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Biomedical subjects

M Giovannini

Publications and source records attributed to M Giovannini.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Detection of gastrin mRNA in fresh human colonic carcinomas by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

To investigate the hypothesis that gastrin might be synthesized by tumour tissues in cancer of the colon, samples from six human colon tumours, one hepatic metastasis, four normal colonic mucosal samples and two antral and one fundic gastric mucosal samples from nine patients were analysed to determine whether gastrin mRNA was present. RNA was extracted from surgical specimens by ultracentrifugation on a CsCl cushion, purified using the guanidinium thiocyanate method, reverse-transcribed and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Gastrin mRNA was detected in each colonic carcinoma sample (including the hepatic metastasis), while no such signal was observed in normal colon biopsies. Positive and negative controls (gastric antrum and fundus respectively) gave the expected results. In each of the positive samples, the chemiluminescent revelation of amplified products after Southern blotting corresponded to gastrin mRNA without the intron. These findings demonstrate the ability of primary and metastatic human colonic tumours to produce gastrin mRNA. Since malignant cell lines have been reported to produce gastrin peptide, and since gastrin receptors were present in some cases, our results support the idea that gastrin may be involved in an autocrine mechanism.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

A comparison of nimesulide and placebo in the treatment of minor traumatic soft tissue lesions in children.

A total of 40 children with minor traumatic injuries of soft tissues were randomly assigned to oral treatment with nimesulide (50mg twice daily) or placebo for 5 days in a double-blind investigation. Results demonstrated that therapy with nimesulide was associated with a significant resolution of symptoms (pain at rest and during movement) and signs (oedema, immobility and haematoma), which was statistically superior to that demonstrated for placebo. Furthermore, nimesulide was well tolerated by all patients and was not associated with gastrointestinal problems. These findings suggest that nimesulide is a suitable therapy for children with minor traumatic lesions.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1993

[Guided puncture-cytology under electronic sectorial ultrasound endoscopy. Results in 26 patients].

The diagnosis of submucosal tumors, extrinsic lesions of gastrointestinal tract and mediastinal or celiac masses can be made by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) but histological confirmation (benign or malignant lesion) is still required. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a new method, enabling EUS (curved array transducer)--guided fine needle aspiration of deep lesions. From October 1991 to August 1992, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration was performed in 26 patients in whom a mediastinal mass (6 cases), mediastinal lymph nodes (4 cases), submucosal tumor (5 cases), extrinsic masses (4 cases) and large fold gastric disease with negative endoscopic biopsy (7 cases) was detected by EUS. Diagnostic results were obtained in 19 of 26 patients (73.1%). A malignant tumor was detected in 21 of 26 patients. The EUS-guided fine needle aspiration was positive in 16 cases. The sensitivity for diagnosis of malignancy was 76.2% while specificity was 100%. The development of this new technique in the future needs further study.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1993

[Electronic sectorial ultrasound endoscopy in benign and malignant tumoral pathology of the stomach. Results in 30 patients].

From October 1991 to July 1992, endoscopic ultrasound examination (EUS) was performed preoperatively in 30 patients with gastrointestinal disease with a new forward-view fiber optic gastroscope with a 5 and 7.5 MHz curved-array linear transducer mounted directly behind the lens. Before EUS examination, endoscopy with biopsy had established the diagnosis of gastric disease in 22 cases: 16 adenocarcinoma, 4 lymphoma, 1 carcinoid tumor and 1 gastric metastasis of a chorionic tumor. In the 8 other cases, endoscopic diagnosis with non productive biopsy was gastric ulcer (1 case), submucosal tumor (5 cases), and large fold gastritis (2 cases). EUS established a correct diagnosis in 6 of these 8 cases (2 leiomyoma, 1 lipoma, 1 lymphoma, 2 gastric linitis). Correct preoperative TN staging was accomplished by EUS in 83.3% and correct preoperative staging for N was accomplished by EUS in 90%. This study shows that EUS a curved-array transducer is useful in preoperative TN staging of gastric tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1992

Detection and characterization of "chimeric" yeast artificial chromosome clones by fluorescent in situ suppression hybridization.

"Chimeric" yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are clones containing two or more noncontiguous segments of DNA and represent the most common artifact found in total genomic YAC libraries currently used for large-scale genome mapping. These YACs create spurious mapping information that complicates the construction of YAC contigs and leads to erroneous maps during chromosome walks. The presence of these artifactual clones necessitates laborious and time-consuming characterization of each isolated YAC clone, either by comparison of the physical map of the YAC with the corresponding source genomic DNA, or by demonstrating discrepant chromosomal origins for the two ends of the YAC by hybridization or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we describe a rapid and sensitive method for the assessment of YAC colinearity by fluorescence in situ suppression hybridization (FISSH) by utilizing fluorescein-12-dUTP for labeling YAC clones. We have analyzed 51 YACs and found that 43% (22 out of 51) are chimeric and significantly larger (302 kb) than colinear ones (228 kb). One of the 51 YAC clones (2%) examined contains portions of three chromosomes and 2 (4%) seem to map to a chromosome different than that of the identifying STS. FISSH analysis offers a straightforward visualization of the entire YAC insert on the chromosomes and can be used to examine many YACs simultaneously in few days.

Artifacts↗
PubMed1992

Cholesterol and lipoprotein levels in Milanese children: relation to nutritional and familial factors.

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis in adults and children. This study investigated the levels of lipoproteins in a northern Italian pediatric population, in relation to nutritional and familial factors. We studied 650 children on the basis of a 3-day dietary record; 361 of these children had their lipid levels [total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides] measured by a dry, multilayer method and apoprotein A-I and B by an immunonephelometric method. Familial history of cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia was recorded. Anthropometric variables were taken for each child. Mean TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were high compared with southern Italian data, but similar to those of other Western countries. Family history of cardiovascular disease could not identify children with higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein. Nutritional factors affected lipoprotein levels. The most important finding was a higher TC/HDL-C ratio in the lower quartile of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. Obese children had higher levels of ApoB, triglycerides, TC and LDL-C, and lower levels of HDL-C; figures were higher for obese boys than for obese girls. Our study confirms a high prevalence of elevated levels of atherogenic lipoproteins among the northern Italian pediatric population and an association with nutritional factors and weight.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1992

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein gp120-mediated killing of human haematopoietic progenitors (CD34+ cells).

The effects of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and recombinant envelope glycoprotein gp120 on the in vitro growth of enriched human haematopoietic progenitors (CD34+ cells) have been investigated. A 2 h exposure to HIV-1 resulted in a progressive and significant reduction of viable CD34+ cell number in liquid cultures and of granulocyte-macrophage, erythroid and megakaryocytic progenitors in semisolid cultures. In virus-treated CD34+ cells, no signs of active virus replication were observed and the possibility of latent infection was excluded by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Recombinant HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 added to CD34+ cell cultures displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory activity on CD34+ cell viability. Neutralizing antibody against gp120 was able to block completely the inhibitory activity on CD34+ cells of either HIV-1 or recombinant gp120. These results demonstrate that HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 has a direct cytotoxic effect on CD34+ cells.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1992

Familial history of cardiovascular disease and blood lipid pattern in newborn infants.

The levels of atherogenic lipid fractions are higher in children with a family history of ischemic cardiovascular disease (CD). This study was designed to examine this relationship in neonates. A total of 1276 newborns were investigated; 400 cord blood samples were collected for measurement of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C); on day 4, 1200 capillary samples were taken for TC and TG measurements. Male newborns with a positive history of CD had higher concentrations of cord blood TC (P less than 0.04) and LDL-C (P less than 0.02). On day 4 this difference in TC was no longer detectable (LDL-C not determined). A coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor family history is sensitive (0.87) in predicting high cord blood concentrations of LDL-C, the specificity being 0.46 and the positive predicting value 0.08.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1992

Interphase cytogenetics for the detection of the t(11;22)(q24;q12) in small round cell tumors.

Among the small round cell tumors differential diagnosis is particularly difficult for their undifferentiated or primitive character. In this mixed group of tumors, only the primitive neuroectodermal tumors, which include Ewing's sarcoma (ES), show the unique and consistent feature of the (11;22)(q24;q12) translocation, which can therefore be considered a hallmark of these neoplasias. We analyzed four primitive neuroectodermal tumor cell lines, one osteosarcoma cell line, and 11 patients by fluorescent in situ hybridization with cosmid clones 23.2 and 5.8, bracketing the t(11;22) at 11q24. Metaphase spreads from tumor cell lines, and from biopsy specimens of three patients with ES were analyzed. In the remaining eight patients comprising five ES, two small cell osteosarcomas and one chronic osteomyelitis, only nuclei preparations were available for analysis. We detected the t(11;22) in interphase nuclei of the four primitive neuroectodermal tumor cell lines, of three patients in which the karyotype demonstrated the translocation and in five cases of ES in which cytogenetic analysis had not been possible. Two cases of small cell osteosarcoma and one chronic osteomyelitis were also analyzed and were both normal with respect to the t(11;22). By analyzing cell lines and small round cell tumor samples by fluorescent in situ hybridization, we established that interphase cytogenetics is a rapid alternative to chromosomal analysis for the detection of the t(11;22) and represents an invaluable tool for the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Combined zidovudine and interferon-alpha 2a therapy in children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

A study was carried out in five children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome to assess the effect of combined zidovudine/interferon-alpha 2a therapy with that of zidovudine given alone on immunological profiles and plasma zidovudine concentrations. Immunoglobulins A, G and M, total and absolute CD4 lymphocyte counts, and p24 antigen concentrations did not differ significantly when children were treated with 300 mg/m2 zidovudine given orally once every 12 h, or with 150 mg/m2 zidovudine plus 1.5 or 3 MIU interferon-alpha 2a given intramuscularly three times weekly. Peak plasma zidovudine concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower when combined treatment with 150 mg/m2 zidovudine/1.5 MIU interferon-alpha 2a was administered compared with 300 mg/m2 zidovudine alone, or combined 150 mg/m2 zidovudine/3 MIU interferon-alpha 2a. The results suggest that combination zidovudine/interferon-alpha 2a therapy may be more efficacious than zidovudine alone and that the normal zidovudine dose may be reduced if interferon-alpha 2a is given in addition, thus reducing the side-effects associated with zidovudine.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

GM-CSF production by CD4+ T-lymphocytes is selectively impaired during the course of HIV-1 infection. A possible indication of a preferential lesion of a specific subset of peripheral blood CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

The production of granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were evaluated in the supernatants of short-term cultures of purified CD4+ T-lymphocytes and enriched monocytes obtained from peripheral blood (PB) of 35 HIV-1 seropositive (+) asymptomatic individuals, stages I-II of the Walter Reed (WR) classification, 15 HIV (+) symptomatic patients (WR V-VI) and 40 HIV-1 seronegative normal blood donors. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production by either enriched monocytes or isolated CD4+ T-cells, was similar in HIV-1 (+) asymptomatic, symptomatic subjects and normal controls. GM-CSF level in enriched monocyte culture supernatants did not show any significant difference in the three groups of subjects under investigation. On the other hand, GM-CSF production by isolated CD4+ T-lymphocytes was two-fold decreased in HIV-1 (+) asymptomatic subjects and five-fold decreased in HIV-1 (+) symptomatic patients with respect to normal blood donors. The decline in GM-CSF production was clearly correlated with viral isolation from patient's PB light density mononuclear cells (r = -0.920, p less than 0.01). The selective and progressive decline in GM-CSF production by CD4+ T-lymphocytes, starting from early stages of HIV-1 infection, suggest a preferential lesion of a specific subset of CD4+ T-lymphocytes characterized by an intense production of GM-CSF and may contribute to explain the deranged inflammatory and immune responses which characterize the course of HIV-1 infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

[Colposcopy in gynecologic cancers. Retrospective study of 192 examinations].

One hundred and ninety two colposcopic examinations carried out on 183 patients of whom 140 had carcinoma of the cervix, 26 carcinoma of the endometrium and 17 carcinoma of the ovaries were analysed in order to assess the value of colposcopy in patients with gynaecological cancer. The mean distance from the edge of the anus that was looked at was 45 cms--the range being from--130. Out of all the systematic examinations that were carried out before any treatment was started, 103 were for cervical cancer and among these invasion of the rectal mucosa was found in two cases (1.9%). Twelve cases of external pressure on the rectum and 9 cases of recto-colic polyadenomata (8.7%) of which one was malignant. Out of the 14 colposcopies that were carried out for carcinoma of the endometrium one case of rectal invasion was found and one case of external compression. In the 12 cases of cancer of the ovary 2 were found to have recto-colic spread, 1 external compression and 1 malignant polyadenoma. All these cases of spread to the rectum and colon were diagnosed in advanced cases (stage III or IV). In the 63 examinations carried out on follow-up the most common warning sign was a rectal discharge and the most commonly found lesion in the rectum was actinomycotic inflammation of the rectum. The 5 cases of recurrence in the rectum expressed themselves most often by the rectal syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Transanorectal ultrasonography in the evaluation of extension and the monitoring of epidermoid cancers of the anus treated by radiation or chemotherapy].

Twenty-five consecutive patients (5 men and 20 women) with squamous cell anal carcinoma were evaluated by transanorectal ultrasonography (TRUS). The patients were treated with radiotherapy alone (6 cases) or combined concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (19 cases). The ultrasound findings were compared with clinical stage as assessed by digital examination and with pelvic computed tomography. Four tumors in clinical stage T2 showed evidence of external sphincter involvement at ultrasound (UT3) and one tumor in clinical stage T1 showed an invasion of the internal sphincter at ultrasound examination. Low echogenic, rounded structures, interpreted as enlarged lymph nodes, were identified in 8 cases at ultrasound but were not seen with computed tomography. Ultrasonograms were also obtained one month after the achieved end of radiation. Correct staging was by TRUS and CT in 92% and 72% of cases respectively. When combining clinical stage with TRUS, all tumors classified as T1-T2, UT1, UT2 had a complete response to radiotherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy. TRUS could be a useful adjunct to digital palpation in initial staging and in follow-up after medical treatment of anal canal carcinoma.

Adult↗