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Biomedical subjects

G Angelini

Publications and source records attributed to G Angelini.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele frequency is not increased in progressive supranuclear palsy.

We examined apolipoprotein E (ApoE) immunoreactivity and allele frequency in 12 autopsied cases of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by diffuse neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation without beta-amyloid deposits. In spite of the ApoE immunoreactivity associated with NFTs, in PSP the ApoE allele frequency was comparable with that of age-matched normal controls. This suggests that in Alzheimer's disease the increased frequency of ApoE epsilon 4 does not influence neurofibrillary degeneration, but is probably linked to beta-amyloid deposition.

Alleles↗

Oral cromolyn sodium in comparison with elimination diet in the irritable bowel syndrome, diarrheic type. Multicenter study of 428 patients.

BACKGROUND: In a significant number of patients affected by the irritable bowel syndrome, an adverse reaction to food is proposed to be a causative factor. A diet that eliminates the offending foods is the obvious treatment for such adverse reactions. Compliance with a dietetic regimen is often poor and sometimes not completely free from risks. METHODS: Since the diarrheic type of irritable bowel syndrome seems mainly affected by food intolerance, and previous observations suggested that oral cromolyn sodium is effective in such patients, a multicenter therapeutic trial in the diarrheic type of irritable bowel syndrome was carried out in 346 of 409 patients with this disease, to evaluate the effects of oral cromolyn sodium and compare its efficacy with that of an elimination diet. RESULTS: Symptoms related to the irritable bowel syndrome improved in 60% of patients treated with elimination diet and in 67% of those treated with oral cromolyn sodium (1500 mg/day) for 1 month. Moreover, in both groups clinical results were significantly better in the patients positive to the skin prick test than in the negative ones. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the high prevalence of adverse reactions to foods in diarrheic irritable bowel syndrome and the usefulness of cromolyn sodium treatment in these patients.

Administration, Oral↗

[Sexual dysfunction in men and epilepsy].

Sexual dysfunctions may represent a symptomatological aspect of epilepsy or it may be a consequence of the pharmacological therapy. This kind of trouble is frequently associated to primary generalized epilepsy and focal secondary epilepsy. In our investigation we considered a group of 30 males during treatment with drugs like phenobarbital, carbamazepine and valproate, at the "Center for the Study and the Treatment of Epilepsy", University of Turin, using a sexological and psychosomatic questionnaire. The purpose was the analysis of the sexuality in relation to a specific kind of epilepsy or to a particular drug.

Adolescent↗

Effect of alcohol and smoking on pancreatic lithogenesis in the course of chronic pancreatitis.

The aim of the study was to establish whether correlations were discernible between calcification, smoking, and other variables--including alcohol intake--in chronic pancreatitis. A total of 637 patients with chronic pancreatitis diagnosed over the period of 1973-1989 were reviewed. Only patients who had had one or more instrumental tests (ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, computed tomography, plain film of the abdomen) every 3 years were included in the study. Onset of calcification was taken as the end point of the follow-up. No statistically significant correlation was found between alcohol intake and calcification. As regards smoking habits, patients were divided into two groups: nonsmokers and medium-to-heavy smokers (> or = 10 cigarettes/day). Of 637 patients, only 570 fulfilled our criteria. Three hundred seventy-six patients (66%) developed calcifications, whereas 64 (10%) already presented calcifications at the time of diagnosis. Smoking correlated with formation of calcifications (p < 0.004). The mean time to onset of calcification in smokers was 8 years as against 12 years in nonsmokers. The relative risk of calcification in smokers versus nonsmokers was 1.21 (95% confidence limits: 1.10-1.32). By the end of follow-up (17 years), 277 smokers (69%) with chronic pancreatitis had developed calcifications compared with only 93 nonsmokers (55%). The results show that, in this sample of chronic pancreatitis sufferers, smokers present a significantly increased risk of developing calcifications.

Adult↗

Sulfite contact allergy.

In the last 2 years, 2,894 consecutive eczematous patients were patch tested with sodium metabisulfite 1% pet. Positive reactions were elicited in 50 subjects (1.7%). All 50 patients were also positive to potassium metabisulfite 1% pet. and sodium bisulfite 1% and 5% pet., while only 2 of them were positive to sodium sulfite 1% pet. Prick tests and intradermal tests with a sodium metabisulfite solution (10 mg/ml) were negative. No flare-ups of dermatitis or patch test were provoked by oral challenge with 30 mg and 50 mg of sodium metabisulfite. The dermatitis was taken to be occupational in 7 cases. In only 5 out of 43 non-occupational cases was the positive reaction considered relevant.

Adult↗

Mercury exanthem.

We have observed 9 male patients with a generalized rash following the topical use of an over-the-counter antiparasitic powder (MOM), containing ammoniated (11.2 g%) and metallic (4.2 g%) mercury, to treat phthiriasis (lice infestation). Primary and intensely erythemato-exudative lesions of the pubic region and genitals were associated with inverted erythema of the upper inner thighs and, in severe cases, involvement of the face, neck, trunk and major flexures. Eruptions included exanthematic, papulo-vesicular, purpuric and erythema-multiforme-like clinical pictures. 7 of the 9 cases presented with general malaise and pyrexia. A positive patch test reaction to ammoniated mercury was observed in all cases. There are probably 3 routes of powder exposure behind this type of rash: (i) direct skin contact; (ii) airborne skin contact; (iii) inhalation.

Adult↗

Common bile duct involvement in chronic pancreatitis.

The features of the common bile duct (CBD) have been checked in 78 chronic pancreatitis patients in order to evaluate the frequency of extrahepatic bile duct changes, possible associated factors and effects on the outcome of the disease. Fifty of the 78 patients had an intrapancreatic stricture of the CBD and 24 of them also showed an upstream dilatation. No relationship was found between the features of the CBD and the severity of the pancreatitis, the presence of calcifications and the length of the disease. Humoral signs of impaired bile flow were found in 20 subjects, 19 of whom had an intra-pancreatic stricture of the CBD. Sixteen of these 19 patients also showed an upstream dilatation and five of them had overt jaundice. A surgical intervention on the biliary tree was carried out in 7 patients, all with a biliary stricture. Six of them also had a CBD dilatation over the stricture (p < 0.02 versus patients without CBD stricture). In conclusion CBD involvement during chronic pancreatitis is quite frequent but poorly predictable and should be checked in all patients with humoral cholestasis in order to prevent further complications.

Adolescent↗

Molecular Probe Data Base: a database on synthetic oligonucleotides.

The Molecular Probe Data Base (MPDB) was designed to collect and make information on synthetic oligonucleotides available on-line. This paper briefly describes its purpose, contents and structure, forms and mode of data distribution. Particular emphasis is given to recent data extension and system enhancements that have been carried out in order to simplify access to MPDB for unskilled users.

Base Sequence↗

Long-term outcome of acute pancreatitis: a prospective study with 118 patients.

118 patients who had recovered from acute pancreatitis underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP) during a long-term follow-up (mean 4.4 years, range 1-17) to investigate the frequency and features of residual ductal lesions. Oedematous and necrohaemorrhagic pancreatitis occurred in 35 and in 83 patients, respectively. The aetiology was biliary (39 patients), alcoholic (32), biliary-alcoholic (18) and miscellaneous (29). After oedematous pancreatitis, ERCP was normal in 31, showed obstructive pancreatitis in 2 and a slight localized and smooth stricture of the main duct in 2 patients. After necrotizing pancreatitis, 29 patients showed ductal changes without features of chronic pancreatitis, 7 obstructive, 3 chronic calcifying pancreatitis and 44 normal pictures. In 17 patients submitted to two or three ERCPs during a mean 10-year follow-up, the ductal appearance was unchanged in 12, worsened in 3, and improved in 2 patients. The aetiology of pancreatitis and frequency of recurrences was similar in patients with or without scarring lesions. We conclude that residual ductal lesions are common after acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Molecular Probe Database: a database on synthetic oligonucleotides.

The Molecular Probe Data Base (MPDB) is designed to collect and make available on-line information on synthetic oligonucleotides. This paper briefly describes the purpose of MPDB, its content and structure, forms and mode of data distribution, and a series of additional services available to scientists using MPDB.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

HLA polymorphism in a Mataco South American Indian tribe: serology of class I and II antigens. Molecular analysis of class II polymorphic variants.

In the present study, HLA-A, B, C, DR, DQ, and DP loci were analyzed in a group of Mataco Amerindians of Argentina. Using reagents from the 11th International Histocompatibility Workshop (11th IHW), class I specifities such as Bw70, Bw75, and Bw48 were found in this population, other than the HLA determinants commonly described in South American Indians. The class II antigens found were DR4, DRw14, and DRw8 at the DR locus, and DQw4 and DQw7 at the DQ locus. The analysis of DRB1-DR4 related alleles, performed by PCR amplification and oligonucleotide probe hybridization, showed the presence of DRB1*0403, *0404, *0405, and *0411 in individuals from this ethnic group. By the analysis of DRB1-DRw14 related alleles, two variants were found: DRB1*1402 and DRB1*1406, the latter provisionally called DRB1 14.6 in 11th IHW. The DRw8-related allele present was DRB1*0802. The analysis of DRB3 gene revealed only the presence of DRB3*0101 allele in DRw14 individuals. DPB1 locus was also analyzed in unrelated individuals of the same population. Only five DPB1 alleles were found: DPB1*0201, *0301, *0402, *0501, and *1301 over the 19 previously described in the literature. These findings emphasize the restricted HLA class I and II variation observed in this ethnic group as it has been previously shown in other American groups. Some particular haplotypes in this Mataco tribe are described in this work.

Alleles↗

Analysis of HLA DP, DQ, and DR alleles in adult Italian rheumatoid arthritis patients.

We analyzed the distribution of DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, and DPB1 allelic variants in 48 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, compared with 109 Italian random controls, using PCR amplification and hybridization with specific oligonucleotides. We confirm the previously reported increase of DR4 specificity, in comparison with healthy Italian individuals. In particular, we find a statistically significant positive association of DRB1*0401 and DRB1*0404 alleles with RA. However, when we compare the DR4+ groups, none of the DRB1*04 alleles is increased in the RA group. By sequence analysis, performed on 10 patients, we demonstrate that the DRB1*04 genes of RA show no difference from the DRB1*04 sequences previously published. From the molecular analysis of the other DRB1 polymorphic variants, we find a trend of positive association of DRB1*0101 in DR4-negative patients versus DR4-negative healthy controls and, in the group of DR4-negative and/or DR1-negative patients, a similar increase of DRB1*06. Also, we observe in RA patients a statistically significant increase of DQA1*0301 and DQB1*0302 accompanied by a significant decrease of DQA1*0201, DQA1*0501 and DQB1*0201. Finally, from the analysis of DPB1 gene, it can be assessed that the distribution of DPB1 alleles does not differ significantly between RA patients and healthy controls.

Adult↗

A multicentre study of contact sensitization in children. Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali (GIRDCA).

The results of 7 months of patch testing with a standard series of 26 allergens in 323 children with eczematous conditions or itching palmoplantar psoriasis under the age of 14 years are reported. 114 (35.3%) of the children had 1 or more positive reactions to this standard series. 28 children (8.7%) were polysensitive. On the basis of personal history, additional series of allergens and/or specific allergens were also tested. 61.7% (90/146) of positive reactions were considered relevant to the current dermatitis. Metals, medicaments, preservatives or fragrances, and shoe components were the major sources of contact sensitization. It is suggested that patch testing be done more frequently in evaluating dermatitis in children.

Adolescent↗