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Biomedical subjects

R Ramos

Publications and source records attributed to R Ramos.

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

In vivo cell kinetic effects of cis-platinum on human ovarian cancer xenografts measured by dual parameter flow cytometry.

Dual parameter flow cytometry, measuring DNA and nuclear protein of individual cell nuclei simultaneously, makes it possible to follow cell kinetic perturbations in six distinct compartments of the cell cycle following chemotherapy in vivo. Human ovarian cancer xenografts in nude mice from a primary and recurrent tumor of the same patient were studied. The response to intraperitoneal application of cis-platinum was assessed by tumor volume measurements, changes in labeling indices by autoradiography, and dual parameter flow cytometry. Sequential tissue samples were taken from each tumor using fine needle aspirations as a microbiopsy method. Pretherapy samples were compared to multiple specimens collected up to 18 days after therapy. Morphologic changes of each specimen were also assessed. Cis-platinum affects malignant cells in the G1B, S, G2A, and G2B compartments with various intensities and different time frames, depending on the drug sensitivity of each individual tumor.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Systemic deficiency of carnitine].

Authors present a case of carnitine systemic deficiency. Relevant signs being severe muscular hypotonia, fat infiltration of the liver and muscles, as well as frequent episodes of severe hypoglycemia. Infrequent occurrence of this syndrome (this being the first case in our country) and therapeutic implications involved, justify this comment. Evolution is favourable if the correct treatment is applied.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1986

A prospective randomized clinical trial of intracoronary streptokinase versus coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

We randomly assigned 56 patients who presented within 12 hours of their first symptoms of acute myocardial infarction to treatment with either intracoronary streptokinase or coronary angioplasty. The mean (+/- SD) duration of symptoms (3.0 +/- 1.2 hours in the group treated with angioplasty vs. 3.6 +/- 1.8 in the group treated with streptokinase; P not significant) and time to recanalization (4.1 +/- 1.4 hours vs. 4.8 +/- 1.7 hours; P not significant) were similar in both groups. Coronary recanalization was achieved in 83 percent of the patients treated with angioplasty and in 85 percent of those treated with streptokinase (P not significant). Residual luminal stenosis in the coronary artery was significantly decreased after angioplasty, as compared with streptokinase therapy (43 +/- 31 percent of patients vs. 83 +/- 17; P less than 0.001). Residual stenosis of 70 percent or more was present in 4 percent of the angioplasty-treated patients and in 83 percent of the streptokinase-treated patients (P less than 0.01). Ventricular function after therapy was assessed by serial contrast ventriculograms. Increases in both global ejection fraction (8 +/- 7 percent vs. 1 +/- 6; P less than 0.001) and regional wall motion (+1.32 +/- 1.32 SD vs. +0.59 +/- 0.79 SD; P less than 0.05) were greater for the angioplasty group. We conclude that angioplasty and streptokinase produce similar rates of early coronary reperfusion during evolving transmural myocardial infarction. However, angioplasty is significantly more effective in alleviating the underlying coronary stenoses, and this may result in more effective preservation of ventricular function after therapy.

Angiography↗
PubMed1986

In vivo chemosensitivity testing in patients with gynecologic malignancies and nude mouse xenografts by monitoring cell kinetic parameters and DNA distribution patterns: a preliminary report.

Using flow cytometry (FCM) and autoradiography we have evaluated changes in DNA-ploidy patterns as well as cell-cycle perturbations after chemotherapy in 12 patients with accessible tumors and 22 nude mice xenografts. Gynecologic malignancies growing as nude mouse xenografts serve as an experimental model to study the effect of chemotherapy at the cellular level. Excellent correlation was found between fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsy material for either FCM or autoradiography. It now appears possible to study the effects of chemotherapy in the patient as well as the animal model using serial FNAs as a microsampling technique.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1985

A modification of the 133Xe inhalation method for the measurement of liver blood flow in man.

The 133Xe inhalation technique for liver blood flow measurements was modified by using a gamma camera for data acquisition. Desaturation curves were derived from regions of interest (ROIs) over different parts of the liver, the lung and that lung area overlapping the liver, the liver hilus, and the splanchnic area. An additional liver scan with 99mTc-sulfur colloid facilitated the choice of these regions and allowed the estimation of the total liver volume. Thirteen healthy volunteers were examined under baseline conditions. Uncorrected blood flow values derived from the 133Xe-washout curves over the liver (40 +/- 10 ml/min/100 g liver) were lower than those found with other methods. A multicompartment model, based on the input functions calculated from the lung and splanchnic curves, gave values in accordance with those reported in the literature (94 +/- 20 ml/min/100 g or 1,356 +/- 382 ml/min/liver; mean liver volume: 1,475 +/- 227 g). Some methodologic limitations are shared with other invasive or noninvasive techniques.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Membranous laryngotracheobronchitis, a complication of measles.

Membranous laryngotracheobronchitis is a very serious infection which affects the larynx, trachea and bronchi, requiring aggressive therapeutic measures. It has been recently rediscovered as a cause of disease in children. However, it is a very unusual complication of measles. Two infants with measles and membranous laryngotracheobronchitis are reported.

Bronchitis↗
PubMed1984

Antibiotic prevention of infections complicating radical abdominal hysterectomy.

In this randomized, double-blind study, the effectiveness of a single-agent prophylactic antibiotic in reducing infections after radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was compared with a placebo. A total of 12 doses of cefoxitin (2g) or placebo were given to 70 patients, starting the evening before surgery. Because of tumor spread beyond the cervix, radical hysterectomy was not performed in 17 patients who were, therefore, excluded from the study. Analysis of 53 patients who completed the study revealed that 15% of cefoxitin patients had surgical site-related infections compared with 52% of placebo patients (P = .005). Significant differences between the groups were also observed in nonsurgical site-related infections (23 versus 48%), overall morbidity (58 versus 89%), and the need for additional antibiotic therapy (38 versus 67%). Socioeconomic status was a significant risk factor with 57% of staff patients demonstrating increased site-related infections as compared with 17% of private patients (P = .002). No clinically significant side effects were observed. The authors recommend the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing radical abdominal hysterectomy for gynecologic malignancies.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Conservative approach to the treatment of Bowen's disease of the anus.

Bowen's disease is a type of squamous carcinoma in situ with peculiar characteristics. It has a high incidence of associated internal malignancies and its progression to an invasive carcinoma has been described. We present seven patients with Bowen's disease of the perianal skin which have been treated conservatively with local excision and minimal margins of resection. No recurrences have been observed in this series up to the present time. Two patients had other associated malignancies; three patients had hypothyroidism. Local excision of the disease with minimal margins is advocated.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Diverticulitis of the right colon.

The authors' experience with right-sided diverticulitis is reviewed. The symptoms among 18 patients were continuous right lower quadrant abdominal pain and periumbilical pain radiating to the right lower quadrant. Only three patients had nausea and vomiting. Twelve patients (67 per cent) had an abnormally high white blood cell count; three had granulocytosis. Barium enema examination was not a helpful diagnostic aid; and in only two patients was the preoperative diagnosis correct. The operative procedures undertaken were right colectomy with ileotransverse colostomy (15 patients), partial right colectomy with ileoascending colostomy (two patients), and diverticulectomy and appendectomy (one patient). There were no deaths; the average hospital stay was 14.2 days (range 5 to 30 days). The authors conclude that there is no characteristic clinical pattern pointing to this diagnosis; diagnostic maneuvers are usually unrewarding; right hemicolectomy is a safe and expeditious procedure; and open cecotomy is not favored, as recommended in the medical literature, to establish the diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Training auxiliary nurse-midwives to provide IUD services in Turkey and the Philippines.

A program for training health personnel for the provision of IUD services has been implemented and evaluated with 14 auxiliary nurse-midwives (ANMs) in Turkey and 13 ANMs in the Philippines. Standardized training materials, including a training manual, checklists for contraindications or complications of IUD use, and patient-management instructions, have been developed. The study suggests that similar training programs should use a reference manual as a focus for didactic training and that the acquisition of skills is best accomplished in small groups of two to three trainees per instructor. Trainees should ideally perform a minimum of 50-60 supervised pelvic examinations and 10-15 supervised IUD insertions.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Complications in colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy, when performed for appropriate indications and by experienced, competent personnel, is a remarkably safe procedure. The occasional complications which occur may be the result of pneumatic, mechanical or electrical injuries to the colon or may develop as secondary disorders involving other organ systems. Most complications can be successfully prevented by adequately preparing both the endoscopist and the patient and by avoiding colonoscopy when specific contraindications are present. Should complications occur, their management generally follows established surgical principles. Even though colonoscopy has made a dramatic impact upon the diagnosis of and therapy for disease of the large intestines, it is important for practitioners to be mindful of its limitations. Future developments, applied rationally, can be expected to extend its usefulness and further improve its safety.

Burns, Electric↗
PubMed1978

Experience with minilaparotomy in the Philippines.

This paper presents the socio-demographic characteristics, medical histories, and clinical data on 651 women sterilized by interval minilaparotomy procedures in Manila, Philippines. About two thirds of the procedures were performed with local anesthesia; the Pomeroy technique was used for tubal ligation. In 2.8% of the patients, salpingectomy or fimbriectomy was performed on one side because of surgical difficulties and complications. Surgical difficulties were encountered in 19.8% of the procedures; adhesions (4.3%) and bowel interference (4.0%) were the most frequent causes of surgical difficulty. Complications occurred during surgery in 1.7% of the procedures. Early postoperative complications were noted in 9.1% of the cases. None of the patients required readmission to the hospital. While 612 women were followed up at 6 months, 299 were followed up at 12 months. One women (0.2%) became pregnant after sterilization; at repeat minilaparotomy, ligation of the left round ligament rather than the tube was observed. Pelvic surgery, other than pregnancy-related surgery, during the year following sterilization was reported for one patient who underwent exploratory laparotomy with appendectomy and oophorocystectomy. Menstrual pattern changes were minimal. The results of this study suggest that tubal ligation via minilaparotomy is practical, safe, and effective.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Gingival biopsy in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Gingival biopsy has been advocated as a readily available, safe, rapid histologic confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Eighteen gingival biopsies from 16 patients with proven thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were reviewed. Seven (39%) showed characteristic histologic changes: [1] subendothelial hyalinelike deposits; [2] intraluminal deposits; [3] lack of inflammatory change in vessels and stroma. To assess specificity, gingival sections from 154 patients with oral pathology only and from 50 unselected autopsies were reviewed: 10% to 20% of biopsies from patients with oral pathology only (primarily inflammation) and three of 50 autopsy specimens showed occasional intraluminal deposits but no subendothelial deposits. In addition, other histologic features permitted them to be distinguished from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We conclude that gingival biopsy in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, although helful in confirming the diagnosis, is less often positive than has been suggested. Biopsy of grossly inflamed gingiva should be avoided.

Biopsy↗