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Biomedical subjects

A Franzè

Publications and source records attributed to A Franzè.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication: an open, randomized, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Cure rates for eradication of Helicobacter pylori appear to be decreasing, thus more effective therapies must be identified. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of bovine lactoferrin in the treatment of H. pylori infection. METHODS: In a multicentered prospective study, 402 (mean age 52.4, range 19-84 years) H. pylori-positive patients were assigned to one of three regimens: group A - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days; group B - lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days followed by the same schedule of group A; group C - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. plus lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days. RESULTS: Of the 402 patients, 389 completed the study. Six patients were discontinued due to side effects, one patient in group B died and six patients were lost to follow up. The eradication rate (intention-to-treat analysis) was 77% in group A (105/136), 73% in group B (97/132) and 90% in group C (120/134) (chi(2)-test P < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was 9.5% in group A, 9% in group B and 8.2% in group C (chi(2)-test P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that bovine lactoferrin is an effective adjuvant to 7-day triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Dysphagia aortica: a neglected symptom of aortoesophageal fistula.

Aortoesophageal fistula, secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm, is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that is uniformly fatal without surgical intervention. Typical symptoms are midthoracic pain and/or dysphagia followed by a usually short, albeit unpredictable, symptom-free interval and by a 'herald' haemorrhage, which is observed in 80% of patients before fatal exsanguinations. Dysphagia is present in 45% of patients, sometimes for several weeks, before the first bleeding occurs. However, dysphagia aortica is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia and lack of awareness, as well as symptom's underevaluation, both contribute to a significant diagnostic and therapeutic delay. We present a case of a 77-year-old woman who died for a bleeding AEF consequent to a thoracic aortic aneurysm and whose main symptom during the past 2 months was dysphagia, which was not taken seriously into consideration by her general practitioner. This case report emphasises that primary care physicians should be alerted to evaluate carefully the alarming symptoms like dysphagia -- especially in elderly patients -- before life threatening complications occur, as they are the ones who could suspect early the diagnosis and make a proper referral.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Use of bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: One-week triple therapy is the most frequently recommended treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. Eradication rate is satisfactory, nevertheless is advisable to look for more effective therapies. AIM: To test the efficacy of a standard triple therapy plus bovine lactoferrin in the eradication of H. pylori infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty consecutive H. pylori positive patients, suffering from dyspeptic symptoms were recruited in a 7-day triple therapy open randomised single centre study with rabeprazole, clarithromycin, tinidazole, bovine lactoferrin (group A) or rabeprazole, clarithromycin, tinidazole (group B), or a 10-day therapy with rabeprazole, clarithromycin, tinidazole (group C). H. pylori status was assessed 8 weeks after the end of the treatment by means of a 13C-urea breath test or a H. pylori stool antigen-test. RESULTS: Eradication rates (intention to treat/per protocol) were: group A (92.2/95.9%), group B (71.2/72.5%) and group C (70.2/75%). The efficacy of triple therapy added with lactoferrin was significantly higher than other two regimens (p=0.01, intention to treat analysis; p=0.005, per protocol analysis). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lactoferrin tested in the present study was effective in curing H. pylori and could be a new agent to assist the antimicrobials in the eradication of the bacterium.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2003

'Serological biopsy' in first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer affected by Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Relatives of patients with gastric cancer are at increased risk of developing this disease, especially if they are infected by Helicobacter pylori. Moreover, H. pylori-related atrophic gastritis and hypochlorhydria are well-documented risk factors for noncardia gastric cancer. Serum pepsinogen I (sPGI) and II (sPGII) levels are low in this condition. The aim of our study was to assess by means of a 'Gastropanel' blood test, including sPGI, sPGII, gastrin-17 (G-17) and antibodies anti-H. pylori (IgG-Hp). both functional and morphological features of gastric mucosa in Hp + ve subjects with a family history of gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five Hp + ve subjects consecutively referred to our department for gastrointestinal complaints, selected as first-degree relatives of patients suffering from gastric cancer, were enrolled in the study and then matched for sex and age with 25 dyspeptic and Hp + ve subjects with no family history of gastric neoplasia. Blood samples were taken for determination of gastropanel in all patients; in addition, antibodies against CagA were analysed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups as regards alcohol consumption, coffee intake and smoking habits. Mean sPGI levels in Group A (83.4 +/- 58.4 microg/L) were significantly lower than those in Group B (sPGI 159.5 +/- 80.6 microg/L; P < 0.0001) as well as sPGII (12.5 microg/L = 6.24 versus 20.6 +/- 58 microg/L; P < 0.006). No statistical difference was found between the two groups in relation to G-17 levels, IgG-Hp titres and antibodies against CagA. CONCLUSION: First-degree relatives of patients with noncardia gastric cancer affected by H. pylori infection present lower sPGI and sPGII levels, possibly due to the increased frequency of atrophic lesions in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Multidimensional appraisal in patients suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation].

A multidimensional appraisal of the patient suffering from chronic idiopatic constipation is used in this study. 16 consecutive patients affected by chronic idiopatic constipation defined by Rome criteria were enrolled. The following assessments were performed: radiological study of colorectal transit time using radiopaque markers, anorectal manometry, proctography, psychiatric appraisal, with the somministration of The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2, Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression, Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety, Toronto Alexithymia Scales, quality of life appraisal, by means of Short Form 36. The present study must be considered a pilot-study, lead on a limited champion of 16 cases; the reported data express therefore tendencies. Chronic idiopatic constipation appears to be a disturbance with a strong impact on the patient's quality of life. The study moreover confirms the hypothesis of a multifactorial genesis for chronic idiopatic constipation, in which psychopathological aspects (anxiety, depression and alessitimia in particular) and personality traits play a fundamental role, as much as the physiopathological alterations. Colorectal transit time study and anorectal manometry confirm to be valid instruments for the evaluation of physiopathological characteristics, useful for a classification of patients, particularly with respect to the presence of a normal or slowed colorectal transit and to the relief of pelvic floor dysfunctions. The differences between subgroups based on physiopathological characteristics, with respect to quality of the life and personality traits, expressed as tendency, need a confirm form studies lead on larger champions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Differentially regulated and evolved genes in the fully sequenced Xq/Yq pseudoautosomal region.

Human sex chromosomes, which are morphologically and genetically different, share few regions of homology. Among them, only pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) pair and recombine during meiosis. To better address the complex biology of these regions, we sequenced the telomeric 400 kb of the long arm of the human X chromosome, including 330 kb of the human Xq/YqPAR and the telomere. Sequencing reveals subregions with distinctive regulatory and evolutionary features. The proximal 295 kb contains two genes inactivated on both the inactive X and Y chromosomes [ SYBL1 and a novel homologue ( HSPRY3 ) of Drosophila sprouty ]. The GC-rich distal 35 kb, added in stages and much later in evolution, contains the X/Y expressed gene IL9R and a novel gene, CXYorf1, only 5 kb from the Xq telomere. These properties make Xq/YqPAR a model for studies of region-specific gene inactivation, telomere evolution, and involvement in sex-limited conditions.

Base Composition↗
PubMed1999

Mesalamine in the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn's ileitis: results of a randomized, multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) in the treatment of flare-ups of Crohn's disease is controversial. In previous studies, different locations and pathological behavior of Crohn's disease could have obscured the efficacy of these drugs that deliver their substance in different intestinal sites. The present study tested two different mesalamine formulations with 6-methylprednisolone in mild to moderate active Crohn's ileitis. METHODS: Ninety-four patients with Crohn's ileitis (Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI], 180-350) were randomly assigned to receive for 12 weeks mesalamine tablets, 4 g (35 patients); mesalamine microgranular preparation, 4 g (28 patients); and 6-methylprednisolone, 40 mg (31 patients). Mesalamine microgranular preparation was a gelatin capsule containing 400 mg of mesalamine microgranules coated with Eudragit S, which has been shown to deliver the drug in the terminal ileum. RESULTS: Patients taking mesalamine tablets experienced a decrease of CDAI median score value of 113.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 33-149) compared with 123 (95% CI, 77-155) in the mesalamine microgranular group and 154 (95% CI, 99-197) in the 6-methylprednisolone group (P = 0.07 [NS]). Remission at the final visit occurred in 19 of 31 (61%) patients taking steroids compared with 21 of 35 (60%) patients taking mesalamine tablets and 22 of 28 (79%) patients taking microgranular mesalamine (NS). Five patients on steroids were withdrawn because of side effects, and a case of pancreatitis was related to microgranular mesalamine. CONCLUSIONS: Mesalamine in microgranular formulation seems to be equally as effective as a standard dosage of steroids in the treatment of the mild to moderate form of Crohn's ileitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Topical treatment of ulcerative colitis. Doubleblind study between beclomethasone dipropionate and mesalazine].

Fifty-nine patients with ulcerative colitis localised in the rectum, sigmoid and colon entered the trial. Thirty were treated with BDP and twenty-nine with 5-Aminosalicylic (enemas and suppositories) for 8 weeks, in a doubleblind, controlled study. Clinical, endoscopic and histological assessment was carried out before and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. It is concluded that BDP is a new important treatment for mild and moderate activity ulcerative colitis.

English Abstract↗
PubMed1998

Molecular anatomy of the human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase core promoter.

The gene encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which plays a pivotal role in cell defense against oxidative stress, is ubiquitously expressed at widely different levels in various tissues; moreover, G6PD expression is regulated by a number of stimuli. In this study we have analyzed the molecular anatomy of the G6PD core promoter. Our results indicate that the G6PD promoter is more complex than previously assumed; G6PD expression is under the control of several elements that are all required for correct promoter functioning and, furthermore, a still unidentified mammalian specific factor is needed.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction by endoprosthesis].

Endoscopic positioning of a large biliary endoprosthesis has become a well codified procedure for palliative treatment of primary or metastatic malignant bile duct obstruction. Authors' experience, regarding 47 patients treated by this technique from February 1992, is reported. Furthermore, either absolute or site-related per cent rate of successful positioning of endoprosthesis, efficacy of procedure, early and late complications and mean survival are reported. Results confirm the effectiveness of the procedure in reducing jaundice resulting from malignant bile duct obstruction and low complication rate; early detection and treatment of prosthetic obstruction with subsequent cholangitis, that is the most important factor responsible for death, depend upon close collaboration between physician and endoscopist.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Interaction between laparoscopic surgery and operative endoscopy. Results of an experience].

Nowadays it is possible to treat complex biliary disease such as cholecysto-choledochal stones with mini-invasive methods. In this field, laparoscopic surgeons and gastroenterologic endoscopists can collaborate not only in the planning of endo-laparoscopic sequential treatment of biliary stones but also in the successful treatment of complex cases having either surgical or endoscopic complications. Here are presented the results which 14 months of collaboration between laparoscopists and endoscopists have brought about in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields. In particular, the results are documented of the sequential endo-laparoscopic treatment of cholecysto-choledochal calculi proposed for 39 patients, of inverse laparo-endoscopy carried out in 2 cases, and of therapeutic procedure used to treat an iatrogenic perforation of the biliary tree by mini-invasive methods. The experience reported is an example of how technological progress is gradually pushing aside the barriers still existing between medicine and surgery.

Cholecystectomy↗
PubMed1991

Members of the zinc finger protein gene family sharing a conserved N-terminal module.

We report the isolation of human members of a sub-family of structurally related finger protein genes. These potentially encode polypeptides containing finger motifs of the Krüppel type at the C-terminus, and a conserved amino acid module at the N-terminus; because of its invariant location the latter is referred to as finger preceding box (FPB). The FPB, detected also in previously described finger proteins from human, mouse and Xenopus, extends over approximately 65 amino acids and appears to be composed of two contiguous modules: FPB-A (residues 1-42) and FPB-B (residues 43-65). The latter is absent in some of the members analyzed. Elements A and B and the zinc finger domain are encoded by separate exons in the ZNF2 gene, a human member of this sub-family. The positioning of introns within this gene is remarkable. One intron flanks and a second interrupts the first codon of the FPB-A and FPB-B modules, respectively. A third intron occurs a few nucleotides downstream of FPB-B marking its separation from the remainder of the coding sequences. This organization, together with the absence of FPB-B in some cDNAs, supports the hypothesis that mRNAs encoding polypeptides that include one, both or none of the FPB-A and FPB-B modules may be assembled through alternative splicing pathways. Northern analyses showed that members of this sub-family are expressed as multiple transcripts in several cell lines. The sequences of distinct cDNAs homologous to the ZNF2 gene indicate that alternative splicing events adjoin either coding or non coding exons to the FPB sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Isolation and expression analysis of a human zinc finger gene (ZNF41) located on the short arm of the X chromosome.

We have isolated a novel human zinc finger gene, ZNF41, from a human X-chromosome-specific library. Nucleotide sequence analysis reveals that ZNF41 potentially encodes a polypeptide featuring an array of 18 contiguous zinc fingers of the C2H2 type. Multiple polyadenylated transcripts homologous to ZNF41 are present at different levels in several distinct cell types. Southern analyses of somatic cell hybrids containing either intact or rearranged X chromosomes confirm the genomic origin of the isolated gene and establish that it is localized between Xcen and Xp22.1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

An upstream enhancer and a negative element in the 5' flanking region of the human urokinase plasminogen activator gene.

The 5' flanking region of the human urokinase (uPA) gene has been fused to the reporter chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene and its activity assayed by transfection in two human cell lines. Progressive deletions of the uPA regulatory region from the 5' end maintain a high level of expression provided at least 1870 (in A1251 cells) or 1963 (in HFS10 cells) nucleotides of the 5' flanking region are retained. A DNA fragment from -2350 to -1824 has enhancer properties, stimulating transcription of an enhancerless SV40 early promoter independently of orientation and distance. Internal deletions that still retain the enhancer element reveal the presence of negative cis-acting sequences between -1824 and -1572. Their removal, in fact, increases uPA transcriptional activity. Differences of expression of the uPA-CAT fusion genes in the two cell lines are also observed, indicating the presence of cell-specific cis-acting sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1984

Statistical evaluation of the coding capacity of complementary DNA strands.

Two independent methods are used to evaluate the protein-coding information content in different classes of DNA sequences. The first method allows to evaluate the statistical relevance of finding unidentified reading frames, longer than 100 codons, on both DNA strands of: a) 117 DNA sequences that code for 142 nuclear proteins; b) 39 stable RNA coding sequences and c) 36 other DNA sequences which include regulatory and as yet unknown function sequences. The finding of 50 reading frames longer than 100 codons (complementary inverted proteins or c.i.p. genes) located on the DNA strand complementary to the protein-coding one is drastically in excess of the number predicted by chance alone. An independent method (testcode) applied to c.i.p. gene sequences, which assigns the probability of coding to a given sequence, predicts that more than 50% of these genes are translated in a functional product. These analyses indicate the existence of a new class of protein-coding genes, located on the DNA sequences complementary to the protein-coding DNA strand.

Animals↗