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Biomedical subjects

A Manunta

Publications and source records attributed to A Manunta.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Value of immunohistochemical Ki-67 and p53 determinations as predictive factors of outcome in renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Nuclear grade and tumor stage are important prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma, but tumors of similar stage and grade can exhibit a wide variation in biologic behavior and clinical outcome. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the immunologic markers, Ki-67 (MIB1) and p53, in 73 cases of conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma and compared these markers with the accepted prognostic features of grade, stage, and tumor size in predicting outcome. METHODS: Specimens of 73 renal cell carcinomas of different nuclear grade (20 Furhman I/II, 32 Fuhrman III, and 21 Fuhrman IV) and different stage (10 pT1, 23 pT2, 36 pT3, and 4 pT4) were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against Ki-67 and p53. RESULTS: Univariate statistical analysis showed that tumor size (P <0. 001), nuclear grade (P <0.01), tumor stage (P <0.01), Ki-67 index (P <0.001), and p53 immunostaining (P <0.03) correlated significantly with a poor prognosis. A Ki-67 index of 20% was a powerful predictor of survival in all patients (P <0.00001), with strong predictive values. On multivariate analysis, the Ki-67 index and metastases were significant independent prognostic factors (P <0.02 and <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ki-67 immunostaining appeared to be an additional prognostic indicator of biologic aggressiveness in renal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical assessment of tumor antigens could be used to identify patients at high risk of tumor progression in addition to conventional prognostic factors.

Adult↗

A new flavonoid glycoside from Centaurea horrida.

A new natural compound, horridin (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Centaurea horrida. Its structure as quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside was determined by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR.

Asteraceae↗

Artificial sphincter insertion after radiotherapy: is it worthwhile?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of radiotherapy on the outcome of artificial urinary sphincter implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 72 men who had an artificial urinary sphincter inserted were reviewed retrospectively, analysing in detail the information from 15 patients with a past history of pelvic radiotherapy. RESULTS: In those who had undergone radiotherapy, the complication rate was higher, both for re-operation (eight of 15) and infection (three); 11 of the 15 patients were continent after surgery, compared with 51 (89%) of the 57 in the unirradiated group. CONCLUSIONS: An artificial sphincter can be inserted after pelvic radiotherapy reasonably successfully, but at the cost of a high complication and re-operation rate. Patients with a previous history of radiotherapy should be informed of the higher risk of surgical revision associated with insertion of the prosthesis.

Adult↗

Effects of UV-C irradiation on phosphoinositide turnover in plant cells: similarities with those occurring via the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates in animal cells.

With the aim of examining the response of plant cells to UV-C irradiation, we investigated the behaviour of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PtdIns 4,5-P2) molecule (the precursor of the phosphoinositide signal transduction cascade) by exposing callus cells from Peucedanum verticillare to UV-C (130 J m-2) and by examining the level and the fatty acid composition of PtdIns 4,5-P2 at different times after irradiation. We show that a pathway for the UV-C response includes transient PtdIns 4,5-P2 breakdown. The effect of ultraviolet rays is mimicked by H2O2 suggesting that in this plant it may be brought about by reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), as already underlined in experimental animal models.

Animals↗

Flavonoids from genista ephedroides

Three new flavonoids (1-3) and 11 known compounds (genistein, isoprunetin, wighteone, laburnetin, alpinumisoflavone, genistin, genistein 8-C-glucoside, apigenin, isokaempferide, licoflavone C, and D-pinitol) were isolated from the aerial parts of Genista ephedroides. The structures of the new compounds were established as hydroxyalpinumisoflavone (1) [4', 5-dihydroxy-2"-methyl-2"-hydroxymethylpyrano(5",6":6,7)isoflavone], ephedroidin (2) [4',5, 7-trihydroxy-8-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)flavone], and genisteone (3) (7-O-glucosylwighteone) by means of spectroscopic methods.

Journal Article↗

[Ureteral reimplantation on psoas bladder: long-term results].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indications and long-term results of ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1985 and December 1997, we performed psoas-hitch ureteral reimplantation in 18 patients (13 females and 5 males). Mean age was 48 years old. All ureteral injuries involved a pelvic portion of the ureter. The indication was: ureteral injury during gynecological procedures in 5 cases, stricture following open uretero-lithotomy in 3 cases, avulsion of the ureter during ureteroscopy in 1 case, stricture following prior ureteral reimplantation in 3 cases, prostate cancer involving the distal ureter in 1 case, megaureter in 1 case, radiation therapy in 1 case, pelvic and ureteral endometriosis in 3 cases. Treatment consisted to adequate mobilization of the bladder, fixation of the posterolateral corner of the bladder to psoas and ureteral reimplantation with anti-reflux system. In all cases, psoas-hitch ureteral reimplantation has been performed because of an inability to perform end-to-end uretero-ureterostomy or direct uretero-neocystostomy. RESULTS: No complications were observed. At follow-up of 7 months to 12 years (mean 5.7 years) we noticed 13 success (72.4%), 4 improvements (22.2%) and one patient (5.4%) was lost at follow-up. No nephrectomy was done. CONCLUSION: Psoas-hitch bladder ureteral reimplantation is simple, effective and a first-line procedure for the replacement of the long defects of the lower ureter.

Adult↗

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate distribution in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill seedlings cultivated "in vitro" under different conditions.

Measurements of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins1,4,5-P3) in cotyledons, epicotyls and roots of tomato seedlings grown "in vitro" either in the light or in the dark indicated that higher concentrations of this signal-transducing molecule are contained in hypogeous vs. epigeous tissues. The same was observed in induced cotyledon explants grown in the light in the presence of growth regulators. Data concerning phosphatidylinositol metabolism in seedling roots are also reported. Taken together, our results may be helpful in understanding the role of the polyphosphoinositide signal system in plants.

Calcium Chloride↗

Laparoscopic continent gastrostomy.

Surgical feeding gastrostomy is attended by a significant morbidity and mortality. The percutaneous endoscopic route is regarded as the best method, but it is not feasible in cases with pharyngoesophageal stenosis. We here describe a new method using laparoscopy. The technique is easy to perform. The patient retains continence, with the abdominal wall muscle acting as a sphincteric mechanism around the gastric tube.

Aged↗

[Palliative treatment of cancer of the rectum using an urologic prostate resectoscope].

Palliative treatment for patients with rectal carcinoma concerns more than 10% of the 8000 cases diagnosed each year in France. Seventeen patients (median age: 83 years) underwent 27 endoscopic transanal resections using a urological resectoscope. The morbidity was 18.5% and there were no postoperative deaths. The median hospital stay for the procedure alone was 4 days. Local control was obtained in 13 (76%) patients with good palliation of obstruction, bleeding and tenesmus. The mean survival time was six months. This simple, minimally invasive and economic method should be part of palliative treatment for patients with rectal carcinoma together with laser destruction and external beam radiotherapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Ultrastructural appearance of chondroblastoma.

The ultrastructural appearance of two chondroblastoma were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The polygonal basal cells, with a scanty pericellular matrix, show a poorly developed endoplasmic reticulum and many Golgi bodies. The highly differentiated chondroid cells are assembled in isogenous clusters and show intracytoplasmic inclusions of glycogen and lipids, numerous mitochondria and superficial secretion vesicles arising from a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. Clusters of crystals, in close contact with the matrix collagen fibres are found near to the tumour cells. These ultrastructural characteristics, together with the basal undifferentiated cells that proliferate and differentiate into cartilaginous tissue, distinguish this neoplasm from chondroma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and chondromyxoid fibroma and confirm its chondroid origin.

Adolescent↗

Triterpenoid saponins from Bupleurum fruticosum.

Three triterpenoid saponins 1-3 of the oleanane series, containing one fucose and two glucose units, were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Bupleurum fruticosum. Their structures were elucidated by means of fabms and a combination of homo- and heteronuclear 2D nmr techniques. Two of the three saponins are new.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗

Scanning electron microscopy study of articular cartilage in the evolution of hip arthritis.

The authors report the results of scanning electron microscopy examination of samples of articular surface taken from 15 arthritic femoral heads removed during hip replacement. The specimens were collected from areas of the femoral head where different degrees of degenerative changes were identified, and processed with the normal techniques for scanning electron microscopy. A definition was made of the mechanisms leading to articular cartilage wear, the most obvious sign of cartilage degeneration. The earlier stages were characterized by the appearance of clefts in the surface layer, which merged and formed scales that flaked off, giving rise to superficial abrasions. The evolution of the degenerative process led to a deepening of the clefts, reaching the intermediate and deep layers and creating further scales of cartilage tissue, oblique or perpendicular to the surface. The elimination of these formations causes more or less marked wear that can extend down to the subchondral bone (ulcers and ground surfaces). As well as information on the condition of the articular surfaces, scanning electron microscopy may also provide details on the morphology and structure of the chondrocytes and the fibrillar network in the sagittal sections, showing the regressive phenomena associated with arthritis.

Aged↗

[The use of Sorbsan in the treatment of the donor site of skin transplantations].

Sorbsan is a new dressing composed of alginate fibers extracted from seaweed. It is claimed to have important hydrophilic, haemostatic and biocompatible qualities. Sorbsan was used in the treatment of the donor site of split skin grafts in 52 patients operated in this department from 1988 to 1990. The patients of this series required a skin graft for various reasons as detailed below: a) skin burns in 24 cases; 2) covering of a muscle flap used in the treatment of sacral pressure sores in 15 cases; c) 13 cases of loss of substance from other various causes. Healing time averaged 16.8-13.4 and 9.3 days respectively in the three groups reported above. In 85% of cases, healing was achieved in a period variable between one and two weeks and a half, varying in accordance with patient age and general conditions. The speed of healing, particularly where thin grafts were taken, allowed multiple split skin grafts to be taken from the same donor site, facilitating the treatment of extensive skin burns. The dressing can be removed with ease with only minimal discomfort to the patient. The incidence of side effects such as itching and scar hypertrophy or pigmentation is low. We haven't noticed any allergic reaction in this series. We found the use of this dressing satisfying in the treatment of donor sites of split skin grafts, particularly in terms of patient comfort and speed or healing.

Adolescent↗

Morphological aspects of the synovial membrane and the femoral epiphyseal nucleus in anemia induced experimentally (note 1).

The authors describe the macroscopic and ultra-structural changes in the synovial membrane and the growth nucleus consequent to anemia induced experimentally. In the anatomical region studied an early and a late response to the transitory anoxia is observed. The former is represented by the accentuation of the macrophagic activity of the A synoviocytes and by pictures of trabecular fragmentation. The latter is represented by hyperplasia of the synovial membrane, a reduction in the thickness of the joint cartilage, and by early and patchy calcification of the epiphyseal disc.

Anemia↗

[Perichondrial changes in the evolutionary course of traumatic lesions of the epiphysis in growth].

The authors conducted an experimental study aimed at defining the response of the perichondrium to traumatic stimuli. Thirty rabbits were used, subdivided into two groups: in the first group, the perichondrium was submitted to indirect trauma (fracture of the growth nucleus); in the other, to direct trauma (decortication of th perichondrium). We observed that the lesions constitute a stimulus for cellular proliferation with successive differentiation depending on various procedures. The mesenchymal cells of the deeper layer of the perichondrium reveal a tendency towards differentiation in a chondroblastic sense; the portion of these cells which face the metaphysis are generally differentiated to constitute typical cytotypes of the periosteum, giving way to membranous ossification phenomena. The more external layer reveals proliferation of its fibrovascular component. This experimental model allowed us to emphasise the proliferative tendency of so-called perichondrial cells (those of the deep layer). Thus, their role in providing the growth cartilage of new chondrocytes was confirmed, contributing to the transverse development of the metaphysis.

Animals↗