Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Motta

Publications and source records attributed to G Motta.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Selective surgical resection in the management of small-cell carcinoma of the lung.

There is increasing evidence that selected patients with small-cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) may benefit from surgical resection. Since 1983, sixteen patients (aged 40-72 years) with limited SCCL underwent surgical resection before any other treatment. Criteria for patient selection were the following: 1) no pre-operative histological diagnosis or 2) pre-operative diagnosis of T1 or T2 SCCL, without evidence of both distant and mediastinal node metastases. All patients had potentially, curative resection (lobectomy: 11 cases; pneumonectomy: 5 cases). Postoperatively patients were classified as stage I in 7 cases, as stage II in 3 cases and as stage III in 6 cases. All subjects but one subsequently received adjuvant chemotherapy (Cisplatin; Adriamycin; VP-16). Prophylactic cranial irradiation was not given. Median survival time was 15.2 months for the whole group of patients, 19.6 months for stage I patients, 16 months for stage II patients and 9.7 months for stage III patients. The 2-year survival rate was 32% for all cases, 63% for stage I cases and 0% for stage II and stage III cases. Three stage I patients are alive and disease-free, 24, 26 and 31 months after resection, respectively. The brain was the most common site of initial relapse in stage I cases. These results suggest that surgery might favor intrathoracic disease control exclusively in stage I and stage II patients. Resection seems to be contraindicated in N2 tumors. If treatment policy is to achieve total disease control, prophylactic cranial irradiation should be recommended, notably in patients with stage I SCCL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic findings of choledochal sphincteroplasty. A 1 to 14 year follow-up study.

Sixty patients, who underwent choledochal sphincteroplasty and then yearly referred to the department for a diagnostic check-up, entered this study. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 years after surgery. Check-up examination included: 1) clinical assessment, 2) serum liver and pancreas function tests, and 3) ultrasonography. Good long-term clinical results were obtained in 50 cases. Seven patients complained of mild and temporary hepatic symptoms or digestive troubles. Three subjects developed severe symptoms: jaundice, fever, pain or ascites. The causes of the failures were: 1) recurrent stones in the distal portion of the common bile duct with cholangitis, 2) common hepatic duct stricture with recurrent stones and cholangitis, and 3) alcoholic cirrhosis. The following conclusions may be drawn: 1) Sphincteroplasty achieved a fourteen year success rate of 90% 2) Cholangitis, which supervened in 2 patients, was associated with bile duct strictures and recurrent stones. 3) The great majority of patients who had undergone sphincteroplasty, showed normal size of the bile ducts. However, 10% of patients still retained some degree of intrahepatic ductal dilatation. 4) Since recurrent bile duct stenoses occurred as far as 6 and 8 years after surgery, long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Abnormalities of T cells isolated from mediastinal lymph nodes and peripheral blood of patients with lung carcinoma: deficit in PHA-induced expression of HLA class II antigens and in autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions.

A reduced percentage of T cells isolated from mediastinal lymph nodes and peripheral blood of patients with lung carcinoma acquired HLA Class II antigens following in vitro stimulation with PHA. Furthermore T cells were functionally abnormal in autologous and allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR). The immunoregulatory properties of HLA Class II antigens and autologous MLRs suggest that these abnormalities may affect the interaction of the host's immune system with tumor cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Functional evaluation of the basophil/IgE system in the cord blood.

Basophil releasability was studied in 24 cord blood samples from normal-term deliveries. The histamine content in cord blood basophils was similar to that of adult blood basophils. The response to IgE-independent degranulating stimuli such as calcium ionophore A23187 and zymosan-activated human serum was overlapping with that of normal adults. Conversely, a reduced releasability was observed after challenge with anti-IgE, even after sensitization with an IgE-rich serum. The IgE-dependent degranulation seems to be hampered by the low concentrations of circulating and cell-bound IgE antibodies. The number of IgE molecules bound to the specific receptors in cord blood basophils is significantly lower than in adult blood basophils.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

The CO2 laser in the laryngeal microsurgery.

636 patients suffering from several laryngeal pathologies were treated with the CO2 laser. The results obtained confirm that this instrument is a valid alternative surgical tool, in comparison with the traditional surgery, because it allows to carry out the removal of the lesion with greater precision and more advantageously, when clinical indications are exact and surgical technique correctly performed. The results are as follows: Vocal nodules: no real advantages are offered by the CO2 laser in the treatment of these pathologies, whereas, in a small percentage of cases, the occurrence of reactive nodules or scars was noted; Cordal polyps are better removed with the traditional procedures, whereas the CO2 laser allows a more accurate excision of voluminous polyps or edemas of Reinke because of the bloodless operative field; Dyskeratoses: better functional results can be obtained using the laser. In these cases, however, an accurate preoperative evaluation is of fundamental importance to exclude any carcinomatous degeneration; Laryngeal amyloidosis is easily removed with minimal trauma and functional impairments using the laser; Laryngeal papillomatosis: the laser makes it possible to achieve complete recovery if radical excision, avoidance of accidental laryngeal damage and frequent postoperative controls are done; Laryngeal cancers: when clinical indications are correct, the main laser advantages in the treatment of T1 and T2 glottic cancers are the endoscopic removal of the lesion, avoidance of tracheotomy, shorter hospital stay and better quality of voice. Radical excision of the lesion is obtained by dissecting the tumor along the traditional cleavage plane, i.e. the inner perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage; Bilateral vocal cord paralysis: partial or total arytenoidectomy can be performed with the laser, with excellent functional results and minimal trauma and inconveniences; Laryngeal stenoses: chronic aditus edemas, vocal cord synechiae and webs are easily removed, taking care to avoid damage to the posterior commissure or to the elastic tracheal wall and performing frequent endoscopic removal of the fibrin clots in the postoperative period. Concentric stenoses and circumferential webs are firstly vaporized, then a silastic Montgomery T-tube is placed in the neocavity and left in place until re-epithelialization is completed. The insertion of a metallic tracheotomic cannula in the horizontal and descendant branches of the T-tube has been shown to be a useful precaution in order to achieve better results.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1986

Influence of the colonic environment on duodenal G-cell activity and proliferation.

To investigate the effects of the colonic environment on duodenal G-cell activity and proliferation, thirty white rats underwent antrectomy with gastroduodenostomy (control group) or antrectomy with interposition of a 15 mm segment of transverse colon between the gastric fundus and the first duodenal portion (experimental group). Three to four months after surgery, serum gastrin determinations were carried out by radioimmunoassay either in fasted or freely fed rats. The duodenum was then removed and its proximal third was used for G-cell count (immuno-peroxidase method) and for assessment of G-cell cytoplasmic granule content (electron microscopy examination). The interposition of a colonic segment between the gastric fundus and the first duodenal portion did not affect either serum gastrin levels or the cytoplasmic granule content of duodenal G-cells, while significantly increasing duodenal G-cell density. These results indicate that the colonic environment enhances duodenal G-cell proliferation, but gastrin release from the enlarged duodenal G-cell mass is not stimulated by the interposition of a colonic segment to replace the antrum, either under fasting or feeding conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Use of the polytetrafluoroethylene surgical membrane for control of intra-abdominal adhesions.

The new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surgical membrane is specifically designed to prevent adhesion formation. The present study was planned in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the PTFE surgical membrane as a parietal peritoneal substitute. Furthermore, the effects of the suture material used to implant the membrane under different operating conditions (clean or contaminated surgery) were also evaluated. One hundred-eighty rats were divided into 9 groups and underwent the following surgical procedures: Group 1: removal of a parietal peritoneum patch, which was left unrepaired; Group 2: a similar peritoneal defect was covered with the PTFE membrane by 8 polypropylene sutures; Group 3 (control group): only the 8 polypropylene suture were placed on the margin of the standard peritoneal defect; Group 4: the same procedure as in Group 2, using as sewing material PTFE sutures; Group 5 (control group): only the 8 PTFE sutures were placed on the margin of the standard peritoneal defect; Group 6, 7, 8 and 9: the same procedures as in Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, adding division and subsequent reanastomosis of the caecum. Animals of each group underwent a second laparotomy 10 days or 3 months after surgery for evaluation of the extent and density of adhesions, and of the intraperitoneal organ involvement. Histological examination of adhesions which formed was then carried out. No adhesions developed in rats of group 1, while they were always present in all the other groups. Under clean surgery, the adhesions were limited to the margin of the peritoneal defect, while under contaminated surgery they formed also on its central portion. The PTFE surgical membrane itself caused variations neither of the extent and density of adhesions which developed nor of the magnitude of intraperitoneal organ involvement. The type of suture material used to implant the membrane had no effect on adhesion formation.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1985

Approach to the direct intramolecular localization of antigenic determinants in Androctonus australis hemocyanin with monoclonal antibodies by molecular immunoelectron microscopy.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed vs. subunits from hemocyanin (Hc) of the scorpion Androctonus australis were used in molecular immunoelectron microscopy (MIEM) to directly localize the epitopes within the subunits. Four types of mAb were used. First, mAb 6302, an IgG clone highly specific for subunit Aa 2, produced with native hemocyanin long strings composed of hemocyanin molecules in the side view and in the 45 degrees view. At lower concentration, "parachute" and "butterfly" structures composed of two Hc molecules and one monoclonal immunoglobin G (IgG) molecule were obtained. Fab fragments prepared from mAb 6302 bound exactly on the top and bottom edges of the molecule. The second type of mAb (6003), directed vs. subunit Aa 2, produced nice immunocomplexes with the free subunit but nothing with the native oligomer. It is suggested that due to steric hindrance or to conformational changes the epitope is not accessible in the native molecule. The third mAb belonged to the IgM class and apparently bound Hc in the Aa 2 area. However, because of the difficulty of separating the immunocomplexes from the residual mAb and the polymorphism of the IgM molecules, monoclonal IgM are no longer used for MIEM. The last type of mAb (5701) had a high affinity and a high specificity for subunit Aa 6. It produced two types of immunocomplexes with native Hc. The two types differed by a 180 degrees rotation around one of the Fab arms. These complexes, which support recent results of Wrigley et al. [Wrigley, N. G., Brown, E. B., & Skehel, J. J. (1983) J. Mol. Biol. 169, 771-774] and of Roux [Roux, K. H. (1983) Eur. J. Immunol. 14, 459-464], indicate that monoclonal IgG have a high degree of rotational flexibility around the Fab arm. Monoclonal antibody 5701 bound exactly at the corner of the molecule in the area where subunit Aa 6 is known to be located. The MIEM approach of the location of the epitope requires the model of the architecture and of the quaternary structure to be very precise. Thus, recent findings of Gaykema et al. [Gaykema, W. P. J., Hol, J. M., Vereijken, J. M., Soeter, N. M., Bak, H. J., & Beintema, J. J. (1984) Nature (London) 309, 23-29] and of Van Heel et al. [Van Heel, M., Keegstra, W., Schutter, W., & Van Bruggen, E. F. J. (1983) Life Chem. Rep., Suppl. Ser. 1, 69-73] led to a reexamination of previous models.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The diagnostic value of perinatal ultrasound monitoring for foetal abdominal mass.

In the past two years seven cases of foetal abdominal mass were observed prenatally and operated on within 30 days of life. In four of seven cases no abdominal mass was ever palpable neither at birth nor under anaesthesia just before laparotomy, whereas in all cases it was both sonographically and surgically detected. The authors stress the importance of perinatal ultrasound monitoring to cope early with clinically undetectable abdominal mass. Furthermore, they emphasise that the necessary condition for definition of a mass should by now be that it is palpable and seen via ultrasound, but a perinatal ultrasound image of mass is sufficient to warrant careful detailed clinical evaluation.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1985

[New 2,4-dibromo-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)-aminomethylanilides of derivatives of cysteine and cystine with expectorant activity].

New 2,4-dibromo-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)aminomethylanilides of N-acetylcysteine and N-acetyl-S-carboxymethylcisteine derivatives, N-benzyloxycarbonylcysteine and N,N'-bisbenzyloxycarbonylcystine were synthesized. The compounds were tested for the expectorant activity in rabbit and mouse. N,N'-Bisbenzyloxycarbonylcystin-bis [2,4-dibromo-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)aminomethyl]anilide (XIX) was selected for further investigations.

Anilides↗
PubMed1984

Cadmium concentrations in blood and urine of pregnant women at delivery and their offspring.

The levels of cadmium in blood (CdB) and in urine (CdU) were measured in 40 women at delivery and in their offspring. The women were not occupationally exposed to cadmium. The CdB levels in the pregnant women were significantly lower than in a control group consisting of 40 subjects of the same sex and age living in the same area. The difference can probably be ascribed to the physiological hemodilution that takes place in pregnancy. The CdU levels in the two groups were identical, which suggests that no mobilization of the metal from tissue deposits occurs during pregnancy. The presence of cadmium in the blood and urine of the newborn demonstrates that cadmium crosses the placental barrier. There was a rather high correlation between the CdU levels of mothers and offspring. Since only traces of cadmium are present in tissues at birth, it is speculated that the CdU levels in the newborn are influenced by the tissue deposits of cadmium in the mother. Further research is required to ascertain whether, in the case of women occupationally exposed to cadmium or living in cadmium polluted areas, transfer of the metal across the placenta can produce toxic effects in the foetus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Healing of experimental defects on the stomach: influence of autologous and heterologous materials.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of various autologous and heterologous structures on gastric defect healing. In 210 rats, standard gastric defects were closed using the following structures as patches: (1) pedicled colonic patches, (a) mucosal layer to lumen, and (b) peritoneal surface to lumen; (2) leiomuscular colonic buttons; and (3) lyophilized bovine tendon collagen sponges. The specimens were removed from the defect areas at standard time intervals ranging from 2 to 12 months after surgery; the samples were then examined by light microscopy (hematoxylin-eosin; Azan Mallory; Grimelius methods) and by transmission and scanning electronmicroscopy. The colonic mucosa appeared to be the most resistant of the structures to gastric secretions; it showed no mucosal disruption during the entire period of observation and also underwent a progressive gastric-like morphological transformation. In all the other cases, the healing process involved the initial development of granulation tissue followed by scar tissue with gastric mucosa growing over the scar tissue to fill the defects.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Occult metastases in cancer of the larynx and their relationship to clinical and histological aspects of the primary tumor: a four-year multicentric research.

The authors have tried to verify whether some clinical or pathological features of laryngeal cancer may favor the occurrence of occult metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck in N0 cases. The purpose of the investigation was to define the possible existence of tumors, where elective neck dissection, in the absence of palpable nodes, could be done without, thus contributing to settlement of a long debated problem. Different parameters, both clinical and pathological, have been considered. The result of a cross comparison of such parameters in 237 cases of cancer of the larynx without palpable nodes, submitted to surgery on the primary and elective neck dissection, indicates that, although the frequency of occult metastases is significantly related to the site and size of the tumor, its grading, and the degree and type of stromal reaction, the favorable concurrence of all said parameters occurs in 2% of cases only. However, if only clinical parameters, viz. site and size of tumor, are taken into account, a favorable concurrence occurs in 18% of cases with an incidence of occult metastases lower than 2%. These cases are almost exclusively represented by T1N0 supraglottic and T2N0 glottic tumors. We can conclude by saying that clinical and pathological preoperative findings may offer a useful clue in evaluating the risk of occult metastases, and hence advising, or not, an elective neck dissection in N0 cases. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases, an elective functional neck dissection still offers the best guarantee of oncologic safety while avoiding unnecessary mutilation.

Humans↗