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Biomedical subjects

M Franchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Franchi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
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↗
PubMed1992

Supracrestal circular collagen fiber network around osseointegrated nonsubmerged titanium implants.

Eight non-submerged titanium implant screws were placed in the first upper molar edentulous sites of monkeys and subsequently kept loaded with single crown prosthesis 1 month following implantation. The animals were killed after a further 14 months and specimens including implant and adjacent teeth were processed for light and electron microscopy. Histological pictures of all samples showed the neck and most of the screw body to be surrounded by new bone. The soft tissue surrounding the implant post included pocket epithelium and supra-crestal connective tissue displaying collagen fiber bundles comparable to gingival ligaments. These peri-implant collagen fiber bundles arose from the neighboring alveolar crest, root cementum of adjacent teeth or, superficially, from the epithelium and followed a circular array around the implant neck.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Particular structure of the anterior third of the human true vocal cord.

The histological aspects of the true vocal cord mucosa change in the anterior third compared with the posterior two thirds. The anterior third is characterized by an epithelium where the ridges, marked in the posterior two thirds, are very slight or even absent. The underlying basement membrane, which is thin in the posterior two thirds, here appears particularly thick. At the ultrastructural level in this area, beneath a normally thickened basal lamina, a thick layer of finely granulated electron-dense material, interspersed with thin and randomly scattered collagen fibrils and proteoglycan filaments, is detectable. Beneath this thickened basement membrane, a layer of small undulated collagen fibril bundles with very numerous interspersed oxytalan fibres is found. The collagen fibrils, small in diameter (30-40 nm), seem to continue with the collagen fibrils of the basement membrane. In this layer numerous blood vessels with a very thick, delaminated basement membrane are also observed. The underlying area is characterized by the vocal cord ligament, composed by large compact collagen fibril bundles with interspersed elastic fibres. The particular features of the thick basement membrane, the thick-walled and delaminated vessels and the modular distribution of the elastic system together may well form the basic structure enabling the functional integration of the vocal ligament into the overlying mucosa and the underlying vocal muscle.

Basement Membrane↗
PubMed1992

Cigarette smoke inhibits cytosolic but not microsomal epoxide hydrolase of human lung.

The effect of cigarette smoke exposure on the activity of cytosolic and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EH) has been investigated in human lung. Patients were classified as 'recent smokers' (n = 9) or 'non-recent smokers' (n = 10) according to whether they were or were not still smoking 1 month before surgery. Cytosolic EH was measured with [3H]trans-stilbene oxide as a substrate, whereas microsomal EH was measured with [7-3H]styrene oxide as a substrate. Microsomal EH activity did not differ between recent smokers (2.51 +/- 0.93 nmol min-1 mg-1) and non-recent smokers (2.74 +/- 1.10 nmol min-1 mg-1), whereas cytosolic EH activity was significantly lower in recent smokers (6.46 +/- 1.79 pmol min-1 mg-1) than in non-recent smokers (8.41 +/- 2.09 pmol min-1 mg-1, P less than 0.05). Cytosolic EH activity was correlated with the number of days that had passed since the cessation of smoking (r = 0.58, P less than 0.05) and the effect was dose-dependent, since the enzyme activity was inversely correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (r = 0.85, P less than 0.01). This suggests that recent smoking exposure inhibits the activity of cytosolic EH but not microsomal EH, and that the inhibition increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The contribution of cytosolic enzymes to xenobiotic metabolism may be remarkable in extrahepatic tissues. The inhibition of cytosolic EH by tobacco smoke may reduce the inactivation of carcinogenic epoxides in human lung tissues and so may increase a person's susceptibility to lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Evaluation of a new method for cervical cytology].

An adequate sample is the most important factor for successful cervical cytology. In this study a conventional method is compared to a new method of biopsy in a group of 40 patients undergoing tests in June 1991. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of esocervical and endocervical cells was made; similar percentages were obtained for floor cells using both using systems, whereas higher percentage values (82.5% vs 67.5%) were obtained for cylindrical cells using the new method. Compared to the conventional method the new method also possessed an inadequacy rate of below 50% in post-menopausal patients. Therefore, although the new method is similar to the conventional one in terms of quality, it is thought to be more appropriate due to the greater number of endocervical cells collected, especially in post-menopausal patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[HELLP syndrome. Discussion of a case].

The HELLP syndrome is the most severe variant of pre-eclampsia. A case is reported in a primigravida patient at 25 weeks of gestation. The lack of response to medical treatment and the deterioration of maternal indices necessitated a Cesarean section with intensive neonatal care at a very premature stage. The physiopathological grounds and the various methods of treating this syndrome are discussed and the paper concludes that rapid birth is the only solution capable of preventing severe maternal complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Human liver sulphotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase: structure-activity relationship for phenolic substrates.

1. Human liver sulphotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase were studied with phenol, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, phenyl-, nitro-, amino-phenols and hydroxybenzoic acids as substrates. 2. The Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) and the maximum velocities of reaction (Vmax) of sulphotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase for each substrate were measured. 3. The Km values for sulphotransferase varied over 5000-fold whereas they varied over 25-fold for UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. 4. Sulphotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase have different structure-activity relationships with phenolic substrates.

Adult↗