The Authors after a review of the embriology, physiology and pathophysiology of diaphragm, report three cases of congenital or acquired diaphragmatical hernias. They discuss advantages and disadvantages of different surgical techniques on the basis of their technical experience as well as results obtained.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Immunoblotting characterization of CA 125 in biological fluids: difference between pregnancy and cancer CA 125 origin.

The CA 125 present in various biological fluids (serum, cyst, peritoneal and amniotic fluids, human milk, seminal plasma, cervical mucus and Wish culture medium), was characterized by gel chromatography and immunoblotting analysis. The elution profile of CA 125 from different sources was closely related. The antigen was eluted primarily in the void volume of a Sephadex G-200 column. Immunoblotting analysis showed that the CA 125 epitopes reside on a high molecular weight species of greater than 900 kDaltons, and are between approximately 900 and 200 kDaltons. The expression of the immunoreactive bands was characteristic for each type of sample was examined. A strong difference was identified between CA 125 from pregnancy and that from ovarian cancer. There differences suggest that the production and/or metabolism of CA 125 glycoprotein might be different from tissue to tissue.

Biomarkers↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Value of c-erbB-2 and p53 oncoprotein co-overexpression in human breast cancer.

p53 and c-erbB-2 protein expression was immunohistochemically examined in a consecutive series of 49 primary breast cancer patients with a 10-year follow-up. The study was performed on paraffin sections using the monoclonal antibodies DO7 and CBE1; the former recognizes both the wild-type and the mutant p53 forms, the latter recognizes the external domain of the transmembrane c-erbB-2 protein. Positive staining was expressed in 12.2% and 16.3% of cases for p53 and c-erbB-2 proteins, respectively. The results were related to clinicopathological parameters by the chi 2 test. A significant correlation was found between positive c-erbB-2 immunostaining and poor survival (P = 0.04) and between p53 and c-erbB-2 overexpression (P = 0.003); this co-overexpression correlated well with a poor clinical outcome (P = 0.040). From our results, we may speculate that simultaneous expression of p53 and c-erbB-2 oncoproteins could be a critical event in breast tumor progression, and therefore, of prognostic value to identify patients at high risk.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[An update on parathyroid surgery].

The operative management of patients with hyperparathyroidism is controversial. High rates of persistent hypercalcemia and postoperative hypoparathyroidism are seen in multiple hyperplasia and bilateral neck exploration. Patients undergoing unilateral neck exploration with removal of a single parathyroid adenoma have a rapid clearance of PTH which declines within hours after surgery. There is a sensitive immunometric assay (IRMA) for the intact molecule which demonstrates a decline in 15 minutes during surgery. Intraoperative measurement of PTH may be complementary to surgical skill and histopathologic information and may modulate extension of neck exploration.

Adenoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Intestinal invagination in childhood: etiopathogenetic evaluations and details of surgical technique].

Intussusception in childhood, especially the idiopathic type, is herein considered. The Authors evaluate some etiopathological aspects on the basis of their experience in 34 patients, and affirm the need of an early and correct diagnosis. They also consider therapeutical management and surgical approach, evaluating local and general conditions of the patient as well as time passed since the onset of symptoms. Finally the importance of an accurate diagnostical examination during the quiescent period and some details of the surgical technique are stressed.

Age Factors↗