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Biomedical subjects

I Papadopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to I Papadopoulos.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Epidemiology of adult rheumatoid arthritis in northwest Greece 1987-1995.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Greece differs in its clinical, serological, and genetic aspects from that of Northern European countries. We investigated the incidence and prevalence of RA in the district of Ioannina in northwest Greece for the period 1987-1995. METHODS: We investigated records of patients at rheumatology clinics of university and general hospitals and private clinics in Ioannnina. Diagnosis was by 1987 ACR criteria, and the population data were based on the 1991 national census. Crude and age specific rates were calculated as number of cases per 1000 inhabitants. Age adjusted rates were obtained by the direct method using the European standard population. RESULTS: A total of 428 cases of RA were identified during the study period. Total prevalence of RA was for men 2.05 and for women 4.78 cases/1000 inhabitants, and the total women/men ratio was 2.33. Annual incidence rates fluctuated between 0.15 and 0.36/1000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a low prevalence and low incidence of RA in northwest Greece. Environmental and/or genetic factors may explain this low frequency of the disease in the population studied.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Prognostic indicators for response to therapy and survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer treated with interferon alpha-2 beta and vinblastine.

OBJECTIVES: Only one third of all patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma respond to immunochemotherapy. Improved patient selection could render such treatment unnecessary in many cases. The goal of the study was to test various factors for their prognostic value as predictors of success of immunochemotherapy and patient survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: Fifty patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma were subjected to immunochemotherapy with interferon alpha-2 beta and vinblastine. Different variables such as age, sex, location of metastasis, primary or late metastasis, performance status, histologic status, overexpression of the p53 protein and cell proliferation as assessed by immunohistochemistry, and deoxyribonucleic acid-ploidy were considered as potential prognostic factors for response to immunochemotherapy and survival. RESULTS: Thirty percent (15) of the cases responded to therapy: 2 complete and 13 partial remissions. In univariate analysis, the proliferative activity (Ki-S5 labeling index) emerged as the statistically most significant prognostic factor (P = 0.0013) for prediction of successful immunochemotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The second most significant factor was the location of metastases (P = 0.015), whereas all other parameters did not achieve statistical significance. As to overall survival, responsiveness to therapy was the most significant predictor (P = 0.0003), followed by Ki-S5 scores (P = 0.025). All other factors, including the sites of metastasic spread (P = 0.21), were not statistically relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Proliferation status in terms of Ki-S5 immunoreactive scores appears to be a valuable predictor of the responsiveness to immunochemotherapy. Overall survival appears to depend essentially on disease progression and tumor cell proliferation. Other alleged prognostic factors, such as performance status, sarcomatoid histology, and metastasis location, were not significant in this study.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

p53 expression, proliferation marker Ki-S5, DNA content and serum PSA: possible biopotential markers in human prostatic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The biology of prostate cancer is poorly understood. Despite established prognostic criteria, a confident prediction of the clinical outcome is not always possible. Therefore, additional and more precise information is highly desirable. In the present study, we compared potential biologic markers with the laboratory, clinical, and histopathologic parameters of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, tumor stage, and tumor grade. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded material from 62 radical prostatectomies for prostate carcinoma was examined immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibody Ki-S5 to determine the tumor growth fraction and antibody DO-1 to assess p53 protein overexpression. Deoxyribonucleic acid-ploidy was analyzed by flow and image cytometry. Preoperative PSA levels were assessed by standard method. The tumors were categorized according to the Gleason grading system and staged postsurgery after the TNM classification. RESULTS: The p53 expression, proliferation rate (Ki-S5), and rate of aneuploidy correlated closely with stage (P < 0.05) and Gleason score (P < 0.01). However, divergences were occasionally observed. The ploidy status correlated closely with proliferative activity and p53 expression. Conversely, no correlation was seen between these parameters and serum PSA content, the latter being significantly associated with the tumor stage alone. CONCLUSIONS: The results characterize proliferation marker Ki-S5, p53 expression, and ploidy status as tumor biopotential markers, whereas PSA provides diagnostic information. Use of these investigative methods promises to provide additional information relevant in prognosis and therapy selection. Nonetheless, their precise prognostic value will have to be established in further studies.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Non-synergistic relaxant effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and SIN-1 in human isolated cavernous artery and corpus cavernosum.

Since vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) are considered to be non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory mediators in human penile erectile tissue, the goal of this study was to discover possible synergistic effects of exogeneous VIP and the NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) in human isolated cavernous arteries and cavernosal smooth muscle. In contrast to VIP, SIN-1 elicited complete and reproducible relaxant actions. Combined administration of VIP and SIN-1 revealed non-synergistic, independent relaxant effects in both investigated tissues. The results do not favour a combined administration of VIP and SIN-1 as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Arteries↗
PubMed1995

The need for nursing and midwifery programmes of education to address the health care needs of minority ethnic groups.

The article reviews some of the more influential literature of the past decade on the health needs of ethnic groups, in an effort to identify what is being done by nursing and midwifery education to address the health care needs of these groups and to prepare practitioners who are able to respond to these needs. The article suggests that despite the relative lack of progress in this field of health care and education, there still exists much confusion, disagreement and lack of clarity around many issues, such as the identification of relevant content, the integration of this content into the curriculum and more importantly the delivery of this content. The literature seems to point to a lack of cultural knowledge, particularly for certain ethnic groups, which needs to be rectified. But even when knowledge is available, the evidence clearly indicates that both educators and practitioners are failing to translate this into effective and culturally sensitive care. The article suggests that nursing and midwifery education could and should play an important role in the development and dissemination of culturally sensitive care.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1995

Adult Wilms' tumor: case report, management, prognosis.

Wilms' tumor being a rare disease in adults, even large centers have had experience with isolated cases only. In our clinic, we have treated two cases of histologically confirmed Wilms' tumor in the last 3 years. On the basis of two case reports, we describe the staging, treatment and prognosis of this highly malignant tumor. To a large extent, diagnostics and treatment follow the recommendations for Wilms' tumor in children.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Quantitative DNA analysis in renal cell carcinoma. Comparison of flow and image cytometry.

In 70 renal cell carcinomas, nuclear DNA content was determined by means of flow cytometry (FCM) and image cytometry (ICM). The two methods produced comparable results as to DNA tumor ploidy (DNA tumor stemlines, DNA index): 14 of the tumors were tetraploid or aneuploid and 56 diploid. Results with the two methods were also comparable in a comparison of DNA ploidy with degree of tumor malignancy (tumor grade G1-3) and local tumor spread stage (pT stage). As a consequence, both methods appear suitable as means of determining DNA tumor ploidy and thus of formulating a prognosis in renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinomas with diploid stemlines tend to be characterized by local growth, whereas tetraploid or aneuploid tumors show a tendency toward perirenal spread and venous invasion.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
PubMed1994

DNA content and the proliferation marker Ki-67 as prognostic indicators in renal cell carcinoma.

Patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma have a generally poor prognosis. Even cases that are clinically in comparable stages can, however, take quite different courses. The basic prognostic factors, histological grade and TNM stage do not do justice to the heterogeneous biological behavior of this tumor entity. In this study, the possible prognostic indicators, DNA content and proliferation rate, assessed with Ki-67, were compared with the histological grade and the TNM stage. Though there was no correlation between the proliferation rate (Ki-67) and the two, there was a significant correlation between DNA content and both histological grade and TNM stage.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed1991

[Inferior vena cava compression syndrome in cystic kidney. Duplex ultrasonic diagnosis].

Four months after renal transplantation for polycystic renal degeneration a 38-year-old man developed breathing-related pain in the left upper lung and a sinus tachycardia (130/min). Lung perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated pulmonary emboli from an acute venous thrombosis of the left lower leg. Polycythaemia and impairment of clot-inhibiting factors were excluded. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) distal to the hepatic veins, dorsal to the liver and ventral of a huge right polycystic kidney which had been left in situ at the time of the renal transplantation. Duplex sonography demonstrated a band-like flow profile in the region of the stenosis. Blood flow was clearly increased (0.62 m/s) and not affected by either heart rate or breathing movements. The findings were confirmed by angiography. The right kidney, weighing 5 kg, was removed at surgery. The IVC stenosis was postoperatively found to be relieved and duplex sonography gave normal findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

LHRH analogues do not protect the germinal epithelium during chemotherapy. An experimental animal investigation.

The protective effect of Decapeptyl, a D-Trp6-LHRH analogue, on the germinal epithelium of rats during chemotherapy was examined in an experimental animal study. Four groups were formed consisting of 15 (groups A and B) and 20 (groups C and D) Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. The animals were treated as follows: group A (control group) was given 0.9% NaCl i.m.; group B (LHRH group) D-Trp6-LHRH analogue (Decapeptyl); group C (LHRH + chemotherapy group) Decapeptyl + cyclophosphamide; group D (chemotherapy group) cyclophosphamide. The gonads were removed before therapy was initiated and on days 13, 52, and 182 after treatment and examined histologically. In addition, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the serum, a sensitive indicator of tubular damage, were determined. The most damaging effects of chemotherapy on histology and hormone levels were observed in the animals in group C, which were additionally treated with LHRH analogues. Therefore, it is not possible to protect the germinal epithelium of the rat with LHRH analogues during chemotherapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Does the immunophenotype of renal cell carcinoma correlate with its clinical stage?

The following comparative study is an analysis of the clinical data, morphology and immunophenotype of 93 patients who have been operated on for renal cell carcinoma. We were able to show a close link between the histological grade and the occurrence of distant metastases: 33% of the patients with grade III tumours versus 11.5% of the patients with grade I tumours had developed metastasis by the time of the surgery. Histological subtyping per se did not give prognostic hints. Immunohistochemistry has revealed an inconsistent reaction pattern for the cytokeratin marker K11 (18/22). For proper diagnosis a panel of cytokeratin markers should be employed. The reaction patterns of monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and against myelomonocytic antigens in normal renal tissue (positive for the tubulus system) and in renal carcinoma indicate that renal cell carcinoma derive from the tubulus system. The proliferation marker Ki-67 correlates well with the histological grading. Although only a limited number of snap-frozen tumours have been investigated, this study indicates that EGFR is expressed by normal and by malignant renal tissue and that Ki-67 may serve as a prognostic marker.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[Cavernosography using digital luminescence radiography (DLR) in the diagnosis of venous induced erectile function and of diseases of the corpus cavernosum].

Dynamic cavernosography is the most important technique for identifying and localizing venous leakage in erectile dysfunction. The use of digital radiography with a greater degree of tolerance in the exposure, a more dynamic signal, and a shorter exposure time can enhance the diagnostic value of conventional cavernosography. A further advantage of the method is the lower dosage required, which means that the gonads are exposed to less radiation. For 30 patients with erectile dysfunction and 7 other cases, conventional cavernosography images were compared with those obtained by this new method. The advantages of digital radiography are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Bilateral renal angiomyolipoma: involvement of the contralateral kidney after 25 years--an unusual case.

The diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma often poses problems, both clinically and pathohistologically. With the increasing refinement of imaging techniques it is becoming potentially possible to recognize these benign neoplasms by means of ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Electron microscopy and histochemical methods are often necessary for the correct pathological diagnosis. The problems involved are presented on the basis of the case history of a patient who suffered from renal angiomyolipoma in both kidneys with an interval of 25 years. The first tumor was diagnosed histologically as a liposarcoma 25 years ago.

Female↗
PubMed1990

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis associated with renal cell carcinoma. Report on two cases and review of the literature.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare and particularly aggressive variant of chronic destructive pyelonephritis. Even when all modern diagnostic possibilities are exhausted, it is often not possible to distinguish xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis from a renal cell carcinoma preoperatively. In clinical practice false diagnoses are therefore frequent. The coexistence of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare. We report 2 such cases. In 1 case surgery was performed on the kidney affected by xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis using a renal sparing technique.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Priapism following intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances as a urologic emergency].

From 1986 to 1989 papaverine was used alone or in combination with phentolamine in 165 patients in diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. In 14 patients a prolonged erection did occur after diagnostical introduction of SKAT therapy. Treatment consisted of intracavernous injection of 2-4 mg metaraminol, partly additional by puncture of cavernous bodies and evacuation of viscous blood. As single complication of metaraminol injection a hypertensive crisis could observed. A glando-cavernous shunt was not necessary in any case. After exact dosage adjustment the danger of drug-induced priapism is low.

Adult↗