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Biomedical subjects

M Pirrelli

Publications and source records attributed to M Pirrelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical and serological 90K/Mac-2BP detection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: different behaviour of two monoclonal antibodies.

To clarify the biological role of the 90K/Mac-2BP glycoprotein, we evaluated the ability of two MAbs SP-2 and 1A4.22, to reveal this glycoprotein in both serum and tissue from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Tissue expression of 90K was detected by the immunohistochemical method in 20 HCC patients, while the 90K serum level was assessed by the ELISA assay in 13 HCC patients. MAb SP-2 was reactive only in serum, with a mean value of 12.8+/- 6.7 microg/ml . On the contrary, MAb 1A4.22 revealed immunoreactivity both in 92% of sera and in 60% of neoplastic samples. Positive staining was seen only in the epithelial cells and was cytoplasmic and granular in all instances. The mean 90K serum level assayed with MAb 1A4.22 was 29.4 +/- 13.7 microg/ml. Patients with a 90K serum level 30 microg/ml. Moreover, a possible poor prognostic role was observed for negative 90K in tissue. Our results suggest that only MAb 1A4.22 could demonstrate 90K glycoprotein expression in paraffin-embedded tissue and that this MAb could have a diagnostic and prognostic role in both sera and tissues from HCC patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Perception of dyspnea during exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

UNLABELLED: After strenuous physical exercise, many subjects show a significant bronchoconstriction and report dyspnea. Despite this clinical condition being a commonly encountered situation during daily life, which may be responsible for substantial disability there is little information on the relationship between the perception of dyspnea and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) after a standardized exercise challenge. For these reasons, we evaluated 200 consecutive outpatients (median age 13 years, ranging from 5 to 56 years) referred to our laboratory to perform an exercise test out of suspicion of EIB. On exercise challenge, perception of dyspnea was rated on a modified bipolar Borg scale immediately before each FEV1 measurement. Sixty-nine (35%) subjects had a positive exercise challenge, defined as a decrease of at least 20% in FEV1 from baseline. Both the onset and the decay of dyspnea preceded those of bronchoconstriction. Overall, the rating of dyspnea in the laboratory was well related with the reports of exercise-related symptoms. Similarly, 36 of 77 (47%) asthmatics with a history of exertional symptoms and 24 of 65 patients (40%) without a history had a positive challenge. Asthmatics reporting exertional symptoms perceived a greater magnitude of dyspnea after exercise independently from the degree of bronchoconstriction. Overall, dyspnea was significantly but loosely correlated to the magnitude of decrease in FEV1, being also influenced by age, gender and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that dyspnea recorded in the laboratory after exercise test is related to exertional symptoms reported during real life, but not completely related to EIB. The rating of dyspnea is a well-suited model to study naturally occurring exercise-induced dyspnea and a useful tool to enlarge the results of an exercise challenge.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Increased oxidative stress in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in the rat: effect of N-acetylcysteine and interferon-alpha.

Oxidative stress may represent a common link between chronic liver damage and hepatic fibrosis. Antioxidants and interferon seem to protect against hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. This study evaluated (1) the effect of the profibrotic agent dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) on the hepatic oxidative balance in the rat; (2) the role played by the antioxidant agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC); and (3) the antifibrotic effects of two different types of interferon-alpha: recombinant alpha-2b (rIFN-alpha) and leukocyte alpha (LeIFN-alpha). Five groups of rats received: (1) saline; (2) DMN; (3) DMN + NAC; (4) DMN + rIFN-alpha; and (5) DMN + LeIFN-alpha. Oxidative balance was evaluated by hepatic glutathione, TBARs, protein carbonyl, and sulfhydryl determination. Fibrosis was determined by hepatic hydroxyproline content and fibronectin (FN) staining (immunohistochemistry). DMN rats showed a diffuse FN deposition, an impaired oxidative balance, and higher hepatic hydroxyproline levels compared to that of controls. NAC administration significantly reduced FN deposition, increased hepatic glutathione, and decreased TBARs and protein carbonyls. Administration of IFN-alpha exerted different effects according to the type used. Both IFNs decreased FN deposition; however, LeIFN-alpha significantly improved histology and oxidative parameters compared to those of untreated DMN and rats treated with rIFN-alpha. This study shows the role of free radicals in this model of hepatic fibrosis; the protective effect of NAC against liver fibrosis; and the antifibrotic effect exerted by IFN-alpha (particularly LeIFN-alpha) independent of its antiviral activity.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2001

Safety and effectiveness of lomefloxacin in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) chronically treated with oral theophyllines.

Lomefloxacin is a difluorinated quinolone with excellent activity against a wide range of pathogens including those responsible for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). This open, cross-sectional, multicenter study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of 400 mg lomefloxacin in patients with AECB chronically treated with theophylline. 137 patients (96 males, 41 females; mean age 66.1+/-11.2 yrs) were enrolled and 133 completed the study. 81% suffered from moderate AECB, 16% severe AECB. The clinical success rate was very high (95%), as well as the microbiological (93%). Side effects were scarce and were significant only in 3 patients, with 2 dropouts. All patients were using theophylline derivatives twice daily and continued without any variation in dosage during the lomefloxacin treatment. Theophylline plasma levels determined in 103 patients at baseline, during and at the end of the lomefloxacin treatment did not significantly change. We conclude that orally administered lomefloxacin at standard recommended dosage is well tolerated and effective in elderly patients with AECB. No dose adjustment is required even when it is co-administered with methylxanthines.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Detection of Helicobacter pylori cagA gene by polymerase chain reaction in faecal samples.

OBJECTIVE: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been extensively and successfully used to detect Helicobacter pylori in gastric juice and gastric biopsies. In contrast, the results obtained using faeces as biological samples for PCR are rather conflicting. This may be due to the presence of faecal inhibitory compounds (polysaccharides) which can inhibit the amplification reaction. The aim of this study was to characterize the H. pylori genotype in faecal samples by using specific primers for the cagA gene. To overcome the problem of contamination by polysaccharides, we used a filter-based extraction technique already applied in a previous study. METHODS: Antral and body biopsies were obtained from 30 symptomatic patients undergoing upper endoscopy. PCR was used to detect the presence of H. pylori organisms in faecal samples by using primers selected for the urease gene A. In addition, H. pylori organisms were characterized both in faecal samples and paraffin-embedded biopsies by PCR with specific primers for the cagA gene. RESULTS: All patients showed a positive CLO test (rapid urease test) and evidence of H. pylori by Warthin-Starry stain. PCR detected the urease A gene in the faecal samples of all patients. The cagA gene was detected in the faecal and biopsy samples of 18 subjects (60%). Duodenal ulcer and/or antral erosions were observed in 15 of the 18 cagA-positive patients (83.3%) and in five of the 12 cagA-negative patients (41.7%). Endoscopic features of normal mucosa or gastritis were observed in three cagA-positive patients (16.7%) and in seven cagA-negative patients (56.3%). cagA-positive status was found to be significantly related to the endoscopic features of duodenal ulceration and/or antral erosions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings prove that faeces are suitable samples for the detection of cagA status. Moreover, they confirm the existence of a significant relationship between cagA-positive status and duodenal ulcer and/or antral erosions.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Core Biopsy as Alternative to Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Diagnosis of Breast Tumors.

In spite of the widespread use of cytological smears for diagnosis of breast cancer lesions, many surgeons are still reluctant to accept the cytological report as the only criterion for performing definitive surgery. Modern surgical strategy requires a preoperative planning of the surgical treatment, possible through the use of core biopsy, which provides a diagnosis based on tissue specimens, thus permitting the study of both the architectural and cytological patterns. The authors report their five-year experience with this technique and evaluate its diagnostic usefulness and ability to reduce intraoperative biopsy procedures. The histological examination of 92 palpable breast lesions, clinically and mammographically detected, was performed with core biopsy, and diagnosis was confirmed with the surgical sample in 80 cases. A definitive histological diagnosis was obtained with core biopsy in 90% of cases. Only nine cases required confirmation with frozen section diagnosis at the time of definitive surgery. The sensibility of core biopsy was 92%, specificity and predictive value of positive result were 100%, and diagnostic efficiency was 86%. This study confirms the usefulness of systematic use of core biopsy for definitive preoperative diagnosis of breast cancer; the simplicity, safety and low cost of this method also make ultrasound-guided core biopsy applicable to nonpalpable lesions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

[Core biopsy in the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma].

BACKGROUND: In spite of the widespread use of cytological smears for the diagnosis of breast cancer lesions, many surgeons are still reluctant to accept the cytological report as the only criterion for performing definitive surgery. Modern surgical strategy requires a preoperative planning of the surgical treatment which is possible with the use of core biopsy (CB) or FNB (fine needle biopsy) for the diagnosis of tissue specimens. METHODS: The authors report their five-year experience with this technique and evaluate its diagnostic usefulness and substitution of interoperative biopsy. The histological examination of 92 palpable breast lesions, clinically and mammographically detected, was performed with CB, and diagnosis was confirmed with the surgical sample in 80 cases. RESULTS: A definitive histological diagnosis was obtained with CB in 90% of cases. Only nine cases required confirmation with frozen section diagnosis at the time of definitive surgery. The sensibility of CB was 93%, specificity and predictive value of a positive result were 100%, and diagnostic efficiency was 95%. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the usefulness of the systematic use of CB for accurate preoperative diagnosis of breast cancer, and the simplicity, safety and accuracy of this method also make ultrasound-guided CB applicable to non-palpable lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The risk factors for hepatitis D viral infection in southern Italy].

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection and risk factors associated to it. Three hundred sixty-one HBsAg chronic carriers from southern Italy were studied and 13.8% of them resulted anti-delta positive. 80% of these subjects were less than 50 years old. When anti-delta positive subjects were compared with anti-delta negative ones, a lower number of healthy HDV carriers and a higher frequency of cirrhotics were noted among anti-delta positive. Of lower than 50 years, imprisonment, sexual contacts with drug abusers and male homosexuality were risk factors of HDV infection. No association was found with sex, household contacts with HBV or HDV carriers, number of family members and transfusion of blood products. These data confirm the high prevalence of HDV infection in southern Italy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The efficacy and safety of moguisteine in comparison with codeine phosphate in patients with chronic cough.

We conducted a multicentre, double-blind, parallel group study to compare the clinical efficacy of a new antitussive drug, moguisteine (100 mg t.i.d.), to that of a reference standard, codeine (15 and 30 mg, t.i.d.). Both drugs were given orally for a period of two days. A group of 119 patients (mean age 54 yrs; 61 females and 58 males) with chronic, dry or slightly productive cough, associated with various respiratory disorders (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory malignancies and pulmonary fibrosis) were enrolled at six participating centres. The percentage reduction in the number of morning coughs over a period of 6 h after the first administered dose compared to baseline assessment, was 21% with moguisteine (n = 39), 28% with codeine 15 mg (n = 38), and 29% with codeine 30 mg (n = 36). Differences between treatments were not significant. The percentage reduction in the number of nocturnal coughs per hour, after the last evening dose compared to baseline assessment, was 33, 46 and 52%, respectively. Subjective assessments (patients' visual analogue scale scores of cough frequency, cough intensity and sleep disturbance, and investigators' ranking of cough severity) indicated that there was a similar improvement in cough symptoms in all treatment groups. Adverse events were observed in two patients on moguisteine, three on codeine 15 mg, and five on codeine 30 mg. No event was serious, but discontinuation of treatment was required in two patients on codeine 30 mg. The results of our study suggest that moguisteine 100 mg t.i.d. is safe, and seems to have an antitussive activity similar to that of codeine 15-30 mg t.i.d.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Carcinoma and synchronous hyperplastic polyps of the large bowel.

The prognostic and biological meaning of the association of colonic cancer with hyperplastic polyps (HP) is not as well known as that with adenomatous polyps (AP). In order to gain some insights into this matter, we have retrospectively studied two hundred and twelve patients with colon-rectal carcinoma in which 64 (30.18%) had synchronous AP, 24 (11.32%) had synchronous HP, 13 (6.13%) had both AP and HP and 111 had no synchronous polyps (52.36%). The 34 cases of synchronous HP, whether or not associated with AP, were located in the same colonic segments of the cancer and were found usually in the sigmoid-rectum. The AP were found throughout the colon-rectum with a similar rate of association with the cancer in each segment. The cancer associated with HP have a higher prevalence in the better prognostic stages of both Dukes and Jass-Morson systems. Conversely both AP and AP+HP associated cancers exhibit prevalences rates higher in the worst prognostic stages. Our observations suggest that separate factors might promote the growth of HP and AP and that a relationship between colonic cancer and synchronous HP might exist and differ from that demonstrated for AP and colonic cancer.

Adenomatous Polyps↗
PubMed1994

[DNA content in colorectal carcinomas: application of image analysis to archival material].

The most studied biological parameter of human tumours is the DNA nuclear content. In the present study we assessed the DNA content of 197 colorectal cancers from 180 patients using archival material (tissues routinely processed and paraffin-embedded) for image analysis. The metastatic lymph nodes were also included in the study in 54 Dukes "C" stage cases and 19/25 Dukes "D" stage cases. A total of 452 sections, 5 mu thick, were submitted to image analysis in static cytometry. DNA diploid pattern was found in 72/452 samples (15.9%) and the DNA-aneuploid pattern in 380/452 (84.1%). Two different areas for each tumour were examined but we found a concordance of diploid pattern in only 23 cases. DNA-aneuploidy, regarded as presence of at least one sample with an aneuploid peak in the same tumour, reached 88% in our study. In conclusion the image analysis of several samples obtained from different areas of the same tumour clearly revealed: a pronounced heterogeneity of ploidy patterns in colon cancer; an overall prevalence of DNA-aneuploidy in colon cancer; a prevalence of diploid pattern in tumours localized in right portion of the colon and in younger patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

[Granulomatous hepatitis in a hospital population in southern Italy].

In a southern Italy hospital, in five years 1523 liver biopsy specimens have been performed and histologically examined. Granulomas are found in specimens from 15 patient (1%). They are seven females and eight males with an average age of 57 years (range 43-71). Seven of the 15 specimens are Menghini-type percutaneous needle, five are surgical and three are laparoscopic bioptic specimens. Four patients are correlated with infectious diseases: 2 with hepatitis C virus (HCV), 1 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 1 with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. In three patients the diagnosis is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), in two sarcoidosis, in other two pseudosarcoid reaction to abdominal tumours (a gall-bladder cancer and a non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the stomach). Finally there are 2 lipogranulomas, 1 foreign-body granuloma and 1 cholesterin granuloma. This work underlines the high prevalence in our series of PBC and sarcoidosis in the etiology of hepatic granulomas and the high frequency of patients with markers of HCV or HBV in granulomatous hepatitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Primary mesothelioma of the pericardium: diagnostic methods. A case report].

Clinical picture and diagnostic methods in a patient with primary pericardial mesothelioma are described. Echocardiography shows an intrapericardial mass in direct continuity with left ventricular wall. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential to define mass dimension and extension and show cardiac wall and contiguous tissues infiltration. The histological characteristics are defined by using TAC-guided needle biopsy and needle aspiration.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1986

Combined inhalation of fenoterol and ipratropium bromide in long-term therapy of chronic reversible airway obstruction.

Fourteen out-patients with chronic bronchitis (n = 5) or chronic bronchial asthma (n = 9) entered a trial devised to evaluate the effect of the combined inhalation by pressurized aerosol of fenoterol 200 micrograms + ipratropium bromide 80 micrograms three times daily in a 12-week period of treatment. On the basis of the ventilatory and clinical findings, effective bronchodilatation with clinical improvement after drug inhalation was noticed throughout the whole observation time. In detail, the behaviour either of the FEV1 values at the control days or of the daily self-monitored peak expiratory flow (PEF) data showed a constant, statistically significant increase in the post-bronchodilator values with a prompt, long-lasting and persistent effect over the 3-month period; self-monitored PEF rates were particularly consistent with this result. No side-effects were seen in any cases, including the 5 patients who needed extra use of inhalers. The findings of the trial suggest that the combined inhalation of fenoterol and ipratropium bromide may play an important role in long-term therapy of many patients with chronic bronchitis or chronic bronchial asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1978

[Screening of hypertension in a community. Data from the "Camposampiero Project" (author's transl)].

During the initial phase of the international "Community Control Programme of Hypertension" sponsored by W.H.O., and carried out in Italy by the Clinica Medica II of the University of Padua, a random sample of 5852 subjects was screened (11% of the whole population). The response rate was of 75.3%; the prevalence rate of hypertension (160 or 95), based on casual blood pressure readings, was 29.5%. Measures of the control of hypertension and other relevant results are: a 35.6% of all hypertensives were aware of their condition, and of these 41% were under treatment. Effective treatment of hypertension was seen in one 12.3% of all treated hypertensives (values lower than 16/95), while 14.2% of all hypertensives had values at or above 200 (systolic) or 120 (diastolic). 98.2% of all hypertensives were not under effective control. As a whole, control of hypertension was better in women and in elderly patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Programmed cell death in colorectal carcinogenesis.

The most studied mechanism of malignant transformation has been cell proliferation. The relationship between programmed cell death (apoptosis), cell proliferation, and apoptosis regulatory genes (p53 and bcl-2), was studied in normal colonic epithelium, 26 sporadic adenomas both early and late, 25 FAP adenomas, and 34 carcinomas. We showed a decrease in programmed cell death and an increase in cell proliferation during the transition from adenoma to carcinoma. The increase of expression of p53 from early (10%) to late adenomas (87%) contrasted with the decrease of bcl-2 staining. Sixty-two per cent and 23% of carcinomas were reactive for p53 and bcl-2 respectively. Abnormal early activation of the bcl-2 gene, rather than late p53 gene mutation appears to be responsible for inhibition of apoptosis in colorectal carcinogenesis. bcl-2 was higher in FAP adenomas than in sporadic cases, and in carcinomas favouring the accumulation of long-living cells, which are more subject to mutation and thus cancerization.

Apoptosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

GENEBU Project. Equipment and drugs used for home nebulizer therapy in Italy.

The GENEBU Project is an open, observational survey evaluating home nebulizer practices in Italy. It consecutively included patients who were referred to one of the 27 participating chest clinics from May to December 1999 and who had been using a home nebulizer in the previous six months. The information source was a self-administered questionnaire compiled by the enrolled subjects. We collected 1257 questionnaires. The nebulizer equipment was heterogeneous, with at least 92 different models. Jet nebulizers were 90% of the total; 53% of these had a glass reservoir. Almost 80% of the patients selected the nebulizer themselves without any medical advice. In addition, most patients (> 80%) did not receive information on both the interface system and the optimal fill volume of the nebulizer. Corticosteroid nebulisation was widespread (74%), for both occasional and regular daily use, for both acute and chronic diseases from upper to lower airways. Beta 2-agonist (55%), anticholinergic (37%), mucolytic (32%) drugs were also often nebulised. More than 90% of patients mixed some active drugs. We conclude that the nebulizer equipment for home aerosol therapy was very heterogeneous and, probably, not always utilised at its best in Italy. The mixing of drugs and the widespread use of corticosteroids were peculiarities of home nebulizer therapy in Italy.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗