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Biomedical subjects

A Dauphin

Publications and source records attributed to A Dauphin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Actin organization during eucalyptus root hair development and its response to fungal hypaphorine.

The fungus Pisolithus microcarpus establishes an ectomycorrhiza with Eucalyptus globulus. This symbiosis involves a fungal synthesis and secretion of hypaphorine, an indolic compound. Previous studies have shown that hypaphorine induces an alteration in the actin cytoskeleton of elongating root hairs and inhibits hair elongation. Using an alternative approved method, we analyzed the effects of hypaphorine on the E. globulus root hair cyto-architecture and actin configuration in more detail and provide new results. One mM hypaphorine stops root hair elongation within 20 min, and changes the hair cyto-architecture. Semi-quantitative analysis of the actin cytoskeleton before and after treatment with hypaphorine shows that hypaphorine induces a shift from fine F-actin to F-actin bundles in the sub-apex of the hair, which occurs first in the mid-plane of the cell. This creates a sub-apical cell centre free of filamentous actin, an actin configuration that differs from that during developmental growth arrest. The mechanism of action of hypaphorine is discussed.

Actins↗
PubMed2005

[Parkinson's disease, progressive lumbar kyphosis and focal paraspinal myositis].

INTRODUCTION: The camptocormia (bent spine) is characterized by a severe forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine which disappears in the supine position. Clinical case. We describe a typical case observed in a parkinsonian patient. The MRI, electromyogram and biopsy of the paraspinal muscles revealed a typical myositis pattern. DISCUSSION: This case, the sixth published to our knowledge, confirms that focal myositis is associated with the camptocormia in Parkinson's disease. Typically it is observed in male subjects, appearing 4 to 6 years after the onset of Parkinson's disease, in fluctuating patients treated by an association of L-Dopa and agonist. It appears quickly and becomes the most important symptom. Antiparkinsonian drugs are useless. CONCLUSION: This exceptional picture raises original pathophysiological and therapeutic questions. Systematic studies should be performed in order to detail the pathophysiological link between these 3 entities: Parkinson's disease, focal myositis and camptocormia.

Disease Progression↗
PubMed2000

Heart rate response to two lifting techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the heart rate response to repetitive lifting of light weights employing two techniques, stoop and squat. DESIGN: Randomized cross-over trial. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy volunteers (11 women, 9 men), mean age of 25 years, recruited from the staff of a physical medicine and rehabilitation department. METHODS: Subjects lifted and lowered a box weighing 0, 1, or 3 kg, using the stoop (bent at waist with knees straight) and squat (knees bent) techniques, 20 times in 1 minute. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The heart rate was recorded every 5 seconds during the effort aid 30 seconds and 1 minute after the test. RESULTS: Significantly higher heart rates were found during both the test and recuperation phases of the squat technique with each of the three loads (p < .05). The heart rate increase was also higher with the 3 kg load than with the 1 kg or 0 kg load (p = .0001). CONCLUSION: The heart rate is lower using the stoop technique for lifting. This may explain why individuals choose the more ergonomically risky stoop technique in everyday lifting tasks.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2000

[Laennec Hospital].

When the Laennec Hospital of Paris closed, after 366 years of activities for the patients, the articles about the circumstances of the foundation and the main stapes of the institution which became an very famous university hospital it present the available information of the history of the apothecaries, of the "gagnants-maitrise", pharmacists and the pharmacy's interns who succeeded themselves to create and dispense the medicaments necessary to the patients hospitalized or welcomed in ambulatory. It describes the evolution of the places, of the material, of forms, of the organization, of the medicaments and of the missions of what became the Pharmacy department after the recent individualization of the biological analysis in the biochemistry.

France↗
PubMed1999

A comparison of thoracic and lumbar epidural techniques for post-thoracoabdominal esophagectomy analgesia.

PURPOSE: To compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) using a bupivacaine/fentanyl mixture and lumbar epidural analgesia (LEA) with morphine, in respect to the time to extubation and the quality of post-operative analgesia, in patients having thoracoabdominal esophagectomy. METHODS: Twenty two patients scheduled for elective thoracoabdominal esophagectomy were randomized to TEA or LEA. Postoperatively, the TEA group received Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia (PCEA) with bupivacaine 0.125% and 5 microg x ml(BI) fentanyl, and the LEA group received PCEA with 0.2 microg x ml(BI) morphine. A blinded observer assessed criteria for tracheal extubation and the time of tracheal extubation was recorded. Early extubation was defined as tracheal extubation within four hours postoperatively. Visual analogue pain scores at rest (Static Visual Analogue Pain Scores, SVAPS) and with movement (Dynamic Visual Analogue Pain Scores, DVAPS) were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr post-extubation. Failure of the epidural protocol (FEP) was defined as a request for additional analgesia. RESULTS: Tracheal extubation was achieved in 70% of the LEA and 100% of the TEA at four hours postoperatively (P=NS). However, the TEA group achieved earlier extubation times when assessed with log rank testing (P = 0.01). By six hours post-extubation FEP had occurred in 50% of the LEA group but in none of the TEA group (P = 0.01). Mean SVAPS and DVAPS were lower in the TEA than in the LEA group at all measured times (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated superior pain control in patients undergoing thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy treated with TEA than with LEA, particularly for pain with movement. Tracheal extubation occurred earlier in the TEA group, but this difference was not significant at four hours postoperatively.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Safety of oxygen-pressure-reducing valves].

When a gas cylinder valve is opened slowly, as required, the associated pressure reducing valve works properly and gas expansion decreases the temperature of the device proportionally to the delivered gas flow. Conversely, when the valve is opened rapidly, the pressure in the high pressure chamber grows suddenly from 0 to 200 bars in the case of a full O2-cylinder, if no flow is required at the valve outlet. This adiabatic compression in a small space generates a peak of high temperature. In the presence of combustible foreign debris and O2, ignition can occur. When the melting point of the metallic component is reached the device bursts and those in the vicinity are at risk of burns or death from inhalation of melten metallic debris. As several of such critical incidents occurred with O2-pressure-reducing valves whose high pressure chambers were made of aluminium, the French medical devices agency has enacted a regulation prohibiting their use.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1997

Serum bupivacaine concentrations during continuous extrapleural infusion.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of increase in serum bupivacaine concentration during continuous extrapleural infusion. METHODS: After thoracotomy for lobectomy under general anaesthesia, nine patients had an extrapleural catheter inserted, before chest closure, in a costovertebral gutter constructed surgically by lifting the parietal pleural. Bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine 1:200.000 was injected through the catheter as 0.3 ml.kg-1 bolus followed by 0.1 ml.kg-1.hr-1 for five days. Serum bupivacaine (free and total), albumin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein concentrations were measured 15 min after injection and at 24 hr intervals for five days. Bupivacaine concentrations were determined by column liquid chromatography using solid phase extraction. Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein concentration was determined by nephelometry on QM 300 protein analyzer. Serum albumin concentration was determined by bromocresol green dye binding procedure on Hitachi 717 Autoanalyzer. RESULTS: A continuous elevation in total serum bupivacaine was observed, with an average value of 0.75 microgram.ml-1 on day 1 to 2.77 micrograms.ml-1 on day 4 (P < 0.05). There was no increase in postoperative free serum bupivacaine concentration; average value of 177 pcg.ml-1 on day 1 and 249 pcg.ml-1 on day 4 (P = 0.92). Postoperative serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein concentration showed a steady rise with an average value of 0.94 microgram.ml-1 on day 1 and 1.47 micrograms.ml-1 on day 4 (P < 0.05). No change was observed in post-operative serum albumin with an average value of 31.4 g.l-1 on day 1 and 31.3 g.l-1 on day 4. CONCLUSION: Continuous extrapleural infusion of bupivacaine over five days after thoracotomy is associated with a steady increase in total serum bupivacaine concentration and no elevation in free serum bupivacaine concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of general anesthesia with and without lumbar epidural for total hip arthroplasty: effects of epidural block on hip arthroplasty.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine whether lumbar epidural anesthesia, when combined with general anesthesia, decreases perioperative blood loss, the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cardiac dysrhythmias, and ischemia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: 37 ASA physical status I, II, and III patients, undergoing elective THA. INTERVENTION: Patients were divided into two statistically comparable groups: Group GA = general anesthesia; Group CEGA = general anesthesia plus lumbar epidural anesthesia. All patients had 48-hour perioperative Holter monitoring, applied on admission, the day prior to surgery. In both groups, general anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium and muscle relaxant, and maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide, isoflurane, opioid, and muscle relaxant. Group B received lumbar epidural anesthesia with 10 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine prior to anesthesia induction. Blood loss was measured by suction bottle contents, sponge weights, and collection drainage. DVT was assessed with postoperative leg scanning, plethysmography, and venogram. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss was less after combined epidural-general anesthesia (663.8 ml +/- 299.0 ml) than after general anesthesia alone (1,259.2 ml +/- 366.0 ml). The difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.00005). No difference was found between the two groups in postoperative blood loss, incidence of DVT, cardiac dysrhythmias, or ischemia. CONCLUSION: Combined regional-general anesthesia decreases intraoperative blood loss in THA, and thereby offers an advantage over general anesthesia alone.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Comparative study of continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block and lumbar epidural morphine in post-thoracotomy pain.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine 0.5% in 1:200,000 epinephrine and continuous lumbar epidural block with morphine in controlling post-thoracotomy pain and to measure serum bupivacaine concentrations during extrapleural infusion. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ont., a tertiary care teaching centre. PATIENTS: Sixty-one patients booked for elective thoracotomy were randomized by scaled envelope to two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Group A received a continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine 0.5% in 1:200,000 epinephrine as a bolus of 0.3 mL/kg followed by an infusion of 0.1 mL/kg every hour for 72 hours. Group B received a continuous lumbar epidural block with morphine as a bolus of 70 g/kg followed by an infusion of 7 g/kg every hour for 72 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain was assessed by a linear visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. The cumulative amount of "rescue" intravenous morphine used, and serum bupivacaine concentrations were measured as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Pain control was the same in both groups as assessed by linear VAS score (p = 0.33). The cumulative dose of intravenous morphine for supplemental analgesia was statistically significant between the groups: group A patients used more morphine than group B (p < 0.05). Accumulation of serum bupivacaine was present with no clinical toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the degree of post-thoracotomy pain control measured by the VAS score when analgesia is provided by continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine 0.5% in 1:200,000 epinephrine or lumbar epidural block with morphine. Larger amounts of rescue analgesia were used by patients in the continuous extrapleural group with bupivacaine than those in the continuous lumbar epidural block with morphine. Serum bupivacaine concentrations rise without clinical toxicity.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1994

Column liquid chromatographic determination of bupivacaine in human serum using solid-phase extraction.

A convenient and economical procedure for the extraction of bupivacaine and its major metabolites, desbutylbupivacaine and 4'-hydroxybupivacaine, from serum is described. A 0.25-ml aliquot of 4 micrograms/ml solution of N-pentyl-2,6-pipecoloxylidide used as the internal standard and an equal volume of the serum sample are applied to a 1-ml BondElut C18 silica extraction column which has been conditioned by subsequent washing once with 1 M HCl, twice with methanol and once with water. After passing the sample at a slow rate, the column is washed twice with water and once with acetonitrile. The desired compounds are then eluted with a 0.25-ml aliquot of a mixture of 35% perchloric acid-methanol (1:40, v/v). A 5-microliters aliquot of the eluate is injected onto a 150 x 4.6 mm I.D. column packed with 5-microns C8 silica particles, which is eluted at ambient temperature with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-10 mM KH2PO4 (25:80, v/v) at a flow-rate of 1.5 ml/min. The peaks are detected at 205 nm. The extraction recovery of all the compounds is in the range of 90%. The chromatogram is clean and the desired peaks are well separated from each other and from the extraneous peaks.

Acetonitriles↗
PubMed1993

[Treatment of sexual impotency by intra-cavernous injections of prostaglandin E1. Report of 180 patients].

As already reported, PGE1 induces a valid erection, when administered intracavernously, without causing prolonged erection or general side effects. We have tested PGE1 (< 20 micrograms) in 180 patients suffering from organic erectile impotence, a complete erection was observed in 130 (72.2%), while incomplete erection was noted in 37 (20.5%). In both groups (92.7%) erection was sufficient for sexual intercourse. Among the best results, 41 patients had previously received high doses intracavernous injection of papaverine, without any benefit, and 15 patients have cavernosal venous leakage documented by cavernosometry and cavernosography before prostaglandin E1 test. Tumescence without rigidity was noted in 13 (7.2%). Of these 167 patients, 95 entered an autoinjection protocol for treatment of erectile dysfunction, using special device. In our series neither systemic reaction nor prolonged erection occurred. No fibrosis of cavernous tissue or scar formation was observed after up to 125 injections. However, 19 patients (10.5%) reported burning sensations during the entire period of erection and one patient (0.5%) had an haematoma at the site of the injection. PGE1 is effective in inducing artificial penile erection and it has a role in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is considered to be a more suitable agent than other vasoactive drugs.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of serum hydroquinidine determination by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and liquid chromatography.

Hydroquinidine is a structural analogue of quinidine. It is used in the treatment and prevention of cardiac arrhythmias and necessitates serum monitoring. Fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) of quinidine has been proposed and we have tested the performance of this assay for hydroquinidine using its cross-reaction with quinidine. Tracer (quinidine labelled with fluorescein) and anti-serum were purchased from Abbott S.A. Standard curves were obtained using specifically prepared hydroquinidine calibrators and within-run and run-to-run precision values (expressed as relative standard deviation) (RSD) lower than 5.3% (n = 10). In order to evaluate specificity of this assay in the clinical situation, FPIA and liquid chromatography results were compared.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1985

[Prevention of postoperative anaerobic bacterial infections in abdominal surgery with metronidazole suppositories].

Metronidazole is widely used for the prevention and treatment of post-operative anaerobic infections. In this study, the prophylactic effectiveness of metronidazole suppositories was tested in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The suppositories had previously been tested in healthy subjects for drug absorption and tolerance. Patients were divided into three treatment groups: one group received the drug intravenously, another as suppositories and the third one by both routes. Clinical effectiveness was evaluated and plasma metronidazole levels were measured. On the basis of the results obtained, we suggest that a 1 g suppository should be administered 8-hourly over the 20 hours preceding surgery, then 12-hourly if preparation of the digestive tract can be inserted between two administrations. In emergency surgery, 1 suppository must be given at least 1 hour before induction, the 12-hourly, and a 500 mg intravenous infusion at the time of induction.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1985

Quantitative liquid chromatography of allopurinol and oxypurinol in human plasma and urine.

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay is described for allopurinol and oxypurinol determination in human plasma and urine, in the range expected during therapy. The procedure involves addition of trichloroacetic acid to samples, followed by centrifugation. The supernatant is then neutralized and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. Characteristics of the method are reported, and data are presented on its application to the pharmacokinetics studies. Separation is optimal with an octadecylsilane (ODS) stationary phase and a sodium acetate mobile phase adjusted to pH 7.2 for plasma and pH 5 for urine.

Allopurinol↗