenance phases. During surgical anaesthesia it was always easy to read EEG and also to detect eventual cerebral suffering. On the basis of our results we can suggest this anesthesiologic technique for surgery (for example: carotid surgery) requiring a continuous monitoring of the cerebral function during intra and postoperative phases.
Anesthesia↗
[Comparison of the Sensititre diagnostic system and the Bauer-Kirby test of sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in agar, on bacterial strains isolated from urinary infections].
The in vitro activity of nine antibiotics was tested against 50 bacterial strains isolated from urinary tract infections. The two methods showed a considerable percentage of diversity in an evaluation of their agreement. The Sensititre analytical method for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations is regarded as reliable and more useful to determine looked therapy. The authors suggest that the Sensititre system will be accepted in routine work.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
[Hemodynamic and blood gas analytic effects of apneic oxygenation in humans in normal and hypovolemic conditions].
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Blood↗
Monitoring techniques for blood volume in the anethesia and intensive care setting.
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Anesthesia↗
[Clinical significance of fluoroscopic patterns specific for the mitotic spindle in patients with rheumatic diseases].
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of anti-NuMA and anti-HsEg5 antibodies in a group of patients affected with rheumatic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2000 cells at serum dilution of 1:40 was used to examine 26 sera which had previously showed a "mitotic spindle" fluoroscopic pattern type during laboratory routine. RESULTS: 21 sera (80,7%) were identified with NuMA and 5 (19,3%) with HsEg5 patterns alone or associated with other ANA patterns. However only patients with isolated positivity and that is 15 with NuMA and 4 with HsEg5 stainings were included in this study. Of the NuMA positive patients 5 were affected with arthropathies associated to different forms of thyroiditis, 2 with seronegative arthritis, 2 with antiphospholipid syndrome, 1 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 1 with rheumatoid arthritis, 1 with sicca syndrome, 1 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, 1 with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and 1 with retinal thrombosis. Of the HsEg5 positive patients 3 were affected with SLE and 1 with seronegative arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: NuMA does not prevail in any defined rheumatic disease, while HsEg5 staining were more frequent (75%) in patients affected with SLE all of whom showing high antibody titres.
Adenocarcinoma↗
[Prevalence and clinical significance of cathepsin G antibodies in systemic sclerosis].
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of cathepsin G antibodies in patients affected with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). METHODS: 115 patients affected by SSc, 55 (47,8%) with diffuse scleroderma (dSSc) and 60 (52,2%) with limited scleroderma (lSSc), were tested for cathepsin G antibodies by ELISA method. Moreover these sera were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on ethanol and formalin fixed human neutrophils. RESULTS: By means of the ELISA method 16 (13,9%) patients were found to be sera positive for anti-cathepsin G, 2 (12.5%) of which showed a perinuclear fluorescence pattern (P-ANCA) and 4 (25%) an atypical ANCA staining, while 10 (62,5%) were negative on IIF. The IIF on scleroderma sera revealed 5 (4,3%) P-ANCA and 18 (15,7%) atypical ANCA patterns. The anti-cathepsin G antibodies significantly prevailed in scleroderma sera (p=0.02) when their frequency was compared with that of healthy controls; while they were not significantly associated to any clinical or serological features of SSc patients. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-cathepsin G antibodies were significantly frequent in scleroderma sera; however, no clinical correlations were found. Thus, the significance of their presence in SSc still needs to be clarified.
Adult↗