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G Bergamini

Publications and source records attributed to G Bergamini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Construction of polyepitope fusion antigens of human cytomegalovirus ppUL32: reactivity with human antibodies.

We have previously shown that single linear epitopes of the major human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigens, expressed as fusion proteins or synthesized as oligopeptides, can be valuable diagnostic material in the serology of HCMV infection (M. P. Landini, M. X. Guan, G. Jahn, W. Lindenmaier, M. Mach, A. Ripalti, A. Necker, T. Lazzarotto, and B. Plachter, J. Clin. Microbiol. 28:1375-1379, 1990; M. P. Landini, T. Lazzarotto, A. Ripalti, M. X. Guan, and M. La Placa, J. Clin. Microbiol. 27:2324-2327, 1989; A. Ripalti, M. P. Landini, E. S. Mocarski, and M. La Placa, J. Gen. Virol. 70:1247-1251, 1989). In this work we addressed the question of whether the expression of more than one linear epitope on a single fusion protein could increase the reactivity of genetically engineered antigenic material with human antibody. To answer this question we fused sequences expressing two different epitopes contained in the basic phosphoprotein of 150 kDa encoded by UL32 (M. S. Chee, A. T. Bankier, S. Beck, R. Bohni, C. M. Brown, T. Cerny, T. Hornsel, C. A. Hutchinson, T. Kouzarides, J. A. Martignetti, and B. G. Barrell, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 154:125-169, 1990; G. Jahn, T. Kouzarides, M. Mach, B.-C. Scholl, B. Plachter, B. Traupe, E. Preddie, S. C. Satchwell, B. Fleckenstein, and B. G. Barrell, J. Virol. 61:1358-1367, 1987), ppUL32, which was repeatedly shown to be the strongest immunogen present in the viral particle. We also made fusions with sequences expressing a single epitope repeated once, twice, or three times. The different fusion proteins were tested with HCMV-positive human sera. We found that fusion proteins expressing different epitopes together were recognized by a larger number of serum specimens and with more intense reactions in Western blot (immunoblot) experiments. We also found evidence that expression on the same polypeptide of the two distinct epitopes produced a stronger antigen than the mere addition of two fusion proteins which each carried one copy of one of these epitopes. Furthermore, we found that while the same epitope expressed two or three times on the same fusion protein was not better recognized by immunoglobulin G than the single epitope, immunoglobulin M reactivities to the double and triple epitopes were enhanced.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1994

Integrin expression in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is lined by a squamous keratinizing epithelium exhibiting most of the features of normal epidermis. In this study, we investigated by immunohistochemistry the expression of integrin adhesion molecules in primary acquired and recurrent cholesteatomas, and compared it with common epidermal cysts and normal human skin. The results showed that cholesteatoma epithelium exhibited a markedly augmented expression of alpha v integrin subunit and a corresponding increased deposition of vitronectin (alpha v ligand) in the surrounding stroma as compared to epidermal cyst and normal human skin. In contrast, the expression pattern of alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1, and alpha 6 beta 4 integrins as well as the distribution of laminin, collagen IV and fibronectin were similar in cholesteatomas, epidermal cysts and normal human skin. Similar staining pattern was observed in primary acquired and recurrent cholesteatoma.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1993

Efficacy and tolerability of brodimoprim in bacterial otitis media in children. Controlled study versus cefaclor.

78 pediatric patients affected by acute otitis media were selected and randomized into two balanced groups of treatment: brodimoprim, at the dosage of 200 mg once-a-day on the first day and of 100 mg once-a-day on the following days, and cefaclor at a dosage of 40 mg/Kg/day in three doses. Brodimoprim resulted more efficacious in the reduction of symptoms, especially hypoacusis and tinnitus (p < 0.05 between treatments); tympanometry showed a higher number of normalizations in the brodimoprim group, without significant differences between treatments. Both drugs resulted active against most of isolated bacterial strains. Side effects were reported in 4 patients treated with brodimoprim and in 6 patients in the control group.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1988

Nasal cytology in allergic processes and other syndromes caused by hyperreactivity.

The spontaneous nasal secretions from about 128 patients with the symptomatic triad of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal obstruction were studied. The cytological examination consisted of a morphological evaluation and a semiquantitative evaluation. Noncellular and nonliving presences in the smears have been considered, including mucus, Charcot-Layden crystals, and pollen grains, as well as fungi and bacilli. We found a net increase in eosinophils, goblet cells, and cellular debris in secretions of atopic patients. Pollen grains and vegetative fragments were present in the nasal smears of pollinosis. The presence of fungi was observed in five cases of allergic rhinopathy. The exfoliative cytology represents a valuable means for the differential diagnosis of rhinitis. In particular, the presence of noncellular elements has value regarding rhinocytology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Psychosomatic study of 60 patients with vertigo.

The authors examined 60 consecutive patients hospitalized in Modena University Otorhinolaryngological Clinic for vertigo by means of an interview and of three self-rating scales (Zung's SDS, SAS and the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire). The control group was composed of an equal number of patients hospitalized in the same ward and period for different nonsurgical otiatric diseases; the two groups were matched for age, sex, residential area, sociocultural conditions, duration of hospitalization and disease. According to the clinical diagnosis carried out when discharged from hospital, the patients where divided into five groups (Ménière's disease, neuronitis, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, neurosensorial deafness, nucleoreticular syndrome of Ararslan). The data regarding depression (MHQ and SDS), anxiety (MHQ and SAS), neuroticism, somatization (MHQ) and the prevailing of hysterical personality traits in women (MHQ) resulted particularly relevant from a statistical viewpoint (p less than 0.01).

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Dizziness and headache.

Dizziness and headache have been known to be associated in both adults and children, since early this century. Otoneurological examination of headache sufferers at the University of Modena Headache Centre revealed a high percentage of ENG alterations indicating a mainly bulbo-pontine vestibular disorder. The lesion, which is more significant on the side more affected, is modified during attacks and with time. The authors suggest that in these patients migraine and dizziness have a common pathogenesis in alterations of neuromediators and/or their receptors and that ENG may be useful in evaluating headache.

Dizziness↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The experience of early rehabilitation].

Functional laryngectomies permit a more or less ideal preservation of laryngeal functions whose recovery, especially in les conservative operations, occurs very slowly and depends on several conditions: post operative course, sensitivity and motility of the hypopharynx, patient's ability to restore swallowing mechanisms. The Authors relate their experience concerning use of a rehabilitative program partially based on the experiences of some French logopedic schools and partially original. They illustrate the steps and goals of this program which starts on the fifth post-operative day with respiration exercises immediately followed by eight days of exercises to re-establish arytenoid mobilization and swallowing movements. If deglutition is not completely recovered and important inhalation problems persist, the logopedic approach is integrated with surgical rehabilitation consisting of one or more injection of gax-collagen. It is possible to use the same surgical technique later, after hospital discharge, if a slight dysphagia is still present in spite of continuous logopedic rehabilitation. Voice restoration exercises are introduced in the last days of the hospital stay when the patient is tube-free and continues at the office or outpatient clinic for two or three times every week. Concerning removal priority (tracheotomy tube followed by nasogastric tube or vice versa), we propose a diversified strategy for each patient, depending on the anatomicofunctional postoperative situation. Up to now 25 patients have taken part in this rehabilitation program (14 cricohyoidopexy, 6 Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, 5 supraglottic laryngectomies). The results with regard to the amount of time that nasogastric feeding as well as tracheal tube are kept and the length of the hospital stay, were compared to those ones of a similar number of consecutive cases operated at our institution (ENT Department of Modena University) before February 1990 but not rehabilitated. In the early rehabilitated group, we observe a quicker functional recovery with a shorter hospital stay (about a week).

Breathing Exercises↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Pre- and post-operative information for the laryngectomized patient: verification of the validity of a brochure].

For those patients who are candidates for total laryngectomy, therapy is not terminated upon surgery and subsequent speech therapy. Treatment must, instead, take into consideration numerous, important psychological problems which arise upon learning the diagnosis and the need for radical surgery. Therefore, all those who come into contact with the patient during the different phases of disease (i.e. the surgeon, ward nurses, speech therapists) must all be made sensitive to such problems. At times the participation of a psychologist is required. Detailed information on both the temporary and permanent modifications due to surgery and on the possibility of obviating the changed physical status are essential to this "global" therapeutic strategy. The authors have, therefore, prepared an explanatory handbook which briefly analyzes the different problems linked to the total laryngectomy in clear, understandable language. Furthermore, they supply information regarding the new behaviour required after surgery. In order to check how valid this type of instrument is as a graphic support to the irreplaceable information given by the health care workers, a questionnaire was sent to 123 members of the Modena Section of the Laryngectomee Association. This questionnaire dealt with the handbook, the information and advice they gained from it both before and after surgery. Questions also involved what sort of speech therapy they had undergone, whether they had an electronic larynx and, if so, was it used. The judgement given on the brochure by most of those interviewed and on the timeliness of its uses from the preoperative stages on was favorable. This favorable judgment stems from the often insufficient information and psychological support provided patients who have undergone, or who will undergo, a total laryngectomy. Such conclusion is clearly drawn from the responses given to the questionnaire. Moreover, the statements given by some of the laryngectomees (even some who had undergone surgery quite some time ago) indicate that they did not know some of the information and practical advice given. Another fact that emerged from the responses is that the esophageal voice is the means of communication of choice and that the electronic larynx was only used in cases where speech therapy had failed.

Adult↗