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Biomedical subjects

S Mancuso

Publications and source records attributed to S Mancuso.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Receptors for epidermal growth factor and steroid hormones in human breast cancer.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) seems to play an important role in regulating the proliferation of human breast cancer. Fifty-five primary breast tumors and 7 lymph node metastases were simultaneously assayed for the presence of EGF receptors (EGFR), estrogen receptors (ER), and progesterone receptors (PR). Overall, 42% (23/55) of the tumors were EGFR positive. EGFR were more frequently present in ER- and PR-negative than in ER- and PR-positive tumors. In particular, a negative correlation between EGFR and PR (chi 2 = 6.8; p greater than 0.01) was observed. All metastatic tumors were EGFR negative, and in all cases but 1 the levels of EGFR were higher in metastatic than in primary tumors. Our results suggest the presence of a subclass of breast tumors, the growth of which is primarily regulated by EGF or EGF-like substances rather than by steroid hormones. In this group, not amenable to endocrine therapy, EGF receptors should represent a target for therapeutic intervention.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1988

Antenatal phenobarbital in preventing intraventricular hemorrhage in premature newborns.

In a randomized prospective study, we investigated the effect of antenatal phenobarbital on neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage in 39 women destined to deliver babies of less than 32 weeks of gestation. The treatment group received an intravenous loading dose of 700 mg of phenobarbital, followed by a daily maintenance dose until delivery. The newborns were treated with phenobarbital for the first 96 h. Ultrasound examinations of the infants' heads were performed. Intraventricular hemorrhage was significantly less frequent in the treated group: 2 of 21 (9.5%) versus 9 of 18 (50%; p less than 0.006). Moreover no severe hemorrhage (grade 3-4) occurred in the treated babies: 0 of 21 versus 5 of 18 (27.7%; p less than 0.01).

Cerebral Hemorrhage↗
PubMed1988

Type II estrogen-binding sites and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Type II estrogen-binding sites (type II EBS) have been demonstrated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using a whole cell assay with [6,7-3H]estradiol [( 3H]E2) as tracer. During whole cell incubations for 60 min at 37 C for type II EBS quantification, we found that PBMC contain 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta HSD) activity, which led to errors in estimating type II EBS concentrations by diminishing, by about 70%, the amount of available labeled E2. On the other hand, after 150 min at 4 C only 16% of the tracer was converted to estrone. Thus, we measured the maximal steady state binding in PBMC by incubating the cells with [3H]E2 at 4 C for 150 min. Equilibrium binding analysis of PBMC yielded sigmoid saturation curves with a saturation point at a ligand concentration of about 40 nmol/L. Scatchard analysis of binding data yielded a concave plot, which together with a Hill coefficient of 2.13, suggests that the type II EBS may have multiple binding sites which display positive cooperativity. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd), determined from the [3H]E2 concentration required for half-saturation, was about 22 nmol/L. The type II EBS were estrogen specific, as demonstrated by competition experiments. Only those steroids with estrogenic activity inhibited binding of [3H]E2; nonestrogenic steroids did not. The type II EBS were found to be 3S macromolecules based on analysis of postlabeled fractions prepared by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The number of type II EBS in PBMC from normal women was highest during the late follicular-early luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that human PBMC specifically take up, retain, and metabolize E2.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1988

Computerized analysis of behavioural states in asymmetrical growth retarded fetuses.

The fetal behaviour of 15 asymmetrical intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) fetuses was compared to that of a control group of healthy fetuses. Fetuses underwent simultaneous cardiotocographic and ultrasonographic examinations for 2 consecutive hours at 36-38 weeks' gestation. Behavioural states analysis was carried out by means of a computerized system (Digital PDP 11) that allowed the recording of several fetal variables including heart rate (FHR), gross body movements (FM), eye movements (FEM) and breathing movements (FBM). FHR was classified in four different patterns (FHRP) according to Nijhuis et al.; fetal movements were automatically synchronized with FHR and grouped for each FHRP. Several quantitative parameters (i.e. incidence, mean duration, lag time, % time spent moving) were then computed for each movement. There were no statistical differences in the distribution of FHRP between healthy and IUGR fetuses. On the other hand quantitative differences were found when the movements investigated were related to FHRP. In IUGR fetuses FEM were mainly represented by low frequency movements (IEM) during both low (FHRP A) and high variability (FHRP B) FHRP, whereas healthy fetuses exhibited mostly rapid eye movements (REM) during FHRP B and absent type of FEM during FHRP A. Moreover IUGR fetuses showed a reduction of state 1F (quiet sleep) and an increase of periods of no coincidence between behavioural state variable when compared to the control group fetuses. These findings, therefore suggest the existence of quantitative differences in fetal behaviour in asymmetrical IUGR fetuses when compared to healthy fetuses.

Cardiotocography↗
PubMed1988

Response to human chorionic gonadotropin in patients with ovarian tumors.

The results of hCG stimulation on peripheral levels of androstenedione (A), testosterone (T) and estrone (E1) were examined in 14 patients with ovarian tumors and in 9 tumor-free subjects, after the menopause. Following hCG injection, 9 postmenopausal patients with ovarian tumors showed a significant rise in A peripheral levels. The responsive subjects generally had significant increases in A baseline levels, too. The remaining 5 subjects with advanced or poorly differentiated ovarian cancer with no stroma were not responsive to hCG. Moreover, in the tumor group, 7 subjects had increased baseline T and/or E1 and in 3 of them an increase of these steroids was observed following hCG. In the absence of ovarian tumor, no subject in the control group was responsive to hCG administration. The results of the present investigation seem to confirm the in vivo responsiveness to hCG of ovarian tumors.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: a pilot study.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, bleomycin, and methotrexate was used in the primary treatment of 33 consecutive patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stages IB-III; tumor volume greater than 4 cm). This therapy induced responses in 25 of the 33 patients (four complete, 21 partial; overall 75.7%), thus permitting radical surgery in all these cases despite initial bulky tumor. Surgery consisted of type III-IV radical hysterectomy plus systematic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy. The average number of lymph nodes removed was 63 (range 37-117). At histologic examination, complete responses were found in four cases (12.1%) and partial responses in 14 cases (42.4%). The highest response rates were found for vaginal disease (80%), followed by cervical disease (72%) and parametrial disease (63.1%). A lower than expected incidence of lymph node metastases was detected (16%, four of 25). Chemotherapy did not seem to complicate surgery in these circumstances. The combination of cisplatin, bleomycin, and methotrexate chemotherapy and surgery did not produce severe morbidity. However, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and moderate postoperative complications did occur. These encouraging preliminary results need a longer follow-up to evaluate the influence of treatment on disease-free survival.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

[Materno-fetal complications in pregnancies with multiple myomas].

46 pregnant women with multiple myomas underwent serial ultrasound examination until delivery. The effect of myomas on the course of pregnancy, fetal well-being and the type of delivery were studied, also in relationship to the number of myomas present. The authors stress the need for ultrasound monitoring when pregnancy is complicated by multiple myomas, along with intensive prenatal care in order to reduce risks for both the pregnancy itself and the fetus.

Abortion, Threatened↗
PubMed1987

[Considerations on the protection of non-ionizing radiation workers].

After a brief examination of the physical properties and biological effects on man of e.m. and u.s. type N.I.R., their most common fields of use in industry and medicine are described. The report goes on to examine the risks and possible damage that may be incurred by those who work with these radiations on the basis of their intensity and the type and distance of the source as well as their duration with particular reference to the so-called "target" organs. The hope is then expressed that regulations will be produced for the protection of these workers. Particularly as far as preventive medicine is concerned such regulations should be on the same lines as those formulated for workers with ionising radiations by Presidential Decree 185/64 in line with E.E.C. and I.C.R.P. recommendations.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in pregnant diabetic patients.

The efficacy of the insulin infusion pump (CSII) in pregnancy was examined in 12 diabetic patients and compared with intermittent insulin therapy (IIT). In patients poorly controlled on IIT constant and rapid equilibrium was achieved with CSII (mean of glucose levels: CSII versus IIT = 84 versus 137 mg/dl; S.D. = 36 versus 63 mg/dl; mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) = 65 versus 112 mg/dl. In patients well controlled on IIT, CSII led to a reduction in the variation of glucose excursions (S.D. = 29 versus 36 mg/dl; MAGE = 48 versus 76 mg/dl). CSII generally produced a reduction of 20-37 per cent of daily insulin dose (in three cases there was an increase of dose with the achievement of glycemic control). Furthermore in CSII treated-patients amniotic glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations were found to be in the normal range (22.1 +/- 10.1 mg/dl; 5.2 +/- 2.7 microU/ml; 1.25 +/- 0.71 ng/ml, respectively). All infants were born at or near-term, had no macrosomia or neonatal problems. It is concluded that CSII is a highly efficient way to achieve normal glucose levels in pregnancy, not only in type I, but also in type II or gestational diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Fetal behaviour in growth retardation: its relationship to fetal blood flow.

The fetal behaviour of asymmetrical growth retarded fetuses was compared with that of a control group of healthy fetuses. Fetuses underwent simultaneous cardiotocographic and echographic examinations for two consecutive hours at 36-38 weeks of gestation. The distribution of gross fetal body movements, fetal breathing movements and fetal eye movements was analysed during the different fetal heart rate patterns. Furthermore, the incidence and organization of fetal behavioural states was investigated. The degree of vascular peripheral resistance was also evaluated by means of pulsed doppler ultrasonic equipment. Growth retarded fetuses were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence or absence of end diastolic flow in the fetal thoracic descending aorta. Growth retarded fetuses showed a delay in the integration of behavioural patterns and a lower coincidence of behavioural states. These findings are particularly evident in the fetuses with a severe increase of peripheral vascular resistance (absence of end diastolic flow in descending aorta). Thus, we suggest that a delay in central nervous system development is present in asymmetrical growth retarded fetuses and that there is a possible relationship of this delay to the degree of peripheral vascular resistance.

Blood Circulation↗
PubMed1987

Longitudinal assessment of blood flow velocity waveforms in the healthy human fetus.

A longitudinal study was carried out on 30 healthy fetuses in order to assess the modifications of fetal blood flow throughout pregnancy. The pulsatility index was evaluated at two-week intervals by means of pulsed Doppler equipment. In the umbilical artery measurements were performed from 20 weeks onwards, whereas in the descending aorta and internal carotid artery analysis started from 26 weeks onwards. A decrease of the pulsatility index in umbilical artery and in the ratio between the pulsatility indexes in umbilical artery and internal carotid artery was found over the second half of pregnancy.

Aorta, Thoracic↗
PubMed1987

The impact of dosage on ovulation induction by pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) in hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Ten patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) were treated to induce ovulation with i.v. pulsatile Gn-RH. Twentysix cycles were administered with doses ranging from 2.5 (A; no. = 10) to 5 (B; no. = 13) to 10-12.5 micrograms/90 min (C; no. = 3). Ovulation rate was 80% in A, 92.3% in B and 100% in C and pregnancy rate 25% in A and 41.6% in B. Furthermore, both the onset of ovarian response and follicular growth were found to be more suitable in groups B and C with respect to group A. Estradiol pattern as well as mid-luteal progesterone plasma levels were superimposable in the different groups. It is concluded that all doses used are effective in inducing ovulation in HA patients. However, small pulsatile doses (2.5 micrograms/90 min) might constitute a critical threshold for adequate ovarian response.

Amenorrhea↗
PubMed1987

Effect of naloxone on fetal behavior near term.

Fetal behavior was studied after intravenous administration of either 0.4 mg of naloxone or an equal volume of saline solution in 54 healthy pregnant women near term. The number, duration, and amplitude of fetal heart rate accelerations increased after naloxone injection. The incidence of both gross fetal body movements and fetal breathing movements increased, especially in the first hour after naloxone administration. The distribution of fetal behavioral states was modified with a prevalence of active sleep and active awake states compared to the quiet sleep state. These data suggest that endorphins could be involved in the modulation of fetal behavior.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Utero-placental blood flow velocity waveforms as predictors of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Sixty high-risk pregnancies were studied in order to define the validity of the analysis of utero-placental blood flow velocity waveforms in early screening for developing hypertensive diseases. Recordings were obtained at 18-20 weeks gestation, in normotensive patients, using a pulsed duplex Doppler system at the level of uterine vessels. The patients (n = 22) who developed hypertension showed a higher resistance index value (p less than 0.001) than normotensive patients (n = 38). The validity of uteroplacental waveform analysis was as follows: specificity = 84.2%; sensitivity = 63.6%; positive predictive value = 70%; negative predictive value = 80%; accuracy = 76.6%. The high specificity attained suggests that this test can adequately identify, among a high-risk population, patients destined to remain normotensive during pregnancy.

Arteries↗