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Biomedical subjects

R Moscatelli

Publications and source records attributed to R Moscatelli.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Interference between enterovirus and reovirus as a limiting factor in environmental virus detection.

AIMS: Faecal material from raw sewage or other sources lacking effective treatment sometimes contaminates water for human consumption. The relevant Italian regulations therefore call for testing drinking and recreational water for the presence of enterovirus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Traditional methods of analysis are based on revealing the typical cytopathic effects of enterovirus on cell cultures. However, the presence in environmental samples of different types of virus may cause interference phenomena that mask such cytopathic effects. The paper reports on an experimental test of this interference hypothesis. Buffalo Green Monkey cell cultures were co-infected via mixed suspensions of the polio type 3 virus and reovirus type 1. Cytopathic effects were then sought and the presence of enterovirus tested for via RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results obtained indicate that the normally high sensitivity of tests for the detection of enterovirus in samples is considerably decreased by the simultaneous presence of reovirus.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by bupropion prescribed as pharmacological support to stop smoking. A case report.

We report the first case of acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by bupropion. This antidepressant was taken by a 49-year-old female as adjuvant treatment to stop smoking. After 20 days of bupropion, the patient presented a symptomatology characterized by asthenia, nausea and scleral icterus and biochemical analyses showed a dramatic increase in direct bilirubin (up to 28 mg/dl) and transaminases (up to 68-fold normal limits). Antinuclear antibodies were positive (title = 1:80; speckled pattern). Biochemical analyses and antinuclear antibodies were normal two years earlier. The histology showed a pattern of acute hepatitis with involvement of bile ducts and with features of centrolobular cholestasis. Treatment with methylprednisolone was commenced and continued for 20 days. Liver enzymes and bilirubin returned to normal within two months of withdrawal of bupropion and remained normal during the 4-month follow-up. Antinuclear antibodies also became negative. Other causes of liver damage were excluded. Considering the clinical diagnostic scale for hepatotoxic adverse drug reaction, our patient showed a score compatible with the final diagnosis of bupropion-related cholestatic hepatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Helicobacter pylori eradication with dual and low-dose triple therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few data exist on the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in cirrhotic patients. In this study we assessed the efficacy of standard dual and one-week low-dose triple therapy on Helicobacter pylori eradication in cirrhotics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 83 cirrhotic patients with epigastric pain were randomised to receive either a two-week course of dual therapy, composed of omeprazole 20 mg b.d. plus amoxycillin 1 g b.d. (n = 41) or a one-week course of triple therapy, composed of omeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 250 mg b.d., and tetracycline 500 mg b.d (n = 42). Helicobacter pylori infection at entry and eradication 6-8 weeks after the end of therapy were assessed by rapid urease test and histology on biopsies from the antrum and corpus. When eradication did not occur with either dual or triple therapy, patients were given the alternative regimen. Helicobacter pylori eradication in these patients was assessed 6-8 weeks after the end of treatment by a further endoscopy. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori eradication was achieved in 87.8% (36 out of 41; 95% confidence interval 77.8-97.8%) of patients after dual therapy and in 85.7% (36 out of 42; 95% confidence interval 75.1-96.3%) of patients treated with triple therapy (p = NS). In patients in whom initial eradication was unsuccessful, re-treatment eradicated Helicobacter pylori in 4 out of 5 patients given the triple regimen and in all 5 patients who received the dual therapy. One patient was lost to follow-up. No major side-effects were reported for either treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that both dual and triple therapies are effective in Helicobacter pylori eradication in cirrhotics as well as in eradication failure patients. Therefore, the use of the dual therapy regimen is strongly suggested as an initial treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication in cirrhotic patients.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed1998

[Regional campaign promoting the use of sodium iodide: "a pinch of health"].

The regional campaign aimed at promoting consumer purchase and use of iodized salt was launched in 1988. The aim of this campaign has been to disseminate correct dietary information to regional consumers, guaranteeing at the same time the availability of iodine-enriched salt through the regional commercial distribution network. The main campaign target is to reach average consumption levels in the more developed countries. The regional campaign is a part of the world-wide WHO and UNICEF projects aimed at eradicating thyroid disorders due to an inadequate iodine intake. The campaign is to be further developed through health and consumer education programs in the school as well as a wider coverage of the issue in the mass-media.

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