Biomedical subjects

M Franchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Franchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Early involvement of 6q in surface epithelial ovarian tumors.

Complex karyotypes are often seen in primary surface epithelial ovarian tumors (SEOTs). Conventional cytogenetic as well as fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses coupled with loss of heterozygosity studies identified abnormalities of chromosome 6 as one of the most frequent lesions in these types of tumors. We performed cytogenetic analysis of direct preparations from 40 SEOTs, including borderline tumors and low-, intermediate-, and high-grade carcinomas to verify the frequency of chromosome 6 alterations. We also carried out fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with a chromosome 6 library and yeast artificial chromosome clones from a region of the same chromosome (6q27). Chromosome 6 abnormalities were identified in 30 of 32 analyzable SEOTs. Twenty-five of 32 cases showed a deletion of 6q irrespective of their histological grade. We wish to underline that this is the first report proving that del(6q) was the most frequent chromosome anomaly in near-diploid SEOTs and that it was the sole anomaly observed in four SEOTs with diploid complement. Our findings suggest that abnormalities of the telomeric region of chromosome 6 (6q27) may be considered one of the earliest lesions in the pathogenesis of ovarian carcinomas.

Aneuploidy↗

PubMed1996

Octreotide in the management of bowel obstruction in terminal ovarian cancer.

Intestinal obstruction is a common and distressing clinical complication in ovarian cancer. The aim of our study was to assess vomit control in terminal ovarian cancer patients with inoperable gastrointestinal obstruction, using a symptomatic pharmacological treatment with octreotide which obviates the need for nasogastric tube placement. We studied 13 patients, all of whom had advanced ovarian cancer FIGO stage IIIc. Seven patients were treated in the Gynecology Department of S. Raffaele Hospital, at the University of Milan, and 6 were managed in the University of Varese Hospital. Octreotide was administered at doses starting with 0.3 up to 0.6 mg (mean 0.44 mg) a day by subcutaneous bolus or continuous infusion. Octreotide controlled vomiting in all cases to grade 0 on the WHO emesis scale. Complete relief of symptoms was achieved within 3.07 days (range 1-6 days). Vomiting stopped within 2-3 days of starting treatment in most patients. In 8 patients with a nasogastric tube, drainage decreased from 2000 to under 100 ml/day after the start of octreotide treatment. No side effects were reported. All patients died with minimal distress or pain.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Modulation of venous endothelial activity and transcellular calcium transport by defibrotide: the adenosine hypothesis.

Defibrotide is a polydeoxyribonucleotide that possesses profibrinolytic and cytoprotective activities. These properties have been associated with its capacity to induce the release of prostacyclin and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) from endothelial cells. In the present study, the bolus administration of defibrotide in humans was able to induce (100-800 mg) a dose-dependent decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) (from 19.4 +/- 7.11 to 7.20 +/- 6.41 AU/mL) and an increase in t-PA (from 3.70 +/- 0.96 to 4.50 +/- 1.20 IU/mL) and in the stable prostacyclin derivative 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (from 18.83 +/- 3.83 to 26.75 +/- 8.48 pg/0.1 mL) in the venous blood. In a second part of the study, defibrotide has been shown to inhibit dose-dependently (10-100 microns) neutrophil activation in vitro: it decreased lysosomal enzyme release and superoxide anion and chemiluminescence production induced by the oligopeptide fMLP and the ionophores A23187 and ionomycin. The increase in extracellular calcium concentration from 0.5 to 2 mm antagonized the inhibitory effect of the drug. Defibrotide was able to reduce the cytosolic free calcium increase induced by specific stimuli by blunting calcium entry. Such an inhibitory activity of defibrotide was antagonized by theophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist. The study confirms some pharmacological activities of defibrotide (release of t-PA and prostacyclin in vivo), and it also suggests that the compound blocks Ca2+ entry into the cells, possibly by interfering with the adenosine receptors.

Adenosine↗

PubMed1995

Evidence of an adenosine-dependent mechanism in the hypotensive effect of L-arginine in man.

1. The hypothesis that endogenous adenosine could play a role in the haemodynamic response to L-arginine is investigated. 2. The study has been divided into two parts. The first part was a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in which L-arginine i.v. infusion (0.07 mmol/kg per min) in five healthy volunteers caused a significant fall in systolic (-14.2%, from 129.0 +/- 8.2 to 110.6 +/- 8.5 mmHg; F = 62.89, P < 0.01), diastolic (-16%, from 80.0 +/- 7.9 to 67.2 +/- 7.0 mmHg; F = 18.97, P < 0.01) and mean (-15.5%, from 96.4 +/- 6.7 to 81.4 +/- 6.5 mmHg; F = 28.78, P < 0.01) arterial blood pressure, with a concomitant increase of plasma adenosine concentration (from 244.0 +/- 32.2 to 637.0 +/- 43.4 nmol/L; F = 79.3 P < 0.01). Maximal effects were obtained at the end of L-arginine infusion: haemodynamic parameters returned to basal values in about 30 min while adenosine concentrations normalized in about 15 min. Saline infusion had no effect on these parameters. 3. In the second study the effect of L-arginine i.v. infusion on arterial blood pressure, lower limb blood flow and plasma adenosine, before and after theophylline treatment (1000 mg/day for 3 days, p.o.) was examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

PubMed1995

Temperature dependence of toothbrush bristle morphology. An ultrastructural study.

In this study, it was demonstrated that the original forms of toothbrush bristle ends undergo morphological changes during the preparatory procedures required prior to their examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In particular, the distance of the specimens from the cathode of a traditional sputter-coater and the time of gold-palladium coating influence the temperature inside the vacuum compartment. Moreover, the temperature influences the original morphology of toothbrush bristles. 2 segments of each toothbrush head with nylon or ultralon bristles were cut off the brush: one was mounted vertically and one horizontally on stubs for SEM analysis. Different temperatures were measured inside the sputter-coater at the level of the bristle ends, during coating with gold-palladium alloy. The temperature at the level of the bristles that were placed horizontally was about 38 degrees C, and 59 degrees C when they were placed vertically. SEM analysis of the specimens showed that the same toothbrush has end-rounded bristles at about 59 degrees C and non-acceptable irregular bristles at about 38 degrees C. Retraction of bristles (which appeared shortened and with increased diameters) and superficial cracks were particularly present in the vertically placed ultralon bristles.

Alloys↗

PubMed1995

Diagnosis of pelvic masses with transabdominal color Doppler, CA 125 and ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of transabdominal color Doppler imaging in the prediction of malignancy of adnexal tumors when integrated in combination with CA 125 levels and two-dimensional ultrasound. METHODS: We considered 129 consecutive patients with a suspected adnexal mass at clinical examination and transabdominal and transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound. Serum CA 125 was measured in all cases. All the patients underwent color Doppler imaging to measure the Resistance index of the tumor associated blood flow profile and then surgery and histologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range 12-91), 64.3% were premenopausal and the prevalence of malignancy was 28.7%. The sensitivity of color Doppler mapping was 75.7%, specificity 71.7%, positive predictive value 68.3% and negative predictive value 93.0%, compared with 75.7%, 68.5%, 49.1% and 87.5% for CA 125 and 83.8%, 83.7%, 67.4% and 92.8% for two-dimensional ultrasound. Blood flow was undetectable by color Doppler imaging in 17 of the 129 cases (13.2%). In 55 patients with three concordant tests, the positive and negative predictive values were 100%. When CA 125 values and two dimensional ultrasound results were discordant (35 patients), the color Doppler diagnosis was correct in 88.6% of the cases (93% in premenopausal women). CONCLUSION: Color Doppler imaging alone is not better than two-dimensional ultrasound in predicting malignancy of pelvic masses. Its use together with CA 125 and two-dimensional ultrasound may improve the accuracy of predictions when the three tests are concordant or when the other two are discordant.

Adnexa Uteri↗

PubMed1995

[Hemostasis in patients at high hemorrhagic risk].

Surgical treatment in patients with heavy coagulation disorders needs measures that minimize immediate and post-surgical hemorrhagic risk. Besides the subjects afflicted with constitutional coagulation pathologies such as haemophilia A, B, C, AB, Von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders and others, too many are the patients that need pharmacological therapy to impede the creation of intra-vascular coagula. Today, surgical treatment of these patients is possible with the use of human fibrin glue (Tissucol) that permits excellent surgical and post-surgical hemostasis without therapy suspension, independently of coagulation disorder. The purpose of this study is a clinical evaluation of a surgical procedure based on the use of human fibrin glue in association or not with suture, hemostatic sponge and lyophilized dura mater in patients with coagulation disorders. In a group of 309 patients in oral anticoagulant therapy have been done a total of 822 operations such as root fragments extraction with mucoperiosteal flap elevation, teeth or roots simple extractions, third molar extractions, cyst removal, apicoectomies. Only patients with PA over 20% have been treated. All the operations have been leaded with minimal trauma; after the extractions, alveolar margins have been regularized to improve flaps adaptation. Hemostatic sponge or dura mater have been used like basis for the flaps and the fibrin glue, that was injected in the residual cavity after surgical suture. In a few cases, for example with little extraction wounds, only fibrin flue without suture or sponge has been used. In all cases and after all operations, the presence or absence of bleeding has been evaluated after 2 hours, 24 hours, 7 days after surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anesthesia, Dental↗

PubMed1995

[Estrogens and bone metabolism].

The authors present a review referring to cellular and biochemical control systems of bone remodeling as well as the effect of estrogens on modulation of bone metabolism. Systemic and local control factors such as PTH, calcitonin, vitamin D, prostaglandins, insulin-like growth factor-1, transforming growth factor-beta are analyzed as possible indirect targets for the estrogen induced inhibition of bone resorption. A direct receptor-linked action of estrogens on the osteoblast-lining cell unit, the most important modulator or bone metabolism, is furtherwise examined. The precise mechanism of the beneficial effect of estrogens for the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss and the treatment of established osteoporosis has not yet been clearly identified, but it seems likely that multiple mechanisms may be involved since postmenopausal osteoporosis itself appears as a heterogenic clinical condition related to multiple pathogenetic factors.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology. Review.

Pelvic exenteration is still indicated in the treatment of gynecological cancer, in patients with pelvic resectable disease, after the failure of standard treatment. The reported survival ranges from 20 to 60% and has been increasing in the last 15 years; the prognostic factors more frequently described are margin status, time from diagnosis or radiotherapy, lesion size, preoperative side-wall fixation. The role of palliative exenteration in patients with non-resectable disease and/or nodal metastases is discussed. Survival and morbidity in elderly patients are comparable to the younger group and age cannot be considered as an exclusion criteria. Gastrointestinal, urinary and infectious complications are still considerable, but morbidity and mortality have been reduced by surgical and intensive care developments. New surgical techniques, i.e. vaginal reconstruction and continent urinary diversions, have improved quality of life, especially in younger patients, with longer expected survival.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Composite resin-amalgam compound restorations.

Extensive silver amalgam restorations in premolars and molars occasionally require sacrifice of healthy unsupported enamel walls or cusps. A posterior composite resin-amalgam compound technique has been proposed to conserve these structures. Microleakage was high at the enamel-amalgam interface, moderate at the composite resin-silver amalgam and dentin-composite resin interfaces, and minimal between the inner enamel and the composite resin. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that marginal adaptation of the silver amalgam to the composite resin of the cusps was acceptable and that penetration of the inner etched enamel to the composite resin was complete.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed1994

[An experimental clinical evaluation of the influence of the blood circulation on the parapulpal thermal levels].

The aim of this study is the evaluation of pulpal blood flow effect on the thermal levels measured at the pulpodentin junction in human anesthetized premolars. The value have been recorded as discrepancies between peak temperatures caused by a thermal stimulus applied on the same tooth in two different conditions: with and without pulpal blood supply. Thermal stimuli ranged from 3 to 9 degrees C on a total of twelve teeth giving a mean peak difference of 1.3 degrees C. This result has been interpreted as the effect of thermal dissipation produced by pulpal blood flow. The small magnitude of the value suggests, however, that anesthetized pulp fails to protect itself from injurious heat by increasing pulpal blood flow.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Materials for dies in fixed prosthesis: a comparative in-vitro analysis of their detail-reproducing capacity and of their surface quality].

The authors examine the detail reproduction capacity and surface roughness of 11 commercially available materials [6 plasters (stones?), 2 epoxy resins and 3 polyurethane resins] indicated for the construction of working models with individually extractable dies. The study was performed in vitro according to the method outlined by the ADA in specification no. 19 relating to materials for elastomeric imprints. This specification describes the use of a steel test-block with which it is possible to prepare a master imprint in polyvinylsiloxane. This imprint allows the grooves of the test-block to be reproduced in the form of angular crest which represent the details to be reproduced. Both the master imprint and the samples to be tested were prepared according to the manufactures instructions. The study was performed in three stages: macroscopic analysis, microscopic analysis, profilometric analysis. The macroscopic analysis did not show any differences between the different materials tested. The microscopic analysis showed that when enlarged 40 times the resins revealed a smoother surface than the plasters. The surface quality of plasters was improved by using a hardening solution recommended by the manufacturer as an alternative to water, or by using spacer paint. The plaster materials gave excellent angular definition contrary to the epoxy and polyurethane resins. The use, where advised, of the hardening solution as an alternative to water did not alter this parameter. The electronic profilometer used for the profilometric analysis comprised a diamond sensor which, when run along the surface, recorded all roughness, translating it into chart form.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dental Casting Investment↗

PubMed1993

An histologic and histomorphometric study of bone reactions to unloaded and loaded non-submerged single implants in monkeys: a pilot study.

The authors present an histologic study of bone peri-implant tissue responses to non-submerged unloaded and early-loaded titanium screw implants in monkeys. Titanium screws were placed in the maxillae of 3 Macacus rhesus monkeys. One crown for each of three implants was placed after 30 days under occlusal contact, while the other three implants were left unloaded (one pair per animal). Fifteen months later, the animals were killed, and block sections were obtained to be processed for histology. Thin ground sections were excised so that histomorphometric analyses could be performed. In all samples examined, a tight contact of new bone to the implant surfaces was observed. Moreover, around the implant necks of the early-loaded screws was observed an histologic pattern of lamellar, cortical bone, thicker than in unloaded implants. Comparison with peri-implant bone of adjacent teeth showed a similarity to the surfaces of loaded peri-implant bone.

Alveolar Process↗

PubMed1993

Action of 2-acetoxy-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid (Triflusal) on platelet function after repeated oral administration in man: a pharmacological clinical study.

The efficacy and safety of Triflusal capsules given to patients at thrombogenetic risk because of platelet hyperaggregation were investigated in a controlled study involving 15 patients (9 males and 6 females, mean age 65.7 years) who were given 300 mg/day of Triflusal during the first 5 days and 600 mg/day during the following 5 days. Subsequently, after 7 days of wash-out all these patients received placebo for 10 days, one capsule for the first 5 days and 2 capsules for the following 5 days. The platelet antiaggregant activity of the drug was evaluated by means of Born's platelet activation test. Specific tests were also made to assess the effect of this substance on platelet release and the coagulation system. The safety was evaluated by measuring the most important clinical chemistry and clinical haematology indexes of haematopoietic, hepatic, renal and metabolic functions. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate values were also recorded. All the 15 patients completed the study. It was found that the Triflusal treatment led to a significant mean reduction of the indexes chosen as markers of thrombophilia or platelet hyperaggregation in vivo. It did not affect the normal haemostatic-coagulation process and was well tolerated by the patients. The subsequent placebo treatment did not induce any platelet antiaggregant effects.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1993

[Infectious complications in oncologic-gynecologic surgery: clinical and economic evaluation].

In the Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine-Varese, between March 1991 and June 1992, 74 consecutive patients undergoing elective oncologic surgery were evaluated in order to rationalize the use of antibiotics to decrease the costs of infectious complications. We divided the patients into two groups: a high infection risk group (in which every patient was submitted to antibiotic prophylaxis) and a low infection risk group (in which we didn't use any antibiotic prophylaxis). Our findings indicate that selection criteria for HIR patients are probably correct and in this group AP is necessary. In the LIR group, 45.5% of patients was not submitted to any antibiotic therapy. It's necessary to test the real efficacy of an AP in LIR patients in whom we had not a important incidence of infectious complications. In the LIR group AP should not exceed Lit. 23,251 per patient to be cost-effective.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1993

Cesarean section: an economic appraisal of infectious complications.

From March 1991 to April 1992, in the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia-Varese, 107 out of 115 consecutive patients submitted to cesarean section were evaluated for the clinical and economic evaluation of infectious complications. On the grounds of our previous experience we distinguished two groups: a high infection risk group (50 pts), because of labor and/or rupture of membranes, HIV+, diabetes; and a low infection risk group (57 pts). Our findings support the choice of these selective criteria both for the infectious event or for the use, and thence for the costs, of antibiotic treatment. In fact, based on this experience we believe that in cesarean sections with high infection risk AP is always recommended whereas in the low risk ones AP should not exceed L. 10.095 to be cost-effective.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Infectious morbidity in gynecologic oncologic surgery. A clinical and economic evaluation.

In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Varese, between March 1991 and February 1992, 70 consecutive patients undergoing elective oncologic surgery were evaluated for rationalizing the use of antibiotics in order to reduce the cost of infectious complications. We divided our patients into two groups: a high infection risk group and a low infection risk group. Our findings show that: the HIR group shows a higher antibiotic cost than LIR one; our selection criteria for HIR patients are probably correct; in the LIR group 46.6% of patients were not submitted to any antibiotic therapy.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1992

Pharmacodynamics of salmon calcitonin in humans: new markers of pharmacological activity.

In order to define the pharmacodynamic profile of salmon calcitonin (sCT) in humans, several markers of the biological activity of the drug have been studied, namely cAMP, adenosine and pO2 in venous blood, and the cytosolic free calcium level in circulating cells. Different dosages and routes of administration (1.5 IU.kg-1 and 0.75 IU kg-1 IM, and 1.5 IU.kg-1 via nasal spray) were compared. sCT caused an increase in cAMP, adenosine and pO2, and a decrease in cytosolic free calcium in neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets. The peak times of all these parameters ranged between 109 and 182 min, and 101 and 168 min after IM and nasal spray administration respectively. There was greater variability in the values after IM than nasal spray of administration of sCT. It is concluded that adenosine and pO2 in venous blood, and cytosolic free calcium in circulating cells are valuable markers of the activity of sCT and that sCT decreases the cytosolic free calcium level in neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets. Pharmacodynamic analysis of the biological effects of the drug is highly reliable and valuable in predicting its pharmacological profile. sCT administration via a nasal spray is able to produce significant biological effects, although they are less marked than after IM dosing.

Adenosine↗